MASSACHUSETTS STATE COLLEGE GOODELL LIBRARY P. er Set". 3 V 38 No. 1, Vol. XXXVIII.] JULY, 1870. Thibd Series. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE AMD ^ MONTHLY JOURNAL Of THE AaRICULTURAL INTEREST. IBetiiratetr TO THE FARMERS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. LONDON : PUBLISHED BYROGERSON AND TUXFORD, 265, STRAND. PRICE TWO SHILLINGS. ROGERSON AND TUXFORD,] [PRINTERS, 265, STRAND. 1 — n HIT — i»iiini iiiiiT -1111 III 111)1 n«7Tir IMPORTANT TO THOMAS BIGG-, Agricultural and Veterinary Chemist, toy Appointment to His late Royal Highness The Pi in 36 o'onsort, K.G., Leicester House, Great iJover Street, ijorough, London, begs to call the attention of Farmers and Graziers to his valuable SHEEP and LAMB DIPPING COMPOSITION, which requires no Boiling, and may be used with Warm or Cold Water, for effectually destroying the Tick, Lice, and all other insects injm'ious to the Flock, preventing the alarming attacks of Fly and Shab, and cleansing and purifying the Skin, thereby greatly im- proving the Wool, both in quantity and qualitj', and highly contributing to the general health of the animal. Prepared only by Thomas Bigg, Chemist, &c., at his Manu- factory as above, and sold as loUows, although any other quantity may be had, if required: — 4 lb. for 20 sheep, price, jar included £0 2 0 61b. 30 „ „ „ 0 3 0 81b. 40 „ „ „ 0 4 0 101b. 50 „ „ „ 0 5 0 20 lb. 100 „ „ (cask and measure 0 10 0 301b. 150 „ „ included) 0 15 0 401b. 200 „ „ „ 10 0 501b. 250 „ ,, „ 13 6 601b. 300 „ „ „ 17 6 801b. 400 ,. „ „ 1 17 6 1001b. 600 „ „ „ 2 5 0 Should any Flockmaster prefer boiling the Composition, it will be equally effective. MOST IMPORTANT CERTIFICATE. From Mr. Heeepath, the celebrated Analytical Chemist : — Bristol fjaboratory, Old Park, January 18th, 1861. Sir, — I have submitted your Sheep Dipping Composition to analysis, and find that the ingredients are well blended, and the mixture neutral. If it is used according to the directions given, I feel satisfied, that while it effectually destroys vermin, it will not injure the hair roots (or " yolk ") in the skin, the fleece, or the carcase. I think it deserves the numerous testimonials published. I am, Sir, yours respectfully, William Hekapaih, Sen., F.C.S., &c., &c.. To Mr. Thomas Bigg, Professor of Chemistry. Leicester House, Great Dover-street, Borough, London. FLOCKMASTERS. He would also especially call attention to his SPECIFIC, or LOTION, for the SCAB or SHAB, which will be found a certain remedy for eradicating that loathsome and ruinous disorder in Sheep, and which may be safely used in all climates, and at all seasons of the year, and to all descriptions of sheep, even ewes in lamb. Price FIVE SHILLINGS per gallon — sufficient on an average for thirty Sheep (according to the vinilence of the disease) ; also in wine quart bottles, IMPORTANT TESTIMONIAL. " Scoulton, near Hingham, Norfolk, April 16th, 1855. "Dear Sir, — In answer to yours ot the 4th inst., which would have been replied to before this had I been at home, I have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the efficacy of your invaluable ' Specific for the cure of Scab in Sheep.' The 600 sheep were all dressed in August last with 84 gallons of the ' NoN-poisoNOTJS Specific,' that was so highly recom- mended at the Lincoln Show, and by their own dresser, the best attention being paid to the flock oy my shepherd after dressing according to instructions left ; but notwithstanding the Scab continued getting worse. Being determined to have the Scab cured if jjossible, I wrote to you for a supply of your Specific, which I received the following day; and although the weather was most severe in February during the dressing, your (Specific proved itself an invaluable remedy, for in three weeks the Sheep were quite cured ; and I am happy to say the young lambs are doing remarliably well at present. In conclusion, I believe it to be the safest and best remedy now in use. " I remain, dear Sir, "For JOHN TINGEY, Esq., " To Mr. Thomas Bigg." "E. RENNEY. SW Flockmasters would do well to beware of such pre- parations as " Non-poisonous Compositions :" it is only necessary to appeal to their good common sense and judg- ment to be thoroughly convinced that no "Non-poisonous" article can poison or destroy insect vermin, particularly such as the Tick, Lice, and Scab Parasites— creatures so tenacious of life. Such advertised preparations must be wholly useless, or they are not what they are represented to be. DIPPING APPARATUS £14. £6, £4, & £3. THE ROYAL FARMERS' INSURANCE COMPANY, 3, NORFOLK STEEET, STRAND, LONDON, W.O. CAPITAL, — Persons insured by this Company have tlie security of an extensive and wedlthy proprietary as well as an ample Capital always applicable to the payment of claims without delay. LIFE DEPARTMENT. — BONUS. — insurers of the participating class will be entitled to four-fifths of the profits. FIRE DEPARTMENT,— 1st Class — Not Hazardous Is. 6d. per Cent. 2nd Class — Hazardous ... ... ... ... ... 2g. 6d. „ 3rd Class — Doubly Hazardous ... ... ... ... 4s. 6d. „ BUILDINGS and MERCANTILE Property of every description in Public or Private Warehouses. — Distillers, Steam Engines, Goods in Boats or Canals, Ships in Port or Harbour, &c. &c., are Insured in this OiSce at moderate rates. SPECIAL RISKS. — At such rates as may be considered reasonable. NEW INSURANCES.— No charge made for Policy or Stamp. FARMING STOCK, — Ss. per cent., with liberty to use a Steam Thrasliing Machine without eitra charge. Nearly FIVE MILLIONS Insured in this Office. SEVEN YEARS' INSURANCES may be effected on payment of Six Years' Premium only. LIGHTNING and GAS. — Losses by Fu-e occasioned by Lightning, and Losses by Explosion of Gas when used for Lighting Buildings will be allowed for. RENT. — The Loss on Eent while Buildings remain untenantable through fire may be provided against. HAIL DEPARTMENT.— (Crops and Glass.) Policies to protect parties from Loss by the destruction of Growing Crops or Glass, by Hail, are granted on Moderate Terms. LOSSES. — Pvompt and liberal settlement. AGENTS WANTED. Apply to JOHN REDDISH, Esq., Secretary and Actuary. ti\ THii FAHMEH^S MAGAZINE. JULY, 1870, CONTENTS. Plats I.— LORD WALSINGHAM, Past President of the Royal Agricultural Society OP England and of the Smithfield Club. Plate II.-THE AYLESBURY DAIRY COMPANY : The Start from St. Petersburgh Place Bayswater. Descriptions of the Plates . . . Hay. — By Cuthbert W. Johnson, F.R.S. liEW Forest Farming .... Treatment of Galled Back ... The Bath and West of England Society, and Southern Counties Association — Meeting at Taunton .... The Bath and West of England Society's Sheep Show On the Growth of Root Crops. — By the Northern Farmer Sterility in Soils .... Farming Covenants .... On the Prevention of Cattle Diseases The Breeding and Rearing of Horses The best Method of managing the Hay Crop Capital in Agriculture Royal Agricultural Society of England: Monthly Council . The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Society: Meeting at Launceston The Hadleigh Farmers' Club and Agricultural Association : Meeting at Hadleigh ........ Sales of the late Mr. W. H. S. Adcock's Herd of Shorthorns, at Farndish AND the late Mr. W. G. Nixey's Devon Herd^ at Upton Court, Slough, by Mr. Thornton .... Philadelphia Butter : How it is Made The Central Chamber of Agriculture The Turnpikes Acts Continuance Bill A Skeleton Sketch of Free Trade A Breeding Flock on Heavy Land The Scotch Farmers on the Game Bills Parochial Assessments The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution The Use of a Farmers' Club . Farm Photographs: Central Yorkshire The Staff of Life .... The Smithfield Club .... The Central Chamber of Agriculture on the Game Question The Reclamation of Waste Lands ..... The Horse Show at the Agricultural Hall, Islington The Islington Mountebanks.— The Fatal Accident at the Horse Show Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland Local Taxation ....... York Chamber of Agriculture. — Essex Chamber of Agriculture. — The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. — Sale of Mr. Tippler's Shorthorns Calendar of Agriculture Calendar of Gardening Agricultural Reports Review of the Corn Trade during the past Month Market Currencies, Imperial Averages, Index, &c. page 1, 2 3 6 7 8 15 17 21 24 26 30 32 33 34 37 38 39,40 41 42 47 48 49 61 52 61 63 64 66 67 67 68 74 76 77 79 80 81 82 83 84 86 THE MARK LANE EXPRESS AND il GKIOUIrTlTRiLX. J O U R N iL Z. IS THE LARGEST AND THE LEADING FARMERS' AND GRAZIERS' NEWSPAPER, PUBLISHED EVEEY MONDAY EVENING IN TIME FOR POST. EOGERSON & TUXPORD, 265, STRAND, LONDON. May be had of aJl Booksellers and Newsmen tlirougliout the Kingdom, price Sevenpeuce, or £1 10s. 4d. per annum. BEAUTIFULLY EMBELLISHED WITH HIGHLY FINISHED STEEL ENGRAVINGS PORTRAITS OF THE NOBILITY, ETC. Published Monthly — Price One Shilling. PUBLISHED BY ROGERSON & TUXFORD, 265, STRAND, LONDON. May be had of all Boots sllers. POPULAR MEDICAL WORKS, PUBLISHED BY MANN, 3 9, CORNHILL, LONDON. Post Free, 12 Stamps ; Sealed Eu-is, IG Stamps. DR. CURTIS'S MEDICAL GUIDE TO MARRIAGE : a Practical Treatise on ITS Physical and Personal Obligations. With instructions to the Married and Unmarried of both Sexee, for removing the special disqualifications and impediments wliich destroy the happiness of wedded life, founded on the result of a successful practice of 30 years. — By Dr. J. L. CURTIS, M.D., 15, Albemaule Stueet, Piccadilly, London, W. And, by the same Author, for 12 stamps ; sealed ends, 20. MANHOOD : A MEDICAL ESSAY on the Causes and Cure of Premature Decline IN Man ; the Treatment of Nervous Debility, Spermatorrhoea, Impotence, and those pecidiar infirmities which result from youthful abuses, adult excesses, tropical climates, and other causes ; with Instructions for the Cure of Infection without Mercury, and its Prevention by the Author's Prescription (his infallible Lotion). REVIEWS OF THE WORK. " Manhood. — This is truly a valuable work, and should be in the hands of young and old." — Sunday Times, 23rd March, 1858. "The book under review is one calculated to warn and instruct the erring, without imparting one idea that can vitiate the mind not already tutored by the vices of which it treats." — Naval and Militari/ Gazette, 1st February, 1856. " Wo feel no hesitation in saying that there is no member of society by whom the book will not be found use- ful, whether such person hold the relation of a Parent, Preceptor, or Clergyman." — Sun, Evening Paper. Manhood. — " Dr. Curtis has conferred a great boon by publishing this little work, in which is described the source of those diseases which produce decline in youth, or more frequently premature old age." — Daily Telegrajih, March 27, 1856. Consultations daily, from 10 to 8 and 6 to 8. 15, Albemarle Street, PiccadillYj London, W. ASK YOOE GEOCEES OE CHEMISTS FOE GEYELIN'S TAPIOCA BEEF BOUILLON, A most delicious and nutritious Soup for 2d. a Pint, or for Thickening Broths fi'om any Meat, SOLD IN CANISTEES, containing 5 portions, Is. ; 12 ditto, 28. 3d. ; 25 ditto, 4s. 6d. ; 50 ditto, 8e. 6d. ; 100 ditto, 16s. Each portion will make a pint of Soup. §ole Maikiifactiflrers -G^£Y£I.I]V & CO., Produce Merchants, Manufacturers of Granulated Tapioca, International Mustard, and Rizina, Belgrave House, Argyle Square, Ring's Cross, London, W.C. FOUNDED A.D. 1844. Empowered by Special Act of Parliament, 25 & 26, Vict., cap. 74. THE GREAT BRITAIN MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY, lOl, CHSAPSIS)!}, I.01V90IV. Chairman— L 0 R D VISCOUNT NEWRY. SPECIAL ADVANTAGES TO ASSURERS. The entire pi'ofits divided amongst the holders of participating policies. The profits applied first in extinguishing the premiums at a given date, and afterwards in making the policy payable during life : this important advantage being secured without the payment of any additional premium. ANDREW FRANCIS, Secretary. EUROPEAN ASSURANCE SOCIETY. EMPOWERED BY SPECIAL ACTS OF PARLIAMENT, FOR LIFE ASSURANCE, ANNUITIES, AND GUARANTEE OF FIDELITY IN SITUATIONS OF TRUST. Clitef Office— 19, l^V»tei*Joo Plaice, Pall-mall, r.oii(lon. ANNUAL INCOME, £300,000. CAPITAL, subscribed by more than 1,600 Shareholders, nearly £800,000. Directors. OuAiRMAX— General Sir FREDERIC SMITH, K.H., F.R.S. The Rev. A. Alston, D.D. I A. R. Bristow, Esq. I Edmund Heeley, Esq. E. Hamilton Anson, Esq. | R. M. Carter, Esq., M.P. | Reginald Read, Esq., M.D. This Institution offers every advantage of the modern sj'steni of Life Assurance. The European is specially authorised by Parliament to guai-antec the fidelity of Government ofiicials. The New Prospectus contains the Table for complete Life Policies, which are not forfeited by the non- payment of the Renewal Premium. Prospectuses, Forms of Proposal, and evciy information may be obtained on application to the Society's Agents, or at the Chief Oflice, HENRY B. PARMINTER, Manager. PRICE S BENZODYNE.— Cough ; Consumptive Chronic Cough— Bronchitis, &c., immedi- ately relieved and permanently cured by Prick's Be.n'zodyne, an etherial extract of Benzoin, the healing properties of which are time-honoured. Price's Benzodyne possesses a peculiar mechanical power of putting a sudden stop to all wasting diseases as Cholera and Dysentery, and should be in every Hospital, Surgery, and Rectory throughout the world. Prepared only by Mr. Price, Analytical Chemist, 2, I^ower Soj-mour Street, Portman Square, London, W. ROGERSON & TUXFORD'S AGRICULTURAL WORKS ^^■-f^^'^^"*'^-''*'*'''^"-'**^**'**^ PRICE ONE SHILLING EACH, Neatly Bownd in Foolscap OetaA)o, EACH VOLUME CONTAINING from 130 to 190 PAGES OF LETTERPEESS, RICHARDSOB'S RURAL HAfiD-BOOKS. KitD ©ttttons l^cbisetj ant QSnlatot'ii WHEAT : ITS HISTORY, CHARAC- TERISTICS, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, and NUTRITIVE PROPERTIES. By "The Old NoEFOLK Farmer," Author of " Agriculture, Ancient and Modern," &c., &c. THE AGRICULTURIST'S WEATHER- GUIDE AND MANUAL OF METEOROLOGY. By Henry C. Creswick, Assistant Observer in the llagnetical and Meteorological Departmotvt of the lloyal Observatory at Greenwich, Autho>f «f several papers on Meteorology. "OLAX : ITS CULTIVATION AND PRE- X^ PARATION, and BEST MODE OF CON- VERSION, — By James Ward, Author of " The World and its Workshops," &c. RURAL ARCHITECTURE : a SERIES OF DESIGNS FOR RURAL AND OTHER DWELLINGS. The Ground Plans, Elevations, and Specifications by James Sanderson, Burgh Bngineers' Office, Liverpool. THE AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTOR: or, YOUNG FAEMER'S CLASS BOOK.— By Edmund Mdrpht, A.B. DOMESTIC FOWL: THEIR NATURAL HISTORY, BREEDING, AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT. THE FLOWER GARDEN.— By George Qlenny, P.L.S., Author of "Properties of Flowers," &o. HORSES: THEIR VARIETIES, BREED- ING, AND MANAGEMENT.— Edited by M. M. MlLBUEN. D OGS : THEIR ORIGIN AND VA- EIETIES. PIGS: THEIR ORIGIN AND VARIE- TIES. COWS AND DAIRY HUSBANDRY.— By M. M. MiLBURN, Author of "The Sheep,'' &c. The Dairy Department Revised by T. Horsfall, SHEEP AND SHEPHERDING: embrac ing the History, Varieties, Rearing, Feeding, and General Management of Sheep ; with Treatises on Australian Sheep Farming, the Spanish and Saxoo Merinos, &c. By M. M. Milbukn, Author of " The Cow," and various Agricultural Prize Essays. THE HIVE AND THE BEE. HONEY >ESTS OF THE FARM. A New Edition, By M. M. Milburn, Author of " The Sheep,", &a LAND DRAINAGE, EMBANKMENT, AND IRRIGATION.— By James Donald, Civil Engineer, Derby. T SOILS AND MANURES, with INSTRUC- TIONS FOR THEIR IMPROVEMENT.— Bj John Donaldson, Government Land Drainage Sur- veyor. In the Press, in conidnuation of the same Series, HE IMPLEMENTS OF THE FARM. — By R. Scott Burn, O.E. THE POTATO: ITS HISTORY, CUL- TURE, AND NATIONAL LMPORTANCE.— By S: Copland. London : Honlston & Wright, 65, Paternoster Eow ; Rogerson & Tuxford, 246, Strand, W.© Dublin : J. McQlashan, Upper Sackville Street. And all Booksellers. ROGEHSON & TUXFOBD,] [PRINTERS, 246, STBAKIK ^-^ ^f^lt:::^^^^ London. riiHhh.'J liuRoiJ.'rson.t rux.'ard ^ioa StranAJSlP. A THE START PROM ST. PBTBRSBURGH PLACE, BAYSWATER. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. JULY, 1870. PLATE I. LORD WALSINGHAM, . Past President of the Royal Aqricultural Society of England and of the Smithfield Club. Lord Walsiagham, of Walsingliam, in the county of Norfolk, fifth Baron, was bom on July Gth, 180i ; suc- ceeded his father in 1839 ; married, in 1842, Augusta Louisa, eldest daughter of Sir Robert Frankland Russell, by whom he has issue the Honourable Thomas de Grey, M.P. for West Norfolk since 1865. This lady died in 1844, and his Lordship married, secondly, in 1847, the Honourable Emily Elizabeth Julia Thellusson, eldest daughter of Lord Rendlesham, by whom he has a nume- rous family. Lord Walsingham was elected a Member of the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society of England in 1855, and a Vice-President of the Society in 1861. He filled the office of President in 1860, in which year the annual Show was held at Canterbury. He joined the Smithfield Club in 1851, and was elected President of the Club for 1863. His Lordship has been President of the Wayland Agricultural Association, the meetings of which are held at Watton, near Merton, for the last thirty years. As an agriculturist. Lord Walsingham is chiefly famous for his Southdown flock, for some years jjast the most successful of any in the country. On the Home Farm, at Merton, which has been much improved of late by marling and scientific cultivation, there is a Southdown flock which dates back for about forty years. The sheep, however, were originally small : and when Lord Walsingham first began to think of exhibiting, he was told that the soil was too poor, and that animals from it would always be beaten by those which came from better lands ; as this at first was the case. But some success came in 1851, at the Norfolk and Yorkshire shows ; while since then. Lord Walsingham has continued to improve his position, until at length, for six times in seven years, he has won the Gold Medal or Cup at the Smithfield Club, culminating his honours last Christmas with the Champion Cup for the best pen of sheep " of any age or breed" in the Hall. The foundation of the im- provement in the Merton flock traces back to Jonas Webb, of Babraham ; but constant resort has beeu had to the 0|.i> SlRISS.J stocks of the Sussex men themselves, such as Messrs. Rigden, Hart, Turner, Ellman, and Boys. At the dinner of the Wayland Society, last autumn. Lord Walsingham said : " I may say, because I have a right to say it, that I have attended for a great many years, practically and personally, to the improvement of agriculture on my estate. I trust I have done so not without some little general benefit to the neighbourhood ; but as to the success of any efforts of mine, I must leave others to judge of them. With respect to one point, I must most gratefully acknowledge that I owe my success mainly to the skill of that able and practical man who has brought my sheep to that perfection at which they have now arrived — I mean my agent, Mr. Woods. With respect to that I may, perhaps, claim a very little credit for myself. A person who, like myself, has many irons in the fire must engage the assistance of able men to see that those irons are always kept hot, and, above all, must supply the fuel which is necessary to heat the furnace. Passing from my own concerns, I wish to say that I have, since I have known the neighbourhood, seen many improvements in it. 1 remember when a great portion of my estate was nothing but a rabbit warren ; and I may say, as of a person who makes two blades of corn grow where only one grew before, so also p erhaps a person who has made several blades of corn grow where none ever grew before, must be considered in the light of a benefactor." Lord Walsingham's precepts are well supported by his practice. At the time he succeeded to the Merton pro- perty, a considerable portion, about 4,800 acres, was held in large rabbit-warren farms, one consisting of as much as 2,100 acres. His Lordship's first object was to get rid of the warren as the leases fell out, and that was effected in the course of a few years. This step necessitated the building of farm-houses and premises, and the subdivision of the land ; and the holdings here now range from about 600 to 700 acres, while great pains have been taken to reduce the rabbits. Hares were not considered to do 35 CVoi. LXVIII.— No. 1. THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. so much harm as rabbits, but they were destroyed with similar care, and their number is now reduced to a very low ebb. The main improvement necessary was to strengthen the staple of the sandy soil by marling or claying, for which there existed every facility. This pro- ceeded slowly in the hands of the tenants, and large tracts were consequently taken in hand by Lord Walsingham himself, who at one time occupied in all about 3,500 acres. Large portions have now been marled or clayed at the rate of fi'om 80 to 100 loads per acre, or, in some instances, much move, an^ the E^re^ble Jj^n^s divided by fences. Enough ali-eadyhas been effected to show that, by liberal but not necessarily very expensive cultivation and careful farming, good crops may be grown on land where formerly the produce was but little more than rabbits. It is good to try a man by his character about home ; and we have said enough to show that Lord Walsingham's repute does not rest merely upon his doings in public. They are rather famous for prize landlords in Norfolks, but our sample may take honourable rank amongst them ; as, further a-field, the Merton triumphs may live iu story with the Holkham shearings. PLATE II. THE ATLESBUEY DAIEY COMPANY. THE START FROM ST. PETERSBURGH PLACE, BAYSWATER. A great revolution is just now taking place in the Lon- don milk trade. Mainly owing to the facilities afforded by the railways, a new branch of business is springing up >hat threatens gradually but certainly to supersede the objectionable system of keeping cows in a crowded metropolis. On the face of it, the health alike of the provider and consumer would seem to be better consulted by bringing milk fresh up from the country, rather than by encouraging its production from establishments in town, which, as the veterinary professors assure us, are very hot-beds of impurity and disease. At the head of these "importing" houses stands the Aylesbury Dairy Company — Limited — which was originated by Mr. G. M. Allender, a gentleman who farmed for some years in Buckinghamshire, where he was famous for his breed of Berkshire pigs. Hence, from old associations, we may trace the title of the Company, al- though the supply of milk is not drawn alone from the Aylesbury grass grounds. Berkshire, "Wiltshire, and Oxfordshire are also contributaries, while contracts are about being entered into for other districts. Nothing, indeed, in the management of such a concern could look to be more desirable than the plan of appropriating " fresh fields and pastures new," or a breakdown some fine morning on some favourite line might act like the temporary stoppage of a Bank, and seriously damage the stability of the business. The Aylesbury Dairy Company now distributes between five hundred and six hundred gallons of milk a day, and before half-past eight o'clock in the morning, the " serv- ing men" have called at some thirteen hundred houses. There is an afternoon delivery at two o'clock, the start for which we have caught in the photograph. Nothing can be more orderly than the system here employed. Some fourteen or fifteen carts are backed up to be loaded from the dairies, the milk being packed in sealed cans, and precisely as the clock strikes two does the first cart turn out of the yard. Each driver, with his guard at his side, has as orthodox an uniform as the mail-coachman of other days ; and, indeed, the establishment at St. Petersburgh Place is altogether something to see. There is a capital 1^10§?, of gt-'blin^ CD pyi.e side, a row of comfortable well- built cottages for the men and their wives on the other. There is a Secretary's house communicating directly with the dairy, and a reading-room for the people, where with- out any absurd or impolitic restrictions, a man may not only see the papei', but smoke his pipe and take his drop of beer, without any need to look in at the public house. The milk is warehoused in a cool, roomy range below, where fountains are playing, and into the shade of which it was very grateful to retreat from the blaze of the mid-day sun. In fact, the whole place is delightfully "tempered" in this way, as the shop where you can set a glass of milk over the counter is fashioned like a grotto, with stone and rockwork, ferns, flowers, and gold-fish, which seem to have found a happy home at last. Then, the very clerk who books your order to send twice a day is no clerk at all, but a modern rendering of a veritable milkmaid. Dorcas, or Phoebe, or honest Maudlin herself, who sang Master Izaak Walton a song and promised him a syllabub : A gown made of the finest wool, Which from our pretty lambs we pull ; A belt of straw and ivy-buds, With coral clasps and amber studs ; And, if these pleasures may thee move. Come, live with me, and be my love. Some short time back the Society of Arts offered a Gold Medal for a can which should bring milk up to town in the best condition, and the award was in favour of Mr. AUender's invention, the great merits of which are simplicity and freedom from angles and corners, thus rendering its cleansing an easy matter, while the can is provided with an inner lid or stopper, that alike serves to stay any tampering with the contents and to keep out the dust. There are, however, some who still maintain that the quality of the milk is injured in the transit, but this we are inclined to think is a mistake. Country milk, well managed, has a better fiavour, and will keep longer after its arrival than London milk just drawn. There was a time, and not so long since, when his spare milk was often in the way of the farmer : he really did not know what to do with it. Here, however, is a ready-money business open to his hand, that may be conducted with far less trouble thau the manufacture of butter^ cheese, or pork. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. HAY. BY CUTIIBERT W. JOHNSON, F.R.S. The produce of our grass lauds varies in amount in different districts to a greater extent than perhaps any of our ordinary field crops. For those variations we must chiefly assign the widely different amount of moisture of onr spring months. Thus in the last six years the rain- fall at Croydon in March, April, and May has been in inches as follows : 1865. 1800. 1SG7. 1808. 18G9. 1870. March ... 0.82 1.05 3.44 0.81 1.31 1.44 April ... 0.37 1.90 1.95 1.72 1.04 0.38 May 3.30 1.03 1.55 0.78 3.47 0.72 Total, 4.55 5.18 5.94 3.31 5.82 2.54 We see, then, that in the three chief hay-producing months, we had in Surrey a rainfall in 18G9 of about 582 tons of water per acre — and this was a great hay year. In the present year to June the 1st, we had only in these months a downfall of about 254 tons per acre, or not half that of 1809 ; our hay crop therefore is this season miserably deficient (an inch of rain is about 100 tons per acre). We are all well aware how much the amount of rain influences the mode of farming in different portions of our island ; that our grass-producing or western counties are those where the rainfall is the greatest, whilst cereals are chiefly cultivated in our drier or eastern counties. This rainfall differs to a much greater extent than is commonly understood. Thus in the month of April in the present year we have noted that our Surrey rainfall was only equal to about 38 tons of water per acre. But in the western districts the fall during this month per acre was 174 tons at Barnstaple, 291 at Bodmin, 172 at Derby, and 238 at Manchester. The amount of water which our water meads receive, and the largeness of their produce tend to illustrate the same fact, that it is the deficiency of moisture to which our bad hay seasons are owing. The sewage-irrigated meads bear similar testimony. We find at Croydon that unless we annually apply to these meadows from 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sewage per acre, the greatest advantage from these is not derived. Now this is only equal to a rainfall of from 40 to 60 inches, an amount which ouly equals the downfall of some of onr western grass-produc- ing districts. It is true that other explanations of the beneficial results of irrigating g-rass land have been sug- gested, but they none of theni obviate the necessity of a very large supply of water. I have in another place briefly referred to some of these explanations. The good effect produced upon the grasses by the use of certain waters is well known. The reason why other springs are of little or no advantage in irrigation is not so well understood. Various theories have been propounded, to clear up the difficulty ; but none of these appear to be of general application. ^lore than half a century since, the celebrated Davy applied himself to the question. In his fishing days on the banks of the Berk- shire Kennet and the Hampshire Itchin, he had noted the noble meads in their valleys, watered by only the bright springs issuing from the chalk formation. Here he found water producing the most luxuriant growth of grass — water in which he found but slight traces of organic matter. It abounded with carbonate of lime and carbonic acid gas ; but, then, Davy noted that the soil it irrigated rested on the chalk formation. The chemical composition of the water, therefore, afforded, Davy little gi^ ia explaialng its fertiliziag povrer. This great philo- sopher, however, carried his thermometer with him he found that the temperature of the soil beneath the irrigating wafer was commonly eleven degrees higher than the surface of the water, even when that water had a thin covering of ice. The water, therefore, concluded Davy, keeps the grasses warm — preserves them from the efl'ects of low and rapid transitions of temperature. This good effect, it is very probable, may be produced by the waters issuing from the chalk, which Davy was used to haunt in his days of fly-fishing, for the temperature of some of the springs of that formation is very considerable and uniform. The water of the Surrey Wandle, for in- stance, is of the temperature of about 50 degrees in all seasons ; its stream in consequence never freezes. The temperature, therefore, of such waters may reasonably be expected to produce considerable benefit to the grasses over which they flow. But, then, we finJ that even these waters are materially increased in their irrigating value by the ad- mixture of foreign substances. The bright chalk waters of the Itchin become sensibly more valuable to the irrigator after they have passed through the city of Win- chester ; and the same remark applies to other streams. In the case of the Clipstone meads, below the town of Mansfield, we are told by Mr. J. E. Denison, when describing the valuable water meadows formed by the Duke of Portland CJo/tr. Roy. A(j. Soc. vol. i., p. 362^, " Soft water is the best ; mineral water and water from peat, mosses, and bogs, are found to be injurious. After strong rains, the washings of stveets and sewers of the town of jNIansfield, which discharge themselves into the Mann, give great additional efficacy to the water. It will sometimes deposit a sediment, in one watering, of the thickness of a sheet of paper." The same remark applies to the water of the Wandle. Its fertilizing power is very greatly increased as it flows through a well-inhabited district towards the Thames. All natural waters, indeed, contain foreign substances. The water of the Holy Well from the Malvern Hills was found by Phillips to contain about 14.61 grains per gallon of various salts ; even in rain water we detect ammonia and nitric acid. It is of great importance that these facts should be generally understood, and the water meads of our country extended. The enormous amount of grass produced nnon the water meadows is too little known. And this great produce, let us remark, is not confined to the sewage-irrigated meads of Edinburgh, Croydon, and ^Mansfield. It is true that on those meadows more than thirty tons of grass per acre are annually produced ; but then some of the watered lauds of our Southern chalk formations yield nearly as much, although the water is bright and colour- less. A Wiltshire farmer, Mr. J. Coombes, of Tisbury, long since described ther produce, when he was remarking (Farm. Mac/., vol. xlvii., p. 21 7^ upon "what may be considered the average produce of the water meadows in South Wilts." In doing so, lie observed, " I will take a meadow of 20 acres, depastured in spring by sheep. The spring feed of this meadow, as fed in April, will keep 400 couples of sheep 25 days, during which time these 400 couples will fold ten acres of arable land, and it will after this yield in the first and second cuttings of grass, about 40 tons of hay. As I have said, this may be considered the average produce of these water njeadows." These are facts which I would earnestly commend to the con- sideration of the landowner. They iuvolve questions of the most vital importance to our agncuUurists— -the 8 ^ 4 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. increased production of animal food. I need hardly remind the reader that this, the most profitable branch of English farming, is not likely to become less remunerative as our population increases, aud skilled labourers more numerous. Upon the Croydon sewage-irrigated meads at South Norwood (which are on the London basin clay) the follow- ing is the length in inches of crops of Italian rye-grass grown there in the year 1867 :-^ Istcrop , 35 2nddo 40 Srddo 42 4th do 33 6th do 24 6th do 14 187in., orl5ft. 7in. Ta some experiments, carried on in 1867 by Mr. J. C. Morton on the farm of the Metropolis Sewage Company at Barking, some equally important results were obtained {Bath and West of ling. Soc. Jour., 1868). In one of these great opei-ations, to 56 acres of Italian rye-grass about 300,000 tons of sewage were applied. From these 56 acres 2,488 tons of grass were cut. It is a question of considerable importance to have decided, the comparative value of the grass produced upon lands irrigated, and not irrigated. This was ascertained by Mr. J. B. Lawes. He observed {Joiir.Boi/. Aff. Soc. vol. xxiv., p. 80) : " It was obviously of great importance to determine the proportion of dry or solid substance contained in the produce cut, weighed, and given to the animals, in a green and very succident condition ; to determine the difference in composition due to the appli- cation of sewage ; and also that of the successive crops taken at different periods of the season. To this end samples of 2i lbs. of the unsewaged, or 5 lbs. of the sewaged grass, were taken from every load as soon as it was weighed at the homestead, the samples from each plot respectively being mixed together day by day as taken, until the cutting of the plot was completed. Each such mixed sample was exposed on sheets of canvas in the open air until sufficiently dry. It was then stoi-ed in sacks, and finally cut into coarse chaff, well mixed, weighed, and a weighed portion of the mixture taken for the purposes of analysis. 50 ounces of the coarsely cut chaff were taken in each case, and each of these samples was carefully divided into 4 equal parts ; two of which were fully dried at 212 deg. E. to determine the absolute dry substance, and then burnt to determine the mineral matter, and a third was finely ground, aud a portion of it sent to Professor Way for analysis. " It should here be remarked that there are many prac- tical difl&culties in the way of getting accurate results in regard to the amount of dry substance in large bulks of green produce such as those in question. Cut in the morning, as the ci"ops always were, the grass generally held a good deal of superficial as well as other moisture, and, with equalconditionsofweather, the heavier the crop the greater the amount of water so retained. Again, if the weather were dry and hot, the grass would lose mois- ture considerably between the time of cutting and that of weighing and sampling at the farm bindings ; or, if rainy, the grass would be more or less saturated with water. To add to these difficulties, which are almost inseparable from such an inquiry, the taking of the samples, and their partial drying and preservation, were necessarily left in the hands of those unpractised in such work. " It will be obvious from the above considerations, that the exact figures given which relate to or involve the ques- tion of the proportion of dry substance in the produce must be accepted with some reservation ; though it is believed that at any rate the direction and more general indications of the results on the point may fully be relied upon. The results given of the analyses of the diy sub- stance itself will, of course, be much less affected by the irregularities referred to ; and the differences in its com- position according to the difference in the conditions of growth are points well worthy of a careful consideration in a hitherto untrodden field of inquiry. " The following table then shows the'mean composition (per cent.) of the dry substance of the grass produced without and with sewage, and in each successive crop in the season of 1861 : Un- sewaged, Sewaged. Plot 1. Plot 2. Plot. 3. Plot. 4. Number of Analyses \ giving the means ... J 5 7 9 9 Nitrogenous substance ") N X 6.3 5 Fatty matter (ether 7 extract) ) Woody fibre Other non-nitrogenous " substances '' Mineral matter (ash) ... 13.08 3.21 28.80 45.66 9.25 18.67 3.54 29.34 37.09 11.36 18.92 3.53 30.15 35.94 11.46 19.78 3.44 29.13 35.92 11.73 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 The chief point of remark is, that the solid matter of the much more luxuriant and succulent sewaged grass contained a considerably higher proportion of nitrogenous substance than that of the unsewaged. It also contained somewhat more, both of the impure waxy or fatty matter extracted by ether, and of mineral matter which may be taken to indicate a less advanced or ripe condition at the time of cutting. But, owing to the generally less ripe and more succulent condition of the sewaged than the unsewaged grass, it is highly probable that a larger pro- portion of its nitrogenous substance was in an immatured condition ; and, so far as it was so, it would be less avail- able for the formation of the nitrogenous compounds of flesh or milk. It would at any rate be unsafe, without further evidence on the point, to attribute the higher milk-yielding quality of the dry substance of the sewaged grass unconditionally to its higer proportion of nitro- genous substance." Having thus noted the effect of water of varying degrees of impurity alone upon our grass land, next let us examine how their produce may be increased by artificial dressings where water for irrigation is not available. How can this produce be improved in quantity and quality ? "A few years since," observes Mr. Bowick {Jour. Roy. Ag. Soc, vol. xxiii., p. 60), "it was hardly allowed that these are pretty much in the farmer's own hands. Put on ammo- uiacal manures, and you get a strong bulky produce, in which the ranker grasses predominate. Apply phosphatic dressings, and the clovers and finer grasses presently ap- pear. Prepare a combination of the two, and a desirable result should follow. Our manure manufacturers of re- pute, who have characters to lose, do this ready to our hand ; and there can be no great hazard in putting on from 20s. to 30s. worth of such dressings per acre — in damp weather in February or March — whilst the prospect of a profitable return is highly encouraging. This refers to grass land which receives such applications regularly, or which is otherwise in good condition ; with exhausted soils, more liberal treatment is required. The following plan has been tried here extensively, and invariably with satisfactory results. Draw out a dunghill about Christ- mas, containing 300 yards of good yard-manure. Throw up in a heap six feet high, and mix with one ton of Peru- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. vlan guano, two tous half-inch bones, and two tons of salt. Turn a time or two, till the whole becomes a rich sapo- naceous mass. Then cart on the turf not later than February ; apply to twenty acres ; spread, chain harrow, and spread again. After a week or two little will be seen of it ; but at hay-time, as well as on the after-math, the results are readily visible. Similarly, by the application of hot lime at from one to two tons per acre on pieces of sour grasses or under trees where the Baclijlis glomerata abounds in all its coarse luxuriance, much improvement in the herbage is produced." If farm manure is not to be had, then 1 cwt. of guano, 1 cwt. of nitrate of soda, and 2 cwt. of common salt per acre, is a good dressing for artificial grasses. We have long contended that our grass lands have never obtained that share of the farmer's attention which they will sooner or later obtain. This remark is not conliiicd to those pastures to which nature has been bountiful, but extends to those poor yearly more- and-more-impoverished upland grass lands that the holder is so wont to plough up. It was at the conclusion of a debate on the breaking up of our pastures that the chair- man of the Dorchester Club reminded his brother-farmers {Farm. Mag., vol.liii., p. 205) that they had hitherto looked at the question principally from a tenant's point of view, but he thought they should hardly bid adieu to it without taking a landlord's view of the subject ; and he would say this, that in breaking up these lands they were turning rabbit land into land for the use of the human kind, so that the landlord must stul+ify himself if, seeing the benefit that would result to himself, to his tenants, and to the community at large, he should oppose the judicious cultivation of such land as they had under review. But there was no doubt it was also a serious consideration to them, because landlords were aware that if land was broken up and injudiciously managed, considerable crops might be drawn from that land for two or three years, and after that it was impoverished for generations. Therefore there were two or three considerations of im- portance to the landlord. He should certainly not have a moveable tenant, or a tenant likely to move in a short time ; secondly, he should take care to have a skilful tenant, and one who knew how to do the business and afterwards cultivate the land aright ; and thirdly, he should take care the tenant was a man of capital — a man who had all his other land in good cultivation, and had a little extra money to go to work with in the cultivation of an increased quantity of arable land. Having produced our grass — next as to its conversion into hay. Now, as I have in another place remarked, this operation is often too long delayed. In a valuable prize essay on hay-making, by Mr. T. Bowick, of Stoneleigh, in Warwickshire, he observes {Jour. Roi/, Ag. Soc. vol. sxiii., p. 48.) : " Of course the weather is almost evei-ything in hay- making. Thus, referi'ing to the four years 1858, '59, '60, and 'Gl, there were in Warwickshire : Rainy days. Depth of rain. June. July. June. July. 1858 4. 8 2.51 2.48 1859 11 8 2.45 2.95 1860 27 12 5.70 1.95 18(51 18 25 3.01 4.30 Of the value of machines in haymaking, during these years, Mr. Bowick observes : In the two dryer years hay was well and easily got ; while in the two latter the operation bore a complete contrast to our earlier experience. In 1860, in particular, the chief difficulty was how to make hay in cloudy weather alternating with pouring rain ; and the chief lesson learnt was, that a strong staff of hands is essential. We managed, with one of Burgess and Key's implements, to dispense with half-a-dozen able- bodied mowers, while another half-dozen were also fre- quently taken from their work on pressing occasions. As regards the mowing-machine in that unfavourable season, although there were many annoyances arising frona stop- pages among tangled and heavy crops, yet we never lost an hour's cari'ying by keeping it at work, while it gave us a power over the whole operation which could not otherwise have been obtained. Improved machinery, as the haymaker, horse-rake, and mowing-machine, has tended greatly to diminish the amount of manual labour needed. The former implement has been more or less before the public for the past fifty years. Though many improvements have been made, its principle still remains unchanged. Scarcely second in importance for extensive crops is the horse-rake. Even where it is not employed for windrowing, there is a great saving of labour by dis- pensing with hand-rakes for clearing the ground. The use of carts, instead of waggons, in hay-carrying, is a great advantage, for one strong horse will take nearly as much on an old-fashioned broad-wheeled dung-cart (fur- nished with suitable gearing) as many folks choose to place on a waggon drawn by two or three horses. The cart can be left beside the rick, while the horse returns for another load, by having three props, one fastened to each shaft, and the other at the tail of the cart. It is a good practice, for hay that has been injured by rain in harvesting, to add a peck of salt to a ton of hay. Mr. Bowick prefers adding to the hay a mixture, which many have tried, both in making the ricks in summer and in using them in winter. The point aimed at is to give an aromatic flavour which shall be intrinsically good and safe in itself, and which shall at the same time I'endcr the hay or clover palateable to the stock fed upon it. This is ac- complished by strewing a little of the following mixture in the rick, while in the process of erection : Fenugreek, powdered ... ... ... 1121b3. Pimento ... ... ... ... ... 4 „ Aniseed ... ... ... ... ... 4 „ Carraways ... .,, ... ... ... 4 ,, Cumine ... ... ... ... ... 2 „ An outlay of 2s. 6d. per ton will afford a sufficient appli- cation in the majority of cases. And that horses or cat- tle will consume the compound in preference to better lots not similarly treated, we have had repeated and length- ened observation. An inquiry being made as to how it affected the health of the animals fed upon it, we were able last season thus to reply : ' Our beasts, numbering 170 head, came out with more than average bloom in spring ; aud the cow doctor's bill, from November to April inclu- sive (the hay-consuming months), has not run over three- pence per head.' " The great object, it must be remem- bered, in haymaking, is to preserve in the hay all the saccharine and other soluble matters of the grasses ; to dry in the juices ; to avoid the ill effects of drenching rains. The process adopted around London has been well described by Mr. R. Smith, in his prize essay on grass land {Jour. Sot/. Ag. Soc, vol. ix., p. 20). " There the mowers perform their task by the acre, the haymakers being paid by the day. On an average five (boys, women, and men) is a fair proportion to each mower ; much, of course depends on the weather. The course in fine wea- ther is : First dag — All grass cut before 9 o'clock is carefully ' tedded' out, and, if possible, is moved again before 1 o'clock ; then it is ' hacked' into small rows : then they return to the first mowed, and place it in small ' grass cocks.' On the second dag — All the grass cut after O'clock on the first day, and before 9 o'clock on the second day is ' tedded ;' and then they shake out the grass cocks of the first day into small rows ; the hay is then moved once or twice before dinner; after dinner the more forward hay is raked into small double ' winrows;' then, after attending to other portions of the hay, it is made in- to small cocks. On the third day — After attending to 6 1?HE FARMER'S MAGAZINiJ. the hay iu less advanced stages, the forward hay is shaken out again into round patches, or wiurows, if a heavy crop, and again moved over before 1 o'clock, after which it is, carried. Care is taken in all cases not to have a prepon- derance of mowers ; in fact, not to have more hay down at any one period than can be managed upon the established process. The ' haymakei-' has now partially superseded manual labour ; it expedites the work ; but in wet seasons fine spreading of the hay exposes it more to the ill effects of the rain. The cheapest way to get hay," adds Mr. Smith, " and to insure the greatest value out again, is to harvest it quickly, by a sufficiency of labour." Those who rely entirely upon the sun never have good weather." Such is the mode of making hay near the metropolis — a very different system isjadopted in our northern and western counties, and in Scotland. For there, the haymaking season is commonly much more rainy than with us. At a recent meeting of the Morayshire Farmers' Club, Mr. Walker (Leuchars) remarked, that " he had perhaps more experience in the way of making hay than any gentleman present. The way they made hay in the county of Fife, so far back as forty or fifty year ago, was to cut it and let it lie for two or three days, the time depending upon the strength of the hay. "When hay was left in the swathe as cut, it would stand a great deal of rain, but if they turned it over and over, it was easily spoiled. After lying for two or three days in the swathe, he would turn it over with the handle of a fork, then put it into cole and it would stand two or three good showers ; then put three or four of the small coles into one, and allow it to stand till it could be put into stack. They could not in this country depend upon weather for making the hay, as in England." The expense of cutting the grass was estimated by the chairman of the Club, to be in Morayshire 4s. 6d. an acre by the scythe, and about 2s. 6d. by the machine. The nutritive quality of our hay is, of course, a primary consideration. Meadow hay was some little time since laboriously examined by Professor "Way. His examina- tion of the natural grasses was made after they had been dried in a temperature of 212 degrees. The results which he obtained must therefore be, as he observed, somewhat modified, when we regard them as in the state of hay ; for however dry it may appear, no grass can be made abso- lutely dry without artificial heat, the usual proportion of moisture in well-made hay being about 16 percent. ; and a grass which has been artificially dried, will in the air absorb from it about this degree of moisture. From the per-centage of albuminous or fatty matter in the dry specimens, therefore, about one-sixth is to be deducted to ascertain the quantity present in the hay. With this de- duction, tlie following table will give the lowest, highest, and the average quantities per cent, in the specimens of about 22 natural grasses, which he examined : Low. High. Average. Flesh-forming principles 6.08 ... 17.39 ... 10.93 Fat-producing principles 3.11 ... 3.67 ... 3.05 Heat-giving principles 38.03 ... 57.83 ... 45.57 In about 15 dried artificial grasses he found : Low. High. Average. Flesh-forming principles 10.34 ... 24.60 ... 19.03 Fat-uroducing principles 3.51 ... 4.77 ... 3.65 Heat-giving principles 33.15 ... 49.65 ... 41.39 The ordinary varieties of hay, dried at 212 deg., analyzed by various chemists, yielded the amount per cent, of ash annexed to their names in the following table, and the composition of that ash per cent. I have also added in the subjoined columns : Meadow. Clover, Sainfoin. Ash per Cent 8.7 11.17 6.36 Sand and silica 25.1 3.6 3.3 Potash 19.9 16.1 31.9 Soda 7.8 40.7 — Lime 8.2 31.9 34.3 Magnesia 3.0 8.3 5.0 Alurainia — — — Oxide of iron 1.9 0.5 0.6 ClUoride of potassium 4.7 — 6.3 Common salt ... 13.1 4.7 0.8 Phosphoric acid 14.4 4.1 9.4 Sulphuric acid 3.4 1.1 3.3 Carbonic acid ... — — 15.3 These facts are full of interest to the haymaker. And it is no objection to their value that I referto themin an extraor- dinary season, when owing to the dryness of the spring months there has been hardly any grass to cut, or, if there was, a very limited gi'owth ; it was nearly hay before it was mown. I have shown that in Surrey we had only 2.54 inches of rain in March, April, and May of the pre- sent year, and I may add, that not any feU from the 16th of May untU the 16th of June, and then the amount was only 0.09 of an inch ; and not any has fallen from that day till the time I am writing (the 24th of June). NEW FOEEST FARMING. There is an agricultural enigma which, although con- tinually under discussion, does not even in this advanced age appear to be approaching to anything like a satisfac- tory solution. So surely as any observant gentleman speaks to our position or prospects so certainly does he refer to the millions of acres of laud iu this country that are still suffered to lie in waste. He then gradually goes on to show that, were this neglected soil only brought into cultivation, such a course would be attended with every advantage to those mainly concerned in the business. And here of course arises a very startling paradox. The competition for farms is becoming keener than ever ; the emigration schemes are gradually extending, and yet the landlords in the face of all this obstinately refuse to in- crease their rent-rolls. Would they only map out more farms neither the tenant nor the labourer need be driven to seek an occupation elsewhere. During the last few months this argument has been pointed in one particular direction. Meetings at short intervals have been held at Botley, Lymington, Romsey, and back again to Botley, all with an eye to the New Forest ; while it is scarcely too much to say that this agitation has originated over the experience and enter- prise of one man. If not so continually seeking the public gaze, a Mr. William Dickinson is almost as famous, and in much the same way as Mr. Mechi. After a lengthy career iu business in London he has taken as bodily to farming on the Forest, where fi'om time to time he has given the world the results of his experi- ments and investi2;ations, which he may be said to have summed up in a challenge that he sent to this Journal early in March last. In this he said, " The amount of rent I pay the Crown for 430 acres of land is £816 per annum — that is, for rent and interest upon capital e - pended in improvements by the Crown, at my request. The staple of many thousand acres round the two farms I hold, four miles apart (mostly planted with fir trees), is as fine for agricultural purposes as is usually found in any l^Hii PARMEK'S MAGAZIND. 9 eouuty, very superior to that rouiul ];Oiuloii, and the climate superior to any 1 have hitherto met with in any other part of England. The land wants nothing but sim- ple honest farming, by resident farmers. I say resident farmers, because both farms I hold were farmed by the Crown up to the time I took them, and produced, I am told, very little indeed. They now produce heavy crops of the finest grain of all kinds, the finest roots ; and growing grass 2 feet D inches high was shown at the fat cattle show at Christmas at Mr. George Gibbs' stand dug up from the open field and sent there. I have no objec- tion to show the last year's produce of the New Forest Farms (swedes only excepted, they are eaten), white wheat, red April wheat, barley, oats, both kinds of man- golds, and carrots, against the produce of any farm in England, not for a money wager, but the benefit of the public. The highest quotation for last year's wheat in the London market, on the 21st ult., was 48s. per qr. or £12 per load (being five qrs.) ; the highest price at Southampton was £11 5s. per load; my last sale-return from Guildford on the 21st was £13 15s. per load. My barley is equally good, but has not yet been offered for sale. My red and yellow mangolds both got second prizes at Birmingham, and my carrots were commended." About this same time the Botley Club, the members of which had previ- ously paid Mr. Dickinson the high compliment of de- clining to enter into competition against his roots, after a long sitting decided that woods, plantations, and commons "would pay to break up and cultivate," that all the re- maining lands of the New Forest "should be offered to public competition," and so forth. At a second meeting of the same Club, it was resolved to draw more attention to the millions of acres lying waste, with a view to its cultivation, " as a means of employing our surplus popu- lation ;" as at Lymington it was declared that the condition of the New Forest was " not satisfactory," that " it should be enclosed and cultivated as speedily as possible," and that the Government be " memorialized to that effect." At Romsey only last week some further conference took place, the result of which was the expression of an opinion that " it w-ould be conducive to the public good that the New Forest should, after the rights and privileges of the commoners and others are fairly satisfied, be brought gradually into the market for sale, reserving such portions as may be required for public recreation ;" while a more direct proposal that the Forest be enclosed and set out in large and small farms, on long leases, fell to the ground for want of a seconder. Reports of these meetings have from time to time ap- peared in our columns, as, however much or little the resolutions actually adopted might infer, the chief speakers, like Mr. Blundell, Captain Maxse, and Mr. Dickinson, looked to carry all before them. At the last meeting, however, at Romsey, a report of which appears in our paper of this day, the proposal to attack the New Forest forthwith was by no means so unanimously espoused. The landlords, like Mr. Beech, the chairman, and Mr. Cowper Temple, the present representative of the Palmerston property in this county, were by no means so sanguine, while some of the leading farmers, like Mr. Trask, were more directly opposed to any scheme which should compel either owners or occupiers to break up their waste lands. One of the chief means to the end would, according to Captain Maxse, be the re-establish- ment of the smiill-farm system, although nothing, iinder the preliminary difficulties consequent on such an under- taking, would threaten to break down so readily. Our own solution of the case, or rather perhaps trial of the experi- ment, would start from an exactly contrary direction. It has 80 happened that within the last few days we have driven through the New i^orest, and that we have paid a visit to that New Park which has been cut, as it were, fairly out of the thick of it. The approach to this is park-like indeed, as no man could well wish for a nobler entrance to his home. There is an expansive range, old timber in clumps or single sticks, all belted by the woodlands, as in fact the very realization of a country gentle- man's demesne. And it is here that good Mr. Dickin- son has settled himself down to grow great cuttings of ryegrass, to increase tons on tons his crops of turnips and mangolds, and to cultivate corn that shall take the first prizes at the shows, and make the best prices in the market. But still, the impression from this visit, pleasing as it was, did not go to rank the tenant of New Park as a farmer — that is, as a man who lived by his business. There was something rather of the tone of the philosopher, of the experimentalist, who in his retire- ment devoted himself to researches which, if they suc- ceeded, might become a public good, and which, if they failed could be of no great consequence to the gentleman who busied himself about them. It is in this light that we would regard the New Park farm ; it is properly the home-farm of a Park, and as such, and as nothing more would we in the outset make it an example. The Crown could do nothing with the place. Mr. Dickinson has done much with it; but even he, perhaps, could scarcely say at how great a cost. Mr. Beech, the other day, speaking on behalf of the la- bourer, said " it was evident that the time was coming when the New Forest must share the same destiny that had overtaken some other forests. But he did not desire that it should follow the same course as Epping Forest, because there they saw a large tract of country, which formed the delight and enjoyment of the inhabi- tants of London, converted into private parks and private residences, and he was not sure that, if the Crown looked to making the most money out of that portion of the Forest which came to them, it would not find it better to sell it to a number of rich people, who w^ould make parks and gardens, than to allow it to be sold for agricultural purposes." Nor, are we so sure but this would be in every way the best thing that could be done. Let thou- sand-acre plots be laid out ; let New Parks be mul- tiplied ; let the wealthy and enthusiastic be in the first instance invited to take up the cultivation of the Forest, and the labom-er will profit far more than he will suffer from the intrusion. As Mr. Trask puts it, "there is a considerable amount of land not growing corn at the pre- sent time which might be improved so as to become capa- ble of growing it ; but at the same time there is a vast amount of land now growing corn which pays nothing at all." There are many patriots who would be well pleased to play Columbus here, even if they wearied after a while and gave over the new country to their followers. TREATMENT OF GALLED BACK.— The celebrated veterinary surgeon, George H. Dadd, gives in the Prairie Farmer the following : So soon as an abrasion is discovered on the back of a horse, the animal should be excused from duty for a few days ; the abraded parts should be dressed twice daily with a portion of the tincture of aloes and myrrh. This simple treatment will soon heal the parts. Should there be no abrasion, but simple swelling, attended with heat, pain, and tenderness, the parts should be frequently sponged wdth cold water. Occasionally the skin undergoes the precess of hardening (induration). This is a condition of the parts known to the farriers of old as " sitfast," and the treatment is as follows : Procure one ounce of iodine and smear the indu- rated spot with a portion of the same twice daily. Some cases of galled back and shoulders are due to negligence and abuse, yet many animals, owing to a peculiarity of constitu- tion, will " chafe," as the saying is, in those parts which come in contact with the collar and saddle, and rfeither human fore- sight nor mechanical means can prevent the same. THE PARMER'S MAGAZIKE. THE BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND SOCIETY, AND SOUTHERN COUNTIES ASSOCIATION. MEETING AT TAUNTON. " It will not be necessary to detail the reasons which have caused the Society, iu the 75th year of its existence, to hold, for the first time, its annual meeting in the summer at a distance from the city iu which it was originally founded. Another opportunity may present itself for giving some account of the past history of the oldest agricultui'al Society in Euglaud. It may suffice to say, on this occasion, that the present plans of operation bid fair to fulfil the origiual purpose of its establishment more completely than ever. Actuated by this conviction, the members of the Society as originally constituted de- cided to take into consideration a plan for extending the operations of the Society by holding a summer meeting for the exhibition of breeding stock and implements at different places in successive years." And, again, " The towns of Taunton and Bridgwater promptly and liberally responded to the proposal to hold the meeting at one of those places. It was decided that the Society's first meeting should be held at Taunton." So says the Official Report from the Committee, as read at the Annual Meeting of the Bath and West of England Society on the show- ground at Taunton, on Wednesday, June 9, 1852. It is amusing enough now to note the pride with which the Council on broaching this peripatetic experiment spoke of the prizes as "amounting in the whole to £484, dis- tributed in the following manner — viz., £148 for cattle, £99 for sheep, £30 for pigs, £40 for horses, and £167 for implements, whicli last item includes a prize which is a new and striking feature in agricultural exhibitions, peculiar to this Society, being the prize of £20 for the most economical collection of implements suited to tenants occupying arable land not exceeding 100 acres. It has been responded to by the implement makers, and it is hoped that it will be productive of much practical utility, especially to those whose funds for the purchase of im- plements is necessarily limited." Then the Judges' Com- mittee went on to report how " the names of 126 ex- hibitors have been entered for competition, consisting of 77 eihibitois of stock and 49 exhibitors of implements. There are 238 entries of stock, and the entries of im- plements are upwards of 400." And how in the whole " the number of head of cattle amounts to 379." Bearing in mind the time which has elapsed, and the agricultural improvement which has been going on in this time, it is doubtful whether the second visit of the Bath Society to Taunton is altogether so satisfactory and en- couraging as might have been anticipated. Considering the calibre and scope of the now united West and Southern Societies, the entries are curiously small ; nor save in some certain exceptional cases, is this imited competition counterbalanced by any very remarkable merit. Testing the meeting, indeed, by our three leading breeds of cattle, little or no progress is observable save with the Herefords. There are actually one third less of Devous, and scarcely half-a-dozen more Shorthorns exhibited at Taunton in 1870 than there were to be found here eighteen years previously. Against this, however, it may be argued that experience in the interim has taught breeders to send into public only such as are really superior animals. But it is not so. A strong proportion of the stock is decidedly inferior, and it frequently happened that the winning beasts fairly placed themselves. According to the prize list, the judges were very liberal in their commendations; but many of these could only have been bestowed upon a comparison with something still worse, rather than from any close approach to the prize standard of excellence. The Devous threaten so far to offer no great front during the show season, and the Somerset Devons more especially are quite out of force. In fact, it is hard to understand how Mr. Earthing's royal heifer Pretty Maid could have been kept in at Falmouth the other day, as one of the best on the ground, so lumpy and unsightly has she become in her quarter, so sadly has she trained off as to be no longer worthy of her name. Whereas, Lord Falmouth's Narcissus, also first in his class at the Corn- wall Meeting, goes more to realize his title, having fine character, a bloodlike head, and a somewhat wild expressive eye. Then he has a deej), massive frame, with plenty of substance, at no sacrifice of quality. There was not much against him, the Stowey high commendation being a par- ticularly plain beast ; nor was there any competition to speak of amongst the yearlings, where Mr. Davy won with one of his high-bred animals, the second best being a long slack-framed young bull that requires a deal more time. Mr. Smith's second cow, neat, clean, and pure, was much more entitled to a place, while Actress, at over ten years of age, was made up very fat, although even her high patchy condition could not quite disguise her blood-like bearing, nor carry one away from that sweet head and deer-like glance ; but still she is fast getting out of public form. There were two or three more nice cows in this class, and Mr. Dorsetshire Smith's two- year-old, if not so weighty, was far more sightly than the Pretty Maid placed before her. The pick and pride, however, of the Devons was Mr. Davy's yearling heifer Temptress, a half-sister to the prize cow — so level, so admirable in the rounding of her frame, and so full of breeding, that she had placed herself long before the judges had arrived at her second. The class, in truth, was otherwise only moderate enough, and Duchess, at best, but a bad second ; but the judges bestowed upon it a general commendation. " We shall probably not err very materially if we should rest our opinion of the Shorthorns as now, more than ever, the dominant breed of cattle in this country, upon the exhibition which is made of it in 1870, as com- pared with that in 1852 in the very home of the Devon." So said our contemporary the Gardeners' Chronicle in an article calling attention to the Taunton Show in con- nection with the merits of Shorthorns, as published on the Saturday previous to the opening of the meeting. The result, however, hardly went to maintain, in this instance at least, any such ascendency for " the dominant breed," as had been inferred. As we said last week, it was numerically the weakest represented of the three national breeds, and, with the exception perhaps of Mr. Stratton's second prize yearling heifer, there is not an animal in the entry that should promise to make any great mark at Oxford. Lord Sudeley's white bull has gone off since last season, as all bulls will do when their show condition is brought into use, and he so looks to stand more out at his shoulders than ever ; but there is still THE t'ARMBR'S MAGAZLPTE. 9 a deal to like about Mandarin, wliat with his long straight frame and line quality, and wc quite expect to see him beat the Churchill Butterlly it' they meet at Oxford. This beast has the better forehand, but, as a sct-olf, lie is very bad and vulgar about his quarter, as lie lacks much of the style of the other, and is, indeed, a commonly fair bull, of some size, and seemingly of more constitution than the other ; but then he is half a year or more the elder. There was nothing else worthy of mention in the class ; and, of the three or four two-year-olds, there was nothing beyond the winners to look at. Bythis lias gone on well, and ^lajesty, with a good coat and nice touch, has the nuikiugs of a good bull about him, while the judges must have travelled very much out of their way to highly commend such a thing as they did. There were four COW'S in all entered, every one of which received some notice, while it was a nice point between Mr. Game and Mr. Stratton for lirst, although we quite go with the award. Pride of the Heath, haudsome, lady-like, long, roomy and light of bone, is already well known about the country, having during last season taken the chief prizes in Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Northamptonshire. Beyond this she is nearly two years older than Coriander, who, having never been out before, was quite fresh and blooming. She is a useful, well- covered animal, looking of course more square and trim, but wanting something of the refined feminine character of lier rival. Another lirst appearance from Burderop is the two-year-old Peeress, a long, deep heifer, of great substance and good llesh, that had no difficulty in disposing of La Belle llelene, who shows but little advance on her yearling form, which was never more than second-rate. There is, on the contrary, however, a vast improvement observable in the best Royal calf. Flower Girl, who has dropped to her leg, and is now growing into a really stylish charming heifer, so that the Alanchestcr award would seem to be gathering confirmation. Not that the judges here by any means held to it, for they placed Gertrude, from the same herd, and a merely commended calf at Manchester, first, while, as second to her, they put Flower Girl the best of all at Manchester. Gertrude is some mouths older than the other, as she is level enough, but short and vulgar forward, and so far as the two be concerned, there can be little question but that the Royal reading was the better one. The Yorkshire entry, Lady Ilighthorn, also commended at the Royal, is ripening into a very nice heifer, but Lord Sudeley's Ceres, then in so much favour, now commanded no attention, and was altogether passed over in the liberal allowance of commendations appended to the award. Manifestly the Shorthorn man and the Hereford man who were called on to act in company over these two breeds did not get on very well together. Mr. Savidge, it may be assumed, had it very much his own way with the Shorthorns ; but although Mr. Yeomans was said to have had his son in the ring with him I the diflerences over the white faces wei'e on reference given in favour of the Shorthorn juage And there was some- thing to difl^er over, as, for example, in the capital show of yearling heifers, about the best lot of Herefords we have seen got together in one class for many a-day. And these were probably too much for the judges, for smart, bloodlike, and wealthy as is Mr. Thomas' Sunbeam, there were many would have it that Mr. Allen's second, from Mr. Rogers, of the Grove, was a better, or Mr. Tudge's highly-commended Lady Brandon a better than either of those placed before her. Lady Brandon was the best calf at Manchester, where, however, neither of the other two were entered ; while it was sutficiently manifest at Taunton that Mr. Thomas Thomas must have established in Glamorganshire a very superior herd of Herefords. His best of all the bulls. Sir John the Third, is as magnificent a specimen of the breed as we have ever seen. He is full of style and quality, Ijucked by good size, a great back, and so forth ; then lie has a fine coat, is of a good colour, fashionably faced with while, and instead of being a sleepy, sluggish, over-done brute, is as lively as a kitten, and as fierce as a bulldog ; his temper, in fact, was almost his only drawback, and it was a service of some danger to look him over. Mr. Baldwin's second is a son of Lady Asford, and Mr. Arkwright's commendation showed a deal of breeding ; but the judges qualified the compli- ment by also noticing two or three very indillcreut bulls, one of which, in the face of no competition, took a ))rize at Southampton ; and they coupled with him the " Royal" Stow, never an animal of much pretensions in good company. We spoke after Hereford Fair to the merits of Mr. Turner's " nice thick, high quality yearling Trojan," who has since been doing well, and, barring being a little narrow behind, promises in every way to be the best of his year ; but the class was not a strong one, although sundry commendations, as usual, were tacked on to the award. The Hampton Beauty is a rather delicate-looking cow, and it is a question whether Mr. Thomas should not have been first again here with a very good serviceable cow, while Mr. Allen matched his last year's entry with one of the Westoubury Fairies, although with not so successful a result. The prize heifer Silver Star has trained otf sadly from her yearling form, as she is growing very gaudy and patchy, and it was so far fortunate that she had but one to meet and beat at Taunton. Noticeably strong as was the show of Herefords, many of the best of these were bred away from Herefordshire. The best man, indeed, does not go direct to Hereford for his blood, as Mr. Thomas' Sir John the Third was bred by Mr. Rawlings in Shropshire ; and Mr. Thomas' Lizzie, at home at Cowbridge ; while the best heifer. Sunbeam, is the produce of Sir John the Third and Lizzie, the first prize bull and second prize cow. What capital proof this is ! The Sussex beasts offered, as might have been ex- pected so far from home, but a poor front of it. Both the bulls were very moderate, but the two prize cows were good, and the Heasmans sent in a pair of fairish heifers. The best Jersey bull was a wonderfully good one at all points, and the second best quite good enough to win in good company. These were backed by some nice cows, the neatest of which was put second, but happily without any of that unseemly disturbance which attended the placing of the Islanders at Southamp- ton. In fact, the Devon and Sussex judges pulled very well together, whereas the Shorthorn and Hereford couple scarcely succeeded even in satisfying each other. As we were enabled to report last week, the strong point of the Taunton Meeting is no question the capital entry of Somerset and Dorset horned sheep, where in every way some praiseworthy progress is observable. In- deed, those who know the breed best were by no means prepared for the extraordinary improvement shown in these sheep. So long as they managed to get a bit of fat on the loin and to have them ready early as house-lamb, little more was sought after. Now, however, they unite more size with more symmetry, set off as they are by those grand curling horns ; and at Oxford, if we may augur from this home-show, the Dorsets and Somersets will well maintain their right to that distinction as a breed which the Royal Society has at length accorded them in the arrangement of the classes. Noticeably enough, at Southampton last year, although as handy, there were not in all a dozen entries of these sheep, whereas at Taunton there were upwards of twenty shear- ling rams in competition, with numerous commendations appended to the actual awards. Mr. Henry Mayo, who 10 TBE FAEMEE'S MAGA2iINi]. Las giveu much attention to his flock, clearly understands not merely how to breed a sheep, but how to show him ; and his rams were very artistically turned out. Smart, however, as is the winning shearling, Mr. Herbert I'arthing's second was almost equally good ; and in the smaller class of old rams, a sheep from Nether Stowey of fine character and size had a long way the best of it. There was a time when Mr. Danger was altogether too strong for his friends and neighbours, but his flock now in the hands of Mr. Bond can reach no higher than seconds or commendations. Mr. Farthing's pen of ewes liad also more spread and use about them ; and in a ca- pital class, where everything came in for some compliment, they were unmistakeably the biggest and best. In truth, generally good as the three classes were, they were thought to have been very properly appraised ; as were the smaller and more active Exmoors, also in greater force, and really running into something like competition. But, when enforcing a certain economical arrangement, the West of England Society, as we have already shown, calls upon two men of different tastes to judge Shorthorns and Here- fords, as it entrusts horses of all kinds to one agricultural and one " nag" authority, so it puts a Southdown fancier in couples with somebody nearer home to get through the Horns and Downs. And here more particu- larly the system broke down. If there were little or no complaint amongst the Dorsets and Somersets, the Sussex breeders fairly stood aghast over the ca- pricious and altogether inexplicable reading of a Southdown, as here delivered. First of all the judges took a very neat, true shearling from Buckland, and this they placed first. They next selected a sour headed, lop-eared animal, as all over one of the worst sheep the Heasmatis have ever entered, and this they placed second; and then they commended and highly commended three rams of Mr. Rigden's, standing close along-side, any one of which for Down character, style, or quality, was bet- ter than their second prize. In fact, Mr. Rigden should have been first, if not first and second, and after him Sir "William Throckmorton. All the Heasmans' sheep were below theii- standard, and Mr. Neville-Grenville, Mr. Harding, and Mr. Brook had nothing that could come into competition with the Southdown-bred rams. Amongst the older sheep, it was, alas ! only confusion worse con- founded. Sii' William Throckmorton's first prize in an excellent class of old rams at Manchester was now merely commended, although at thi-ee years old he does not seem to have suifered much from wear-and-tear. On the the contrary, Mr. Rigden's two-shear, second at South- ampton, has done well in the interim, there being con- siderable improvement on his first-year's form ; and he got the turn of fortune's wheel as first and best. But then, to separate these two famous sheep the judges did precisely as they had done in the previous class, that is they selected one of the very worst sheep in the entry as their second prize! This was Lord Portsmouth's happily named No. 2, a significant title that must have gamed him no. 2 place on the prize list, to which he could have in such company no other claim, for a plainer meaner sheep at most points has seldom been seen. A very bloodlike, if not very large ram of Mr, Penfold's was highly commended, and then hired for Lord Walsing- ham ; but as a matter of consistency, Mr. Woods should have also hired, or if possible, have bought outright the renowned No. 2, whose merit altogether passeth show. Mr. Rigden did not send his ewes, and Mr. GrenviUe's pen was accordingly pronounced to be superior to that of Sir William Throckmorton. Barring Mr. Morrison's shearling, a very moderate one, and not to compare with his last year's specimen, Mr. Rawlence took all the prizes from Hampshires, of which there was a short and indifi'erent show ; and the Shrop- shires, as might have been expected, were in no force although here occurred one of the sensations of the meet- ing. Lord Falmouth's entries, which had been win- ning last week in Cornwall, were disqualified, as unfairly shorn, and certainly the appearance of the two-shear ram, more especially, went far to condemn him. He is otherwise a great grand sheep, and a long way the best, not of his class, for there was no class, but of the breed. The best shearling was a use- ful sheep of some quality, and Lord Chesham's still very neat rams are getting more Shropshire charac- ter, the more especially about their heads ; but the ewes are still all of the Downs, as they are certainly of a very different type to Mr. Horton's black faces, which in a class, reduced to three entries, came all the way for a commendation. The inspector drew out his pruning knife again in the following section of Oxford Downs, where he disqualified the Burghfield pen of ewes, much to Mr. Milton Drucc's astonishment and disgust, and in this case an ajopeal was straightway lodged after the following fashion : — " To the Secretary of the Bath and Wesf of England Society, Show Yard, Taunton, June 7, 1870. Sir, — With reference to my pen of Oxfordshire Ewes, No. 305, ' unfairly shorn,' I beg to say that my certificate of entry is perfectly correct, and I can bring evidence to prove it. I will thank you to lay this letter before the Council. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, A. F. Milton Druce." Otherwise the Oxford Down classes were of but little mark, the breeders evidently holding back the strength of their hands for Oxford, for which there is an extraordinary entry, one man having, as it is said, between 20 and 30 nominations in the shearling class, Mr. WaUis' old sheep distinguished himself at Leicester and Manchester, and Mr. Charles Gillett's ewes were very good indeed. The Messrs. Gould took all the first prizes for Leicesters, and they also exhibited in the Devon Long- wool classes, where the sheep pretty generally seemed to be Leicesters, or Leicesters once removed ; and straight- way the rumour of a protest got about. But Mr. Bartholomew would know that down his way there are breeders who exhibit Leicesters and also Lincolns, the inference being that two distinct flocks are maintained ; and certainly the Poltimore Leicesters are of a finer type than the Devon Long-wools, which look, beyond a certain rough coarse character, to have no remarkable merit as either a new or an old breed. The highest-bred Leicester as it struck us was Mr. Tremaine's second-prize shearling, the first at Falmouth the other day, and that on the score of style and quality might have been first again here. The Hill-men still hold off ; and almost the only good Cotswolds were those supplied from the late Mr. Gillett's flock. Otherwise, in so small an entry there were never perhaps so many bad sheep ; as certainly there should not be at a show of such calibre as that of the old West of England Society. The exhibition of horses was much after the same fashion — that is, the classes were mainly made up of two or three good and the remainder as decidedly bad. And yet where horses went far to judge themselves, never did two old hands so potter about as Messrs. Howard and Thurnall. Great as are the attractions of the ring-side, people got weary of watching, and went away and came back again, only to find these slow-tops now walking, now trotting, now cantering, and now stripping some wretched animal that might have been drafted at half a glance. This is a very conscientious way of proceeding no doubt ; but we believe that a man may bother his own eye by dwelling so much, and towards the end of the day, when the judges seemed to be really as tired of it as the spectators, some of the awards gave anything but satisfaction. There were three THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 11 or four particularly uice liuuliug horses, at tlie jicad of which was a Poutifcx threc-ycar-old, called Splash- water, an airy, sweet stylish horse, with the " luauuers" of a park hack, aud altogether delightful riding action. The Lincolnshire judge bought him forthwith, as it was said for Mr. Chaplin, and Splashwater, no doubt, will be seen again in the ring. The three four-year-olds placed were again all very good ; the winner being worth the most as a matter of weight, but the grey is the neater nag of the two, and Mr. Michelmorc's three and four-year-olds, both worth looking after. In fact, had the iilly been ridden she should have been put second to the Yorkshire horse, as Mr. Battams' Irish chesnut is a vulgar, servant's sort of animal, neither remarkable for looks nor action. There was a deal of talk over another Irish nag. Hunting Horn, that, as a raw colt, took a prize at Southampton, while he was here pronounced to be the best of the all-aged class. He is a nirrow high horse, but a slashing goei', and with such upright shoulders, rather to be commended as a second- class steeplechaser than as a pleasant horse to ride . Mr. Battams had a couple of useful horses in this class ; but the competition was by no means keen, and the whole lot might bear a mediocriter mark. A half-brother to Splash- water was entered amongst the yearlings, and another bloodlike promising colt he is, with the walk of a race horse and the makings of a Leicestershire hunter. And over his head the judges put a quick varmint hackney thing, with a bob-tail, that could no doubt move a bit ; but in a class of hunting colts or fillies a more extraordin- ary mistake was never committed. It is only to be hoped that the judges may be induced to write their own report for the Society's Journal, aud so take the opportunity of explaining what so far looks like an inexplicable award. Mr. Battams' big chesnut cob is cut out to carry an alderman or a banker, and the London dealers should look him up forthwith ; and so most assuredly they showed Mr. Ballard's pony — a very perfect little horse by Ilospodar, standing- some thirteen hands and a-half high. He has a beautiful lean head, a clean neck, fine shoulders, a round barrel, and famous thighs and quarters. In fact, he is as full of style and fashion as he can be, whether you throw the rein on his neck and let him stand stiU, as well he knows how, or set him going. The only thing against the Cowbridge pet is that he is ridden in a very severe long ported bit, against which he lookec^ to bore a little in his faster paces. Of course he was first, as was a merry little high-stepping chesnut in the next class ; but neither of their seconds was well selected, and no doubt there were better amongst the remainder. Mr. Trott's bay poked his head out in a ring-snaffle, but in Mr. Ballard's bridle, and with Mr. Ballard to ride him, he would have shown very differently, and at three years old, with plenty of time to make him, was the most serviceable pony of his class ; and he was not placed even second. The best cart stallion was a long way the best of the lot — a deep weighty good-looking grey, that could move; while the s econd prize was a very moderate beast, imd none of the others of such mark. Mr. Tice's brown two-year- old also showed to great advantage in the rin?, beiug, indeed, a very taking colt of a capital colour, with good ends and plenty of liberty for a cart horse. The best looking, if not, indeed, the only good looking, c£.rt mare was Mr. GoUedge's Wiltshire brown, but she was lame, and so straightway disqualified, as we trust from some heriditary defect, for unsoundness in a brood mare is otherwise of little or no detriment. The world, how- ever, for a wonder was heartily sick of the horse-ring by the time the turn came for the cart horses, and the blaze of the afternoon sun left the twain moving them here and there, aiul there and back again, like an over-played game at drafts. The pig show, taken right through, was decidedly good, and the judges occasionally commended whole classes. As usual, however, the big pigs did not tell much ; and of the two classes of boars, the iirst in each alone claimed any particular attention. The Bedford pigs certainly seem to be doing and showing better and better ; although, whether the credit of this be due to the breed or the management, we will not stay to discuss here. The prizes and the commentary thereon would run much the same with the large sows, saving that ftlr. Dove fairly beat both Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire in the couples with two very admirable young white sows, bred by Mr. Rake, of Bristol; who, however famous he may be this time, we confess to have never heard of before. In the small breeds, Mr. Ware, from Cornwall, took first and second prizes for old boars with own brothers, aud two of the very best pigs on the ground. They are of the improved Essex breed which would seem to have taken fresh root further west, and to have wafted the fame of Fisher Ilobbs to the very Land's End. The younger class of small boars was by no means so good ; but the small sows, in both classes of which the awards went precisely the same way, had much merit, the elder single entry sows being one of the very best in the show. And at the head of this stands Messrs. Duckerings' Lily, half sister to Little Queen, about the most renowned pig of her era. The Berkshires had this year a section to themselves, and they proved how thoroughly they deserved the compliment ; for some of the best pigs, and the very best farmer's pigs, wei'e to be found here. The advantages of Science with Practice were further pointed by far away the best boar having been bred and reared at the Cirencester College. Giving, as a racing man would say, Mr. Heber Humfrey and Sir Wil- liam Throckmorton " lots of weight" in the way of age, for he was only a day too old for the younger class. Sambo's superiority as a high-quality but still true Berkshire was very manifest. His awkward age let in Mr. Stewart for both premiums amongst the juniors, where the College and Mr. Humfrey had again some very good entries, but Mr. Stewart enjoys an established repute for Berkshires. The whole class of sows was commended, and when the judges had reduced their field to five they were still in something of a difficulty, so altogether admirable was the entry. Very noticeably the winner turned up in a sow with rather too much white about her, shown by the Duckerings but bred by Mr. Griggs in Essex ; aud thus from thirteen entries eight prizes go to Lincolnshire, of four entries from the Britannia farms, three are returned as winners, while Mr. Stewart takes precisely a similar proportion, three prizes and one blank. There was no competition in the class of young sows in couples, for Mr. Bailey, of Swindon, who had made some entries, did not care to send ou. The non-prize system of the West of England Society would seem to be fast bringing the implement business to a crisis. Either on the ground or at the trials it is scarcely possible to imagine the indift'erence which was displayed by the visitors to so important a section of the show. Although the field was within a stone's throw of the entrance to " the yard," as it is called in contradis- tinction, very few people beyond the exhibitors or their staif cared to give even a passing visit, and as neither the rye for the reapers nor the grass for the mowers afforded much opportunity for the display of good work, the trials, as a contemporary has it, were " somewhat mild." Certain of the manufacturers positively refused to cut into such poor crops, but Woods had out a new reaper that was said to have not made much mark, and the Howards, the Hornsbys, and Burgess and Key were also represented ia 12 THE EAKMBR'S MAGAZINE. the tield. TLl' ploughing was more iutcresting, and Pirie, shepherded by Fowler and Co., was declared to have acliieved some noticable improvement even on the very perfect implement we have already in use. Of course, some of the great houses, like the Rausomes and the Howards, also had a bout or two ; but only imagine a ploughing match without prizes ! a salad without the dressing, an opera without the orchestra, or a battle fought with blank cartridge. As one straightforward fellow told us with a significant smile, " of course ^ce did the best work, sir," and no wonder if the Society has quietly dropped out these trials from its own official report. They were certainly never so tame as at Taunton ; but, only let the Council offer, say, £100 in premiums, for novelties on the stands or in the field, and a new spirit would be infused into these proceedings. We gave in our last weeks' number a list of the agricultural implement makers exhibiting, and these, without any such inceutive or attraction, had to vie with premiums not only for cattle and sheep, but for poultry and flowers, and lucky numbers in the Fine Arts lottery. The following is a list of the exhibitors of implements : Afileck, Swindon ; Amies, Barford, and Co., Peterborough ; Andrews, Melksham ; Ashby, JefFery, and Luke, Stamford ; ISaker, Wisbech ; Baker, Compton, Newbury ; Baker, Bristol ; 13amlett, Thirsk ; Bayliss, Jones, and Bayliss, Wolverhamp- ton ; Beach and Co., Dudley ; Beale, Taunton ; Bentall, Mai- den ; Bell Brothers, London ; Beverley Iron and Waggon Company, Beverley ; Beare, Liverton, Newton Abbot ; Bel- clier, Gee, and Co., Gloucester ; Boby, Bury St. Edmunds ; Boulton and Co., Norwicli ; Bradford and Co., Manchester ; Brenton, Polbathic, Cornwall ; Bristol Implement Company, Bristol ; Bristol Waggon Works Company, Bristol ; Browne and Co., Bridgwater; Brock, Bristol ; Brown Brothers, Lyme Regis; Brown and May, Devizes ; Barman, Taunton; Burgess and Key, Loudon ; Cambridge E. aud Co., Bristol ; Carson and Sons, London ; Carson and Toone, Warminster ; Carter and Co., Loudon ; Clayton and Slmttleworth, Lincoln ; Cole- man and Morton, Chelmsford ; Colthurst, Small, and Co., Taunton ; Colthurst, Symons, and Co., Bridgwater ; Corbett, Shrewsbury; Cranston, Birmingham ; CuUingford, Stratford; Davey, Devonport ; Davis, London ; Day, ISridgwater ; t)aj, Crewe; Day, Son, and Hewitt, London; Dear, Southampton ; Deuing and Co., Chard ; Denton, Wolver- liampton ; Dodge, Loudon ; Dnffield, London ; Eddy, Kenn- ford, Exeter ; Eisher, Taunton ; Follows and Bate, Manches- ter ; Eowler and Co., Leeds ; Pox, Walter, and Co., London ; Puller, Bath ; Gardner, Gloucester ; Garrett and Sons, Sax- raundham ; Garton and King Exeter ; Gibbons, Wantage ; Gliddon, Taunton ; Goss, Plymouth ; Gray and Co., Glasgow ; Haward, Tyler, and Co., London ; Ilardon, Manchester ; Hay- man and Co., Exeter ; Hayues aud Sous, London ; Headley and Son, Cambridge ; Heard, London ; Heap, Manchester ; Hellard, Taunton ; Hill and Smith, Brierley Hill ; Hindley, Bourton, Dorset ; Hilton ?.nd Co., London ; Hill, Yeovil ; Hobbs, Basingstoke ; Holmes and Son, Norwich ; Hornsby, Grantham ; Howard, Bedtord ; Hudspith, Haltwhistle ; Humphries, Persliore ; Hunt, Earls Colne ; Hutchings, Exmouth ; Huxtable, Ottery St. Mary ; Inraan, Stret- ford ; Jaque, Abergavenny ; James, Cheltenham ; Johnson, London ; Jones, London ; Jones, Gloucester ; Kallend and Son, Taunton ; Kiddle, Salisbury ; King, London ; Larkworthy and Co., Lowesmoor ; Le Butt, Bury St. Edmund's ; Lee, Gloucester ; Lewin, Poole ; Lewis and Hoole, Shrewsbury ; Lyon, London ; Main and Co., London ; Major and Co., Bridgwater; Markall, London; Marshall, Sous, and Co., Gainsborough ; Marshall, Upton Pyne ; McNaught and Smith, Worcester ; Menuel and Co., London ; Milford, Kenn ; MU- burn aud Co., London ; Milford, Thorverton ; Mitchell and Co., Manchester ; Moule's Patent Earth Closet Company, London ; Nell, Harrison, aud Co., London ; Newubam and Son, Bath ; Nicholson, Newark ; O'Haulen and Co., Bristol; Page and Co., Bedford ; Parnall and Son, St. Thomas, Exeter ; Parham, Bath ; Peace, Bridgwater ; Penney and Co., Lincoln; Perkins and Bellamy, Ross ; Perman, Salisbury ; Petter, Yeovil; Phillips, Newton Abbott ; Picksley, Sims, and Co., Leigh ; Piggott Brothers, Loudon ; Plowman, Bridgwater ; Powis C. and Co., London ; Powis J. aud Co., Loudon ; Priest aud Woolnough, Kingston-on-Thames ; Ramsbottom and Co., Leeds ; Ransomes, Sims, aud Head, Ipswich ; Reading Iron Works, Reading ; Reeves, VA^estbury ; Rendle, Loudon ; Richards, Wincanton ; Richmond and Chandler, Salford ; Roberts and Sons, Bridgwater ; Robey and Co., Lincoln ; Robinson, Wembdon ; Rollins, London ; Ruston, Proctor, and Co., Lincoln ; Samuelson and Co., Banbury ; Savery, Taun- ton ; Sawney, Beverley ; Silvester, London ; Simpson and Co., London ; Simpson and Son, Melksham ; Smith and Sons, Chard ; Smith and Grace, Thrapston ; Southwell and Co., Rugeley ; Spong and Co., London ; Standfield aud Crosse, Exeter ; Stiles, Londou ; Sutton and Sons, Reading ; Tasker and Sons, Andover ; Thomas, Bridgend; Thomson, Perth; Tliompson, Brothers, Bridgwater ; Tipper, Birmingham ; Tuck and Son, Bath ; Turner, Ipswich ; Tuxford and Sons, Boston ; Vezey, Bath ; AVaide, Leeds ; Wallis and Steevens, Basingstoke ; Watson, Audover ; Weusley, Mark ; Winter, Wiveliseombe ; Wise Brothers, Bristol ; Wood, London ; Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, Stowmarket; Woofe, Bed- ford : Worssam and Co., Chelsea. PRIZE LIST, CATTLE. DEVOIRS. JuDGE-s (and for Sussex and Chanuel Islands Cattle) :— J. Pitcher, Hailsham, Hurst-Green. R. Warren, Childokeford, Blaudford. BuUs, exceeding two and not exceeding four years old. — First prize, £20, Viscount Falmouth, Tregotlman, Probus (Narcissus) ; second, £10, J. Howard Buller, Downes, Ciediton ; highly commended, Walter Farthing, Stowey Court, Bridgwater (Duke of Gothelney) ; commended, J. Davy, (Dukeof Flitton4th). Bulls, not exceeding two years old. — First prize, £20, J. Davy, Flitton Barton, North Molton (Duke of Flitton 5th) ; second, £10, W. Smith, Hoopern, Exeter (Pennsylvania) ; highly commended, J. Jaekman, Hcxworthy, Launceston; commended, J. A. Smith, Bradford Peverell, Dorchester (Duke of York). Cows, in calf, or in milk. — First prize, £15, J. Davy (Actress) ; second, £13, W. Smith, Hoopern (Musk) ; highly commeuded,J.A.Smith(Daisy); commended, J. A. Smith (Pet). Heifers, in calf, or in milk. — First prize, £15, Walter Far- thiug (Pretty Maid) ; second, £10, J. A. Smith (Picture). Heifers, not exceeding two years old. — First prize, £10, J. Davy (Temptress 2nd) ; second, £5, W. Smith (Duchess) highly commended, T. Hawkes Risdon, Washford, Taunton, (Alexandra). The class commended. SIIORTHORUS. Judges (and for Herefords) : — M. Savidge, Sarsden, Chipping Norton. W. Yeoman, Stretton Court, Hereford. Bulls, exceeding two and not exceeding four years. — First prize, £20, G. Game, Churchill Heath, Chipping Norton (Royal Butterfly 20th) ; second, £10, Lord Sudeley, Todding- ton, Winchcomb (Manderin) ; highly commended. Rev. R. B. Kennard, Marnhull, Blaudford (Oxford Duke). Bulls, not exceeding two years. — First prize, £20, Lady Emily Pigot, Branches Park, Newmarket (Bythis) ; second, £10, R. Stratton, Burderop, Swindon (Majesty) ; highly commended, G. Hitchman, Long Ashton, Bristol (Chan- cellor) . Cows, in calf, or in milk. — First prize, £15, G. Game (Pride of the Heath) ; second, £10, R. Stratton (Coriander) ; highly commended, O. Hosegood, Dillmgton, Ilminster (Ursula I5th) ; commended, J. Dove, Harabrook House, Ham- brook (Cherish). Heifers, in calf, or in milk. — First prize, £15, R. Stratton (Peeress) ; second, £10, Lady Emily Pigot (La Belle Hek'ue) ; highly commended, W. H. Uewett, Norton Court, Taunton (Violet). Heifers, not exceeding two years old. — First prize, £10, R. Stratton (Gertrude) ; second, £5, R. Stratton (Flower Girl) ; highly commended. Rev. R. B. Kennard (Oxford Duchess), J. Webb, Fladbury, Pershore (Bella), J. T. Robinson, Leckby THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 13 Palace, Asenby, Tliirsk (Lady Highthoriic), and Lady Emily Pigot (Mantiliiia 2ud) ; commended, J. Dove (Baukea Hose), and W. H. Hewett (Annette 3rd) . IIEREFORDS. Bulls exceeding two and not exceeding four years. — First prize, £20, T. Thomas, St. Hilary, Cowbridge, Glamorgan (Sir John 3rd) ; second, £10, J. Baldwin, Luddington, Strat- ford-on-Avon (Lord Ashford) ; highly commended, J. Gif- ford, North Cadbury, Castle Gary (Brigadier) and N. Benja- field, Short's Green Farm, Motcombe, Shaftesbury (Theodore) ; commended, J. IL Arkwright, Uampton Court, Leominster (Sir Richard) and J. Morris, Town Ilouse, Madley, Hereford (Stow). Bulls not exceeding two years old. — First prize, £20, P. Turner, The Leen, Pembridge, Leominster (Trojan) ; second, £10, H. N. Edwards, Broadward, Leominster (Sir John) ; highly commended, J. Harding, Bicton, Shrewsbury (Count Fosco). Cows in calf, or in milk. — First prize, £15, J. H. Ark- wright (Hampton Beauty) ; second, £10, T. Thomas (Lizzie) ; highly commended, J. D. Allen, Tisbury, Salisbury (Fairy 3rd). Heifers in calf, or in milk. — First prize, £15, W. Tudge, Adfortou, Leintwardine (Silver Star) ; second, £10, P. Turner (Livia). Heifers not exceeding two years. — First prize, £10, T. Thomas (Sunbeam) ; second, £5, J. D. Allen (Lovely) ; highly commended, J. Harding (Dahlia), W. Tudge (Lady Bran- don) ; commended, P. Turner (Butterfly), J. H. Arkwright, (Lively), J. Morris (Chignon), T. Fenn, Stonebrook House Ludlow (Duchess of Bedford 6th). SUSSEX. Bulls not exceeding two years. — First prize, £20, J. Turvill, Hartley Park Farm, Alton (Young Martin) ; second, £10, G. Jenuer, Parsonage House, Uddimore, Bye (Young Taunton). Cows in calf, or in milk. — First prize, £i5, Tilden Smith, Knell, Beckley, Ashord, Sussex (Fagg) ; second, £10, J. Turvill (Rose); highly commended, Tilden Smith (Fatty). Heifers in calf, or in milk. — First prize, £15, Messrs. J. and A. Heasman, Angmering, Arundel (Southampton) ; second, £10, J. and A. Heasman (Beauty) ; commended, G. Jenuer (Young Cooke). CHANNEL ISLANDS. Bulls, not exceeding four years. — First prize, £10, G. Digby Wingfield Digby, Sherborne Castle, Sherborne (Sir Jerry) ; second, £5, H. Compton, Manor House, Miuesteed, Lyndliurst (Prince) ; highly commended, R. C. Priddle, North Stoueham, Southampton (Briton) ; commended, W. C. Drake Esdaile, Burley Manor, Ringwood (Blarcpiis), and W. Gibbs, Tyntesfield, Bristol (Red Knight). Cows in calf, or in milk. — First prize, £10, W. Gibbs ; second, £5, H. Compton (Ada). The class commended. SHEEP. LEICESTEKS. Judges (and for Other Long-wool Sheep) : — W. Bartholomew, Waddiugtou Heath, Lincoln. T. Brown, Martram, Downham Market. Yearling rams. — First prize, £10, J. and A. E. Gould, Polti- more, Exeter ; second, £5, J. Tremain, Polsue, Grarapound, Cornwall. Rams of any other age. — First prize, £10, J. and A. E. Gould; second, £5, G. Turner, Brampford Speke, Exeter; highly commended, J. Tremain. Pens of five yearling ewes. — First prize, £10, J. and A. E. Gould ; second, £5, J. B. Corner, Longforth, Wellington. COTSWOLDS. Yearling rams. — First prize, £10, the executors of the late T. Gillett, Kilkenny, Faringdon ; second, £5, the executors of the late T. Gillett. Rams of any other age. — First prize, £10, the executors of the late T. Gillett, Kilkenny, Faringdon Oxford; second, £5, T. B. Browne, Salperton Park, Andoversford ; commended, J. Williams, Caercady, Cowbridge, Glamorganshire. Pens of five yearling ewes. — First prize, £10, the executors of the late T. Gillett; second, £5, J. Williams ; commended, T. B. Browne. DEVON LONGWOOLS. Yearling rams. — First prize, £10, R. Corner, Torweston, Williton, Somerset ; second, £5, R. Corner ; highly com- mended J . and A. E. Gould, Poltimore, Exeter ; commended, R. Corner. Rams of any other age. — First prize £10, Elizabeth Gib- biugs, Higher Brenton, Kennford, Exeter ; second, £5, R. Corner ; highly commended, G. Kingdon, Rodmore, Devon. Pens of five yearling ewes. — First prize, £10, J. B. Corner; second, £5, J. B. Corner. SOUTIIDOAVNS. Judges (and for Short-wool Sheep) : — F. Budd, Hatclnvarren Farm, Basingstoke. II. Woods, Merton, Thetford. Yearling rams. — First prize, £10, Sir W.Throckmorton, Bart., Buckland, Faringdon, Berks ; second, £5, J. and A. Heasman, Augmering, Arundel ; highly commended, W. llig- den. Hove, Brighton ; commended, W. Rigden (for two more rams). Rams of any other age. — First prize, £10, W. Rigden ; se- cond, £5, the Earl of Portsmouth, Hurstbourue Park, White- church, Hants ; highly commended, Sir W. Throckmorton and H. H. Tenfold, Selsey, Chichester ; commended, Sir W. Throckmorton. Pens of five yearling ewes. — First prize, £10, R. Nevillc- Grenville, M.P., Butleigh-court, Glastonbury ; second, £5, Sir W. Throckmorton. hampsuire downs. Yearling rams. — First prize, £10, A. Morrison, Fonthill House, Tisbury ; second, £5, J. Rawlence, Bulbridge, Wilton, Salisbury. Rams of any other age. — First prize, £10, J. Rawlence ; second, £5, J. Rawlence; commended, J. Moore, Littlecott, Pewsey. Pens of five yearling ewes. — First prize, £10, J. Rawlence ; second, £5, J. Rawlence ; highly commended, J. Barton, Juu., Hackwood, Basingstoke. SIIROPSIIIIIE. Yearling rams. — First prize, £10, H. Wood, Pucknall Farm, Romsey ; second, £5, Lord Chesham, Chesham, Latimer, Bucks ; commended, Lord Chesham. Rams of any other age. — No award. Pens of five yearling ewes. — First prize. Lord Chesham ; second, £5, II. Wood; highly commended, T. Horton, Uaruagc Grange, Shrewsbury. OXFORDSHIRE DOWNS. Yearling rams. — First prize, £10, C. Gillett, Cote House, Bampton, Oxfordshire ; second, £5, C. Gillett. Rams of any other age. — First prize, £10, G. Wallis, Old Shifl'ord, Bampton, Faringdon ; second, £5. C. Gillett. Pens of five yearling ewes. — First prize, £10, C. Gillett ; second, £5, F. Gillett, Upton Downs, Burford. SOMERSET AND DORSET HORNS. Yearling rams. — First prize, £20, II. Mayo, Coker's Frorae, Dorchester ; second, £5, H. Farthing, Nether Stowey, Bridg- water ; highly commended, II. Mayo, J. W. James, Maji- powder Court, Blandford, A. J. Pitfield, Eype, Bridport ; commended, E. Gapper Legg, Coombe Down, Beaminster. Rams of any other aq-e. — First prize, £10, H. Farthing ; second, £5, A. Bond, Huntstile, Bridgwater. Pens of five yearling ewes. — First prize, £10, II. Farthing ; second, £5, J. Culverwell, Classey Farm, Bridgwater ; highly commended, R. Welch, Stocklinch, Ilminster, A. Bond, Hunt- stile, W. B. Peren, Compton House, South Petherton ; com- mended, H. Mayo. EXMOOR AND OTHER MOUNTAIN SHEEP. Rams of any age.— First prize, £10, J. Quartly, West Molland, South Molton, Devon ; second, £5, J. Davy ; com- mended, J. Quartly. Pens of five ewes of any age. — First prize, £5, Sir T.Dyke Ackland, Bart., Holnicote, Minehead ; second, £3, W. Smith, Hoopern. Inspector of Shearing : — H. Bone, Avon, Ringwood. HORSES. Judges : — F. C. Howard, Temple Brewer, Sleaford. II. Thurnall, Royston. FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. Stallions foaled before 18CS.— First prize, £25, J. Hitch- cock, Chitterne All Saints, lleytesbury, Wilts (Lion) ; second £15, J. Joyce, Great Wadham, South Molton (Young 14 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Matchless) ; highly commended, William Pocock, Edington turtle, Bridgwater (Young Invincible). Stallions foaled in 1868.— First prize, £20, W. Tyce, "Westonzoyland, Bridgwater (Young President) ; second, £10, J. Hitchcock (The Brown Duke). Higlily commended, H. L. Heatli, Weare, Weston-super-Mare (Parmer's Glory). Mares and foals or in foal. — First prize, £15, J. Hutson, East Brent, Weston-super-Mare (Blossom) ; second, £5, Mrs. Elizabeth Burbidge, South WraxhaU, Bradford-on- Avon, Wilts (Blossom) ; commended, E. Gibbs, Chitterne, Heytesbury. HUNTERS. Mares or geldings, foaled before the 1st January, 1866. — First prize, £25, C. Champney, Theale, Wells (Hunting Horn) ; second, £lO, G. B. Battams, Kilworthy, Tavistock, Devon (Seneschal) ; commended, G. B. Battams (Dartington) ; N, Chichester, Newport, Barnstaple (Privateer). Mares or geldings, foaled in 1866. — First prize, £25, G. B. Battams (Epicure) ; second, £10, G. B. Battams (Grimaldi) ; highly commended, J. Michelmore, Berry Pomeroy, Totness (Lady Maud). Fillies or geldings foaled in 1867.— First prize, £10, J. T. Robinson, Leckby Palace, Asenby, Thirsk (Splashwater) ; second, £5, G. B. Battams(Topthorne) ; commended, E. Ash- ley, Honitou (Harkaway). Cohs or fillies foaled in 1869. — First prize, £10, J. Joyce, Great Wadham, South Molton ; second, £5, J. T. Robinson (Bellringer) ; commended, E. Ashley. HACKS. Mares or geldings, not more than six years, nor exceeding 15 hands. — First prize, £15, G. B. Battams (Gladiator) ; second, £5, W. B. Peren, Compton House, South Petherton (Comet). PONIES. Mares or geldings, not exceeding 14 hands. — First prize, £10, J. S. Ballards, The Verlands, Oowbridge (Chicken Haz- ard) ; second, £5, W. S. Gibbs, Pitminster House, Taunton (Banker) ; commended, Rev. T. H. House, Anderson Rectory, Blandford. Mares or geldings, not exceeding 13 hands. — First prize, J. Thomas, Cardiff (Minnie) ; second, £5, J. Loueh, Langport (Peggy) ; highly commended, J. Trott, Southill, Barton (Col- lumptou ; commended, J. Copins, St. Cleer's, Taunton (Little Joe). PIGS. Judges: — J. Coate, Hammoon, Blandford. J. Smith, Heuley-in-Arden. LARGE BREED. Boars above one year and not exceeding two. — First prize, £5, J. and F. Howard, Britannia Farms, Bedford ; second, £3, R. E. Duckering and Son, Northorpe, Kirton Lindsey, Lin- colnshire. Boars not exceeding one year old. — First prize, £5, R. E. Duckering and Son ; second, £3, R. E. Duckering and Son. Breeding sow in farrow, or with litte.'. — First prize, £5, J. and F. Howard ; second, £3, R. E. Duckering and Son. The class highly commended. Pens of two breeding sows, not exceeding nine months old. First prize, £5, J. Dove, Hambrook ; second, J. and F. Howard. SMALL BREED. Bo^rs, above one year old, and not exceeding two. — First prize, £5, W. M. Ware, Newham House, Helstone, Cornwall ; second, £3, W. M. Ware. The class highly commended. Boar, not exceeding one year old. — First prize, £5, T. R. Cornish, Wolfsgrove, Bishop's Teignton, Teignmoutli ; second, £3, 11. E. Duckering and Son ; highly commended, T. Taylor. Breeding sows in farrow, or with litter. — First prize, £5, R. E. Duckering and Son ; second, £3, T. Taylor, Pool, Taun- ton. The class highly commended. Pens of breeding sows, not exceeding nine months old. — First prize, £5, R. E. Duckering and Son ; second, £3, T. Taylor. BEUKSHIRES. Boars, above one year old, and not exceeding two. — First prize, £5, R. Swanwick, Royal Agricultural College Farm, Cirencester; second, £3, H. Eumfrey, Kingstone Farm, Shrivenhara. Boars, apt exceedin? on» year old.— First prize, i|6, A, Stewart, Saint Bridge House, GloHoester; second, £3, A. Stewart. Breeding sows in farrow, or with litter. — First prize, £5, R. E. Duckering and Son ; second, £3, A. Stewart. The class highly commended. Pens of two breeding sows, not exceeding nine months old. — First prize, £5, R. Swanwick ; second, £3, H. Humfrey. HORSE SHOEING. First prize, — Sawyer ; second, J. Batten ; third, B. Tucker. Commended : T. King, G. Humphries, and G. Ayres. THE ANNUAL MEETING Was held in the Council Tent on Wednesday. Sir Stafford Northcote, M.P,, President for the year, who only arrived in England from Quebec on the previous day, took the chair. Mr. Goodwin, the secretary, then read the following REPORT. The steady progress and financial prosperity of the Society afford legitimate ground for congratulation on the occasion of its 93rd anniversary meeting. The funded stock, which during the year has been augmented by the purchase of i;'576 8s. additional three per cent, consols, now amounts to £5,500, invested in the names of Sir John Thomas BuUer Duckworth, Bart., Mr. Thomas Dyke Acland, M.P., and Mr. Jonathan Gray, the trustees of the Society. The Council have to lament the removal, by death, of several valued members, including Lord Taunton, who, so recently as the year 1865, filled the office of president, and who evinced a lively interest in pro- moting the Society's second visit to a locality with which he had long been honourably associated ; but they have the satis- faction to report an encouraging addition to the list of sub- scribing members. There are at present on the Society's books 82 life members, 14'2 governors subscribing £2 or up- wards annually, 648 members subscribing £1 annually, and 225 members subscribing 10s. annually. The past year has witnessed the termination of the long-pending suit of Byrne V. Wintle, which involved a collateral issue whether the Society was entitled to receive in full an annuity of £25 from the late Mr. Slack, of Bath, and the Council regret to report tliat as the pure personalty of the testator proved insufficient to meet the demands with which he had charged it, the Master of the Rolls has ordered the transfer of £49 14s. 7d. consols to the Society in full settlement of its claims. The costs of the so- ciety as allowed on taxation, have, however, been paid out of the testator's estate. It is to be hoped that the contemplated meeting at Guildford during the ensuing year will firmly cement the union recently contracted between the Western and Southern counties, and tend to the development of the agricultural and commercial resources of the two great dis- tricts, which, though geographically remote, have in many respects a community of interest. The Council congratulate the members on the very encou- raging auspices under which the Society for a second time visits the town of Taunton, where its first migratory meeting was held eighteen years ago ; and a comparison of the entries of stock and implements on the two occasions may be satis- factorily cited in illustration of the advantage of changing the place of meeting from year to year. At the Taunton meeting in 1852 there were 241 entries of stock, and the implements enumerated and described in the catalogue were 486 in number. At the present meeting there are 520 entries of stock, the largest number ever made for the Society's own prizes ; whilst there are 175 exhibitors of im- plements, and not less than 2,965 articles, including 50 steam engines. In order to encourage pictures of higher merit than those usually shown at the Society's meetings, the Council have this year granted the sum of £100 to enable the Arts Committee to render the Art Union more popular and attractive by the offer of prizes of greater value than the unassisted proceeds from the sale of Art Union tickets would justify. As every member of the Society who lias comphed with the regulation published in the Society's official programme is entitled to a chance, it is hoped that this arrangement will prove geaerajly satisfactory, THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 15. With the commencement of a third series of the Society's Journal it was thought desirous to publish two parts or volumes annually, and the volumes published in accordance with this resolution have been forwarded in due course to all members entitled to receive them. The arrangement, how- ever, is too costly to permit of its continuance, and it is pro- posed after the present year to limit the publication to one part or volume only. In accordance with this arrangement, the second volume of the Journal, 3rd series, will be puljlished as soon as possible after the Guildford meeting in 1871 ; but it is hoped that reports of the Taunton meeting, published separately but corresponding in type, form and size with those of the Journal itself, may be in the hands of members within a brief period after the termination of the meeting. The Council, having regard to the usage of the Society that the President for any year shall be njn-resident in the county wherein the annual meeting is held, recommend that the Right Hon. the Earl of Cork and Orrery, Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Somerset, he elected President for the year ending with the Guildford meeting. They also recommend that the Right Hon. Sir Stafford Northcote, Bart., and Edward Brydges Williams, Esq., M.P., be elected vice-presidents. And they further recommend that the following members of the Society, whose uames have been conspicuously published in tlie showyard in accordance with the bye-laws of the So- ciety, be appointed members of the Council to supply vacancies occurring by retirement, rotation, and other causes : — EASTERN DIVISION. Bush, Clement, Weston, Bath. Danger, Thomas, Rowford Lodge, Taunton. Duckham, Thomas, Baysham Court, Ross. Gray, John, Kingweston, Somerton. King, J. Webb, West Everley, Marlborough. KnoUys, J. E., Fitzhead Court, Taunton. Poole, Gabriel S., Brent Knoll, Weston-super-Mare. Stratton, Richard, Burderop, Swindon. Williams, Herbert, Stinsford, Dorchester. WESTERN DIVISION. Boscawen, Hon. and Rev. J. T., Lamorran, Probus. Brent, Robert, Woodbury, Exeter. Davy, John Tanner, Rose Ash, Southmolton, Daw, John, Exeter. Daw, R. R. M., Exeter. Gordon, Charles, Wiscombe Park, Honiton. Kennaway, J. H., M.P., Escott, Ottery St. Mary. Hole, James, Knowle House, Dunster. Holly, J. H., Oaklands, Okehampton. Thynne, Rev. A., Penstowe, Stratton, Cornwall. SOUTHERN DIVISION. Dickinson, W., New Park, Lymington, Hants. Grenfell, Arthur, Shalford, near Guildford. Portal, Wyndham, Malstranger, Basingstoke. Rigden, W., Hove Earm, Brighton. Shackel, George, Erleigh Court, Reading. Simmonds, W. B., M.P., Abbot's Barton, Winchester. Spiers, R. J., Oxl^ord. Stebbing, J. R., St. Andrew's Lodge, Southampton. Turner, J. S., Chyngton, Seaford. ELECTED WITHOUT REFERENCE TO DISTRICTS. Allen, James D., Pyt House, Tisbury. Druce, A. F., Milton, Burghfield, Reading. Robertson, Henry, Over Stowey, Bridgwater. Vidal, E. IJ., Cornborough, Bideford. Williams, E. W., Herringstone, Dorchester. Mr. ACLA.ND, M.P., moved the adoption of the report. Mr. MuRcn seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. ]\[r. Jonathan Gray proposed as President for the current year the Earl of Cork and Orrery. Mr. Knollys seconded the resolution, which was carried. The proposed Vice-Presidents and members of Council were also elected, and certain formal votes of thanks passed. THE BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND SOCIETY'S SHEEP SHOW. to the EDITOR OP THE MARK LANE EXPRESS. Sir, — In answer to my protest, I received the following- letter from the secretary of the Bath and West of England Society. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Burghfield, June 18, 1870. A. E. Milton Dbuce. [Copy.] Show-yard, Taunton, June 7, 1870. To A. F. Milton Druce, Esq. Dear Sir, — The inspector of shearing has reported to the disqualifying committee that your pen of ewes (No. 305 in the catalogue) are unfairly shorn, not as to time, but the mode of shearing ; and the council, having given their best consideration to tlie matter, feel bound to support the decision of the inspector and disqualifying committee. I am, dear sir, yours obediently, JosiAii Goodwin, Secretary. We, tlie undersigned, do hereby certify that we saw th& shearling ewes exhibited by Mr. Druce at the Taunton Show early in the month of April, and that they were all fairly and barely shorn. Witness our hands this 17th day of June, 1870 -. (Signed) William Cooper, Burghfield. Richard Wm. Keep, Burghfield. Levi Hancox (working bailiff). Joseph CoUett (shepherd). Mr. Francis Budd, one of the judges of shortwool sheep at Taunton, writes against our remarks on the placing of the Southdowns. He commences his letter with an absurd attack on a gentleman who had no more to do with our criticism,, knew no more of what would appear, and was no more con- sulted upon the sheep show than Mr. Budd himself. We omit only the opening of his letter, which runs on in this way : " Had the remarks in your paper emanated from a person who really understood anything about what a sheep should be, it would have given me pleasure to prove that the sheep at Taunton were judged by the hand as well as by the eye, which may account for your not being able to understand why the prizes were given to the animals you condemn. To practical men it does appear a burlesque on agriciiltural writing that persons who are well known to have no experience in the things they write about should feel themselves qualified to impugn the judgment of men who, if they do not, ought to know something about their business. Too often, as it may probably be in your case, the remarks do not originate with the writer, but with disappointed exhibitors. Comparisons are generally odious ; but I would ask you to look at the re- port of the Bath and West of England Society's exhibition in the BelPs Weellij Messencjer of tliis week, which is written by a practical man, and mark the difference between his report and your own. I am, sir, your obedient servant, "Francis Budd; " Haich Warren, Basiiir/sioke, June IG." We thoroughly agree with Mr. Budd in his remarks as to " men who if tliey do not ought to know something abont their business ;" while as to our criticism " originating with dis- appointed exhibitors," so far as we remember, we scarcely exchanged a word with any of the exhibitors whose sheep were so curiously set aside, and certainly not a syllable with Mr. Rigden, who, as we maintain, was one of the chief sufferers in this way. But what warranty here has Mr. Budd, who, according to his own account, judges sheep blindfold, for his assertion as to persons writing of things of which they have no experience P If this impertinence is intended to apply to ourselves, we may say that for nearly twenty years we have attended all the chief agricultural shows, and that during that period we have been continually invited to act as judge in certain classes — at the West of England Meetings amongst others — although we should not, perhaps, judge a Southdown after the manner of Mr. Francis Budd, of Hatch. In order, however, to do Mr. Budd every possible justice we give side-by-side the reports of Bell's Weekly Messenper and the Mark Lane Express on the Southdowrji show at TauntoH, 16 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Bell's Weekly Messen- ger. Iq the aggregate tlie Soutli- downs were uotably good, nearly all the specimens ex- liibited being entitled to the application of that adjective, while many deserved it in the comparative and some in the superlative degree. Among the best were the entries of Sir William Throckmorton, Mr. Rigden, Mr. Neville- Grenville, M.P., and Messrs. J. and A. Heasraan. Sir W. Throckmorton's first prize shearling ram was indeed one of immense excellence — so true in mould, with so com- pletely the Down character, that it would be almost equally difficult to single out merits or discover faults. It would be perfectly true to say that he has a beautiful head, or tliat he is good in any par- ticular point of structure ; but as he is so evenly good all over, we should scarcely know where to begin. We are glad to see exhibitors in many instances giving as much of the pedigree of their sheep as may be necessary to afford a cine to sources whence the blood has been derived ; and it is but fair to the breeders of the nearer progenitors that they should have their share of the credit when prizes are won. The catalogue entry shows that the splendid sheep in question was by Mr. Henry Webb's No. 33, dam by Sex- ton — a description vvhich doubtless will make South- down breeders sufficiently ac- quainted with his blood. Mr. Kigden's first prize ram, a two- shear, in the aged class, was not in form quite so near per- fection as his younger neigh- bour, but he was an unques- tionably fine sheep, with a perfect head, masculine, and at the same time characteris- tically Southdown. A slight failing in the raid-rib did not debar his pretentions to first- class merit. Neck, bosom, and neck-vein were as good as could be desired, and his general style was most attrac- tive. The Earl of Ports- mouth had also a good-hand- ling clever sheep in this class, not perhaps so immediately taking to the eye as Mr. Rigden's, or as some others, exhibited by Messrs. Heas- raan, Mr. Penfold, and Sir W. The Mark Lane Ex- press. If there were little or no complaint amongst the Dor- sets and Somersets, the Sussex breeders fairly stood aghast over the capricious and alto- gether inexplicable reading of a Southdown, as here de- livered. Tirst of all the judges took a very neat, true shearling from Buckland, and this tliey placed first. They next selected a sour-headed, lop-eared animal, as all over one of the worst sheep the Heasmans have ever entered, and this they placed second ; and then they commended and highly commended three rams of Mr. Rigden's, standing close along-side, any one of which for Down character, style, or quality, was better than their second prize. In fact, Mr. Rigden should have been first, if not first and second, and after him Sir William Throckmorton. All the Heasmans' sheep were below their standard, and Mr. Neville- Grenville, Mr. Hard- ing, and Mr. Brook had nothing that could come into competition with the South- down-bred rams. Amongst the older sheep, it was, alas ! only confusion worse con- founded. Sir William Throck- morton's first prize in an ex- cellent class of old rams at Manchester was now merely commended, although at three years old he does not seem to have suffered much from wear- and-tear. On the contrary, Mr. Rigden's two-shear, second at Southampton, has done well in the interim, there being considerable improve- ment on Jiis first-year's form ; and he got the turn of for- tune's wheel as first and best. But then, to separate these two famous sheep the j adges did precisely as they had done in the previous class, that is tiiey selected one of the very worst sheep in the entry as their second prize ! This was Lord Portsmouth's liappily named No. 2, a significant title that must have gained him no. 3 place on the prize list, to which he could have in such company no other claim, for a plainer meaner sheep at most points has seldom been seen. A very bloodlikc, if not very large ram of Mr. Peafold's was Throckmorton, but one that will bear inspection and im- prove upon acquaintance. For one-year-old ewes (pens of five) Sir W. Throckmorton took second to Mr. Neville- Grenville. highly commended, and then hired for Lord Walsinghara ; but as a matter of consistency, Mr. Woods should have also hired, or if possible, have bought outright the renowned No. 2, whose merit altogether passeth show. Mr. Rigden did not send liis ewes, and Mr. Grenville's pen was ac- cordingly pronounced to be superior to that of Sir William Throckmorton. It is only to be hoped that all these Southdown sheep may come together again at Oxford, where Mr. Budd may learn something from men who " know something about their busi- ness." As he asks for it, our impression is that Mr. Budd was never even selected as a recognised judge of Southdowns at Taunton, where, if he attempted any great lead in this way, he probably only bothered his colleague, who should really know something about this branch of their business. JUDGING BY POINTS. The following letter has been addressed by Lord K inuaird to the Highland Agricultural Society : — Dear Mr. Menzies, — I wish you would ask the directors of the Highland Society, at their first meeting, if they would agree to appoint a small committee of gentlemen who have acted as judges to consider whether it would not be possible to frame a set of rules for the guidance of judges at their shows, according to points, after the manner in which prizes are ac- corded in rifle-matches. It mi?ht be tried first with the Shorthorn class. The plan would, I am sure, give very gene- ral satisfaction. Certain points being specified, the judges would have to report their opinion on each individual point, rather than their impression of the merits of the animal gene- rally, and by this means the exhibitors would be satisfied on what grounds their animal was rejected or approved of. I do not like generally to question the decision of judges, and I know how difficult it is to obtain the services of expe- rienced hands, owing in many instances to their having some interest in the stock exhibited ; but still this difficulty can be overcome. Witness the judging at Inverness, Aberdeen, and Dundee, where it was at once seen by the way the judges set to work that they were well qualified for their duties. How different was the case in Edinburgh ! There the gentlemen evidently had no experience in judging. There was scarcely a decision which was in accordance with the opinion of the many good judges in the yard. I should prefer not bringing my own case forward, but it was so singular and so much to the point, and being naturally better acquainted with my own case than any other, that I must mention it. Mr. "Young, the manager for Sir W. Stirling-Maxwell — and there is not a better judge of Shorthorns in Scotland — volun- teered to tell me before the judges went round, that his heifer was fairly beaten by mine ; and I will venture to say, though the surprise of those looking on was great, no one could have been more surprised than Mr. Young himself at finding his heifer placed before mine. I may say ex uno disce omnes. I am certain that a small committee of practical men would find no difficulty in fixing the relative value of the different points in a Shorthorn ; and a schedule attached to these rules, very good, good, indifferent, or bad, with relative numbers, each judge filling these up in the schedules, would lead to very sa- tisfactory decisions, and allay much of the dissatisfaction which prevailed, to a very great extent, at the last show in Edinburgh, among the fanciers of Shorthorns. — Kinnaied. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 17 ON THE GROWTH OF ROOT CROPS. BY THE NORTHERN FARMER. The absolute necessity of having a liberal supjily of wiuter food compels stockowners to devote a very large amount of attention to the cuUivatiou of those root crops which suit their situation and soil, and, as a rule, the farmer's prosperity is proportionate to the quantity grown and to the success which he attains in their cultivation. The whole of the after-crops in the rotation— corn, hay, and grass — are materially atTected by tiie treatment given to the field when preparing for seed ; and in greeu crop, if deeply stirred and thoroughly worked, and the manure applied with no sparing hand, the succeeding crops require no care, growing with extreme luxuriance. It is easy to know the crop that is growing on a congenial soil, full of the elements of nutrition ; and, on the other hand, there is no mistaking the imperfectly worked and poorly -manured soil, by the stunted and miserable appear- ance of the cro|) at every period of its growth, however favourable may be the character of the season. Fully recognizing the beneficial results to themselves which can be secured by a judicious and liberal outlay for labour and manure at this stage of their rotation, we find the most spirited and, as an almost unfailing consequence, the most successful farmers in every district making the most streuous efforts to manure well, supplementing the contents of their own yards and dung-hills by large quan- tities of purchased manure, frequently drawing it great distances at enormous expense. The return for such a heavy expenditure cannot possibly be immediate, but must be waited for through every year to which the rotation extends, each season's crop being benefited in proportion to the original outlay, and returning as surely its share of the profit. While not afiecting to despise the efficacy of artificial manures, or the good which accrues to the crop from their use, we yet in- variably find the thoroughly practical man placing his chief dependence upon farmyard dung, considering no amount of labour too great or too expensive which has for its object the collection, carriage, or application of such an invaluable material. Taking this manure as the base, success in root-growing will be most readily achieved by a combination of manures, one or other of the popular phosphatic fertilisers, now so extensively manufactured, taking second place, and to render it quicker in its action a portion of nitrogenous manure mixed with it, say a third or fourth, and for which purpose pure Peruvian guano suits admirably. Speaking experimentally, so highly do we approve of a phosphatic manure, slightly dashed with another, the constituents of which are chiefiy ammoniacal, that, however abundant might be the supply of farm- yard manure, we would not consider the crop had been done justice to unless a dressing of this mixture had been given in addition. When dung alone is used the rootlets cannot possibly extract nourishment until of considerable strength, and in unfavourable seasons the phuits in con- sequence linger so long before coming to the hoe, that much time is unavoidably lost; and in the case of turnips the fly is extremely apt to cause serious injury in the earlier and most critical period of their existence. When an auxiliary manure, such as we have described, has been used, the plants, if the character of the season is such as to give them the slightest chance, grow rapidly, and forced on by the quickening influence of the ammonia speedily outgrow all danger from the attacks of the fly. The phosphates now becoming assimilated the plants assume the hue of health and vigour, and spreading a net-work of roots through the dung are comparatively little allected by the most lengthened drought, eventually returning the heaviest crop which the nature and capabi- lities of the soil ])ermit it to yield. The earth gives its increase in exact proportion to the treatment which it receives from the husbandman, as surely as the animal system grows and strengthens or becomes stunted and enfeebled in accordance with the supply of food, whether sufticient in quantity and rich in quality or the contrary. To stint the supply of manure, therefore, is to reduce and lower at its very source the amount of available plants, food ; weakening not only the crop to which it is immedi- ately applied, but every succeeding crop of the rotation ; rendering the young plants of tlie turnips, &c., less able to stand the vicissitudes of the weather ; and the inevitable result to the farmer is a heavy pecuniary loss. The actual expense of preparing an acre of land for green crops in first-class style is not so very much greater than what it costs to perform the same operation in a niggardly or nigligent manner; the small sum saved bearing no com- parison to the superiority and extra value of the crop grown on the laud which has been properly attended to. To manure poorly effects no reduction on rent, taxation, or labour ; all remain exactly the same ; and the whole dilference lies in the value of a few loads of dung, orcwts. of guano or superphosphates to each acre. The additional expenditure looks so small when this view of the matter is taken, that it appears at first siglit rather surprising there should be so much land put out of hand each season imperfectly nourished. Such a very apparent mistake can- not altogether be the result of either carelessness, apathy, or ignorance on the part of agriculturists, the principal reason we believe being the want of sufficient capital to embark in a business which to command success involves a very large outlay. It isbutrcasonable to suppose that there are few men who would grudge a little extra expenditure if they possessed the cash, when they arc perfectly well aware that by so doing their receipts from the soil thus treated would be little short of doubled, and on some land even more thau doubled. The preparation for green crop commences in autumn, and should be proceeded with immediately on the removal of the corn, as the diyness and friability of the soil in September and October offers many facilities for successful culture, which arc completely lost when the operation i-^ delayed until a later period. Ease in working, and the dcstrucliou of weeds by the sun, which is still powerful, are two advantages of considerable importance, and well worthy of a little attention on the part of the cultivator to secuie I/and worked during winter, after having become soddea by heavy rains, is not only more laborious for both horses and men in the first instance, but also greatly increases the labour of preparation at seed time. Not only is money lost, but time, at the busiest season of the whole year, and in catching weather the delay occasioned by giving the extra ploughing or grubbing, according to the implement used, may be sufficient to lose the ouly opportunity af- forded for getting the crop in seasonably ; and with the land in good condition, it is now almost universally con- 18 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. ceded by agriculturists that the grabber is, of all others, the implement most suited to prepare the soil for the re- ception of green crops. When powerfully worked, it loosens the soil to a considerable depth, without bi-ingiug up the poisonous subsoil ; by its peculiar action, the whole stra- tum of earth coming under its influence is thoroughly broken up and disintegrated, and all roots of weeds are loosened, brought to the surface, separated from the adher- ing soil, submitted to the sun's heat, and finally got rid of. There is now such a wide field to choose from, thnt no difficulty need be experienced in getting a form of grubber which will work satisfactorily on any kind of land, and if one form of implement has an advantage over another, we think that it more especially rests with the mode iuwhich it clears itself from the accumulated soil, weeds, and stub- ble. That which clears itself by a backward movement we consider greatly preferable to one which lifts straight up, the former disengaging itself much quicker and more effectu- ally than the latter, and with less exertion on the part of the operator. Whatever form of implement may be se- lected there is one essential point in connection with the whole of them when they come to be nsed, viz., the ne- cessity of having the motive power snllicicntly strong to keep up a considerable rate of speed. If the horses are not powerful enough to keep up a continuously steady pull much of the advantage that might reasonably be ex- pected from the operation will be lost, as the tines will slip through the ground without breaking it up, and the farmer will be in some danger of condemning the whole system as futile and unsatisfactory before he has had an op- portunity of being able to judge of its merits. On land of moderate texture, four strong horses will usually be sufficient, but if, after being a few hours at it, they appear fagged or distressed, a fifth should be added, and continued as well from feelings of humanity as from motives of economy. The extra power shows at once, the implement now spinning along, smashing up and displacing the soil thoroughly, and altogether performing the work with so much speed and eiliciency as to much more than compensate for the increased expense. When live horses are used, it is more convenient to put three abreast in front with equalizing bars, the drauglit chain getting down between the pair behind so as to be attached directly to the head of the grubber. A mistake is sometimes made in having the tines of the implement so light in substance as to render it utterly unable to catch such a hold of the soil as to be able to break it up properly, the fault seldom however bciug with the original maker, but rather through neglect in getting them relaid after having being worn down from work. They ought not to be less than an inch and a quarter square, and worked with the square side to the front instead of the angle, which is fcquently done, apparently with the object of lessening the draught, which probably it does, but the work in that case is not so well done. When the grubber is powerfully horsed the two operations of broad-sharing and cultivatiug may be combined and both objects attained to jjerfection. To do this it is quite unnecessary to use the broad or duck- footed shares usually affixed when the eradication of weeds is solely desired. We look upon them as useless incum- brances to a highly valuable implement, and quite obsolete in the requiremeuts of modern agriculture. The ordinary grubbing shares sink at once to the full depth, arc not so liable to be clogged, materially lighten the labour on the horses, and, while tearing the soil to pieces, shake out the weeds at the sam^ time most cflec- tually. A cross stroke of the grubber, mouuted in this way, will render the land both mellow and clean, the harrow following to level the surface and spread the weeds to the sun's iuliucnce, leaving the entire field ready for the plough. Oiie Adtow will, of course, be amply suffi- cient, the land being so well softened previously, but however soft it may be the ploughing should not be omitted, as it is of great service in burying the roots of all weeds that may have had possession of the soil, and by it a small portion of fresh soil can be brought up to be aerated and prepared by the frosts and rains of winter to enter into new combinations and so aid in the growth and healthy development of future crops. When spring comes round, and a commencement is made to prepare the land for the seed, the good efl'ects of autumn culture become at once apparent. Assuming that the precaution has been taken of working only when the land was dry, it will now be found in exactly the condition in which it was left six months before, dry, friable, soft, and xaellow, and above all as thoroughly free from root- weeds as if such things had never had existence on that field. On most lauds light of surface the plough need not now be used at all, a double turn of the grubber being all that is necessary to put the surface in first-rate order for drilling. To the farmer this is a great boon, as it enables him to get over the work quickly, saving both time and labour. This, however, is but the least of the advantages it affords him, as the grubber stirring every particle of soil, but not exposing it to the parching influence of the sun, enables it to retain the winter sap, so necessary for the rapid and even germination of the seed, and the crop gets a start which in some seasons it will keep and plainly show during the entire period of growth. The excessive and unavoidable evaporation which at once takes place on land when turned ever by the plough in spring and early summer, ought to be suffTicient inducement to all farmers holding light land to forego its use as much as possible, giving the grubber the preference in every instance where the business in hand can be accomplished by it. The roots most popular with agriculturists are the mangel and turnip as cattle food, and for horses the carrot is largely grown in some districts, forming a very useful article of diet. By its use a considerable saving in corn is effected, and being in season during the most of the time when the working animals of the farm are necessarily very much restricted to di'y and binding food, a daily feed of this root aids materially in preserving them in healthy vigour. We restrict ourselves to a few leading points in connection with the uses and cultivation of these crops, considering that when successfully grown they put the farmer in possession of such abundance as to render him quite independent of any other source for his supply of green winter food. With white turnips and kindred varieties ready for use by the first of September, the yellows and swedes following in succession, and carrying the stock on to the middle of Maroh or first week in April, with a store of mangels in proportion to the number of animals kept, house-feeding can be sus- tained with ease until the beginning of July, leaving but two months of the year unprovided for. Mangel-wurzel, when the conditions for its growth are favourble, is, from its extraordinary keeping qualities and capability of returning a large amount of produce, a great acquisition to the large stockholder. A benign climate, strong and fertile loam, deep culture, thorough pulveri- zation, and abundant manure of good quality, are all essentials for complete success ; and when combined, so grateful is this jilaut for kind treatment, that sixty tons, and even over it in some exceptionally favourable instances, may be raised from the statute acre. On medium soils from twenty-five to thirty tons constitutes a good crop, and to have the latter weight the treatment must be liberal. With but ordinary care the weight per acre is I'rom twelve to twenty tons to the acre, the roots, how- ever thick they may be in the ground, weighing but little in the aggregate when of small size. Such a light crop of THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 19 mangel is uot protilable, aad the swede may with great propriety be substituted, as this crop ou light laud will with an equal expenditure of manure give better results than the other. There is now a larger number of varieties of the mangel to choose from than there was formerly, and are classed as "Long," "Intermediate," and " Globe." The " Improved Long lied," or " Elvetham," is a capital variety to grow, as food for milking cows — not imparting such a strong taste to the butter as some of the other sorts. To be grown successfully it requires rather a deep and free soil ; yet, with abundant manuring it can be brought to a large weight per acre on soils of but very moderate quality. The " Orange Globe," and the " Oval" of the same colour, are both excellent varieties, growing to great perfection on the shallower soils, and are in con- sequence very popular with agriculturists. Lor purely feeding purposes they rather excel the " Reds," and succeeding so universally, and moreover being such abundant croppers, are yearly rising in estimation. While it is quite possible to give turnips an over-dose of manure, and by so doing injure their feeding and keeping qualities to a very serious extent, it is scarcely possible to do the same to mangel wurzel, roots of 281bs. weight when split open being as sound at the core as specimens of half that size. Its ea])ability of standing a large amount of forcing on rich land, and with rich manure, combined with its well-known immunity from disease, render it doubly valuable to farmers who are fortunate enough to hold laud of first-class quality, such men being rendered nearly independent of all other forage crops. If necessary, a sufficient quantity can be grown to serve the whole year, as with care it will keep perfectly sound for fifteen months after being lifted. Thirty tons of well-rotted sappy farm-yard dung, with the addition of 7 cwt. superphosphate, or its equivalent in money-value of any other suitable fertilizer, will in general prove au excellent dressing for a statute acre. The plant being able to assimilate such a large amount of food, oucht to be a strong iuducement to manure heavily, a few extra cwts. of portable manure paying their own cost over and over again, by the increased weight of roots. The seed may be sown any time, from the 15th of April to the same time in May, the latter period proving quite as good as the former, when the newly-planted seed is favoured with seasonable and re- freshing showers. The true seed of the plant being con- tained within a capsule of rather rough exterior, creates a difficulty in delivering it regularly when attempted to be sown by the ordinary turnip machines, however inge- niously they may be arranged or altered for the purpose. The cup of the corn-drill lifting it up, and emptying into the hopper with unvarying regularity, and without risk of stoppage from the seeds clogging together, is a su- perior plan to any of those that force it through a hole in the side of the seed-box, with the aid of a revolving spindle or brush. Those who possess a corn-drill can manage easily, whether grown in drills or on the fiat, and save themselves both trouble and annoyance, the time re- quired for the actual sowing of the seed being scarcely worth mentioning. When a few acres only are grown, they may be dibbled or sown in a continuous line, in a rut formed by the coulter of the turnip machine, a little earth being drawn over them before rolling. Either plan does very well for small occupations, and is much better than trying to manage with the turnip-sower, which leads only to disappointment. From four to six pounds of seed is ample to secure a good braird, with sufficient plant ; but as there is sometimes a difticulty in doing this, many farmers sow from eight to ten pounds to the acre wheu using the machine. The mangel is very susceptible of frost, and in consequence should be lifted early, the occurrence of sharp frosts early in November acting as a warning to store, if possible, about the first week of that month. Frosted mangels are not only un- wholesome, but, as our readers have lately had conviucing proof, absolutely poisonous, to sheep and cattle. A strong efi'ort should be made to store in time, and to cover up in such a way as to render them impervious to the severest frosts.' Althougli mangel-wurzel enables cows to give a large supply of milk, it is of a poorer quality than when they are turnip-fed, and not nearly so productive of cream. The butter made from it has also a slightly acrid taste, not so powerful as that of turnips perhaps, but much more dilficult wholly to remove, or even to obviate to a passable degree. The thinness of the milk, when wholly mangel-fed, and this unpleasant taste, make it imperative to feed with bran, grains, crushed corn, or a portion of cake during the whole time this root is being used with milch cows. Farm-horses eat it with great apparent relish, and thrive well on it ; and by its use a moderate saving in oats can be eftected. When grated and mixed with chopped hay, a very agreeable and appetising mess is formed, both filling and nourishing, and highly conducive to the health of the animals. If grating is objected to oa the score of extra trouble, the whole roots, thrown into the feeding-box with the cut hay, do almost equally well, the saliva of the horse and abundant sap of the root itself moistening the chaff abundantly. The Carrot, on soils favourable to the growth of this root, becomes the crop, of all others, capable of leturning the largest amount of cash to the grower. This can be accomplished by liberal treatment, and to some extent adopting the garden culture of the plant — viz., by lessen- ing the distance between the rows, and using hand in- stead of horse labour for stirring the intervening spaces and keeping down weeds. In this way a very large ci'op can be obtained ; and, carrots always bearing a much higher value than mangels or turnips, the money that may be realised from an acre is something enormous. With the usual field culture, the drills being 28 inches apart, 12 tons of white Beliiian carrots may be regarded as a very fair crop, and 15 tons as a really good one. Supposing them to be sold at 40s. a ton, from £24 to £30 will thus be realised from an acre, either sum being considerable, and certainly quite sutficient to clear all the expenses of cultivation and leave a handsome profit be- sides. The carrot delights iu a deep sandy loam ; but on most soils of average character, provided they are fresh and moderately free from stones, it may be grown very successfully. It is pretty generally considered that the manure for carrots should be placed on the land and ploughed in late in autumn or beginning of winter to ensure its decay, and thereby prevent it from interrupting the growth of the roots or making them fork, which is very injurious, and lightens the crop to a serious extent. Although good in theory, this method is apt to be trouble- some in practice, and its advantages can be fully met by turning the dung which is to be applied to them a couple of times so as to have it well rotted before being put in the drills, and all dauger from injury may be thus com- pletely obviated. The ground should be well worked and rendered as friable as possible for this crop, as the young plants are rather delicate in the earlier stages of their growth. A little extra attention in this way will be well repaid by the superiority of the roots wheu they come to be lifted. From four to five pounds of seed is ample for au acre ; there is uot the slightest advantage to be gained in giving more, as it only adds to the labour of thinning, and, even with the quantity named, there will be a super- abundance of plants if the necessary cjuditions for ensur- ing a successful hit have been attended to. Mixing with damp sand for a week or ten days previous to sowing hastens genuiuatiou, and enables the distribution of the c 2 20 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. seeds to be effected with regularity and conveniently. There is no necessity for using a machine when sowing carrot seed, as an active man will sow it nearly as fast as he can walk, after a very little practice, and so evenly that not a single blank will be found in the rows when it appears on the surface. As soon as it can be done with safety, the hoe should be brought into requisition, as mnch to break whatever crust may have formed as to check the growth of annual weeds ; for both reasons this operation should not be neglected. The thinning of carrots requires to be gone about with some judgment, as what might otherwise have been a capital croj) may easily, by injudi- cious and untimely thinning, turn out an almost total failure. It should not be attempted until the plants have attained considerable strength ; and, however urgently they may appear to require thinning, it should never be done in dry weather. The pulling up of the plants opens the soil for the admission of air and heat to the yet weak and tender rootlets, and this, combined with the loosening of the soil, gives them a check at the most critical period of their growth, which tlie most favourable weather after- wards is seldom able to overcome. Again, when the carrot is thinned early, it is extremely apt to be cut by the wireworm — an enemy which it altogether escapes when the season is a little advanced. We prefer delaying this important operation even as late as the first week in August, if July happens to be a very dry month aud affords no chance of a few days of moist or wet weather, the result invariably being a good crop, the plant having still three months to mature and perfect its growth. Unless on land highly favourable to the growth of this crop, the plants need not be set farther apart than from four to six inches, the best roots being frequently those that are close to, or, in fact, crushing each other. When grown solely for home consumption the usual application of the carrot is as food for the farm-horse, a daily feed saving corn and gives a line gloss to the skin, besides keeping the animals in good condition. From 14 to 21 lbs. in a single feed is a liberal allowance, anything over the latter quantity being apt to affect the kidneys and induce excessive staling. They may be given grated or cut into strips, but there is no danger in giving them whole, and il saves troul)le. In giving carrots to milch cows, the only recom- mendation they have is the absence of all unpleasant taste in the butter, as the milk is neither so abundant in quantity nor so rich in quality as that obtained from turnip-feeding. Some years ago we instituted a series of experiments with different roots, the whole extending over a period of about four months, and the conclusion we came to after such a lengthened trial was exactly that which we have here recorded. In storing the carrot, from four to five feet is wide enough for the pits, tapering to a point at the height of about four, the whole neatly thatched and bound tightly down, no other covering being required, frost doing it, apparently, no material injury. When stored dry, and thatched so as to be im- pervious to rain, the roots will keep good for six months. The Turnip. — This plant grows freely in most soils. Even heavy clays can be made to prodvice good crops, Avhen improved by drainage and subsoiling ; and on this account it is regarded by all farmers as their principal mainstay for the supply of winter food. It is brought to greatest perfection on light friable soils, and delights in a warm and rather moist climate. These favourable con- ditions being available, it remains with the farmer himself to ensure complete success by adding an enlightened system of cultivation and liberal treatment. In the spring preparation of the soil for this crop it is highly essential that it should be made exceedingly fine before the seed is sown, as it is thus brought into close con- nection with the seed, moisture is retained, and germi- I nation hastened. The gritty fineness attained by me- chanical means is altogether different from the soft, velvety tilth which is the result of autumn culture and timely exposure to atmospheric influence ; and every effort should be made to have the land in this condition at the period of sowing. Long strawy dung is not suitable for placing in the drills, as it keeps the soil too loose aud open, admits air and light, and in every way exercises an in- jurious influence on the plants in the earlier stages of their growth. In general, one turning will be sufficient to secure the necessary amount of decomposition in the farmyard manure, and when applied to the land in a state of fermentation, the heat evolved during the further progress of putrefaction must to some extent raise the temperature of the soil, and thereby hasten germination. Unlike the mangel, the turnip will not bear an unlimited amount of forcing, the bulbs decaying in immense quan- tities when forced beyond a certain point by too large a supply of manure, or when grown on very rich land. On ordinary land, however, they are seldom overdone, more frequently sufl'eriug from insufllcient nourishment than from too great a quantity. A one-horse load of dung, weighing say 12 cwts., divided into three heaps, each heap 16|^ft. apart, the whole spread over seven drills, amounts to as nearly as possible 53 loads to the statute acre, a quantity of manure when of good quality able, with the assistance of a little portable manure, to grow a splendid crop of turnips. Bone superphosphate is a capital auxiliary to the dung, and will alvvays pay for itself by the rapidity with which it pushes on the young plants, hastening their development into the rough leaf, and greatly lessening the danger from fly. For the latter purpose nothing can be better than Peruvian guano, but the very high price which must now be paid foi- it amounts almost to prohibition, and actually compels far- mers to look out for cheaper substitutes, however favour- ably they may view the article as a high class fertilizer. Superphosphates have the very important advantage over guano that .they are, as sent out by the best houses, in- variably worth considerably more in net cash than is charged by the manufacturer, a fact which consumers are by no means disposed to overlook. With the amount of dung we have indicated, 5 cwt. of superphosphate, costing at present quotations 32s. 6d., forms a very liberal dress- ing for an acre. No preparation is required further than to pass through a tine riddle, break the lumps and apply to the land. iMixing with decayed vegetable mould, as used to be done with excellent effect when guano was largely used, is not now necessary, the auxiliary manures now in vogue being bulkier and easier distributed. When spread over the dung it will be quite near enotigh the surface, the coulter of the machine sinking so deep as to all but lay the seed on the top of it. Some care is neces- sary in reversing the drills, not to lay on too much earth, as in that case the plants must struggle for weeks before the roots can reach the foo(^ which has been placed under- neath, and on the other hand it is highly necessary that a thin covering of soil should be over the manure to re- tain the moisture, and to prevent the dung from being torn up by the operation of sowing, always a most un- sightly thing, and to some extent a loss of material. Various opinions are held as to the quantity of seed most desirable to sow to an acre, many advocating thick sow- ing on the ground of securing immunity from the attacks of insects, considering that when a thick plant is ob- tained as many may possibly escape as will stock the ground, however numerous may be their enemies. This object, however, is not always attained, and when it happens that the plants get on without a check they weaken each other, the roots becoming intertwined, and the trouble of thinning is greatly increased unless it is done very early, a probability which cannot always be THE FARMER'S MAGAZIlSfE. 21 calculated oa. We consider S^lbs. to the statute acre ample seediiii!;, and a machine that will sow a thin unin- terrupted line is a very valuable one to the farmer. Tiie one which was awarded a silver medal last year at the j\Ian<-hestcr show seems to oveicomc this difficulty better than any tliat has yet come under out notice. The seed conveyed to the down pipe by the revolution of a grooved cylinder pours down in an uninterrupted stream without the slij:;htest risk or chance of failure, and the ainouiit per acre cau be regulated with the u;."eatest nicety. The minimum ([uantity of seed l)eing used, the thinning process is woiulerrully accciaratcd, and tiic plants from liaving acquired a hardiness of habit and suil'ering no in- jury [from tlie carlii being disluibcd about them pusli on witiiout the slightest check. The seed-time of the turnip varies very much in dif- ferent climates and soils, the first week of Way being perfectly safe on heavy land wherever situated, and the 15th of June not too late on light land in southern dis- tricts enjoying a genial climate. If too early sown far south they are extremely apt to mildew early in the sea- son, become alfected with dry rot, and keep over the winter badly. The very opposite is the case as we go north, early sowing being necessary to ensure success, both as to obtaining a large crop and having the roots sound and of good keeping quality. The after-culture consists in keeping the surface well stirred by both baud and horsc-hoes until it can no longer be done withuiil injury to the roots and fuliagc. By strict attention to this material point all the advantages of a bare fallow are secured, and a valuable crop besides. We have set no stress on the eradication of weeds, con- sidering tiuit if tiic land lias been properly and season- ably prepared, and the drill culture begun sufficiently early, they will never succeed in getting a firm hold ; so that the mere cleaning of the soil becomes a matter so easy and simple as to be altogether unworthy of serious consideration. STERILITY IN SOILS. At the last inonlbly meeting of the Hexbam Farmers' Club, Mr. n. R. GoDD.vuu said: Of course, tb". terms fertility and iufertility are only relative; at difTcrent times aud in differeut places their signilicalion may alter much, and therefore it may be necessary )ust to state the meaning we wish to place upon them. Simply, aud without attempting a laboured definition, a soil may be said to be unfertile when its produce is below an average, even when ordinary care has been bestowed upon it in preparing it for and in getting in the seed. The causes of infertility may be divided into two classes: those that are natural and those that result from the course of manigement, or rather mismanagement, pursued. Among the natural causes of infertility we shall find some that at first sight we should say were beyond our power to remedy — situation as influencing the climate, for mstance ; but it is surprising liow much climatic influences may be mo- dified. We often hear complaints of the lateness of a district retarding the ripening of the corn, until autuum weather ren- ders the harvest precarious and spoils the quality of the grain. Highlying land may be protected and materially sheltered by plantations judiciously placed, but the efl'cct that high farming alone has is wonderful. 1 was over an estate some time since, and had frequent opportunity of observing two farms — one lay in a hollow slightly falling to the soutli, and slicltered on all sides ; the other consisted of poorer land, over lOU feet higher, and with a much worse aspect. Any one would have classed the first as an early aud the otlier as a late farm ; the latter was taken in band by the proprietor, well farmed, and the corn top-dressed ; the other was badly farmed, and the consequence was they changed places, and the corn was safely stacked on the exposed land ; while on the other it was still standing in the field. Again, the temperature of a district will be afi'ected by the rainfall and by tbe facilities existing for passing the water off tbe land ; undraincd land, where the water is re- tained by beds or bands of clay, and rendered stagnant, will be found colder than tlie same will be when properly drained. In both these particulars large woods or forests have an injurious effect ; they both increase the rainfall of the district and pre- vent the water from evaporating from the surface, or beiug carried off by the wind. Cases have been recorded where springs, never known to have failed, have become dry when neighbouring plantations have been removed, and have re- mained so until a fresh growth has covered the laud. The re- moval of large forests is calculated to make a country both warmer and drier, and for this reason in naturally humid climates much wood is not a tiling to be desired. Other natu- ral causes of infertility may be found in the soil itself, aud be- fore passing to these it may be as well just to glance at its composition and functions. We know that the soil is the source from which plants derive all their inorganic or mineral as well as a portion of their organic constituents, and therefore what we find in the plant we may rest assured of finding in the soil. The ashes of all plants seem to contain variable quantitcs of the following substances : I'otash, soda, lime, magnesia, oxide of iron, silica, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, and chlorine, all being found in compounds more or less com- plex, none of them being uncombined. Now, by careful ex- periment it has been found that plants cannot thrive if any one of these substances be wanting in the soil, and conse- quently that a soil cannot bear a productive crop, unless all the constituents wanted by the plant are present in sufticient quantity aud in such a form that the plant can absorb them. I'ofasb, for instance, might exist in the soil in the form of fel- spar or mica, but not beiug present in a soluble form, the plant would not derive any benefit. Thus we see that it is not merely necessary that all the constituents of the plant should exist in the soil, but also that they should exist in an available form ; and it is for this reason that analy- sis cannot give us always a correct idea of tbe compara- tive fertility or infertility of a soil ; for, though it will reveal the absence of any substance, it caniiut always show whether they are present in such a form that the plant can make use of them. We see, then, two causes which might render an ollierwise fertile soil unlcrtile — viz., the absence, or the comparative absence of some necessary constituent, or its presence in an unavailable form. Again, infertility may be due, not to a deficiency of anything, but to the presence of some- thing in tbe soil which has an injurious influeuee upon vege- tation. If organic matter be present in an active state of decomposition, it prevents tbe healthy growth of plants, and vegetable acids are produced, which often have a most inju- rious effect ; these arc often found inland, where an excess of water keeps tbe air from permeating it. Decaying matter ab- sorbs oxygen, and for this cause a large quantity of it is not a desirable thing. Iron, too, present in its lowest form of combination with oxygen has a very deleterious etfect, and it is often found in peaty soils, or in a subsoil of blue clay. Things of this sort may often be noticed in soils which have been newly broken up. I saw a crop of oats last year upon a 22 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. marsh adjoining the Thames, the largest I ever saw ; plenty of the straw was nearly the size of my little finger, whereas the year before, the field being fresh ploughed out, the oats had completely failed. This might be due to the presence of some deleterious substance, which disappeard when the soil was laid open to tlie action of the air. In cases of this sort lime seems to be of great benefit ; it neutralises any organic acids which may exist in tlie soil, and it assists the decomposition of vege- table matter, and with efficient tillage generally succeeds in removing these injurious substances. But one thing which may be said more tlian auy other to afl'ect the fertility of a soil is the presence of stagnant water, no matter whether it comes from above or rises from below, and this from many reasons. The temperature of the soil is cooled, not only by tlie constant evaporation from its surface, and the growth of the plant retarded, but all the pores of the soil being filled, the atmos- phere has not the power to penetrate to act upon tlie sub- stances there, and prepare them for plant food. It not only acts directly as a poison on the plant, but, by keeping out the air, tends to promote the increase of protoxide of iron and organic acids. Tiie herbage found upon wet grass land is sufficiently characteristic. On tillage lands the furrows, often bare, or at best covered with spindly corn, show the injury produced ; hut who can estimate the harm done by working such land in a wet state, as is often almost necessary, or tlie amount of manure wasted l)y its being washed oft' the land ? Land naturally fertile may be rendered unproductive by over- cropping ; all that is readily available for the use of the plant may thus be removed, but the soil itself aids and assists those who give it an opportunity to recover. The soil is not a dead, inert mass, as we are apt to think ; it is highly complex in its structure, and its insoluble parts are perpetually being acted upon by atmospheric and other causes, which prepare them for the plant. Tillage, besides, being necessary in suiting the mecbanical condition of the soil for the reception of the crop we destine for it, is thus instrumental in preparing its nourish- ment, by enabling the air to gain access to all its pores, and to effect those chemical changes which are necessary. Too much importance cannot be placed upon all tillage operations being elficieutlycarriedout. We sometimes find landwornout by over- cropping, possessing a good depth of soil which has never lieen turned over. Deep ploughing brings this to the surface, it be- comes mixed with the impoverished soil, and materially assists in its improvement. Lime, too, may advantageously be applied to land in this state ; it seems to act upon the constituents of the soil, and helps to render them available for the use of the plant. Thus we may say tliat it assists the soil to elaborate from itself what otherwise we should have to bestow. I liave heard of land being overlimcd, and can easily imagine where it has been continuously applied and then discontinued that the soil would feel the lack of the stimulus it gave, unless sup- ported by an increased supply of manure. But this should be no argument against the application of lime ; for by increas- ing the crops it gives the material for the manufacture of that manure which is necessary to sustain the land at its increased standard of fertility. Kain and dew have a great influence, and a considerable manurial value. In their fall they bring with them from the air ammonia and nitric acid, which are absorbed l)y the soil of a clayey, loamy, or peaty character. The quantity, though not large in itself, yet becomes important when we consider the amount of rain and dew constantly fal- ing ; and the effect upon the crop of any nitrogenous manure we all know. They bring with them, too, carbonic acid ab- sorbed from the air, and many things insoluble in pure water are thus to a certain extent made soluble. Water charged with carbonic acid i n contact witli bone earth or insoluble phosphate of hme can even take a portion of this into solution. Drainage is, I think, the first improvement on poor and wet lauds, and not merely for the reasons stated above, but because so much manure is wasted or washed away when applied to land undrained. Draining is necessarily an expensive process, and it is of the utmost importance to do it thoroughly, so as to avoid any risk of having to do it over again. 1 have seenagreat deal of drainage rendered iufficient by attempting to keep in the old furrows, wbicli are seldom at regular distances, often varying from 8 or 10 to 14 yards. Outfalls are often left in such an unprotected state that they become stopped, and a great portion of the labour and expense rendered useless. Every farmer should, for his own interest, see that they are gone through at least once a year. Rabbits frequently enter them when not grated. Last summer on one farm I had three main drains taken up stopped in this way. There are great varieties of soils ; we speak of clayey, sandy, peaty soils, and there are endless modifications of these. Either of them pure would be absolutely unfertile, not merely from its chemical, but from its mechanical condition. Nothing could thrive in an absolutely pure clay, even if it possessed all that tlie plant required ; we, therefore, endeavour to modify soils which con- tain an overwhelming amount of either clay, sand, or peat by the admixture of what will alter its texture and improve its composition. There are soils so suited as to have the means for improving them in close proximity. The poor sandy land of Norfolk has been wonderfully improved through the application of the marl, which lay almost close to the surface, and this lias been used to an enormous extent through Kent, Berkshire, Lincolnshire, and Cheshire; in fact, wherever the marl was to be found, and the soil seemed to repay it applica- tion. Peat land in Lincolnshire has been thus improved, trenches being dug, sometimes to considerable depth, and the subsoil laid upon the surface. Perhaps the most wonderful instance of the improvement of a barren soil took place in the north of Scotland, on the estate of, I think, the Marquis of Tweeddale. The soil was a useless peat. The proprietor hav- ing discovered a good soil underneath, made canals thoroughly intersecting tlie laud ; into these the peat was thrown and floated away, and the productive soil was rendered available for cultivation. No matter how fertile a soil may be, it cannot be continually cropped without adequate manuring, and it is of great importance that all land should be provided with suffi- cient and suitable accommodation for the manufacture of ma- nure. The position of the land with regard to obtaining ma- nures from other sources has a great effect upon the degree of fertility to which it will be raised. Proximity to a large town, or direct and speedy communication with one, affords great opportunity for improvement. Perhaps there never was a time when greater facilities were available for making improve- ments general. Tiie theory and practice of draining is better understood, we have more efficient implements of tillage, while steam is lending her mighty power to enable us to plough and to subsoil in a way which could not before be done. Supplies of manure are now being brought from the other side of the world to take the place of what is net returned to the soil. Never was tliere a greater amount of attention bestowed upon this subject, not merely in obtaining from abroad, but in manu- facturing at home. We hear of refuse from our manufacto- ries of all sorts being brouglit to the aid of agriculture, while even the primeval ocean seems to be rendering up its deposits. The potash which is largely obtained from the salt mines of Germany must have been deposited there from the sea, to which it had been carried down in the constant washings from the land. Thus we see that we derive benefit from what was robbed from the ancient lands, and we know not what changes may yet take place to render available for future generations the vast quantity of alluvium and sewage constantly being car- ried to the sea. Geologists hold that the same causes which have resulted in the formation of the land we now inhabit are still at work. We have streams and rivers carrying to the ocean, to be deposited in its bed, the elements of future soils which only need the action of those volcanic agencies which are so actively at work in some parts of our globe, and to a less extent even here, to raise them above the sea, and thus render them available for cultivation. Though this may be the case, and though the sewage now descending into the sea may not he ultimately lost, if one takes a broad view of the thing, still we personally should be Ijcuefited if the ditticultics could be over- come of collecting, concentrating, and rendering it economically available. The UuAiRJiAN said Mr. Goddard's paper exhibited a con- siderable amount of knowledge of the subject, and much care iu its preparation. He told an agriculturist, the other day, that Mr. Goddard was to read a paper on wet lands. lie be- lieved almost any land could be made fertile by a sufficient amount of manuring, Init then the (piestion always came be- fore them, " Will it pay?" It was tlie consideration of that question that was the most important — in what way could they fertilise these very poor soils without throwing their money away ? The cause of sterility should be carefully noted down, so that, bearing these in mind, they could go the right way about restoring the fertility of the soil. Steam cul- tivation, M'hich was beginning to be appreciated in this TUB FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 23 ucighbourhood, was of great aclvaulagx\ 'i'lic n^sult, as it seemed to him, was to liriug to tlic surface the poor suhsoil by ploughing deeper tliau usual, and tlius lessen tiic produce of the first crop. But tiie autumnal digging by steam cultivation broke the suil thorougiily up, and still left the surlViCC-soil on the top to be exposed to the winter's frosts, winds, and ruins ; and iu spring, instead of coming to work a hard and disagree- atde soil, they would liiul it quite mellow, and would scarcely tiiink it was the same field as before. The atmosphere was made to do the work for them during the winter, instead of waiting till spring, aud having to work the land over and over agaiu, because, being exposed to the air, the atmosphere did the work for them, which they would otherwise have to do at great expense. In that way they got the full value of the ammoniacal qualities to be derived from the atmosphere, and from the rain which brought it from the atmosphere. As to liming-, JMr. Lloddard did not think they could overlime land ; but he had seen land thoroughly exhausted by a bad fanner by liming. That farmer merely used the lime as a sort of pickpocket for roljbiug the laud of the little that was left iu it. In good farming, where a proper use was made of the j)roduce, and justice was done to the farm, a judicious use of lime would naturally increase the value of the land. Mr. EowAKD Howell said the question appeared to him to be. What was tiic condition of the soils they had to ope- rate upon iu this district or county ? In many instances they were iu a very exhausted state ; but whether the fault was in the system of cultivation adopted by the agriculturists of Northumberland, or from the imperfect application of manure, it was not for him to say. The fact, however, was patent to them all, as they passed through the country, that many soils were in such an exhausted condition that the question arose whether, considering the high wages they had to pay, aud the taxes that were laid upon them, it was really worth cultiva- tion or not. lie held that land, though liberally supplied with dung, would become exhausted. On Tyneside, thirty years ago, they could get a good crop of turnips without any applieatiou of artificial manures ; but they could not now se- cure the crops of turnips which once ornamented aud beauti- fied the fields on Tyneside. Yet there must be some cause for this. Some of the most important constituents must have become exhausted. The question was. What was the best plau to be adopted to render that soil as fertile as it was formerly ? There was no question but that the expense iu the cultivation of land was much greater now than it was thirty years ago on Tyneside. In referring to this matter, he might state that the ever esteemed founder of their club, the late Mr. John Grey, introduced in this neighl)ourhood, though among an unwilling and prejudiced tenantry, the five- course system of husbandry. In his humble opinion, it was a well-matured thought, worthy of his far-seeing mind ; and by adopting this system, and allowing the laud to lie one year iu grass, it gave it an opportunity of resuscitating itself as it were — of regaining some of its exhausted properties. The soil, in his opinion, had been exhausted of some of its im- portant constituents, and the five-course system should be im- proved upon, the land not only being allowed to lie in grass a single year, but for four or five years. Artificial manures simply act as stimulants: in themselves they did not contain that amouutof organic matter that would add materially to the fertility of the soil, but they stimulated the soil, and pushed it so as to make it grow that which it was not naturally capable of growing. Artificial manures were exhaustive in their effect ; and there was no principle which they could adopt which would invigorate the laud and restore it to its original condi- tion so thoroughly as to allow it to rest, aud to depasture it with sheep aud cattle. Mr. JosEni Lee, as to ovcr-limiug of laud, had seen land in his own neighbourhood so impoverished by it that it could not be restored to its original fertility. 13ut on soils, not ac- customed to lime, he believed nothing paid so well as lime. Land limed from generation to generation, however, got ex- hausted of vegetable matter and the other things so necessary for the growth of good crops ; but if used judiciously, lime was ot great advantage. From his own experience of tliirty years upon his farm, he might say that a portion of it, which lay at a distance from the steading, had never had a particle of manure upon it, and yet it was in much better condition than the other. The land is always three years in grass ; aud for the sake of keeping bis farm iu condition, he generally let it lie two years in grass, aud some parts of it five, six, or seven years in grass, lie has had experieuce, as a farmer, of very unfertile soil. If they applied manure or dissolved liones to the amount of £1 per acre, they would produce turnips at a cheiper rate jier Ion than they could by ouly expending £3 per acre ou manures. ftlr. Tkotter, the secretary, said that Jfcssrs. Lawes and Gilbert, of llothamited, grew wlieat and barley, each upon the same land, for a period of between twenty and thirty years, by simply using artificial manures, and the crops were increasing, instead of going back. It was not absolutely necessary to let the soil lie in fallow, in order that it niiglit refresh itself, lie thought the true theory of farming was to begin by taking the water aud the large stones, if there were any, out of the laud ; for, so long as there were large stones in it, they would never get the land thorougiy i)loughed; aud until they got deep tillage, and the bottom of the soil manured, as well as the top, they would never have good crops. With respect to al- lowing land 1o lie at rest, he believed they got better crops ou the four-course than tlu^y did ou the live-course system ; in- variably he got belter crops of oats after the land only lay one year than when it lay two years. A very good theory went to prove this : When clover grass was well up in height, the roots went well down into the soil, and there were few better manures of the soil than roots of clover. When the land was allowed to lie two years in pasture, whiekens grew upon the land, and they got a double crop ; they ploughed it for oats, but the whiekens got among the oats, and robbed them of part of their nourishment, and lessened the value of the crop. Mr. GoDUARD said there was some little misapprehension respecting what ho stated about liming land. Laud could be over-limed, but what he meant to say was, that after the land had been limed and increased crops of oats and straw obtained, a larger amount of manure should be applied to the laud, so that it would not have cause to sutfer much. Providing ma- nure was not returned, it would afibrd the best opportunity of deteriorating and depreciating the vakie of the land. Mr. DiiYDON said that if poor laud had been limed and drained, and its surf?.ce not broken uj), it would have been worth double the value it was now. There was no difiiculty in reclaiming land on the general principles laid down by Mr. Goddard ; but would it pay ? Many improvements might be carried out if the tenants had long leases or compensation for such improvements. Ou not only poor soil uuder cultiva- tion, but grass land iu the higher districts, hundreds of acres might be rendered of greater value iu many ways were it not for obstales thrown in the way, for purposes he need not refer to on this occasion, but of which they were well aware. These lauds could be improved at mucli less cost, and made better land than the poor, exhausted soils to which reference had been made ; and if the owners of this land felt the proper philanthropic spirit, they would sec to the improvement of it for the good of the community at large. The Chairman stated that he was not in favour of allowing land to rest, as he believed it was merely a matter of calculation, " Will it pay or notP" Poor land, once drained, might be forced to grow crops by the proper application of manures. Mr. CiiRisTOi'iiER Gray said he had had some little ex- perience in the management of poor lauds, and he agreed with Mr. Rowell as to the advisability of allowing it to rest in grass. It would naturally refresh itself, aud when ploughed up again they would get better crops of anythiug with the application of lime and proper management, liut he happened to have a different kind of soil as well on his farm, which would not re- fresh itself by lying in grass. By letting this land lie in grass two years he got, as Mr. Trotter said, a worse crop of oats. Had not the late respected receiver of the Greenwich Hos- pital Estates allowed him to adopt the four-course system, the best management he could' have afforded would not have brought the crops up to the mark. Ke farmed other portions of his farm on the five, six, and seven-course system ; for he found by this means he got better crops on these light soils, and better grass afterwards. The four-course system was the best for poor soils that would not refresh themselves, but the five, six, and seven-course system was better where the land, if allowed to lie in grass, would refresh itself. A vote of thanks was carried unanimously to Mr. Goddard. 24 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. FARMING COVENANTS. A Paper read by Mr. E. 1'. Sqtjarey, of Salisbury, at the Institution of Surveyors. Tlie principle wliich ouglit to govern farming covenants ■Hould seem to be, that the tenant should have the freest and most unrestricted use of the lands and premises, consistent with the maintenance and yielding up of llie freehold at the end of his tenancy in an uuimpairad and uninjured condition. The interest of landlord and tenant coincide in this abstract formula, but its application is interfered with in practice tlirough various reservations by the landlord, and by the en- deavour to define and limit the use of the laud in such direc- tions as may consort, not with the conditions of greatest production, but the prevention of deterioration of tlie soil. It would be an obvious waste of time to describe, however concisely, the various forms of agreement, witli their almost illimitable number of covenants, wliich prevail, and control cultivation in various parts of England and Wales. Those whom I address need no description of present conditions of tenancy ; but rather that, however incapably, I may indicate the relaxations aud modifications, in whatever direction, which appear likely to conduce to increased production with- out injuriously affecting the interests of the landlord. I propose, llierefure, to deal with tlie separate questions of rent, covenants as to cropping, repairs, and entries between out- going and incoming tenants. The payment of rent is ob- viously all-important. Under all forms of tenancy at rack- rent it is prudent to reserve it quarterly ; aud in the last year or half-year of the tenancy, to reserve the last quarter's rent in advance. Tiiis isa protection againstadishonestteuant,and need not be enforced against a good one. The payment of the tithe rent-charge aud'the consequent letting of farms to the tenants free of tithes has some advantages, inasmuch as the landlord is protected from the contingency of loss by the failure of the tenant to pay the current tithes on his occupation. Where farms are let tithe-free, care must be taken to deduct the tithe reut-charge in arriviug at the assessment of the farms for poor-rate aud property-tax, so long as the rental of lands is adopted as a basis of rateable value. Tlie payment of land- tax, fire insurance, quit rents, and other exceptional cliarges, are matters of agreement ; but, as a rule, they are best payable by the landlord. How far the preferential position of the land- lord over otlier creditors for rent due is really beneficial to the interests of either party, is open to grave doubt ; less care iu the selection of tenants doubtless arises under this system, and a thrifty, hard-working tenant is sometimes impeded in obtain- ing further capital by this special exception in favour of the landlord. One ill consequence is clear — a (ailing tenant is allowed by the landlord to remain longer on a farm, to its pro- bable deterioration, than if all parties stood on an equal footing. Covenants as to management vary so completely in almost every district of England and Wales, that ray remarks must necessarily be confined to the broad princii)les which should influence their application. Where leases for terms beyond twelve years are granted to tenants of undoubted character and capital, I venture to think that no covenants as to cropping are necessary until the last four years of the terra. It is a matter of experience that excessive continuous crop- ping, without the assistance of large (luantities of artificial manure, or the lattening of cattle and sheep on extraneous food, is unprofitable to the occupier ; hence, with a moderately long interest, a tenant may be reasonably trusted to pursue such a course of management as not to unduly impoverish his land for occupation lu the last four years of his tenancy. During this period of free action, some limitations, dependent on the character of the soil and its locality, may be insisted on for the consuming proportions (to be governed by circumstances) of the hay, straw, fodder, root, and other green crops, on the demise. Assuming these conditions, the management of the last four years should be simple, yet stringent iu the extreme. The cropping should be limited to two-fifths, half, or two-thirds of the arable land to corn, as the case may be, with moderate proportions of pulse to be harvested. The green and root crops should be con- sumed on the premises, except under special conditions ; aud an entry and qu'tal, on convenient aud equitable terms, should be clearly defined. Tbe land should be given up clean and in good order; and herein lies the key to the position, if the liberal policy I have indicated is carried out : The covenants of the last four years of the term should be stringently en- forced ; and compensation for breach of these, or the terras of quital, or of proper and thoroughly cleanly inauagement of tlie land (not according to custora of country, but according to the best rules of husbandry) should be distinctly insisted upon. In some of the best farmed districts of Eugland these conditions are recognized by landlord and tenant, whilst in otlier localities it is the exception for a farm to be given up in proper condition ; aud iu these latter cases, if the condition and management form the subject of arbitration, the whole matter is too frequently adjusted on terms which are lenient, and highly favourable to the outgoing tenant. At an in- stitution of great importance and consideration, " The Far- mers' Club," a paper has recently been read by Mr. Masfen on " Farm Agreements," which, highly valuable and suggestive in itself, lias elicited more valuable conclusions iu the resulting discussions. I earnestly commend a perusal of this paper and discussion to the members of the Institution of Sur- veyors. The lecturer refers to, aud discusses with much acumen, the farm agreement of Mr. C'adle, for n'hich the Royal Agricultural Society's prize was given in 1868, and the valuable opinions of my friend Mr. Ilaudall, of Chadbnry, on the same subject, elicited by a discussion at the Midland Farmers Club. Mr. Ilaudall has the courage to suggest a new principle for the adjustment of entries between outgoing and incoming tenants, which, like all suggestions from him, deserves the highest cousideration. llis view is, that no land should be given up to an incoming tenant in a condition of uncleanness, which would cost more than £2 10s. per acre to properly clean. If, in the opinions of the valuers, the cost would be less, the outgoing tenant would be entitled to receive the difference from the incomer ; if more, the in- coming tenant would be credited with such dilference. I am hardly prepared to adopt a datum of £-2 10s. per acre, or any larger or less sum, dependent on soil and locality, or to recog- nise tliat a tenant should be ])aid a premium for giving up lauds in simply good condition, and thus fulfilling his coven- ants; but I fully concur in enforcing the severest penalties on the outgoing tenant, whose covenants, whether in the direction of clean farming, cropping, or general dilapidations, have been broken. The application of this sterner discipline would greatly conduce to improved farming and increased production over an immense area of Eugland and AA'^ales. It is with some hesitation that I include iu this paper an outline of the crop- ping which is adopted on the various soils of England and Wales, inasmuch as the variety of soils and climate produce important and infinitesimal modifications of each course, which are yet further affected by the proportions of arable, pasture, and meadow land on each farm. On very light soils a five- field course prevails, viz., two-fifths corn, one-fifth roots or green crops, two-fifths clover and ryegrass ; and where the old ley is broken up, a portion is sown to rape or turnips before wheat. No pulse crop to be harvested in this course. It is usually within the discretion of the farmer in what order the two-fifths corn crops shall follow. On lands possessing more staple and of greater depth, the four-field course is almost universally adopted — viz., one-half corn, one-quarter roots, and one-quarter clover and pulse; the propoitiou of pulse which may be permissible fluctuates according to the quality of the land from one-eighth to one-twelfth. In this case, also, the sequence of corn aud green crops should be at the option of the tenant. The three-field course, with its modifi- cations converting it in some cases to the six-field shift, applies to the rich, deep, strong soils which, alas ! are exceptional over the broad area of England. Its ordinary formula would be two-thirds corn, one-ninth clover, one-ninth roots or fallow, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 25 one-uinth pulse. It will be obvious that these forms of crop- ping are merely the skeletons of munageraent, which permit endless modificatious of catch crops between corn and roots. AA'^ith tlie views previously propounded, it is clear I have only introduced the preceding paragraph to be some guide to the fariuiug of the last lour years of a reasonably long term. It is now to be considered how far this elasticity in cropping, which I have VLMiturcd to suggest, where long leases aie to be granted, may be extended to teuancics determinable by (!, 13, or 21> months' notice. In discussing tiiese conditions, I must dismiss, with much regret, the actively operative but appa- rently sentimental consideration of " good feeling and good uiiderstanling" which, however commercially unreliable and \insouml, has, over very many large estates in tiiis country, co-existed witii excellent farming and large and expensive improvements. It is obvious that, under a yearly or two-yearly tenancy, it would be a most unwise liberality which would concede perfect freedom of cropping or api)lication of all produce to the tenaut. In these cases any relaxation of the ordinary covenants as to cropping, or sale ol produce ordinarily consumed on the farm, must be coupled with special stipulations as to return of manures or extraneous food to be consumed by the stock. A system of Tenant Right, however valuable for the protection of the occupier under these contingently short tenancies, leaves the landlord's interest dangerously exposed, if any general concession as to cropping without limitation or stipulations is made ; hence, the landlord or agent of an estate where short tenancies exist must exercise a continuous sur- veillance of the property, if the remotest dejuirture from rule-of-thumb cropping and covenants is to be jiermitted. On the other hand, 1 do think that the cul- tivation and production of faruis under these shorter tenancies may be greatly improved by the concession of a Tenant llight for oilcake and artilicial manures applied to green crops within a reasonable period of the termination of a tenaucy : I do not suggest the details of such Tenant llight ; but the experience of Lincolnsliire aud other counties would be a valuable relia- ble foundation for the extension of the practice over our country. But, as I conclude this portion of my subject, before ine rises the recollection of various localities in England and Wiiles to which the most sanguine of improvers would scarcely apply the liberally elastic conditions I have suggested. The thin, poor, wet clays, often cf considerable elevation, in the damp climates of u line of country extending from Cornwall, through Wales, to Lancashire, Westmoreland, and Cumber- laud; the weak, hot, burning gravels, and the occasionally incompressible sands, where situated in an inhospitable and unattractive district, command, unfortunately, no class of tenants to whom these liberties niay be safely granted. New capital will not be drawn to these places. I say " new capital," because it happens often enough, that, througli 'ong years of thrift, tenants are found on these farms who have money; but they progress not by producing, but l)y saving, riic average tenant of these districts lives from hand to mouth, and could not, if he would, supply the conditions which alone justify the relaxation of his ordinary manaKcment. It has been suggested to me, that the further growth of wealth may and will 1)enellcially alfcct these neglected dis- tricts, as it has others, heretolore, seemingly as desolate. I venture, if not to ignore, at least to depreciate this influence in these special cases. The competition will be keener for what is desirable, but will very remotely affect the areas which I have described in such gloomy colours. An advance of tlie cost of manual labour, and a permanently lower range of corn prices, may and ought to modify the character of produce of these farms. In these cases every aid should be given by the landlord and agent to develop such changes ; in these directions it may be possible (o concede greater freedom of management. The ordinary covenants for the keeping a defined number of sheep or cattle on a farm, should obviously be as elastic as the covenants for cropping, which I have indicated in the fore- going remarks. With equal stringency, the maintenance of a full proportion of live stock must be enforced during the last four years. The management of dairy farms can scarcely be aifected by any of the foregoing considerations, except that a reasouable Tenant-Right should be given to the occupier of strictly grass farms for oilcake or other artificial food which he may have consumed during the last two years of his ten- ancy. Further, tlie consumption of oilcake or other kindred food during any period of his tenancy should justify the sale of a certain quantity of hay. Repairs are a large and im- portant feature in farm agreements, and probably lead to more questions, troublesome of solution, between the landlord and tenant, than any other condition of tenure. The ordinary arrangements are — 1. Where all repair* are borne by the land- lord ; 2. Where all are borne by the tenant ; 3. Where the landlord provides the materials and the tenant pays the labour; •f. Where the landlord finds the materials and shares with the tenant the cost of labour. It is obvious that these varied conditions proportionably affect the rent which is pay- able, and theoretically it would seem to be of little ira- portauce by whom the necessary reparation is made; prac- tically, however, it is far otherwise. Left to them- selves, and without any liability to make good the wear and tear which inevitably liappens to farm buildings, the ten- ant is too freipieutly careless of the cost of these repairs, and permits waste and injury to his premises, which, had he an iiitercit in their economical maintenance, would never arise. On the other hand, when the entire onus of repair is thrown on the tei.ant, he is too much disposed to evade, as far as possible, his liability ; hence things go undone which, tiitling in themselves at the outset, by the end of a long occupation assume very serious proportions. Arbitrations or legal pro- ceedings are frequently necessary for their settlement, and it is exceptional if, in such cases, the tenant is not relieved of a portion of the liability which, directly or indirectly, should properly fall upon him. For myself, I am inclined to the belief, that the jburth adjustment of the liability, /. c, the division of the cost of labour by the landlord and tenant, most fairly meets the difficulties of the case. The tenant's proportion of expenditure is limited to an amount which is more than balanced by the comfort and advantage of the maintenance, in proper condition, of his premises; and to avoid the large liability which is certain to result from neglect of prompt repairs, he will certainly be continually pressing on his land- lord or agent the necessity for keeping things in good order. Let me suggest, as exceptions to the materials to be provided by the landlord, straw for thatching, and glass and leadwork ; further, the tenant should be bound to do the carriage of materials for repairs within reasonable distance. As with land, so with huikiings, dilapidations at the termination of a tenancy, should be more s rictly enforced than is now the usual custom ; but it is clear that the tenant should be only liable for a legi- timate and necessary reparation, and not for restoration or reinstatement. The periods and conditions of entry on farms, and the power to hold over certain portions of the premises after the expiration of the term, by the outgoing tenant, and the right of pre-entry to prepare for turnips and wheat, by the incoming tenant, are singularly varied over England and Wales. It would be a waste of your timn to describe them in detail ; but I rejoice that the energy of some members of this Institution has led to the collection of information upon these points from the body generally, which, when collated and digested, will be as valualilc as interesting. It is, however, within tlie province of this Institution to direct their efforts to a modification of some of the tedious, inconvenient, and expensive conditions by which many entries are now hampered As an extreme instance of tediousness, I may mention that in some of the west country Lady-day entries, it is fifteen months after the exjiiration of a tenancy before the incoming tenant has entire possession of the occupation. I need not again enlarge on the costly character of the Surrey, Sussex, and Kent entries, which really uselessly absorb no inconsi- derable portion of a tenant's capital. Where it is possible, there can be no doubt of the wise policy of the purchase by the laud- lord, of a large proportiouof the items of these expensive entries, aud thus reducing the cost of entry and securing the appli- cation of the tenant's capital in more profitable directions. It is obvious that tenants will usually pay at least 5 per cent, in the shape of rent on the capital tlius economised ; from a va- riety of causes, it happens that few landlords are disposed to deal broadly with the purchase of these rights. It is, however, for our consideration whether, in granting long leases, it may not be desirable to make some effoit to extinguish a portion if not the whole of these outrageous conditions. It is clear that the best entry is that which permits the incoming tenaut to set himself down in his occupation at the least possible expen- diture of capital without prejudice to the interests of the out- going tenant. The AViltshire Michaelmas entries, for instance, appear to iuvolve these conditions ; the incoming tenant has 26 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. a pre-entry given him for turnips and wheat of defined date and area, which lie tills at his own discretion, without charge for rent, rates, or taxes. Even in these cases, however, a ques- tion of Tenant Riglit crops up. Where the laud on which a crop of turnips has hcen consumed is given up to an incoming tenant, as an entry for his wheat crop, custom has, during the last few years, established the payment of half the value of the tillages and artificial manure of such preceding crop to be paid by the incoming-tenant. It is a matt'jr of regret that the value of oilcake, or other artificial food, docs not, without special agreement, come into the same category ; but I am sanguine that custom, in this direction, is being quietly but certainly establislied. It is with some hesitation that I in- troduce game ; but the reservation is so usual and important a feature in the ordinary agricultural lease aad agreement, that it may not properly be left unnoticed. The political and moral aspect of this question is scarcely within tlie province of our Institution. Apart from this, I regard the preservation of game and the rights of sporting as a simple matter of agreement be- tween the landlord and tenant. It is, however, to be regretted that the preservation of ground game and rabbits is occasion- ally carried to such an extent as to be utterly inconsistent with good cultivation, and too frequently productive of misunder- standing and quarrels between landlord and tenant, I may now shortly summarise the results which I venture to anti- cipate from the adoption of more liberal covenants. Ciiief amongst them, I am certain of great general increased pro- duction of all farm produce, from the conviction that, with perfect liberty of action, a farmer will only sow his land when it is in the fittest and ripest condition for perfecting a crop ; the conditions incident to such fitness involving the growth of large proportions of green crop, and the consequent maintenance ot a great stock of sheep or cattle. 3. The probability of more permanent occupations of farms by the same tenants : Once free to manage his lands in the fashion which he thinks most profitable, the tenant will be most unwilling to be reduced to the four corners of his cropping covenants in the last years of his term. He will make every ettbrt to remain on his occu- pation by the payment of the most extreme rent, consistent with his getting a living, before the strict covenants as to cropping in the last years of his terra would come into operation. I be- lieve that the adoption of these suggestions would necessitate great care in the selection of men of capital and experience as tenants ; but I am sanguine enough to believe that it would tend, not only to the benefit of the State, but to the increased income of the landlord, and certainly to the comfort and pro- sperity of the occupier. ON THE PREVENTION OE CATTLE DISEASES. At the meeting of the Cirencester Chamber of Agriculture, Professor McBride, of the Royal AgricuituralCollege,introduced the subject of cattle disease. Mr. Edmonds presided. Professor McBride said agriculturists have, from the earliest times, until a very recent period, looked upon the dis- eases of the lower animals as a necessary evil, and one over which they had little or no control. In fact, they resembled much the " peculiar people" of the present day, who quietly stand by and allow disease to destroy life without the least attempt to protect themselves or their families from its devasta- ting effects. Happily for the stock-owners of the present day the sun has thrown its last rays on the good old times when men gloried in being ignorant under the plea of being prac- tical. In those days men were content with the education in- herited from their fathers, and as a result never ventured to supplement it. The nineteenth century, however, is a pro- gressive, age, and it indicates true progress when any body of men acknowledge a necessity for further information. 1 am happy to say that this Chamber, although young, is thoroughly imbued with the true spirit of inquiry ; this statement can be verified by looking at the immense amount of original work done by your committees under the able management of its ofiice-bearers. The subject I have chosen is of paramount importance to the nation at large ; to the consumer as well as the producer. The prosperity or ruin of hundreds of stock- owners depends in a great measure upon a thorough know- ledge of this subject. Sooner or later cattle diseases must be recognised as a public question. Yon are doubtless aware that no country in the world can compete with us in raising the quality of cattle exhibited at our annual shows ; and further, I have no hesitation in saying that there is no country so lax as our own in staying the progress ol preventible diseases. We throw away millions of money yearly, having little or no return ; a loss that would not be tolerated in any other branch of industry but agriculture. Perhaps yon may think I have used the wrong words — " thrown away" — because some, while allowing the gold coins to slip through their fingers, grasp a few shillings as the salvage of diseased animals, and allow them to pass into the hands of some unsuspecting individual who, in a short time, sends them elsewhere amongst healthy stock, thus supplying the disease with its hundreds of fresh victims, and insuring its rapid and sure distribution over the length and breadth of our isles. Is this not worse than "thrown away?" This is no imaginary picture. I could give many such facts from my own experience, and in not a few cases the biter has been bitten. What else could he expect when he encouraged such a system of traflic ? This is not as itshouldbe. Why is it so? The answer is simple. You nave not availed yourselves of a science which is economic in all its bearings. One would have thought that the enormous amount of cash invested in live stock in this country would, at least, have secured as large a share of science in its treat- ment as that of the crops, but such is not the case. We rarely hear of agricultural societies experimenting upon dis- eased animals or tracing the causes of disease or their results. A superficial observer would imagine that the preservation of live stock was foreign to the interests of agriculture by the little interest such societies take in this matter. These are plain truths, aud however difficult they may be to digest they are worthy of some attention. Perhaps a few of you present may think that my statements as to the great losses too gene- ral, or fanciful, or that the pictures are overdrawn. If such be your opinion you cannot have the slightest idea of the great mortality amongst our domestic animals. I will give yont statistics to show that animals do die in large numbers from preventible diseases which you may prove at your leisure, and I have no doubt that you will find matters even worse than T have depicted ; 1. At a recent meeting of the Derbyshire Agricultural So- ciety, Dr. Hitchman stated that in Derbyshire IG^ per cent, animals perish annually from pleuro-pueumonia. 3. Professor Pcrgnson, of Dublin, in I8G6, stated that 'iB per cent, of dairy stock died, or had to be sold, on account of being affected with pleuro-pueumonia ; and in 1867, when supervision was exercised, it was reduced to 17^ per cent. 3. At Glasgow, in one dairy, where cows were kept to the extent of 1,600, the annual loss from plenro-pneumonia was on an average 25 per cent. '1. Statistics collected by Professor McCall, of Glasgow, show that in that city alone the loss from preventible dis- eases was £77,999 — the loss in the above dairy was ex- cluded. 5. Mr. W. Smith, M. R. C. V. S., in a paper upon " the Cattle Plague in Norfolk," which he read at the recent meet- ing of the British Association, states that, during the pre- valence of the disease in that county, " when the movements of cattle were restricted by licences, and close inspection was maintained, the lung disease was held in abeyance, and the mouth-and-foot disease, except at the outbreak of the pest, quite disappeared, but very soon after the checks to the pro- pagation of the disease were removed our old enemies re- appeared." In evidence of this he placed before the meeting the follow- ing figures, which he had compiled from the books of the Norfolk Farmers' Cattle Insurance Company. The stock in- sured by that oflicc during its twenty years' career had been valued at more than £2,000,000 ; the experience of the com- pany Mr. Smith therefore regarded as " valuable and reliable." THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 27 The table exhibits a percentage of loss " upon the whole num- ber of neat stock insured." In 1858 the loss from pleuro- pneumonia amounted to OS^ per cent. ; in 1859, to 45 per cent. ; in 18G0, to 47^ per cent. ; in 1801 , to 47i per cent. ; in 186:2, to 46| per cent. ; in 1803, to 35 per cent. ; in 1804, to 35 per cent. ; in 1805, to ~0 per cent. ; in 1860, to 1 per cent. ; in 1867, to 8 per cent. ; and in 180S, up to August 17, to 30 per cent. As soon as the movonieuts of cattle were restricted, and fairs and markets prohibited, tiiis hitherto in- curable and jnost destructive of diseases almost disappeared. But at the present time, when " the free movements of beasts are again perinitcd, pleuro-pneumonia is once more asserting its malignant supremacy" — malignant indeed, when we iind that in less tiian eight months of the present year, nearly one- third of the animals insured liave perisiied, while the average loss of 1806 and 1807 was only 4tV per cent. _ 6. 77/e FiflJi MeJioil Ih-pod ofPiivy Cy/zz/cvY.— The statis- tics being principally compiled from Insurance books, which must be understated from the fact tiiat great risks were re- fused, and animals showing the least symptoms of disease were rejected. Tlie number of cattle which die annually in North Britain is thus discovered to be 47,893, and the money value of them to exceed £500,000, a large number and large sum, and evidently too large to pass unnoticed as it does. Above one-half of the total number lost is by pleuro-pneumonia, a disease which was unknown in this country before 1840. But, compared witli England or Ireland, tiie loss in Scotland is small. Eor tlie sake of calculation assuiriiug it to be correct, and taking the rate of mortality from our Scotch tables, which are low rates for Ireland, we Iind the annual loss lo be £1,132,687 7s. 5d. la these two kingdoms, therefore, we have an annual drain upon agricultural capital amounting to £1,042,771, or taking the real value of Irish cattle, close upon two millions each year. If in 1800 the whole of the United Kingdom had (as I believe it at least to liave had) the same rate of mortality as Scotland, in tliat year there died of disease, in Great Britain and Ireland 374,048 liorued cattle, having a total money value of £3,805,939 Ss., and if the Mid-Lothian experience of the causes of deatli be applied to tiiis matter, we may infer that more than half the loss was due to tlie pleuro-pneumonia — in round numbers may be estimated, £3,805,939 a year ; £317,101 a montli ; £79,290 a week ; and £11,327 a day. Tiiis is under the proper estimate, as taking six years, we find an annual loss of four millions. Tiie number of cattle imported in 1860 was 104,509, and their value may be estimated as £836,552. The deaths froui pleuro-pneumonia represented considerably above twice the value of these imports. As one year cannot be considered a sudiciently fair estimate, we may give the calculations for the six years ending 1800. The value of animals lost amounted to a grand total of £25,934,050. Of this number there died from pleuro-pneumonia considerably above one million during the six years, and these represented a value of about twelve millions sterling. The loss by disease was four times the number imported, and by pleuro-pneumonia it exceeded twice that number. In large towns tiie mortality of cows very greatly exceeds any proportion which I have stated — it has amounted to more than 50 per cent. The re- ports of 88 Edinburgh dairies ordinarily containing about 1,839 cows, out of which, in one year, 791 disea.scd cows were sold to butchers, and slaughtered for human food, and 284 were sold as food for pigs. It will be seen (hat of the total number of cows kept in Edinburgh, h^\ per cent, were sold diseased, of which 43 per cent, were sold to butcliers for human food, and \'b\ per cent, as food for pigs. The total value of the 1,075 diseased animals when first bought, at the very moderate average of £13 10s. eacli, is £14,512 10s. Tiiere was realised by their sale, calculating the value of the 791 sold to butchers at an average of £5 each, and (he 284 sold for pig feeding at 10s. each, the sum of £4,097. The net annual loss for diseased cows in Edinburgh alone may therefore be estimated at £10,415. In Dublin the average losses for 20 years ending the 1st July, 1862 (viz., since tiic very first appearance of pleuro-pneumonia in the United King- dom), amount to 51.11 per cent, on the 12,000 cows kept. Further, in London and its suburbs there is an annual loss of at least £80,000. The time at our disposal is so limited that I can only hope to consider one of the great classes of disease. I had, however, intended to describe epizootic and enzootic — the latter being those dependent upon local causes ; but as the first class is of the greatest importance to this Chamber, I am reluctantly compelled to omit enzootic disorders till a future time, when we may liave opportunity for its discussion. I shall endeavour in this lecture to desbribc — 1. What is meant by the term epizootic. 2. How introduced, and why retained in our country. 3. Are we safe from furtiicr outbreaks of cattle plague P 4. Tlic prevention of such diseases. I shall iiope to point out wiiat agriculturists must do before the Le- gislalure can reasonably be expected to assist you ; and further suggest what tiiis C'hainijcr should do as a pioneer in this great movement. Epizootics are defined by our greatest au- thority upon this suiiject as "that class of diseases which spread from one country to another without regard to climate, soil, breed of animals, or any circumstances except those of favouring or impeding the communication of a special virus, tiie propagation of a living entity from a diseased animal to a living, I'.ealthy one." Such bein;; the definition of this class, it will further our object much if we consider briclly how in- troduced. It is truly a mortifying spectacle to behold one of the greatest nations in the world, rich in science, thus allowing only four diseases — viz., pleuro-pneumonia (lung disease), epi- zootic aptha (foot-and-mouth disease), caltlcplague, and variola ovina (small-pox in sheep) — to be our every-day terror, and drain our pockets to the extent that they do. What weakness to permit even for one day the introduction of such diseases as are foreign to our soil. Before 1842 our cattle and sheep were not devastated by such diseases, and it was only when Sir Robert Peel thought it necessary to increase the supply of meat for the people that he allowed free trade in cattle. By so doing he unwittingly introduced foreign diseases, which iiave ever since been a curse to the agricultural interests. These disorders were new to the stockowners of this country. They would not believe they were either infectious or con- tagious. Tiie causes given were numerous, such as the lilihy condition of cow-houses; excessive heat or excessive cold; dry weather, wet weather ; and some very wise men, even so recently as the late outbreak of cattle plague, declared it was something in the air. Ecw would allow that such disorders were due to specific poisons, and not indigenous to our soil, but of foreign growtli. Twenty-eight years have wrought wonders — it lias educated the agricultural community, but at what a cost ! Tiiis is one of the benefits of compulsory educa- tion. Tiiere can be no doubt that your experience has beeu the most ample and the most expensive mode of learning the true uature of these plagues. The outbreak of 1865 not only enlightened the ignorant, but it confounded the prejudices of tiiose who denied its contagious nature. Our instruction has been costly, and we should be deserving of the severest cen- sure if we neglected to make use of our acquired knowledge for the purpose of protecting our interests. No doubt we have had a few occasional complaints, but they have beeu drowned by parties interested in the tratlic. It has beeu said by agriculturists that our profession has done little to aid stock- owners in eradicating such diseases from tjicir herds and docks. Many veterinarians have drawn the attention of those interested to tliis subject, but none to the extent of Professor Gamgee, or with the same originality of thought. Since 1858, till the cattle plague appeared, he never failed to point out what must ultimately be the result of tiie trallic in foreign cattle. Strange to say, one of the most infiuential agricultural bodies in this country would hardly listen to him; they put him down as an enthusiast, a theorist, an idle dreamer. When he told them tiiat if they persisted in introducing foreign stock we should be certain to have a visit from the dire de- stroyer, cattle plague, he was laughed at. In fact, he was said to be sulTcring from a peculiar form of madness — his hal- lucination being that this country would soon sutler from a jilague which would destroy nearly all our cattle. Agricultu- rists said it could not occur — it was sensational — a myth — a mere shadow ; and, further, when he informed you how cattle plague could be stayed, I firmly believe if Lynch law had been an English custom, the cattle dealers and others interested would liavc made an example of one wjio was, and is still, your best friend. Sucii has been the recompense that one of the most talented members of our much-abused profession received at your hands ; and why ? Because he knew more than his contemporaries, and because stock-owners were not sulliciently educated to receive the trutlis he communicated. I take tliis opportunity of saying that he is the most original man of his time ; and that he has the most comprehensive view of all ^8 THE FAEMER*S MAGAZINE. that pertains to epizootics. What did he do for Wiltshire ? Stopped small-pox. I am not aware of anjone, who has written or lectured upou this subject, advanciiig anything that he did not advise years ago. Tliey but echo his words with- out giving him the honour of being the first to suggest such measures. Government adopted his suggestions for cattle plague, after the loss of millions, but neither agriculturists nor the government have either recognised or remunerated his vuluaijle services. Every profession has liad its martyrs, and I expect ours is no exception to the rule. However, gen- tlemen, it is satisfactory to know " that it is never too late to mend." I sliould hope there are none present who believe in the non-coiitai)ioiis nature of tliese maladies. To those who do, I will not attempt to prove its nature, as the time has passed for its discussion — it is known to every cow hoy. I will, however, place a few facts before them. 1. The ports from which we receive our foreign supplies suffer much from such maladies. 3. Such diseases were never known in Eng- land until foreign stock were introduced. 3. Such diseases always radiate from centres, such as cattle markets along tlie lines of cattle trattic. 4. Breeding districts are entiiely e.\empt. 5. The practice of selling animals sutfering from such disorders, although detrimental to your best interests, ^ proves clearly that you are afraid of its spreading. 6. While cattie plague was playing havoc with our herds, pleuro-pneu- raonia (which is contagious) disappeared. And why ? — Tlie traffic in animals was stopped. Head the history of epizootics on the continent, how they pass to Britain, and from it to America, Australia, and Norway, and if any further doubts exist iu your minds, invest in one animal suffering from pleuro- pneumonia, place it amongst your healthy slock, and the result will be couclusive evidence of its nature. Let me assure you it is impossible in this couutry to produce this class of dis- orders by any combination of causes such as heat, cold, food, moisture, filth, bad ventilation, or anything sliortof the intro- duction of the specific poison into the system of the living animal. Any of you may as well try and generate cholera amongst tlie membeis of this Chamber within an hour. There is little doubt that such causes may increase the viru- lence of the attack, but nothing more. It is very unpleasant to recall the results of the late outbreak of cattle plague, but the question naturally arises in oue's mind — Are we iu any danger of its re-appearing amongst our stock ? It must not be forgotten that it occurred once, and may occur again under like circumstances. This peril is even increased by the large extension of railways, forming a complete net-work to the centres of disease on the natural habitats of these plagues. If prices be, liigli in our markets it will further favour its iutrc - duction. Therefore we have reason to apprehend danger from the increased facility of transport together with the unscrupu- lous character of many of those engaged in the trafllc of such animals. This critical state of matters loudly calls for some stringent measure by our Government for the protection of the public health and the prosperity of agriculture, as the present system cannot possibly be tolerated without disregard to long established and warmly-cherished principles of our social economy. I trust I have been successful in showing you that the annual loss due to tlie great mortality amongst stock is greater than many like to acknowledge. I have also endeavoured to show you the pimary cause of your losses, and how such losses are increased by your recklessness in jmrchasing animals ; and I hope 1 have succeeded in calling your attention to the liability at any moment to another out- break of cittle plague amongst your stock. It is nothing short of folly to wait for furtlier evidence of its destructive nature, and the blame must rest with yourselves and not with us if you are not fully protected from its ravages. You thoroughly apprehend the primary cause of epizootics — it is the free trade iu cattle ; and we have much reason to congratulate ourselves that it is so, as we can without much difliculty apply a remedy for which our insular position oifers every facility. Gentle- men, I liave hardly patience with those wlio advocate free trade in cattle. Their great idea is tliat this liberty is good for the couutry. How can it be so when it permits the sys- tematic introduction of diseased animals by jobbers into our markets ? We lose by plenro-pneuinonia alone above twice the value of our foreign imports. Sir Robert Peel never intended to give any such licence to traffic in that which is dangerous to the health of the public and ruinous to the owners of stock. Wc shall now consider the mcaus of preventing disease. The hispectioii of fur e'ujii slock at Biiiish ports. — After some experience of this mode of preventing disease, I am compelled to say that at the best it is of doubtful utility. Every one knows that the results obtained from the examination of aninals which have been at sea are very unsatisfactory, as the excitement produced by bad ventilation between decks, over-crowding, aud tlie cruel manner iu which they are treated in landing, are sufficient to obscure the signs of disease. No doubt bad cases may be observed, but even this cannot be done in all instances without danger to life or limb. Inspectors cannot possibly recognise disease during its incubative stages. These vary — extending to forty days in pleuro-pneumonia, in cattle plague six days, and in epizootic aphtha ranging from twenty-four hours to five days. Now it is quite possible that a cargo may be passing tlirough this stage aud yet be reported healtiiy by the inspector. Tiiey are then permitted to be exposed in our markets to propagate disease. The inspector may limit the number of animals sutfering from the acute form, and in this particular may be of some little service. But it must be evi- dent that it can be no protection to our home stock. Quarantine has been recommended for all foreign cattle. 1 believe that it is impracticable in this couutry, because it would never be so efficiently conducted as to secure us against the spread of such maladies ; in fact, it would resemble our saniitoriums during the cattle plague, and would merely be a centre for the spread »f such disorders. The advantages to be gained by this procedure would be so few that it would never compensate for the expense incurred. It would meet with very much opposition from its impracticable character. Imagine an old IJutcli cow retained in cpiarantine for six weeks ; it is simply absurd. No doubt this measure would have this advantage, that it would soon put a stop to foreign supplies altogether. AVhat I would suggest for your safety would be, that all foreign cattle and sheep should be slaugh- tered when they arrive at our ports, and sent as dead meat to our central markets. Sheep, if allowed to be exposed in our markets alive, would be capable of propagating all the epi- zootics to our home cattle. There should be no lialf measures. Government should be comiielled to restrict this traffic and encourage our home trade. If the British farmer offered ani- mals for sale knowing that they came from a diseased stock, and that they were suifering from tlie disease in a latent form, he would be pnnislicd. Why then should Government allow salesmen to dispose of foreign cattle when they are known to come from infected districts ? Indeed, this fact often leads to an increased supply of such animals to our markets. Eoreign cattle dealers kuow we will give good prices even for stock capable of propagating disease in the shortest possible time. This shows the inequality of our English laws, foreigners being allowed to go scot-free for the same offence that you would iu all probability be imprisoned for. Why should you suffer from any delect in the laws of free trade in cattle ? I can assure you if the same thing was even attempted to be done to any other section of the community the statute would be at once repealed. In fact the more seldom that either sheep or cattle are permitted to leave our ports alive, the less likely are we to have a repetition of the calamity of 1865, which proved so fatal to your interests. It is one of the most characteristic features of epizootics that they tend always to become extin- guished in places remote from those wherein they seem to have a spontaneous origin. The iulluenccs which affect this extinction are difficult to determine; perhaps one reason is that the contagious matter requires otlier conditions besides (he mere jireseucc of animals before it can establish itself per- manently iu a country. As these conditions, however, exist nowliere excepting in those countries wherein such diseases spontaneously arise, their absence in our own land may be one cause of those disorders undergoing a gradual extermination. Again, these diseases, from being transmitted through several generations, lose much of their virulence, and animals become ranch less susceptible to the influeuce of their contagious prin- ciples. It is well known, for example, that neither pleuro- pneumonia nor epizootic aphtha is so deadly now as when it appeared first amongst us, and it is just as certain that each of these diseases would ultimately disappear if it were not for the continued introduction of virus from abroad. lloiv to Treat Home Stoclc. — I should advise you to place newly-purchased animals from public markets in isolation houses for at least six weeks. You wiU never regret doing so, as it will prevent the spread of such diseases as pleuro-pneu- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 29 monia. Sliould this disorder break out among your stock, what siiould be done ? Kill at once all those suffering from the malady, separate the rest of your stock into small lots, and be certain that each herd is thoroughly isolated from the other. Then put them all under tonic treatment, sulphate of iron being tlie best. By this procedure you will invigorate them to such an extent that they will probably withstand the action of the specific poison. Be careful that tiiose attending diseased animals do not come in contact with your healthy stock. Such measures will tend to confine disease to the districts in which it has first broken out, and at the same time stay its progress. It is at all times wise to use antiseptics. This treatment, in its entirety, would not apply to epizootic aphtha, as its period of incubation is so short that it would be difficult to prevent its spread. It is not deadly, but it leads to great waste of meat and milk. Fat stock may sink £3 per head in value, while with dairy stock it is simy ruinous. This disease has during the past thirty years robbed our people of not less than between two and three million tons of animal food. A practical farmer lias stated the money lost at £2oU,000,000. Let us now con- sider what should be done before you can reasonably expect Government to assist you. Show your annual losses. Be in a position to place in the hands of your members of I'arliament statistics. If this he done you will command the attention of Government, and at the same time secure that great element public sympathy ; and with both these the result is evident. Measures would soon be adopted to prevent further loss. It will appear to the most sceptical that statistics emanating from agricultural chambers would be a powerful lever, as the evidence you could adduce would be so overwhelming as to ensure your carrying the day in any political struggle for your long lost rights. The shackles which the Peel Government forged for you in 18^2 would drop oft", and thus relieve you of your great danger in purchasing stock. Tliis would not be all ; it would en- sure a supply of hundreds of tons of food for the public, to- gether with an increased account at your bankers. How can statistics as to the mortaility of stock be best secured ? Simply by the appointment of registrars in different parts of the country, whose duty it would be to ascertain the diseases in particular districts. These reports should contain : 1, Name of disorder ; 2, Its causes ; 3, Its natin-e, wliether contagious, infectious, or otherwise ; 4, Its duration; 5, The number of deaths. This would tend to instruct us concerning the special in- fluences of certain districts in producing disease, and at the same time would give us precise knowledge of the loss incurred by the whole country. Let me here advert to the absurd idea that many farmers have of opposing any measure that requires statistics from them. They think that Government wants to know too much of their private affairs, and tax them accord- ingly. Such was not the case in reference to tlie statistics obtained during the cattle plague. Indeed, if Government had not received such information no measures of prevention could have been adopted. It is essential in the present in- stance that the Government should be in possession of all the facts of your losses, before you can hope to have the law of free trade in cattle corrected. What should this Chamber do as a pioneer in this great movement? Communicate with other Chambers of Farmers' Clubs in the county, and suggest to each member that he should be his own registrar for six months. When the statistics are collected and arranged you would be very much surprised to find that even in Gloucester- shire the loss is so heavy. Since writing the above, I see from our journals that cattle plague continues to destroy the cattle in large numbers in Eastern Europe. It is of such a virulent type that it has spread to several fresh districts in Poland and Hungary. Pleuro-pneumonia increases in our own county. 33 counties are affected, siiowiug 132 distinct centres. Foot-and- mouth disease, 55 counties with 863 centres for its rapid spread. Such then is a brief sketch of this class of diseases, and the true remedy for their cure. Gentlemen, I leave the matter in your liands, knowing that — " Wise men ne'er sit and wail their losses ;" and that " a word to the wise is sufKcient." You must be up and doing : " the cattle upon a thousand hills will continue to be as it was of old, the symbol of wealth and honour." Mr. Edmonds (the President) : There was one point in the lecture which I noticed particularly, and that was as regards the obtaining of statistics of the diseased cattle — the number diseased and the money value — in order to place these statis- tics in the hands of our members. I think that a material point, and a very good idea. I hope some gentleman will continue this discussion, and if any one wishes to ask a ques- tion of Mr. McBride, I am sure he will answer it. Mr. JIcBuiuE siguilied his assent. Mr. E. BowLY said: I forget the law — they are obliged to slaugiiter fat cattle are they not now ? Mr. IMcBuiDF. : After they have travelljed into our markets. Tliey are not destroyed at tlic! wharves, they travel through Lou- don and other large to\\ns before they arrive at the markets, and propagate disease through the country. What should be done is — tiiey should be killed at the wharves. Also store cattle ; we know they can travel anywhere they like — they are not killed. Mr. E. Howi.Y : Surely they undergo some quarantine ? Mr. McBride : None whatever ; no quarantine. The President : They did at one time. Mr. McBkide: They are passed by the inspector. If there is one or two diseased of course the whole cargo can be con- demned. Mr. BowLY was not aware tlusy could come inland. Mr. McBride : The disease is as bad in Ireland as in Ger- many, yet the Irish cattle can travel wherever they please. The Irish have plenty of pleuro-pneumonia, which has, I be- lieve, caused more loss than the cattle plague, because it lias been continued through at least thirty yc/ars. Mv. BowEY : I think it an important subject, and one for action for a club like this. We know what restrictive mea- sures have done — we saw their ellicaey during the time of the cattle plague, for whilst there were restrictive measures the foot-and-mouth disease and pleuro-pneumonia almost disap- peared. We cannot give many statistics here, for we never iiave it. Even when it was in the country a hnndred years ago I think the Cotswold Hills were exempt tlieu. I am sure I should be glad to do anything I can to strengthen our mem- bers' hands, and to obtain restrictive measures. I should have liked to have seen a larger meeting here. I feel rather warmly upon the subject myself. Mr. McBride : We have here about twelve agriculturists present representiug the Cirencester Agricultural Chamber on sucii an important subject as cattle disease — how can they ex- pect Government to take an interest in it, when they do not take an interest in their own alTairs ? Mr. E. Buck said : As one of the agriculturists of Glouces- tershire, I may say that I believe we suffer less than any other of the counties. Sheep are the principal stock in this district, not cattle. I agree with the lecturer — we should have been pleased to have seen the whole of the farmers here to have listened to his interesting lecture ; but still we must remember that this district is not so interested in cattle as other counties. Mr. McBride : It shows their selfishness when they won't assist those who require a little help. The President: I am tbaukt'ul to say that we know nothing of the cattle plague in this district, neither have we known much of the pleuro-pneumonia. I have no doubt that arises from the fact that we do not trade in cattle. With regard to the foot-and-mouth disease, 1 can give a practical illustration of its bad effect. Many years ago we had it among our dairy cows, and the effect was exactly described by Profi'ssor BIcBride. In 1865 we had some cattle at a farm in Berkshire — about twenty. These cattle were divided into two lots, one came to my own farm, the other ten went to a meadow near the turnpike road, and I have no douljt that through cattle travelling along that road those in the meadow were attacked by this disease, and at Christmas their value was not so great by £5 a-head as those in the lot that came home ; whereas at the time they were parted, in the beginning of September, they were equal in value as near as possible. I will just say with regard to the point Mr. McBride spoke of, tlie real fact is, the gentlemen of the neighbourhood say they can read and study these papers on tiie next Saturday morning, and they are anxious to get home from market ou the Monday evening, so they leave it to a few. Mr. E. BowLY : I think the matter very important. I think the best thing would be to appoint a committee to communicate with other chambers. We have heard the lecturer read the enormous losses our brother fanners incur, and we do not know how soon we may suffer. I hope it will be taken up generally by Chambers of Agriculture, and im- pressed upon Government. I believe I an- correct; in saying 30 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. that the foot-aud-mouth disease and pleuro-pneumonia are increasing every day. The President : Mr. Bowly proposed a committee ; will any gentleman second it ? Mr. Snowsell seconded the proposal. Professor Church, after some conversation with Mr. Bowly, said he proposed an amendment — that tlie existing committee should take the matter in liand. Iilr. Bowly : I have no objection at all ; I am only anxious it sliould not he lost sight of. The amended resolution was taken as carried, the meeting being unanimous, and Professor McBride was added to the existing committee. Prcrf'essor Weigiitson asked tlie lecturer what are his views with regard to inoculation for pleuro-pneumonia ? Mr. McBride : So far as my own experiments go 1 do not believe in inoculation ; they require to be extended, but so far as they go I do not believe in inoculation for pleuro-pneumonia as any preventative. Mr. Bowly : It is not so fatal as cattle plague ? Mr. McBride -. We lo^e a great many by it— about 30 per cent. Mr. Bowly : I mean that of those attacked by pleuro- pneumonia a greater number recover than of those attacked by cattle plague. Mr. McBride : About 20 per cent, of the cattle plague recover. Mr. Bowly : I was not aware it was so many. Mr. McBride : It was not at first, but towards the end ot the time that number recovered. The virus of disease is seldom so fatal after it has been transmitted tlirough a number of living beings. Mr. II. Ruck : The lecturer has told us that we cannot quite look after our own business ; he has also told us the disease lias come from abroad, and I think one of his points was that all cattle should be destroyed at the port. If we should advocate that, it would be preventing the transmission of food over the country — that would be protection. I don't think our Government would quite join with Mr. McBride in slaughtering the cattle. I think his remarks very good in- deed— that farmers should register their stock. I beg to propose a vote of thanks to Mr. McBride ; we are much in- debted to him. This was seconded and carried. THE BEEEDING AND EEAEING OF HOESES. At the last meeting of the I.avenham Parmers' Club, IMr. G, D. Badham read the following paper : 1st. As regards horses for riding. We constantly hear the remark, " Breeding nags does not pay;" Why does it not pay? Simply because we breed amiss. Do we not put mares witliout any known pedigree, and too often witli some hereditary defect, to any stallion which happens to come near us ? If we wish to im- prove our cattle, sheep, or swine, the services of a good male animal are secured, and sometimes we go even further, and pnrcliase some good females ; but we take no trouble witli our liorses, and frequently the one we use is hardly looked at. Certainties iu horse breeding are fallacious, yet we must be guided by general rules, and tlie breeder who carefully studies tiie selection of both sire and dam will far outstrip the reckless breeders. Our great object should be to produce an animal as near perfection as possible ; for this end the sire chosen should he possessed of those points in which the dam maybe deficient. There is in my opinion l)ut one true shape for a horse, whether it be a cart horse or a hunter, and depend upon it the sloping shoulder is as necessary for the one as tlie other, for if he lias a straight shoulder he canuot walk, and the old story about not being able to draw with a sloping one is sheer nonsense. Breeding and rearing the noblest animal in the whole creation is, and ouglit to be, the delight of man ; hut beside the pleasure we derive from it, we ought also to obtain some profit, which cannot be done unless we combine judgment with it. You nuist, if yon wish to succeed, give up using the half-bred horses, except upon thorougli bred mares ; if you have the alloy iu the dam you do not want it iu the sire. The modern hunter or hack must be thorough bred on one side, and I should like to see the same rule in our Agri- cultural Society in Suflolk as they have in the North, where no animal is allowed to compete unless the pedigree show at least two crosses of blood. The great improver of his species is the thorough bred horse, and if we wij.li to succeed iu breeding a modern hunter or hack we must select a mare free from hereditary ailments, and put her to a liorse with plenty of stout blood in his veins. In the best hunting counties, such as Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and many others, the cocktail stallion is unknown, and more will be found in the E.asteru Counties than in any part of England. The selection of a good niaie is of the greatest importance. I have scarcely ever seeu a bad horse of any class from a really good mare, and there is scarcely an instance of ex- traordinary merit but the prevailing poiuts of excellence could be traced in some way to the dam. At the same time we must not overlook the importance of good sires, for without these we shall assuredly fail in our attempts to breed a good animal. How does the chance breeder proceed in the choice of his sire ? Does he look for one whigh has all the points good in which his mare is defective? If he did, half the evils might be avoided ; but chance is again trusted to, and all the anxiety he evinces in the matter is the cost of the horse's services ; while in other cases it is the one which passes the gate, or is close at hand, which is chosen. He may have every defect to which horse-llesh is liable, but this is no matter to the chance breeder ; a foal is all he \\ auts, and I once heard a breeder say, " A foal was a ioal, and it could not be a calf." lie never pictures to himself the cost of rearing a colt up to three, four, or five years old, and then finding the animal has a spavin, a curb, or a ringbone. The systematic breeder never allows any chance-work to creep into his concerns. Whether he breeds racers, hunters, car- riage, saddle, or cart horses, he selects with deep anxiety the animals he intends to breed from, of both sexes, and those which he can trace back to blood of unquestionable family in their class. Breeders of this description are not numerous iu these counties, but there is nothing to prevent their becoming so, and they will generally succeed best by confining them- selves to breeding only one class of horse, though of course there are exceptions to this as every other rule. One I re- member, some years ago, in the eastern parts of this county ; I remarked that all his colt foals were sent away as sires, and his fillies became first-class mares, and were always win- ners at the Suffolk Agricultural Shows ; and before he let his home farm, he offered to show his five mares with auy five in the county ; the challenge was accepted by the late Sir. Cat- lin, who was beaten by him ; the same gentleman bred also a few hunters and hacks, and in these he was just as successful ; his carriage horses were bred by himself, and they had not their equal in the county, and one of his hacks I shall always remember. I mention these facts to show it is not so difficult as people fancy to breed good ani- mals if you only set about it in the right way, for " like breeds like." Temper, power, endurance, spirit, gene- rally follow the dam ; form, action, &.C., the sire. With- out losing sight of the power, the more breeding a hunter can have the better, for they are often called on to per- form extraordinary act* of gameness, and from the thorough- bred comes all the pluck and cour.age to stay a distance, and by their blood-like action to give their riders a comfortable seat in their saddles. It is not necessary for a mare to have been a fine performer herself, but there are a fetv points indis- pensable, viz., a sloping shoulder, deeper girth, short cannon hones, a good back, big quarters and thighs and hocks, with her hind legs in the proper position under her. As I have before said, temper, spirit, and endurance are all very essential in the dam. Mares to breed carriage horses need not be so well bred as those for breeding hunters, but they must have plenty of knee action, with good heads, necks, and shoulders, and should be put to a thoroughbred sire if you wish to breed first-class animals. The same thing applies to hacks, and it THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. 31 is impossible to breed a modern hack except in this way. As regards horses for agricultural purposes, there is nothing will interest you more as a body of advanced practical farmers, than what |WC want to constitute a good drauglit brood mare, and there is nothing connected with agriculture of greater import- ance to the farmer than his liorse-power, with the exception of manual labour. It is true that steani is largely employed where formerly horse-power was used, both in cultivation and tlirasliing ; but horse-power still is, and must always be, tlie principal means by which a fanner gets through his work, and steam becomes more of an auxiliary than a rml power. Such being the case, is it not our interest to have this great power of the most approved class? and iu order to ellect tliis tlie same attention must be paid both sire and dam as in breeding horses for tlie field or road. A pedigree of un- doubted authority is alisolutely necessary ; if you see two horses with all that you want in a sire, but no pedigree, or only an iuiperl'ect one, and another with some faults, but witli a pedigree, select the latter, as you are more certain to get an average ibal, but with the other it is all cliancc ; you may get what you want, or you may not. The all im- portant point of soundness is now to be considered. It is tiie essential one in the brood mare for all purposes. It is a noto- rious fact that there are certain diseases to which parents are the subjects, and which will descend iu the progeny. Ring- bones and sidebones are hereditary iu almost any form. In- deed ringbones will come out after many generations. Blind- ness, a special disease of horses, is certain to follow breeds ; and on no account would I recommend breeding from either sex alTected with it. A mare may lose an eye or become blind from accident ; but though this would not be liercditary, it unfits her for that offic(! which nature has destined her — to protect aud shield her ollspring from injury, besides it makes her clumsy, and she is liable to tread on the foal. Diseases of the respiratory organs, as roaring, whistling, broken wind, and thick wind, are all, I consider, hereditary diseases. Di- seases in the feet should be carefully avoided. Sand-crack I have seen follow in families, aud seedy-toe also. In conclu- sion, 1 may add that it is most important to have both sire aud dam in a healthy co:idition, as the progeny of sickly-framed animals are sure to inherit some of their failings. I'erfect conformation and soundness iu both sire aud dam are of the greatest importance. Before I conclude I will make a few remarks upon the treatment of foals and yearlings, &c. Having bred a good animal, the next thing we have to attend to is his being well cared for. I will suppose you are breeding animals of the right sort, and such as will bear a little increased expenditure to be bestowed upon them. I will begin with the foal ; get them early as possible, aud give the dam bran, corn, and hay. Corn should be continued a good part of the summer, if you intend having a good yearling, and three feeds should be given to the foal daily, when it is weaned ; during the following summer, and, indeed, till the animal is rising three years old, no corn will be necessary, but at that age it should be brought into the stable and commence its edu- cation ; this course requires good management ; but I would on no account allow it to be taken olf the farm, to be what is termed broken ; if you must employ a person for the purpose of getting the animal in a lit state to be ridden, by all means have it done at home. Aud I strongly advise all breeders to have their foals haltered aud tied now and then, when they are sucking upon the mares. The greatest care is necessary with stock of this descriptiou ; it is quite possible to avoid accidents in a great measure — at all events we should try to avoid them ; allow only a very careful man, who uses your animals gently, to have anything to do with them, and I feel sure you will find accidents much less common than here- tofore, Mr. W. BiDDELL (the chairman) said the great aim in breeding hunters was to obtain good weiglit-carriers. There was a gentleman in the room who had one of the best he knew, and that gentleman had reasons to be proud of it, as he not only bred it himself, but he rode it well, and generally occupied a good position. He alluded to Jlr. Edgar. Mr. Edgar said his experience was something like that of Mr. Hawkins — he had bred so many horses that he was rather sick of the business. As far as cart-horses were concerned he had got on very well from Chester Emperor, and had bred every horse he was using on his farm ; but he never succeeded jn getting more than one good nag, and that wa« a very good one. He had bred several in the same way, but none of them had turned out so well. He had kept some of them up to five years old, and then found they were worth about £10. The animal the Chairman had referred to was really a good one — he never knew a day too long or a fence too big for her. He had now turued all his female animals over to Mr. Hust- ler, and perhaps he would tell them how he was getting on with them ; ho was afraid he was following in his (Mr. Edgar's) steps. He thought he should begin again, and not be quite so duck-hearted as Mr. Hawkins. He was afraid the sire he used was not all lie ought to have been. It was a pro- fessed thoroughbred, but he did not think he was quite. Mr. HusTLEii said Mr. Edgar bad given sucfi a glowing description of the animals he had handed over to him that lie did not think it was necessary for him to say mucli. At any rate he had not put tliem forward as a very profitable sort to keep. He tliouglit some of Mr. Badbam's remarks applied very much to tlie animal that he and Mr. Edgar lired from ; he did not tiiiuk the dam was jierfectly sound — whether by accident or hereditary disease he could not .say — and he be- lieved bee progeny inherited her defects. That was one of the causes why they bred amiss. He had not yet given up hope, and thought some of lliem might yet turn out right, lie thought it was quite riglit for farmers to breed their own cart- horses. Grazing bullocks did not pay them very niucli, and he thought if they paid a little attention to the horses tliey would pay as well as the cattle, besides enabling tbein to keep a good supply of young horses to work on the farm ; for he believed .t was best to sell the horses that had reached eight or ten years old, aud put colts in their places. The difficuhy they had in breeding nag horses was that they did not get many good sires in tlie neighbourhood, and people had some diffidence in sending mares to a distance, as there was some un- certainty about getting a foal that would pay them. Mr. Badiiam believed the breed of the Suffolk horse was as pure as the blood horse ; and it was much to be regretted that they had not a stud book of the Suffolk breed. They had not the guide they ought to have ; but animals that had been prize-winners for generations had their pedigree pretty well established. Mr. Talbot agreed with what Mr. Badham had advanced, particularly as to the importance of having true-bred animals on both sides ; and, undoubtedly, those points which were deficient in the dam should be particularly looked to in the sire. Suffolk, as they were all aware, was not a nag-breeding county; but if they went into many counties — Yorkshire, for instance — they would see strings ol nag and carriage horses, worth from .tSO to £100 eacli, that were being sent up to the London market. They had been picked up at different places, and an intelligent dealer would always manage to get together a number of such horses. Why was it that Yorkshire aud some other counties should be so successful in uasrs, hunters, and carriage horses ? Simply because more attention was paid to their breeding than was the case in SuffoUc. Here it was too mucli the practice to use any horse that might be travelling, without regard to shape or make, or how it would mate with the dam. It might certainly be said that Suffolk excelled in cart horses, aud there was as much difference be- tween a Suffolk cart horse and a Yorkshire cart horse as there was between a Suffolk aud a Yorkshire nag, and for the reason that more attention was paid to the breeding of the one than the other. Many people had said it was Ijecanse the pastures were so superior in those counties. Undoubtedly that was an essen- tial point, and where there was good pastures horses could be brought up cheaper tlian where they were inferior. Mr. Badham had dwelt a good deal upon pedigree, aud they must all concur that there was much in that ; but it was not long since lie heard one of the best judges of horse-flesh he knew say tliat breeding from pedigree was useless unless they had the right shape and conformation and the requisite propeUing power. He was far from thinking they ought to ignore pedigree ; but many pedigree horses were ill-.shaped animals and ill-adipted for the purpose for which they were intended. Mr. Badham had given them some excellent hints with regard to the ma- nagement of colts ; for undoubtedly after they had been at great expense iu breeding an auimal it was ill-judged policy to stint him in the way of keep or management. Notiiing wanted to be kept so well as mares and foals, and the latter should be well kept from the time it was foaled until it really came into use, Why was it tliat thoroughbred auimalswere developed so 32 THE FAKMER'S MAGAZINE. early ? It was simply because of the forcing system pursued with them. I'armers forced both bullocks aud sheep : they now brought out hoggets of 5, 6, and 7 stone, while formerly it used to be two or three years before they reached that weight, and the sameprinciple was applicable to horse breeding. The better they were kept and the more they were forced the earlier they would come to maturity. Mr. Badiiam, in acknowledging a vote of thanks, wished to make one remark as to customers. If they would only breed such animals as he wanted them to breed, tliey would have no difficulty in finding customers for them. A horse he was now riding, which he bred by one of Major Barlow's horses, he could have had 50 customers for in London. Horses were exhibited at shows, and took prizes, and gentlemen saw them there and were anxious to buy them. There might be a diffi- culty in selling inferior horses, aud Ihe sooner such were sold the better, but they would always find plenty of customers for hoises of the class he wished to see bred. With regard to sloping shoulders, he was aware that many people were of opinion that a straight shoulder was the proper thing for a horse to pull by, but he believed that many vi'ere now convinced that that was a mistake, and were comiug round to his opinion. THE BEST METHOD OF MANAGING THE HAY CROP. At the quarterly meeting of the members of the Moray- shire Farmer Club Mr. Yool (Coulardbank), the chairman, said : The question for discussion is " Hay ; What is the opinion of members as to the best method of managing the hay crop in this country ? " Mr. Rose could not prescribe anything better than the usual mode of cutting it, letting it lie a day or two, putting it up in small coles, then into larger ones, and allow- ing it to remain in stack for the winter. It would scarcely do in this country to adopt the English plan of turning it over and over for two or three days, lie fancied the plan the farmers adopted in this county was the general rule of this part of the country. Mr. Harris was iu'the same position with Mr. Rose in re- gard to the growing of hay, for he had scarcely grown 100 acres during his lifetime. He thought they should cut it pretty green, beginning with it when the bloom was ou it, certainly before it had left it. He would leave it in the swathe for two or three days, then turn it gently over with the handle of a fork, and get it into cole as speedily as possible. They were apt to forget that the hay grown in this country differed from natural grasses and seeds of England, because the latter consisted of clover without any grasses, grew large and rank, with stalks like pea straw, that when dried much, lost its nutritious juices and grew hard. It had, therefore, to be sorted in quite a different manner from the hay in this country, which was a mixture of clover and grasses. Some years ago he had an English gentleman v.'ith him, a very successful farmer, from the midland counties. That gentleman laughed at the manner in which the hay was being managed, and it was left to him to try his own way with it. He knocked it about in the English fashion, aud appeared to leave about one-half of it on the field. It was put into the stack, and, though it heated, he insisted it was all right, until the cattle came to get it, when they would not eat it. He thought the plan presently pursued in this country, though very much run down, was the proper way of making hay. Mr. Walker (Leuchars) said he had perhaps more expe- rience in the way of making hay than any gentleman present. The way they made hay in the county of Fife, so far back as forty or fifty years ago, was to cut it and let it lie for two or three days, the time depending upon the strength of the hay. When hay was left in the swathe as cut, it would stand a great deal of rain, but if they turned it over and over, it was easily spoiled. After lying for two or three days in the swathe, he would turn it over with the handle of a fork, then put it into cole, and it would stand two or three good showers ; then put three or four of the small coles into one, and allow it to stand till it could be put into stack. He might mention, with re- gard to his experience of the English mode of making hay, that they turned it up at once immediately after it was cut, and put it into little handcocks at night. After turning it up, however, it began to rain ; but, being fair the next afternoon, they turned it out of the small cocks and began to put it into larger ones. It rained again, and they wrought away in that manner with it till they got it^mt into large coles, and by tlie time that operation was completed the hay was almost on fire. They had to turn it out again, and the crop was lost nearly altogether. They could not in this country depend upon weather for making the hay, as in England. Mr. Paterson (Mulben) said he generally made a little hay. If it was hay for use, he cut it when the bloom was upon the clover. If the weather was very good, perhaps a day or two was sufficient time for it to lie, and if there was much sunshine at the time it was cut, he coled it at niglit. He did not make the coles large, but increased them in size as he thought expedient. With regard to hay for seed, he let it ripen pretty well before cutting, and if the weather was good he left it out a day or two and then shook it over a paling b:ir. He never thrashed hay. If the weather did not look well, ho put it into stook ; and if the weather improved, lie shook it over a bar out of the stook ; if the weather was not favour- able, he carried it home aud stored it till satisfactory weather came for shaking it out. The Chairman said, before summing up, lie would express his own opinion. In the first place, in their country, as almost no natural grass was cut for hay, the system pursued must be considerably different from that pursued in England. The whole of the grasses cut for h.ay in this country consisted of mixed clovers and grasses grown under a regular system of rotation. There was one point that liad not been alluded to by any of the speakers, the modes of cutting the crop, whether it was best done by scythe or machine. The machine, he wiis aware, was in great favour, and was generally admitted to do its work in as good style as the scythe. His own experience corroborated that. By the help of the mowing machine he could cut a great deal more than with the scythe, and they had the crop left lying thin upon the ground behind the ma- chine, so that in good weather they could carry it off very mi'cli sooner tlian they could if left l)iiig in swathes by the scythe. That was no inconsiderable advantage. In cutting by llie scythe, the crop being left in swathes took longer to dry. During wet weather, cutting by the scythe was the best course, because in swathes the hay was not so much liable to be damaged, lying in a large body tlie rain was easier thrown off it. If the weather was dry, they would cut better with the reaper. The machine con- siderably reduced the expense of the operations, wliile it was clear that where the surface of the ground was moderately even and free from stones, the mower could do the work as well as tlie scytiie, and could be set to cut quite as close as was desirable, and made more level work tiian the majority of scytliemeu. The difference of expense in mowing a heavy crop of grass by machine and scythe was considerable, amounting, according to his calculation, to from 2s. 6d. to 3s. an acre in favour of the machine. A comparative statement of the cost might be put thus. Tlie manual labour for cutting with the scythe a heavy full crop of grass might be put ('own at 4s., or say 4s. 6d., an acre. Against that, cutting by the machine, he would put down the manual labour at 3Jd. an acre, allowing that the machine would cut ten acres a-day, which it would do in a fair crop ; the horse labour at Gd. an acre, which would give 5s. a-day for horses ; the percentage upon the mowing machine he estimated at 9d., making a total of Is, 6|-d. an acre, aud giving a dilference in favour of the machine at 2s. lid. per acre. At least 2s., and as he thought 3s., could be saved by the use of the mower in place of the scythe. They had also to add the lessened cost of the after operations, lor that they did not require to turn the hay made the case still stronger in favour of the machine. If the crop consisted principally of Italian rye-grass it should be cut ou the appearance of the flowers, as this grass is such a fast grower, that if cut at this stage a second cutting can be ob- tained nearly, if not quite, equal to the first, and ou good land a third, and perhaps even a fourth cutting. With regard to ordinary rye-grass, it might be allowed to produce the flower, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 33 and clover was best cut when the greatest number of heads were in full bloom ; if left longer the leaves begin to fall off, the stems got more woody, the weight of crop was diminished, and the quality deteriorated. Fields of mixed grasses and clovers, if for ordinary hay, should be mown when the greatest number of the plants are in full flower. When the crop was cut by the mower it required very little handling during the drying operation, tlie principal thing necessary being to spread out somewhat more thinly that part of it which was drawn together by the dividing slioe of the machine, in order to clear a space for the horses' feet ; then the less turning they gave it the better, until it was put into small coles. When cut by the scythe it sliould be turned as quickly as possible, without knocking it about on the second or third day, in order to let the drying process get through the swathe. It should then be put into small cocks, and carried as soou after as there was a chance of it keeping. All this should bo done with as little rough shaking as possible, so as to retain the leaves of the clover unbroken, lie thought the use of the teddei's would be of no use to them, but ratlier disadvantageous, and for this reason that their clovers would not bear to be knocked about with the tedder as the natural grasses of England would. If they knocked the clover about they knocked off all the fine leaves, which were very nutritious to the cattle. The practice of letting hay stand long in the field in small cocks he had frequently observed in tliis and other jiarts of Scotland was very wasteful. When allowed to stand long on the field-s in these small cocks it would be found tiiat the parts of the cocks next the ground were very much de- teriorated, in fact, were worth little or nothing, except for manure. As soon as it was fit to be carried to the ricks it sliould be carried ; in fact, the whole process of cutting, drying, and carrying the hay crop, should be done as fast as possible witii safety. If just sufficient time is allowed to let it dry thoroughly, so as not to heat in the stack ; the more quickly it was carred tiic less would be the loss incurred tlirough wasting and fermentation. Tliese were his ex- periences, and from what had been said it seemed to him that the finding of the meeting would be that a party making hay could make, on the whole, very little improvement upon the prevalent system. As Mr. Harris said, Scotcli farmers had beeu often taunted for the inefllcient way in which they made hay, as compared with tiie English farmers. But really there was no comparison between the two. By machines they might cheapen the cost of making hay, but, on the whole, their mode of managing tlie hay crop could not be very much improved upon. CAPITAL IN AGRICULTURE. At a recent meeting of the Staffordshire Chamber of Agri- culture, the Earl of Ilarrowby presiding, Mr. Carrington S:\utii introduced a discussion " On the causes now in operation which discourage the application of capital to agriculture." He attributed the discouragement alluded to to three principal causes. Tlie first was the unjust incidence of taxation on real property. Next to that he con- sidered that a great deterrent was the infancy of the science of agriculture. By that he meant not that agriculture was iu its infancy, but that the application of true scientific principles to farming pursuits was very imperfectly understood. The third cause was the deficiency of a good land bill, and the total absence of power to compel compensation, either to the landlord for dilapidation caused to his land, or to the out-going tenant for unexhausted improvements. On this point he must hold that as the tenant ought to be paid for the latter, it was but a correla- tive that the landlord should be paid when the tenant had suf- fered his farm to deteriorate. If agriculture was to make that progi'ess which it ought to make, and which he felt it vvould make in its race with commerce, there must be a more general knowledge of the productive capability of the soil; there must be just laws for landlord and tenant ; and all must press forward, shoulder to shoulder, in friendly emulation. These were the only means of securing success. Mr. RoBOTiiAM expressed disappointment that Mr. Smith had not brought forward more causes than he had done as a solution of the difficulty, and remarked that in his opinion there were otlier reasons why, in a country so densely populated as this, and where such a great production of food was required, luen of capital and skill did not embark iu agriculture. lie referred to that clause in leases which gives to the landlord an exclusive right to the game ; and concluded by moving, " That one chief cause which prevents the employment of capital in agriculture is the preservation of game by the landlords." Mr. Stubbs, who seconded the resolution, said he would be the last m, M.P., said he believed he should be in order in now moving another amendment. Last year the Council passed a resolution declaring that it regarded the pre- servation of ground game as an unmitigated evil ; it was now asked to declare that was " incompatible with good farming," and he thought it would appear as if they were going back- ward rather than forward if they did not use stronger language than that. The amendment which he had to propose rested not on his own authority, but on that of a large and influen- tial meeting of the Norfolk Chamber, held on the previous Saturday. It was as follows : " This Council repeats its pro- test against the over-preservation of ground game, and consi- ders that in all future agreements the owner and occupier of the soil should have a joint right to kill hares and rabbits" (Hear, hear). He was quite aware that the law as it now stood gave the whole of the game to the tenant (No, no) . He said, yes ; and he might add, that in 99 cases out of every 100 the tenant as a matter of course relinquished the whole of his right. The law as it stood was totally ineffectual to prevent a flagrant amount of injustice. He did not know whether or not any one would second his amendment, but he felt that he did his duty in proposing that the Council should declare that owners and occupiers ought to have a joint right to kill hares and rabbits. One word upon rabbits regarded as food. If rabbits were kept in warrens, or in places where a farmer could grow nothing but rape, they might be found very profitable animals to keep ; but if rabbits or hares, or any other wild animals, scampered over arable land and ate and spoiled what they pleased, he did not hesitate to say that every pound of such food was the mo?t extravagant kind of food that could possibly be produced (Hear, hear). Mr. Wren Hoskyns, M.P., in seconding the resolution, said tliat, knowing the difficulty which there was in dealing with that question, and how seldom it was approached with a determination to get to the bottom of it, he could not help thinking that what Mr. Read now proposed would answer the purpose better than any of the legislative measures wliich had hitherto been brought forward on that subject (Hear, hear). They all knew that the game-laws were a vestige of the old forest- laws of England, which were perhaps the most disastrous of the tyrannical laws inflicted by the conquerors upon the con- quered in this island. Those laws were unpopular from the first ; and they were only borne with so long because they were partially kept in abeyance. Mr. Read was strictly correct in saying that the tenant of a farm was the owner of the game. A person who took a farm, took with it all that went upon it, including both winged and ground game. That was his own property, and therefore, if he gave it up, he put himself out of court, as it were, for complaining — he now spoke merely in a legal point of view — of any damage which afterwards arose from an evil to which he himself had consented. The question was. How was that to be remedied ? It might be argued that the tenant was the author of his wrong by giving np his Wright ; but the answer to that was, that the land of England was such a limited commodity that the applicants for it were almost innumerable, and that hence it had become a sort of monopoly. Tliere were in England three distinct causes which tended to render land a monopoly. First, there was the law which enabled a man to determine the ownership of the land even after the extinction of the generation in which a will or settlement was mode. Mr Storer rose to order, contending that the speaker had no right to introduce the tenure of land into the discussion. Mr. HosKYXS maintained that he was not out of order in alluding to a fundamental law which bore on the question of game preservation. The three causes which he wished briefly to mention were — the law of entail, the law of intestacy, and the expenses of transfer, all of which tended, he raaiatained, to make land a greater monopoly than it other- wise would be. A freer distribution, by which he did not mean an extensive subdivision, of laud would, he believed, tend to diminish tlie over-preservation of game. He believed tliat farmers would ere long see that question satisfactorily settled, and he seconded the amendment, because he believed it tended to that result. Mr. CoiTON said he hoped that Mr. Read, as the tenant- farmers' friend, would not press bis amendment. In his behef it tended to divide landlord and tenant, and he should be sorry to see any animosity between the two classes. Sir G. Jenkinson thought that the adoption of Mr. Read's amendment would be going backward. At present, as Mr. Read himself said, the law gave the tenant all tlie game, whereas what he had proposed would only give him half. When so many Bills had been introduced in Parliament, it was clear that the day had arrived when the question must be faced and legislation take place. He concurred in the first resolution as far as it went, but thought it did not go far enough. In his opinion the only way to abolish the game- laws was to obolish tlie word "game." If hares and rabbits were excluded from the operation of the law, and all winged game were treated as poultry, and the stealers of it as tliieves, tiie question would be settled. Col. Brise, M.P., did not agree with Read in his condem- nation of the Government Bill. In his opinion it was the best of the Game Bills now before the House of Commons, and would remedy the evil of over-preservation. Mr. Ormsby GoiiE, M.P., hoped the amendment would be withdrawn, as any difference in that Chamber would produce a [bad effect in the the country generally. They ought to be pe'rfectly united on that point (Hear, hear). He deprecated as strongly as any one could the over-preservation of game. With his own tenants he had no difficulty whatever ; matters were so arranged that they never differed on that question. If anybody disliked rabbits much, he (Mr. O. Gore) disliked them more (laughter) ; he considered them the curse of agri- culturists, both landlords and tenants. He also disliked battue-shooting, but was fond of good sport. He would sub- mit for the consideration of the Chamber whether the levying of a duty on the sale of game would not tend to do good. Captain Craigie observed that last year the Council deprecated the preservation of ground game, and he thought Mr. Read's present proposal was a natural sequence to that. As to the original resolution, it was a dilution of an opinion expressed previously. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., then replied. He thought that half a loaf was better than no bread. He knew that in theory the law now gave the tenant the whole of the game ; but he was unable to appropriate any portion of it to his own use, and therefore he (Mr, Read) said tliat under any future game bill, or any future agreements, the owners and occupiers of the soil should have a joint rigiit of killing hares and rabbits. Having thus put on record his own opinion and that of the Norfolk Chamber, being perfectly satisfied with the discussion which had taken place, and wishing above all things to pro- mote unanimity in that Chamber, he should, with the per- mission of the seconder, feel great pleasure in withdrawing the amendment (cheers). The amendment was then withdrawn ; after which the original resolution was adopted. Mr, HoDSOLL then moved the following : " This Council 46 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. considers that, ia justice to ratepayers, all rights of sporting should be assessed to the poor rate." Captain Craigie moved, as an amendment, to insert after the word " that," " pending a revision of the whole system of local taxation ; " and at the end of the resolution, " pending a revision of the local rates ; " observing that those amendments would make the resolution more consistent than it then was with what had been done by the Council previously. Mr. C. S. Head, M.P., thought it was impossible to assess rights of sporting. If they said " all land should be rated at its full value, irrespective of any rights of sporting on the part of the owner," that would make woods contribute to the poor rate a great deal more than they did at present. After a short conversation the resolution was passed unani- mously in the following amended form ; " This Council considers that, in justice to ratepayers, all land should be rated at its full value, irrespective of any reservation of the rights of sporting on the part of the owner." Mr. A. Pell, M.P., moved the following : " That this Council is of opinion that hares and rabbits should be ex- cluded from the operation of the game laws ; but considers that such exclusion would render imperatively necessary some change in the law of trespass." He said that resolution was directly at varience with the Government bill, which seemed to him a most incomplete measure for dealing with what was admitted to be a lit matter for legislation. The 8th clause of the Bill introduced into the consideration of the question another party whom he was sorry to see there, namely, the lawyer (Hear, hear) ; and he believed that nothing could he more likely to interrupt good feelings between landlords and tenants, or to prevent a satisfactory solntiou of a question involving sucli conflicting interests. Eor many years lie had considered it desirable that rabbits should be excluded from the game list (A voice, " They are not in it"). They were included under the name of" conies" in most of the Acts of Parliament, and constituted the code of the game laws. He had long been of opinion that, whoever it might offend, the words should be struck out ; and he thought the advocates for retaining rabbits were bound to show that tlie whole nature of tlie animal had changed (laughter). AVIierever a man chose to enclose rabbits in hutches, or in a ten-acre field, let Jiim have the protection which he required for that purpose ; but, unfortunately, in many parts of the country rabbits wandered about, not at their own sweet will, for there was nothing sweet about them (laughter), but at their pleasure, committing serious depredations upon land which was highly cultivated, and therefore he said they should not he in the game list. When they came to the question of hares there was greater diificulty ; but he believed that public opinion had clianged very greatly with re- gard to that animal, and lie tliought the Chambers of Agriculture, consisting of both landlords and tenants, should consider how far it was desirable to retain protection for the animal, which was often quite as injurious to agriculture as the rabbit, and in some cases even more injurious (Hear, hear). He, for one, was prepared to contend that that animal should also bo struck out of the game list. It had been objected that by such a course they would make friends of the poachers. He had no desire to make friends of any man who broke the laws of his country (Hear, hear) ; but it was a very disagree- able fact for consideration, witli regard to poachers, that at present there were hundreds of them who had made themselves friends of the farmers. Great a crime as poaching was, espe- cially night poaching, it could not be denied that marauders who engaged in it had been instrumental in diminishing an evil, which but for them would have been far more mischievous. So long as protection was given to rabbits and hares bylaw, it would be the duty of the police to repress crime in relation to them as well as anything else ; but the striking them out of the game list would do away with the crime which their retention created. Something had been said about raljbits as food. He had something to do with the town to vrhich, as was stated the other day in the House of Commons, a large por- tion of the ral)bits that were killed went to be eaten— he meant Leicester ; but he could assure the Council that the presence of a live rabbit on a farm gave no satisfaction in tlie Midland Counties. He could not assent to the doctrine, that they ought to take into consideration the value of rabbits as food, pnless they came out of enclosed places and off land which was specially adapted for their production, iu which case it was & mere question of account — whether they paid for keeping, or whether the cultivator lost by them. Everyone of these crea- tures that had its liberty, feeding at its own will, checked the production of mutton and beef (Hear, hear). The rabbit de- voted his attention to turnips, the hare devoted his to wurzels; they both completely prevented the cultivation of such crops as cabbages and tares ; and to suppose that under sucli circum- stances the production of rabbits which were sold at a shilling a-piece was an economical way of producing food, seemed to him altogether erroneous. The Government Bill provided that the question of damages arising from that source should be intrusted to men of skill, who were to inspect the farm and report the result. He believed it would be impossible to esti- mate the damage, especially !as the very existence of rabbits prevented the growth of some of the most valuable crops (Hear, hear). With regard to the second part of the resolu- tion, declaring that the Council" considers that such exclusion would render imperatively necessary some change in the law of trespass," he hoped it would not be supposed that this was a case of taking away with one hand and restoring with the other. The intention was, that some change should be made in the law of trespass which would enable owners and occu- piers to keep off men who would otherwise be popping their guns wherever game was preserved. He trusted the Chamber would affirm the principle involved m the resolution that,for the end in view, the wisest course was to deal with the animals and not witli the owners and occupiers (Hear, hear). It had been assumed, that if the relations of landlord and tenant were placed on a satisfactory footing with regard to game, the whole question would be settled. He did not think so. Speaking as as outsider, as one who took a moderate view of this ques- tion, he must say that he should not be satisfied unless the Legislature left tenants at perfect liberty to shoot these animals or get rid of them in any other way they could. Mr. Jasper More had much pleasure in seconding the motion, because it was the conclusion unanimously agreed to by the Sliropshire Chamber that hares and rabbits ought to be struck out of the game-laws ; secondly, he thought it im- portant that a definite decision should be arrived at; and further, it was his own opinion, after long considering the question, that this was the solution required. As it was desirable that opinions should be registered at their meetings he would state what took place on the sub- ject in Shropshire. Tlie farmers of that county asked him to introduce the subject, and he did so in as important a statement as he could make. The largest landowner in Shropshire was the Duke of Cleveland, and he gave the shooting to his tenants. At the meeting hardly any one hut the farmers who had the shooting would speak, the rest being afraid, and those who had the shooting acted as spokesmen for those on other estates. A magistrate of great experience told the farmers of Shropsliire that if they were plagued with the game it was their fault, and served them right for not making better agreements. This line he had seen adopted at other meetings. In Shropshire they once had an estate that " struck" ; all the tenants declined to take farms till the rabbits were killed. They threw up their farms, the rabbits were killed, and the tenants came back again. But the farmers must be of a very independent class to do this, and tlie small farmers would not dare to do it. Therefore, on behalf of the class whose educa- tion unfitted them for any occupation except farming, and who were obliged to take farms however over-run with rabbits or hares, he felt convinced relief must be given liy striking hares and rabbits out of the protection of the game-laws. Mr. Bennett (Leicestershire) said : He foresaw many diffi- culties which might arise from a stringent law of trespass iu the case of fox-hunting. If they destroyed all the pleasure of landlords and "their little game" (laughter), they could not expect to see landlords amongst them (laughter). If they wanted to have money circulated they must not drive landlords away. Mr. Heneage, M.P., thought the law of trespass was a very dangerous thing to deal with. In his opinion when rab- bits and hares were declared to be no longer game, they would become the property of tlie tenant ; and as vagrants were taken up when found lurking near woods, why should they not bo taken up when found lurking near fields ? If there were a stringent trespass law, hunting would be a " gone coon " altogether (laughter). He should like to move as an amend- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 47 ment that rabbits sliould be made by law the property of the occupier. The Chairman : They are so now. Mr. A. Pell, M.P. : Not till they are reduced into posses- sion. Mr. Heneage, M.P., said he wanted to have the matter treated as larceny. Mr. Caldecott said the cliange which he would propose was that there should be a summary remedy for trespass, and no necessity for proving pecuniary damage. Mr. Heneage, M.P., moved, as an amendment, to insert after the words " That this Council is of opinion that hares and rabbits should be excluded from the operation of the game laws," " but that they should be deemed to be the properly of the occupier of the laud on which they are reduced to possession." Mr. Sjiytiiies seconded this amendment. Mr. D. LoMG supported the amendment, adding that he should have preferred the abolition of the game laws alto- gether, combined with the establishment of a stringent law of trespass." Mr. WiiiTAKER hoped the amendment would be withdrawn. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., cordially concurred in the opinion that independently of the game huvs, agriculturists needed a more stringent law of trespass. A few months ago, for example, some fellows in Norfolk dug out a litter of foxes, and because the fox was a wild animal there was no redress. He did not believe anything could compensate a farmer for tlie damage done by game. To show how little the Govern- ment understood that question, he miijht mention that it was provided in their bill that there should be only one arbitration in a year, so that if there were a crop of winter vetches and a crop of swede turnips in the same year, there could only be compensation for one of those crops (Hear, hear). He hoped it would not be supposed because he had spoken so strongly about the depredations of hares and rabbits tliat lie was against the preservation of winged game (Hear, hear). No- thing, he thought, could be more disastrous than to annihilate sport iu the case of that kind of game (Hear, hear). If he might point to a model landlord, be would allude to an owner of 20,000 acres of land in Sutfolk. Ou that estate there were killed last year by the owner and bis friends no less than 13,200 head of partridges and pheasants. And how many hares and rabbits were there ? Three hundred and thirty-seven ! Need he say that the tenants on that estate were the hapjiiest, even in the county of Sutfolk ; or need he remark that that land- lord was not very far from him P (cheers). [Mr. Read was understood to allude to the chairman. Col. Toraline.] Mr. Heneage's amendment was thea put and negatived. Mr. Webb moved to substitute for the resolution the follow- amendmcnt : "That this Council is of opinion that if the saveral Bills now before the House of Commons on the subject of the game laws, the one introduced by the Lord Advocate and Mr. Secretary Bruce is the best calculated to meet the requirements of the case, and that clauses should Ije added to compel the payment of damage caused by over-preservation to the crops of adjacent owners, and hares and rabbits excluded from the operation of the game laws." Mr. WiiTTAKER seconded this amendment, which on a show of hands was lost, only four hands being held up in favour of it. Mr. Storer moved the omission of the words " hares and" from the original resolution, thus limiting the exclusion to rabbits. Mr. CoLTON seconded tlie amendment, which was also rejected, the numbers being 7 for and 9 against. Mr. Caldecott proposed as an amendment that the second clause of the resolution should be as follows : " But considers that such an exclusion" — that of hares and rabbits — " would render imperatively necessary a change in the law of trespass, by giving a summary remedy witliout the necessity of proving pecuniary damage." The amendment having been seconded, the resolution was carried in this amended form, the numbers being 13 for the amendment and 11 against it. Tlie adjourned discussion on the provisions of the Elementary Elucatiou Bill having been resumed, it was resolved, on the motion of Professor Bund, " That the limit of distance which is to determine the exemption of a child from liability to at- tend school should he two miles instead of one as provided by clause fi6," On the motion of Mr. Heneage, M.P., it was further re- solved " That it is the opinion of this Council that tlie age up to which children should be rer^uired to attend school be re- duced from 12 to 10 years." Tlie proceedings then terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. TIIR TURNPHvES ACTS CONTINUANCE BILL. DEPUTATION TO THE HOME SECRETARY. A deputation from the Worcestershire Chamber of Agricul- ture had an interview with Mr. Bruce at the Home Oflice, Whitehall, on'the Tuesday afternoon, on the subject of the abolishing schedules of the Turnpikes Acts Continuance Bill. The deputation included Earl Beaucbamp, Colonel Toinline, U.V., Sir J. Pakington, ]\I.P,,the Hon. G. H. Lyttlelon, M.P., Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., Mr. A. Pell, M.P., Mr. E. W. Knight, M.P., Mr. Laslett, M.P. for Worcester, and Mr. P. Amphlett, M.P. Mr. Amphlett, ]\[.P., one of the Worcestershire county members, opened the subject. He said the Worcestershire Chamber felt alarmed at the prospect of liaving the turnpikes removed and all the expense of maintaining the roads thrown upon the different parishes and districts. £195,000 a year was, it appeared, the total burden which was to be thrown upon the rates, and of that amount the share of Worcestershire would be £17,500 ; and having regard to the present position of the question of local taxation, and to the fact that a larger measure relating to roads had been promised, they wished to obtain the consent of tlie Government to the postponement of the aboli- tion of the AVorcestersbire trusts, at all events for a year, when new legislation ou the subject might have taken effect. The Worcestershire tollgates now produced a revenue of about £7,000 a j'ear ; and more than half the parishes were not in- cluded in any highway district. In reply to a question from Mr. Bruce, Mr. Amphlett said there were eight trusts, and the debts were now all paid. Mr. WniTAKER said that as regarded the City of Worcester the Highway Board had offered to remove the turnpikes beyond the city boundaries provided the Town Council would undertake to keep the roads in repair. Tliere were live miles of road, the repairs of which were enormously expensive. Worcester being a large manufacturing town, it would be very hard for agriculturists who lived at a considerable distance to have to bear such a burden ; and there was reason to apprehend that if the bill were passed as it stood the roads in that neighbourhood would become greatly deteriorated. In order to get rid of tlie debt the Board liad limited the repairs to a thin coating of material, and every penny that could be obtained was now re- quired to put them in a good condition. The question of the continuance of turpike trusts had been recently discussed in the Worcester Town Council, and in a division the numbers were 11 for and only li against it. Mr. Laslett, M.P. for Worcester, said he had been re- quested to state that it would be a great hardship to the ma- jority of the inhabitants of that city if the turnpike trusts were abolished before the whole system of maintaining the roads had been altered. For a considerable distance the roads would be chiefly for carriages, and ratepayers in a humble position would be burdened for the repairs. The Rev. Mr. Pearson, chairman of the Worcester High- way Board, said be hoped that nothing further would be done with regard to turnpike trusts before there was general legis- lation relating to roads. The effect of discontinuing turnpike trusts would be that many parishes in his county would be saddled with an additional burden of sixpence in the pound ; while some parishes would in consequence of the expensive character of the roads have to pay altogether as mucii as 2s. in the pound, other parishes, the inhabitants of which also used them, paying nothing at all. Nothing could be more unfair or unjust than such a system. Mr. Bruce : Bnt that is a kind of injustice which exists in other places where there are no turnpike trusts. There are roads leading to railway stations which are used much more by the inhabitants of neighbouring parishes than by those of the parishes which have to maintain them. Mr. Pearson said that the inequality which the deputation protested against was a new inequality which was threatened by Government legislation, and the result of which 48 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE, might be that the roads in question would gradually fall into complete disrepair. He thought that before the process of demolition went on they ought to have some idea what the system of reconstruction was to be. What the Worcestershire Chamber then objected to was the immediate abolition of the trusts. Mr. Guest was remarking on the injustice of the proposed aboUtion, when Mr. Bkuce, interrupting him, said: All this injustice of which you complain is the natural result of the whole system. You went to Parliament for the power to raise money ; the Act was only to last for a certain number of years ; you raised the money ; you made your roads, you paid off the debt ; when the time for the operatiou of the Act expires you return to the old common law system, and you consider that au injus- tice. For twenty years or more we have been abolishing turnpike trusts ; you don't stand alone. No doubt there is inconvenience in the inequality which has been mentioned, but turnpikes were authorised for the general advantage, and not for the advantage of particular localities. The Rev. Mr. Pearson : If any hardship exists it should be remedied. Mr. Bkuce : There is no hardship. You got your Act, made your road, and paid for it. Mr. WiiiTAKER thought that if Mr. Bruce considered the matter he would see that there was hardship. Because Irish agriculturists had murdered landlords and land-agents they obtained justice, and he did not see why the Government should oppress another class of agriculturists. Mr. BiiucE : It was part of your bargain that you were to be murdered in this matter at a certain time (laughter). The time is come when you are to cease to live, and it is justice and law that you should cease to live. Mr. Whitaker said he could not admit the justice of that reasoning. He knew as an agriculturist that persons of his class had great difficulty in paying their local rates already ; and he contended that property to the amount of £100,000,000 ought not to go free. Mr. Bruce : We cannot go into that ; it is too general a question (Hear, hear). Mr. WniTAKER continued : Agriculturists felt the difficulty with regard to roads most grievously, and they thought tliey were ill-treated when with a general Government measure looming in the distance the abolition of turnpike trusts was hurried for- ward. Why should there be such haste in the matter ? Here was a turnpike trust which had existed for a century, and to abolish it in order to gratify the determined disposition of certain Members of Parliament, and thereby impose on the ratepayers an additional burden of 4d. or 5d. in the pound was, he submitted, in the present state of agriculture and with the prospect of a new general BiU, a gross injustice. Sir J. Pakixgton, M.P., must say that he had not been converted by the arguaient of tlie Home Secretary with re- gard to the expiration of the trusts. When a man seemed likely to die tlie usual course was to send for the doctor ; and, in like manner, the deputation regarded the right hon. gentleman as the doctor in the present case, and looked to him to avert the apparently impending fate. He did not agree with him that tlie immediate abolition of the trusts was au unavoidable result of the existing system ; and, although they must no doubt make up their minds to encounter some great change of system, yet tliey asked llie Secretary of State to endeavour to mitigate and diminish the evils attending that change (Hear, hear). Mr. Bruce : I am afraid there is no middle course between letting trusts go on in their present state and putting an end to them. If there were any middle course I should be happy to adopt it. After some further remarks from Sir J. Pakington, Mr. Bruce said he admitted that there was great force in some of the arguments which had been used, and he felt that there was special ground for consideration in the case of roads which when the trusts expired would receive a large amount of traffic from other roads. All lie could say was that he would take the arguments which had been addressed to liiin into consid-^ration, and give the subject his best attention. He could not state at that moment wliat course the Govern- ment would pursue. Tlie deputation then withdrew, the interview having occu- pied about an hour. A SKELETON SKETCH OF FREE TRADE. [Tlie subjoined remarkable letter, which it will he seen the writer signs as " Chairman of the Central Chamber of Agriculture," has just been put into circulation. Is it to be understood from this that the Chambers are committed to sucn a manifesto ?] And hunger's scowl was prophecy. — E. Elliott. Gentlemen, — We shall have a fiee mint. No Govern- ment will again be able to refuse silver and gold coins to men whose business in life is to earn them. One cause of pauperism will be removed. Others remain in excessive taxation and unequal rates. I venture to ask you to consider what our position is now, and what it might be? One per cent, is a light tax. The Probate and Legacy Duties average 4^ per cent. The Malt-tax is 100 per cent. Railway passengers contribute 5 per cent, to the Exchequer. The duty on Tobacco in England and Ireland is — Prohibition to grow it. Local Rates are 15 per cent, on one-third of the income of the nation. One per cent., therefore, is a light tax. Six per cent, is taken from the silver coinage, which, though it be the wage of all industry, is limited in amount. The duty on an Inland Bill of Exchange for £10,000 is £5. The duty on £10,000 in shillings, which are the livelihood of poor men, is 600 sovereigns ; and neither the sovereigns nor the shillings are permitted by the Chancellor of the Rxchequer to be coined, though bills may be multiplied at the pleasure of rich men. The duty on a Foreign Bill of Exchange for £10,000 is £1 13s. 4d. Tiie Bank of England deducts l^d. from every ounce of gold bullion which it receives in exchange for bank notes. If the metal remain uncoined it does nothing for this charge. £2,000 per million is ouly part of its prolits if the gold be coined, though the expense be borne by the taxpayer. The Bank has charged 10 per cent, for the loan of bank notes, with the consent and advice of Government, to break the law when in difficulties. Mr. Lowe has justly proposed to take I per cent, from the sovereign to pay Mint expenses. In ludia there is a duty of 1 per cent, on gold ; of 2 per cent, on silver, the poor man's metal. In Australia the duty on gold coin is 1 per cent. One per cent., therefore, from the circulation is a common and light tax. The assessed taxes stop employment and deny to English- men freedom of trade, which for many years seems to have been reserved for foreigners. These duties are now paid in advance, and a poor man has no practical appeal from the Surveyor, but is at his mercy. Therefore the assessed taxes are a grievance. The Income-tax is a sad source of immorality. Fifty- seven millions in Schedule D escape the tax unfairly ; and this immorality, become systematic, is ruining our commercial credit at home and abroad. Tlierefore the Income-tax is a grievance. The Malt-tax is a charge of 100 per cent, on the arable land of England and Ireland. It is borne chiefly by poor men, and injures the character of statesmen, who declaim in favour of free-trade, while they refuse it to their countrymen. Therefore the Malt-tax is a grievance. A tax of 1 per cent, sliown to be comparatively light, on funds which pay no poor or other rates, would supply the means of redressing these three grievances. The London Clearing House statistics explains this : THR FAUMRR'P. MAC AZ IKE. 49 £3,730,033,000 in elirques and bills were paid there last- year. One per ccut. ou three Ijillious scvcu hundred and twenty millious six hundred and tweuty-three thousand pounds, which now pay scarcely a tax and no rates, would give i;37,20(),230, collected weekly, by stamps, without the expense and annoy- ance of Excisemen, Income-tax Coramissioners. or Surveyors of Taxes. No poor man would feel this tax, and the wealthy might es- cape by using coins, which would become abundant instead of continuing scarce, as they are now. One per cent, on unlimited paper money is a favour if contrasted with G per cent, on silver coin, whicli is limited, depreciated, and when exported not to be replaced. If other nations had Free Mints and Free-trade they could be customers to each other, with power to purchase, of which now all are destitute. In the IVinks of Fraiiee and Kngland £73,000,000 arc hoarded. Were tiicse coins circulated, the Fremdi Treaty would be a success ; now both nations coini)laiu of it. 1 give a skeleton sketch of Free-trade, and ask you to ex- amine it, bearing in mind that under our present system, I man in 18 is a pauper, that other nations are as poor as we are, and that over-production and depression of trade mean that neither at home nor abroad can we sell what we produce to people who are willing to buy, but are not permitted by their Ministers of Finance to have coins with which they can gratify their desires. I have the honour to be, your obedient servant, Geokge Tomline, Chairman of the Central Chamber of Agriculture. Orwell Pad; Ipswich, Maii, 1870. A BREEDING FLOCK ON HEAVY LAND. At the meeting of the Ixworth Farmers' Club, the Vice- President, JMr. r. Iluddleston, in the chair, Mr. J. FisoN, of Barninghara, said : The purport of this paper is to assert and show, from a practice of more than a quarter of a century, that farmers m.iy be independent of bullocks. I must premise my particulars by craving your in- dulgence and gentle judgment, inasmuch as I have too recently engaged in agricultural pursuits to perhaps critically or correctly convey ray ideas. The object of our meeting is, however, well understood ; one gentleman is elected to bring forward a subject for discussion. This follows, throwing light and shade, assents and dissents, on the matter treated. I freely confess my knowledge of stock is so limited that I look for- ward to your friendly critiques with considerable interest. I will thank you to remember I am only pursuing a system of farming as commenced by my late father, and continued by him for many years ; his rough and useful appliances I found ready to hand, and, as I before stated, my ignorance of farming detail prevented my attempting anything beyond what was well understood on the farm. Whether our system be or be not too elaborate and expensive,! must leave for your collective wisdom to determine. In order that you may arrive at some- thing like a correct estimate, I beg to tell you that last year my labour at lis. per week per man cost £1 ISs. 6d. per acre for harvest, thatching, picking stones, thrashing, chaff-cutting, draining, and a carpenter — everything, in fact, excepting steward's salary, lamb money, and shearing; with these addenda it cost £3 3s. 6d. I shall feel obliged by any opinion respecting this heavy item. My oocupation consists of two small farms, very incoveniently lying right and left. These collectively represent 280 acres of good land, requiring drain- ing, 25 of which are pasture, not super-excellent, as our friend Mr. Goldsmith stated, but rendered prolific by the maintenance of an unusual quantity of sheep. We keep 420 half-bred Leicester ewes, purchasing, as a rule, the largest two-shear we can pick. With these and our horses we make our manure. For the long period mentioned heavy crops have been raised entirely without the agency of bullocks. We use Oakey's tups, which we think have a dash of Cotswold in them. Please note this, and subsequently give me your opinion, as I have been recommended to revert to a purer breed — to use the im- proved Hampshire as raised near Salisbury. Our fall of lambs averages heavy ; last year and this are exceptional. Last year the absence of the usual stimulant — rape — at tlie time the males were turned to the ewes, was against us, and that the rape is a most useful food at that particular time we had a singularly plain proof. As we had a small quantity which lasted a fortnight of the time the tups were with the Hock, the cor- responding time for lambing cheered us with a good fall. The other portion, though we gave them best linseed-cake, was miserably slow, and the fall small. If similarly again so situated, I would use barley cautiously, or beans. In 18G6 we sold 614 lambs, realizing £788; in 1867, 617, making £743 3s. 6d.; and in 1S68 51)6 sold for £602, and in 1869 544 for £519 17s. 6d. ; for four years an average yearly sale of £668 3s. 3d. I am able to account for our small crop this year. Our quantity now rearing is about 27 score. For last autumn and the spring-feeding we provided 36 acres of rape, 8 of which were after early dun peas, now in wheat ; 4 acres of cabbages, now in barley, about half-au-acre being left for lambing ; 20 acres of turnips, six of which, after a bad layer, now in wheat, 5 acres were swedes, the latter partly drawn and partly fed on land were grown ; 18 acres of beet, 10 of which were autumn tilled, 8 after rye — the 10 acres are in wheat, the 8 in barley. The iiock was folded in autumn on turnips, stubbles, &c., sup- plemented by barley-straw chaif, layers slightly run over. For spring feed — 30 acres of layer, 8 rye, now i)lauted with beet ; 13 acres of Italian rye-grass, to be broken up as early as we can and sown with rape, followed by wheat; 11 acres tares and oats. We began using beet in January, pulping about 16 bushels daily, mixing them with chaff. You will understand the term chaff implies cut barley-straw ; the quantity daily in- creases, till some days we have 300 bushels consumed, and as soon as we think it necessary we commence adding corn or cake ground, beginning at four stones daily, increasing to 18 stones. On March the 26th our week's corn, ifcc, was — 4 coombs of barley, costing £2 10s. : 4 coombs of peas, £3 8s. ; If liuseed-cake, 18s. 4|d. ; If cotton-cake, 10s. Gd. ; grinding, 8s. ; toll, 2s. 6d.— making £7 18s. lO.^d., or a daily cost of £1 3s. 8d. Here, again, for the ewes I have been advised to re- place linseed-cake by cotton, husked palm-nut meal, and corn. The flock is yarded when the weather becomes wintry, and there trough fed with the chaff mixture morning and nigiit, or when necessary having a run of a few hours, according to weather, on some pasture where is :hrown out one or two Scotch carls of roots. Our usual time for turning in the males is tlie 9th of October, but this year we advanced the time a week, as you may be sure we are anxious to clear our land as early as possible. Our farm is generally cleared by the middle of -June, and as early as prudent our ewes go out to keep ; last year we kept them at home, but, judging by the experience of my late father and our observations, it is in our case no gain. It is considered by us that the change of locality benefits the flock and increases the fall of lambs. Of course it sweetens the farm. The lambs are dropped in the yard, which at this time really presents a most busy and interesting little world. Two long sheds are enclosed, with pens on each side, to which the ewes and lambs are conveyed immediately on the birth of the latter, and from which in a few hours they are drafted off according to condition of mother and lamb into sundry small lots. They are still penned and daily drawn off, making three lots — single, doubles, and weak mothers and lamlis. The doubles, of courre have the best pick and the larger allowance of artificial food. Implements are unhoused, barn, straw-houses— in fact, every available space is devoted for a few weeks to the respective lots. The management of the lambs afterwards is a repetition of other farmers' plans — layers folded, lambs running forward to an advanced fold, in which troughs with cake and peas are placed. I omitted mentioning our sheep-yard has fresh straw almost every day. 1 buy the best cake, fearing cotton-cake, where so much dry food is used ; but at Barningham Hall it is used without bad results. I am trying it this year, as you find. We find in wet seasons the following mixtures invaluable when diarrhoea follows too-luxuriant or wet food : Powdered catechu, J oz. ; powdered ginger, i oz. ; prepared 50 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. chalk, 1 oz. ; peppermint water, ^ pint ; lamb dose, two table- spooufuls night and morning. One very serious evil resulting from an over-stocking is the foot-rot, which we minimise as much as possible by separation ; all remedies I have tried are useful for a time, but nothing is so rapid in its effect or perma- nent as the following, which I give in the hope it may be use- ful : Ounce of quicksilver dissolved in an ounce of nitric acid, and to this subsequently add ^ pint of vinegar. Like other flockraasters, we have both seared and drawn successfully ; we practise the latter now — but with the assistance of the knife, we have lessened very much the exhaustion, and indeed pain of the poor victims, to say nothing of the disgusting features of the old mode of drawing. You will observe that the bulk of our winter-feed is cut barley-straw ; we cart the barley at the barn-door, where the drum is so placed as to eject the straw into the straw-house, which will contain two days' thrashing, the cutter converting it into chaff in about the same time — by steam, of course. We consumed in the winter 1868-69, 69^ acres of barley-straw so converted, and more this winter. What remained was fermented with cut wheat-straw, tares, and a sprinkling of salt ; this we find admirable food for our horses, and lessens interruption in harvest. Our wheat-straw is converted into manure, as you see by the agency of the flock. Ours I am aware is a system which cannot be carried out on every farm ; and our returns simply consist of wheat, barley, and lambs. To make this as large as possible, we steal all we can, cropping in a very irregular way, and getting as large an acreage as possible. Our present corn-growing is 8-t acres barley, 60 wheat, and 16 early peas, these to be followed by turnips or cole, and further followed by either wheat or barley. Our last year's crop was 86 acres of barley, 64 wheat, and 8 early peas, followed by early rape (now in wlieat), and 3 of peas and beans. Our crop in 1868, you will observe, shows the irregularity of acreage when we come to it. This striving after effect of course adds much to horse-wear labour, as also the careful treatment of the flocks ; but the balance-sheet shows the figures on the right side. Yet the expenses are so heavy, I confess I am always vexed at the close of our farming-year (Michaelmas Day), that the per side does not show a heavier result ; further than this, it teaches me indisputably that farming, though a most enjoyable occupation both for mind and body, is very far from an El Dorado, It may interest you to hear a rough statement, which 1 found amongst my father's papers, of the supposed cost and profit of 20 score ewes from July 1, 1861, to June 30, 1862. The following is the statement : £. s. d. To Feed purchased 96 6 0 „ 280 sacks of chaff at 3d 3 10 0 „ 20 weeks ditto, 140 per week 35 0 0 „ Maltcolms 11 4 0 „ Cake 76 12 0 „ Offal 20 5 0 „ Cleaning beet 7 0 0 „ Carting ditto 5 10 0 „ Horse mincing 4 0 0 „ Shepherd's wages 38 16 0 „ 612 lambs at 6d 15 6 0 „ 17 acres of turnips 17 0 0 „ 35 ditto beet 140 o 0 „ 28 ditto Italian grass 14 0 0 „ 13 ditto rye 6 10 0 „ 3 coombs beans 3 6 0 „ Keep of 5 sheep 5 0 0 „ 20 acres of layer 20 10 0 „ Extra laboui — sheep 21 10 0 „ Replacing crones 100 0 0 641 5 0 Profit 250 5 0 891 10 0 By6081ambs 637 10 0 „ 4 tup ditto ; 10 0 0 „ Wool .'.!..!.'.'.'.".'." 122 0 0 „ 72 acres folding 72 0 0 „ 500 loads of manure , 50 0 0 This seems an approximation only, as there is no credit entry for sale of crones and skins. Further, as this is a case 'Sheep versi/s Bullocks,' and to more fully carry it out that farming may be successfully practised without the latter, I give you the corn valuations for 1868 and 1869, with their results ; MICHAELMAS VALUATION, 1868. Acres. s. £ s. d. 70^ wheat, 10 coombs per acre, at 25 881 5 0 691 barley, 11 ,, „ 30 764 10 0 10 peas, 7 „ „ 20 70 0 0 13 peas and beans 104 0 0 1,819 15 0 Plus valuation 334 1 9 RESULT. Wheat sold 949 19 10 Barley 1037 16 10 Peas consumed 85 0 0 Beans and peas 91 0 0 2,153 16 8 MICHAELMAS VALUATION, 1869. Acres. s. £ s. d. 64 wheat, 11 coombs per acre, at 22 774 8 0 86 barley, 11 „ „ 18 851 8 0 8 peas, 11 „ „ 17 74 16 0 3 peas and beans, 9 „ „ 20 27 0 0 1,737 12 0 Plus valuation 1 18 6 RESULT. Wheat sold 806 11 9 Barley sold, £649 3s. ; 48f coombs used for seed, at 17s., £41 8s. 9d. ; 21 coombs, winter, at 15s.; £15 15s.; 178 dross, at 13s., £115 14s. 821 19 9 Peas consumed 76 19 0 Peas and beans ditto 24 0 0 891 10 0 1,729 10 6 My barley was very inferior, and manures, value £70, were worse than thrown away ; though I grew 1,041 coombs, the result, as you see, was considerably below the 69^ acres of the former year. Gentlemen, I must apologise for my dis- cursive paper, and at the same time thank you for your polite attention, I appeal to you for the verdict — That these facts, running over so many years, indisputably prove that farming can be carried on with good results without bullocks. The Chairman asked how many months the sheep were kept in the yard P Mr. FisoN said they were -fut in as soon as the weather became wintry, and kept there until the lambing, and then they were drafted off as he had explained. The Chairman said he should like to hear why light land farmers did not carry out Mr. Fison's system, as he did not see why it should not be equally successful. He was surprised at the large number of sheep Mr. Fison kept upon 260 acres of land. Mr. Hatten said it was more expensive keeping sheep in the yard than on the land, and he should like to know the total cost of keep for Mr. Fison's in the winter months. He kept his on the land, and it cost 7s. a-week to feed them, but Mr. Fison's cost him a good deal more. Mr. Fison said his cost £1 3s. 8d. Mr. Hatten said it cost more, taking into consideration the carting of the roots to the yards. The Chairman said there was a great deal of extra labour in keeping sheep in the yard, and he wanted to know if Mr. Fison included that in his average per acre. Mr. Fison said every farthing for labour was incladed in his calculation, and it was a great deal too much. He wanted to learn whether by expending money in that extra labour he was on the right track. Mr. Manfield thought sheep on heavy land paid better than bullocks, and Mr. Fison not only got a good return for his sheep, but also a good return of corn. He should like to know how much land was given up to sheep. Mr. Fison said about 25 acres. Mr, Manfield said he was of opinion that keeping sheep THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 51 on light land on Mr. Tison's system would not do, as drawing the roots off impoverished it. Mr. Fison did not farm on the four-course system, and that was a point to be considered. The feeding off roots on heavy land often did more harm than good. Mr. Fison, in answer to Mr. Ilatten, said his flock was now in as good a state as ever it was. Mr. S. W. Hunt said in Barningliani there was land that would not he found in many parishes, and besides Mr. Fison kept profitable sheep, and his was altogether an exceptional case, and should not be put forth as an average one. People would be led to suppose that farming was a very paying occu- pation, but it was not so. Mr. Fison's land was far superior to many people's, althougii there was great credit to him for what he had done. Ilis system would not pay on an average farm. Mr. Fison said he had some land on his farm as heavy as any in the county. Mr. Harrison : Not much. Mr. Fison said there were about S-l acres, and it did not produce 5 coombs an acre. Mr. Harrison said even that was not to be compared with some of the heavy land in the county. The Chairman said Mr. Fison's might be good laud, but Mr. Hunt said it was very well managed, and that might apply to many other farms. He saw no reason why they should stand still at a four-course system if it was not tlie best, but that was a very large question. Mr. Httnt said many farmers, if their landlords would allow tliem, would be glad to farm on another system. There were many who could not, like Mr. Fison, farm as they liked. But they must remember tlie four-course shift of the present day was different from that of fifty years ago. The Chairman said if the tenant's interest was adverse to the landlord's, there was an end to the question. Mr. Hunt said farms were let to the highest bidder, without any inquiry being made as to whether the tenant had any capital to carry them on, and he thought that ought not to be. If a tenant had capital, then he ought not to be tied down to tlie four-course system. Mr. Taylor asked if the tour-course system deteriorated the land ? If not he could not see any objection to keeping to it. Mr. Harrison said they were all indebted to Mr. Fison for bringing the subject before them. He had uot had much experience in feeding sheep from yards ; but what he had had gone against him. If sheep were kept on the land, there was the manure already spread, and on mixed soil and light land it would be ruinous if the sheep were not folded on the land. Mr. Fison's item for labour was very heavy. By the request of Mr. Fison, lie had looked into his (Mr. Harrison's) labour account, and he fonnd that from 1833 to 18H his wages were for three years 9s. a week, and for four years lOs., making an average of £1 9s. lOd. per acre. From 1863 to 1869 they varied from 93. to lis., and averaged 16s. 4^-d. per acre ; and this was far below Mr. Fison's average, for liis labour was very heavy compared with labour throughout the country. As to the four-course system of farming, he did not think they could beat it, and on land of the description of Mr. Fison's it might be made to grow something in the fallow shift. Mr. Fison contended that his corn and lamb returns were satisfactory, and his experience after three years was that feeding on the laud was injurious instead of beneficial. As to wages, Mr. Harrison's averaged £1 10s. per acre ; and his, wliich included a farm steward and the extra carting, only averaged £1 18s. 9d. The I'our-course system was the most simple ; but, at the same time, great results might be obtained by farmiag as lie did, although it entailed a large amount of labour. His farm had been farmed well for fifty years, and that made a great differeuce. Mr. Harrison said his wages were beyond the regular average, and he was known to be an extravagant farmer. With regard to what had been said about tenant-rigiit, lie was not of opinion that it was landlord-wrong. A change in the present tenant-right was uecessaiy ; and altliough he was not so much in favour of leases, he should like to see a two years' notice, subject to all improvements, being made by the in- coming tenant. Mr. T. Goldsmith said he could farm his land as he liked, but lie would not farm out of the four-course system. He tried it once at the Dairy Farm, and it entirely beat him. The Chairman said if a person who had not much capital did not farm on the four-course system he would be out of pocket. A vote of thanks to Mr, Fison and tlie Chairman closed the proceedings, THE SCOTCH FARMERS ON THE GAME BILLS. At a special meeting of the Logic and Lecropt Farmers' Club, held at Bridge of Allan, to consider the Game Bills at present before Parliament, Mr. Wm. Henderson, Craigarnhall, in the chair, The Chairman said : The resolution which has been put into my hands to move is, " That the Bill brought into Par- liament by the Lord Advocate and Secretary Bruce, intituled a Bill to amend and assimilate in certain respects the laws of England and of Scotland relating to game be opposed and rejected." We have heard much of late of the curiosities of the Game-laws, but how such men «s Lord Advocate Young and Secretary Bruce, both representatives of Scotch con- stituencies, should ever think of passing such a Bill is past my comprehension. It is called a Bill to amend the laws relating to game. Its amendments, if any, are altogether in favour of the landlord, a game-preserver, and against the tenant. It sets out with a flourish, that "the sole right of taking or killing game shall belong to the tenant." Very good, indeed, and quite as much as could be expected ; but here comes the gull, " unless expressly reserved by the landlord." This right to reserve by the landlord is at the root of aU tlie mischief, and so long as this power of reser\'ation is allowed to the landlord, the rest of the Bill goes for nothing. The late Lord Advocate (Mr. Moucrieff), when in Parliament, told the House that game was the property of no one. There is really some- thing curious about these Game-laws, which no ordinary mortal can possibly understand. Why give the power of reserving the game to the landlord, or rather the power to prevent the killing of game, when it actually does not belong to him ? By this Bill, the power being still retained to the landlord to reserve the game, the tenant will have to feed animals having no rightful owner, and yet the landlord has the power to prevent him killing them for the purpose of protecting his property. Cau anytliiug be more absurd than this? And as game is known to travel far in search of food, the better and sweeter the tenant's clover, the more hares and rabbits wiU he have to eat it ; and the thicker he sows his corn, the more winged game he will have to pick it up. This reserving power of the landlord seems to me sufficient cause why the Club should oppose the Bill, and do aU in its power to prevent such a contemptible piece of would-be legislation from passing into law ; and I do therefore move accordingly. Mr. Anderson (Westlees) said : I -beg to second the motion. Surely the learned Lord Advocate was not aware of the state of feeling in the country in regard to the Game-laws wlien he brouglit in his Bill to amend them, otherwise I consider his Bill to be rather an insult to agriculturists than a remedy for their grievances, and therefore should be strenuously opposed, for few farmers would venture to enter the Court of Session against their proprietors. Mr. Peat (Manor) said: The motion that has just been passed shows what we wish to avoid ; the one I liave to propose is what we ought to do, which is as follows : " That Mr. Loch's Bill be approved of, and a petition in favour of it to the House of Commons forthwith sent to Mr. Campbell, M.P, for the Burgh of Stirling." Of the four game Bills at present before Parliament anent the Game-laws, Mr. Loch's appears to be the most equitable one for all parties ; it protects the interest of both landlord and tenant, and prevents the one party from unduly taking advantage of the other. It does E S 52 TH>; FARMT]E'R MAGAZINE. not ititerfere with winged game, wliich affords most sport to the sportsmau, and it divests the landlord's right in favour of the tenant to kill the hares and rahbits, which commit the cliief injury on the crop^, and iucnr so much distrust and bad feeling between landlord and tenant. Tlie clause making it illegal for the landlord to claim the right to the hares and rabbits on the laud let to the tenant can, I think, on the score of interference with the liberty of bargain-making, be easily got over, because it is just a clause for preventing the powerful taking unfair advantage of the weak. Many parallel enact- ments are at present in operation and work well. It should also be kept in mind that our importations of grain are very considerable and yearly increasing, and it seems right that the law should step in and prevent owners of the soil from making an abuse of its capabilities, or turning the land into little account when the country stands in need of its amplest crops. Another part of the bill puts an end to contracts already made, protecting the hares and rabbits, but affords full compensation to the landlord by the tenant, so the landlord meets witli uo pecuniary loss by the change. There is another very good clause allowing compensation for damage caused by an undue number reared by owners or tenants of adjoining lands, and like the smoke arising from chemical works, creating a nuisance all round. The clause is applicable to this district ; it also provides that all prosecutions under the Game-laws should be before the Sheriff-Substitute of the county, and not cognisable by Justices of the Peace, thereby doing away with the double part acted by the justices of beiug a party in and judge of the same case. The Bill contains some other useful clauses, and altogether I think we should petition in its favour. Mr. James M'Laren (Spittal) said : The resolution which has just been proposed by my respected friend, Mr. Peat, to support Mr. Loch's Bill now before the House of Commons for modifying and improving the Game-laws in this country does, as I believe, give general satisfaction to the great body of practical farmers. It does come short in some points, but upon the whole I am persuaded that were Mr. Loch's Bill, in its present form, passed into law, it would have the effect of settling in a great measure that long vexed question between landlord and tenant which has for many years been the cause of so much unpleasant and unprofitable litigation between these parties on that account, and also as a general public good I have much pleasure in seconding Mr. Peat's motion. Mr. AV1NGA.TE (Corntown) : In this year's Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that it is intended to repeal the game licences, and to impose a tax upon guns instead of thera. As there is no exemption on behalf of guns used by farmers for the protection of their corn and green crops from injury by rooks, ravens, wild pigeons, and other destructive birds not undei the protection of law, I beg to move that a representation be sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging upon him the propriety and justice of exempting guns from said tax which are so employed for the protection of the said crops — the main necessaries of life. Mr. James Finlayson (Pendreich) seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. PAROCHIAL ASSESSMENTS. The following paper was read by Mr. Edward Hyde at a meeting of the Institution of Surveyors, Mr. R. C. Driver in the chair : This paper contains a description of the various kinds of property in respect of which poor rates are levied, and the manner of valuing that property for the assessment. Property to be expressly liable to the poor rate under the statute of Elizabeth must be " locally within the parish ;" " visible within the parish ;" and, " productive of a private profit within the parish." Briefly it may be described as— 1. Lands (in occu- pation) in the parish. 2. Houses (in occupation) in the parish. 3. Tithes inappropriate and propriations of tithes arising within the parish. 4. Coal mines (iu occupation) in the parish. 5. Saleable underwoods in the parish. All the lands in occupation in a parish, except woocUands, are rate- able ; but the word " lands" in the statute does not appear to carry the usual legal meaning of that word, because it cannot include houses, as they are separately referred to therein. The words " lands and houses," together, have been held to include all descriptions of landed property used for any purpose above the surface of the ground, excepting that of growing wood and timber. These products of the land have always been held to be exempt, because " saleable underwoods " are specially made liable. In the same manner, as regards things below the sur- face of the soil, the courts of law have always held that all mines, other than coal mines, were intended to be exempted from poor-rate, because " coal mines " are specially by name made liable (Rex v. Sedgley, 2 B. and A. 73). This speciality lias raised a difficulty. It has been necessary for the courts to determine where land, which is rateable, ended, and a mine, which is not rateable, began. In the case of Rex r. St. Austell (reported in 5 B. and A. G93), it was held that a part of the produce of a mine (not a coal mine) reserved to the owner was subject to the rate — not as a mine, but as a reservation of the soil or land itself — and the owner was held to be rateable as occupying the land. In the case of Rex r. Sedgley, Lord Tenterden thus described the difficulty he felt in attempting to reconcile the judicial dicta on this subject : " The whole mine, not being a coal mine, is exempt. If the owner works the mine and takes the whole produce, he is not rateable for it, either as a mine or land. If he lets it to an occupier, reserving a rent, the occupier is not rateable for it either as mine or laud, nor is the owner liable, no one being rateable for a mere rent. But if the owner lets it, reserving a part of the produce, that part is held to be land, although the whole mine, or the whole of its produce is not land, and the owner is rateable for this part of the mine as occupier of land, though he would not be rateable for it if he occupied and worked the whole and took directly the whole produce." In the case of Rex v. Earl Pomfret (5 M. and S. 139), it was held that ore of a lead mine, reserved by the owner, which had to be smelted before it was rendered, was not a portion of the soil, and not subject to the rate. And in the case of Rex v. Tremayne (4 B. and A. 162), it was held that where the reservation to the owner was the value in money of a portion of a mine, other than a coal mine, the owner is not rateable for that. In the case of the Telargoch Mining Company v. St. Asaph Union, it was held that the appellants were rateable to the poor rate in respect of the occupation of a stream, which they had diverted from its na- tural course for the purpose of working the machinery con- nected with a lead mine which was not rateable. The water- course was about a mile and a half in length, being partly open, partly tunnelled, and for about 350 yards in pipes. The company were owners of part of the land occupied by the water course, and part of it they rented. Tiie land was held to be enhanced iu value by its capability of conveying water and not exempt from rateability by reason of its connection with a lead mine. Operations involving the consumption or the body ot the soil itself, but which do not amount to mining, render the land operated on subject to the rate. For ex- ample, stone quarries, lime works, slate works, salt works, potteries, brickfields, pits of fullers' earth, sand, marl, and gravel have all been held to be rateable, but with this distinct qualification — that if the minerals cannot be got without in- volving a mining operation, then they are not rateable. To enumerate all the purposes for which lands can be so occupied as to be rateable would, in these days, almost amount to an impossibility. There are lands used for agricultural purposes, accommodation lands, building lands, railways, private roads and ways, canals, reservoirs, docks, gas works, water works, markets, yards, wharves, bleaching grounds, fisheries, &c. As regards navigation and fishing, a mere right over the water, without an interest in the land, is not rateable. The right of shooting over land occasionally complicates questions con- cerning the rateability of the respective occupiers of the land and the shooting. It was clearly laid down in the case of the Queen v. Battle Union (L. R., vol. 2, p. 8) that, where au owner retains in his own occupation woodland, but lets the right of shooting over it with a neighbouring mansion, he ;'« THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 53 rateable for the land and the shooting, ou the ground that I lie right to take game is an incident to the occupation of the land, and that he derives a benefit, uot from taking the game liimself, but from a pecuniary recompense made to him for allowing some one else to take it. His occupation of the woodland is productive to him of a value enhanced by the rent wliich he receives for the shooting. The case of lle^. r. Tliurlstoru was of a different character. The landowner had let a farm to one man, and had granted the right of shooting over the farm to anotlier. It was held that the occupier of the farm is to be rated only for tlie bare occupation of the laud (38 L. J., M. C, 106). The right of sliooting alone without the occupation of land, or without connection with some rateable subject, is not rateable. This was de- cided in the ease of the Overseers of Hilton and Wake- field, and the Overseers of the Township of Bowes (L. 11., vol. 1, p. 3o'J). It was there laid down that, in order to make a person rateable to the poor rate, he must be the occu- pier of some subject matter which is itself rateable ; but the rateable value of the subject matter may be enhanced by some- thing which is incident to the occupation, though not in itself rateable, such as the right of sliooting. Tlie ease was a very peculiar one. The wastes of a manor had been con- verted into a stinted pasture under an inclosure award ; but tlie rights to minerals and of shooting were left in tlie lords. Thus the right of shooting has been severed from the ownership, as well as the occupancy of the soil. Springs of water are rateable in the sense that they enhance the value of the lauds in wliich they arise. In the case of 11. V. Miller (3 Cowp. 09), Lord Mansfield said: "The value of the four acres of land arises partly from the building and partly from the spring that produces the mineral water." In the case of Hex v. New River Company, the land in the parish of Amwell was of the value of £5 only ; but, it had a spring in it, which enabled tlie company by means of pipes to bring water to London, and which increased the value of the land. The land with this spring in it was therefore rated at £300, although the water alone would not have been rateable at all, and the land alone would only have been rated at £.5. The rateability of " lands" may be very fairly summed up by the " rule of thumb" of our ancesters, viz., that everything in the parish which can be seen is rateable except woods, other than saleable underwoods, provided always that there is a beneficial use and occupation made of them, and that they do not belong to the Crown. " Houses" being expressly men- tioned in the Act, in the same way that coal mines and saleable underwoods are mentioned, it might have been supposed, as in the case of other mines and other woods, that houses only are rateable and other buildings exempt. But, if ever such a con- struction has been contended for, it has uot been held to be law. All houses, whether the dwellings of man, cattle, or animals, are subject to the rate. So are barns and granaries for the housing of corn or produce, warehouses, lighthouses,ina- chine houses, and the like. So also are kilns, furnaces, factories, mills, bridges, and erections of every kind, with the following exception, viz., property occupied for the purposes of the Crown. Neither the Crown, nor the King, nor the Queen, being named in the Act of Elizabeth, is bound by the Act ; and it has been ^beld to follow that lands or houses occupied by the Crown, or for the purposes of the Crown, are not liable to be rated. This principle exempts from rates not only royal palaces, but also the offices of the Secretaries of State, the Horse Guards, the Post Office, and many similar buildings. Police Courts, County Courts, and even County buildings occupied as lodgings at the Assizes for the Judges, have been lield to be exempt on the ground that, in effect, the Crown is in occupation by public servants, carrying out the purposes of the Government of the country. The Queen is the fountain of j iisticc to all subjects of the realm, and buildings which are necessarily occupied for the purpose of administering justice and cognate objects, are within the exception, as buildings really occupied for the discharge of duties arising out of the prerogatives of the Crown. The Queen c. St. Martin's, Leicester i^L. R., vol. 2, p. 493). The Queen r. Castle View, Leicester (T^. R., vol. 2, p. 497). But, nevertheless, in the case of the Justices of Lancashire and the Overseers of the Township of Cheethara (Law Reports, Q. B. Cases, vol. 3, p. 14), it was held that buildings used as courts, lodgings for Her Majesty's Judges and other ollicers, lock-ups, and all other uccominodation necessary for carrying on the civil and criminal business of the Assizes ; but, imt of wlucli a profit is made by letting portions of such building to the Corporation of a town, notwithstanding the Corporation use the building for public purposes, are liable to be rated in respect of, and to the extent of the profit received, whatever the occupation may be. Churches, chapels, and other places exclusively appro- priated to public religious worship are also exempt. But the exemption does not apply to any part of such churches, chapels, or premises which are not so exclusively appro- priated, and from which parts not so exclusively appropriated some person receives rent, or derives profit or advantage (3 & 4 W. IV., eh. 30). Tenements and hereditaments including lands, which are the property of and in the occupation of a Municipal Corporation in which the limits of the parish are co-extensive with the limits of the city or borough, and in which city or borough the poor are relieved by one entire poor rate, are exempted from poor rates, Ijecause it was considered that the imposition of the rate on the borough property would be of no advantage to the borough, as the same parties would be both receivers and payers of the rate (4 & 5 Vict., ch. 48). But, although this view was correct as regarded the par- ticular parish or borough ; yet, if such parish now forms one of a union of parishes assessable to the common funds of the union, according to the rateable value of the property com- prised therein, under the Union Chargeability Act, 28 fc 29 Vict., ch. 79, there are reasonable grounds of complaint on behalf of the other parishes in the union, as the exemption of the Corporation property in the one parish disturbs the equality of the basis upon wliich the contributions of the several parishes are founded. Notwithstanding this, it has been held in the case of the Queen v. Mayor of Oldham (L. 11., Q. B. Cases, vol. 3, p. 474) that such property is still exempt, so that it is probable that the question will be liti- gated again, and this particular exemption will soon be abolished. Societies established exclusively for purposes of science, literature, or the fine arts are specially exempted by statute from county, borough, parochial, and other local rates ; provided, nevertheless, that each of such societies shall be supported, wholly or in part, by annual voluntary contributions, and shall not, and by its laws may not, make any dividend, gift, division, or bonus in money unto or between any of its members ; and provided also that it obtain a certificate from the barrister appointed to certify the rules of friendly societies (6 & 7 Vict., ch. 30). But it has been held that the statute exempts the society and not its property ; so that, if the society is rated, its members must appeal (Q. v. Justices of Birming- ham, 18 L. J., R. M. C, 83), The Liunican Society, incor- porated for Ihe cultivation of the science of natural history and for the promotion of every kind of improvement in arts and sciences, has been held to be exempt (Linmcau Society of London r. St. Anne's, Westminster, 23 L. J., R. M. C, 148). So also has an institution for the collection and maintenance of a library of books for the use of the members and of persons who subscribed for the occasion only. But, an institution established partly for the amusement of its members, such as a concert ball, built and supported by subscription ; or a library, a part of which is applied to the reading of news- papers, IS not exempt (Q. v. Brandt, 20 L. J., R. M. C , 119 ; Q. r. Gaskell, 21 L. J., R. M. C, 29 ; RusseU Institution v. St. Giles'-in-the rields, 23 L. J., R. M. C, 65). A mechanics' institution, some of whose rooms arc occasionally let out for concerts, lectures, and public meetings, is not exempt (Purvis V. Trail, 18 L. J., R. M. C, 57) ; nor is a subscription library, if a part of its premises are let off to another scientific society (Earl of Clarendon r. St. James', Westminster, 20 L. J., R. M. C, 213). National schools, hospitals, dispensaries, and other similar properties held for public purposes only, where the trustees derive no personal pecuniary profit for tliemselves, have, until very recently, been considered to be exempt from rates ; but the case of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board v. Jones and another (30 L. J., M. C, 239), carried by appeal from a judgment of the Exchequer Chamber to the House of Lords, has established the contrary rule. Six of the judges assisted the I'cers when the argument was heard, of whom, five expressed opinions that the exemption could not, be supported. The remaining jud^e considered that ihe, exemption had been established by a long current of au^hjo-. r'lties, and could not now be rejected. Since this, decisiqu was given, " The Sunday and Ragged Scho'^li (Exeniptiqiii from Rating) Act, 1869," has been pass,w\j bv whiclj evcty 54 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. authority, having power to impose or levy auy rate, a- ay exempt from the payment of any rate for any purpose whatever any building or part of a building used exclusively as a Sunday school or ragged school. Much litigation has arisen, in con- nexion with the assessment of buildings, coucerning the rateability of fixtures, trade plant, and machinery. It was decided in the case Reg. v. Southampton Dock Company (20 L. J., M. C, 162) that buildings to whicli machinery is attached for the purposes of trade, are assessable to the extent of their existing value, as combined with the machinery, whether such machinery be real or personal property. In the case of the Queen v. North Staffordshire Railway Company (30 L. J., M. C, 68) it was decided that " things so attached to the freehold as to become part of it," and " things which, though capable of being removed, are yet so far attached as that it is intended they shall remain permanently connected with the railway or the premises used with it, and remain permanent appendages to it, as essential to its working," are rateable. In the case of the Queen v. The Phcenix Gas Light and Coke Company (L. R., vol. 1, p. 241) it was decided that the retorts, purifiers, gas holders, steam engines, and boilers are parts of the works which are absolutely necessary to the manufacture of gas, whieh is the purpose of the company's undertaking ; that it was intended, when those things were erected, that they should remain permanently connected with the premises, and that they should remain permanent appen- dages to it, as essential to its working ; and, if not forming part of the freehold, they are still so far connected with it as to be intended to be permanently attached to it, and, there- fore, they ought to be taken into account, in determining tiie rateable value of the land and premises. Without the retorts, purifiers, steam engines, and gas holders the premises would be worthless for the purpose for which they were erected : the building would not be a gas manufactory at all. All these tilings are fixed, and so far annexed as to be intended to be permanent, and, being really necessary for the use of the premises as gas works, they therefore form part of the rateable subject. So in the case of a railway, although the sleepers are in no way fastened to the ground, but are laid on and packed up in ballast, and the rails are laid on and bolted to the sleepers only, nevertheless, it lias been held that they form as many parts of the rateable hereditament, as does a house, the foundations of which only rest upon a bed of concrete (Great Western Railway v. Jlelksham, J. P., vol. 34, p. 103). Utensils in trade and furniture are not rateable. The meters of a gas company were held, in the Phoenix Gas case already referred to, to be mere ordinary cliattels, kept for the purpose of measming the gas, and in no sense part of the gas works. In tlie North Staffordshire Railway case, things moveable, such as oflice and station furniture, were held to be chattels, and not rateable. In many cases, such things as a mirror fixed to a wall have been held to be furniture, and not rateable ; but, a billiard table fixed to a lloor has been held to enhance the value of the house to which it was attached, and in tliat way to become rateable. Power looms in a silk mill, portable and continually moved from place to place, but steadied by their feet being screwed to the flooring, are not rateable (Reg. v. Overseers of Ilalstead, J.P., 1867, p. 373). It was held that, although such fixtures are no doubt fixed to tbe freehold, they are, nevertheless, not so fixed as to make them part of the freehold, so that on a demise they would pass with the premises. " Tllhes ini- pro2)riale^' are those which have been severed from a benefice, and are now payable to some lay person or corporation. " PropriiiHons^' or " approprhdions of lilhesr are tithes severed from a benefice, and annexed to a spiritual corpora- tion. These are the only description of tithes expressly re- ferred to in the statute of Elizabeth ; but, all tithes arising within the parish are rateable, and, every rent-charge payable instead of such tithes, is subject to all rates and taxes, in like manner, as the tithes commuted for i.uch rent-charge have heretofore been subject (6 & 7 Wni., ch. 71, s. 69). Coal iiU)ies,\n occupation in the parish, are rateable for what they produce ; that is to say, at such a sum as they would let for. But, as has been already explained under the head of land, all other mines have been held to be exempt, because coal mines are especially made hable. Saleable umkrmoods : The statute of Elizabeth especially refers to saleable underwoods, and specially makes them rateable. In the early cases, sale- able underwoods were defined as being " wood whieh grows expeditiously, sends up many shoots from one stool, the root remaining perfect, from which the shoots are cut, aud produc- ing new shoots, and so yielding a succession of profits." But, in a recent case, Lord Pitzhardinge v. Pritchett (Law Rep., Q. B. Cases, vol. 2, p. 141), Mr. Justice Mellor has very clearly defined what woods are saleable underwoods within the meaning of the statute of Elizabeth. He says, " the question does not depend upon whether the woods consist of what are timber trees, either by general or local custom ; the nature and quality of the wood is not the test ; but, wherever the woods are treated so as to raise successive crops from the same roots and stools, and, whether the crops ripen, and are cut at intervals of ten, fifteen, or even thirty years, is immaterial ; or, whether the woods consist of oak, ash, or elm, which are universally timber trees ; or, of beech, which may be timber by custom ; or, willow, tlie stools of which can be and are so treated as to produce a succession of saleable crops : in such cases, the woods are saleable underwoods." ^Lode of valuing properly liable lo be rated : There are two estimates required by the statute 6 & 7 W. IV., c. 96, which regulates parochial assessments, viz., " gross estimated rental" and " rateable value." The former is the rent at whieh the property might reasonably be expected to let from year to year, the tenant paying all usual tenant's rates and taxes and tithe commuta- tion rent-charge (if any), the landlord bearing tlie cost of repairs and insurance and other expenses (if any) necessary to maintain the premises in a state to command such rent. The rateable value is so much of the gross estimated rental as remains after deducting therefrom the prohable average annual cost of the repairs, insurance and other expenses necessary to maintain them in a state to command such rent, as aforesaid. The actual words of the statute are very simple when under- stood ; but, it is probable that no words in any statute were ever more misunderstood, or ever caused more confusion aud gave more trouble than they did. They are as follows : " No rate for the relief of the poor in England and Wales shall be allowed by any justices, or be of any force which shall not be made upon an estimate of the net annual value of the several hereditaments rated thereunto, that is to say, of the rent at which the same might reasonably be expected -jO let from year to year, free of aU tenants' rates and taxes and tithe commutation rent-charge (if any) and deducting there- from the probable average annual cost of the repairs, insurance and other expenses (if any) necessary to maintain tbem in a state to command such rent." Soon after the passing of this statute, viz., en the 3rd of March, 1837, the Poor Law Com- missioners issued a circular defining gross rent as the rent which would he paid to a landlord who himself undertakes to pay all the usual tenant's rates and taxes with which the hereditameuts or premises rented by the tenant are chargeable, together with tithe commutation rent-charge, the expense of upholding the buildings in tenantable repair, insurance against loss by fire, and any otlier expenses, if any shall exist, necessary to maintain such hereditameuts iu a state to command such gross rent. Net rent they defined as the amount which is received by or which remains clear in the hands of a landlord after all such taxes, charges, and expenses, as are above enumerated, shall have been provided for. Acting upon these definitions, many surveyors included in their estimates of gross estimated rental the whole of the rates and taxes usually paid by the tenant. Eor example, in the case of a house worth £100 per annum to a yearly tenant, the rates aud taxes upon which amounted to £20 per annum, and the average cost of insuring, repairing, and maintaining the property £20 per annum, they called the gross estimated rental £120, the rateable value £80. So far as regards the mere payment of poor rates no injustice was done to the ratepayer ; but, in the case of other uses made of the gross estimated rental it became apparent that the intentions of the Legislature had been mis- understood ; moreover, valuations so made seemed to estimate the value of property in a parish unfairly and unnecessarily high. It very early became the practice to disregard the instructions of the Poor Law Commissioners and to omit all consideration of rates and taxes in making valuations, and, in 1859, the Poor Law Commissioners were advised by the then law oflicers of the Crown (Sir Eitzroy Kelly and Sir Hugh Cairns) that the term " gross estimated rent" meant the rent at which the property might he expected to let, the tenant taking the burden of rates and taxes aud tithe upon himself. Iu other words, they were of opinion that the word THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 55 " free" iu the statute must be considered as referring to reut aad not to hereditaments. An attempt was made in the Union Assessment Committee Act, 1863, to remove the doubts which had existed ; but, without much success so far as ordinary ability can comprehend it. Nevertheless, the opinion of the law officers in 1850 is now universally acted upon and generally understood. It must always be borne in mind that the rateable value is not the actual reut at which a property may be let ; but that reut at wliich, after taking all things into consideration, it might reasonably bo expected to let. Moreover, it must be remembered that the circumstances to be taken into consideration in estimatiug the value must always have reference to the period at which tlie valuation is made. A house which on the completion of a railway, or some other public improvement will be worth £100 a year, may, at the present time, be worth only £50 a year. While it is worth £50 it must be assessed at that sum only ; but, as soon as (he improvement takes place, the assessment must follow the increased value. Again, the reut reserved in a lease may not be evidence of rateable value. A property may possess a gradually increasing value, extending over many years. A lessee, in agreeing to pay a fixed constant rent, would average those circumstances. The rate must be made on au estimate of the anunal value from time to time ; low, when that value is small, and higher as it increases. Again, property may, from unforeseen circumstances, increase or decrease in value during the terra of a lease. If it should increase, it would be unfair to the other ratepayers, who might not be similar lessees, if the assessment upon it were not increased ; and, if it should decrease in value, it would be unfair to the lessee not to decrease the assessment. The term from year to year must not be misunderstood, as it sometimes is. It does not mean a letting for a year only, nor a letting on a yearly tenancy ; but it means that changeable circumstances must be taken iato account from year to year as they arise. Valuation of Agricidiural ami Accommodation Lands: In addressing the Institution of Surveyors, it is quite unnecessary to attempt to explain the mode of valuing agricultural or accommodation laud. Nevertheless, it is well to again point out that the rateable value is not the rent actually paid either on a yearly tenancy or under a lease ; but that it is the rent which, all things considered, a tenant might be reasonably expected to pay for the year nest following the making of the valuation. The late Lord Denman, whose judgments were always as clear as it is possible for judgments to be, in delivering judgment in the case of a brickfield appeal, says : " It may well be that, although at the end of the year the lessee has made so many bricks that he can afford to pay £150 in royalty to his land- lord, yet be could not prudently, at the beginning of the year, contract, at all events, to pay more than £100, and, if so, the latter rather than the former will be the sum at which the land may reasonably be expected to let from year to year." In the case of accommodation lands, a piece of meadow land may be situated in the middle of another estate and in front of the drawing-room windows of the occupier's house. It is reasonable to suppose that, in such a case, the occupier of the house would give more rent for the meadow land than its value for agricultural purposes would justify, and, therefore, it possesses a corresponding rateable value ; but, if such land becomes by purchase a portion of the other estate, it tlieu possesses no greater rateable value than the adjoining lands of which, in fact, it has become part. Small pieces of land ad- joining a town will often let at rents quite disproportioned to their agricultural value, and their rateable value is such a rent as they may, in that way, be reasonably expected to fetch, notwithstanding that exactly similar adjoining lands which form part of an adjacent farm can only be reasonably ex- pected to let at their agricultural value. The difference between the gross estimated rental and the rateable value of land is very small, and in practice it has hitherto, for the most part, been disregarded ; but The Valuation (Metropolis) Act, 1869, fixes the allowance iu metropolitan districts at five per cent., and, therefore, it is presumed that such an allowance will very generally be made in all places in the future. It may be mentioned that, in the case of lands subject to tithes the amount of the rent-charge should be deducted from the estimates of both gross and rateable value, the tithe rent-charge being itself rateable as a separate hereditament. Valuation of homes : The gross estimated rental of a house is that rent which a tenant might reasonably be expected to give for the right to occupy it for one year, assuming that the landlord bore the expense of insuring, repairing, and upholding it. The net rateable value is the rent which a tenant might be reasonably expected to pay, who took upon himself the expense of insuring, repairing, and up- holding it. The rent is the rent to be expected for the year following the making of the rate ; but, the allowance for repairs is to be the probable average annual cost. To give but one instance : general painting, which occurs only once in seven years, is not to be allowed in the year in which it actually is done to the exclusion of all other years ; but, a fair average annual charge on account of it is to be taken. In addition to the allowance in respect of indispensable repairs, an allowance is to be made iu respect of contingent or future renewals. In the case of the Queen v. Wells (Law Reports, Q. B. Cases, vol. xi., p. 518), the most recent decision upon this jioint. Lord Chief Justice Cockburn stated that there seems no distinction in principle between the sum anuu;dly laid by to make good, when it shall become necessary, an inevitable loss by the de- structive agency of time, and a fund laid by for an indemnity against a loss by fire or storm, or other peril, insured against. Valuation of farm liomcsteads : In estimating the rateable value of farm homesteads, several matters have to be taken into con- sideration. For example : the buildings may be very much in excess of the actual requirements of the lands of a farm ; but it is obvious that a tenant can only be reasonably expected to pay such a rent as the buildings which he actually requires would command. Even that rent may have to be diminished instead of increased, from the lact that the repairs and in- surance of the larger buildings are more costly to the tenant than the repairs and insurance of buildings of the proper size would be. It may, however, happen that the occupier of such a farm may also occupy, as a separate rateable hereditament, land, either wholly without buildings, or otherwise deficient in that respect, in which case the rateable value to him of the buildings previously alluded to will be increased. Valuation of trade premises, mills, factories, ^'c. : In estimating the value of trade premises, such as a factory fitted up with maeliines, a foundry with furnaces and forges, or a brewery with fixed steam engines and vats, the value of the machinery as enhanc- ing the annual value of the freehold, of which it forms part, is to be taken iato consideration. An important decision in respect of the rating of mills was given in the case of Staley and another v. Castletou (33 L. J., M. C, p. 178). The mill was fitted to its full capacity with the machinery useful and neces- sary for a cotton mill ; a steam engine was fixed for the pur- pose of turning the machinery, and steam pipes from the boilers were carried through all the rooms in the mill for the purpose of warming them. Some of the machinery was fixed to the floors in order to its steadier working, while, in other instances, it was merely placed upon the floors of the mill. According to the custom of the trade, the machinery was in the nature of tenants' machinery, or fixtures. Before the American war, the property had been of considerable annual value as a cotton miU ; but, in consequence of the state of trade during the war, the mill was closed. Never- theless, the machinery was kept in it, and a man was employed to attend to the fires for the purpose of keeping up a proper degree of warmth, and to keep the machinery in a state of repair. The Court held that the mill was thus used as a storehouse for the valuable machinery that it con- tained, and was to be valued for assessment to the extent of the rent which it would command as such storehouse. Follow- ing this decision came another important case, Harter v. Sal- ford (34 L. J., M. C, p. 206). The appellant for many years carried on the business of a silk manufacturer ; but, in 1863, he gave up business with the intention of never resuming it. The mill and premises were advertised for sale. The decision was that, although not in use as a mill, the buildings were to be valued as storehouses for machinery. Hotels, refreshment rooms, Epsom and other race stands, canteens and similar trade premises which, by reason of their special situations, command rents in proportion to the extent of the trade which can be carried on in them aud nowhere else, must be valued ia connection with their trade receipts, /. e., from the gross re- ceipts must be deducted the working expenses necessary to earn the receipts, allowances for trade profit to the tenant, for interest on the capital which he must necessaily employ, and for risks and casualties. The balance is the rent which he may reasonably be expected to be willing to pay to his land- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. ] uil as rent. Tu valuing all descriptions of house property, the question constantly arises — is cost ever the measure of the rateable value of property ? In giving his decision in the Mile-end Old-town case, Lord Denman says, " tlie outlay of c.ipitiil inij^ht furnish no criterion of the rent a property should yield, since such capital may have been injudiciously expended, and what was costly may have become worthless by subsequent changes." It should be observed that Lord Deumau did not there say that cost was never the measure of value, and, obviously, it sometimes is. Assume, for example, that the guardians of a Union are in want of a workhouse, and that some landowner within the Union is possessed of a building exactly suited for such purpose, but that he requires a rent of £1,000 a year for it. The guardians find, upon inquiry, that they can build a new workhouse and provide the land at a cost of £10,000, and tliat they can obtain the money at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum, which will equal a rental of £500 per annum. They elect to take the latter course and build the workhouse, the rateable value of which is £500 per annum, be- cause that sum is the highest rental which it would be reason- able to expect them to give. Assume, however, ou the other hand, that the landowner was unable to get a tenant for his building, for any purpose, at a higher rent than £350 instead of £1,000 a year, and tiiat he therefore would be willing to let it to the guardians at £:250. In this case, tlie rateable value would be £350 per annum only, because it would not be reasonable to suppose that the guardians would pay for any other similar building a higlier rent than that at which they had been able to take this from the landowner. In estimating the rateable value of bridges, as in the case of railways, it does not follow that any direct receipts arise in the parish which is the subject of the valuation. The case of tlie Queen V. the Hammersmith Bridge Company is one in point. It was there held that, although the whole of the receipts were in the parish of Hammersmith, yet the bridge itself was the direct source of the rateable value, and tliat such net rateable value when duly ascertained was to be apportioned between the parishes according to the length of the bridge in each. Vali'afion of Tithe llcnt Charges : The rateable value of a tithe rent-charge is the rent which a hypothetical tenant might be reasonably expected to give for it annually, such tenant liaving to pay tlie usual tenants' rates and taxes upon such tithe rent-charge and to derive some remuneration for his time and attention in collecting it (Queen v. Capel). In the case of a clergyman, whom by reason of the number of parish- ioners and the value of the incumbancy the bishop of his diocese could compel to keep a curate, the reasonable salary of such a curate was, in the case of the Queen v. Goodchild, directed to be allowed; so also in the case of the Queen r. Lamb, where the duties of tlie incumbent were greater than one man could perforin, the curate's salary was directed to be deducted ; but, this allowance for a curate has, by the recent case, the Queen v. Sherford, been overruled, so that it must now be taken that such a deduction cannot be allowed. Va- liHilioii of Coal Jli/ies, cj'c. : Coal mines, brick fields, clay pits, slate quarries, &c., which involve the removal of portions of the soil, must be valued according to the rent and royalty which it is reasonable to expect the occupier would pay the landlord for tiiat species of occupation. In the case of the Queen i\ Westbrook it was held that a royalty so paid must be consi- dered as a portion of the rent. Valiiadon of Saleable Under- wooils : Saleable underwoods must be valued at the rental at which they might reasonably be expected to let, ac- cording to the quality of the wood and the situation of the land. The valuation of railways, gas, and waterworks involve considerations so special that the subject is reserved for a separate paper. Mr. T. S. WoOLLEY had great pleasure in moving a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Ryde for his clear and able paper, which was so exhaustive that, if the discussion was to be con- fined to the topics therein dealt with, namely, tlie incidence of rating under the existing statutes, and the general principles on which the ditl'erent kinds of property at present rateable should be assessed under those statutes, there was nothing further to be said. He agreed most thoroughly with the author's views, and would take this opportunity of mentioning with regard to the apparent divergence of opinion between himself and Mr. Ryde, on a former occasion, relative to the position wliicii tithe rent-charge bore to rates, that they were now agreed in this, t the rent-charges are rateable to the same extent as the tithes tliey represent were before the commutation took place, and in uo other sense. Mr. T. HusKiNsoN, in seconding the vote of thanks, said the subject of rating was one of extreme and growing import- ance, and especially so in rural districts. There was hardly a suliject within the province of the surveyor which required such a combination of legal knowledge and acquaintance with the value of property as rating, and so much tact and common sense in applying that knowledge. Seveial members having expressed a wish that the dis- cussion should be adjourned, to afford them an opportunity for the necessary consideration of the paper, Mr. E. J. Smvtu suggested that it might be desirable, in the event of the discussion being adjourned, to extend their views in some measure beyond the subject of the paper, strictly speaking, and to express their opinions as to the expediency of changes either in the mode of assessment or in its distribution. Ail must be well aware, as agents, that there had been charged upon the occupiers, under the guise of assessment to the poor, a great number of items, which, in the opinion of many persons, should rather come under the head of imperial taxation. A considerable portion of the difference between the 3s. 6d. or 4s. in the pound which was paid now and tiie 3s. 6d. which was paid formerly was occa- sioned by charges which were hardly of the same character as those which used to be imposed. He tliought, therefore, that the discussion should embrace, not only the history of the past in these matters, but should also elicit, if possible, the course which it was expedient to take with regard to the future. The CiiAiiiMxVN, in putting the motion for adjournment of the discussion on tli3 paper of the evening, said that it had very recently come to his knowledge that a commission was either nominated or about to be nominated for the purpose of determining at what proportion, if any, the freeholders of pro- perty, let at ground rents, should be assessed in respect of the rates and ta.xes now imposed, or about to be imposed, on their lessees. It was a serious and important matter for ground landlords. He did not know whether it was desirable to dis- cuss this matter, but it might be desirable to inquire into this subject before the next meeting, and then take it into con- sideration, and be prepared to discuss it in conjunction with Mr. Ryde's exceedingly able and exhuastive paper, J\Ir. Rybe suggested that the course proposed was a little unusual. If the question of the incidence of local taxation were to be referred to, it would open up an interminable field for discussion. For instance, it might be suggested that not only should a proprietor be rated for his ground rents, but that stockholders should be rated in respect of their stock in the Funds ; and that would involve the question whether the rating should be in the parish in which the Bank of England was situated, and of wliich it occupied the entire area, or whether the rate should be made in some other parish. He suggested that they should first finish the discussion of his paper, and then, if they pleased, enter upon the other topics referred to. An adjournment took place accordingly. At the second meeting, Mr. John Clutton, the President, in the chair, the discussion was opened by Mr. E. J. Smith, who said the only point which seemed to him to require a little further explanation was with regard to the precise interpretation of the wording in the fii'st Act. Mr. Ryde seemed to consider that the interpretation of the first section, which obtained from the year 1837 until the de- cision of Sir Fit/.roy Kelly, was accidental, on which decision, after an interval of twenty-two years — viz., in 1859 — the present accepted interpretation was substituted. But he (Mr. Smith) believed that the true history was that it was intended by the Poor Law Board that, under that Act, the first column in the assessment book should contain the annual value of any hereditament, after deducting only the occupier's return on his capital, and not the rates, nor the tithes, nor any out- goings. Under the existing system, the first column contains an annual value arrived at after deducting the rates and taxes paid by the occupier. It was undoubtedly the intention of tlie first Act that the first column should contain all that it contains at this time, with the addition of those taxes. It was supposed at that time that the owners would always take upon tliemselves the payment of tithes, and it was thought desirable that they should take upon themselves the payment of all other taxes ; but the owners did not see it in that point THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. of view, aud not ouly abstained from paying tlie other taxes, but almost invariably threw upon the occupiers the payment of the titlie rent-charges also. It was found, therefore, tliat this object of tiie Act was not obtained, and, after an endeavour extending over twenty years, tlic attempt was given up, and there came then the dilferent interpretation given by Sir Fitzroy Kelly and Sir Hugh Cairns, whicli has subse- quently been adopted, lie ventured to suggest at the last meeting tliat it might be expedient to consider in this dis- cussion the desirability of changes, eillier in the mode of the assessment or in its distribution. As lie then said, it appeared to him that a considerable number of charges were now made, particularly in respect of agricultural ])ropcrty, and paid under tlie head of " poor rates," which ought to come under the head of imperial taxation. At the same time, he did not at all concur in the view that all rates ought to be charged on income-tax, and thought any such change (which, as tliey knew, was advocated by influential representatives of the agricultural interest) not only inexpedient but hopeless. As agricultural estates had always hitherto assisted in main- taining the poor and the liighways, and had been purchased and sold under the expectation of doing so, it would be diffi- cult to make out a case for any change by taking otf those charges ; but lie thought that the other charges which had been imposed, and were now charged under the head of " the poor," should rather be paid out of the Consolidated Fund. Mr. E. P. Squarey would illustrate the subject by stating the facts of his own case. lie held his farm on a sixteen years' lease, and when he took it, his parish was a close one, Lord Radnor and himself being the ouly ratepayers. The actual rent of the farm was £1,300 a-year, and the rates only £75 a-year. No doubt he had occasionally employed incom- petent men at higher wages than they could fairly earn, simi'ly to keep them off the poor-rate, and the actual out- going miglit therefore be put a little higher. The Union Chargeability Act came into operation, and his expenditure was increased from £75 to £180, on the average. He felt this to be a hardship, and he appealed to the Assessment Committee to reduce his rateable value, which he should say had been assessed at his rent, mi/i/'s 10 per cent. He asked that it should be reduced by the excess amount of rates he was then paying over what he paid when he took the farm, and then a further reduction of 10 per cent, on that amount. After a good deal of discussion, the Board consented to re- duce his rateable value to the lower terms ; and on those he continued to pay. He mentioned tiiis as an illustration of the folly of admitting rent, without considering what rent meant, as the basis of annual value. He agreed with Mr. Smith that some injustice was done to the occupiers of farms, by compelling them to pay, under the head of " poor-rate," charges which were of a purely philanthropic or sanitary cha- racter, aud which were not contemplated when the tenancy commenced. He referred more especially to police rates and lunatic-asylum rates, in which the whole public was as much interested as the owner and occupier of the land, lie thought, therefore, that in the interest of all parties, the whole question of the basis of rating demanded reconsidera- tion. Mr. J. H. Lloyd said he was engaged as referee in a case of the rating of a colliery producing a large annual return, and he had various schemes propounded to him as to the principle on which this description of property should be rated. Looking at the importance of that interest, more especially in the midland, northern and western counties of England, aud in South Wales, it was a question of great magnitude, and by no means free from difficulty ; and, with great respect to Mr. Ryde, he considered the question had been treated by him in a somewhat perfunctory manner ; for all he said (p. ~69) on that subject was — " Coal-mines, brick- fields, clay-pits, slate quarries, Jcc, which involve the removal of portions of the soil, must be valued according to the rent aud royalty which it is reasonable to expect the occupier would pay the landlord for that species of occupation." He confessed that he was rather startled by this passage, because the rent and royalty paid to the landlord (if by that expression was meant the sum payable to the proprietor of the land and the underlying miiieral) could not be a reliable basis of the rateable value. Royalty was a proportion of the produce raised, reserved to the mine-owner ; rent was that which was paid for the area of gronnd occupied in the working of the mine ; but that the rent or royalty, either separately or together, could be the rateable value of the coal mine, seemed to him an untenable proposition ; because it might be that the owner of the mine leased it, having incurred the first expenditure for winning the coal, or it might be that the lessee himself incurred that expenditure ; and the royalty of course varied materially according to these varying circum- stances. He understood the principle of rating to be, that whatever was the value of the undertaking, in its then present conditiou, was to be the first item of the valuation. Say, for instance, he had so many acres of coal under a surface area, as ascertained by borings. If a lessee undertook to develop this he would pay a royalty of so much. The lessee had tlien to sink his shaft, put up machinery, and incur other expenses ; and when thus developed it became totally different property. The stereotyped principle of rating was what a man would be willing to give as rent, undertaking all the costs aud risK, and reserving to himself a fair interest on the working capital required aud a reasonable profit on the working obtaiued. That was the saleable value, aud he apprehended tliat was as applicable to coal mines as to other property. His friend Mr. Ryde, had [studied this subject a good deal, and he had hoped to have some light from this I'aper : but the only gleam of information he had derived was in the paragraph which he had quoted. He deemed it a subject which deserved great consideration, aud he held in his hand a very interesting pamphlet (lately presented to the library), by Mr. Hedley, of Sunderland, who had great experience in valuing collieries. Mr. Hedley gave, in the first place, the estimated gross value of coal produced at the pit's mouth, then he gave the working expenses and the expenses of the tenant for management. These were charges against the gross proceeds. Then came tenant's capital and plant. Mr. Hedley took a percentage upon that, reducing it to an annual interest. Then he took 25 per cent, for tenant's profits, which he (Mr. Lloyd) thought too high, and there was then to be added maintenance and renewal of the tenant's plant, and so at last they got at the net rateable value. His object in rising was to get from Mr. Ryde, if possible, something a little less meagre than the information he had given them in his P.iper on the subject of the rating of coal mines. Mr. W. Eve desired to refer Mr. Ryde to the passage in his paper (p. 264), in which he said, " The difference between the gross estimated rental and the rateable value of land is very small, and, in practice, it has hitherto, for the most part been disregarded; but The Valuation (Metropolis) Act, 1869, fixes the allowance in metropolitan districts at 5 per cent., and therefore it is presumed that such an allowance will very generally be made in all places in future. Now Mr, Ryde had expressed no opinion as to the wisdom of that course, aud he hoped to hear that he did not approve of it. The value of land might easily vary from 5s. to £5 per acre, and if 5 per cent, were taken off in each case, it was evident that in one case they took off twenty times more than in the other for exactly the same repairs executed. The same observation ap- plied with more force to houses, and he had ventured to lay these views before Mr. Goschen, when the bill was before tlie House. He had taken the trouble to investi- gate the rating of one house in Cornhill, and found that, taking off 20 per cent., as was done in that instance, the rental value being £500, the rating was £100. Now, in his judgment, the land in that case was worth £400, and the structure only £100, and for the repair and insurance of that structure, worth £100, they took off a sum equal to the annual value of it. The same thing applied to land, and he thought it was most unfair that any arbitrary per-centagc of that sort should be laid down by the iletropolitan Act. If a schedule of deductions was to be adopted it must, as to house property, ajiply to the structural value only, and not include the value of the ground, and, as to land, it must be an acreage deduc- tion, and not a per-centage on the value. Mr. C. Si'EruENso^f said there was no question that the system of rating was not understood by the public authorities. The practice of parishes (even under the same surveyors and assessors) was inconsistent, and he thought that considerable time would elapse before rating could be made uniform or satisfactory. He found that in most districts the rating of a house was governed by what happened to be the rental of the adjoining house, vvith additions or deductions arising from any difference in structure. In the case of houses in new streets 58 THE FARMBE'S MAGAZINE. the Assessment Committees and assessors were all at sea, and their only hasis of rating seemed to be what people had been foolish enough to give as ground rents added to interest on outlay. This they call a gross estimated rent, and from it they deduct an arbitrary per-centage of from 5 to 20 per cent., and call that the rateable value. Such a system could not find favour, nor last for the time contemplated by the new Act, viz., live years. With regard to Mr. Squarey's own case, that ought to be put before the Committee of the House of Com- mons on Local Taxation, now sitting. [Mr. Squarey said he did submit it to them.] It seemed to be the view of that Com- mittee that some of the present and future taxation of the country should be removed from the occupiers and put on the shoulders of the freeholders of the land. Mr. Squarey's case, he thought, proved that the owners of the land, as freeholders, did now bear the brunt of the taxation ; though in the case of leases, where arrangements were made between the freeholder and tlie occupier, the occupier for the time being bore the burdens. Any attempt to put a further burden on the free- holders was most unjust and unfair. Mr. J. Fisher said that, with respect to the rating of mines, his practice had been to ascertain the productive power of the land while being exhausted as a coal mine as a basis for the assessment, in the same way as for brick-earth or gravel ; but when it is exhausted, the laud reverts to an inferior value. It may be, in some cases, so well preserved that the land is of nearly the same value as it was before it was opened ; but while the land has that extra production in it, the occupier is liable to be assessed on a proportion of the profit that accrues during the time of the occupation. That was a principle which he believed to be uncontroverted. As the profits accrue the liability to assessment occurs ; they run together, and when one ceases the other does so. He thought it a fallacy to say tliat there was any right to an allowance on account of the exhaustion of the soil ; it was only a temporary assessment, and the land had to be assessed at as much as it was produc- ing at the time. In his practice, the want of a competent tribunal for the settlement of tliese questions had much struck him. Assessment Committees differed very much in the views they took of the questions brought before them, and there was very little certainty as to the decisions they came to. He also found that the ultimate tribunal of the Quarter Session was almost as unsatisfactory — considering the power it has, it was almost worse. The courts of Quarter Session differed so much in the views they took, that he thought it extremely desirable that there should be one common tribunal to which mixed questions of law and fact, such as often occurred in matters of rating, should be taken. He would illustrate what he said by mentioning a case within his own experience. He had an appeal before the Sessions, and, in making a claim for deduc- tion in respect of some every-day expense, in tlie nature of re- pairs done by the landlord, one of the magistrates said to him, " Do you mean to contend that the landlord's repairs are a deduction from your rent ?" — evidently believing the proposi- tion to be a great fallacy, which he could not be expected seriously to entertain. The decision in the case was based upon the view which this magistrate took. He (Mr. Fisher) was quite sure that if the appeal liad been heard in an adjoin- ing county, the decision would have been exactly the reverse. A case was refused, so that there was no opportunity of hav- ing what was laid down reviewed. Another fact bearing upon the necessity for such a common tribunal was the unwilling- ness of Assessment Committees to undertake the fuU amount of the duties they were appointed to perform, lie was a member of the Assessment Committee of the Union in which he resided, and they said, " We are not a body of valuers, we must take for granted what we are told," and they shirked their duty in that way. It must be remembered that an As- sessment Committee was nothing more than an aggregation of parish officers, who perform for a Union what overseers per- form for a parisli ; but sometimes, from want of local infor- mation, indolence, or other causes, the duties were performed in a very unsatisfactory manner, and he hoped that before long officers would be appointed to see that these matters were pro- perly investigated before a competent tribunal. Mr. C. Cable wished to mention that, under the statute of Elizabeth, personal property (in the shape of stock-in- trade, which at that time was almost the only personal pro- perty known) as well as real property was rateable ; and there was now, he believed, an Act of Parliament passed every year exempting such property from rating. He had experienced some difficulty in dealing with accommodation land and game farms ; because, with regard to the former, the Act recites the rating is to be at what the land " would reasonably let for." If a man cliose to give an excessive rent for accommodation- land, it was not fair that the A.ssessment Committee should assess him upon that rent — a tenant at an excessive rent would probably take everything off the laud he could, and so im- poverish it — but the rating was to be based on a rent which would admit of the land being kept in a state to command such rent. The same remarks applied to a game farm. If a man gave 10s. an acre less rent, because the land was burdened with game, the valuer ought to rate the", farm at what it was reasonably worth, and the Assessment Committee had no right to make an allowance in respect of game, but ought to put it at what it is worth to let. Some few years ago tlie question of not including tithe in the gross estimated rental caused a great stir, and tlie recent decision of the law officers of the Crown seemed to be a wrong one, because, in valuing land, they must value it at its worth in full, including the tithe, and if any tithe is payable, deduct it. In a field valuation of a parish, if the tithe were not taken into account, injustice must be done to someone ; therefore, to make a proper valuation three columns were required, instead of two, in the valuation book — the rateable value column, the gross estimated value columu, and a third one for the gross estimated rental. What can gross mean, unless it includes everything ? Another diffi- culty was the question of larch plantations. A good deal of larch was grown in Shropshire, and exemption from rating was claimed for it. It seemed, however, to be an injustice toother ratepayers 'if a field were taken out of rateable occupation thereby. For a few years it might produce little or no income ; but, after a time, a large profit accrued to the owner, by the thinning out of the young trees ; and, according to recent de- cisions, such plantations did not come properly under the de- signation of " saleable underwoods," which were liable to be rated. Perhaps Mr. Ryde would favour the meeting with his experience, with regard to the rating of water-power. He would also call attention to the practice of Assessment Com- mittees in making deductions. Tlie rule was to deduct 10 or or 15 per cent, from farms and buildings together ; but, if a man happened to have land in one parish and farmbuUdings in another, he only got 2^ per cent, deducted for the land, and 10 per cent, for the house and buildings. That was an injustice, for his neighbour would get a deduction of 10 per cent, on both land and buildings when situate in the same parish. What was wanted, was that Boards of Guardians and Assessment Committees should each appoint a surveyor to act on their behalf in these matters ; and, until they did so, they would neither satisfy themselves nor the country at large. Mr. P. D. TucKETT said he had just had an opportunity of looking for a few minutes into Mr. Hedley's pamphlet on the "Rating of Coal Mines," and it seemed to him that Mr. Ryde's statement on that subject, although it might not be very fuU, agreed substantially in principle with the Tiews ex- pressed more in detail by Mr. Lloyd. He had no doubt that Mr. Ryde, in his reply, would tell them he had not meant to be understood that a coal mine was to be rated upon the actual rent and royalty paid, but upon the rent and royalty which might reasonably be expected to be paid ; and those calcula- tions of Mr. Hedley's which Mr. Lloyd pointed to might, he thought, be shortly summed up in two words — as the rent or royalty — (whichever form it took) which could be reasonably realized by the coal mine, deducting a fair allowance for re- pairs needful to maintain such rent and royalty. There was the rent paid for the mine, and interest on the money ex- pended in sinking the shaft, and on the plant, &c., whether provided by landlord or tenant, which must be taken in the light of rent, and from the total so arrived at a deduction was made on account of repairs, thus coming simply to the estab- lished principle of rating for all descriptions of property. With regard to larch plantations he might mention that, some years ago, he was engaged (in conjunction with another mem- ber of this institution) in the valuation of the parish of Farn- hara, where larch was grown to a considerable extent, and cut young for hop-poles. It was then considered that, as they did not grow from old stools, these plantations could not be regarded as underwood, and they were not assessed. Care was taken at the time to get the best information as to the then THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 59 sUte of the law upon tlie point, and he did not remember that any decision had since been given alteriug it ; though he knew it was one which had often been a subject of discussion amongst those interested. Mr. Kex asked Mr. Ryde to explain, in his reply, the ap- parent inconsistency of two paragraphs in his paper, which were as follows : On page 263 he said, " The term from year to year must not be misunderstood, as it sometimes is. It does not mean a letting for a year only, nor a letting on a yearly tenancy ; but it means that changeable circumstances must be takeu iuto account from year to year as they arise." Then, on page 3G5, " The gross estimated rental of a house is that rent which a tenant might reasonably be expected to give for the right to occupy it for one year." Mr. J. W. Pe:vfolu, the Secretary, with reference to the schedule of deductions in The Valuation (Metropolis) Act, pointed^out that they are put as the wtwiw^w deductions to be allowed in the several classes of property. There was no rea- son, therefore, why, in such a case as Mr. Eve mentioned, the proper per-centage should not be taken from the £100 a-year, the value of the structure, and the £400 a-year ground rent be left without any deduction whatever. No doubt the prac- tical objection to a scliedule of deductions was, that the Assess- ment Committee applied it by a rule of thumb, and deducted the given per-centage all round. A competent surveyor would deal with each case on its own circumstances, and if such ad- vice were always obtained there would be no need of the sche- dule at all. So far as he was able to see, one column for net value ought to serve all purposes. The gross value column seemed to be only for the inhabited house duty, property tax, ice, which it would be much more equitable to assess on the net value. He presumed the Legislature was aiming at such a centralization of assessment and appeal as had been suggested. The Valuation (Metropohs) Act provided that the assessments for aU rates and ti>xes should be from one valuation list, and all appeals be brought to one tribunal. This would get rid of the annoyance and injustice which at present existed of many rates and taxes being assessed on different valuations, with a separate tribunal of appeal to each. Mr. E\t; said that he was aware the scale in the schedule alluded to was that of the maximum per-centage, still he had found, in several examples he had worked out, that the margin of deduction for buildings and laud produced, in com- bination, a different result to the margin given for buildings and land separately, and must therefore be incorrect in prin- ciple. If there were to be a per-centage at all, it should be calculated on the structural value of buildings, and not include the value of the ground on which they stand. Mr. E. Ryde, in reply, said that he had expected that the discussion would have assumed more strongly two phases. He had anticipated a discussion on his paper, and on that more important subject, which was now occupying the attention of a Parliamentary Committee. No speakers, with the excep- tion of Mr. Smith and Mr. Squarey had touched upon the latter question — tlie incidence of rating. He gathered from his remarks that Mr. Smith considered the incidence of local assessment about right wliere it was. That, as parties have bought land subject to all these charges, there would be con- siderable injustice if the charges were removed from the land and imposed in other ways ; and there was a great deal to be said in favour of that view. Take, for example, two houses — one at the east and the other at the west end of London. The house at the west end, where the rates were low, would command a larger price than that at the east end, where the burden of rates was greater ; therefore, when men talked of equalizing rates, it only meant robbing Peter to pay Paul. The real question which presented itself was — Should the owners of lauded property be called upon to bear almost ex- clusively the burden of local taxation ? It seemed to be in the minds of the Committee now sitting, that part of the burden should be put upon the landlord for tlie relief of the tenant. But the landlord bore it all now. It was quite clear, if a farm were worth £100 a-year, and the taxation were £20, it is worth £120 as against the tenant. If the taxation were only £10, he would be bound by competition to give £110 a- year rent ; so that rent and rates constitute the value of the farm : and if the landlord did not bear the local taxation he would get the gross value in rent. It might fairly be argued that portions, at all events, of the local taxes should no longer fall upon the real property of the district. For instance, when the burden of repairing the highways was first put upon real property, the owners and occupiers of land made the most use of the highways. But now it often happened that a man who was worth £200,000, without possessing an acre of land, made as much use of tlie roads as the ovyners of real property, witliout being called upon to contribute towards their maintenance. This would not be the case if the repair of the highways were made an imperial tax. The remainder of Mr. Smith's speech had reference to the intention of the Legislature with regard to the mode of filling up the gross column of the assessment. Whatever that intention might have been, the practice had o!)taiued, long before the date of the opinion of Sir Fitzroy Kelly and Sir Hugh Cairns, of dealing with the gross column as we do now, by omitting the addition to it of the rates and taxes. With respect to the re- marks of Mr. Squarey, who had informed them that he formerly paid £75 a-year for rates in respect of a farm which he held at a rental of £1 ,300, he must express his surprise at tlie sinallness of the amount ; for it was little more than a sliilHug in the pound. He thought that what Mr. Squarey had said would go far to substantiate his view that the land- lord actually pays the rates. Mr. Squarey's words were : " When my rates were £75, my farm was worth £1,300 a-year. Make my rates £180, and my farm is not worth so much by the difference between £75 and £180." In effect, he would not have given so much for the farm if he knew the rates would have amounted to £180. Tliat agreed precisely with what he (Mr. Ryde) had said, that the rent and the rates together made up the real value. But a tenant in taking his farm was bound to calculate on having to pay the proper and usKdl tenant's rates and taxes ; and, therefore, if his farm were rated exceptionally low, he must not complain of excessive rent if, after that rent had been fixed, tlie rating was raised to a par with the rest of the Union. Mr. Squarey reminded his friend that he stated his parish was a close parish, and that no other person was rated in the parish. The Union Chargeability Act was that wliich raised the rates on his farm. Mr. Ryde now came to the speech of Mr. Lloyd, who had objected that he had not gone sufiiciently into the question of the rating of coal mines. His general answer was, that in consequence of the length of his paper, he had been induced to treat that branch of the subject as concisely as he could ; but, shortly as he had treated it, he believed that he had in- cluded the whole of the liabilities connected with that class of ratings ; and though he had not read Mr. Hedley's pamphlet, to which Mr. Lloyd had referred, yet looking through it cur- sorily, he saw nothing in it at variance with wliat he had said in his paper. Mr. Lloyd represented him as saying that the rent and royalty actually paid to the landlord constituted the rateable value of the mine. That was a misapprehension. However badly he might have expressed himself, there would be found in his paper this paragraph as a safety-valve : " It must always be borne in mind that the rateable value is not the actual rent at which a property may be let, but that rent at which, after taking all things into consideration, it might reasonably be expected to let." What he meant was that the reasonable rent and royalty at the time the valuation was made was the rateable value. If money had to be ex- pended upon the mine to make it productive, that must be taken into consideration ; and they could not rate the coal mine till there was a beneficial occupation in it. It does not matter by whom the expenditure is made, whether by the landlord or the tenant — that becomes a transaction between landlord and tenant — if the latter has to make the outlay, he wiU not pay so much rent ; but the rateable value remains the same. He had quoted a judgment by Lord Denman to the effect that the rateable value was the royalty which it might be reasonable, at the beginning of a year, to expect that a tenant would be able to pay,' and not tlie royalty, which, at the end of the year, expe- rience had proved he could pay. But, notwithstanding that judgment, he (Mr. Ryde) apprehended that there was nothing to prevent the experience of a past year being takeu as a guide to the assessment for another year. He quite agreed with Mr. Eve that deductions based on a schedule of per-centage were entirely wrong in principle. Take the case of an old wooden house for which a man gives £50 a year ; it would constantly need repairs ; the 10 or 20 per cent, deduction would be totally insufficient, and it might even be that the expenses of repairs 60 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. amouuted to as raucli as tlie whole rent. Take the case, on the contrary, at a new brick building, in respect of which the same deduction is made for repairs ; it becomes much more than sufficient for the purpose, lie did not agree with Mr. Tenfold that any surveyor or rating committee would in practice make less thau the maximum allowance for repairs, set forth by the Act of Parliament. He quite coincided in the opinion that some of tlie tribunals to whom appeals were made knew little about rating, and tiiat there was very great variation in their practice. A new tribunal had just been created within the metropolitan area ; how that would act they had yet to learn. I'ractically, a great deal would depend on the chairman ; but they must not expect that he would always decide as they indi- vidually wished him to do. Tiie mode of rating coal mines in South Wales had been explained by Mr. "Fisher, who laid down the principle as an incontrovertible one that coal mines should be rated according to their production of profit. He (Mr. Kyde) considered that to be an erroneous principle. The question was what might the tenant be reasonably expected to give for the mine; and though the tenant paid a fixed rent, and the rest in the shape of a royalty, they had still to ascer- tain what he might reasonably be expected to pay, and put that as the rateable value. If it were in a state that no tenant would pay rent for it, there could be no rateable value ; but the reasonable rent which a tenant would pay was that which was to be assessed. WhcH the coal was all gone it ceased 1o be rated as a coal mine, and this applied also to a brick field or a stone quarry. It had been said by Mr. Cadle that a man paying an unreasonable rent ought not to be rated upon that rent, and he quite agreed with him. He might give three times the value of the land, but that was not the rateable value. Nevertheless, they must not assume that a man rented accommodation laud at the same price as land which formed part of a farm. The word " reasonable" must be kept in mind throughout the whole question. With regard to water- power, it was the additional rent which a property would let for with that advantage, above that for which it would let without it, which was to be rated. Mr. Lloyd : Supposing that the power has not been used, but exists, and is potential. Assume that you have a property on a stream of water in a manufacturing district, which might come into use for water-power. Does that, in your opinion, enhance the value of the property ? Mr. RyuE : It does not become rateable until it is brought into use. With reference to larch plantations, where they were planted for hop poles, it was not the practice to rate them, as they are not considered to come under the designation of " saleable underwoods." Mr. Cadle remarked tliat the thinnings of the trees, neces- sary for the growth of those which remained, were disposed of, and yielded profit to the owner. Mr. Lloyd : Supposing 'you got, not an annual but an ac- commodation profit, does not that enhance the value of the property ? Mr. Ryde said that timber was not rateable. In the case of cutting poles he believed there had been no decision. They were not " saleable underwoods." He had now only to say a word as to what fell from Mr. Rex, with respect to what he considered an inconsistency between two paragraphs of his paper. In no part of the paper was it stated that the rateable value was the rent which a tenant might be expected to pay for one year's occupation only. " No man would rent a railway and stock it for one year's occupation." That was not what was meant, but that they were to take the property at the rent it might reasonably be expected to produce in the year ; as- suming that the rate was going to be adjusted from year to year according to circumstances. By a parity of reasoning no man would take a large mansion and furnish it for one year. As- sume there was to be a gradually increasing value, with or without a lease, that a house was viortli £100 the first year, i;200 the next, and £G0O the next, they had to take into ac- count in each year the special circumstances of that year. He concurred w ith Mr. Penfold that the house duty and other taxes would be better taken on the net yalue than ou the gross. If a man had £100 a-year from land, with no outgoings, he was assessed £100 a-year to the property tax ; if he had £100 a-year from cottages he was still rated at £100, though he had to spend £20 or £30 for repairs. With regard to game farms, he considered that he had treated the subject very fully in his paper. The PREtiIDE^•x said that he understood the Act of Eliza- beth, in exempting timber from rating, applied only to oak, ash, and elm timber. And, with regard to other planations, he had always paid rates upon plantations when profit was de- rived from them. It might be wrong, but that was his expe- rience. With reference to Assessment Committees, many years ago, being in Ireland on a drainage commission, he spent a considerable time with the head of the Valuation Depart- ment, and he became so impressed with the importance of having a central control over that class of assessment, he was satisfied that without a controlling body of the kind the assessment in this country would never be equal. He had, on one occasion, the task of looking through the whole assessments of the county of Norfolk, for militia-rate purposes, and he found that the assessment varied between half the annual value and an excess of the annual value. He ;found, however, that the farms were almost universally under-rated, while the houses in the towns were over-rated. He was convinced, as he had already said, until they got a central body, and the assessments were made by competent surveyors, it would be in vain to look for equitable assessment in this country. These Assessment Committees were almost entirely controlled by rent. In one case, he found a farm was let to a tenant, subject to the tenant paying all charges, including repairs and materials for the same ; in another, the landlord found all materials and labour ; and these in- stances were treating in the rating as being equal. The heavy burdens upon land have made it the more important that property should be equitably rated. He did not say he thought the land should bear the whole burden ; it was now so large and important a question that other property should bear a portion of those burdens which were made for general purposes, and not as pertinent to the land only. He did not think there could be a doubt on the mind of anybody that the landlord bore the whole charge. For what was rent P It was the residue, after all charges were paid. Therefore, in fact, the landlord did pay all charges. It was true that, as lessee, the tenant might hold part of the fee ; and that was the only conflict about the rating of coal mines. It seemed to him that the man who took tlie original lease, with covenants that he shall lay out a considerable sura of money, should not be rated at the amount he paid, but at the price at which it would let in the position in which the property was then found. "With regard to the Metropolitan Assessment Act, it struck him that the scale of maximum deductions fixed by that Act was put in to limit the power of the Assessment Committees who made the valuations, so that they might not take off a larger amount than ought fairly to be deducted. If there had been a central control, no such limitation would have been placed in that Act of Parliament. He had been asked to give evidence before the Committee now sitting, be- cause he was supposed to have a leaning in favour of a part of the burdens being placed upon the landlords. Having lived for three or four years in Scotland, he found that in the country districts the landlords paid a proportion of the rates, and were represented upon the Boards of Guardians and on other local bodies ; and it did seem to him that the working of the system in Scotland was good. He did not think it mattered materially who, in the first place, paid the rates. Boards of Guardians, there could be no doubt, were for the most part composed of occupiers, and their meetings might be attended by magistrates e.v officio, but, because they had no position there, they very rarely attended, unless they had some specific duty to perform. He thought there was some diffi- culty in the suggestion that the landlord should pay part of the rates in towns ; and he confessed he was not prepared to go the length^ in that respect at which the Committee ap- peared to be aiming. With regard to farms damaged by game, he confessed it seemed to him an anomaly that a farm biu'dened with game, of which the owner received the benefit in one way or another, should be rated lower than one on which the game was not made a matter of consideration. There was a beneficial occupation in the game ; aud the two farms ought to be similarly rated, althougji the one might not command so high a rent per acre as the other. The meeting then adjourned. TITE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 61 THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. The aniuml dinner of this institution took place on Wednesday, June 8, at Willis' Rooms, St. .James', and was attended liy about 100 gentlemen, over wiiom Lord Jjytton presided. After the health of " The Queen, our Gracious Patron," iiad been drunk with loyal enthusiasm, The Chairman, in i)roposing " Their Roydl Highnesses tlie Prince and Princess of Wales, and the other members of the Royal Family," said that in addition to his other accomplish- ments his Royal Highness had a manly taste for old English sports, which formed another claim to tlie cordial recognition of his merits ; and if in the pursuits of farming he should be able to show at the end of the year as good a balance-sheet as their friend Mr. Mechi had done, he hoped lie would communicate hij secret for the benefit of those praiseworthy, but ill-starred agriculturists, of whom he was one, called gentlemen farmers (laugliter). As to the amiable Princess, it was needless to say that she had charmed all eyes and won all hearts (cheers). The Chairman then proposed " The Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers," and in doiug so dwelt ou the fact that many of the most celebrated members of both the array and navy sprung from the agricultural districts. Colonel LoYD Lindsay in responding for the army also testified to the immense importance of agricultural element in tlie army, and by way of illustration alluded to the fact that in the Crimean war men who had been connected with agri- culture were always selected for the digging of trenches and other work requiring special bodily vigour. The Chairman, in proposing " Prosperity to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution," spoke as follows : Among the attributes for which England is distinguished I know not if there be one which is more remarkable — and certainly there is not one which presents the character of our countrymen in a more amiable light— than that readiness to combine for purposes of charity and benevolence which springs from active sympathy with human suffering. The main distinction between the civilization of Christianity and the civilization of the old heathen world is, that all Christian communities recognize to an extent unknown to the most enlightened commonwealths of antiquity the simple doctrine " Help one another." The ancients had among their goddesses three graces to whom they gave iu their language the endearing name of " The Charities." Goddesses very charming and attractive were they ; elegant companions in feasting, in merriment, and in gallantry. But those charities did not take their stand by the sick bed and the desolate hearthstone. They had no fellowship with old age and decrepitude ; no broken-hearted widows knelt at their altars ; no fatherless orphans cried to them for bread. Li- stead of those three heathen charities we have adopted one simple image of Christian charity ; we place her not amidst the hearths of joy, but in the abodes of sorrow ; and the only festivals to which we invite her are such as we hold to-day, in order the better to fit her to-morrow for her sacred mission as the benefactress of poverty and the consoler of distress (cheers) . Now, gentlemen, when I look around me I see many with whom I am familiar — many with whom I hope ou some other occasions to become more familiar — who are engaged in the active pursuits of life ; and I think most of us may say that we are that (Hear, hear). It is commonly said that those who are engaged in such pursuits, and in keen competition for gain and power, are apt to forget others in their desire to ad- vance themselves. And yet there are no communities iu which that competition for gain or power is so active as it is amongst us of the Anglo-Saxon race ; and in no communities are there 90 many institutions that attest the sympathy of the prosperous for the unfortunate, or in which the desire to aid and serve those who have to struggle against the ills of life more systematically pervades our public legislation or more enters into our private habits of tliought. So that, perhaps, the truth is in reality that the more active and busy our lives are, the more our sympathies for large varieties of mankind are aroused and diffused ; and our exertions for gain and power bring us naturally so much into familiar contact with the poor and the feeble, that we become more sensible and compassion- ate simply because objects of compassion are brought more frequently before our eyes (cheers). The Samaritans were much more engaged in the active pursuits of life than the priests and the Levites ; but when the wounded tr.avellcr lay iialf dead in the public thoroughfare, the jiriests and Levites passed by on the other side, and it was the Samaritan who bound up his wounds and took care of him (cheers). Amongst all our charitable institutions, speaking honestly and fairly, I know not one which is more entitled to general support than those in aid of which we are met this evening — a support which should not be confined to that class the suffering mem- bers of which it is the object of this charity to relieve. For the wealth of our nation has its groundwork in the culture of the soil (Hear, hear). It is in proportion as laud becomes pro- ductive that capital arises for the purposes of trade, commerce, and manufactures. So that all classes may well say, " Speed the plough," because it is the plough which puts in motion the ships of the merchant and the mills of the manufacturer (cheers). And yet, gentlemen, while every other class and vocation long since established its special guild or benevolent institution for its unfortunate members, it is only within the last ten years that there has been added to the charities of this country this institution for the benefit of those cultivators of the soil who, while adding to the wealth of the nation, have themselves been overtaken by poverty. There are many who think that the life of the farmer is the most enviable of all, and in many respects it is. Still the life of the farmer is ex- posed to vicissitudes over which he has no control. This has been the case at all times ; but I think I could show that in the times in which we live there is a more special call for the resources of this institution. In all times the English farmer is exposed to the risk of bad seasons in a climate proverbially fickle and uncertain ; in all times his flocks and herds are ex- posed to disease, and his crops to blight and mildew, storm and tempest ; in all times he is subject by the con- ditions of other countries as well as his own to great fluctuations in prices, and to the consequent difficulty of calcu- lating profits and guarding against losses ; in all times, too, he must be subject to that anxiety and fear of the morrow which preys upon the heart and undermines the health. And if he belong not to one of the higher order of farmers, such as I see to-day, but is one of the working class of farmers, his frame must be always exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, and, stout though that frame may be, he is thus more liable than weaker men who carry on their work under shelter within doors to be suddenly stricken down by disease. And yet, perhaps, there is no vocation in which the eye of the master is more imperatively demanded than in that of the laborious agriculturist (Hear, hear). While, then, at all times the life of the farmer is exposed to unforeseen reverses, this institution, in aid of which we are now met, is the only one existing in which in case of mis- fortune he can find comfort and relief, a provision for his old age, a pension for his wife, and a school for his orphans. The times in which we now live are marked by circumstances which may perhaps render the resources of this institution still more called for and important. We cannot conceal from our- selves that for several years past a transition state of agri- culture has been in operation, and that it must continue in increased activity and force. There is a growing persuasion that a much larger amount of capital than was formerly needed is now required for the due cultivation uf the soil. Small farms are being somewhat rapidly melted into large ones, and that old class of farmers whom we may fairly call working- farmers, who had little other capital than their own bodily labour and the scanty savings of their own careful thrift — that class is either rapidly disappearing, or, where it exits to any great extent, is engaged in a life and death struggle against the competition of neighbouring tenants, with all the costly advantages of machinery and science at their command, perhaps with some resources at their banks, which enablt them to resist the pressure of adverse seasons and fluctuating 62 THE FAEMEE'S MAGAZINE. markets. Tliat change began long before tlie repeal of the Corn-laws (Hear, hear), but that repeal gave to the change an irresistible impulse. The change is inevitable, and if it is for the good of the community, I cannot say that it is not desirable. Whatever brings to any description of business a higher degree of education and a larger amount of capital is not a change which any sound reasoner can deprecate or lament. But in the course of that change there must be a correspondent amount of innocent sufferers, and this institu- tion comes opportunely to their aid (cheers). But even when the change shall be completed, even when large farms have become universal, and when the opulent tradesman and the scientific agriculturist shall more and more become eager competitors, at high rents, for the hire of acres in which to invest their capital and hazard their improvements, still we cannot hope that all will succeed. On the contrary, the hope of large profits necessi- tates the risk of great losses ; and thus, perhaps, the uses of this institution may become more demanded when the change is complete than they are now that the change is in course of operation (Hear, hear). Why, I learn from the last report, which I have looked over rather carefully, that among the recipients of your bounty are the former occupiers of large farms at high speculative rents, farms of five or six hundred acres (Mr. Mechi : "A thousand"). The occupier of one farm paid, I find, not less than £3,500 a year rent. We must not forget that iu the course of this transition, in which the old class of farmers is disappearing, with it must also dis- appear the old aff'ectionate spiiit of clanship between landlord and tenant, formerly there was a kindly, affectionate rela- tionship between the squire and the farmer. Tlie former was naturallj' — he could not help being so — indulgent towards the man wliora he had known in his childhood, whose ancestors had lived there almost as long as his own ancestors ; and I don't see how he could be persuaded to set adrift in his old age a tenant who, whether from straitened circumstances, from infirmity, or from obsolete notions of agriculture, was not doing full justice to the land. But when the hire of acres is to become that mere matter of business which political economists tell us, and perhaps rightly, it ought to be ; when the sole consideration between landlord and tenant is to be that of rent and contract, you cannot expect that the landlord will have the same affectionate indulgence that he has had heretofore for a failing tenant ; and then the uses of this institution may become more urgently required. Now, in presenting the subject thus earnestly before you, I have not attempted to disguise the fact that it is dry and tedious ; but I have dwelt thus minute upon it, in order that I might bring the uses of this institution now and hereafter more visibly, not before the public, but before those distant counties which at present subscribe to your funds in a pro- portion so slight compared to the wealth of the districts and to the agricultural interest there that I am induced to suppose that in those districts the uses of your society must be un- known (Hear) . With a few brilliant exceptions, which I shall presently notice, I have observed that, while the socieiy has been liberally supported in the home-counties, where its bene- fits are, I suppose, best known, as a general rule the amount of support diminishes in proportion to the distance of a dis- trict from the metropolis. M'^ell, ought that to be the case ? This society offers its bounty impartially to the three king- doms ; yet Ireland, with regard to which we hear a little more about the distress of small tenants than we hear in the case of either of the other parts of the United Kingdom sends us only one subscriber, and he is a physician at Dublin (laughter) — long life to him as well as to his patients (cheers) — while Scot- land, which justly prides itself upon its agriculture, and which sets in many respects so notable an example of prudence and of foresight, sends, I think, only five subscribers, one of whom is a duke, and another a bishop. Long life to the duke's or- der, and long life to the bishop's church ! We may be re- minded of the old sarcasm, that farthings were first coined in order to enable the Scotch to subscribe to our public charities (great laughter). Yes ; but, then, I find that the Welsh seem to think the farthings just as useful to them as they are to the Scotch, or more so, lor North Wales and South Wales together only send us eight donors and subscribers (Hear). The county of Cornwall exceeds them all in care for the farmers. With the single exception of Earl St. Germans, not one single farthing has that great county contributed to our funds. Derbyshire sends us, I think, nine subscribers ; Cumberland and West- moreland combined send us four ; and the wealthy district of Lancashire, which would never have had its manufactures or its wealth but for the agriculturists, in spite of the munificent example of the late Earl of Derby, and of the interest evinced in the Society so sincerely and so warmly by the present Earl, who was my predecessor in this chair, that county only sends us fifteen subscribers, nine of whom (honour to the town and discredit to the country !) as appears from their place of residence, are not squires, or farmers, or persons belonging to rural districts, but persons residing in the towns of Liverpool and Manchester (Cries of "Shame"). Well, then, gentlemen, surely our object ought to be to diffuse as far as we possibly can a knowledge of the uses of this institution among those wealthy but benighted districts (laughter). How much can be done by the efforts of a single individual we may learn from the brilliant example of the founder of this in- stitution (cheers). I have no doubt that it is owing much, and mainly, to his exertions tliat we are so greatly supported by the home counties in general, and by the county of Middlesex in particular. Perhaps the generosity with which certain southern districts contrast the parsimony of the northern counties is also to be ascribed partly to the superior exertions of individuals, and especially of the honorary local secretaries ; I mean the districts or counties of Hampshire and Leicestershire (Hear, hear). Being myself the son and the brother of a Norfolk squire, perhaps I may be allowed to say with pride that the county of Norfolk sends us 85 donors and 250 annual subscribers (cheers). Well now, I would suggest one very cheap and simple mode of extending a knowledge of the society in those districts which do not at present contribute to our exchequer, and confirming our hold upon those which do : it is, that we should endeavour that at the various agricultural dinners, which take place every year " Prosperity to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution " should form one of the toasts, and be entrusted to some person of local weight and influence. If he be a farmer of local weight and influence, it will be better than if he were a squire (Hear, hear) ; but at all events let him possess those qualifications. I should like to see such a toast proposed by my friend Mr, Brandram at the next agricultural dinner in Hertfordshire. No one could propose that toast better ; and though Heitfordshire — thanks much to him — has done its work worthily, and we subscribe largely, still if the example be once set of bringing the institution fairly and clearly before the farmers ot the county, it might be followed at other county fes- tivals and the practice become general. Further, I think that the editors of the great county newspapers should really make a fair mention of the society ; and if, besides this, we could secure in the more distant, and at present niggardly districts, honorary local secretaries who would actively exert them- selves to get farmers to take an interest in the work, then, I think, year by year we should be enabled to extend the benefits of this institution. There is one object to which I wish to allude that is only partially carried out, and which, to my mind, is of the highest importance to the community — I mean a pro- vision for the orphan children of poverty-stricken farmers. To soothe and cheer the last days of the old iu their passage to the grave is a noble and a lovely charity. But for the com- munity at large it is perhaps of still more importance that the rising generation, which is to influence the days to come, should be saved from the adverse influences of ignorance and destitution, and trained to become useful members of the body politic. T have here to appeal to the ladies who have honoured our festival with their presence. This is an object to which they can contribute, and I cannot beUeve that the cry of the orphan will fall in vain on the heart of woman. Now, ladies and gentlemen, why have I thus argued ? To increase your funds (cheers). And, while I have complained of the comparatively small proportion of subscribers, let it not for a moment be supposed that I am dissatisfied with the progress you have already made. On the contrary, when I consider within how short a time the society has been founded, and how large is the country it has to permeate, I see ample reason for congratulation. Within the past year you have distributed amongst the pensioners nearly £3,500, and, besides your annual subscriptions, you have within 10 years accumulated £23,000, which is now invested in the funds ; and while your resources have thus increased, your expenditure has been almost an- nually diminished ; so that the society presents every ground THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 63 for encouragement, combining, as it does, a most rare and admirable economy of management, with a benevolence which comprehends in its range affliction and old age, pensions for widows, and schools for orphans. Knowing, then, that I appeal to your reason as well as to your hearts, I give you " Prosperity to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution" (loud cheers). The toast having been drunk with three times three, and much enthusiasm, Lord Sondes proposed " The Chairman" (Hear, hear). In doing so he spoke in terms of admiration of the speech just delivered, and expressed a hope that it would be circulated throughout the length and breadth of the kingdom, and induce Lancashire and other counties which had been referred to as manifesting no interest in the society to become liberal subscribers to its funds. He had always considered the number of pensions too small, and he hoped to see such an increase in the subscriptions as would justify a great extension. The Chairman in responding, expressed the deep interest which he had felt in agriculture ever since he became con- nected by property and residence with the county of Hertford. The Chairman then proposed, " Our Visitors ;" which was suitably acknowledged by the Honduras Minister. Mr. Mechi proposed, " The Agricultural Societies of England, Ireland, and Scotland," coupled with the name of Mr. Long, of Cambridgeshire ; in doing which, he congratu- lated the company that the society was not called a " charity," but a " benevolent" institution, s® that there was no possi- bility of degradation connected with the reception of its pensions ; and, also, on the absence of almshouses from the system adopted. As regarded the future, knowing the enormous wealth of agriculture, the capital of the landowners amounting to 1,500 millions, and that of the tenant-farmers to between 300 and 400 millions, he could not doubt that the council would obtain all the aid that was required to carry out the objects of the society. The speech of the chairman would be circulated through all parts of the kingdom, and would, he was confident, bring a fitting response. Mr. Long having briefly returned thanks, Mr. Jajies Round, M.P., proposed "The Executive Council. Mr. Charles S. Cantrell, in responding, assured the company that the council bestowed its best attention on the affairs of the society, and congratulated it that after the approaching election the society would be giving about £4<,000 a-year in pensions — a result of ten years' work, which appeared ^o him very satisfactory, and which he believed had no parallel in the history of benevolent institutions. He emphatically repeated his denial of last year that there was any ground for imputing to the council extravagance in the management of the society, and gave figures in support of that denial. Tlie Chairman proposed, in eulogistic terms, the health of " The Secretary," for which, after a fitting response, Mr. C. B. Shaw briefly returned thanks, expressing his satisfaction at finding that his brief tenure of office was, at all events, not considered to have been detrimental to the interests of the society. He then proceeded to propose " The Honorary Local Secretaries." Mr. John B. Brandram in acknowledging the toast depre- cated any undue parsimony with regard to the pensions. He was for a liberal expenditure of the money subscribed, be- lieving that the more freely the society spent its money the more easily it would obtain increased subscriptions. As regarded the amounts of the pensions, he thought there should be £50 for married couples, £30 for single male pensioners, and £25 for single females. The Rev. G. C. Berkeley expressed a hope that the clergy in the rural districts would interest themselves in the society, and spoke of the success of his own efforts in that respect in a secluded part of Essex. Mr. Thomas Scott then proposed the concluding toast of " The Ladies ;" and Mr. Round, M.P., having briefly returned thanks on their behalf, the proceedings terminated. THE USE OF A FARMER'S CLUB. At the dinner of the Dorchester Farmers' Club, Mr. J. G. Homer, the Chairman, said he had accepted the office of president for another year. Last year he sent in his resignation, and he then fully made up his mind to resign the presidency. This was principally on account of the small at- tendance at tiie meetings. He was pleased to say, however, that during tlie whole of the past session every lecture had been well attended, which was an encouragement to those in office. All of them knew that the object of the club was to consider the best means of increasing the produce of the coun- try— of improving agriculture ; it was, therefore, but reason- able, to expect a good attendance at the lectures. He was quite sure that the object of the club had been accomplished, lie was satisfied that through the operations of different clubs in the land agriculture had been improved, and that it now surpassed what it was some ten years ago. There had, of course, been certain drawbacks to improvements. They would remember the circumstance of a friend, an old and respected friend, a former member of the Winfrith Club — Mr. Saunders — sending in his resignation. They would remember that a good deal was said about the improvements efl'ected having been taken advantage of by the landlords. Some of them would bear in mind what was said on tliis subject. Now he (tlie president) did not think that was the case with all the landlords. He did not think that every landlord would take advantage of the tenant with regard to the improvement of the land. He should be sorry to think so, because the improve- ment of the land was the staple business of the country, and when that was brought about by better farming the greater was the produce, and those who brought it about were general benefactors. Matters, perhaps, were not at all times equal to their wish ; but this would always be the case more or less. The prices realised for produce would not at times meet their outlay. They must look to themselves and go forward as much as possible. That should be their principle. These clubs must by no means cease their work. They had already tended to the improvement of agriculture, and they would still continue to do so. He admitted that there were many in- stances of improvement being taken advantage of. For instance, when a man's farm had been very much improved from capital, and indeed extra capital laid out upon it, one of the first things he was liable to was falling in contact with the assessment committee, who would probably say, " Here is a farm assessed at so and so ; we must put on 15 per cent, because of the im- provements which have been effected." Now that was one thing which was not a great inducement to a person to im- prove his farm. Then, again, local taxation had had some efl'ect upon agriculture. Local taxation was, in his opinion, eventually a landlord's question and not a tenant's. It was a tenant's question, he granted, during the time of his lease — during his occupancy — when he had additional rates and taxes put on; but eventually it must be a landlord's question. Those in possession of leases must, he knew, bear the first brunt ; that was one of the drawbacks to which he had referred, if could not be overlooked that additional local rates were loom- ing in the distance. One of the first additions would be a rate for education. He said by all means let the children be edu- cated ; but then it appeared that Government were easing themselves and casting the burden upon the local rates. Still, liowever, they were not to look to the Legislature. The Legis- lature, he believed, had never benefited agriculturists in the least. But he would not trench upon politics. The great tiling they had to do in connection with these societies was to look to themselves, to farm their land better, to assist one another. For his own part he had derived considerable benefi- from these societies, and they should continue to have his sup- port. He concluded by expressing a hope for the success of the club during the next session. — [We gave some report of the other speeches in a recent number.] 64 THE FAEMER'B MAGAZINE. FARM PHOTOaRAPHS. CENTRAL YORKSHIRE. This name will not be found in the maps ; neither will Bradshaw nor Murray throw any light upon the subject. For parliamentary purposes Yorkshire is divided into three Ridings— North, East, and West ; and the latter is again subdivided into three divisions, each represented by two members. It has also its Wapentakes, or Hundreds, its Petty Sessional divisions for local government, and its Unions and parishes for poor-law busiuess ; yet no one of these is coincident with the agricultural district which we allude to. It is a district large and important, and con- tains within its limits decidedly representative specimens of "the best of everything" that English agriculture possesses — good land, well farmed and well stocked — horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs being equally cultivated. This district is really what we have named it— Central Yorkshire; being situate as nearly as possible ia the very middle of the great county. It is of irregular figure, and may be generally described as a paralellogram, bounded on the east by the North Eastern Railway, from Mil- ford Junction via York to Easingwold ; and on the west by the North Eastern Railway from Leeds to Ripou. This district has in it the important towns of Leeds, York, Ripon, Borobridge, Knaresboro', Harrogate, We- therby and Tadcaster, and a population greater than that of any other agricultural district of the same size in England. Its agricultural capabilities are as varied as its situation will permit. It does not produce hops ; but every other description of live and dead produce are staples. * Every kind of cereal and green crop is produced in the highest excellence on the new red sandstone range between York and Borobridge. The limestone belt run- ning from Knaresboro' to Nottingham is a highly-farmed turnip and barley district. The extensive district over the coal measures is produc- tive of wheats and clovers unsurpassed. While the por- tion of the Great Vale of York, of the valleys of the Nidd and Wharfe, which rvm across the district, offer a large area of alluvial soil, adapted to any and every sort of crop ; and in the neighbourhood of the several towns, on the banks of the Ouse, and alongside the Nidd, and the sparkling Wharfe are pasture lands upon which a heca- tomb of beeves and oxen are annually fatted for the pub- lic market ; and broad meadows where the grass-mower " has ample room and verge enough," and where it has already relieved muscle of many a heavy strain in cutting the thick grass. In this land of fleece and corn, of hoof and horn, there are famous sports and pastimes. CIricket holds sway on many avillage green, and the champion of the ball, Freeman, learnt the alphabet of his art under the walls of the now rural village of Alborough, once a borough sending two members to Parliament ; the quondam Isurinni of the Romans, and, before Romulus was born and Rome founded, Iseio; the capital of the ancient Britains. Green forests and woods there are here too, and park demesnes, where the fox is sacred, except when the horsemen gallop down the broad glades to hear The music of the liounds Uncouple in the western valley. But we must pull up at present. We are on holy ground. At this moment the sporting agricultural spirit of the district is struck dumb with sorrow at the Grecian tragedy, where one of the truest hearted of Yorkshireraeu fell victim to miserable political intrigue. He was indeed " the noblest Roman of them all ! " and those who know how clannish Yorkshiremen are, will understand the spirit of indignation that just now reigns in every house and cottage in this locality. Here is the broad territory over which his noble relative holds sway— Studley, where the monks of old lived, and fished, and quaffed, with as few cares and as manv of the good things of this life as was good for them— Studlev, where the "first white bull, a very early ticket in the herd-book, held his levee, and where the lordly Shorthorn has ever since been a standard "institution." Here too, is Newby Hall, where the be- reaved mother was when She read Who in his sliroud lay sleeping. Here where, a year and a-half ago, she saw one of her sons narrowly escape death, and another of her brave boys face it time after time to save others from the sudden death that came in the twinkling of an eye upon master, huntsman, and two of the first flight of the Aiusty. The loss at the ferry of Newby of Sir Charles Slingsby, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Robinson, Orvis the whipper-in, and the two boatmen, father and son, in February, 1869 opened a wound which has not yet healed, and which tills new affliction has caused to bleed afresh. Gallant, chivalrous, patient, pious, mild and soft-mannered, yet affectionate and brave, the name of Frederic Yyner— " poor Fred '."—will long be held up to honour under every roof-tree in this broad county, and will be asso- ciated in memory with " Sir Charles," whose name is yet " a household word" with farmers and sportsmen. Well do we remember the last of the Slingsbys and his pluck as a boy, when he hunted his own harriers, first on foot and then'on his pony ; and often have we, when he was Master of tlie Hounds, and master of the art too, witnessed his perseverance and patience, and admired still more that calmness of temper which neither design nor accident could overcome. To have felt his welcome, and to have occasionally given him the gate, is a jewel of a reminiscence to be carefully stored. We, too, have met Lloyd and Robinson in the field, and have seen the latter go as he could go. With Mr. Lloyd we have marched over, thromjli and in Knavesmire when the hea- vens opened and the rains fell upon the devoted heads of her Majesty's gallant Volunteers ; and we have sat at his elbow at the mess, where his smiles and bon-hommie en- deared him to everv junior, and gained him the respect of all. Few years have elapsed since Sir Charles consulted us on some little agricultural difficulty ; and the manner in which he mastered his subject, and cast back and quar- tered the ground, and hunted every inch of it till he came to a conclusion, we well remember. But he had no vanity. He 'did not profess to be a great gun at farming." Neither did he profess to be such in hunting ; but he was one. " The first amateur huntsman and master of his field in England." A very great authority says this ; but we back it, and utter it as our own, and will take the responsibility. When men of this calibre ride over the land, fox- hunting and farming must go hand in hand. Class dis- tinctions and political opinions weigh little after forty minutes /«*^ across coimtry ; and the gap which has been THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. made iu cover-side society, wliere the fanner and his landlord winnow their sporting and farming chaff, and give and take freely, has been widened by the cold-blooded murder of so young and popular member of the hunt as Frederick Vyner. But the last year was a sinister oue, and public sympatliy was excited by other disasters in the sporting world. Amongst these we may mention the death of poor Poulter the whip, who saw his master and huntsman sink beneath the waters, and who, escaping the danger of the " flood " in February, perished iu the " field " over a grip in November; and the awfully sud- den and fatal accident iu May to a well-known and highly-esteemed agriculturist in the district — poor Tom Hannara. Oue of a race of sporting farmers — he loved Sir Tatton's thoroughbreds and Leicesters — he had won the prize, £50, for the best-managed farm, and many times carried off local prizes as a sheep-breeder. As an ama- teur steeple-chase rider, he formerly won frequently, and was for twenty years across country, oue of the best of the " Bramham-moor Blackcoats." Fearless iti the saddle, he met his death out of it ; being killed instan- taneously while acting as judge at a horse-race near Wetherby. We mention these " moving incidents," be- cause in our recent wanderings we found them in every- body's mouth : Tale ! — Lord love you, I have no other tale to tell. was virtually our answer, now that the deaths of Vyner and his companions have brought back to memory and to mention, the other local disasters. And one or other of these gloomy pictures in all cases have we listened to, before we could get any attention to our objects, or elicit a single fact or feature nseful to our agricultural photo- graph. It is then with bated breath and subdued tone that even yet horse, hound, or hunter is mentioned at any farmer's ordinary between York and Ripon. But " after darkness cometh the light." Young blood moveth quickly, and farming and foxhunting will again become the popular toast. In this fine district, then, with an eye for pleasure as well as business — scenery and fishing, as well as farming and photographing — we have pitched our tentsyf /• the present. Whence we come, and where we go, we say not; but "here we are!" And that is all that any one will care to know ; except that, whenever we have been told of anything to see or learn " in our line" there we have gone ; and whenever we shall find that there is something worth seeing that we have not seen, there we shall go ! Before attempting to bring our art to bear on the agricultural specialities of particular persons and places that may be worthy of " fixing," we shall, on this occa- sion, simply attempt to picture the general agricultural position of the district at the present moment. The first feature we must notice in our written photogram is the weather. W^ell for us, under the canvas, and in our wan- derings, and well for the country it is, that it is novv genial and lovely. May began inauspiciously with cold winds and night frosts. About the middle of the month there was a rainfall, and since then we have had unin- terrupted sunshine. Poets in all ages have sung the praises of May, the " merrie month," when, as Reginald Heber says, Flocks on the mountains. And birds upon their spray, Tree, turf, and fountains All hold holiday ; And love, the life of living thmgs, Love waves his torch and claps his wings. And loud and wide thy praises sing. Thou merry month of May. We are at the end of it, and it is not the least gf its attractions that it brings us to the portal of June, the queen of months in England. In this month the day reaches its full length, flowers attain their perfection of bloom ; earth gleams and glows with beauty ; birds are in full song ; earth, air, and water teem with life, and all Nature is gay and joyous. On the farm this change is now seen. The trees are in full foliage, the quickthorn has burst into leaf, and tlie hedges are green walls fringed with the sweet may bloom. The fruit blossom is on every tree, and the orchards iu the landscape look like a mass of rich lace thrown here and there upon the carpet of the earth. The wheat plant has changed iu colour from the sickly yellow to the dark green, and its broad leaf waves heavily as the sap circulates rapidly iu the pores, and the materials which will eventually form the stem and the ear accumulate. The spring corn has also grown out of its delicate first blade, and now totally hides the brown clods of the soil. The very bare pastures of the spring have become a mass of fine dark green herbage, and are gilded with a profusion of the buttercup and cow- slip, the former being a true indication of the wealth of the soil and the richness of the pasture. And the meadows, which looked starved and mean in early May, though backward, are uow fresh and vigorous. This is all the eft'ect of a fortnight of fine geuial weather, after rains. Before the rain came cold winds from the N.E. ruled ; the nights were very cold, and on the 4th of May vegetation was cut off by the frost. The long tedious winter and the cold spring had kept back the early bite of grass, and winter food was exhausted before vegetation had made a move ; so that the old grass was eat up to the quick, and three weeks ago the pastures were truly like Falstaff's contingent, as they marched through Coventry, Exceeding poor and bare. The wheat plant, at that time, looked in many places rugged from the ravages of insect enemies, and from the loss of root during winter. The hoe, however, has been busily employed, and the improvement in the appearance of the crop during the last ten days has been very great. We say " the appearance," because in those places where the crop is patchy, from loss of root, the vigorous growth now going on and the broad leaf that has been developed, cover up the vacancies caused by the loss of plant, and conceal the real thinness of the crop. The improvement that the present fine weather has produced iu the wheat crop is therefore nothing more than is always to be ex- pected, either early or later, in June ; and is nothing to build a theory of future productiveness upon. And in the cases to which we have referred, where the root of the plant has perished, it really only covers up deficiencies and gives the crop a better external aspect. The failures in the wheat crop we find to be quite as extensive and numerous iu this county as in all others where we have lately travelled. Reports concur iu stat- ing that the same is the case generally throughout the kingdom. Certainly here, on the light lands after clover and seeds, where wheat is taken generally, upon open fallows and upon bean and pea stubbles, crops with suffi- cieut plant are quite the exception. As a rule they are patchy. In many instances large portions are very thin, and in some cases the roots have all gone. la these cases the crop continued to go away during April, instead of gathering root as might have been expected. So that not nearly as many farmers ploughed up the tailing patches, and resowed them with barley as might have done so. Where the wheat has sufficient plant, it is however look- ing capital. The weather has done all for it thaf could be done, as it glories in a tine dry period of some dura- tion after rain in May, and always in June assumes the rich dark green foliage that seems to indicate full health and vigour — hence the old rhyme : THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Go, look at your crops in May And you are sure to come weeping away ; But visit them again in June And you'll sing a different tune. The barleys and oats are looking uumistakeably well here. They are full of plant, and well forward. If June sun gets to the soil it makes bad work of the yield of the barley crop, hence the advantage of early sowing. Considering that in this district the farmer grows turnips on nearly all his fallow break, except where potatoes are grown, and that some of these tur- nips must necessarily be consumed on the soil in spring, the quantity of late sown barley is very small. Knowing how soon moisture escapes, every effort appears to be made here to get the seed barley in quickly, and every energy of man, horse, and machine is concentrated for that object, when the turnips are oif, and the barley has to be put in. Spring beans and peas are only looking moderate, but winter beans are a miserable lot. If they have not, to use a farming phrase, " stood the winter" in one sense, they have certainly done so in another ; for they have certainly stood still, and made no improvement during winter or spring. The fallows have been thoroughly done ; the whole are now clean ; and such as are not sown are quite fit for the turnip. Swedes are now nearly all sown. In many cases half the acreage grown were put in a month ago. Those sown then are now well up, and fighting bravely with the fly. If rain should come quickly it would gi\'e them great help. The swedes sown recently are in great need of rain. In some instances the seed will not vegetate owing to the deficiency of moisture in the soil ; in others it has vegetated, but can scarcely form root, and, certainly, if dry weather should continue for many days longer the young plant will succumb before the combined influence of the drought and the fly. In both these cases the advent of rain is a necessity to the crop. The white turnips, which are now being sown, will rest quiet in the soil till rain does come ; and upon the date when that shall occur will the bulk of the crop depend. A late crop in this distiict is seldom an average one, never a good one. The advantages of early sowing turnips are an accepted doctrine by the best men here, who fa.m highly and use cake, and hand tillages as well, freely. Autumn scarifying and cleaning, steam-smashing, and the use of cultivators instead of ploughs at spring are the agencies which accomplish the work — horse-power in abundance in autumn is required to do this, but the re- lief is found at spring, when the whole physical power of the farm can be applied to getting in the crop, instead of sweating and broiling in the sun to get out the quicks and to turn the soil over and over till it is leaked into either large, moderate, or minute bricks as the case may be, incapable of affording soluble nutriment to the young rootlet and the vegetating seed until rain comes in abundance ; for an ordinary summer shower has no effect upon land in that condition. The mildew was formerly a bugbear to early sowing ; it is no longer so here. If the early-sown swedes are highly manured they will get grown into a good crop before they are touched by the mildew, and will swell again in the autumn, after being mildewed, and get to be much heavier than the late-sown ones that are not touched with mildew. Of course, to sow swedes early on poor soil, or on any soil, without manuring freely, both with farm- yard and bought fertilize'-s, is folly. It is equally folly to use fertilizers freely, and to lose the advantages of early sowing, especially on a large farm, where one field may be sown rather later, and kept for the very latest con- iBumption. Along with the implements named above the ^eter- drill is now adopted in many localities here, At the present moment it is doing good service, and will ere long be in general use. The mangold is a good plant, and enjoys the present sunshine. It "digs deep" for its food, and flourishes best in summer weather. The early potatoes, though checked by the severe frost in the first week of May, have recovered, and the general crop is now well up, and looks promising. This district is in repute for its bright-haired Leicester wool, and this year the clip has been good. An improved system of washing has become more general. The crop of lambs is a full one, and the sheep stock healthy. Now that the pastures are stocked great anxiety is felt for the health of cattle. This district suffered greatly in the plague year. The foot-and-mouth disease was almost universal last year ; and the pleuro-pneumonia "hit hard" in particulaj." localities. The farmers are beginning, however, to be aware that they must assist the authorities in carrying out the law and in putting out the parties who infringe it by moving diseased animals about, if they wish to prevent their feeding pastures and dairies being again made profitless by the visitation of disease amongst their live stock. Pleuro-pneumonia has for many years de- cimated the cattle on the grazing lands here. If the now Order in Council which regulates the transit of cattle by sea as well as land, and the Orders already in force relative to moving home-bred stock, should be effective in excluding this disease from our farms, the farmer will look back on previous losses without regret ; iht future immunity from such attacks being compensa- tion in full for the past. That this will occur we have great faith. The sea-passage from Ireland has always seemed to be the fons et origo of the disease. The horrors of that passage in some cases have been depicted. The crush and excitement on going on board — the crowding and heat — the sea-suffering — the night-sweat and putrid atmosphere — the early-mornii]g chill — the cold bath at landing when swum ashore — and the damp ground for a lair — have been sufficient to sow the seeds of disease freely amongst a drove of cattle ; and these have ripened and born fruit in the death of hundreds of valuable animals in our pastures. On this ground alone can we explain the arbitrary and excentric course it ran throughout the country last year. " Nunc hue, nunc illuc, et utroque sine ordnine currit." This is its peculiarity. "When existing in a district it harasses the farmer by being always with him or about him, and by being intermittent so far that if he be free of it to-day, to-morrow it may make its appearance. Now it sweeps away a drove of lean stock, and next it takes . the one prime bullock intended for Smithfield. Now Smith's Irish heifers fall victims, while Jones's Scotch bullocks in the next field escape ; and Robinson's Short- horn Peeresses are struck down, while the half-bred milch cows on the same farm escape scathless. In one year, out of one noble pasture eighteen years ago, we lost forty-eight head of cattle — lean, half-fat, and fat. Our neighbour, separated by an iron hurdle only, escaped without loss. Next year, however, he was to a serious extent victimized. The regulations which are now the law of the land, to our mind may, if thoroughly carried out, for the future preserve our herds from these visitations. At least they will seriously lessen the risks of infection ; but if they exclude pleuro-pneumonia they will be the greatest " blessing and boon" that have been con- ferred upon the agricultural interest by the wisdom of oiu" legislators. THE STAFF OF LIFE.— The Cornish bread is decidedly the best that I have ever seen, and that which I tasted at Lundy Island would make the fortune of any baker, if it could \ THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 67 oe produced in the London market, instead of tiie bubbly, scentless, tasteless stuiT which we are unfortunately condemned to eat. The loaves are usually large, and will fill a room with the fresh smell of corn ; the grain is excessively close, but only of feather weight. I have used tiie phrase, " condemned to eat," and verily it means a great deal ; I may also add " condemned to drink." It is no use having a penny, if you are compelled to put up with a halfpenny's worth ; it is a dead loss of half your fortune — fifty per cent, deducted at once, and that in the most annoying way ; for I would much rather pay fifty per cent, over, and obtain the article I want, than lose fifty per cent, the other way, the actual moneyed loss beiugthe same in either case. Free trade is all very well, but free trade was never intended to spell " licence." It is plain that the capitalist with only a penny has no choice in tlie matter — he must pay his penny and get a halfpenny-worth ; his is the cause which requires especial attention. The seller says, " If you can pay for my goods, you shall have them ;" and he thinks that he is really stating the case honestly on its bearings. He says : " Do you want bread ? I have loaves at one penny, twopence, threepence, of one and the same size and order of bread, but more attention is paid to the preparation of one sort than another, because we find it pays the trade." To discuss the subject on its merits, it is necessary to commence at the beginning ; the radical idea must be exhumed for liberal dis- cussion. What is the radical idea? Free trade ? No; but trade is. Why is any one allowed to trade? Oh, to make a fortune rapidly, or slowly, as the case may be, but certainly to make one as rapidly as possible. Such may be considered one radical idea about another radical idea ; but is it the correct one? Certainly not. Again, I will ask. Why is a man allowed to trade ? Why are the baker, the grocer, the butcher allowed to open their shops ? Because the grocer must eat bread, the baker must eat groceries, and both baker and grocer must eat animal food. Life must go on ; for once the creature is born, creation becomes responsible, and places its responsibility in the guardianship of certain of its parts. The stallion protects the troop of wild mares ; the bull, the herd of wild cows ; trees, hillocks, and rivers protect the grass and the cattle grazing on it. Take away tlie stallion, take away the bull, the trees, hillocks, and rivers, and the ivorld would wither, parch, and die. A want is supplied to keep the stallion and his troop, the bull and his herd, the trees, hillocks, and rivers from preying on eacli other. Such a want is man, together with the other orders of creation. Man is born, and lives on the rest ; gene- rates acuteness,, and makes bread. Savages become civilized, huts become houses, grass yields to cabbage ; knowledge in- creases, collects the spice, and the grocer is made. Why is the baker made ? Why is the grocer made ? Because the rest of the world require the bread and the spice. Ages follow ages, houses become towns, towns become cities, shops are opened, licences procured. Why are licences procured — to raise money for the taxes P Partially so, but to throw a responsibility upon the seller. What responsibility ? That of selling a sound article, and the soundest article for the money. I have now arrived at an important point in the argument. I wish par- ticularly to show that the seller is allowed to sell simply because others want ; a certain responsibility is thrown on him, namely, to provide a want, The carrying out his respon- sibility allows him to support himself, wife, and family ; and as the making a certain amount of superflucuo wealth cannot be guarded against, it is allowed. This is the second count that I wish particularly to point out ; the trader is allowed to make money, but his doing so is not a recognized necessity, or a tirst cause of his being a trader at all. He is allowed to make money as every one else is allowed to make money, but the State does not depend upon him individually for its wealth. It depends upon trade for its wealth, but not on the trader ; to make myself better understood, I will say any particular class of trader. I am arguing the cause of the poor, and will stick to the baker. I have shown that he is allowed to open his shop because people want bread, and not because it is necessary to the State that he, the baker, should make a for- tune. And now I will pass on to the particular point of the discussion. " Because people want bread" means a very great deal — a great deal more than the mere supplying the want. The poor man with his penny wants a pennyworth, wants fifty per cent, more than he gets, wants close-grained corn-smelling bread, instead of bubbly, scentless, tasteless stuff. If the baker pE^nnot supply it, take away his licence, and |;ive it to one tliat will ; to keep the one that will up to the mark, protect the poor' man by appointing a public prosecutor, whose duty it shall be to examine the bread and prosecute the seller of bulibly, scentless, tasteless stuff. " The least said, the soonest mended," is a very old saying. I could take the grocer and the butcher, in fact half the world in turn, and I daresay I could find some- thing fresh to say about each of them ; but I do not see that the argument would gather force ; if I did see it, I should not hesitate for a moment. I have pitclied upon bakers simply because the poor have to live cbiefiy on bread ; and I recoicnize that bread, such as the Cornish bread made by the Cornish women, is a real stall" of life ; but the bakers are not a bit worse than any one else. — Mr. Middlehns Cruise of" The Kcfe." THE SMITHFIELD CLUB. At a meeting of the Council, held on Monday, May 23, present Lord Walsingham, in the chair. Lord Tredegar, Messrs. Canning, Beasley, Newton, Webb, Leeds, J. S. Turner, Joseph Druce, and Brandreth Gibbs, The minutes of the last Council meeting were read and con- firmed. In reference to the pigs disqualified at the last show, the reply of Mr. Chamberlayne to the letter written to him by or- der of the Council, inquiring whether he still retained his steward and bailiff in his service, was read, and the following decision was come to, viz., " The Council considering that both Mr. Chamberlayne's steward and bailiff (Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Rowbottom) are highly culpable in respect of the false entry of the age of the pigs shown in class 59 at the last Show, resolve that no entry be received in future, signed by either of those individuals, and that Mr. Chamberlayne he allowed to exhibit in future on the sole condition that he shall himself certify the particulars required by the Club." A letter from the Earl of Powis, the President of the Club, was read, offering to place at the disposal of the Council a sum of money for prizes, to be given for the best instrument for the slaughter of animals by the severance of the spinal vertebrae. It was resolved : That the thanks of the Council be given to the President for this offer, and that his Lordsliip be requested to draw up, with the assistance of Professor Simonds, the conditions for offering the prizes ; the same to be sub- mitted to the November Council. The Hon. Secretary having stated the result of the confer- ence of the Show-yard Committee with the Directors of the Agricultural Hall Company, respecting the proposed additions to the Hall, it was determined that the Club should not at present incur any expenditure in reference thereto, but that the Directors should be requested not to permanently appro- priate the site in question without first giving the Club the offer of it. The consideration of the subject of the Club s annual din- ner was postponed to the November Council. Mr. Francis Savile Foijambe, M.P., of Osberton Hall, Worksop, was duly elected a member of the Club. The Hon. Secretary notified the death of Mr. Thomas Switchell, a member of the Council, and for many years one of the most successful exhibitors at the Club Shoe's, and that the vacancy in the Council caused by his lamented decease will be filled up at the November Council meeting: The thanks of the meeting were voted to Lord Walsingham, for his conduct in the chair. THE CENTRAL CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE ON THE GAME QUESTION.— The resolutions adopted by the Chamber coiucide rather with the views of landlords as to the direction the Legislature should follow than those of tenant-farmers. While commending much of what was said at the meeting as to the evils of game-preservation and the harsh game code, we cannot overlook the fact that the resolu- tions adopted by the meeting are " most lame and impotent," and cannot be regarded as the opinions of the more enlightened of the tenant-farmers of England,— f/^p ffor(h British AgriculUmtf, THE FAEMEE'S MAGAZINE. THE RECLAMATION OF WASTE LANDS At a meeting of the Hampshire Chamber of As;riculture, at Romsey, Mr. W. W. B. Beach, M.P., ia the chair, Mr. Blundell said : Whether we view the subject of re- claiming waste or unproductive lands as a public or private question, it is alike important. Whether it is viewed as a matter affecting the interest of the crown, of the large landed proprietors, of the occupying tenants, the town tradesmen, or the labouring classes, it must be admitted that it is one of the greatest economical and social questions of the present time, for I think I shall be able to show you that royal forests and crown lands, now in many cases of little value, may be made to yield an enormous revenue ; that the large landed estates may be made infinitely more productive in rent to the pro- prietor, offering an extended area for the occupying farmer, increasing the business of the trading and commercial classes, and yielding more employment to tlie working men ; so that pauperism may decrease, that emigration from necessity may diminish, and that the country at large may be more capable of maintaining its own population without foreign aid. I do not propose to speak upon the practical operations of culture, believing that the policy of reclaiming waste land is the sub- ject intended to be discussed at this meeting, and will there- fore dismiss the subject of culture by observing that the leading points are paring and burning, trenching or steam cultivating, draining and chalking, or marling, and it is only in a few cases where all tliese are really required, and that the cost of these operations cannot be stated accurately, because it is found to vary according to locality, the price of labour, and other circumstances. I think it will be best to consider our subject under two separate headings, viz., crown lands, forest and commonable lands, and, secondly, land as private property, lying in a waste and comparatively unprofitable state. Let us take, first, the crown lands and forests in the hands of the Government, and these are to be found in various counties, and are very extensive. It is, however, generally considered that Hampshire contains, in proportion to its size, more than any other county, and, after carefully going into the matter, the only estimate I can make is that we have at least 130,000 acres (which includes the New Forest, the Forest of Bere, Alice Holt and Woolmer Forests, and Parkhurst Forest, in the Isle of Wight — some of the land in connection with all of these has been enclosed from time to time). My figures, therefore, are only approximate, but I introduce them to show the extent and importance of the subject, and will now proceed to state what, in my humble opinion, would be the best plan of pro- ceeding in the endeavour to utilize and reclaim those wild and barren tracts, which are alike disgraceful to the Government and the boasted civilisation of the age in which we live. The local enclosures sanctioned by the commissioners, by which many heaths and commons have during the last 35 years been brought into cultivation, may be a good guide in enclosing the New Forest, as far as acquired rights are concerned. I find that the commission appointed under the Act of Parliament passed in 1854, for defining the rights of parties in the New Forest, have allowed rights to about 1,400 properties, owned by about 1,100 proprietors. Having, therefore, ascertained the number of claims wliich have been allowed, and before entering upon the question of appropriation of the forest, it seems desirable that, after careful survey, good roads and main dykes for drainage should be laid out, after which all the rights, whether of pasturage, pannage, turbary, &c., should be compensated, and not by money payments, but by allotments of land. In this way many poor border residents would be re- tained, and this would be desirable, inasmuch that it would localise a labouring population, whose interest in the locality would be very beneficial. In fact, it is only reasonable to suppose that the reclaiming such vast tracts for productive pur- poses would involve the necessity of accommodation for an in- creasing population. The next step I should propose to take would be the apportionment of land for recreation purposes, and that it should be done in a liberal spirit — say 1,000 acres for such towns as Southampton, Lymington, Christchurch, and Bingwood, and 500 acres for smaller places, such as Lynd- Jiurst, Brockenhurstj &c., reaerving aU the timber as it stands, in order to retain and preserve its picturesque appearance. We may then commence to set out for sale or letting on long lease such portions of the land in suitable lots as lie contiguous to the various landed properties bordering on the forest, in such proportions as would be likely to attract the attention and facilitate purchases by the neigh- bouring landowners. In this way some thousands of acres may be disposed of at good prices, any timber thereon to be sold standing. The next proceeding may probably be most success- ful by offering all the best building sites, especially those most suitable for gentlemen to erect country residences, and there are very many, some of them being of a romantic and highly picturesque description. The quantity of land offered in con- nection to depend upon the circumstances by which these selected spots may be surrounded, but in all cases to reserve the timber and sell with the land. It seems to me that these sales would eventually tend to form the nuclei or centres of landed estates, and with this object in view, perhaps, it would be well to offer land for sale for agricultural purposes in con- siderable quantities periodically, say at intervals of five years, by which mode of disposal the land would realise a good price, and thus secure an increasing and permanent revenue to the Crown. There is, however, another view taken by some par- ties as to the rights defined by the Commission in 1858 — viz., that they extend over the whole of the unenclosed parts of the forest, and that they are entitled to allotments in accordance with the extent of their rights, on the same principle as ordi- nary commons have been allotted to copyholders and others by the Enclosure Commissioners, and they view the Crown as only possessing manorial rights. This matter, however, if not explained by any existing Act, would sooner or later be decided by Act of Parliament, and it appears to me of but little mo- ment, if the forest is enclosed, whether it is done by an allot- ment or otherwise, so far as the general public are interested. So much has been said and written lately in reference to the value of land in the forest for agricultural purposes that I can- not refrain from offering my opinion, and, having been a close observer during the last twenty years of the reclamation of the waste or common lands in the southern division of this county, I beg most distinctly to state that the South Hants division has the advantage of a climate which is first-rate ; and in reference to the New Forest, although the soil varies a great deal, yet there is none but would answer well for reclaiming ; quite three-fourths are fit for arable or pasture land, and all the remainder is well adapted for fir and other plantations as woodland. Before quitting the subject of utilising our Crown lands, it should be understood that, although I consider the present growth of old timber in the forest as nearly all useless for navy purposes, it would be well for the Crown to retain possession of some of the most flourishing and extensive plantations of young oak trees. To my mind a number of causes seem to have transpired within the past 25 or 30 years lo render necessary the reclamation of the waste lands of the kingdom. Look at the extent of land absorbed by railways, and the area of the stations, &c., connected with them. Again, the extension of towns. The land not many years ago occupied by the market gardeners is now built over, and the gardens banished into the country ; also the area of land absorbed by factories and public works in endless variety is very great, and in the interest of the country at large the Government is bound in a national point of view to re- store to agriculture and the productive resources of the coun- try as much of the waste as possible, in order to compensate for that which has been taken by Act of Parliment and other- wise for the purpose above-named, and also to meet the wants of an increasing population. And foremost in the demand for restoration we very naturally find the occupying agricultural tenantry of the country, and I purpose, with your permission, to name some other causes which have more particularly ope- rated to render an increase of land for agricultural purposes higlUy desirable. The area of the kingdom is limited, and every deduction from the cultiva table extent is a loss to the nation in its producing and self-sustaining power. The tenant farmers are the great producing medium of the country, aad THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 69 any cause which operates adversely to their interest is in fact a strong reason why greater extent of land if attainable should be secured for them. Referring to some of the adverse causes in operation, I cannot help saying that the tenure of land operates very much against them. Anything, short of a lease for a term or an agreement with two years' notice, with com- pensation for unexhausted manures and improvements, is against good cultivation, and diminishes production. Again, the subject of game, which engaged your attention at the last meeting of this Chamber, is a monstrous evil, but I shall not enlarge upon it now, and will merely observe that I estimate only one farm in five in this kingdom is let without the game being reserved, and that only represents one-eighth of the land. Tlie law of entail is also a great evil. Immense tracts of ex- cellent land are let subject to six months' notice to quit in consequence of the proprietors having only a life interest in the estate, and I need not tell you how this prevents the out- lay of capital, and, in fact, together with the reservation of game, positively deters large numbers of men with ample capi- tal from investing it in agricultural pursuits. The foregoing causes are sufiicient to justify a demand for more land to be brought into cultivation, there being at this time an immense amount of capital ready to be embarked in agriculture if it could be secured by a reasonable tenure. In entering upon an inquiry as to the extent of waste lands in the kingdom, it is of the first importance that we should obtain some reliable evidence, and I think you will agree with me that the map now exhibited, showing the extent of waste in each county, and for which we are indebted to the kindness of Captain Maxse, who has introduced it to the Chamber for the purpose of illustra- tion, supplies such evidence. Who is there amongst us that could have supposed that such a large portion of the kingdom actually lies waste, or comparatively unproductive ? and I can- not imagine anything more striking and convincing, and better calculated to leave a lasting impression on our minds, than this map. And what do we learn from it ? First, that the total acreage of the kingdom, in round numbers, is 77 millions ; that the cultivated area, as shown by the Board of Trade re- turns, is 46 millions under crop, and 23 millions of permanent pasture and grass land ; leaving 31^ millions uncultivated. [These figures of course do not agree.] In speaking of this 31^ millions, we must include the woodlands; and, after all the inquiry I have made, and all the evidence I can obtain, I estimate that about 15 millions of acres are capable of being made productive ; and the remaining 16| millions unaccounted for consist of rivers, towns, railways, mountain rages, heaths, moorlands, and woodlands, some of which are partially productive. Large tracts of it, however, may be made much more so under cultivation, or in pasture and plantations. I find it difficult, in introducing this subject, to avoid some repetition of a paper read by me before the Botley and South Hants Farmers' Club, on " Woods and Wastes," and have also laid under contribution the excellent paper read by Captain Maxse, at the same Club, on the " Waste Lauds of England." I therefore propose, in order to bring the subject more under special, notice, to speak of our county, from the best information I can obtain, without examination of the Ordnance map, and which would, to have insured accuracy, taken much more time than I have to spare. Acres. I find that the area of the county of Hants contains 1,070,216 Arable and pasture land, as per returns by Board of Trade 685,540 384,676 Deduct land estimated to be capable of Acres. reclamation 130,000 Deduct area of rivers, roads, railways, towns, factories, villages, &c 54,676 184,676 Leaving in timber, woodlands, &c 200,000 Let us now refer to the 130,000 acres as above stated to be available for inclosure. Acres. Crown lands, uncultivated 68,000 Heaths and commons 44,000 Mudlandsand estuaries 3,000 Chalk Downs 6,000 Private property in heath and rough woodlands... 9,000 130,000 In analysing this 130,000 acres, it will be remembered the part called crown lands I have before referred to being 68,000 acres, the heaths and commons being 44,000 acres, I must compare with much which has been enclosed, such as Curdridge Com- mon, Titchfield Common, Waltham Chase, and others, and may be made productive, if allotted under the Enclosure Act in the same way. There is, therefore, a large field open in this direction for private enterprise, if the parties holding rights would join in application for powers to enclose. The next item which occurs is 3,000 acres, estimated as capable of being profitably reclaimed from the rivers and estuaries by embankment, and converted into pasture land. This should be done by the Government, and considered as public works, and may be effected by the employment of penal labour, in the same manner as Portland Breakwater and other public works ; and I think it will be admitted that it would be a better policy than discharging convicted felons under a ticket of leave. If we look at the coasts of some counties more land may be reclaimed in this way than can be obtained in Hamp- shire ; and as an example both as to value and extent, we have only to take the fen-lands already reclaimed in Lincolnshire, Cambridge, and other counties. Instead, however, of the Go- vernment encouragiug works of this kind, 1 fear that they have hitherto been opposed to them ; for I hear that the Ad- miralty are very jealous of any enclosures which would re- duce the extent of backwater in our tidal estuaries — in fact, the Enclosure Commissioners have already claimed in some instances their rights over land which had heretofore been considered private property. The chalk downs, estimated at 6,000 acres, may to some extent be reclaimed from compara- tive barrenness to arable land of fair quality — that is to say, much which is now only worth a few shillings per acre rental, and producing only a scanty herbage, may by cultivation be made worth from 12s. to 15s. per acre, producing good crops of roots and corn, and maintaining a larger number of sheep also. There is, however, much that is too poor to cultivate, and of but little use even as a sheepwalk. It then becomes a question whether such land, often of a north aspect, very steep and hilly, with scarcely any soil above the chalk, can be made more profitable to the proprietors, and I propose to test this matter by stating that my plan of planting larch-firs may in these cases be carried out with the greatest advantage, for I have no hesitation in saying that every acre of the poorest chalk hills which intersect the county, and stretch across be- tween Winchester and Basingstoke, may be turned to good account ; and there are numerous instances of flourishing plantations on the chalk hills, although they have been planted with little care and expense. I will, with your per- mission, state the plan of planting which I recommend : First is a method of planting larch firs for a quick and profitable return. The land should be trenched or steam-cultivated not less than eighteen inches in depth ; the use of fresh, strong manure should be avoided, although good vegetable mould may be applied with advantage on very poor and stony soils. The plants should not be too large — say about from 24in. to 30in. high, and if they have been grown and previously trans- planted on poor soil so much the better, if they are healthy, clean grown, and weU-rooted. The first two years after plant- ing the land should be kept clean by hand-hoeing. Particular attention should be paid during their growth by the removal of diseased or decayed plants, and as soon as the poles are market- able (which they will be by taking the best at the end of eleven years) commence by thinning and selling, looking only for a quick return. I believe a great mistake is made by many who allow the plantation to go on unnoticed until the plants are neither fit for one purpose nor the other — not large enough for sawing into rails, pales, kc, yet having passed the size called poles. It often happens also that the plants are set at too great a distance from each other ; the consequence is they do not grow so fast, neither do they make such handsome poles. When planted close they protect each other, the winds take less hold of them, and they gather more moisture from the atmosphere in the summer months. They cover the land quicker, keeping in check both grass and weeds. Again, in- stead of growing bonghs, the growth centres in the poles, which come earlier for use in consequence. In following the above plan the plants should be set at 36 inches by 30 inches apart. I will now furnish a statement of the cost of planting, and also of the mode of taking and the value of the crop per acre: 70 THE FARMER'S MAaAZINB. Expenses. £ s. d. TrenchmglSinchesdeep.atls. 9d. per rod 14 0 0 5,250 plants, at 25s. per thousand 6 11 3 Planting by spade 2 10 9 Hoeing 10 0 £24 3 0 Interest on the outlay of £34 2s., at 4 per cent, for sixteen years 15 9 4 Failures allowed, at 10 per cent 7 15 0 Total expenses of plantation £47 6 4 Commence cutting, taking the best at the 11th year, cut 600 poles at ad each 7 10 0 12th year ditto ditto 7 10 0 13th year ditto ditto 7 10 0 14th year ditto ditto 7 10 0 16th year, cut the remaining 2,850 poles, at4d.each 47 10 0 Value £77 10 0 Cost 47 6 4 Profit £30 3 8 Annual profit, 38s. per acre. As however the plan of quick returns, as just stated, by the growth of only larch firs require a great deal of constant at- tention, some parties may object to it for that reason or others. I will therefore allude to a plan whereby a less number of pLmts may be set, and take the crops at the end of twenty-five years, and in this case, if required, rows of the common acacia, or sweet-cbesnut, &o., may be planted, with the view of remain- ing for the growth of underwood after the crop of poles has been sold off. Planting is advised in the following way : Larch fir plants at intervals of three feet and six feet alternately, and at three feet apart in the lines, the six feet space being planted with underwood plants at three feet apart. Then, at some in- termediate time, each line of poles at three feet apart, may be cut and sold, as also half the poles in the remaining line, thus leaving the lines of firs standing for the main crop at six feet apart each way, and the underwood plants will be found stand- ing also at the same distance. According to this plan there would be left at the end of twenty-five years about six poles to the rod, which at Is. each, would give £48 per acre, being a large return, in addition to the valuable plant of underwood left On the laud. If we can remove timber from those soils capable of producing corn and grass in abundance, and grow timber upon those soils on the hills which are not capable of being cultivated for corn and grass at a profit, it must be a benefit conferred on proprietors and on the country, and at the same time the climate would be greatly improved by growing timber on the hills, for it is well known that we should derive advantage by the shelter afforded, and the rainfall be increased thereby upon these exposed and arid soils. The remaining portion of land, estimated at 9,000 acres, as private property, in heaths and woodlands, I must refer to as capable of vast improvement. Some of it is a very useful soil, and, being til he tree, capable of being converted into arable land, worth in rental from 25s. to 30s. per acre, and where situated within a reasonable distance of chalk would pay well for reclamation from its present rough and barren state. The remaining por- tion being poor soil, for the most part composed of sand and gravel in varying proportions, often growing a little timber, may be broken up and planted with firs, as before stated, such soils being especially adapted to their growtii. It is, however, a very common occur.'ence for landlords to entertain the idea that the planting of timber will not turn to advantage during their lifetime ; but when, as my statement shows, that valu- able crops of firs may be sold off the land at a period varying from 16 to 20 years, it is encouraging to think that most pro- prietors on attaining possession may reasonably hope to live and reap the profits of planting, and leave a valuable under- wood for succession. No. 3 (given in my paper which was read at the Botley Club) is a level piece of woodland, in a southern county, and is situated a long distance from chalk or marl. It contains about 16 acres, is surrounded on three sides by arable land, the value of which to rent is 20s. per acre. The woodland is of the same description of soil, whicli is strong and gravelly, but does not require draining. There is a good plant of timber, principally oak, about 160 trees per acre, a large proportion having been left from stemmers. It is only those which have proceeded direct from the acorn that make any perceptible growth. The underwood is very rough and bushy, not worth more than 40s. per acre at 10 years' growth. These trees do not mete in measurement at more than 4 feet of timber, and do not increase an- nually more than 1 J per cent, on their value. The following calculation will show the propriety and profit of taking the crop of timber and converting the land into arable ; £ s. d. Expenses — Grabbing, per acre £10 0 0 Chalking 4 0 0 Outlay £14 0 0 Intereston, at4percent 0 10 6 Value of 160 trees, 4ft. metings, 640ft. at8d 21 6 8 Annual increased value on the same, at 1 J per cent. 0 6 6 Value of underwood 3 0 0 £23 6 8 Annual value of the underwood... . 0 4 0 Total annual value of the woodland in present state 110 Value of land to rent per acre after grubbing, being tithefree 14 0 Gain by interest on value of timber and underwood sold off, £23 6s. 8d. at 4 per cent 0 18 6 . m Value after grubbing , 2 2 6 Ditto before ditto, deduct 110 Actual advantage of converting into arable £1 1 6 In looking back to our total area of the county we find 200,000 acres of land unaccounted for. Tnis, therefore, must be taken as woodlands of various qualities, and all in the hands of private individuals and proprietors. Much of this woodland is comparatively waste, because it can be made so much more profitable. Therefore I propose to show that a great portion of it may be reclaimed or receive an additional value through a better system of management, and will illustrate it by taking certain pieces of woodland as stated by me in a former paper upon the subject. Again, No. 6 is a poor soil, being a mixture of sand and gravel, with a blue pebble in it. This wood is also in a southern county, extends over about thirty-four acres, and is bounded on two sides by good roads. There is no under- wood, hut ferns grow strong. Some fifty years ago it appears to have been slanted in an irregular and care- less way with the Scotch firs, some of which having been cut at intervals, there are now only a few trees left, probably about forty to the acre. They are now quite fit to cut, and it is easy to see how little gain has been or can be derived from timber left in the manner described, and it should be borne in mind that, although this land is too poor for corn growing, yet it is such as would be profitable under a course of cropping for timber. There are instances where some of the very best land adapted for arable is still in coppice, and to show the impropriety of keeping it so, as far as rent or value to the owner is concerned, I beg to read my statement adapted for the conversion of good laud. No. 5 is a good piece of wood- land, of about 24 acres, in a southern county ; the land is level, consisting of a fine hazel loam, surrounded entirely by arable fields of the like soil, and worth to rent 35s. per acre. There are about eighty trees to the acre, of 8ft. metings, and all oak. The underwood is worth £4 per acre at ten years' growth. These trees have been nearly all let up together, and they should stand or fall together. I, however, estimate that they annually increase in value about 3 per cent. only. This land under cultivation would be worth 40s. per acre rent, being tithe free. In this case, also, we must not lose sight of the immense benefit to adjoining lands by the removal of this wood. Let us now calculate the advantage of bringing this land into cultivation : THE FAEMBR'S MAGAZINlS. 71 Expeuses — Grubbing per acre Chalking ... £10 U 0 4 0 0 £H 0 0 £ 3. d. Outlay Interest on, at 4) per cent ... 0 10 6 Value of 80 trees, 8 ft. metings, 640 ft. at Is. 3d 40 0 0 Annual increased value on the same at3 per cent ... 14 0 Value of underwood 4 00 Annual value of the underwood £44 0 0 0 8 0 3 15 2 2 2 6 Total annual value of the woodland in its present state £3 2 6 Value of land to rent per acre after grubbing, being tithe free .' 2 0 0 Gain by interest on value of timber and underwood sold off, £44, at 4 per cent 1 15 2 Value after grubbing Ditto before ditto, deduct Actual advantage by converting into arable ... £1 12 8 This statement is earnestly recommended to the attention of proprietors possessing the best woods our county can produce. I fear that in reading this paper I have tried your patience, as I know many gentlemen present are prepared to speak on the subject. In conclusion, I can only say that I have endeavoured uot only to show that great advantage to the country at large would arise from the reclamation of waste lands, but I have endeavoured by illustration to show how parties possessing lauded property may apply it to their own case upon the dif- fereut soils and under varying circumstances. Mr. Blundell, during the reading of the above paper, by way of parenthesis, expressed a hope that some member of Parliament present would move for a return of the number of farms let with and without the game reserved upon them, their extent, &c., and asked why, in a country like this, possessing such facilities for a Parliamentary return, we should be left in the dark upon sucti an important matter! The Right Hon. Cowper-Temple said that the long array of facts which had been brought forward, coming from a person of so much experience as Mr. Blundell, must have great weight upon any body investigating the subject ; but it had struck him that Mr. Blundell had not reached the natural conclusion, which was — to raise the question liow they were to compel owners and occupiers of land, which they thought not worth cultivating, to expend their capital and labour in cultivating it. Mr. Blundell appeared to divide his sub- ject between lands which were in the possession of private landowners and those which were waste or crown lands. Now there was a great vagueness in the use of the term " waste lauds." According to the law there were no lands without owners, with certain small exception.s known as " No man's land." Every other acre was considered to be owned by someone. There was also great vagueness in the use of the word " waste," which included land that might be most profitably brought into cultivation, and also lands which would ruin anybody ibohsh enough to expend money in attempting to do it. The first thiug they should attempt to do, on the premises laid down by Mr. Blundell, would be to endeavour to induce private proprietors t o culti- vate land belonging to them in severalty ; but anyone could see (even during a railway journey) near Woking and Farn- borough large tracts of sandy soil not brought under cultiva- tion, belonging to men many of whom were not deficient in capital, and willing to look to their own interests, yet not cultivated. In Dorsetshire, too, thoy would find miles and miles uncultivated. He understood, however, from Mr. Blundell's statement that all the proprietors were dead to their own interests in not allowing them to be cultivated. It was, however, a question of expedience, and he believed that all the different kinds of soils had been sufficiently cultivated to enable the Chamber to consider them. Tliey must examine all the circumstances surrounding each case before they could arrive at a conclusion. He was strongly of opinion that, where laud could be profitably cultivated, the landlord could do no wiser thing, nor anything more patriotic than drain, improve, and cultivate it. The Palmerston estates, which he had inherited, were a remarkable instance of what might be done in improving land. Lord Palmerston was a great advocate for the improvement of land, and he drained his estates, grubbed up the coppices, threw small fields into large ones, Sc, and the outlay was so productive as amply to justify the wisdom with which the money had been expended But he (Mr. Cowper-Temple) did not think that so highly a sagacious man as Lord Palmerston was would have spent money on some tracts of land in the direction of Wellow, which were only capable of producing firs, and which, if after having £20 an acre spent on them before producing corn (which would be considered a very fortunate arrangement) the result would be hardly such as to make a good place on a balance-sheet. He believed that the owners of lands had already scrutinised the matter thoroughly, and, though they might not be so good an authority upon land in general as Mr. Blundell, they must be considered to know something of the land upon which they were living, and from which they were likely to get a good result if they dealt with it in the wisest manner. The waste lands of the country were always in the joint ownership of the lord of the manor and the freeholders or commoners. These men were generally aUve to their own interests, and the law of enclosure worked with great facility and little expense, under which eight millions of acres had been reclaimed in England, without in- cluding large tracts in Wales. He was not aware that any additional facilities were required for the ordinary enclosure of waste lauds, in dealing with which the course naturally taken was to select those likely to be most profitable first, and what remained was consequently those lands less profitable, and therefoie less tempting to the owner. They must also take into consideration the fact that every year the progress of agricultural science enabled them to get more profit out of the entire soil than formerly, and this was evident to all. Let them turn to the New Forest. Mr. Blundell spoke of " crown lands." He thought this was a misnomer, and that they were not at all crown lands. The crown had no right to plant a tree in any part of the forest except in that part which the Deer Removal Act of 1851 gave it. So tiie crown had no more right in the New Forest than a land-landlord had in an ordinary waste or common ; its position was similar to that of a lord of the manor. The New Forest, therefore, belonged to the joint proprietorship of the crown and com- moners. They had at present a property in it, so that what we should do is, uot to exercise any public force or Act of Parliament, but to persuade those who represented the crown and those who represented the commoners that their respective interests could be better preserved by enclosure and by legally dividing the property. And he did not think that the interests of these commoners should be overlooked, or treated with any disregard. They inherited rights wJiicli existed before the Forest was made by William the Conqueror, and they were able to present a very happy and fortunate contrast to those agricultural labourers who were uot in possession of similar advantages. He quite agreed with Mr. Blundell and others who argued that it was desirable, wherever there was any land on which capital could be profitably employed, it should be applied at once, but they ought not to lose sight altogether of the other side of the question — that was, although enclosure might increase the number of agricultural labourers employed in a particular place, yet it might deteriorate the condition of that labourer. All persons who had examined the records of enclosures would see that the loss of the power to turn out a cow, a horse, or pigs upon a common must be a great dis- advantage to the cottager who lived in the neighbourhood, and he (Mr. Cowper-Temple) esteemed very highly the ad- vantage to a labouring man of keeping a cow. The financial advantages were clear, and what an advantage it was also to the labourer to have the power of getting milk for his children to drink ! One of the great mis- fortunes of the agricultural population was that they could not get sufficient milk for their children, for it was nearly all sent to London, and the agricultural labourers had no means of getting it in sufficient quantity. The commoner felt also a sense of independence when he was the owner of a cow ; hut when an enclosure took place there was, of course, provision in the Enclosure Act for giving some compensation THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. to those who had rights of grazing upou commons, but that compensation often went to the owner, not inhabitant, and therefore the inhabitant often lost liis right without getting any compensation. In other cases compensation in land was given to the cottager, but tlien arose a great temptation to turn it into money. He met with some one who was willing to give a large amount for it, and the result was that his suc- cessor in the cottage was without any of these common rights, aud was reduced to tlie condition of a mere dependant on his daily labour. He (Mr. Cowper-Temple) would be therefore sorry to see compensation given absolutely in land in the event of the enclosure of the New forest, because he believed the same thing would occur there again. It miglit not be desira- ble, too, that any furl her facilities should lie given to the aggregation of land, which was the inevitable result of these enclosures, speaking broadly. He tliought a more advanta- geous arrangement would be, whenever the time came for dividing the New Forest between tlie Ci-own and those who had rights in it, that that portion which would come to the commoners — and that would be about two-thirds of the wliole forest — should remain as land in common, to be disposed of according to their pleasure, and, if they saw any advantage in it, they should be able to use a considerable portion as regulated pasture, by which means abuses would be kept away, and there would be a proper amount of pasture left for the cattle. There were many disadvantages in confining a man's cow to a paddock, and a great advan- tage to be derived when cattle could stray over more ex- tended boundaries. Mr. Blundell had estimated the good soil in the New Forest at a somewhat larger amount than he (Mr. Cowper-Temple) had been accustomed to hear it computed, which was about 30,000 acres. Owing to the exercise of rights on about the other half of the Forest, little soil was left on the hard chalk, so that the efforts made to stimulate the re- maining surface would soon exhaust the soil, and people would find they were cultivating something exceedingly like a high- way or gravel road. As long as the rights of commoners were fairly met and maintained, he thought they might be safely left to take care of their own interests, and the in- terests of the crown might be fairly left to those who repre- sented the crown. There was, however, a third party some- what interested in these questions of open lands and of the New Forest in particular. Mr. Blundell had acknowledged the great claim which the inhabitants of a town in the neigh- bourhood of a forest had for a place to be set apart for the purposes of recreation. He hoped the land selected would be a portion containing some of those natural beauties for which the New Forest was remarkable. Where certain soils existed which were not likely to be profitably cultivated, tliere it often happened that the people of the country miglit liave a natural park with all the beauty and lovely scenery which inspired the poet, and which appeared more especially to belong to primeval surfaces. He did not see why they should push this eagerness for cultivation in regard to lands belong- ing to the crown to a greater extent than they would with respect to those belonging to private individuals. He did not suppose Mr. Blundell would go so far as to insist on every one turning his pleasure grounds or shrubberies, from grow- ing roses or laurels, into fields for the cultivation of tur- nips or mangel wurtzel. He would acknowledge in every residence that some utility might be sacrificed to beauty and enjoyment, and so he thought with regard to our larger tracts — that it was a great advantage to England that some amount of utility had given way to those beautiful sylvan scenes which gave many a weary, tolling man a most happy day's pleasure in summer-time. And it was more especially the poorer-classes who were interested in this question, and to whom this boon was available provided they were in the neigh- bourhood of towns, from which the people could reach them. He thought it was evident, however, that the time was coming when the New Forest must share the same destiny tliat had overtaken some other forests. But he did not desire that it should follow the same course as Epping Forest, because there they saw a large tract of country, which formed the delight and enjoyment of the inhabitants of London, converted into private parks and private residences, and he was not sure that, if the Crown looked to making the most money out of that portion of the Forest which came to them, it would not find it better to sell it to a number of rich people, who would make parks and gardens, than to allow it to be sold for agri- cultural purposes ; and if they were to part with the most beautiful portions of the New Forest, he should not think they had done anything very successful in promoting the hap- piness and welfare of the people. Capt. Maxse explained tlie map on the wall, the coloured portions of which showed not only the area under all kinds of crops, fallows, and grass, but also the estimated space occupied by towns, cities, villages, river courses, canals, rail and road traflic, 'Stc. It was only a map of England and Wales, and a far more startling representation might have been made if Ireland and Scotland had been included. He did not think that the Hon. Mr. Cowper-Temple allowed sufficiently for the crisis which had arrived. There was a great cry for emigration now heard in England, and it was declared that the country was over-populated; but he btiiered this to be a great falacy. Capt. Maxse argued that England suffered from congestion in the towns, and depletion in the provinces, and the really im- portant point in regard to population was its distribution. It was said that in England and Wales, with a population of 21 millions, there were 347 persons to the square mile, whilst in the east of London there were 130,000 persons to the square mile. While we have 11 millions in towns, there were but 10 millions in the country. Belgium, with a poorer soil than our own, was much better off, although she had 430 persons to the square mile ; for out of her population of five millions, one million and a-half lived in towns, and three million and a- half in rural parishes. Mr. Cowper-Temple appeared to speak as if the land system of England were unalterable, but that was precisely what they wanted to alter. In France, perceiving the evils arising from the accu- mulation of land, a law had been established by which, at the parents' death, the land became distributed amongst the children, but, in England we stimulate the accumulation of land by the power which we give of entail. By means of this system the land became tied up, and there were a great number of rich and a great number of im- poverished tenants, whose object was to get as much out of the land as possible. But the real reason of the existence of so mucli waste land was that cultivation was not the primary object of ownership. It would not pay, according to the ideas of many people who had other investments, to bring was te land into cultivation. If a man could invest money at se\ en per cent, he would do so, preferring to get that high rate o f inte- rest, and at the same time keeping his capital more re idy to hand. He had himself about forty acres of what was ca lied at this time last year " waste land." If he had mentione this, in discussing tliis question of waste land, he should have been met with some objection that it would not pay ; but daring the winter he had brought it into cultivation, at an outlay of £15 per acre in grubbing, draining, and chalking. He was now about to conclude an agreement by which he woul d let that land at 35s. an acre, and if that would not pay him b •'did not know what would. Captain Maxse then referred to the enclosure of Titchfield Common in 1862, when it was let out in allotments to large and small owners. Nine hundred acres were allotted to the former, in parcels exceeding eight acres, and of these only 225 had been up till recently broken up and tilled, leaving 675 acres uncultivated ; whilst of the 190 acres allotted to small owners, in parcels under three acres, 182 had up to the same date been broken up and tilled, leaving only eight acres uncultivated. This showed in a strong light the advantage of allotting land in small parcels to small owners. Having referred to the great extent of waste lands in Ireland and Scotland, Captain Masse denounced the accumulative land system in the kingdom, and said he did not think labourers would be induced to emigrate when they saw so much land lying uncultivated in their own country. He expressed his belief that the farmers at home could very well compete with foreign farmers. In addition to corn there would also be an immense amount of other food imported from foreign countries, most of which was the produce of the dairies of small farmers, and he believed that we should be producing this were it not that all the small farmers had been banished from the country. He believed that we had arrived at a dead lock with respect to our land sys- tem. Land always stood in a different category as private pro- perty to other articles, for the simple reason that it was the pro- ductive power which supplied us with food. We might take all the gold and silver in the world, and plunge it to the bottom of the ocean, but the loss would not be so great as the lo^s THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 73 of a single acre of land. He was glad that the subject had been brought forward in so able a manner as it was, and he hoped that the landlords generally of the country would be induced to perceive the necessity of devoting their enterprise, energy, and capital to make the soil produce as much food as it was capable of bearing. The Chairman said it appeared to him that the sub- ject was divided into two parts — namely, that property in which the crown had an interest, and that in whicli private individuals with the crowu had an internst, such as the New Forest, which was not entirely possessed by the crown, but which did possess valuable rights, and the only ob- jection which appeared to him with respect to carrying out a system of reclamation of the Forest was how far it would pay, and how far the ditliculty, with respect to the rights of the crown ou tlie one hand, and of the commoners on the other, could be satisfactorily arranged. He was afraid from what he had heard on the subject, though from not living in the neigh- bourhood he did not possess accurate information, that some litigation might ensue from the adoption of such a proposition, as each party would strive to obtain as much as possible. A great deal miglit be effected in the proposed direction if it could be clearly proved that much of the New Forest land could be advantageously cultivated. He agreed that if this were car- ried out to a great extent that land ought to be assigned for the purposes of recreation. That should not be lost sight of in any enclosures where there was a sufficient popula- tion to demand it. In some cases, however, great care was requisite in defending the land when assigned. There was an enclosure in a parish with which he had something to do where a certain quantity of land had been assigned for the recreation of the poor of the parish. Considerable encroach- ments were made on it, and there arose a great difficulty in protecting the rights of the poor, because great expense was entailed on the overseers when they took steps to defend them. With respect to the private owners, no doubt a great deal of the land in their hands was woodland and down, and it had been pointed out that they should be induced to reclaim them by any means by wliich this could be fairly brought about. No doubt the chief inducement would be a pecuniary one. Show them that it would be advantageous, aud they would not be slow to take action. With regard to down land he had had some experience, and he thought it -ras rather an open question, A great deal of such laud had been enclosed of late years in Hampshire. Much had been reclaimed, partly good for cultivation of barley, but other ground had been broken up which had proved so bad that it had not paid for cultivation, and when laid down to down again it was scarcely worth anything at aU. Maiden down was valu- able land, but when laid down again it was worth very little. As to the plan proposed for planting by Mr. Elun- dell, his scheme might be carried out in some parts with great advantage ; and he believed that the planting of larch timber would in the long run be very advisable. There was a great demand at present for larch timber ; and if anybody would go to the necessary outlay in the first instance, and would be satisfied to wait I'or a return, in the end he would get a very fair profit. Woodland had some claims upon it which Mr. Blundell did not allow. At present timber was not assessed, but woodland was for the purpose of rating, and that item should enter into the calculation. They were told that the tenure of land had a great deal to do in the first place with deterring landowners from granting leases ; but the law of entail had nothing in it to prevent the granting of leases. The owner for life could grant a lease to any moderate extent — say 21 years, which term was generally considered sufficient for any ordinary purpose, and he thought the landlord should grant full freedom to his tenant in the cultivation of liis land. That was of absolute importance. He should be restricted as little as possible, and let him cultivate the laud to the best ad- vantage he possibly could. They were told by Captain Maxse that landlords had decreased. He was not going into that ques- tion ; but the decrease had been a necessity of the age. Tlie real cause had been that of late years, to make agriculture pro- ductive, a very large outlay had become necessary, aud build- ings had been erected for which iu former days there was little demand. Tlie capital of a large landowner would now sometimes be highly taxed in a particular year, and he would have to find money to enable him to build in that particular year, Unless, therefore, a man had a considerable amount of capital besides the land he owned, it would be impossible for him to erect the buildings with the same facility that a man could do who had a number of farms, and who, as it was com- monly called, rang the changes. W' hether a peasant proprietor- ship would be advantageous or not, it was only right people should have the opportunity of entering upon it, but he thought they were better off when in the position of little tenants than of little landlords. A peasant proprietor was rather in the position of a labouriug man, and he would scarcely occupy the position of a small landowner to any advantage. Tlie result would be that he would soon have to contract some little debt on his small property, and tlie land would, perhaps, before long fall to the possession of another, who would find that capital which should have been invested in the land. Mr. Warner, after having seen many waste lands brought into cultivation, spoke strongly in favour of such a proceeding. He referred, as an instance, to Waltham Chase, which was formerly a worthless piece of wet laud, but now produced some of the finest corn and roots in Hampshire. He had brought into cultivation some land of Ids own, part of which was a bog, which did not return a shilling an acre, and had now let it for -iOs. an acre. Their object was to show not only tliat this cultivation of wastes was profitable to the owners, but was also beneficial to the general population of the country. It was said that " the love of money was the root of all evil," and certainly the love of land was a great evU, and a heavy responsibility rested upon those who held large entailed estates to make the best use of the property possessed by them. Mr. Warner condemned the law of entail, and con- tended that it would be to the advantage of the country that the large tract of land in the New Forest should no longer remain out of cultivation. All the difficulties could be sur- mounted by an Act of Parliament. He advocated a system both of large and small farms, and corroborated Mr. Cowper- Temple's remarks with respect to the great improvement which had been made on the Palmerston estates. He hoped the owners of estates would look round and see what could be done with respect to the changes which they advocated, and not send that labour out of the country which constituted one of the chief sources of its wealth, believing that the more land there was brought under cultivation, the better it would be, not only to the producer, but to the consumer also. Mr. Trask quite agreed that there was a considerable amount of land not growing corn at the present time which might be improved so as to become capable of growing it ; but at the same time there was a vast amount of land now growing corn which paid nothing at all. How, then, could he understand Mr. Blundell and Captain Maxse, who asserted that the cultivation of the description of land which they ad- vocated could be made to pay ? There were several thousand acres of enclosed land in the northern division of Hampshire to be let, and he invited Captain Maxse to go and try his hand at farming in that locaUty, and see if he could make it pay. Captain Maxse said that, perhaps, the system required altering with respect to the holding of land and the restric- tions upon it. Mr. Trask believed no practical farmer in the kingdom placed any reliance upon the returns from which the map had been compiled (Agricultural Returns for 1868). Mr. Blundell asserted that nearly the whole of the New Forest was capable of growing corn crops. He did not believe this statement, and he should like Mr. BlundeU to inform them how woods were to be grubbed by steam. Mr. Blundell said he should have read the account, but it would have taken too long. Mr. Trask, continuing, observed that he doubted the asser- tions of Captain Maxse with respect to the efl'ect of supplying corn to this country from foreign markets, and said that the holding of a small piece of arable land would ruin a man. He had much better be a carter. As to petitioning Parlia- ment to make occupiers or owners break up their waste land, he considered the proposition absurd, and it was not giving them credit for common sense as to what was best to be done with their ovvn property. It would be much better to wait, and let public opinion influence them. Captain Maxse defended his statements, and a string of questions and answers passed between him and Mr. Trask with regard to the land system jn the northern portion of this county, 74 THE TAEMER'S MAGAZINE. Mr. SpOONEU expressed a hope that the result of so mueh ventilatioa whicli this question had received would not end entirely in wind. He disapproved of the extreme statements made by different parties with respect to the Neve Forest, and argued that the question before them was whether or not the New Forest could be profitably made of greater use to the public than it was now in its present state. He maintained that it could. Mr. Blundell, in reply, alleged that the cottagers were most tenacious with respect to their allotments. Mr. Spooner then proposed a resolution to the effect that, in the opinion of this meeting, it would be conducive to the public good that the New Forest should, after the rights and privileges of the commoners and ethers are fairly satisfied, be brought gradually into the market for sale, reserving such portions as may be required for public recreation. This resolution was seconded by Mr. Warner. Captain Majxse hereupon moved an amendment to the effect that that portion of the New Forest be enclosed and set out in large and small farms, on long leases, which fell to the ground for want of a seconder, and the resolution was carried. Mr. Blundell proposed another resolution, setting forth that it was further the opinion of the Chamber that there was also ample room for the more extended cultivation of waste lands on private estates. Captain Ma.xse seconded this proposition which was carried, though a majority of the meeting did not vote. THE HORSE SHOW AT THE AGRICULTURAL HALL, ISLINGTON. Time and the hour steal on throughout the darkest night, and the seventh annual show of horses at the Agricultural Hall commenced on Saturday even before the doors were open to the public. It is customary to open before the play begins ; but this time the public were kept waiting a quarter of an hour at the entrance- gate on Islington Green to find on their reaching the ring some of the first batch of hunters drafted. At first a blue mist prevailed throughout the Hall, so that you viewed everything as through smoked glass, and you were in doubt whether there was a total eclipse of the sun going on, a display of fireworks had taken place, or that Mr. Pepper had been engaged to give an unreal phantom- like appearance to the whole thing. In the mist we descried Lords Portsmouth and Coventry, or their ghosts, who proceeded with the judging of the first and second classes of hunters before they were joined by Mr. Chap- lin, who, like the idle boy, came late to school. The Hall was as might be expected, rather sultry, but sweet and clean, though packed with horses throughout, there being very few empty stalls. The numbers to the horses in the catalogue ran 391 to 364 last year, but there is nothing like that number of horses in the Hall, as many play several parts, and are continually coming before you till you are sick of them — first as hunters, then park hacks, ladies' horses, chargers, cover hacks, in harness, or e.'ctraordinary animals, while the exhibitors number 247 this year to 223 last. The first class taken in hand by the judges was the weight-carrying hunters, mustering about thirty-nine strong. The judges had them in lots of nine and ten at a time, from which the best would be selected and the lot drafted, and so on through the class. Then the selected from the several lots would come in, consequently the horses were never all out at the same time and compared one with anothei-, the only way we think of getting at all the best, for one lot may be all good, with two superior horses like Expectation and Iris in, which, of course would be the chosen, while the next division may be a very middling lot, and the pick not so good as those previously drafted. In fact, let a man have a memory as long as the Atlantic Cable, and an eye as quick, the odds are against his doing himself justice or the exhi- bitors without he can have all the class out before him at the same time. Then how much more satisfactory would it be, we think, to the judges, exhibitors, and the public, if the judges were only presented with the numbers, height, and pedigrees of the horses, as customary at all other shows, instead of, as here, the public catalogue — with the name, address, and titles of the owner in lull, a glowing description of his horse, and a fabulous price attached to the end of it. These things do tell with some people, and the latter even if attached to the tail of a Cochin China or a smock-frock. In conse- quence of the water -jump being in the centre of the ring, the chief part of the judging takes place at one end or the other, so that a great many see little of what is going on, But we are diverging from the thirty-nine articles in horse-flesh, who, with Iris and Expectation, are far in advance of last year's lot, headed as they were by the soft, carty-looking St. Clare, and the flashy Harkaway. The latter is much improved, and again tried for honours, together with such prize horses as Tyr- connel, Brian Born, and Monarch. Then there was that tough old Chicken of Captain Heath's, a hunter of a couple of hundred years ago in form and breed, and who in his seventeenth year may be had at five hundred guineas. Iris, the prize horse at Wetherby, and of the year 1868, and whose wall eye and form now attract, as much attention on the walls of the Royal Academy as they do at Islington, came straight away from Fife by rail in a box, and landed at the Hall the over-night — out of the frying-pan into the tire this ; for anyone who has tried the rail and the Hall knows that one is hot and the other hotter ; so we were not surprised to see so high- couraged a horse fretted away and shrunk. But the Hall is too confined for Iris to show himself to advantage, in fact he is not a circus horse, and was fairly beaten on the tan or sawdust by the grand, square, symmetrical chcsnut of Sir Watkin's, a model of a weight-carrying hunter, and a show-horse from head to heel. If his joints are a little gummy what of it? as hunters are not made to look at, and most of them, especially if thay are good for anything, bear a memento of some good run. Then that noble sensible-looking head and perfect tail, how varmintly are they set on and what a jaunty way he carries them as he steps away so firm and free, as if the whole place belonged to him, and he was on good terms with everyone : or should he catch the eye of some crabbing dealer or coper who has not fingered something out of him, he has that honest independent composure that tells the fellow his abuse is useless. But we hope to see Iris and Expectation meet again in the open, either at Oxford or the Great Yorkshire Meeting, where they wiU have room on the turf to fight it out, as at Islington the prize has generally gone to the best form or " standstill" horse. The third prize. Ironmaster, is a neat horse and does not look sixteen hands and an inch, which is the greatest compliment we can pay him. The first eight in this class, with the exception of Iris and Expectation, we did not see out through the play commencing before the doors were open, so say no more about them. Of the others not already mentioned Mr. EUerby's Tubal Cain was short and compact ; Mr. Barker's Sampson, a whip's horse who did not get his hind legs under him ; Major Stapylton's Storm King by Whoo Hoop, dam by Vulcan, of good form, but w§ thougljt fifteen stone s J THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 75 top weight for him ; Mr. Welfit's Loiterer is a thick middled animal with action more adapted for a weight-carrying hack or machiner, while his Southwold was of fair form, with the exception of a slight slackness in the loin, on a short leg. Then Mr. Charles Symonds, of Oxford, has a compact, powerful, and good goer in Bombardier ; while Mr. Jewinson's The Knight is of capital form, and Mr. R. Powlett's The Roper, a light horse, of character and breed, but a bit of a pea- cock to look at. Brian Boru, with a lot of flesh on, went very well, but looked rather cobby, but then he is so even a tempered horse, and of such a constitution that he fattens where others would starve, while he travels like a commercial traveller. The prize mare in the hunting class without condition as to weight, is as handsome and as neat as can be, she is wiry and muscular, hardy-look- ing, free from lumber, and although a hunter would hold her own in Rotten Row, as a hack, and with Expectation as the hero of the hunting classes she is decidedly the Heroine, The second is a shorter horse, very handsome, and a good goer, but he is not right in his neck, and rather cramped and thick in his forehand. Their owner is noted for good-looking ones with breed, and showed Goldfinder, a very handsome and blood-like chesnut hunter and a prize-taker a year or two back. The third. Loiterer, we described in the previous class. Out of some thirty odd were Kildare, a prize horse in the weight-carriers last year; Young Artillery,a prize four-year- old at Manchester, last year, and the following, who had form, breed, and hunting characteristics : Mr. W. Craw- shaw'a Wensleydale, Mr. F. Barker's The Sweep, Mr. G. Waugh's Sir Harry Martin, Mr. G. Bland's Rival, Mr. Paterson's Terrona, Mr. Head's Planet, Mr. W. Ellerby's Ashdale and Marston, Major Stapylton's The Sti-eamer, Mr. Arlington's Limerick, Mr. Sterling's The Norman, and Mr. Wheeler's Master of Arts, a bay. and not the mealy chesnut and prize-taking impostor of that name. Coxcomb, in a very poor class of hunters, not exceeding fifteen hands two inches, was declared the winner, a light charger-like animal, or ladies' horse, and well up in doing the pretty business round a circus, or in the Row, for which he is just adapted. Bird-on-the-Wing, who has fined and improved in form since last year, and well known to show goers as a fencer, as for his stylish action, and with his hind legs always so beautifully under him, was much more to our mind, though only placed second. Mr. T. Skinner's Forester is of very good form, and exceedingly bloodlike. Mr. Badham's Eclipse had too much beef on to show to advantage. Major Quentin's Burnt Sienna, is a strong-shouldered cobby hack with a dash of the Arabian. Mr. Brown's Tiny Tim, a wild- looking chesnut, with some shape, and Mr. Harrison's Tillah has length and good ends. The four-year-olds were a capital class, and a great improvement on last year, which was about one of the very worst we can recollect. They came in in batches, and the blue ribbon was handed over to Mnlcaster for a very good-looking hunting-like horse of Mr. J. Booth's ; but as another batch came in directly after, he had much against his inclination to return it, and it was finally awarded to Comrade, steered by Webster, another well-known per- former in the ring. Comrade was bred by Mr. Pease, M.P., and looked something between a charger and one of his celebrated trotting hacks on a higher leg. Borderer, with more hunting characteristics, came in for second honours, and changed hands we heard for 200 gs. Mr. T. Thompson's Byron, Mr. E. Paddison's chesnut geld- ing, Mr. F. Stafford's Tommy, Mr. Badham's Baronet, Mr. Berridge's The General, Mr. H. D. Boulton's Brown, Major Stapylton's Fitzwilliam, were those that took our eye, while Mr. Grout's Ace of Clubs by Captain Barlow's ^9fse pf ^^!^t Dftijie got a commendation. The Ace of Clubs was by Stockwell, and departed this life a year or two back at Mr. Gerard's establishment. Rapid Bay- Adelaide. The thoroughbred stallions comprising, Cani- perdown, by the Flying Dutchman out of Harry Scurry by Pantaloon, is, like many of the Dutchmen, a light middled leggy animal. Touchwood by Touchstone, out of Bonny Bee by Galanthus, with many of the Touchstone characteristics, was of a better stamp. Deerswoodby Orlando, out of Arrow by Slane, was not much to look at. Nutbourne by the Nabob, out of Princess by the Merry INIonarch, was a long way the nicest horse of the lot. Anglo Saxon by Ethelbert, out of Griselda by Touchstone, a thick-set short-legged useful country horse. Alcibiades by Cossack, out of Aunt Philia by Epirus, the well-known steeplechaser, failed to strike us with any reverence for his form as a stallion. He was shown in hunting trim, as he has not yet been used as a stud horse, and struck us as a leggy light-loined mean-quartered narrow animal. Bertie by Newniinster, out of Queen Mary by Gladiator, had not much to recommend him besides his pedigree ; while Rowsham by King Tom, out of Mentmore Lass, did not move with any freedom ; and Diophantus by Orlando, out of Equation by Emilius, though a nice little horse, looked rather lumpy. Amsterdam and Sincerity were entered, but not in the flesh. In the riding horses with fine action, the first horse Sobraon is a good-looking powerful charger, while Angela, with some of the charger characteristics, though leather light in her back ribs, is much freer in her action than the grey Sobraon. Countess is a powerful, useful hack, and originally had the third prize, but owing to some defect in her it was given to Twilight, on the Monday, a gentlemanly hack of Mr. Spencer Leney's. Daisy, in cover hacks and roadsters, is a very handsome, powerful, cobby mare ; a nicely dappled grey, with grand action, but more adapted for harness ; while the second. Old Tom, is an old- fashioned farmers' cob, with about a ton of flesh on him, and, we think, had no right to a place before Bird on the Wing, who was shown as a cover hack. When Bird on the Wing was handed the third prize, some one gave a horrible shriek that made one's blood almost run cold, for we really thought some poor fellow was in a fit, but it turned out, we are told, to be some one interested in Bird on the Wing. A very agreeable place a horse show would become if everyone that was disappointed kicked up such an unpardonable row. In park hacks and ladies' horses Coxcomb was awarded by the new set of judges a prize. Master Stiggins is a cobby charger-like animal, smothered with flesh, while Beauty ii not good-looking enough for the name. Mr. GurneU's Elegance is a really nice ladies' horse, and Mr. Raine's Grasshopper a fine goer. In the half-bred stallions Fireaway is a powerful dark chesnut, with good action, while Quicksilver is a Norfolk trotter, of good form and action. The well-known American trotter Shepherd F. Knapp, was scarcely noticed by the judges, although this was a class for horses calculated to get trotters, — at Beverley last year, in much better company, he was awarded with a first prize. Mr. Grout's well-known horse Sportsman was present. The stallions of any breed, with an exception or two, were a wretched lot, but the winner. Sir George, was a really handsome, well-made cob. Perfection, a stallion pony, bred by Major Barlow, was one of the handsomest things we saw out. Selim is a powerful Arabian, and was shown well by Mr. Seff^ert, the well-known steeplechase rider and steerer of Moonraker many years back. The other classes were judged this morning, Monday, and among the harness horses, hacks, cobs, and ponies were several very stylish animals, but a great many of a very common stamp. Expectation, Heroine, Coxcomb, and Comrade came in to compete for the Gold Medal, The contest THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. lay between Expectation and Heroine, as Coxcomb and Comrade had not the slightest chance ; of one there is nothing, while the other is coarse. During the following week it was stated by one that Expectation had enlarged joints, by another, he had a spavin, while a third said he had sprung a back tendon, and a fourth that he brushed ; but no one discovered that the horse had two tails, which he really has, for to his foretop he has a dock about the length and size of a man's finger. As to brushing, he has carried Sir Watkin four seasons — a mere infant, who, with the hunting tackle, only pulls down a trifle under twenty stone. We can fancy Sir Watkin making many a horse brush altogether in a quarter of the time. PRIZE-LIST. Hunters. Judges. — Lord Portsmouth, Lord Coventry, Mr. Henry Chaplin, and for thorough-bred stalHons. Weight carriers up to 15 stone. — first prize of £80 and Gold Medal, to Sir Watkin W. Wynn, Wynstay, Ruabon (Expectation) ; second, £40, to Captain J. Anstruther Thomson, Charletoa, I'ife (Ins); third, £20, to Mr. H. Sanders, Brampton, Northampton (Ironmaster) ; commended, Mr. Booth, Killerby (Brian Boru). Without condition as to weight. — First prize of £50 and second of £35 to Mr. Heury Spencer Lucy, Charlcote, War- wick, for Heroine and Golden Hue ; third, £15 to Mr. S. J. Welfitl (Loiterer) ; commended, Mr. Barker (Sampson), Mr. Ellerbys (Ashdale), Mr. J. Wheeler (Master of Arts). Without condition as to weight and not exceeding 15 hands 2 inches high. — Pirst prize of £-i0, to Major Quentia, Wood- leigh, Cheltenham (Coxcomb) ; second, £20, Mr. P. Barker, Ingatestone, Essex (Bird on the Wing) ; commended, Mr. Brown's Tiny Tim and Mr. Wright's Pilot. Pour years old.— First prize of £50, Mr. T. Sutton, Mid- dleton Que Row, Darlington (Comrade) ; second, £25, Mr. J. Booth, Killerby, Yorkshire (Borderer) ; commended, Mr. E. Paddison ch. g., and Mr. J. Grout's Ace of Clubs. Riding Horses. Judges. — Colonel Maude, Mr. J. J. Baillie, and Captain Whitmore. Pine action and breed, exceeding 15 hands 3 inches high. — First prize of £20, Captain G. Cookes, London (Sobraon) ; second, £10, Lord Rosslyn, Dunmow, Essex (Angela) ; third, £5, to Mr. H. Spencer Leney (Twilight). Cover Hacks and Roadsters. Weight carriers not exceeding 15 hands 3 inches. — Pirst prize of £15 to Mr. H. Prisby, St. James Place (Daisy) ; se- cond, £10, to Mr. J. Savory, Norwich (Old Tom) ; third, £5, to Mr. P. Barker (Bird on the Wing). Park Hacks and Ladies' Horses. Not exceeding 15 hands 3 inches high. — First prize, £20, Major Quentin (Coxcomb) ; second, £10, Mr. R. Beart, Raynham, Norfolk (Master Stiggins) ; third, £5, Mr. T. Cook, Winchcombe (Beauty). Stallions. Thoroughbred" — Prize, £50 and medal, Mr. B. J. Angell, Lubbenham, Leicester (Alcibiades). Halfbred, not less than 15 hands high, for getting trotters. — Pirst prize, £30 and medal, Mr. B. Mitchells, Downham Market, Norfolk (Fireaway) ; second, £15, Mr. W. Flanders, Mildenhall (Quicksilver). Of any breed. — Prize of £15 and medal, Mr. H. Roundell, Otley (Sir George) . Not exceeding 13 hands 3 inches, for getting ponies. — Prize, £10 and Agricultural Hall Medal, Mr. J. A. Ransome, Ipswich. Prize of £10 for any animal of extraordinary merit, not qualified to compete in any of the sixteen classes, Mr. H, W. Peek, Wimbledon (Selim). Harness Horses. Not exceeding li hands 3 inches, in single harness. — Pirst prize, £15, Mr. H. Prisby (Dunstan) ; second, £10, Mr. Grout (The Colonel) ; third, £5, Mr. Gaunt (Rocket). Not exceeding 15 hands 3 inches. — Pirst prize, £15, to Mr. H. Prisby, St. James's Place (Daisy) ; second, £10, to Mr. H. Parquhar, Lowndes Square (Blackstrap) . Commended : Mr. P. G. Sechiavi, Craven Hill, (King George). Park Hacks and Ladies' Horses. Not exceeding 15 hands 1 inch. — Pirst prize, £20, to Mr. H. Prisby (Dainty) ; second, £10, to Major Quentin (Burnt Sienna) ; third, £5, Mr. G. GurneU (Quickstep). Park Cobs. High Steppers : not exceeding 14- hands 3 inches. — First prize, £20, to Mr. P. Cooper, Piccadilly (Primrose) ; second, £10, to the Duke of AVeliington (Skewbald) ; third, £5, to Mr. C. Gates (Princess). Ponies. Not exceeding 13 bands 3 inches, in single harness. — First prize, £15, Mr. AV. King, Leighton (Tommy) ; second, £8, Mr. F. Haines, Oxford Road (Miiltum in Parvo) ; third, £5, Lord Cardross (Dun). THE ISLINGTON MOUNTEBANKS. — The general arrangements were much the same as usual ; but we must notice the introduction of a water-jump just in the centre of the arena, which necessitated the judges working either at one end or other of the tan, thus being at an unfair distance from one-half of the occupants of the reserved seats. Now for the jumping itself. " Have you seen the leaping at Islington P" inquired a friend. " No." " Then by all means do so ; you will never forget it !" Accordingly we went, and first saw the ponies jump, which was all very well, as it was good fun for the boys who rode them, though we are sorry to say one poor little fellow got a severe rick in the back from his pony " bucking" the gorse, which was as high as himself. Two of them had a shy at the water-jump, and got over very well, going at it like lions, which, by the way, goes to prove, if dwarfs are sharper than giants, as is generally held to be the case in the human race, the reverse holds good with horses; for the big ones for tlie most part did not see it, and either declined, or jumped most unwillingly. Tliey thus showed themselves to be mucii wiser than their owners and riders. When the horses came in, the scene of uproar and confusion was beyond all description, some riding one way at a fence, some another, at one and the same time, hacks, hunters, and cobs of low degree being mi.xed up in one confused mass. The secretary mounted a hack, and " tittupped" about in the melee, gesticulating and imploring them to keep order, but all to no purpose. He was wise in his generation ; for it was exceed- ingly warm for what Dickey Boggledike termed " the fut people" — and the poor fellows who repaired damages and kept the tan raked were in a position that receiving cavalry in square would be a fool to. One of them was so near jumped upon that the horse's head knocked off his hat, and he only saved himself by scuttling away in tlie most ludicrous fashion. Then the riding was a sight to witness. Pew men, except the very eh/e of our amateurs, escape making themselves ridiculous when they get up in public, either lor racing or steeple-chasing ; but here, where the oi jjolloi attempted to " witch the world with noble horsemanship," the effect beggared description. Could they but see themselves as others see them, many a man would decline playing the clown on horseback. One gentleman managed to get thrown over into the arms of the crowd, who kindly and considerately threw him up into his saddle again, amidst roars of laughter. Another came down, and laid gasping like a flat fish, whilst iiis horse deliberately trotted along his back, luckily without injury. Then there was great splashing into the water-jump by those who condescended to try it, which was a small minority, however. One or two got pretty well over ; but with them negociating Mr. Sidney's puddle would be held by hunting-men to be but a poor passport to safety over a country ; in fact, a couple of little ponies, as we said above, did it as well as anything. No wonder such crowds are attracted ; for it is the most ridiculous and laughable exhibi- tion in London, and surpasses all that Leech ever conceived of fools on horseback. One or two will be killed some day; but as no on* with any sense would trust himself in such a situation, perhaps the mourning won't be very great when it happens. — The Sporting Gazette. THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE HORSE SHOW.— On June 10th Dr. Lankester held an inquest at the Angel, Is- lington, on the body of Mr. Francis Barker, aged 55, horse dealer, of Westlands, Ingatestone, who fell with his horse, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 77 while riding round the ring at the Agricultural ILilI, on iMoii- day afternoou, and died on Wednesday night. Mr. Bari«. »ii all Clieniist!*, Seedei- men, Ii-onuiong-^^rs. and otiiers titrons'iiout the Kins'doui. A 51b. TIN IS SUFFICIENT FOR TWENTY-FIVE SHEEP. No Dipping Apparatus necessary, common Tubs being all required. (See the simple Directions for Use on each Tin.) j7 ha k d I n g, Sole Manufacturer, 20, Nicholas Lane, Cannon Street, London, E.G. LONDON AND COUNT\ BANKING COMPANY. ESTABLISHED 1836. SUBSOEIBBD CAPITAL... £2,600,000, in 50,000 SHARES of £50 EACH. PAID-UP CAPITAL... £1,000,000 RESERVE FUND... £500,000. NATHANIEL ALEXANDER, Esq. T. TYRINC-HAM BERNARD, Esq. PHILIP PATTON BLYTH, Esq. JOHN WM. BURJMESTER, Esq. P. P. BLYTH, Esq | WILLIAM JAfiDINE, Esq. | DIRECTORS. THOMAS STOCK COWIE, Esq. FKEDEaiCK FRANCIS, Esq. FREDERICK HARRISON, Esq. LORD ALFRED HERVEY. TRUSTEES. J. W. BURMESTER, Esq. | AUDITORS WILLIAM NORMAN, Esq. WILLIAM CHAMPION JONES, Esq. E. HARBORD LUSHINGTON, Es(i. JAMES MORLEY, Esq. WILLIAM NICOL, Esq. W. CHAMPION JONES, Esq. I EICHARD H. SWAINE, Esq. General Manager— WILLIAM McKEWAN, Esq. CHIEF INSPECTOR. INSPECTORS OF BRANCHES. CHIEF AO^^OUNTANT. W. J. NORFOLK, Esq. H. J. LEMON, Esq., and C. SHERRING, Esq. JAMES GRAY, Esq. Solicitors— Messrs. STEVENS, WILKINSON, & HARRIES. Secretart— F. CLAPPISON, Esq. HEAD OFFICE, 21, Manager— WHITBREA.D TOMSON, Esq. | LOMBARD STREET. Assistant Manager— WILLIAM HOWARD, Esq. THE LONDON AND COUNTY BANK opens— DRAWING ACCOUNTS with Commercial Houses and Private Individuals, either upon the plan usually adopted by other Bankers, or by charging a small Commission to those persons to whom it may not be convenient to sustain an agfeed Permanent Balance. j t ^ ■ DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS.— Deposit Receipts are issued for sums of Money placed upon these Accounts, and Interest m allowed for such peri' da and at such rates as may be agreed upon, reference being had to the state of the Money Market. CIRCULAR NOTES AND LETTERS OF CRKDIT are issued, payable in the principal Cities and Towns of the Con- tinent, in Australia, Canada, India, and China, the United States, and elsewhere. The Agency of Foreign and Country Banks is undertaken. The PoRCHASB and Sale of Government and other Stocks, of English or Foreign Shares effected, and DiTiDBifDS, AwNTJiTiEB, &c , received for Customers of the Bank. Great faciUties are also afforded to the Customers of the Bank fcr the receipt of Money Trom the Towns where the Com- pany has Branches. The Officers of the Bank are bound not to disclose the transactions of any of its Customers. By Order of the Dii ectors, WM. MoKEWAN, (Jcneral Manager. HALF A MILL HAS BEEN PAID BY THE I' AS COMPENSATION FO^ ACCIDENTS OF AU KINDS (RIDING, DRIVING, WALKING, HUNTING, &c.) An Annnal Payment of iB3 to £6 5s. insures iBl,000 at deatb, and an allowance at tlie rate of J6 per week for injury. A BONUS TO ALL POLICY HOLDERS OE FIVE YEARS' STANDING HAS BEEN DECLARED, PAYABLE IN AND AFTER 1871. For particulars, apply to the Clerks at the Railway Stations, to the Local Agents, or at the Offices, 64, COENHILL, and 10, REGENT STREET, LONDON. WILLIAM J. VIAN, Secretart. THE FARMEU'S MAGAZINE VOLUME THE THIRTY-EIGHTH. THIRD SERIES. ULY TO DECEMBER MD'.CCCLXX. LONDON : PUBLISHED RY ROGERSON AND TUXFORD, .6r,. STRAND. ,UY BE nAD BY OEDEB THBOtlOH ALB BOOSSEBBBB B, LONDON : PRINTED BY UOGEliSON AND TUXFORI), 205, STRAND. v> 38 INDEX. A. A National Rate, 371 Abortion in Cows, 38 3 Administration of the Poor Laws, Ihe, 293 Agricultural Customs, 171 _ ,. . , _„_ Agricultural Returns of Australia for the year ^S<39, 70 ^,, ^ ,^, Agricultural Labourer, Ihe, 197, 'Ifal Agricultural Intelligence, 177, 362 Agricultural Reports, 176, 449, 515 Agricultural Review, 449 Agricultural Shows, l65 , Agricultural Benevolent Institution, Ihe iloyal. Agriculture, Calendar of, 81, 174, 259, 359, 453, "542 ^,. Agricultural Intelligence, 450, o40 Agriculture in Normandy, 185 Agriculture in British India, 325 Agriculture, Chambers of:— Central, The, 42, 422, 523, 534 Central and Local, 539 Essex, SO Hungerford, 540 Scottish, 470 Suffolk, 423 York, 80 Agricultural Societies — Bath and West of England, 8, 15, 219, 317, 483 Bedfordshire, 430 Bridlington, 212 Cambridge and Isle of Ely, 123 Cheshire, 344 Cleveland, 335 Cork, 228 Cornwall, 37 Craven, 3U ' Cumberland, 397 , ^ , .-,, ,„^ Dariington and South Durham, 226, 230 Dorchester, 233 Driffield and East Riding, 227 East Derbyshire, 388, 395 Essex, 144 Glamorganshire, 346 Gloucestershire, 232 Greasby and Selstone, 394 Hants and Berks, 118 ,„ .. r a^^tWnd Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, 77, 206, 504 Huntingdonshire, 389 Keighley, 313 Lancashire, 234 Lauderdale, 447 Ledbury, 396 Leicestershire, 338 Lincolnshire, 202 Ludlow, 431 Manchester, 331 Midland, 421 Newton on Derwent, 1 4 4 Norfolk, 109 North Shropshire, 343 Northampton, 337 Northumberland, 231 Penistone, 250 Penrith, 392 Peterborough, 127 Richmondshire, 333 Royal Tgricultural Society of England, 34, 88, 136, 150, 220, 244, 506 Roval and Central Bucks, 348 Soya Agricultural Society of veknd, 221 Royal Agricultural Society of Dublin, 251 Stafifordshire, 399 Stow-on-the-AVold, 337 SuflFolk, 122 Teviotdale, 401 Thirsk, 229 Thome, l65 Yorkshire, 213, 249 Warwick, 341 Whitby, 234 Wigton, 393 Worcester, 312 Worsley and Swinton, 310 Autumn Culture, 261 Australian Exportations, 254 Averages, Comparative, 86, 180, 3D0 Tithe Rent, 104 Averages, Comparative, 4o, 551 Ayrshire Cow, The, 460 . p,,.„ o Aylesbury Dairy-Description of Plate, 2 B. Banflfshire Cattle Show, 143 Beet Sugar, by Cuthbert W Johnson, 182 Beet Sugar Business, The, 149 Birmingham Horse Show, The, 24b Bog Land, Utilization of, 1 1 9 Breeding and Rearing of Horses 30 Breeding Flock on Heavy Land, 49 British Fruits, Our, 103 Buying by Analysis, 1 35 Calendar of Gardening, 8?. 175, 260, 360, 454, 543 Capital in Agriculture, 33 Cart Horses or Dray Horses, 185 Cattle Market, The Foreign 466 Cattle Trade, Review of the, 83, 176, 268, 361, 449, 545 THE EMBELLISHMENTS H Lord Walsingham 1 Aylesbury Dairy Company 2 Kingcraft 87 Euston Park 87 Duchess, a Prize Norfolk . . 181 Expectation, a Prize Hunter . 181 Lady Anne, a Prize Shorthorn . 273 Gamos . 274 Royal Dorset Ram 367 The Staff 368 Trojan, a Prize Hereford . 459 Perfection, a Prize Pony . . 459 ^3 £A-^t No, 2, Vol. XXXVIII.] AUGUST, 1870. Third Series. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE, AND MONTHLY JOURNAL OP THE AdEICULTUEAL INTEREST. TO THE FARMERS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. LONDON : PUBLISHED BYROGERSON AND TUXFORD, 265, STRAND. PRICE TWO SHILLINGS. BOGSBSON AND TUXFORD,] [PBTISTBRS, 886, gTRANP, ^«B»SSB«M»WP»--I'_*'"'«JP."J"'.'i'!l' "''» * !■ i.i.»)UU.ili-kiJi . ASK YOUE GEOCERS OR CHEMISTS FOE d^ETELIN'S TAPIOCA BEEF BOXTILLOK, A most delicious and nutritious Soup for 2d. a Pint, or for Thickening Broths from any Meat, SOLD IN CANISTERS, containing 5 portions, Is. ; 12 ditto, 2s. 3d. ; 25 ditto, 4s. 6d. ; 50 ditto, 8s. 6d. ; 100 ditto, 16s. Each portion will make a pint of Soup. §ole Manufacturers— C^SlTEIillV & CO., Produce Merchants, Manufacturers of Granulated Tapioca, International Mustard, and Rizina, Belgraye House, Argyle Square, Ring's Cross, London, W.c: BEAUTIFULLY EMBELLISHED WITH HIGHLY FINISHED STEEL ENGRAVINGS PORTRAITS OF THE NOBILITY, ETC. PuMUhed Monthly— Price One Shilling. PUBLISHED BY ROGERSON & TUXFORD, 266, STRAND, LONDON. May b« Ihad of all Books ellers. CHEAP SUNDAY AND WEEK-DAY READING FOR THE PEOPLE. Mow Publishing, A VERY CHEAP RELIGIOUS PERIODICAL. Containing original contributions by several of the Bishops and many other distinguished Divines ; Narratives ; Sketches of Natural History; Biography, Missionary Proceedings, Juvenile Reading, Poetry, &c., with a Register of Eccle- siastical Intelligence ; the whole combining amusement vrith instruction, in a style suited for all classes of readers. A series of Parish Churches, with Illustrations of a superior kind is in course of publication. This series, which wUl be of a very extended character, will be found of particular interest. Intending subscribers are requested to send their orders without delay, as the back volumes and parts are now becoming tbby scarce. As the Magazine enjoys a circulation far exceeding that of any other church periodical, and is read by all classes of society, it wiU be found a very ehgible medium for Adver- tisements, which are conspicuously printed, and inserted at the most reasonable rate. Vol. LXVI., Imperial Svo., Embossed Cloth, 480 pages, with highly-finished Illustrations of Parish Churches, price 6s. 6d. London : Published in weekly numbers, price lid., and in monthly parts, price 9d,, by S. BWINS & SON, 9, Ave Maria Lane; ROGERBON .., TUXFORD, 265, Strand, W.C. j and sold by aU Booksellers. Now Ready, Cloth, in tv/o Volumes, 782 pp., with four steel Portraits, Price 10s., uniform with « SCOTT AND SEBRIGHT," " SILK AND SCARLET," &c., FIELD AND FERN, OR SCOTTISH FLOCKS AND HERDS, BY H. H. DIXON. With Steel Engravings of Mr. Hugh Watson, Professor Dick, Mr. Nightingale, and the late Duke of Richmond, &c. The Volumes, "North" and "South" (of the Frith of Forth) may he had separately-Price FIVE SHILLINGS each. i J Copies will be sent by Post on application to the Author. PUBLISHED BY ROGERSON AND TUXFORD, 2%h STRAND. \Si ?l>^ 1 -^«^- -^ n'limwnHaii ii(itnl((W r ^ THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. AUGUST, 1870. PLATE I. IN EUSTON PARK. The lawas were dry in Eastou Park ; Uere truth inspires my tale. At aay rate they must have beeu dry enough until very lately, and the hundi-ed or so of polled Scots have found it hard work to get a living even over so extensive a range. We are not quite so sui'e but that Polls, Devous, or more especiaily West Highland oxen, are a greater orna- ment to a nobleman's park than even the deer. Or, any- how, they may go very well together, and share and share alike. PLATE II. KINGCRAFT; a Thoroughbred Colt. THE PROPERTY OF LORD FALMOUTH. Kingcraft, bred by Lord Falmouth in 1867, is by King Tom, out of Woodcraft by Voltigeur, her dam by Venison, out of Wedding Day by Camel — Margellina by Whisker. King Tom, bred by Mr. Thellusson in 1851, is by Harkaway, out of Pocahontas by Glencoe. King Tom was a superior race-horse, and when quite off ran a good second to Andover for the Derby. His stock came out as two-year-olds iu 1859, and he is the sire, amongst other winners, of King of Diamonds, Maiustone, Irene, Prince Plausible, Queen of the Vale, Tomyris, Janus, Old Calabar, Queen of Spain, Wingrave, Kean, Otho, Tom Fool, Crafton Lass, Evelina, Hippolyta, King of the Vale, Mogadore, Tomato, Breeze, King Charming, War- rior, Guiniveve, Janitor, King Hal, Dalesman, Kingsley, Rhymer, Tourmalin, Warrior, Tormentor, Hippia, Con- tempt, Gaiety, Jasper, Osprey, King Alfred, Kingsley, Nyanza, Restitution, War Queen, Mahonia, and King- craft. Up to the close of last season. King Tom was the sire of more than a hundred winners, and his stock now includes one winner of the Derby in Kingcraft, and two winners of the Oaks in Tormenter and Hippia, while the best show stallion of his time is indisputably Dalesman. King Tom is of course still at Mentmore, where they will get fonder of him than ever. Woodcraft, although bred by Mr. George Bryan at Jenkinstown iu Ireland in 1861, has a good old West Old Sbriei.] Country pedigree — the dash of Venison, Wedding Da , and Margellina, by Whisker, with which Mr. Wreford was to be identified ; and it somewhat noticeable that the Irish lass should have now settled down close to the home of her ancestors. But Woodcraft was no runner, as her two-year-old performances were not above plating form, and she was sold during the following season to Lord Falmouth for 200 gs., and at once sent to the stud. Her produce, so far, runs thus: In 1866, a nameless and worthless colt by Newminster ; in 1867, Kingcraft, by King Tom; in 1868, a filly by Dundee; in 1869, a filly by Saunterer ; and in 1870, a colt by Blair Athol. After the taste with Kingcraft, the mare has of course been put again this season to King Tom. Kingcraft is a good -coloured bay horse, standing ai close as can be upon sixteen hands high. He has an ex- pressive, very bloodlike head ; a strong neck, with powerful shoulders, standing with his forelegs rather under him. He is good in his girth, has great depth in his fore-ribs, is clean but somewhat light in his bone, and a trifle high from the hock to the ground. He has, how- ever, beautifully shaped feet and fetlocks ; and, if con- veying something of delicacy in his general character, was a long way the most stylish-looking horse in the Derby. His preparation was perfect ; clear in his coat , bright in his eye, and almost, as it would seem, flattered 11 " (ToL. LXVITT.— Nc. e. 88 THE FAEMBE'S MAGAZINE. iu his work. He was iadeed uo doubt bigger when he stripped for the Derby thau when he ran for the Two Thousand Guineas. Kingcraft has started twelve times, Avon seven, divided once, ran second once, and third three times. During the twelve or thirteen years Lord Falmouth has been on the Turf, he has enjoyed a degree of success which he has justly merited, for he is the very model of a sportsman in these days when money and the market have so great an influence on the doings of Lords and Commoners. He breeds his own horses, he never bets and he acts on his own opinion in mating his mares and in engaging and running his horses. His Lordship has now won both the great races at Epsom, Kingcraft's vic- tory having been preceded by that of Queen Bertha for the Oaks in 1863, while Lord Falmouth also bred Gamos, the winner of this year's Oaks. As an agriculturist. Lord Falmouth is famous for his Devons and Shropshires, which are as successful on the showground as liis horses are on a course, ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. MEETING AT OXFORD. The Ransomes,theGarretts,and the Howards were then to be found, as they still continue, amongst the leading exhibitors of implements, when the first meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society was held in Oxford thirty-one years since. But, on the other hand, there is not one noted breeder of stock who countenanced the opening experiment again to be traced in the catalogue. It is indeed doubtful whether either through themselves or their successors any of the great herd or flock masters of those days are here to be identified. The Bate« Duchesses, like " the Tenth," don't dance, at any rate not in public ; Stephen Grantham is almost forgotten on the Southdowns ; and Samuel Bennett and his people have passed away from the Woburn records. There are but few, as the Duke of Devonshire said at the general meeting on the Tuesday, who have now any cognizance of the Oxford Show of 1839- Sed mild contingit adire Cor'mthnm; we were amongst those few who had been to that other Oxford meeting, although possibly we then scarcely regarded a pedigree animal or worshipful judge with all the reverence we have of course since come to feel. But there are judges and judges, as there are breeds and breeds by this time. There is stock now which can fill class after class at a national meeting, and command customers from all parts of the world, that in 1839 had little or no repute whatever out of its own imme- diate district. Your Shropshires, your Lincolns, and your Dorsets had hardly been heard of, and your very Oxfords never even invented. The black poUs might have a name in Aberdeen as the red polls in Norfolk, while the Sussex beasts were slowly toiling towards the head-land, and the Longhorn disputed the supremacy of the Durham ox. But times have changed, and we had almost said breeds too. The brindled bull is by this well content to take a prize from the lucky-bag of the other breeds, and the Shorthorn rings are crowded three or four deep from the very moment the judges go to work. There are said to be some famous Herefords which nobody goes to see ; the smaller show of Devons is, if possible, held in still less regard, and the very horses do not draw as might have been expected. There are certainly some connoisseurs in Southdown mutton to be seen about ; as the over-anxious locals look to the fortunes of their beloved Oxfords, and the Shropshire men wear gamely through the four hours or so that their chosen authorities require to settle a single class. But if you wish to find a man, a monied man more especially, you must seek him amongst the Shorthorns, where our distinguished yisitors are ready to pay us the most Stirling of com- pliments, and to give forthwith fifteen hundred for a heifer or two thousand for a cow. Booth or Bates, whichever you please. Mr. Cochrane, from Montreal, has just purchased two heifers. Duchess 101st and Duchess 103rd for 2,500 gs. the pair; whilst he has also taken Lady Grateful, an own sister to Lady Fragrant, of Mr. Booth, for 1,500 gs. ; and when we left Oxford on Wednesday, negocia- tions were pending, at the corner of what was known as " the refreshment Booth," for the purchase of Lady Fra- grant herself. 2,000 gs. had been refused, and Lord Kesteven was engaged in the nice duty of bringing the contracting parties together ; as in fact, it was whispered that, at a meeting on the previous evening, a resolution had been put and carried, the purport of which was that henceforth no Duchess would be sold at any less price than, two thousand. In the face of all this Patricia, one of the plums shipped, at 1,000 gs., died within a day's sail of New York ; but although the intelligence only reached Oxford during the progress of the meeting, the effect was the very reverse of what might have been expected. Everybody was anxious to buy something to go abroad, and as the Hereford breeders were quite content to ask tens where the Shorthorn chiefs refused hundreds, business again was brisk, as our story of the week will presently show. Otherwise, beyond the zest imparted by the extraordinary value of certain strains which were not represented here, the show of Shorthorns was by no means above an average ; its merit, in truth mainly de- pending upon the entries of certain well-known animals, which either did or should have placed themselves, set off as these were by as ragged a rank and file as has been paraded for many a day. There were good judges at Manchester who fancied that Bolivar was then training off", although we could not share in such opinion, and his appearance at Oxford did anything but confirm any such unfavourable impression. He has thickened and furnished without growing either paunchy or patchy ; his very coat has lost something of its rusty hue, and he is at all points for style and quality, with show condition not over-done, as handsome and as taking a buU as has been out for many a long day. Edgar, the second prize buU here and also second in the same class at Manchester, has also gone on well in the interim, being a true, deep, square buU, lacking something of the fashion of Bolivar, but fairly earning his place. The lengthy useful Baron Killerby has always been a favourite of ours, whether the judges looked at him or not, as too fre- quently they refused to do from his smutty nose, or he must often have had as good a place as he took here, At THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. Manchester and at Beverley last year the judges refused to pass Baron Killerby for this reason, and the line cer- tainly looks to be rather loosely drawn, when a beast can be qualified and disqualified on a point that is after all a simple matter of fact. The famous Irish bull, Sovereign, made nothing like the impression expected, and it was by no means so clear that he would even get as near as he did. He was not very blooming, as at the best would have nothing very imposing in his appearance, while he begins badly with a mean, delicate head. The judges refused the neat Hogarth any notice, although he was kept in amongst the last half-dozen or so, while they highly commended the very showy Shuttlecock of Mr. Fawkes' breeding, but Fra Diavolo from the same herd has trained terribly off, and with no longer any preten- sions in public. The eight or nine more included Royal Butterfly 20th, and Mandarin the first and second in the old bull class at Taunton, but beyond a mere commenda- tion to the Butterfly neither made much mark here, as the white, from a mishap, is fast losing all his early promise. The best of a very moderate lot of two-year- olds, the Scotch Scotsman, a very successful animal in his own country, has been sold for 150 gs. to go away, and a well-grown, lengthy bull he is ; whereas the Towneley Hubback, merely commended as a yearling at Manchester was not only plain but lame, and on very little showing worthy of being put so forward. The white Cumberland placed next has more appearance, and is altogether a smart young bull in, as we have said, a very ordinary class. Amongst the yearlings there were some better beasts, and here one of the sensations of the day occur- red. At the recent meeting of the Essex Society at Saff^ron Walden we spoke to the great merit of a yearling exhibited by Lord Braybrooke ; while at the dinner ]Mr. Thurnall said for the judges Heydon Duke was " the best he had ever seen, and he hoped he would be sent to Oxford, as it was well deserving of Royal honours." And he was sent to Oxford, where outside the ring everybody pronounced Heydon Duke to be manifestly the best of a very good class. Immense accordingly was the surprise when the Duke was only placed third to Lady Bigot's Bythis ; whereas in Essex Heydon Duke beat Bythis. The judges at Saffron Walden were Messrs. Bowley, Lynn, and Savage, against Messrs. Aylmer, Bowstead, and Singleton at Oxford. It is as well to give these particulars, because some acknow- ledged good men declared that after such a decision there must be an end to all judging by rule or point. Heydon is, in fact, a very taking animal ; a good roan in colour, of beautiful quality, with a deep frame, a good head, and very broad and grand to meet. He has, however, a somewhat drooping carriage, going with his head down : whereas Bythis, by the aid of long Ward, shows himself famously, and he certainly never looked better than he did at Oxford. With such well laid shoulders, by far his best point, he is bound to walk ; but beyond his action and quality there is not m»ch to be said in his favour, for he begins and ends badly, being especially faulty about his quarters. Still it is only fair to say that, with the exception of Saffron Walden, Bythis has taken the first prize on every occasion of his being shown during the present year : at Taunton, where, as we said, there was a very poor class against him ; at Harleston, where, beyond Lord Walsingham's big yearling, there was nothing of " much account" ; and at Royston, where he was not only the best of his class but the best bull in the show, beating Baron Killerby, Charles-le-Beau, and others. The white Yorkshire bull. Lord Irwin, was much liked, and had the prizes of Bythis and Heydon Duke been trans- posed there would have been little to complain of: but returned as they were on the list, we are bound to say that we never heard a more general or a stronger expression of opinion against an award. Another ^ Irish prize bull and a son of Sovereign, Mr. Chaloner's Sir Leopold, looked to be a very ordinary beast, but he made 250 gs. to go to New Zealand. The bull-calves ran up to a very pretty class, Mr. Budding's best being particu- larly promising lengthy and stylish, as well backed by one from Burderop for second ; while Messrs. Hoskyn gave a couple of hundred for the merely commended Towneley Oxford, a far higher reserve being of course put upon the reserve number, Maid of Oxford's Baronet, about as awkward a title as ever was heard of, as in the next gene- ration it should run to Maid of Oxford's Baronet's son and heir. The class was very liberally and very deservedly distinguished by commendations ; and with the sample they "have, the Messrs. Hoskyn may make more mark the next time they come clean out of the West. Curiously enough, through an oversight, they were too late this year in sending their entries for both the West of England and the AU-Englaud meetings, although their stock did so well at the Cornwall show. If one might attempt to read the human countenance as any reflex of a man's opinions, we should question very much whether any of the decisions in the Shorthorn cow and heifer classes were unanimously arrived at, as un- doubtedly some of these gave as little general satisfaction as they could have done to the out-voted judge. Those famous prize animals Queene of Rosalea and Lady Anne were never, perhaps, seen to so much advantage as at Oxford. They had got rid of some of the lumpy coarse- ness they both threatened to feed iuto, and the Queene, more particularly, came out a fine, lengthy, blood-like cow. Nevertheless she was again placed no higher than second, although there was now no Lady Frugrant to eclipse the class. The best of all turned- up in a red and white heifer, exhibited by Mr. George Game, whose luck this season has been something extraordinary, while it will serve as a capital advertisement to the Churchill Heath sale that is talked of. Lady Lavinia is a deep, plain, short, stumpy beast, of little' or no style in the ring, how- ever good in her touch, and the chief points in her favour looked to be that she is but little over three years old and that she was led in by the Towneley herdsman, who might measure for inches against John Ward himself. For our own part we should have infinitely preferred Mr. Game's best cow at Taunton, the more lady-like Pride of the Heath, whose second in the West, although unnoticed here, was sold forthwith by Mr. Stratton to go to Sydney. There were two or three more nice cows in this class, whilst in the baker's dozen or so of two-year-olds, there was another surprise, and fortune still smiling on the home bred stock. With Colonel Towneley, Lady Pigott, Mr. Stratton, Mr. Howe, the Games and Mr. Eastwood exhibiting, the best of all was ultimately declared to be Mr. Mumford's Camilla, a heifer which at the county show in Oxford last summer took merely a commendation, as she did no more at Northampton, although later in the year she won prizes at such minor meetings as Aylesbury and Tring. She is already grow- ing very unsightly behind, is short of coat, harsh and common, as the decision in her favour was altogether about the greatest fluke of the day, for we most assuredly never expect to see Camilla do so well again in anything like the same class of company. But it was a great victory, however arrived at, with a red Butterfly for second, and Mr. Stratton's big and good Peeress, the best of her class at Taunton as third ; with such success- ful animals as La Belle Helene and Windsor's Butterfly coming in for some commendation. Putting the sheep show out of the argument no doubt the best tilled class in the catalogue was that which ran up to some thirty odd entries of yearling Shorthorn heifers, at whose disposal, the steward, Mr. Jacob Wil- s 2 90 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. sou, very judiciously put the two companion rings ; and as tliey paraded tliis was certainly a sight to see. Still, from the first it was very apparent what must or should win, and we have only to hope that the award here was at any rate, so far as the best went, a unanimous con- clusion. In our notice of the Essex meeting we spoke to Pleydon Duke and Mr. Macintosh's " two real gems of heifers as the cracks of the yard ;" and there can be little question but that Lady Knightley 2nd was the best of all the Shorthorn cows or heifers at Oxford. She is so thoroughly fashionable, so grand perhaps rather than merely handsome in her appearance, with a rich roan coat, the very finest quality of flesh, and but for a certain narrowness in her quarters, and lightness of thigh, as true in her symmetry. Still, The Knightley won easily enough in a good class, and was sold, as it seemed to be by comparison a bargain, for 500 gs. for Australia. Not but there was something to beat. Mr. Budding's second for instance. The Countess of Yarboi'ough, is a wonder- fully good square heifer, that looks like growing into something still better, although she has made her mark already at Northampton, Lincoln, and Beverley last year; and she goes to America at precisely the same figure as The Knightley, 500 gs. So that, with the market it making it so near a thing, the judges might have divided here also. Mr. Howe's third, Vesper Queen, has also deservedly some repute, and of Mr. Stratton's pair we thus wrote when we saw them a few weeks since in the West : " There is a vast improvement observable in the best Royal calf, Flower Girl, who has dropped to her leg, and is now growing into a really stylish charm- ing heifer, so that the Manchester award would seem to be gathering confirmation. Not that the judges here by any means held to it, for they placed Gertrude, from the same herd, and a merely commended calf at Manchester, first, while, as second to her, they put Flower Girl the best of all at Manchester. Gertrude is some months older than the other, as she is level enough, but short and vulgar forward, and so far as the two be concerned, there can be little question but that the Royal reading was the better one." And the Royal reading was again the better, as Flower Girl was now put above the other, being the reserve number , .1. PuUe.y, jun.. Lower Eaton, Hereford (Vixen); second of £10, 1*. Gaudin, Spring Farm, St. Martin's, Jersey (Floribundus). Reserve and Highly Commended : J. Pulley, jun. (Spiteful). Commended : W. Gilbey (15an) ; G. Digljy Wingficld Digby, Sherborne, Dorset (Julia) ; W. Chamberlin, Adderbury East House, Banbury (Ada) ; J. James, Les Vauxbelets, Guernsey (Dairymaid) ; and J. James (Lassie). Heifer, in-milk or in-calf, not exceeding three years old. — First prize, £15, P. Gaiidin ; second of £10, G. Huyshe, Rosenheim, Guernsey (Rosette). Reserve and Highly Com- mended : H. Middloton, Cutteslowo, Oxford (Ruby). Highly Commended: H. J. Le Fouvre (Duchess 11th). Commended": W. Gibley (Banshee) ; C. M. Owen, Walton House, Oxford (TwiUght) ; D. Cheminant, Sablons, Guernsej' (Nanny) ; T. B. Le Page, Maisou de Bat, Guernsey (Fanny) ; H. Middle- ton (Ringlet) ; and the Rev. T. K. Chittenden, Kirtlington, Oxford (Beauty). NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK POLLED. Judges. — T. Overman, T. Pope. RrB. Warren. Bull above one year old. — First prize, £15, B. Brown, Thursford, Thetford (Norfolk Duke) ; second of £10, J.J. Col- man, Carrow House, Norwich (Cherry Duke). Reserve and Highly Commended : S. Wolton (Broadback). Commended: Lord Sondes, Elmham Hall, Thetford (Bohemian). Cow above three years old. — First prize, £15, J. Hammond, Bale, Thetford (Butler) ; second of £10, S. Wolton (Sprightly). , Reserve and Highly Commended: B. Brown (Duchess). Commended: S. Wolton (Battersea Favourite), and Colonel Tomlme, (Polly). Heifer in-milk or in-calf not exceeding thi-ee j'ears old. — First prize, £15, J. Hammond (Buttercup) ; second of £10, Lord Sondes. Reserve and Highly Commended : B. Brown (Hansom). Commended: B. Brown (Countess). OTHER ESTABLISHED BREEDS. Judges. — G. Morgan. S. W. Urwick. H. Yeomans. Bull above one j'ear old. — First prize, £15, the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, Stowe, Buckingham (Young Conqueror— Longhorn) ; second of £10, T. Statter, Ju". ♦ (Polled Angus). Reserve and Highly Commended: R. H. Chapman, Upton, Nuneaton (Earl of Rolbright — Long- horn). Commended: Z. W. Stilgoe, Adderbury Grounds, Oxon (The Prince — Polled Angus). Cow above three years old. — First prize, £15, J. Godfrey, Wigston Parva, Hinckley (Red Rose 2nd — Longhorn); second of £10, T. Smith, Beckley, Hawkhurst (Betty- Sussex). Reserve and Highly Commended : R. H. Chap- man (Brindled Beauty— Longhorn). Commended : T. Smith, (Pagg— Sussex). Heifer in-milk or in-calf not exceeding three years old. — First prize, £15, T. Statter, Jun. (Polled Angus) ; second of £10, the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (Lady Caroline — Longhorn) . Reserve : G. Jenner, Parsonage House, Udi- more, Rye (Young Cooke — Sussex). Pair of Cows shown in full milk, specially adapted for Dairy Purposes. — First prize, £13, T. Statter (Ayrshire) ; second of £3, H. Middleton (Jersey). Reserve and Highly Commended : H. Middleton (Jersej-). Commended: T. Game and Son (Mozelle and Misfortune— Shci thorns) . SHEEP. LEICESTERS. Judges. — C. Clarke, Scopwick, Sleaford. S. Jefferson, Preston Hows, Whitehaven. G. Walmsley, Rudston House, Bridlington. Shearling Ram. — First prize, £20, J. Borton, Barton House, Barton-le-Street, Malton ; second of £10, the Executor of the late Lieut. -Col. W. Inge, of Thorpe Coustantiue, Tamworth; third of £5, the Executor of the late Lieut. -Col. W. Inge. Reserve and Highly Commended : T. H. Hutchinson, Manor House, Catterick. Highly Commended : J. Borton. Com- mended : G. Turner, jun., Alexton Hall, Uppingham (for two rams) ; G. H. Sanday, Holme Pierrepont ; and J. Borton. Ram of any other age. — First prize, £20, J. Borton (Blue Cap) ; second of £10, J. Borton (Black Eye) ; third of £5, G. H. Sanday. Reserve and Highly Commended : G. Tm-ner, jun. Highly commended : G. Tmmer, jun. (for another ram). Commended: G. H. Sanday. Pen of five Shearling Ewes. — First prize, £15, the Executor of the late Lieut. -Col. W. Inge; second of £10, T. H. Hut- chinson ; third of £5, J, Borton, Reserve and Highlj' Com- mended: Q. H. Sanday. Commended: E. Riley, Kipling Cotes, Beverley. COTSWOLDS. Judges. -J. G. Attwater, Britford, SaUsbury. T. Porter, Barnton, Ciiencester. E. Ruck, Castle Hill, Cricklado. ShearUng Ram.— First prize, £20, T. Brown, Marham Hall Farm, Downham Market, Norfolk ; second of £10, R. Lane, Cottage Farm, Eastingtun, Northlcach ; third of £5, T. Brown. Reserve and Highly Commended : T. Brown. Ram of any other age.— First prize, £20, T. B. Browne, Salperton Park, Andovcrsford ; second of £10, J. Godwin, Troy Farm, Somcrton, Deddington ; third of £5, J. Godwin. Reserve and Highly Commended: T. Brown, Marham. Pen of five Shearling Ewes.— First prize, £15, J. Gillott, Minster Lovell, Witney; second, J. Gillett; third of £5, R. (iarne, Aldsworth, Northlcach. Reserve: J. Gillett. Ten Ewes, without reference to age, who have suckled lamlis to June 1st.— The prize, £15, The Executors of the late T. Gillett, Kilkenny Farm, Faringdon. Reserve : J. Williams' Caercadj', Cowbridge. Ten Ram Lambs.— The prize, £10, J. Gillett, Oaklands, (Jharlbury. Reserve: C. Gillett, Lower Haddon, Bamptou, Faringdon. Ram of any age.— First prize, £5, J. Godwin. Reserve : W. Cother, Middle Aston. LINCOLNS. Judges (and for Ryland and other Longwool). — W. Bartholomew, Waddington Heath, Lincoln. J. H. Caswell, Loughton, Folkingham. H. Mackinder, Langton Grange, Spilsby. Shearling Ram.— First prize, £20, T. Gunnell, Milton, Cam- bridge ; second of £10, R. Wright, Nocton Heath, Lincoln ; third of £5, R. Wright. Reserve and Commended: R. AVright. Ram of any other age.— First prize, £20, H. Dudding, Panton House, Wragby, Lincoln; second of £10, H. Dud- ding ; third of £10, W. F. Marshall, Branston, Lincoln. Re- serve and Commended : H. Dudding. Commended : T. Cart\vright, Dunston Pillar, Lincoln (for two rams) . Pen of five Shearling Ewes.— First prize, T. Cartwright ; second, T. Cartwright. Reserve and Commended : J. Pears, Mere, Branston, Lincoln. RYLAND AND OTHER LONG-WOOLLED. (Not qualified to compete'as Leicester, Cotswold, orLincolns.) ShearUng Ram. — No entry. Ram of any other age.— First prize, £20, J. Lynn, Church Farm, Stroxton (Lincoln longwool); second of £10, J. T. Pinches, Hardwick, Pembridge( Ryland). Reserve: F. Street, Harrow den House, Bedford, Bury Royal (Norfolk longwool). Pen of five Shearling Ewes.— First prize, £15, T. W. D. Harris, AVootton, Northampton. — No competition. OXFORDSHIRE DOWNS. Judges. — A. Edmonds, Longworth Lodge, Faringdon. H. Overman, Weasenham, Brandon. Z. W. Stilgoe, Adderbury Grounds, Banbury. ShearUng Ram.— First prize, £20, G. Wallis, Old Shifi'ord, Bampton, FarinErdon; second of £10, G. Wallis ; third, C. Hobbs, Maisey Hampton, Cricklade. Reserve and Highly Commended : F. Street. Highly Commended : F. Street and G. Wallis. Commended,: J. Treadwell, Upper Wiucheiidon, Aylesbmy (for two rams) ; A. F. M. Druce, Burgfield, Read- ing; and Sir H. W. Dashwood, Bart., Kirtlington Park, Oxford. Ram of any other age. — First prize, £20, G. Wallis ; second of £10, G. Wallis ; third of £5, A. F. M. Druce. Reserve and Highly Commended : J. Longland, Crendon, Northamp- ton. Commended: J. TreadweU (for two rams). Pen of five Shearling Ewes. — First prize, £15, G. WaUis ; second of £10, A. F. M;lton Druce ; third, P. Gillett, Upton Downs, Burford. Reserve and Highly Commended: C. Gillett, Cote House, Bampton, Faringdon. Highly Com- mended: Su- H.W. Dashwood. Commended: J. Treadwell; C. Gillett; C. Howard, Biddenham, Bedford; and the execu- tors of the late AV. Button, Eynsham. Ten Ewes, without reference to age, who have suckled lambs to June 1st. — The prize, £15, J. Treadwell. Reserve: F. Gillett. Ten Ram Lambs.— The prize, £10, J. S. Parker, Ifftey, Oxford. Reserve : W. ChiUingworth, Cuddesden, Wheatle.v. Ten Ewe Lambs. — The Prize, £10, the executors of the late W. Button. Resen'e : W. ChiUingworth, Cuddesden. SOUTHDOWNS. Judges. — T. Cooper, Bishopstone, Lewes. H. Fookes, Whitchurch, Blandford. H. Lugar, Ingham, Bury St. Edmunds. Shearling Ram.— First prize, £20, Lord Walsingham, Mer- ton Hall, Thetford; second of £10, Lord Walsingham ; third of £5, Lord Walsingham. Reserve and Highly Commended ; loo THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. Lord Walsingham. Highly Commended : W. Rigden, Hove, Brighton ; and Lord Walsingham. Commended : Lord Wal- Bingham; H. Humplu-ey, Ashington, Hurst, Sussex; J. and A. Heasman, Angmering, Arundel, Sussex ; H. S. Waller, Farmington, Northleach ; and Sir W. Throckmorton, Bart, Bucklaud, Faringdon. Ram ot any other age. — First prize, £20, Lord Walsing ham; second of £10, Sir W. Throckmorton, Bart.; third of £5, Lord "Walsingham. Reserve and Highly Commended W. Rigden. Highly Commended : Lord Walsingham ; the Duke of Richmond, E.G., Goodwood, Chichester (for two rams) ; J. and A. Heasman ; and Lord Sondes, Elmham Hall, Thetford. Commended : the Duke of Richmond ; H. Humphi-ey; and Sir W. Throckmorton. Pen of live Shearling Ewes.— First prize, £15, Lord Wal- singham ; second of £iO, the Duke of Richmond ; third of £5, W. Rigden. Reserve and Highly Commended : Lord Sondes. Highly Commended : H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, K.G., Sandringham, King's Lynn. Commended : H.R.H. the Prince of Wales; the Duke of Richmond; and Colonel Tomline. SHROPSHIRES. JunaES.— B. Bond, Swansmoor, Great Haywood, Stafford. W. Kemp Boiu-ne, Pisherwick, Lichfield. R. H. Masfen, Pendeford, Wolverhampton. Shearling Ram. — First prize, £20, J. Coxon, Freeford Farm, Lichfield ; second of £10, T. Mansell, Adcott Hall, Baschurch, Shropshire ; third of £5, Sarah Beach, the Hattons, Bre- ■wood. Reserve and Highly Commended : Lord Chesham, Latimer, Chesham. Highly Commended : J. Evans, Uffing- ton, Shrewsbury ; and T. Fenn, Stonebrook. Commended : Lord Chesham (for two sheep) ; Sarah Beach ; T. Mansell ; and J. Evans (for two sheep) . Ram of any other age. — First prize, £20, J. Evans (Standard Bearer) ; second of £10, Sarah Beach ; third of £5, Sarah Beach. Reserve and Highly Commended : T. Mansell. Highly Commended : W. JBaker, Moor Barns, Atherstone. Commended : W. G. Preece, Prodesley Park, Shrewsbury. Pen of five ShearUng Ewes. — First prize, £15, Lord Ches- ham; second of £10, J. H. Bradburne, Pipe Place, Lichfield; third of £5, Lord Sudeley, Toddington, ' Winchcombe. Re- serve and Highly Commended : J. H. Bradbui-ne. HAMPSHIRE AND OTHER SHORT-WOOLLED. (Not qualified to compete as Southdown or Shropshu'e.) Judges (and for Dorsets). — W. B. Canning, Elston, Devizse. J. R. Newton, Campsfield, Woodstock. H. Thurnall, Royston, Herts. Shearling Ram. — First prize, £20, A. Morrison, FonthUl, House, Tisbury, Wilts ; second of £10, J. Rawlence, Bui bridg:e, Wilton; third of £10, J. Rawlence. Reserve: A Morrison. Ram of any other age. — First prize, £20, J. Rawlence second of £10, J. and M. Arnold, Westmeon, Petersfield Hants; third of £5, S. King, Bockhampton Farm, Lam bourne. Reserve and Commended : J. Robson, Bymess Rochester, Northumberland. Pen of five Shearling Ewes.— First prize, £15, J. Rawlence second of £10, J. Rawlence ; third of £5, J. Barton. Re- serve : J. P. King, North Stoke, Wallingford. DORSETS. Shearling Ram.— First prize, £20, H. Mayo, Cokers Frome, Dorchester; second of £10, J. W. James, Mappowder Court, Blandford. Reserve : H. Farthing, Nether Stowey, Bridg- water. Pen of Five Shearling Ewes. — First prize, £15, H. Farthing ; second of £5, A. Bond, Hunstile, Bridgwater. Reserve : H. Mayo. Inspectoes of Shearing. — H. Bone, Avon, Riugwood. R. Brown, Wigginton House, Tets worth. W. Jobson, Buteland, Hexham. PIGS. Judges. — J. Fisher, Woodhouse, Crosshills, Yorkshire. J. Smith, Henley-in-Arden. J. S. Turner, Chyngton, Seaford. Boar of a large white breed, above twelve monchs old.— First prize, £10, J. and F. Howard, Britannia Farm, Bed- ford (Victor 2nd) ; second of £5, R. B. Duckering, Northorpe, Kirton-Lindsay (Cultivator 5th) . Reserve : P. Eden, Cross Lane, Salford, Manchester (Sampson). Boar of a large white breed, above six months and not exceeding twelve months old.— First prize, £10, M. Walker, Stockley Park, Anslow, Burton-on-Trent (Hero) ; second of £5, M. Walker (Alfred the Great) . Reserve : G. Chapman, Seamere, Scarborough (Yorkshheman). Boar of a small white breed, above twelve months old.— First prize, £10, H, Neild, the Grange, Worslev, Manchester (The Doctor) ; second of £5, P. Eden (Young King of the AVest) . Reserve and Highly Commended : W. Hatton, Ad- dingham, Leeds. Commended: G. M. Sexton, Wherstead Hall, Ipswich (Young Snowball) and M. Walker (Little John 2nd). Boar of a small white breed, above six months and not ex- ceeding twelve months old. — First prize £10, P. Eden (Young Prince); second of £5, W. Hatton, Addingham, Leeds (Dreadnought). Reserve and Commended : W. Parker, Bradford (Roger). Commended : G. Chapman (Robin Hood). Boar of a small black breed. — Fu-st prize, £10, G. M'Cann, Court Farm, Malvern (Wallace) ; second of £5, S. G. Steam, Brandestone, AVickham Market (The Parson) . Reserve and Highly Commended : G. M. Sexton, (Kingcraft). Boar of the Berkshire breed.— First prize, £10, G. Griggs, Oaklands, Romford (Prmce) ; second of £5, R. Swanwick, of R. A. College Fai-m, Cu'encester (Sambo 2nd). Reserve and Highly Commended : H. Humfrey, Kingstone Farm, Shrivenham (No. 293 M). The class Commended. Boar of a breed not ehgible for the preceding classes. — First prize, £10, J. E. Fox, Mansion House, Great Horton, Bradford (Young Prince of Airedale) ; second of £5, P. Eden, (King Lear 3rd). Reserved : R. E. Duckering (Wallace 2nd). Breeding Sow of a large white breed. — First prize, £10, M. AValker (Thalia) ; second of £5, J. and F. Howard (Long- ville 2nd). Reserve: R. E. Duckering (Princess Royal). The class Highly Commended. Breeding Sow of a small white breed.— Fh-st prize, £10, W. Hatton (Pride of the Village) ; second of £5, P. Eden (Sunshine). Reserve and Highly Commended: AV. Hatton (Charming May). Highly Commended : R. B. Duckering (Lily) . Commended : His Royal Highness the Prince of AVales, K.G. ; J. Wheeler, Long Compton, Shipston-on- Stom- (Lovely 2nd) ; and G. M. Sexton (Om- Mary Ann). Breeding Sow of a small black breed. — First prize, £10, S. G. Steam (Aunt Hannah) ; second of £5, G. M. Sexton (Hester). Reserve: G. M. Sexton (Sunshine). Breeding Sow of the Berkshii-e breed. — First prize, £10, A. Stewart, St. Bridge, Gloucester (Duchess) ; second of £5, R. Swanwick (Sally 5th). Reserve and Highly Commended : A. Stewart (Princess). Commended : J. Spencer, A'"illier'a Hill, Kenilworth (Princess 6th) ; AV. Parsons, Hill Farm, Elsfield, Oxford ; A. Stewart (Countess) ; H. Humfrey (No. 239 A) ; the Rev. H. G. Baily, Swindon ; and E. C. Clarke, Manor Farm, Haddenham, Thame (Pride of the Vale). Breeding Sow of a breed not eligible for the preceding classes. — First prize, £10, P. Eden (Busy Bee) ; second of £5, R. E. Duckering (Prinxrose). Reserve and Highly Com- mended: W. Hatton (Queen of the AVest). Highly Com- mended : P. Eden, Salford (Lancashire Lass). Commended : F. H. Everett, Bridgham, Thetford (Bury BeUe) ; and W. Parker, Leeds (Dewdrop). Pen of thi-ee breeding Sow Pigs of a large white breed, of the same litter, above four and under eight months old. — First prize, £13, R. E. Duckering; second of £5, M. Walker (The Three Graces). Reserve : J. and F. Howard. Pen of three breeding Sow Pigs of a small white breed, of the same litter, above four and under eight months old. — First prize, £10, G. M. Sexton (We Challenge All) ; second of £3, P. Eden. Pen of three breeding Sows of a small black breed, of the same htter, above four and under eight months old. — First prize, £10, G. Tm-ner, jun., AUexton, Uppingham (Improved Essex). No competition. Pen of three breeding Sow Pigs of the Berkshu'e breed, of the same litter, above four and under eight months old. — First prize, £10, R. Swanwick; second of £5, R. Fowler, Broughton Farm, Aylesbury. Reserve and Highly Com- mended : R. Fowler. Highly Commended : The Rev. H. Q, Baily. Commended : H. Humphrey. Pen of three breeding Sow Pigs of a breed not ehgible for the preceding classes, of the same litter, above four and under eight months old. — First prize, £10, M. Walker (Thalia, Teresa, and Tiny) ; second of £3, G. Chapman (Three Lilies). Berkshire Boar and Sow, with their offspring, under twelve weeks old. — First prize, £5, H. Humfrey (Royal Oak and Beauty Bewitched). Reserve: Sir W. Throckmorton. Pair of Berkshire Boars, from one litter, under six months old.— Pir,st prize, £10, H. Humfrey, (Nos. 314 M and N). Reserve : The executors of the late AY. Hewer, Seven- ha,mptou, Highworth. Veterinary Inspectors. — Professor Simonda. Professor Varnell. Assistant Inspector. — R. L. Hunt. Stewards op Stock. D. R. Davies, Mere Old Hall, Knutsford, Cheshii-e. Jacob Wilson, Woodhom Manor, Morpeth. Sir Watkin AV, Wjnm, Bart., M.P., Wynnstay, Euabon. Director of the Show. B, T, Brandreth Gibbs, Half-Moou-street, Piccadilly, London, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 101 FARMS IN THE OXFORD DISTRICT. JuDSES. — Gibbons, Burnfoot, Cumberland. H. H. Keary, Bridgnorth. W. Torr, Aylesby, Grimsby. First prize of a silver cup, value 100 guineas, for the best cultivated farm in the district round O.xlbrd, Mrs. M. E. Millington, Ashgrove, Ardley, Bicester ; second of £50, J. Treadwell, Upper Winchendon, Aylesbury. Reserve and Highly Commended : B. Craddock, Ljiieham, Chipping Norton. Commended: N. Stilgoe, andZ. W. Stilgoe, Addei-- bury, Banbury, and W. DenchfieUl, Basington. Highly praised : T. Latham, Little Whittenham, Abingdon (for sheep management). THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting was held on the sliow ground on the Tuesday, the Duke of Devonshire, the president, in the chair. The Secretary, Mr. Jenkins, read the report of the Judges of Farms, which stated that the first prize, a silver cup, value £100, offered by James Mason, Esq., ex-High Sheriff of County, for the best cultivated farm around Oxford, had been awarded to Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Millington, of Ash Grove Farm, Ardley, Bicester ; the second prize of £50, offered by the Society, to Mr. John Treadwell, of Upper Winchendon ; and the judges also highly commended the farm of Mr. Robt. Craddock, of Lyneham, Chipping-Norton, which they recom- mended should have a third prize. Tliree other farms they commended, viz, those of Mr. N. Stilgoe and Mr. Z. W. Stil- goe, Adderbury, and Mr. W. Denchfield, Easington Farm, Banbury. The sheep management of Mr. Thomas Latham, of Little Wittenhara, Abingdon, was also recorded worthy of the highest praise. The Chairman, in presenting the prize to Mrs. Millington's brother, said this was a new feature of the So- ciety, indebted to the liberality of the late High Sheriff. Lord Vernon proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor and Corporation of Oxford. Lord Kestevtiw seconded the resolution, which was passed. Alderman R. J. Spiers responded. Mr. H. S. Thompson proposed a vote of thanks to the Local Committee. Mr. Wren Hoskyns, M.P., seconded the vote of thanks, which was passed. Colonel KiNGSCOTE, M.P., proposed a vote of thanks to tho Railway Companies for the arrangements they had made in facilitating the transit of machinery, implements, and live stock. Mr. J. Druce, of Eynsham, seconded the resolution, which was passed. The Chairman said this concluded the formal business of the meeting, but it was his duty to ask whether any member wished to address any observations to the Council. Mr. H. MiDDLETON as an exhibitor of cattle wished to ask who had the responsibility of appointing the judges, and how they were elected ? He referred to the class of Channel Islands cattle, for which there were two judges, one being from the Island, and the other a Hereford man. Any one who examined the second prize cow, above three years old, would see the point of the question which he put. Mr. Le Cornu said that as one of thejudges of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and also a member of the Jersey Agricultural Society, he had done his utmost to do justice to the exhibitors of tlie stock which he was asked to examine ; and lie was prepared to give at once the substance of his report on the several classes. The Chairman said the appointment of judges rested with the Council, who took all possible pains to have men whom they thought were the best fitted to discharge the duties. Mr. J. Howard, M.P., complained that the arrangement of the Show Yard did not do justice to the exhibitors of im- plements. Mr. H. S. Thompson and Mr. Brandreth Gibbs ex- plained that the Council had studied the interests of the im- plement exhibitors, and made the best arrangements they pos- sibly could, having regard to the shape of the ground. A vote of thanks was then passed to the President, THE NEW FARM. " More enjoyable if not your own," I murmur inwardly, as I fold up to return a most tempting advertisement of an estate in North Wales, described as a " Virgin Estate," and containing besides some three thousand acres of cul- tivated land, no end of gorse hills, undeveloped slate, imagined coal-beds, innumerable wild gorges and cascades, just exactly what one enjoys most thoroughly as a tourist in quest of refreshment after dusty, exhaustive work in chambers, but what one wouldn't care to invest in, considering the trouble the development of such varied resources must entail, unless one were in possession of such a glorious " accumulation during minority," as Lothair found himself possessed of when he wavered be- tween building a cathedral and a nest of innumerable cottages. There is a time of life at which one arrives when trouble really does bore. Activity, mental no less than bodily, one reads in disquisitions on the human frame, begins to hang fire at about the period when over- trained athletics break down — that is upon the near side of fifty. Then it is that Horatian maxims influence, and Horatian pursuits absorb — deep-bodied claret — the sound of rippling waters — the glancing, lustrous leaves — the voice of birds — and the consciousness of bills paid, with a juicy balance left. At this period it is perhaps that the amateur agriculturist is in his bloom. He has by dint of judicious ample expenditure, deep cultivation, minute over-sight, and unwearied persecution of weedlings, brought his land to yield an annually improved solid lump. He can afford to experiment in the way of thin sowing, and has pleasure in I'ecoi'ding his experience for the benefit Qf the agricultural commuuity at large — amongst whom, as amongst all pupils, there are plenty to doubt his ability and dicta. But away with philosophic reflection, it is too hot for that. To record results -. First let me resume the old story of the autumn-planted potatoes. What are above ground appeared much later — as I have always found to be the case — than the spring planted; but, when once up, they rapidly overhauled them in the race, as though they have a stronger propulsive power somewhere, either in their roots finding more moisture from being lower placed, or from the stem's muscles being firmer because of their greater age. About one-seventh have not shown, even yet ; but when I stii'red the soil with my spud I found lots of white tender shoots working to get clear of their immurement. I have consequently sent a man with a fork to loosen the solidified mould along the line of the invisible. It would have been well if I had run Garrett's horse-hoe over the plot in the early spring, as I fully intended doing, but was over-advised. What a nuisance is advice ! It is sure to put a man wrong unless his counsellor be intimately informed of every unknown quantity in the problems, which can rarely be done. But I will not dwell further on the dis- agreeable, except to say that henceforth I will follow no advice that does not fit in with my own inclination ; and unsolicited advice I will throw back in the giver's face. But, as my temper's boiling, I had best proceed with my story and let reflection on the past alone. I have one pool the overflow of which runs on to a i-yegrass plot that helps to supply the cart stable, and around which the wild ducks build, out of which it is impossible to shut a certaiu muck-yai-cl element of stained liquor, On the 102 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. bank of this I am fixing a pump, and I propose to give the potatoes a good soaking therefrom by the help of watering caus. It will be a work of time ; but, as Suttou wisely prints in his catalogue injunctions to swede- growers, "Without pains no gains." The root which produced in my man's garden over thirteen pounds of potatoes was indulged with one deep drink during the drought. Another plan I am about to adopt in my orchard was suggested in the Batlt and West of England Journal for 1859, but which I will quote as it may not have fallen in the way of some, while others may have passed it over. An American apple-grower writes : " For several yeai's past I have been e.xperimenting on the apple, having an orchard of 2,000 bearing Newtown pippin trees. I found it very unprofitable to wait for what is termed the ' bearing year,' and it has been my aim to assist nature, so as to enable the trees to bear every year. I have noticed that from the excessive productiveness of this tree it requires the intermediate year to recover itself, to extract from the earth and atmosphere the materials to enable it to produce again. This it is not able to do unassisted by art, while it is loaded with fruit, and the intervening year is lost. If, however, the tree is supplied with proper food it will bear every year, at least such has been the result of my experiments. Three years ago, iu April, I scraped all the rough bark from the stems of several thousand trees in my orchard, and washed all the trunks and stems within reach with soft soap, trimmed out all the branches that crossed ea^-h other early in June, and painted the wounded part with white lead, to exclude moisture and prevent decay. I then in the latter part of the same month slit the bark by running a sharp-pointed knife from the ground to the first set of limbs, which prevent the tree from becoming bark-bound, and gives the young wood an opportunity of expanding. In July I placed one peck of oyster-shell lime under each tree, and left it piled round the trunk until November, during which time the drought was excessive. In November the lime was dug in thoroughly. The result the following year was 1,700 barrels of choice fruit, besides cider >from refuse. In October I manured these trees with stable manure, in which the ammonia had been fixed, and covered this immediately with earth. The succeeding autumn they were literally bending to the ground with the finest fruit I ever saw, while the other trees in my orchard not so treated, were quite barren, the last season having been their bearing season." Careful treatment of the apple I have myself found to be rewarded. Our best orchard we have dressed the last two years, once with old night-soil, compost, and lime, dug in at the roots, and once with leaf mould, of which the chesnut wood affords us annually a quantity. We have had grand crops both years since, and there is a good show for the coming season : I shall, however, try to lime around the stems. The trees are too old to derive benefit from a splitting of the bark. Our youngsters have taken to bathing, and as our broad river abounds with rapids I thought it best yesterday to inspect the scene of their enjoyment. I took down the garden syringe to give a drink to the youug grass that is springing with a melancholy slowness, where I pared the broken banks. With one end of the gutta-percha pipe immersed in deep water, I worked away until I was quite hot, pumping now lustily, now softly to the amusement of my young geese, who were splashing in a quick cur- rent just beyond my range. " Papa's squirting the bank," they cried with delighted ridicule. In faith it taught me one thing, that is, to estimate the value of a good hour's rain. Only to watch the splashing shower absorbed so rapidly by the brown bank without leaving a trace, and considering the weight of my steady exertion I felt more than ever a longing that the brazen heavens would open and let down a refresher on the parched meadow, to which we look for our winter supply of hay. Whatever the price of this article will be I cannot dare to guess. Cer- tain it is that hereabouts there is no bottom grass, there- fore right thankful am I that I put iu thirteen acres of autumn oats after wheat, which are now in full ear, and I hope to cut when three-parts ripened iu a fortnight, so as to get in mustard quickly, with a strong dose of arti- ficial, the stubble being clean. This will come partly to cut in chaif with wheaten straw, partly to consume with sheep. Then, it being my own land, I shall put wheat in again, having faith in Mr. Lawes' doctrine, that every soil has its idiosyncracy. This particular plot is locally considered " to throw a capital crop of wheat, one of the best about." Why then not meet its inclina- tion ? The idea of the several soils iu various combina- tion being adapted to special vegetable growths bears on its surface persuasion to my mind. I shall at least try it, not being tied to the four-course, or any other system. " Some take coffee, some take tea," is a piece of sedi- mentary wisdom we owe our ancestors, which should never be lightly regarded, I think. So I shall indulge the land's humour to its utmost bent. I have had several strangers lately to inspect my piers aud their success. They are universally approved, and will be copied in each case. Now that the water-volume is shrunk in the river-course, the heavy, broad, rounded banks of washed-up gravel are clearly discernible, having filled several deep holes to the brim. There was but little damage done by the strong winter floods, excepting to the one that stood somewhat lonely, on a clay bottom, nor has that suffered since I erected a second, at about thirty yards' interval, to relieve the strain at that point, there being thereon, when the torrent is full, a tremen- dous blow of accumulated billows. Grand is it to get your hay cut in the eai'ly morning. My machine was busy at four to-day, and the swathes (light enough, certainly) are already half-withered, while the horses, having finished for the day, are (it is not noon) reposing quietly, after a fill of vetches. Sleeping in the sun with wet stockings ou is good for the nether limbs of neither man nor grass. As I went to inspect the crop last evening, I heard over the hedge a peculiar cry of evidently a nursing mother, somewhat resembling the turkey, somewhat the brown owl. For some time I watched vainly, until suddenly it ceased, she having caught, I fancy, a glimpse of me across the lane. Yet an infantine wailing went on ; and on my descending through the gap I found a little nigger of a bird, fresh hatched, which bit my finger resolutely, and covered my hand with oil. I discovei-ed then it was the offspring of a landrail, and, as it would be deserted, took it home to the children, who deposited it amongst some youug pheasants newly hatched, in and out of which it runs this morning quite lively, but with a lazy, listening look, such as one might imagine a gipsy- lad would wear if caught, upon the sudden skedaddle of poaching parents, and introduced by his captor to tbe mercies of the village dame. Vigil. HOW TO KILL LICE ON CATTLE.— A correspondent in the Country Gentleman dissolved about a pint of strong soft soap in a pail of warm, soft water, and saturated the whole of a lousy cow's body with it ; after about thirty minutes, re- peated the operation ; and in thirty minutes longer took a pail of clean, warm water, and quickly and thoroughly washed out aU the soap-water and dead lice in large quantities, put her in a warm stable, and covered her with a dry blanket. The next day, after being thoroughly dried, she looked, and seemed to feel, like a new animal, more than doubled her milk within twenty-four hours, and immediately commenced gaiuins? flesh and general thriftiness, TIIIC FARMEiVS MAGAZINE. 103 OUE BRITISH FRUITS. THE NATIVE WILD KASl'BERUY. Some years ago I was at considerable pains to show what could be done with strawberries where an acre or two of stiff clay land could be got and a little cheap labour, such as that of old men and boys, with the assist- ance of women in summer time to gather the fruit, and I was very much pleased to see the scheme well carried out in some parts of Denbighshire, on the borders of Cheshire, where the large towns with their railway transit secure a ready market for such goods. I am sorry, how- ever, to see that the strawberry literature still lags behind the spirit of the age; for I find in some periodicals, where better things might be expected, the scheme advocated of gi'owing the plants for several years — whereas the whole of the crop should be from a fresh plantation every year. The plants should be treated as biennials, the runners prepared so as to be well rooted early, and have at least July, August, and September in the fresh ground, the effect of which will be fine plump crowns and strong blossoms, and in due time high-class fruit ; and whilst one advocates cutting off the runners to strengthen the plants, and another mows off the leaves for some imaginary good, all this labour is saved by trenching down the whole of the strawberry lines, leaf and runner, and thus effectually clean the land for some other crop. But to return to the raspberry. This truly British plant belongs to the rose family, and the veriest briar twig is not half so beset with prickles as the cane of the wild raspberry. Now the raspberry is a shrub, but much in the same way that the elder is a shrub or small tree, for they are both as nearly herbaceous in their characters as they could well be, so as not to be entirely so ; for the raspberry canes shoot up their whole length one year, bear fruit the next, and then die down to the collar, so that when a new plantation is made there is this oddity about it, that you may get a crop of fruit from it the first year but none the second, hence it is necessary in raspberry growing to secure plenty of young canes every year to he the fruit- bearers in the following year. The raspberry is not at all improved by transplanting, and dislikes all digging, fork- ing, or other interference with its underground system ; for it employs its own travellers and sends out its suckers into fresh pastnre every year; mulching or liquid manur- ing of course must be provided to meet the heavy strain upon land bearing such a weight of wood, leaves, and fruit. But instead of going all over the details of rasp- berry cidture, their distance from row to row and from plant to plant in the row, and stating the various methods that raspberry canes have been tied — to rails, ropes, rods of iron, and one cane tied to another for support, in order to give the suckers room to grow as well as the fruiting canes, all this the familiarity of the sub- ject renders unnecessary. I will give two notable examples, one of the finest canes and finest fruit I ever saw produced by any gardener under any circumstances, and the medium in which they grew, and another of the wild raspberry, in a hedge-bank, itself forming the best part of the hedge, where the fruit, though small as com- pared with the cultivated sorts, was high-flavoured ; and here let me remark that we have scarcely any fruit, whether native or foreign, of higher flavour than well- ripened wild raspberries. Near Torquay, in Devonshire, stand the ruins of a religious house called Tor Abbey, partly inhabited as the family residence of the Gary family, and partly iu ruins. The tithe barns still stand- ing bear testimony to the extent of the Abbey ; but among other changes that had come over the place, one could not be mistaken in identifying the place of burial, for in that consecrated spot, among the forgotten dead, there were here and there carvings marking the graves of men of note, with stone coffins not a few, and other articles peculiar to places of sepulture. This grave-yard had long been used as a kitchen garden ; and the soil in the lower part seemed a sandy black mould, of unknown depth. In this particular locality, and elbowing the stone coffins and carvings above-named, there grew one long row of raspberry-canes. These were in height like fishing-rods, and as thick as an ordinary walking-stick. They did not appear to have been disturbed for several years, and were not likely to be so for some time to come, since all ideas of improving their condition were quite out of the question, as they yielded annually a heavy crop of high-class fruit, and plenty of runners to form fresh plantations. Whoever, therefore, would excel in raspberry-culture, must bear in mind that, although the suckers or runners necessarily live just under the surface of the soil, the real feeders of the plant, its proper roots, penetrate after food to a great depth, and are gluttonous foul feeders ; indeed, raspberry - canes seldom, if ever, get enough of manure, for it should be deep in the earth, out of the way of drought and changes as well as near the surface ; and this is the practical lesson to be got from the Tor Abbey canes, for it will be at a very great depth that we should now find the mortal remains of that once important community where loving hands had laid them with pious prayers, and more or less of cremonial. With a fine south-western climate, and the locality only a few feet above the sea level, and shel- tered by tall trees, everything was in favour of growing fine fruit, but the prime mover was the charnel house of the ancient community, and the plants moored in that medium might well send up shoots that seemed like giants rising from their graves. But our immediate business is not so much with the cultivated raspberry as with the wild one, and the finest example of an artificial plantation of these that has come under my observation I will now endeavour to relate: An Euglish nobleman* who had begun life as a baronet some four score years ago had a field very near his resi- dence, and this field had been nick-named the " Hodge Field," from the fact that it had given employment, nearly constant, to a small gang of labourers during his lordship's very long life-time, for his lordship had vowed very early in life that the " Hodf/c Field" should be drained and levelled regardless of expense. Now this field was only a gusset of land of some three or four acres in extent, and when the adjoining fields had been enclosed this had been left by itself, on account of a dangerous swamp into which cattle and horses at various times had sunk ; and you might hear in confidence from some aged crone, that at some remote time human life had been sacrificed in this dangerous bog-hole, in proof of which it was stated that at long intervals the ghost of * He has been dead many years ago, and his talented son succeeded to the title and estates, and died lately, so that this is no personal affair now. We speak of the character of kings after the death of their successors, and no of otlisr men. 104 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. the deceased, whose body had uot received Christian burial, visited the " Hodge Field," and the dull lines of yew hedges in the adjoining garden. I do uot vouch for this digression, but "tell the tale as it was told to me." The plan for improving the Hodge Field had been duly settled as I said before by the baronet early in life, and certainly it was a magnificent idea ; the chief features of the plan consisted in cutting a great ditch along its lower side of such breadth and depth as to give plenty of materials to fill up aU inequalities on the surface, and also to secure a plentiful outfall for the drains. But the bog when cut into presented engineering difficulties of no ordinary kind, a shifting sand being one completely barring all drainage, and this was accompanied with a layer of very soft black peat, and when the soil had been flung on the bank from the drains it was nothing unusual to find the bank give way and choke the drain, and as the general soil of the field was a sandy loam the walls of the drains invariably fell in just at the water line, so that the wounds of the Hodge Field once opened had to be kept running in open ditches for many a year, Now, although his lordship never succeeded in draining the Hodge Field, he did succeed in making such a bank of wild raspberries as I fear I shall never see again. The perverseness of the elements in this simple affair may be seen from the fact that when water was wanted in summer there was never any in the Hodge Field, but when water was abundant this ditch was always flooded, yielding besides water a heavy layer of mud and sand. This is not to be wondered at, since no outfall had been provided ; but when the ditch was dry the hedge bank was made good with a layer of mud, plastering up all in- equalities, and giving an air of high finish to the rasp- berry hedge, that bristled out all over the steep sloping bank. By capillary attraction this hedge got any amount of moisture it might requii-e without being stagnated, apd as it faced the aorth, and was fortified against in- trusion by a deep ditch in fi'ont ; it had aU that rasp- berry plant could desire, and on its pai't it yielded such a thicket of prickly canes, every cane being armed with thousands of sharp-pointed prickles, as secured its character for being a trustworthy hedge plant. In the shady woodland we find the wild rose, the bramble, and the raspberry en- joying the layer of fine-leaf mould, and the calm shelter of the trees overhead, and the moderate degree of shade is evidently beneficial to these three sisters of the rose family. Plants that will thrive in the shade are especially im- portant, and fruit-bearing ones are sure to be duly ap- preciated when once they are understood ; sm-ely there is no want of shady banks of earth where rich mud could be got, and a quantity of wild-raspberry plants laid on them, and kept there by a layer of earthy puddle or mortar, made of manure and earth. If a fence has to be maintained, try one of raspberries, for it has prickles like any other hedge plant, and has, moreover, fruit which no other ordinary hedge plant possesseth, for the tart bitter berries of the hawthorn would be a sorry substitute for the highly fi'agrant and delicious raspberry. Young amateurs find that there are a great many diSiculties in the way of growing fi-uit. Always beginning at the top of the ladder instead of at the bottom, they try to grow exotics : one will grow early cucumbers whether or not, no matter how useless they may be, even should he suc- ceed. Another strikes out boldly for melons, and a third struggles with apricots and peaches, all delicate, and all liable to be devoured by insects and all slippery cus- tomers, easily mismanaged ; but had the beginner tried his hand first on our native fruits, on plants that could take care of themselves, such as the raspberry, the strawberry, and the plum, he would have been encou- raged by his success, and would have gained experi- ence to go on to the cultivation of greater things. Salfonf, AliEX. Fobsyth. THE AVERAGE PRICE OF BRITISH CORN, AS AFFECTING THE TITHE RENT CHARGE. At the last meeting of the Newbury Farmers' Club, Mr. Tanner read a paper, in which he said : This subject na- turally divides itself into two questions, viz. : What is tithe rent charge ? and, How that rent charge is af- fected by the mode in which the averages of British corn are arrived at ? 1st. What is tithe rent charge ? It is, as we all know, a charge on land in lieu of tithes. Then we naturally ask another question — What are tithes P I shall, with your permission, make a few remarks on tithes, as dis- tinct from tithe rent charge, as preliminary to the subject, that of corn averages, which is more immediately before us to-day. What are tithes P I am indebted to the authors of the Ency- clopaedia published by the Society for Diifusing Useful Know- ledge for much of my information. The description of tithes there given is this : " Tithes are the tenth part of the increase yearly arising and renewing from the profits of land, the stock upon land, and the personal industry of the inhabitants ; and are offerings payable to the Church by law." Now, as to the origin of tithes. The first mention of tithes we find in the best of books, the Bible, and, whatever in- fidels or scoffers may say to the contrary, T fearlessly assert that it is the very best authority we can have on all subjects, whether for the government of a country, or for the regulation of our own conduct as individuals. Under the theocratic government of the Jews, the tenth part of the yearly increase of their goods was due to the priests by divine right. In the early ages of the Christian church, payments were enjoined by decrees of the church, and sanctioned by general usage. In England, the first instance of a law for the offering of tithes was that of Offa, King of Mercia, toward? the end pf the eighth century, He first gave the church a civU right in tithes, 'and enabled the clergy to recover them as their legal due. This law was afterwards extended to the whole of England. At that lime, although every man was obliged to pay tithes, the particular church or monastery to which they should be paid appears to have been optional. In the year 1200, Pope Innocent III. directed a decretal epistle to the Archbishop of Canterbury, in which he enjoined the payment of tithes to the " parsons" of the re- spective parishes in which such tithes arose. A work by Watson on tithes informs us that tithes were of three kinds — prsedial, mixed, personal. Such as arise from the earth or the produce of the land, grain of all sorts, fruit, and herbs were called prsedial, so called because a piece of land in the canon law was called Prcedium. Things nourished by the earth, as colts, calves, pigs, lambs, chickens, cheese, and eggs were called mixed tithes. Personal tithes were paid from the profits aris- ing from the labour and industry of men engaged in trade or other occupations, being the tenth part of the clear gain after deducting all charges. Tithes were again divided into two kinds — the great or rectorial tithe, the small or vicaiial tithe. The mode of collecting tithes in kind, as adopted for many years (though scarcely in the recollection of many of the farmers of the present day), was a fruitful source of irritation, and constantly disputes arose between the clergyman and his parishioners. Dr. Paley, in his " Moral and Political Economy," chapter 12, says, " No measure of such ex- tensive concern appears to me so practical, nor any single alteration so beneficial as the conversion of tithes into corn rent." This principle of commutation was first proposed to be applied by the legislature to Ireland. The Act of Parliament for the Commutation of Tithes in England THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. 105 and Wales, is the 6th and 7th Wm. IV., dated 13th April, 1836, and which has been generally carried out. There can be no doubt that on the whole, the substitution of a rent charge in lieu of tithes has been a most beneficial change, and the fact that the general average for the last 34 years for £100 apportionment amounts to £100 19s. 5d., speaks for itself. The basis for that apportionment was— Wheat 78. OJd. per bushel 56s. 2d. per qr. Uarley 3s. ll|d. per bushel 31s. 8d. per qr. Oats 2s. 9d. per bushel 22s. Od. per qr. If that was a fair basis under the law of Protection, is it so under Free Trade in Corn ? I think not. I think it operates against the interest of those who have to pay the rent charge. At that time £100 represented— Average for Dec. 1869. Wheat 282 bushels 320 less. Barley 512 bushels 442 70 Oats 720 bushels 640 80 You will thus see that while wheat has decreased, barley and oats are increased in price. I now come to tliat part of my subject more immediately before us to-day, viz., the mode of taking the Averages of British Corn. In obedience to the Act before mentioned for tlie Commutation of Tithes, the Comp- troller of Corn Beturus is required to give, on the 1st of Janu- ary in every year, the price of a bushel of wheat, a bushel of barley, and a bushel of oats, computed from the weekly aver- age of the Corn Beturns during the seven preceding years. A rent charge is of the value of a certain number of bushels of corn — that is to say, one-third wheat, one-third barley, and one-third oats. Sujjposing a rent charge to be worth £300 per annum, the average price of wheat being 10s. per bushel, barley 5s., oats 2s. 6d. per bushel, the £300 would then represent 200 bushels of wheat, 400 bushels of barley, and 800 bushels of oats. Thus we see the great importance that the average price of British corn should be obtained with as much correctness as possible, both for the calculation of the rent charge and corn rents regulated by the same. The Act of Victoria, sec. 2, cap. 14, passed on the 29th of April, 1842, entituled " An Act to amend the Laws for the Importa- tion of Corn," contains a schedule of the towns from which returns were made for ascertaining the averages to regulate the duty on corn ; tlie same returns have been adopted for the tithe rent charge. This schedule contains the names of 273 market towns taken from the 40 counties of England, and 17 Welsh towns, making the total number 290 from which re- turns were made. That Act was partially repealed on the 29th of July, 1864, so far as that 140 towns and 4 counties were struck out of the schedule altogether, and also 11 of the Welsh towns. I think you wiU agree with me, that districts growing secondary qualities of corn are not represented, whUe other districts growing the best qualities are represented. [Mr. Tanner then entered into statistics, reciting the schedule of towns for making corn returns, as shown in the two Acts of Parliament.] He continued : If it is necessary to have a larger number of towns to get an average to regulate the duty on corn, surely it must be equally so for the tithe rent charge. Here, then, we have a most important Act of Parliament, affecting the averages of British corn passed, of which those who are most concerned know very little about. I think I am correct in saying so, because I have found but few men either buyers or sellers that know or arc able to give me any information on the subject. At first sight it may not appear likely to affect the question, but when you consider the fact that one half of the towns, or nearly so, are now struck out of the schedule, is it likely that so correct an average can be obtained ? I consider the larger the num- ber of returns the better provided they fairly represent the dis- trict Irom whence they come. Every corner of the kingdom where corn is grown should be represented. The towns now left out ought to show the same average as those from whicli returns are made ; but to get these would be an undertaking much too gigantic and expensive for a private individual, but which ought to have been done before those towns were ex- cluded, and may have been obtained for aught I know to the contrary ; but the chances 1 thmk are against it. I have taken the average from the Heading paper for eleven towns in our immediate neighbourhood, but I do not place much re- liance on their correctness, Scliedule of eleven towns, from Reading paper, for the year ending December, 1869. Wheat. Barley. Oats. Abingdon 48.8 39.5^ 29.4^ Alton 49.3 34.6^ 32.0^ Uenley 50.8 39.10^ 25.5^ Ilungerford 47.4 37-2 27.5 Newbury 47.1^ 36.1 27.9^ Oxford 46.10 30.3 26 6 Wallingford 47.2 34.1 26.9 Reading 50.7i 35.10^ 27.1^ Basingstoke ... 47.9^ 36.6^ 27.3 Didcot 49.1 37.6 29.0 Wantage 50.5^ 38.5J^ 26.10 48.6 Willich 48.3 36.8 39.5^ 2.9^ 26.10 26.0 There are eight counties, and some of the large ones only re- presented by one market town. I tliink you will agree with me, that one town in any large county cannot give a fair average, because as many of us know to our cost that at times one district of a county suffers from drought or blight, or wet, while the other parts of the county are less so, or do not suffer at aU perhaps. It often happens the wheat is blighted, the barley is thin, or the oats light in one part of the county and not elsewhere, particularly in wet and cold seasons. Take, for instance, our own county of Berks. Can it be right that Reading, which shows the highest averages in the list to which I have alluded to just now, and Windsor, the district for white wheat, of a good quahty, should be chosen to repre- sent the county, while Newbury and Wantage the large red wheat markets of wheat of secondary qualities should be un- represented P Take Surrey— That is represented by Guildford, while Croydon, Kingston, and Dorking are left out. Mr. Tanner then read the following letters he had received on the subject : Dear Sir,— I am surprised to find that Guildford is the only town in Surrey that sends a return of the corn sold in the market. To my mind it is clear that the county is pre- judiced thereby as regards the averages, for I take it that Guildford market is about the highest of any in the county, and it is notorious for having brought to it some of the heaviest and best wheat. Yours very truly, Croydon, May, 1870. ROBT. Eulier. Wiltshire again, represented by Warminster only, leaving out Swindon, Salisbury, Devizes, and others. My dear Sir, — I think the Warminster market alow average for wheat for the county. That I am of opinion that it is very high for barley and oats. I thought I could have sent you the average for the last sis months from Michaelmas to Lady Day, but I believe the wheat was £2 Is. lid., barley about 38s., and oats 21s. 6d. I know this is near what was sent me, and if of any service to you, you are kindly welcome to it. I am, my dear Sir, yours faithfully, W. Eerris. Manor Eoiise, Milton, Pewsey, Wilis, 3Liy 18, 1870. Hampshire, — now we find that from some cause or other only one town was crossed otf the schedule -. that of Christehurch, and is represented by nine towns (I do not complain of that being too many), but if necessary for Hampshire why not for other counties P I have a letter which will give a specimen of one of the markets (that of Havant), from which a return is made : " In reply to your questions about Havant market I have to inform you that I have seen my neighbour Mr. Gibbons. He says there is no market at all. Mr. Gibbons says he has been here 12 years, and he has never sold a sample of corn or heard otoue being sold at Havant market. I think I have seen a notice about earn averages, but it must ba all a farce, if there is nothing sold. Chichester and Eareham are the markets for this neighbourhood." I think this shows that the subject has not received that at- tention from headquarters that it ought to have. AVliy should four counties be left out altogether P Rutland, it is true, has a very small area. Well then, take Hereford and compare it with Westmoreland, the area of the two counties being nearly 106 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. the same. By the statistics taken from the Agricultural Ee- turns of Great Britain (which, by the bye, I do not consider at all a good authority, but may give some approximate return sufficient for this purpose.) These statistics show that Here- ford has 178,405 acres of land under corn, green crops, &c., not including permanent grass, such as meadows. Tliis county is not represented at all, while Westmoreland, having only 50,686, is represented by two market towns. Durham, famous for coal and mustard, quite a coal district, has five selected towns ; while Hertfordshire, Middlesex, and Surrey, the three counties together with a much larger area and much more of a corn-growing district, have only the same number among them, viz., Hertfordshire 2, Middlesex 2, Sur- rey 1. Shropshire shows 300,000 acres under corn and green crops (omitted altogether), Staifordshire 216,370 ditto, and yet Westmoreland, with only 50,000, is represented by two markets, and the area of Staffordshire and Shropshire, being nearly four times as much, not represented at all ; yet Shrews- bury, Stafford, and Wolverhampton are very important mar- kets, I know personally. Take some of the eastern counties, about the same area, and compare with some of the southern counties : Norfolk 12 Somerset 4 Suffolk 9 Gloucester 4 Cambridge 3 Dorset 1 Huntingdon 3 Wilts 1 Bedford 1 Hants 9 Hertford 2 Berks 2 Middlesex 2 Oxford 1 Essex 3 Bucks 1 Surrey 1 35 23 I may be asked what has all this to do with the Corn Ave- rages ? Simply this — Take the counties I have just mentioned, the eastern counties as a rule grow the finest barley, and some of the finest corn generally. Now, if these counties send in 35 returns against 23 in those counties where the corn generally is of an inferior character, the result is obvious. The present mode of taking averages I think tells more on tlie average prices of barley than either of the other sorts of grain, which averages, as I mentioned before, have increased, while wheat has gone back, and though we know barley has taken a high price for the last year or two, I do not think many of us have made an average equal to the average shown in Willich's tables for the year end- ing December, 1869, viz., 39s. 5d. per quarter. There is no doubt that farmers using, as they do generally, aU their tailing corn, both of barley and oats (more so I think than wheat) all has its effect on the average. From these facts we have a strong argument in support of Farmers' Clubs and Chambers of Agriculture. I venture to assert that one half of the farmers of this country do not know anything about this short Act of Parliament of the 29th of July, 1864, and which I cannot lielp thinking very seriously affects the average of Britisli corn. I further venture to assert that that Act would never have become the law if Farmers' Clubs and Agricultural Chambers liad excited as much interest as at the present time — and why was it passed ? To save a little expense alias trouble. The preamble of the Act runs thus : " Whereas, with a view to a diminution of the expense occasioned by the publication of accounts and averages ; and incurred in the performance of the duties of the office of Comptroller of Corn returns, it is expedient that the provisions of the said Act (the Act of 1842) be altered in some parti- culars." Then, as here stated, it was a simple Act of economy. I think you will agree with me when I say, I think this a very legitimate way of spending public money, for what can be of much more importance to a large class of tax-payers than that every trouble should be taken and every reasonable expense incurred to obtain a correct average price of British corn ? on which depends the working of this great measure — ascertaining the rent charge payable every year for the whole kingdom. You will now ask me What remedy do you pro- pose ? First. — I should say let all the counties in England and Wales be properly represented. If they are so already, the Comptroller of Corn Beturns must be in possession of statistics to prove it, and if so, let our Members be respectfully requested to move for such returns to be made. Secondly. — That the sellers should make returns as well as the buyers. Why are not the sellers in the country to be trusted to do as they do in London ; there, it is the seller and not the buyer. Agricultural statistics are collected with great expense, and not very satisfactory after all. Why cannot the same machinery be used — say once a quarter let every farmer return the corn he has sold, and to whom, and the quantity of tailing corn used, and let the price be put on that, after a certain rate, 10s. below the best, or any sum that be thought liglit. The number of market re- turns need not, 1 think, be even so numerous as now, only with more apparent regard to the corn -growing districts, and the area — I say apparent because in looking over the list of markets I think it must strike everyone that some districts are not properly represented. 1 would also in- flict a heavy fine, or even imprisonment, on any party who re- fused to make a proper return, or for making an unjust return. It has often been remarked that seven years is too long a time over which to throw the average for the rent-charge. There are some cases in which it operates harshly. Take, for in- stance, a man with a farm on a short lease. At the end of Jiis lease it does so happen that sometimes he has to pay for several years a high rent-charge while taking a low price for his produce. His successor, perhaps, pays a low rent-charge, and in the meantime getting a much higher price for his pro- duce. I think myself three years would be better, or perhaps best of all to take it annually. Some say, why not make the tithe apportionment a fixed charge ? but that could not be fairly done until the annual rent-charge and the apportionment should be equal, and then if that good time, of which we have often heard as " coming " for some years past, should come, the owner of the rent-charge would not participate in it. I do not wish by any means to impute that tlie corn averages are otherwise than fairly taken ; but with these facts before us, I do not think it unreasonable to suppose that some im- provement might be made, both in the area and the present mode of obtaining the average price of British corn. Mr. Tanner then read the following letter from the Re/. C. W. Everett, of Woolhampton : " In my paper on ' The Agri- cultural Interest,' which T read last year to the Club, I made these remarks on the Tithe Rent Charge — 'The tithe rent cliarge is another impost which is usually paid by the tenant for the landlord. If this was a fixed charge, or if the tenant received back, when he paid his rent, the sum he had disbursed for tithe, it would not mucli matter (as between the owner and occupier of land) by whom it was paid. But as this charge, on an average of seven years, varies very considerably in amount, it may happen that an incoming tenant has to pay a high rent cliarge at a time when the market price of his pro- duce is low. I have no hesitation in saying, as a tithe owner, that I should be very glad to see the annual tithe rent charge stand at its commuted value. The experience of thirty-four years has shown that, in the long run, the commuted value is very nearly a correct one ; and I believe that it would willingly be adopted by the larger part of those who have to pay. I should, with pleasure, join in any move to in- duce the Legislature to sanction this amendment of the law.' By taking the commuted value as the fixed annual value, you would also get rid of any question as to whether the ave- rages are now taken fairly or otherwise. In fixing the com- muted value, the rule was this — for making a compulsory award the Tithe Commissioners were to ascertain the clear average value (after making all deductions on account of the expense of collecting, preparing for sale, and marketing, where such tithes liad been taken in kind) of the tithes of the parish according to the averages of seven years preceding Christmas, 1835. As tliis was acquiesced in at the time as an equitable rule, aud as the act was passed to satisfy the tithe payers, not the tithe owners, it would scarcely be just to make any objection to it at this late period. Where the tithes had been compounded for during the seven years ending at Christ- mas, 1835, the composition was to be taken at the clear value of the tithes, and this also seems fair, as it was binding parties to an agreement made for their mutual benefit, and voluntarily made. If in any case the tithes had been com- pounded for, on the principle of the composition being paid free from rates, the Commissioners had power to make such addition on that account as should be an equivalent ; because the tithes were to be commuted (under the Act) as being sub- ject to rates. You have now the full benefit of anything I might have said to-morrow. " Believe me, yours truly, " C. W. Everett." fHE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 107 DAIRY FARMING. At the last monthly meeting of the Wliitliy Chamber of Agriculture, Mr. J. G. W. Tarsyde in the chair, Mr. Kerr, jun., said the dairy occupied a most important po- sition in the agricultural industry of this country, many large dis , tricts being peculiarly adapted and almost entirely adopted to dairy farming, whilst it formed an integral part of almost eveiy farm in the kingdom. To the small farmer of limited means the dairy offered many inducements and advantages. The capital employed in agriculture was for the most part locked up for some considerable time, but the small portion wiiich was invested in dairy stock brought an immediate return, and from this source money came in conveniently to meet household and other ex- penses. The first consideration in establishing a dairy must be the class of land and the quantity and quality of the animals it was calculated to carry. It was advisable to have them rather under than over the capabilities of the soil. In the former case, the animals would improve and the land have a better chance. This would apply to all breeds of animals, and its recognition in purchasing breeding stock would not fail to bring about a successful result. A man having a large capital might purchase a large-framed animal, and endeavour to bring his land up in condition to be able to feed it ; but whatever the outlay might be, he could not so easily alter the character of the soil in a short time. In fact, some men would never be able to keep such animals with advantage. It was, therefore, important to keep the land and the stock in about the same ratio in improving condition. If the dairy was to be the prin- cipal source of profit on the farm, then, apart from every other consideration, the breed of the stock ought to be selected for its large milk-giving capacity. On the other hand, when milk, butter, and cheese were only a consideration in conjunction with the breeding and rearing of cattle as a source of profit, then a more valuable breed would be desirable — one which would reach maturity at an early age, so that in whatever con- dition it was sold off it would bring remunerative prices. For their quantity of milk, for keeping in good condition in such a country as this, he thought the Ayrshire breed could not be excelled, though they were little known or appreciated in this part of the country. The breed was characterised by hardness of constitution, the cows keeping themselves in good condi- tion, whilst giving a large quantity of milk in proportion to the food they consumed. There was a great objection to keeping large-framed cattle on light land, as must be seen, and the loss was little more than covered by the whole season's produce. The Ayrshire cows had a compact frame, and were easily kept up, and at the close of the season they would invariably find the cows in good condition. He believed they could not try a better cross than one between a pure Shorthorn bull and a pure Ayrshire cow. A stock thus brought up would be very valuable, inherit- ing, as it would, the large milking capabilities of the one and the fattening qualities of the other. In every case where the object was twu-fold, the stock should be sufficiently weU-bred to be fattened and cleared off in two years, so that the permanent stock of milkers might be as little interfered with as possible. Pure breeding tended largely to economise food, and the quality of arriving at early maturity materially hastened a return of capital. A well-bred bullock would bring as much at two years old as another would a year later if its parents were coarser bred. The possession of well-bred animals afforded a certain amount of honour and pleasure. Nothing could be more unsatisfactory than putting good food into a bad skin, and no amount of care could make up for a want of breed. If the animals had to be kept as store, they were always remunerative in proportion to their quality. At some dairy farms very good results were obtained by rearing only the heifer calves, keeping them till after the second calving, and disposing of them towards their third calving time, when they could generally be sold for high prices. By adopting this plan the produce of the dairy might be les- sened to some extent, but, on the other liand, there were never any old cows to be weeded out, which must be sold for less Talue, and thus make a great inroad on the profits of the season. Besides, the milk of the aged cows was not so pure in quality, and therefore not so productive, as that of younger cows, whilst taking into account the greater amount of food they required, a consideration which could not be overlooked, there was an inducement to part as quickly as possible. They should seek to get a good name for turning out thriving animals, and good specimens of their respective breeds, in order to insure success. It was of the greatest consequence that no pains should be spared to procure purely-bred bulls. No cross-bred animals, no matter on what pretence, should be used for breeding purposes. However hardy the constitution, or however good-looking, the stock would go down. A most inestimable boon had been conferred on farmers by those gen- tlemen who, with most untiring perseverance, devoted their time and capital to the selection and improvement of different breeds of cattle, and especially in Shorthorns. Such praise- worthy examples were by no means scarce in any part of the country, and many had now the good sense neither to pamper or over-feed their animals, but turned them out in good breeding condition, such as they might be expected to be kept in by those who purchased them. At the present time, it was an easy matter to procure Shorthorn bulls of good quality at prices within the reach of men of moderate means. The extra price of such an animal now was not worth consideration, as it would very soon be covered by the improvement of the young stock, and by the time they were two years old the bull might be considered out of debt, and his influence for good would be felt for a long time afterwards. He was afraid that some people were too impatient of results on this point, because they did not see the full benefit of their outlay all at once, and would go on from year to year using the best animals they or their next neighbour happened to possess. It must be admit- ted that the success accompanying the breeding of good cattle under proper management would be much greater than the breeding of inferior stock. It was of great importance to the farmer owning a number of cows that his success in rearing calves should be as great as possible. Every calf lost was of great consequence. Not only had their places to be supplied, but he would find it impossible to replace them with animals of the same stamp as his own. The greatest care, therefore, should be taken during the time of gestation, and all cases of premature birth should be avoided as much as possible. All doorways should be made roomy enough to prevent crushing, and instead of the rough usage sometimes administered there should be kind and gentle treatment, and anything conducive to the comfort of the animal ought to be studied. He felt sure that only a person of very narrow mind could regard these directions as unnecessary to the remunerative working of his dairy. Parturition in the cow might be attended with difficulty and required judicious action, and ought to be well understood. It was most disgusting to see the way in which cows were treated sometimes under these circumstances. Main force was exercised, and the result of such treatment was often the death of the cow from inflammation and its con- sequences. Every man would agree that this conduct was cruel. A cow ought to be left to herself and kept as quiet as possible, except under extraordinary circumstances, and then only such force used as was consistent with the case. Then, a calf should never be allowed to suck its dam when she was intended for milking purposes, as there was a difficulty in teaching it to drink afterwards, and the mother having taken kindly to her offspring, refused to let her milk down when it was taken away. The calf should be fed frequently with its mother's milk, in small quantities at first, and in order to give it a fair start in life, it ought to feed on new milk for three weeks, or longer if delicate. Then oil cake gruel, sliced turnips, and a little hay should be given in sufficient quantity, according to the age of the animal. It would thus be kept in a growing and thriving condition. It was a well-known fact that quarter-ill, a disease so prevalent and fatal amongst young cattle, was less frequent where they were liberally fed on cake. No greater mistake could be made than to allow young animals to go back in condition. Wherever such was the case, and 108 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. they became stinted in their growth, they could never fairly recover the effects of it. During the first month, it vcould be found a safe plan to give three doses of castor oQ, which might prevent many of the ailments to vrliich the young animals were subject. Each calf ought, if possible, to have a separate compartment, and be left at liberty. Tliey would do much better in this way than if tied up by the neck. If they could not find a separate compartment for each, they should put three or four in a loose box or comfortabfe shed, where they could be easily fed, and with a rack or manger for their use. The better they fed a cow the better her produce would he, and the greater the profit. Yet how many owners of dairy stock acted as if it were of little importance whether the food was up to the mark, either in quantity or quality 1 Such treat- ment was just the reverse of the teachings of reason and common sense. No animal was more grateful, and gave a more liberal return for liberal treatment. Without good food, a cow, however good her milking qualities might be, would not continue long in full profit. During the summer months, the pasture was their principal dependence, and on good land nothing else was required, but much harm was done by allowing cows to remain in the fields far into the autumn while in a milking condition. During cold and wet nights they could only seek out the best shelter the hedges would allow and there lie down, whereas a small quantity of food in the house would be as good as what they could get out of doors, and they would be kept warm and comfortable. If they lost flesh in the winter it was not easily made up agam ; besides, at that season butter was scarce and prices were rising, and so it paid to give both food and shelter to keep up the supply of milk. The quality of the food and the regularity of giving were most important and essential matters. There was a striking dift'erence between the milk and cream of cows fed on hay and straw and the mUk and cream of those fed on cake or meal in addition, the former being comparatively thin and poor, while the latter was thick and rich. Not only was the produce of the dairy increased by cake, but the manure made was of very superior quality. This was a fact of great im- portance. It could not be expected that pastures would con- tinue to yield the same quality of milk, butter, and cheese unless some return was made to keep up their fertility. Many of the large dairy farms of Cheshire had been allowed to get into such an exhausted condition that the farmers had to resort to crushed bones, and apply them at the rate of seven cwt. and eight cwt. to the acre. The construction and careful manage- ment of the dairy demanded serious attention. If this was neglected, it was in vain that good cows and good food were provided. There were many dairies in which no expense had been spared to render them perfect, but these were principally on the home farms of gentlemen. With the ordinary farmer tlie case was very diiferent. The dairy ought to have a north or nortli-west aspect, and away from the vicinity of manure refuse or other sources of off'ensive smells, wliich were almost inimical to dairy produce. The floor should be laid with cement or tiles, to prevent damp. They knew in how many cases the dairy was the contrary of all this. With regard to the utensils, he had not much to remark, and he doubted mucli whether the leaden cooler could be surpassed, except by glass. There were a great many new inventions in the way of churns, many of which cost a lot of money, and were, at the same time comparatively useless. The barrel churns, in simplicity, were scarcely to be surpassed. In making butter, the great desiderata were cleanliness, good ventilation, and the presence of pure air. The improvement in the art of cheese-making, especially in the large dairy districts, had been very great ; but it could not be denied that the making of cheese was still in an imperfect state, and it was therefore desirous that men of patient research sbould apply themselves to this subject. It was well known that many individuals in this district had at- tained a high standard of perfection in this art, but many were still far behind. He believed that cheese-making 'vas no exception to the rule which applied to otlier branches of agricultural industry— that science might yet do much to improve it and materially add to the practical results. The Chairman said, with reference to the Ayrshire cattle, they were a fine breed, but there were very few of them in this district. In reply to the Chairmau, Mr. Keer, jun., said an Ayrshire heifer, in calf, could he bought for £14 or £16. They were larger than Alderneys. Mr. Pearson said he had had some experience with Ayr- shire cows, and had been in Ayrshire, where they were kept in great numbers. He had been on two farms — one where 130 and another where 100 of these cows were kept. When the cows came in to be milked, a girl was expected to milk ten in an hour, and as soon as the cows were taken out the manure was all washed away, and there was no more smell in the cow- house than there was in that room. He believed the Ayr- shire cows were better than Shorthorns for giving mUk, and he thought a cross between them and the Shorthorns would be the best breed we could have for this part of the country. The Ayrshire cows were very pretty animals, but Ayrshire farmers would not sell them their best animals ; still, any man who had a mind to go into Scotland would be able to get a good animal if he was willing to give the price. He had gone there to buy some tups to improve his breed of sheep. The Ayrshire land was not good pasture land, and not so good as in this part of England. Mr. Harrison wished to know if Mr. Kerr could tell them what was tlie average quantity of milk an Ayrshire cow would give during the season. Mr. Kerr said he could not answer the question. He con- sidered the Ayrshire breed to be superior, however, to the Shorthorns for dairy purposes, especially on light soUs and in- diiferent pastures. Mr. Harrison said the pure-bred Shorthorns were not kept for their milking qualities, but their fine points and feed- ing qualities. There was a class of animal that had some relation to them called the Yorkshire cow, which was a strong hardy animal, and gave a good quantity of milk and butter, and was as well a good feeding animal ; and when not kept too long was very profitable indeed. The two-year-old stores were sold at from £10 to £13 each. He had had some crosses from the Ayrshire breed, but he never considered they were equal to the Yorkshire cow, and never gave the quantity of milk. The Chairman was afraid that the Yorkshire breed had been so crossed that it would be difficult to get a pure-bred one now. Mr. Harrison : They have been crossed to improve their fattening qualities. Mr. Pearson said, in reference to the calves, that he gave them cake as soon as he could get them to eat it. He gave them, in addition, some cold water or turnips. After the new milk he gave them a little old, and then the cake. He never gave them any gruel whatever, and he generally sold his heifers at a year and a-half old for £9 each. He sold the last for that at Malton, and the market was not good, on account of the condition of the grass. Mr. Elliott said where there was a scarcity of milk for the calves there was, do doubt, nothing like cake. Mr. Pearson said that when he gave £13 a ton for cake he expected £8 out of it in his cattle, and the rest went to his land. Mr. Harrison said it must be pure cake. Mr. Elliott could see the profit out of his calves when fed on oilcake clearer than anything else. They would eat it from the time they were a fortniglit or three weeks old. He would never feed a calf for the butcher. Mr. WiMPRA said he had lately sold two two-year-olds of the Yorkshire breed, crossed by Shorthorns, for £37. The Chairjlvn said, with reference to the making of cheese, he had never tasted better cheese than some that had been made in this neighbourhood. Mr. Thistle thought they were making as good cheese here as they were now doing in Cheshire. No doubt the agricul- tural shows had done much to further the improvement in cheese-making. Sir. Pearson said it should be borne in mind that there was nothing so susceptible as milk to bad smells, or that more readily took up any injurious gases, and this rendered it the more important that the dairy should be kept clean. Mr. Harrison said the tenant farmers were obHged to put up with such buildings as the landlords erected, and many of them were not at all fit for cheese-making. Good wives would take every precaution they could in the way of cleanliness, but he thought there was a great dereliction of duty on the part of landlords in not providing sufficient dairy accommodation. The dairy was often the only repository that could be found for the provisions of the house. The dairy ought to be THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 109 separate epartment, and until they had a more improved sys- tem of fa m buildings they could not succeed in making good butter and cheese. He hoped the day was not far distant when the attention of the landlords would be directed to this matter. The CuAiRJLVjf thought it was the duty of the tenant far- mer to press it upon the attention of the landlord. Wr. Harrison said, with reference to the produce of the Yorkshire cow, she would average 81bs. or lOlbs. of butter per week. He knew one that yielded 161bs. or 181bs. Mr. Elliott said she must be a first-class animal that would produce an aevrage of 71bs. of butter per week. Votes of thanks to Mr. Kerr and the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close. THE NOREOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. ^MEETING AT HARLESTON. The Norfolk Society this year pitched its tents — or to speak more accurately its shedding — at Ilarleston, a town on the borders of Norfolk and Suffolk, which divides Avith Bungay and Beccles the honour of ministering in va- rious ways to the wants and wishes of the inhabitants of the rich valley watered by the Waveney. Harleston is so near Suffolk that the Suffolk element was naturally stronger than ever at the Norfolk Show this year, although it is generally found in pretty good force at these meetings. But the very irruption of Suffolk added to the character of the show, especially in the horse and cattle classes. Norfolk comprises some famous sheep breeders, but as regards Shorthorns it can scarcely be said, with the exception ot her Hugh Aylmer and a few aristocratic amateurs, that her agriculturists make this stock their speciality ; and, perhaps, they are wise in their ge- neration in following this policy, as we cannot all be roar- ing lions in the world, and cannot all get money by pro- ducing Shorthorns, however weighty their points, or lengthy their pedigrees. Be this as it may, however, there can be no doubt that the Norfolk Society has been following of late an eminently progressive policy. Those who remember the days when the Society used to gyrate, pendulum fashion, between Norwich and Swaffham, and between Swaffham and Norwich, would probably hardly recognize it now as the same body. The classes of exhibi- tors continue to comprise a large Suffolk contingent, and the landlord element is yet very strong ; but still there are certainly tenant-farmer exhibitors to be found now, who put in no appearance at the meetings held ten or twelve years since. The attendance at the shows has also largely increased, while the amount of the prizes has been materially augmented. The whole tone of the Society has also undergone a beneficial change. Although the welcome accorded by Harleston was warm, the means of communication enjoyed by the town are tedious and imperfect. The Great Eastern has only a small single-line branch through the Waveney Valley, and when you pour ever so many hundreds or thousands over a branch upon which but a few dozen pas- sengers can be accommodated with comfort, it is not very difficult to anticipate and predict the inevitable result. The policy of visiting various parts of a county is un- doubtedly a good one for a county society to adopt, but the town selected should always be one having a double set of rails to it, or at any rate one having more than a single line converging upon it. As might have been ex- pected from the selection of so inconvenient a site the receipts were below those of last year. The show of Shorthorns was numerous and good, the only drawback being that, as will be seen by the prize list, preciously few premiums for pedigree stock re- mained in the county. la the Shorthorn bull class, the SaftVon Walden decision was reversed, Mr. Upson's Monk playing at Harleston only second fiddle to Mr. Kersey Cooper's Hogarth II., who, it will be remem- bered, figured with distinctiou at the Attleborough meeting of the Norfolk Society last year. He does not appear to have grown much during the last twelve months, but he has undoubtedly good form and quality, although he has not the massive proportions of Monk. Lady Pigot's Charles Le Beau was only placed third in the older Shorthorn bull class, but her ladyship had her revenge in the two-year-old class, her Bythis beating Lord Walsingham's Grand Signor II. The Merton bull has size and symmetry to recommend him, but Bythis was con- sidered to handle better. In the Shorthorn cow class, the competition was once more between Lady Pigot's Queen of Rosalea and Mr. How's Lady Anne. The de- cision given at Attleborough last year between these competitors was, however, reversed this year. Lady Anne being considered to have " gone off," while Queen of Rosalea has spread, without at the same time any material loss of symmetry. In the heifers it will be seen that Mr. How was more fortunate. The Society still keeps up some Devon prizes ; but it can scarcely be said that Devons make any progress in Norfolk, Mr. Over- man, of Burnham Sutton, making a clear sweep of all the Devon premiums, with scarcely any competition. The Society has certainly reduced its Devon classes to three — bulls, cows, and heifers ; but they are so poorly fiUed, that it is almost a question whether they might not be dispensed with altogether. Prizes to the amount of £25 were distributed among just four animals. " Touch the Devons, and down comes the Society," said one of its departed members, with an air of great gravity and wisdom some years since. Touch the Devons, indeed ! Why, there are scarcely any left to touch. The most busi- ness-like feature in the show-yard — which stood out in pleasing contrast with the languishing Devon classes — was the substantial hond fide exhibition of Norfolk ■Bud Suffolk red polled cattle, of which there was a capital eutry. Norfolk held its own manfully, and the prize animals of Mr. Brown of Thursford, and Mr. Hammond of Bale, showed that the breed is making progress in the county, both as regards purity and quality. A new exhibitor appeared amongst the red-polls in Mr. J. J. Colman, the principal partner in the famous CaiTOW Works near Norwich. Mr. Colman showed Cherry Tree, a bull of Suffolk descent, bred by Mr. Wolton of Newbonrn, that attracted great attention, and secured a little fortune in prizes. He has a good head, and his symmetry is gene- rally creditable — in fact he was considered a model two- year-old " red polled." It is clear that the men of Nor- folk will do well to cultivate this red-polled speciality ; for if they have not courage enough to go in as a body for Shorthorns, they will still acquire considerable fame if they succeed in further developing and improving a good serviceable local breed. There were some nice dairy cows ou the ground, and some Ayrshire- Shorthorn crosses brought Mr. H. Overman, of Weasenham, several prizes. Among the few fat cattle shown, Mr. Barcbam exhibited a good red Highland Scot. 110 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Tu tlie cart-horse classes — that is, sucli of tlieiu as were open — Suffolk appeared as usual iu overpowering force ; the strength of Norfolk being reserved for some local classes in which there was a better competition than iu former years. There is still a comparative absence in Norfolk of that professional cart-horse breeding which may be said to distinguish Suffolk ; nevertheless, more interest is taken in the matter in Norfolk than was observable twelve or fifteen years since. In the open class, the most noticeable cart stallion v\'as the Sbire horse. Honest Tom, shown by Mr. Welcher, of Toft, that figured with some distinction at Bury, Leicester, and Manchester, in 1867, 1868, and 1869. He was only placed second- best, however, at Harleston, the chief premium going to Mr. Rist's well-known Harwich Emperor, who seems to have worn quite sound again. As regards the Norfolk cart stock, properly so called, the cart mares and plough-horses comprised some very good specimens, and the trials of the latter excited considerable and justifiable interest. Some of the best Norfolk cart-horses on view came from the Pens or the districts bordering on the Fens. The competition for the thoroughbred stallion prizes was weak, but feeble as it was it upset the Saft'ron Waldeu award in favour of Deerfoot. At Saffron Walden it will be remembered that Deerfoot won altogether no less than£15, but he was placed second-best at Harleston to Little Hast- ings, who was second at Attleborough to Dalesman. There was a sad falling-oft' iu the number and character of the hunters shown, but there was a fair amount of competition in the hackney classes. Several of the hunting prizes went into Suffolk, but in the hackneys Norfolk fared better, and rather more interest appears to be taken in the county in hackney breeding than was to be met with some years since, although there is still considered to be room for further improvement. The principal prize for cobs was taken by Mr. H. Ovennau, of Weasenham, who achieved great success during the day in almost every department of the Show, taking in all 21 premiums^^besides silver medals. Amongst the Southdowns, Lord Walsingham' thought fit to make no sign, and Lord Sondes had, to a great extent, a walk over with his handsome highly bred sheep. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who breeds from Lord Walsingham's and Lord Sondes' stock, was however the recipient of two or three prizes. The long-wooUed prizes were nearly all carried off by Mr. Brown, of Marham, although Mr. Giblin, of Essex, did not put iu an appearance altogether without success : as it would have been strange, indeed, if it had been otherwise, since IMr. Brown and ]Mr. Giljlin were the only exhibitors in this department. The lambs in most of the classes were moderate, the season not having been a favourable one. In the miscellaneous sheep classes victory remained almost unchallenged with Mr. H. Over- man's Oxford Downs. The pig classes were good, but nearly all the prizes were attached to the well-known names of Duckering, Sexton, and Stearn. Still Mr. H. Aylmer and Mr. T. L. Taylor were not unsuccessful as Norfolk exhibitors. As regards implements, Harleston offered a special prize of £10 to the exhibitor of the best newly-invented or improved implement for the purpose of agriculture ; but this was put out in portions to Holmes and Sons, Norwich, Murton and Turner, Kenninghall, and Robey and Co., Lincoln. Annexed is a complete list of the exhibitors in this department : Amies and Barford, Peterborough ; Baker, Lynn ; Barnard, Bishop, and Baruards, Norwich ; Bentall, Heybridge ; Bone, Framlingham ; Bradford and Co., Fleet-street, London; BurreU,"Thetford; Dodman, Lynn ; Gardiner, Mendham ; Garrett and Son, Leiston ; Gidney, East Dereham ; Harper, Beccles ; Holmes and Sons, Norwich ; Knights, Harleston ; Lc Fevre, Norwich ; Leggett, Elsing ; Loveday, Old Buckenham ; Marshall, Sons, and Co., Gainsborough ; Murton and Turner, Kenninghall ; Mullenger and Sous, Pulham St. Mary ; Pashley, Titvetshall ; Randall and Sons, North Walsham ; Rands and Jeckell, Ipswich ; Readiyin, Fakenham ; Riches and Watts, Norwich ; Robey, Lincoln ; Savage, Lynn; Stringer, Diss; Swootman, jun.. Diss; Thorn, Norwich ; Teigh and Smith, Limehouse ; Turner, Ips- wich ; Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, Stowmarket ; Wheeler and Wilson, Regent-street, London ; Cheavin, Boston ; Townshend, New Buckenham ; Smith, Hales- worth ; Anderson and Co., Ipswich ; the Singer Manu- facturing Company, Cheapside; Howes and Son, Nor- wich ; Humphries, Pei'shore ; Leggett, Eye ; Packard and Co., Ipswich ; Cann, Harleston ; Townsend, Ford- ham ; Freeman, Norwich. The dinner in the evening was attended by about a hundred, and there was some vigorous practical speech-making on the occasion. In this respect Norfolk contrasted most favourably with the recent Essex meeting. Mr. Sewell Read was on his native heath, and supplied the oratorical 2nece de resistance of the evening. Sugar production, taxation, hedgerows, rabbits, labourers' cot- tages— all the stock subjects of the agricultural world, were handled in turn by the various other speakers, whose utterances we have reproduced below to some little extent. PRIZE LIST. CA.TTLE. Judges. — J. Clayden, Littlebury, Saffron Walden. C. Howard, Biddenham, Bedford. Shorthorn bulls above three years old. — First prize of £10 and Harleston prize of £20, G. Kersey Cooper, Bowbeck House, Ixworth, Suffolk (Hogarth 2nd); second of £7, J. Upson, Rivenhall, Essex (Monk) ; third of £4, Lady Pigot, Branches Park, Suffolk (Charles le Beau). Highly com- mended, N. Catchpole, Bramford, Suffolk (Sorcerer). Com- mended, R. Barcham, Thargarton, Norfolk (Brilliant). Shorthorn bulls not exceeding three years old, — Prize of £10, Lady Pigot (Sidus). Yearling Shorthorn bulls. — First prize of £10 and silver medal, Lady Pigot (Bythis) ; second of £7, Lord Walsingham, Merton Hall, Norfolk (Grand Signor 2ud) ; third of £4, Lady Pigot (Great Gun). Commended, W. Goulder, Wimbotsham. Shorthorn cows, in-calf or in-milk, above tliree years old. — First prize of £10 and silver medal and Harleston prize of £10, Lady Pigot (Queen of Rosalea) ; second of £7, J. How, Broughtou, Hunts (Lady Anne) ; third of £4, N. Catchpole, Bramford, Suffolk (Buttercup). Highly commended, J. Upson, Rivenhall, Essex. Shorthorn heifers, in-calf or in-milk, not exceeding three years old. — Two premiums of £5 and silver medal, J. How (Windsor's Bntterlly) ; second of £7, Lady Pigot (La BeUe Hclcne). Highly commended, Lord Walsingham and J. Upson. Shorthorn heifers not exceeding two years old. — First prize of £8 and silver medal, J. How (Vesper Queen) ; second of £5, Lady Pigot (Dame) ; third of £3, N. Catchpole (Coronet). Highly commended, Lady Pigot. Commended, G. K. Cooper and VV. How. Devon bulls. — Harleston premium of £10 and silver medal, J. Overman, Burnham Sutton (Wellington). Devon cows, in-calf or in-milk, above three years old. — Prize of £10, J. Overman (Violet). Devon heifers, in-calf or in-milk, not above three years old, — Prize of £5, J. Overman, Fuchsia). Norfolk and Suffolk red polled bulls, above three years old.— First prize of £10, B. Brown, Thursford (Norfolk Duke) ; second of £7, R. C. Symonds, Aylmerton. Highly commended, J. F. Palmer, Wilby. Norfolk and Suffolk red polled bulls above two years old. — First prize of £10 and Harleston prize of £20, J. J. Colman, Norwich (Cherry Duke) ; second of £7, S. Walton, New- bourn, Suffolk (Broadback). Highly commended, W. T. Mullen, Swalield. Norfolk and Suffolk red polled yearling buUs. — First prize of £10 and silver medal, Lord Sondes, Elmham ; second of THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Ill £7, B. Brown (Young Duke) ; third of £i, T. L. Taylor, Starston (Richard III.)- Commended, B. Brown. Norfolk and Suffolk red polled cows, in-calf or in-railk, above three years old. — Harleston prize of £10 and cup, J. Hammond, Bale (Butler) ; second of £7, J. Hammond (Lady Davy) ; third of Bi, Sir W. Jones, Bart., Cranmer Hall (Primrose). Highly commended, S. Wolton, and class generally commended. Norfolk and Sutfolk red polled heifers, in-calf or in-milk, not exceeding three years old. — Harleston prize of £10 and silver medal, J. Hammond (Buttercup) ; second of £7, Lord Sondes; third of £4', B.Brown (Hansom). Highly commended, S. Wolton. Norfolk and Suffolk red polled heifers, above one year old. — First prize of £8 and silver medal, J. Hammond (Davy the 4th) ; second of £5, Lord Sondes ; third of £3, Lord Sondes. Highly commended, Sir W, Jones. Cows, in-calf or in-milk, above three years old, cross-bred or any pure breed not being Shorthorn, Devon, or Norfolk and Suffolk red polled. — Harleston prize of £10 and silver medal, H. Overman, Weasenham (Doat's Eye) ; second of £7, W. T. Mullen, Swafield (Kathleen) ; third of £4, H. Over- man (Alexandra). Commended, C. Boby, Stutton, Suffolk. Heifers, not exceeding three years old, not being Short- horn, Devon, or Norfolk and Suffolk red polled. — Harleston prize of £10 and silver medal, H. Overman (White Rose). Yearling heifers, cross-bred or any pure breed, not being Shorthorn or Norfolk and Suffolk red polled. — First prize of £8 and silver medal, H. Overman (Gay Lass) ; second of £5, J. Overman (Elegance). Calves, steers or heifers, not exceeding six months old, bred in the county. — Prize of £5 and silver medal. Lord Sondes. Steers of any breed, above three years old. — Prize of £8 and Harleston prize of £10, R, Barcham, Thurgarton. Highly commended, J.J. Cohnan. Steers of any breed, not above three years old. — Prize of £8 and silver medal, H. Overman. Cows or heifers above three years old. — Prize of £5 and silver medal, G. Hart, Pulham. Commended, G. Hart. Heifers not above three years old. — Prize of £5 and silver medal, H. Overman. AGRICULTURAL HORSES. Judges. — J. Thomas, Bletsoe, Beds. W. Thompson, jun., Thorpe-le-Soken, Colchester. Cart stallions not under four years old. — First prize of £10 and silver medal, I. Rist, Tattingstone, Suffolk (Harwich Em- peror) ; second of £7, W. Welcher, Tofts, (Honest Tom). Highly commended, C. Boby. Commended, J. Waite, Martham. Two year old staUions. — First prize of £6 and Harleston prize of £20, W. Wilson, Baylham, Suffolk ; second of £4, the executors of T. Capon, Dennington, Suffolk. Highly commended, I. Rist, and the executors of T. Capon- Com- mended, S. Wolton. Yearling entire colts. — First prize of £5, J. Grout, Wood- bridge ; second of £3, S. Wolton. Commended, A. Noble, Greeting St. Peter, Suffolk (Hero). Mares not under four years old. — Harleston prize of £10 and silver medal, and extra Harleston prize of £10, the execu- tors of T. Capon (Matchet) ; second of £7, A. Noble (Duchess) ; third of £4, executors of T. Capon (Darby) . Three year old fillies. — First prize of £6 and silver medal, S. Wolton (Duchess) ; second of £4, J. Lines, Thorpe Parva (Doughty). Two year old fillies. — Prize of £5, S. Wolton. Commended, executors of T. Capon. Foals. — Prize of £5, J. Lines. NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL HORSES. Judges. — R. G. T. Howard, Temple Bruer, Lincoln. G. M. Sexton, Wherstead, Suffolk. Norfolk cart stallions not under four years old. — First prize of £20, J. Tingay, EUingham (Young Briton) ; second of £10, H. Overman (The Norfolk Lion). Three year old Norfolk cart stallions, — First prize of £12, C. Tidraan, Blofield (Young Thumper) ; second of £8, W. Kirk, Attleborough (Volunteer). Two year old Norfolk cart stallions. — First prize of £10, W. Durrant, Brunstead; second of £8, J. Read, Mendham (Premier). Yearling entire Norfolk cart colts. — First prize of £8 and silver medal, L. J. Palmer, Snetterton ; second of £S, F. Spel- man, Tivetshall (Proctor). Highly commended, C. W. Spelman. Norfolk cart mares not under four years old. — First prize of £5 and Harleston prize of £10, E. Crowe, Denver (Smart) ; second of £10, C. Edwards, Stow Bardolph (Pink) ; third of £5, H. Overman (Brag). Higlily commended, H. Overman and E. Beck. Commended, T. L. Taylor and W. Betts, Tibenliam. Three year old Norfolk cart colts. — Harleston prize of £7 and silver medal, H. Overman (Sharper) ; second of £4, W. Betts (Short). Three year old Norfolk cart fillies. — First prize of £10 and silver medal, T. Calver, Burnham Thorpe (Blossom) ; second of £7, H. Overman (Brandy). Highly commended, J. Tingay. Two year old Norfolk cart fillies. — First prize of £8 and silver medal, T, L. Taylor (Countess) ; second of £5, W. How (Beauty) ; third of £3, T. Calver, Burnham Thorpe (Bounce). Yearling Norfolk cart fillies. — Harleston prize of £8 and silver medal, E. Betts; second of £5, W. Allen, Little EUingham (Smart) ; third of £3, H. Overman. Norfolk cart foals. — First prize of £8 and silver medal, E. Crowe, Denver ; second of £5, J. Carman, Weston. Pairs of cart horses (mares or geldings). — Melton Constable cup and silver medal, J. Tingey (Smiler and Prince) ; second of £10, H. Overman (Gilbert and Jolly) ; third of £7, H. Overman (Boxer and Gipsey). THOROUGHBRED AND HUNTING HORSES. Judges. — F. Oldaker, Upper Brook-street, London. S. J. Welfitt, Tathwell, Lincoln. Thoroughbred stallions. — Cup and Harleston prize of £10, E. JoUey, Bauham (Little Hastings) ; second of £10, Major Barlow, Haskoton, Suffolk (l)ecrfoot). Mares or geldings adapted for hunting, equal to carry not less than 14 stone. — Harleston prize of £15, J. Grout, Woed- bridge (Lady Charlotte) ; second of £10, R. Bircham (Prince). Mares or geldings adapted for hunting, not equal to carry 14 stone. — First prize of ^10, silver medal, and Prince of Wales's cup. Major Barlow (Brunette) ; second of £-5, T. Everitt, Creake (Rupert). Three or four years old colts or fillies adapted for hunting.— Harleston prize of £10 and silver medal, G. Rolfe, Hingham (Colleen) ; second of£5,T. Everitt. Brood mares adapted for breeding hunters. — Prize of £10, H. Smith, Honingham (Honesty). HACKNEY AND RIDING HORSES AND PONIES. Judges. — II. Beevor, Blyth, Notts. H. Thurnall, Royston. Stallions for saddle or harness. — Harleston prize of £15, J. Grout (Sportsman); second of £10, C. Beart, Stow Bridge (Ambition). Commended, R. A. Westropp, Ongar, Essex ; C. T. Smith, jun., East Winch, Norfolk. Riding mares or geldings above 15 and not exceeding 15 hands and 3 inches high. — Harleston prize of £10 and silver medal. Rev. W. F. Thursby, Bergh Apton (Nevill) ; second of £5, J. Grout (Alice). Hackney mares or geldings not exceeding 15 hands high. — First prize of £10, II. Overman (Jenny Lind) ; second of £3, E. Jolley (Fanny). Highly commended, J. J. Clark, Southacre. Commended, R. C. Rising, Costessey (Elderton). Hackney brood mares. — Harleston prize of £10, W. H. Jillings, Thetford (Favourite) ; second of £5, Major Barlow (Gipsey). Cobs under eight years old not exceeding 14^ hands high. — Harleston prize of £10, H. Overman (Liberality) ; second of £7, G. K. Cooper ; third of £4, G. K. Cooper. Com- mended, R. Smith, Kimberley, Norfolk. Ponies not under 13 nor above 13 hands and 3 inches high. —Prizes of £5 and £3, T. L. Taylor (Tom Noddy) ; second of £5, R. G. Beart, Rainham (Tommy Dodd) ; tliird of £3, C. Groucock, Stanfield, Norfolk (Puss). Commended, J. B. Pratt, Mendham, and H. G. Nelson, East Somerton, Norfolk. Ponies not above 13 hands high. — First Prize of £5, W Rose, Wymondham, Norfolk (Lily). SOUTHDOWN SHEEP. Judges. — H. Fookes, Whitchurch, Dorsetshire. W. Rigden, Hove, Susses. Southdown shearling rams. — Harleston prize of £10 and 112 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. silver medal. Lord Sondes ; second of £.4:, the Prince of Wales. Highly commended, J. Overman. Southdown rams of any age. — Prizes of £5 and silver medal, and Harleston prize of £10, Lord Sondes ; second of £7, C. Boby ; third of £i, C. Boby. Highly commended, Lord Sondes. Commended, J. Overman. Shearling ewes. — First prize of £7 and silver medal, Lord Sondes ; second of £4, the Prince of Wales. Highly com- mended, Lord Sondes. Commended, J. Overman. Southdown ewe lambs. — First prize a cup, value £5, and silver medal, Lord Sondes ; second of £3, Lord Sondes. Highly commended, the Prince of Wales. Southdown wether lambs. — First prize of £5 and silver medal, Lord Sondes ; second of £3, the Prince of Wales. Highly commended. Sir Willoughby Jones. LONG-WOOLLED AND CROSS-BRED SHEEP. Judges.— E. Little, Lanhill, Wilts. R. J. Newton, Campsfield Farm, Woodstock. Long-woolled shearling rams. — Harleston prize of £10 and silver medal, and a like prize for the best long-woolled animal in the yard, T. Brown ; second of £7, T. Brown ; third of £i, T. Brown. Long-woolled rams. — First prize of £10 and silver medal, T. Brown ; second of £7, J- Giblin, Little Bardfield, Essex. Long-woolled ram lambs.— Prizes of £5 and £3, and silver medal, T. Brown ; second of £5, T. Brown. Long-woolled shearling ewes. — Prize of £7 and silver medal, J. Giblin. Ewe or wether lambs of any breed. — First prize not awarded ; second prize of £5, F. Spelman. Shearling wethers of any breed. — First prize of £7 and sil- ver medal, H. Overman. Ewes of any age or breed. — Harleston prize of £10 and silver medal, H. Overman. Ewes of any age or breed, not being Southdown or long- woolled. — First prize of £10 and silver medal, H. Overman. Five shearling ewes of any breed, — First prize of £7 and silver medal, H. Overman. Twenty shearling ewes of any breed. — Prizes of £5 and sil- ver medal, H. Overman. PIGS. Judges.— H. Fookes, W. Rigden. Boars of large breed above twelve months old. — First prize of £6 and silver medal and extra prize of £5 for the best boar in the yard, R. E. Duckering and Son, Northorpe, Lincolnshire. Highly commended, R. E. Duckering and Son. Boars of large breed not above twelve months old. — First prize of £5 and silver medal, R. E. Duckering and Son ; second, £3, R. E. Duckering and Son. Breeding sows of large breed. — First prize of £6 and silver medal, R. E. Duckering and Son ; second, £3, E. H. Everett, Bridgham, Norfolk. Highly commended, F. H. Everett. Commended, ¥. Spelman, Tivetshall, Norfolk. Boars of small breed (black) above twelve months old. — Prize of £6 and silver medal, G. M. Sexton, Wherstead, SuflFoLk. Boars of small breed (black) not above twelve months old. — First prize of £6 and silver medal, S. G. Stearn, Brandestou, Suffolk ; second, £3, G. M, Sexton. Highly commended, S. G. Stearn. Breeding sows, small breed (black.) — First prize of £6 and silver medal, R. E. Duckering and Son ; second, £3, G. M. Sexton. Highly commended, S. G. Stearn. Commended, S. G. Stearn. Breeding sows, smaU breed (black) not exceeding nine months old. — First prize of £6 and silver medal, T. L. Taylor, Starston. iJoars of small breed (white) above twelve months old. — First prize of £6 and silver medal, R. E. Duckering and Son ; se- cond, £3, H. Aylraer, West Dereham, Norfolk. Highly com- mended, G. M. Sexton. Boars of small breed (white) not above twelve months old. — Eirst prize of £6 and silver medal, G. M. Sexton ; second, £3, R. E. Duckering aud Son. Highly commended, S. G. Stearn. Breeding sows, small breed (white.) — Eirst prize of £6 and silver medal, R. E. Duckering and Son ; second, £3, G. M. Sexton. Highly commended, S. G. Stearn. Breeding sows, small breed (white) not exceeding nine months old. — First prize of £6 and silver medal, G. M. Sexton ; second, £3, R. E. Duckering and Son. Highly com- mended, H. Aylmer. Commended, S. G. Stearn. IMPLEMENTS. Judges. — T. Chambers, Colkirk, Norfolk, J, Fergusson, Brettenham, Norfolk. Harleston premium of £10 for the best newly invented or improved implement divided between Holmes and Sons, Nor- wich (£3 for a single winnower portable thrashing machine with chaff sacking apparatus) ; Newton and Turner, Ken- ninghaU (£3 for their straw, hay, and corn elevator) ; and Robey and Co., Lincoln (£4 for apparatus for the self-feeding of thrashing machines.) Silver medal : Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner (for an arrangement to be applied to turnip cut- ters for cutting the last piece). Highly commended, Riches and Watts (grinding mill) ; R. Knights, Harleston (horse rake). Commended, T. Le Fevre, Norwich (portable horse M'orks for driving elevator or chaff machine) ; Holmes and Sons (horse gear for driving stacker.) THE DINNER. The chair at the dinner was to have been taken by Mr. E, Howes, M.P., but the hon. gentleman was unable to attend by reason of indisposition, and his place had to be made good by Colonel Fitzroy. In the course of the proceedings Sir W. Jones said he could not see why the entire sugar duty should not be taken off, and why we should not grow sugar in this country as well as on the continent of Europe. He would point out that our climate was manifestly becoming dryer and hotter as it was certain to do by the throwing down of hedges, and in the cutting down of hedge-row timber. He would also observe that no one who had been through the country this year, and looked at the mangold fields, could doubt what he was saying — that the hotter the weather and the dryer the spring, the finer the crop of mangold would be. There was no reason why they should not have in this county very fine crops of Silesian beet, and he would remind them that 10 per cent, of Silesian beet was purely crystallisable sugar, and if they could grow ten tons of Sile- sian beet in one of their fields (it varied from nine to eleven tons, and tlie mean average he took to be ten), but when the soil was very wet, as in the west of England, the average probably would not be more than 8 per cent., but then let them remember that if Silesian beet would grow 10 per cent, of sugar, a ten ton crop would grow a ton of sugar, which, at a penny a pound, would bring £9, and at twopence a pound £18. In one respect this was exactly like wheat, because they would have one mill for a district or parish, and every labourer, however small his garden, might grow a hundred- weight or two of beet, and if they had proper mills a hundred- weight of sugar would be just as saleable as a bushel of corn was now. Speaking of this fact reminded one of the great facilities with which fortunes were acquired on the continent by the making of sugar ; and he could not see for the life of him why fortunes should not be made here by the same pro- cess. Sugar was a thing which old and young could eat with pleasure, and the consumption of which would increase to any amount. He did not see why we should not be able to manu- facture it here as well as in Belgium. Mr, C. S. Read, M.P., said : Sir WiUoughby Jones rightly says that it is very important indeed that we in Norfolk should have, if possible, some new crop on which to fall back to meet our present deficiency. There can be no doubt what- ever that the potato crop in Scotland has been a perfect God- send to them after free trade was introduced, and the only thing I can say is, that I look upon agriculture in Norfolk, and in the Eastern Counties generally, as going from bad to worse ; that whereas they, in Scotland and Ireland, can grow roots aud grass to the best advantage, and the proceeds they make are not at all affected by free trade, we in this county, being entirely a corn-growing district, do feel the depression most severely. I have never myself had any experience in the growth of beet-root sugar, and I may say it is a problem that has not yet been solved whether it may be advantageously grown in this district ; but I do say that we have one article, and that our chief, in the growth of which we can compete not only against the United Kingdom, but against the whole world —that is to say, our barley. And without saying what I should THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 113 wish to be done with the suffar duties, I can only say I should like to have first a very sensible repeal of the malt-tax. Why, sir, we had a very large surplus this year, and we naturally expected that there would be some reduction of that tax, which presses so much upon the agriculturists of Norfolk ; but instead of that we were told we were going to receive a great boon, and that boon was that we were to be permitted to ger- minate our barley as in days of yore. Well, how was this great boon given to us ? Not only were we when wc were going to germinate barley to give notice to the exciseman of what wc were going to do — not only was he to come into our houses where the grain was being germinated and where it was kept, but if we steeped any corn we were also to give that gentleman notice of our intention that we were going to steep it. Now, yon would hardly fancy that this great boon should be clogged by such a most init^uitous restriction as this, yet I can assure you it took all my whole time one night to con- vince the House of Commons that there was really in this boon a most oppressive restriction imposed upon us, and all that I have been able to obtain is this, that we may steep our corn as we please, but that if any of you will germinate your grain first of all you must give the exciseman notice of your intention of what you are going to do, and nest you must let him have access to the place where that grain is being germinated and being kept, and if you fail in any one of these particulars you will be liable to the small penally of one hundred pounds. [" Oh !"] Whether or no you will like to incur that risk, I don't know; I can only answer for myself; I shall not avail myself of this very great consideration. Well, we have lately had in the House a very sensible concession granted to us, and that is with regard to agricultural horses. It was said in the House that this was an extension of the ex- emption which the farmers enjoyed. I entirely repudiate that idea. It is no extension whatever, it is simply a definition of that exemption. If the Parliament of the country exempts agricultural horses from the payment of a licence of ten shil- lings, or whatever it may be, the Parliament of the country at the same time tells you that the farmers hare to repair the roads. I need not say that in nine parishes out of ten the only persons who can cart materials on the roads are farmers ; therefore it is perfectly monstrous that, in doing what Parlia- ment puts upon us, we should entirely abrogate the small ex- emption which Parliament had previously conferred upon us. I can only say that if it had not been for Mr. Speaker, I don't think even that small concession would have been made. There is one other subject I wiU mention. We are told that we agri- culturists ought to be greatly pleased that we have in Prince's- street, Westminster, what they call a veterinary department. Now, that veterinary department will this year cost the coun- try £10,000 for the payment of salaries, without any estimate at all being made for the legal expenses, stationery, and such like little matters. Now, I will ask you, as practical farmers, whether yon believe the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council has ever been of any benefit to you whatever [" No"], or, on the other hand, whether, instead of costing you £10,000, it has been ot ten thousand pence benefit to you ? Mind you, I am quite ready and willing to admit the great service the veterinary profession themselves — Professor Simonds and Pro- fessor Brown — have rendered to us ; but, on the other hand, when I come to consider the extraordinary salaries that are paid for this department, and that m addition to this there are £15,000 a-year spent annually for the collection of sta- tistics, I mean to say that if we had that £25,000 de- voted, as it ought to be, to some agricultural depart- ment of the Board of Trade, that we really might have then some substantial benefits conferred upon us. Sir, it is just twelve months ago that I, at Attleborough, drew a some- what gloomy picture of agricultural prospects. I then said that the very cold, wet weather which we had experienced was telling most unfarourably upon the county of Norfolk. It pleased Providence to send us a change of weather, and we had a most beautiful harvest, but enough injury had been done to us in Norfolk for us to grow only a small crop of corn and to sell it at a small price. This, following upon the drought of 1868, was enough to break the backs of many farmers; but now we have, unfortunately, another drought, and what the result of these three disastrous years will be I cannot contemplate without serious fears. I should like to say a few words with regard to the Show itself, and upon our Agricul- tural Society. 1 think we must congratulate ourselves that in this very pleasant, but somewhat out-of-the-way part of the world, wc have had so successful a show. It only confirms my idea of what a county show ought to be. You cannot make a county show a great national agricultural exhibition. What you ought to do is to endeavour to confer the greatest possible amount of good upon the county in which you live. It was this idea that always pervaded my mind when I was a some- what active member of th(! coramittoo of the Norfolk Agricul- tural Society. Another idea 1 bad was this — how necessary it was to improve the native breeds of stock, and this we have in a measure succeeded in doing. I would ask anyone to look back fifteen years and think what the Norfolk homebreds were then, and in what condition were our Norfolk cart horses. As a Norfolk man, and in the presence of so many of our Suffolk brethren, 1 hope I shall not be considered egotistical, but I say that our Norfolk cart horses, especially tlie mares and plough horses, are a credit to any country, and for work and endurance they are equal to any county, and, perhaps, I may say, superior to some of the higlily-fed Suifolks. Mr. Charles Howard, in speaking for "the judges," said ; The Shorthorns, in some of the classes, were, perhaps, some of the finest specimens you could see in any show-yard ; but I only regret to tell you, gentlemen, they don't come from Norfolk. They are what I call outsiders. They are sent here to show you gentlemen in Norfolk what you should do. I don't believe that any progress is made when people wrap themselves up in supposed excellence ; and I should not be doing my duty towards you, after you have done me the honour of asking me to come here and act as judge, if I allowed some observations to pass imnoticed. I have had the honour and privilege of attending very many agricultural shows in this kingdom, and although excellent as your Show is — ex- ceedingly good— yet I would not have you lay to yourselves the flattering unction that you are pre-eminent in this matter. If you do, you may depend upon it success won't follow your efforts. I have disposed of Shorthorns ; I only wish you would keep those outsiders away — at least, you may allow them to come, but don't allow them to take your prizes away. But there is a class of stock, the Norfolk Polls, whicli is famous in Norfolk, and which I think does the breeders and feeders of that stock infinite credit. I have watched that stock, having attended your shows for some years past, with great interest, and it is a class of animal worthy of being cultivated in other districts besides Norfolk, and as it succeeds so well here I am surprised that gentlemen in other parts don't take it up. I am sure what I say to-night you will not suppose, nor do I intend it so, that I say it in a spirit of unkinduess ; but you have long been held up to us in distant counties as patterns of agriculturists and as a county in which there is the best farming in the world. Now, I have had the oppor- tunity of seeing a good deal of farming in Norfolk during the last few days. I am not going to find fault with your farming, bnt I should tell you this — that if you don't look out you will no longer hold the position you have done — that other couh- ties will very soon trip you up, and you will lose that position you have so long and so worthily held. There is one other point to which Sir Wiiloughby Jones lias referred — the change of cli- mate produced by the culting down of hedge-row timbers and woods. Well, it is certain that has not had that effect in Norfolk, for I never was in a county in my Hfe where I saw so much useless hedge-row timber. 1 am quite certain of one thing— that the farmers of Norfolk do all they can to meet the exigencies of the times ; it now rests with the landlords to help them. The first thing they should do would be to allow them the privilege of cutting down this beastly rubbish — pieces of timber which if they stand fifty years will never be worth a sovereign — to cut down many of the hedge- rows and to destroy the great pest of the farmers— the tenants of these wild hedge-rows, the rabbits. Mr. H. Overman, in responding for the " Successful Exhi- bitors of Sheep," said ; It had pleased Mr. Howard to make a few remarks on the Norfolk Show, and he thought much to the point, but he did not agree with all that he had said. He told them that they must not think so much of themselves. [Mr. H0W.UID ; I did not.] If he did not put it in that way he inferred it ; lie took them down a little. As for as the Shorthorns were concerned, he (Mr. Overman) said that when they considered the Norfolk Show stood second to none in England, being second only to the Royal Show, they ought not to expect people to come from distant counties and not to 114 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. take away a single prize. A mucli more important subject was that of the hedge-row timber. They were living in critical times, and unless the landlord went a-head as fast as the tenants had done, good-bye to their having any tenants at all. As to hedge-row timber and hedges, Mr. Howard would not have made the remarks he had done if he had visited West Norfolk, for there the landlords were going a-head, taking down the fences by wholesale and thereby the timber. If landlords persisted in over-preservation of game he did not hesitate to say they would have to farm the land themselves. The misery of this might first of all fall upon the tenants, but it would afterwards come upon the land- lords, and perhaps many of them would be able to find neither the capital nor the ability. Before sitting down, he must refer to the remarks made by Mr. Clare Read. It was very pleasant to some to find fault with the taxes made by others — in fact it suited them sometimes — but as regarded the tax on agricultural horses he looked upon it as a matter of no importance whatever, for if stones were carted off the land, that was a matter of the tenant farmer — he must cart if he had got a large quantity of stones, and if he carted them from the land he did so from an agricultural point of view, and he could shoot them down wherever he pleased, and if he put them on the roads, as they ought to be, they could be placed by the side of the roads and put upon them after they were broken. This he regarded as the far better plan. THE ESSEX AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. MEETING AT SAFFRON WALDEN. The thirteenth annual show of the Essex Society was held for the second time at the ancient little town of Saffron Walden, capped now with its new and elegant market-place, about as much in keeping with the rest of the place as a Lincoln and Bennett would have been to the farmer of days gone by — what with the brown tops, and high-collared, long-skirted, everlasting drab great coat, impervious alike to heat or cold, sunshine or rain, that he wore in all his outings both winter and summer, to church, markets, fairs, or feasts, at the rent- roll or going a courting. The Society pitched their tents close to the town, on ground evidently chosen more for the beautiful view from it than to show off the animals to advantage. Horses more particularly cannot show well when either standing still or going through their paces on the side of a hill, to say nothing of this being unfair to the judges, or the danger the riders risk. The judges were on the ground and at work soon after the early bird had proclaimed the morn ; for a little be- fore eight we found the popular member for Bedford in an entirely new character — as a judge of hunters, hacks, and thorough-breds, assisted by Justice Thurnall and an- other, whose commanding figure and gentle whisper are as well known to the frequenters of the Hall at Islington as ever that posturing genius of the Ring, Mr. "Widdicomb, was to the admirers of Scenes in the Circle. In another ring close by were the judges of the agricultural horses. The ground was nicely laid out, and the shedding good, while of agricultural implements and machinery there was a capital display. To swell out a catalogue, and as a kind of decoy for exhibitors, it is now becoming pretty general to allow the same animal to be entered in several classes, in the belief that he will stand a better chance of a prize. This is in most cases but a delusion, as shown by the prize-list ; but that is not all, for it confuses and wearies out the public and endangers the popularity of horse shows, which have hitherto been the most interesting of exhibitions. Here the privilege was granted to the full, and many of the riding horses came into the ring with their heads smothered in numbers relating to the different classes ; and as there was no telegraph board to denote either the number of the class or the prizes, the public was left in a state of bliss, if it be a folly to be wise, as were the judges who kept continually crying aloud " what class is this ? " Then the horses came in anyhow, and just as the Bench had agreed upon their verdict in would di'op another. In the shedding the prizes were posted thus : the numbers relating to the classes in which the animals were entered were nailed at the head of the stall, and the prize or commendation, without any number as to class, by the side, so that you could not tell in which class the animal had been successful. The mystery of Edwin Drood, alas ! will always remain a mystery, and so will the mysteries concocted for the visitors to the Saffron Walden show, as they would have done with us if it had not been for the kindness of the judges and officials who favoured us with a sight of the returns. Surely, with a little forethought these things might be managed so that the public, catalogue in hand, could know as much as anybody else, or this revolving world for the last thirteen years must have been wearing out its own axis for nought. The strong part of the show was most decidedly not in the riding classes, as there were few horses of any charac- ter. Then, the lamentable accident at Islington had something to do with this, for Mr. Barker, the well- known Essex dealer, always had a good string, and in this year's catalogue several entries, which of course were all absentees. For the thorough-bred stallion prizes there was nothing so grand as Dalesman of last year, although Major Barlow, with another from his inexhaustible string contrived to carry off both the open prizes. Deerfoot by Vindex, out of Tranquillity, is a black and a very flashy light corky gentleman, with almost as much white as False Alarm, the Bury prize horse. He stands sixteen hands high, of great quality, and very handsome, with a nice head and neck, capital ends, good limbs, and a free springy mover; but he was light, and tucked up in his middle, which made him appear higher on the leg than he is. Little Ben, by Big Ben, out of Flame, the only other competitor that we thought stood a chance with Deerfoot, and that it was hard to get away from, is the very model of a light-weight hunter, worth going from London to Saffron Walden to see. He was shown in hunting condition, and, taking him from his head to his tail and down to his knees and hocks is about one of the neatest we ever saw. He is very muscular, stands fifteen-two, but he has not the clean flat legs of Deerfoot, nor can he move so freely ; but then the horse has done a deal of work, and Deerfoot ran thirty-eight times, so there wc are again. Deerswold in colour takes a little after Orlando, but in nothing else, for there is no symmetry about him. He is heavy before, with a short waspy middle, aU of a heap, and we hate the sight of him, although bred by her Majesty. Bay Volunteer, by Alarm, struck us as a coach-horse, or best adapted for getting machiners, while of Buckfoot by Acrobat, out of Heirloom, although second to Dalby for the Chester Cup,wliat with the little there is of him, is of a very hackish appearance. Then Weathercock, by Weatherden, in length like a longboat and as high on the leg as the steeple, is a nice sort of horse for a party of tourists to take through a country, as they could get THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 116 a grand view from him anywhere, llis card says that he was awarded the £1 3 prize at Colchester, for the best thoroughbred horse in the county. True enough this, but then he was the only one exhibited, and quite enougli too of the sort. There is something very good through- out the groggy old Knight Templar ; but a black three- year-old by Vedette looks more like an Improved Essex than a thoroughbred horse. Of the hunters, what shall we say for the lot ? Why, that there were very few worthy of a bid for the Noble Science. In the lirst class, without conditions, the prizes were withheld ; while Villager, a chesnut four-year-old of breed, in the light weigiits, was all over a very nice horse, that could gallop. He was again victorious in the three and four-year-olds, beating the prize four-year-old mare, by Frogmore, of Mr. Spar- row's, a light wiry mare that could move but with nothing grand iu her appearance. She was also lirst in an open class for hunters, where she beat a bay with white heels of Mr. '* Patmore's, that could go a bit, but was badly ribbed up and goose-rumped ; if this droop, though not quite pleasing to the eye, is to be found iu many of oui* best hunters. Mr. Patmore had another bay by Trumpeter, that, if not perfect in form, looked like getting over the ground. Silvertail, a provincial in style and up to more weight than pace, beat the Bishop of Stortford's bay with the goose rump for weight-carriers, and as there was nothing else in, it was entirely " twixt the two" as the gipsy dealer replied when asked which was the pick of a couple of fearful screws ? Of hackneys, like the hunters, there were very few good-looking ; Mr. \V. Gilbey's Quadroon, with breed, has fussy tutored park action and is waspy iu her middle piece; then Quicksilver, a strong weight-carrier with a little too much of the trotter stamp, looks like bowling along at a good pace, Mr. W. Clayton's Needlewoman is a neat hack, but not improved by a mean tail ; while Mr. H. Taylor showed a fair-made bay. In the next lot, an open class. Quadroon was again to the front ; but with Mr. Badham's Eclipse, JMr. Egerton's varmint old weight carrier, the Brewer, and Quicksilver, we thought a second prize too much of a sacrifice to tutored park action. Baronet from Bulmer, as well as Eclipse, was shown, and we were sorry that Mr. G. D. Badham was unable, through a bite from a boar, to ride them himself. Although it kept him within doors and from the show, we were glad to hear that the mishap was thought more curious than serious by his friends. There were two fair-made broodmares and foals, one Lizzy a bay, and a hardy wiry looking chesnut of the right material from Mr. Portway'sstud. There were three or four cobs, the best by a long way, being Mr. Saville's, as she could go. The weight-carrier was a chesnut by Strathmore a lengthy strong cob with a head not well set on, and a strong heavy forehand. In the ponies Mr. Archer's cream-coloured mare was a wonderful showy goer, but the prize went to a skewbald because the cream had been down on her knees. The strong part of the horse show was the agricultural classes, and as Suft'olk is the adjoining county, the Punches came down upon Saffron Walden like locusts, and the chesnut hue prevailed. These animals like the riding horses, were in several classes. j\Ir. Badham was to the fore with Hercules and Great Eastern, both by Royal George, and a strain of Chester Emperor, that most gentlemanly of cart horses. In au open class old Harwich Emperor, as the Professor did not put his mark against him, cleared the way with some good horses behind him, including Great Eastern. The local two-year-old entire colts were nothing out of the way, while in |the open class were several very good, nearly all being commended. Then in the yearling entire colts the judges thought there was nothing worthy of being placed second to Mr. Badham's colt by Great Eastern, and vvitheld the prize. The cart mares under four year's old did not muster in any strength, but three or four were very good. Mr. Capon's grand mare Matchett, by the late Mr. Crisp's Conqueror, in a capital open class, with Mr. Wolton's Diamond at her heels, carried off the blue riband, the whole class being commended. The three-year-old local filly is a short-legged lengthy useful iron grey ; while the open prize filly under four years is a two-year-old fine-grown roan, rather high on the leg, by Quihampton's Horse ; and the highly-commended, a short compact-made Suflblk tliree-year-old by Mr. Woltou's War- rior, if anything, is rather short in the quarter. The geldiug Jolly is a level-made bay that looked like stepping along. The roan Quihampton filly was again first in the two- year-old fillies, the second and reserved being some light coloured Suffolks of very fair form by Clayden's Horse. The yearling fillies were not much to look at, and the first, though fine-grown and having a crest like a stallion, has not the best forelegs, while the second was a very leggy one of Lord Braybrooke's, by Clayden's Horse. It is a pity that breeders cannot find names for their nags ; for there is nothing easier than to borrow an old stud-book or a hound list. Here we have three of them all of a heap : " Clayden's Horse," " Quichampton's Horse," and " Harvey's Horse." We have heard of the sauce, but not of the horse ; and really any one wouldthink that these gentle- men were bold warriors at the head of a troop, or that they never had but one horse. There were some good mares and foals, and some very capital pairs of plough- horses. The exhibition of cattle was a decided success, there being a large entry of pure-bred Shorthorns, but to many of these a show-yard was no novelty ; while there were a few very nice things without pedigree, and such a herd of Alderney, Jersey, and Guernsey, that, coming suddenly upon them, we thought by some contrary wind we had been driven upon one of the Channel Islands. Mr. Upson's Monk, bred by Messrs. Game and Son, and as well-known as a prize-taker at Southampton and elsewhere as he is for his neat form and quality, was the hero of Ihe local class for bulls of any age, with Whipper-in, who got a commen- dation at Colchester last year, a bad second, as he is still ; for, as we then said, he is nothing to look at ; while Monarch, with a capital back, who was second at Colchester came in for empty honours. The Monk was again to the fore in the open all-aged class, with Mr. Kersey Cooper's Hogarth the Second, bred by the Reverend Holt Beever, and showing more quality than ever, close up. Of a very different character is Mr. Catchpole's Sorcerer, who is a big coarse animal, and a bad handler. Mr. Hutley's King Lear, jNIr. J. Christy's Brabraham, and Mandarin, prize takers at Colchester, were down in the entries, and Lady Pigot's Bythis, who in the yearling bulls had to succumb to Ileydon Duke, over which was quite the sensation scene of the day, although Bythis does not require a very crack animal to beat him. He is anything but an elegant gentleman, for although full of quality and veiy deep, he has a coarse horn, a short neck, and a rump that needs a deal of squaring to fit him as an illustration for the Herd Book. Mr. Kersey Cooper, with Hogarth the Second and Christabel with Hogarth the Third by her side, in the place of the deep level Chris- tina, was again, as at Colchester, the owner of the best bull, cow, and calf. The third edition of Hogarth is very rich iu colour, with quite the Shorthorn line of beauty in his back. But why have so many editions of Hogarth ? What is the pull ? Why not call them after some of the painter's works ? The Rake, The Politician, or The Idle Apprentice, for a prize bull has a nice time of it. Or for a pair of heifers what could you have better than 116 THE FARMEE'S MAaAZINB. Industry and Idleness, or for a single one Sigismunda, which would be be a rare mouthful for a hungry cow- man? Bythis, with Matelina 2nd by Windsor Fitz- Windsor and Dame by Prince of Buckingham to assist him, was more fortunate in the yearling buUs and pairs of heifers, and there turned the tables on Heydon Duke with Grand Duchess of Oxford 2nd, and Keepsake and a nice trio, Kolla, Nectar, and Pattern, of Messrs. Game and Son to oppose him. Heydon Duke and Mr. Mac- intosh's two real gems of heifers, Charmer and Knightley 3nd, were considered to be the cracks of the yard ; and at the dinner Mr. Thurnall, for the judges, declared that the Shorthorns "were the best collection he had ever seen in his life at a local show. He was fortified in this opinion by that of his brother judges. As for the bull shown by the noble President, it was the best he had ever seen, and he hoped it would be sent to Oxford, as it was well deserving of royal honours." When we remember how much Mr. Thurnall has seen, this must be taken as a very high compliment. Mr. Marking's cow is very handsome, and though with no pedigree, shows better than many with one as long as your arm. The Sort, is a good short square-built heifer, had nothing to oppose her, and Mr. Upson's yearling is a well-famed one, but with a bad head, while the second was not a prize animal. In dairy stock Mr. Morris' cow, of a mixed breed, is a curiosity that one might expect to find in the Zoological Gardens, while the second was by an Alderney bull out of a Shorthorn cow, and the thii'd a very nice pure bred Alderney, with a good bag of Mr. Gilbey's, who has gone into Alderney's of the right sort with great spirit, and the struggle for the honour of the Channel Islands lay between him and Lord Braybrooke. But still Mr. Daun- cey's sort does not tell altogether with the judges. The show of sheep was better than last year, with a fair sprinkling of Southdowns, a few Cotswolds, and goodly number of black-faces. Lord Braybrooke's South- downs came off with flying colours, taking nearly all the prizes, while Mr. Giblin was great in Oxford Downs and Cotswolds. The shearlings appeared rather small, while there was a fair sample of ewes and some good lambs. The pigs, as a lot, were but an ordinary entry, although there were some pearls amongst them, Messrs. Duckeriug taking all the open prizes, and there were several grand specimens of the Berkshire breed, but we think all worthy of notice will be found in the prize-list — if not, merit like virtue has its own reward. There was a dmner at which Lord Braybrooke pre- sided, but where, beyond the few words we have quoted from Mr. Thurnall nothing worth preserving was said. On the second day Mr. Rand, the auctioneer, attempted a sale by auction of some of the stock exhibited, but this we are almost rejoiced to say proved a complete failure. Nothing would threaten to lower the character of a good county show like this more than the habit of getting a lot of inferior things shoved into the catalogue with the chance of selling these at some price on the close of the proceedings. There were two useful premiums for collections of im- plements, which were won respectively by Ward and Silver, of Melford, and Davey and Paxman, of Colchester. Mr. Hunt, of Earl's Colne, ob- jected to the second award on the ground that Davey and Paxman's collection comprised certain implements not of their own manufacture, as required by the conditions, but of Hunt's own make. The committee, on consideration, confirmed the decision of the judges in favour of the Colchester firm. Amongst the other exhibitors of implements were Ransomes, Sims, Rud Head, Ipswich ; Burrell, Thetford ; Amies and Barford, Peterborough ; Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, Stowmarket ; Robey, Lincoln ; Garrett, Leiston ; Pash, Chelmsford ; Poster, Lincoln ; Maynard, Whittlesford ; Catchpool and Thompson, Colchester ; Ray, Safi'ron Waldeu ; Colman and Morton, Chelmsford ; Penny, Lincoln ; Peene, Rayne ; Baker, Wisbeach ; Sworder, Bishop's Stortford; Foster, Withan ; Smyth, PeasenhaU; Hunt, Earl's Colne ; Le Butt, Bury St. Ed- mund's; Ileadley, Cambridge; Pertwee, Boreham ; Darby, Little Waltham ; Wilderspin, Elsworth ; Green, Saffron Waldeu; Cottis, Epping; Johnson, Saffron Walden ; Bar- ford, Fleet-street ; Hitchcock, Bury St. Edmund's ; Sin- gleton and Nicholson, Saffron Waldeu; Dodge, Upper Thames-street ; Shelwell, Saffron Walden ; Teighe and Smith, Limehouse ; Rand and Jeckell, Ipswich ; Hilton, AVaudsworth ; The Farmers' Supply Association, Lon- don ; King, Coggershall ; Johnson, Saffron Walden ; Cote, Ipswich ; Kent, Saifrou Walden ; Warren, Mal- don ; Greenslade, Maldon ; Man, Earl's Colne ; Hawkes, Aldham ; Angleton, Islington ; Eddington, Chelmsford ; James, Royston : Guivey, Saffron Walden ; and the Cen- tral Cottage Improvement Society, London. PRIZE LIST. HORSES FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. Judges. — G. M. Sexton, Wlierstead Hall. W. C, Spooner, Southampton. J. Thomas, Bletsoe, Beds. Cart stallions. — First prize, £20, G. D. Badham, Bulmer Tye (Hercules) ; second, £10, E. Einsou, Littlebury (Cap- tain). Open to all England.— Prize, £25, G. D. Badham (Great Eastern) . Highly commended, W. Botts, Broomiield (Cham- pion). Open to all England. — Prize, £35, J. Rists, Tattingstone, Ipswich (Harwich Emperor). Highly commended, N. Catch- pool, Wliitton, Branford (Emperor) ; W. Wilson (3 yrs. old) ; J. Rist (Young Emperor) ; S. Wolton, Woodbridge (3 yrs. old), and C. Boby's Conqueror. Commended, G. D. Badham (Great Eastern). Two-year-old colts. — First prize, £15, J. A. Piggott, Beck- ingliam Hall (New England) ; second, £10, C. Burnards, Harlow. Two-year-old colts (open to all England). — Prize, £15, W. Wilson, Ipswich. Highly commended, J. Rists (Young Em- peror), and R. Capon's Executors. Commended, N. Catch- pool, S. Wolton, and J. A. Piggott. Yearling colts.— First prize, £7, T. Taylor ; second, £5, withheld. Cart mares, 4 years and upwards. — First prize, £8, S. Jonas, Chrishall Grange ; second, £5, G. H. Cant (Colchester) ; J. Jilliugs (Chesterfield Park). Open to all England. — Prize, £10, R. Capon, Bennington, FramUngham (Matchet). Highly commended, S, Wolton, Woodbridge. Three-year-old filly. —Prize, £5, J. F. Bolt, Morrell Roothing. Open to all England.— Prize, £10, T. Taylor, Earl's Cobie. Highly commended, S. Wolton. Gelding.— Prize, £5, J. F. Bott, Morrell Roothing. Two-year-old fillies.- First prize, £8, T. Taylor, Earl's Colne ; second, £5, Lord Braybrooke, Audley End, and highly commended. Yearling fillies. — First prize, £7, W. Thompson, Thorpe ; second, £5, Lord Braybrooke, Audley End. Mares and foals. — First prize, £13, G. H. Caut, Colchester (Suffolk) ; second, £13, Lord Braybrooke (9 yrs. old). Highly commended, D. A. Green, Donylaud Place (Bonny), and com- mended (Darby). Foals.— First prize, £5, G. H. Cant ; second, £3, P. Port- way. Plough-horses or mares, pair.s. — ^First prize, £10, R. Mark- ing, Saffron Waldon ; W. Livermore, Elsenham. Mares, pairs (open to all England). — S. Wolton (Diamond and Doughty). Highly commended, D, A. Green (Brock and Bouny), and G, H. Cant. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 117 RIDING AND COACHING HORSES. Judges.— J. Howard, M.P., Bedford. R. Leeds, Castle Acre, Norfolk. H. Thurnall, Royston. Thoroughbred stallion.— Prize, £15, W. II. Bowtell, El- senham (Little Beu). Open to all England.— Prize, £35, Major Barlow, Haske- ton (Deerfoot). Thoroughbred and halfbred. — Prize, £20, Major Barlow (Deerfoot). Halfbred.— Prize, £10, E. Butcher, Colne Eugaine (Young Morgan Lightfoot) . Yearling colt by a thoroughbred horse (open to all Eng- land.— H. D. Raincock (by Yellow Jack). Hunters, light weight. — Prize, £10, J. Cassidy, Harlow (Villager). Highly commended, B. Sparrow, Gosfield Place (bay mare). Unrestricted (open to all England). — Prize, £30, B. Sparrow (bay mare). Weight-carrier.— Prize, £10, E. Cunliffe, Ongar (Silvertail). Hackney mares, not exceeding fifteeen one. — First prize, £6, AV. Gilbey, Staustead (Quadroon) ; second, £4, J. J. Simp- son, Hey bridge (chesnut mare). Hackney gelding, not exceeding fifteea one. — Prize, £10, F. Rust, Good Easter (Shooting Star). Hackneys, not exceeding fifteen two (open to all England). — Prize, £10, W. Gilbey, Staustead (Quadroon). Highly com- mended, J. J. Simpson (chesnut mare) ; G. D. Badham (Eclipse). Commended, H. G. E. Green, Colchester (The Brewer). Four-year-old mares or geldings. — Prize, £7, B. Sparrow (bay mare). Highly commended, G. D. Badham (]3aronet). Colts or fillies, three or four years old (open to all England). — Prize, £10, J. Cassidy (Villager). Highly commended, G. D. Badham (Baronet), B. Sparrow (bay mare), and M. A. Free- stone (brown). Three-years-old mares or geldings. — Prize, £7, J. Christy, jun., Roswell (brown filly). Commended, W. I5arker, Elm- stead (Maria Day), J. Christv (brown gelding), and A. Smith, Thaxted Lodge (Rob Roy). ' Two-year-old mare or gelding. — Prize, £7, J. Archer, Saffron Walden (filly). Yearling filly by a thorough-bred horse (open to all Eng- land).— Prize, £7, J. Clayden, Littlebury (by Cambuscan). Highly commended, J. Cassidy, Harlow (by Mainstone). Half-bred yearling (by Mainstone). — Prize, £5, J, Cassidy. Mares and foals. — First prize, £10, TV. Tipper, Roswell (Lizzy); second, £5, P. Portway, Great Sampford (chesnut). Cobs. — Prize £5, G. Saville, "Wendeu (bay mare). Com- mended, T. Newman (Peggy). Weight-carrying cobs, above 4 years, and under 14 hands and a-half.— Prize, £5 5s., J. B. B. Elliott, Chesterford (by Strathmore). Commended, T. Newman (Great Bardfleld). Ponies, under thirteen hands. — First prize, £4, W. Clayton, Dunmow (Lucy Glitters) ; second, £3, J. Archer, Saffron Wal- den (cream), CATTLE. JUD&ES. — E. Bowley, Cirencester. J. Lynn, Croston, Grantham. M, Savidge, Sarsden.ChurchiU Heath. PURE SHORTHORNS. Bull. — First prize, £15, J. Upson, Rivenhall (Monk) ; second, £10, Lieut.-Col. Bnse, Spains Hall (Whipper-in). Bull of any age (open to all England). — J. Upson, Riven- hall (Monk). Highly commended. Kersey Cooper, Is worth (Hogarth 3nd). Bull, two years old.— First prize, £13, J. Hutley, Rivenhall (King Lear) ; second £8, J. Christy (Duke of Brabraham). Y'earling bull. — First prize, £10, Lord Braybrooke (Heydon Duke) ; second, £7, R. H. Crabb, Baddow Place (Old Sam). Commended, C. Barnard (Diadem). Yearling bull (open to all England). — Lord Braybrooke (Heydon Duke). Higly commended. Lady Pigot, Branches Park (By this). BuU, not exceeding 12 months old, and not under 6 months. —First prize, £6, J. Christy, jun., Roswell (Rosolio) ; second, £4, Lord Braybrooke (Santa Cruz) . Cow.— First prize, £12, J.Christy, R^^cwell (Polyrose) ; second, £8, J, Clayden (Erigone), Highly commended, G. Frere, Royal HuO, Diss (Countess Sandor) ; J. Upson, Riven- hall (Lilac), and Lord Braybrooke (Memento). Two-year-old heifer. — Prize, £10, R. H. Crabb, Baddow- place. Yearling heifer. — First prize, £7, D. M'Intosh, Havering, Romford (roan) ; second, £5, J. Christy, jun. (French Aster). Highly commended, J. R. Chaplin, Ridgewell (Charlie le Beaux) ; J. Clayden (Gertrude). Commended, C. Barnard (Coronella). Heifer not exceeding twelve months old, and not under six months. — First prize, £6, D. M'Intosli (Charmer) ; second, £4, C. Burnarcl (Tiiorndale Sugar Plum). Commended, J. Christy, jun. (Anemone and Portulacca). Bull cow and calf (open to all England). — Prize, £30, G. Kersey Cooper (Hogarth 2nd, Christubel, and Hogartli 3rd). Highly commended, J. Clayden (Captain Knightly, Erigone 3nd, and roan twins). Y'earling bull and pair of heifers. — Prize, £20, Lady Pigot (By this, Maldiua 2nd, aud Dame). Highly commended, T. Game and Son, Churchill Heath, Northleach (RoUa, Nectar, and Pattern), aud Lord Braybrooke (Heydon Duke, Grand Duchess of Oxford 3nd, and Keepsake). SHORTHORNS WITUOUT PEDIGREE. Cow. — First prize, £8, R. Marking, Saffron Walden; second £5, W. Bott, Broomfield. Heifer, two years old. — First prize, £6, J. Upson (The Sort). Yearling heifer. — First prize, £5, J. Upson, and second, £3. DAIRY CATTLE. Cow or heifer. — First prize, £8, J. Weston Morris (Chig- well) ; second, ^5, C. M. Wade, Saffron Walden (Buttercup) . Highly commended, W. Gilbey, Staustead (Curfew). FAT CATTLE. Ox or steer, not esceeding three years old. — Prize, £5, J. R. Chaplin, Ridgewell (steer). Cow or heifer.— Prize, £5, J. Archer, Saffron Walden. Commended, J. Clayden (Jessamine). OTHER PURE BREEDS. Bull. — Prize, £5, Lord Braybrooke (Chesham). Two-year-old bull. — Prize, £5, W. Gilbey (Dolphin 2nd). Highly commended, J. Clarke, Saffron Walden. Cow. — Prize, £5, W. Gilbey (Ban), and highly commended (Victoria and Mus). Commended, Lord Braybrooke. T *TjQ coo O '-d <^ !2| '^tl w a CO en ir tl^ B o s?- o Er* 2 o tj o £ » ^• ..^ [D M CD i_i. o P 3 a> 0 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 121 The following towns are about to apply their sewage for irrigation, or they contemplate doing so ; — W. C. general. H t> w M X 1> hi M CO •?! 1 6 rn H < a i s- a o & o o (0 1^ o CJ 51 m 1 S o 1? ^« en 05 (_, j_, 00 2 J e. Ol "o 03 00 05 8 o VI J>9 n> B S". o o £ ^ ^ § 8 s § ^»?§ o S' r> §'§!> 1 . o ^ to i • CD M r« M ri u? t>* ^ o O f S fe W © "1 At Tonbridge it is stated that the application of the sewage for irrigating land would be almost impossible, and the local authorities believe all trials that have been made to apply sewage in this way are fiiilures, and a source of dissatisfaction on account of nuisance and expense. Lincoln is also said not to admit of this application of sewage. At Cambridge the subject is under consideration. Comparing the extent of land irrigated and the population discharging into the sewers at the places above named, it appears that in the case of Birming- ham there is only -4 of an acre per 1000 of population ; at Edinburgh there is I'T acre per 1000 ; at Carlisle, Bedford, and Chorley there is from 3 to 35 acres ; at Harrow, Reigate, and Chelmsford there is from 5 to 66 acres ; at Epsom, Eugby, and Malvern from 7'5 to 10 acres; at Tunbridge Wells, Banbury, and Norwich, from 10 to 13 acres per 1000. There does not appear to be any provision in most cases for additional land for irrigation except at Carlisle and Norwich. At Chelmsford there is some, but it is too high to be reached ; and at Tunbridge Wells tlie purchase of additional land is con- templated. At Carlisle, Reigate, Epsom, Inverness, and Ten- terden, the land selected for irrigation is situated within the district under control of the local sev.'ci authorities, at a dis- tance of from one-fiftli of a mile to half a mile from tlie centre of the town, and within a quarter of a mile of the outskirts. At Edinburgh, Bedford, Rugby, Chelmsford, Harrow, Skipton, Norwich, Pertli, and Bury St. Eflmunds, it is outside the dis- trict, at a distance of from half a mile (Perth) to 3 miles (Norwich) from the centre of the town, and from half a mile (Bury St. Edmunds, Harrow, Clielmsford, Bedford) to 1^ mile (Norwich) beyond the outskirts ; at Birmingham, Chorley, Braintree, Banbury, and Malvern, tlie laud is partly within and partly outside the district under the sewer authorities. The distance of the irrigated land from the lowest sewer-outlet of the town varies from 100 yards to upwards of a mile. In some cases land has been purchased, as at Harrow, Reigate, and Tunbridge Wells ; but in most cases it has been leased. Sometimes it is occupied by tlie sewer authorities, sometimes let to a farmer, as shown in the accompanying Table, which shows also the mode of delivery to the Iftttd by gravitfttjoa or pumping, and other detaiUi S. 0 w o w' EL i> s S- ro C' r,i J- o 2 I * H ; ; M^ ttlHifi|N>t>|tib:^ 2,ga3i's -.2 a a "-^ -- f S ? 2.' -^ S o »iM : : § o tr-oa^M- 1 5" O o ^ 2 n> _ :::: »: * *: : a '• *■ ** : : : : : : : o : : ►a : : : i : : : p.: : ro'^ *■ ■ **■ «»*■■ »»■ « * « « # « * * o 3 O |g g> SB At most places the application of the sewage to land has been found to exercise a most beneficial influence on the con- dition of the streams and rivers receiving the drainage of the district. At Epsom there was some damage done to the Hog's Mill River, but no complaint is now made. Even where only the solid portion of the sewage is separated by filtration or pre- cipitation, the state of rivers receiving the discharge is to some extent improved. At Northampton an application for an in- junction has been made by a miller resident on the stream. Generally speaking no objections appear to have been made to the application of sewage for irrigation ; and where such ob- jections liave been urged, on the ground that the application was offensive and injurious, they do not appear to have been supported by medical authority, and in several instances they have ceased. As regards the sanitary condition of these dis- tricts, it appears that in most cases the application of sewage for irrigation has not been attended with any apparent change ; but there is said to be a marked improvement at Braintree. — Fi-om thi First Report, of tie British Association Sewage Co>>>^ mitiee, K 2 122 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. THE SUFFOLK AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. MEETING AT SUDBURY. With a " welcome to the ancient and loyal town of Sudbury," the associates made it the fixture for their fortieth annual meeting, which we are glad to proclaim a success. That the Society thi'ough mere lethargy had a tendency to recede instead of advance there is no denying, as it was no lack of liberality on the part of the county ; for no sooner did some of the committee, like the Buffs and Blues of the ancient and loyal borough of Eatanswill, display a little devotion to the cause, and become " energetic" in a canvas for prize money, than their call was freely responded to and the premiums doubled. The show-field was close to the town, and the arrangements good, with the animals nicely protected from the heat ; and in this respect they had decidedly the best of the lookers-on, as the sun made one " the colour of the nutmeg and as hot as ginger." Then the prizes in the shedding were duly posted, so that those who could may read ; in fact, it only wanted some poor fellow in the horse-ring with eighteen-i)ence a-day and his board to hoist the numbers of the winners on to make the thing perfect ; for it is not everybody that has an eye for colour, more especially if the rosette happens to be on the oppo- site side of the horse's head. In adjoining rings on the level and of fair dimensions were Sir Thomas Lennard and Messrs. Wake and Blake, three very fair performers across country, and chosen to preside over the merits of the riding and coach horses ; while Messrs. Clayden, Sewell, and Giles, considered to have an eye to the form of a team, gave verdicts in the agricultural classes. The strongest part of a Suffolk show is its Punches — the famed " sorrel" cart horse ; " for in my younger days," said an ancient agriculturist, "we never called them chesnuts ;" and again, " but we had not such grand horses as these." Grand as they are and free in their movements, for thankful are we that the prejudicial stickers to old fashions and forms, who always think as their fathers thought, are so far vanquished that we seldom see in a showyard one of the drooping-headed tumble-down dead-puller sort, with his scapula or blade- bone pointed for the ear— or in the words of the anti- quated, "all his weight by nature thrown into the collar." But the improved Punches have their faults ; in fact, the Suffolk breeders, like bad bakers, have paid more attention to the tops than they have to the bottoms. Their horses are overtopped, small and tied at the knee, and many with feet adapted for anything but supporting their weight. A Suffolk not faulty in the forelegs is a rare exception, from which even the grand Matchett is not free. But, with all their faults, we love them still; and as these deficiencies run more in some strains than others, we think, with judgment and careful crossings, these eyesores to a lover of form may to a certain extent at least be corrected. But here is the lengthy, double- backed, flat-sided, free-moving Harwich Emperor, just awarded the £20 in the class of eight, incluuing Mr. Badham's useful, good-limbed Great Eastern, and his Hercules, tke well-made Monarch of Mr. Wolton's, and Mr. Boby's good-looking Royal Prince by his Conqueror. Conqueror we call to mind as a deformity at Eramling- ham in 'G8, when with Harwich Emperor he had to suc- cumb to Cupbearer, a compact really good-made one of the late Mr. Crisp's, now in the stable of Messrs. Gar- rett, who gave a twenty-guinea prize here for the best foal by him, the best turning up in one bred by Crisp's executors, as this also proved to be the best foal in the open class. In a good lot of mares the dam of the Cupbearer foal, a low mare of cha- racter, played second to Mr. Wolton's Moggy, the winner of many prizes, her fine form being made more conspicuous among the reds by her dark chesnut coat. Mr. Grout, the well known dealer and exhibitor from Woodbridge, in a good class of yearling entire colts, was to the fore with a Harwich Emperor, while Young Emperor, by Harwich Emperor, was pronounced the best two-year-old entire colt, and eventually awarded the cup as the best stallion in any class, as not only better than the flat-sided old gentleman, but better than ^Ir. Wilson's rich-colom"ed, fine-grown colt, by Monarch, and the prize two-year-old of Satfon Waldea and Harleston. There were many who differed with this verdict, but it is one in which we entirely coincide, as the colt is a deep, compact, well-built, good-limbed, active-looking horse, though a little stronger shoulder might improve him. There were only two three-year- old entii-e colts put in for the two prizes, the first being a big one and no mover, while the second had length and quality on a short leg, and another of the con- demned flat-sided Emperor's progeny. In a capital class of "gast" mares, a word we should have thought as ob- solete as sorrel, the grand Matchett takes her usual place, admired by all Suffolk ; so plump and Punch-like is she all over, so even and so true from any point of view, that an owner of a stud of racing pigs and a reverend judge look on her with delight, while another of the porcine tribe evidently contemplates her with an eye to a model. There were a few nice three - year - old fillies, Mr. Wolton playing first with one called Smart, and Colonel Tomline with another of the same name. After this we should suggest that they be christened in the prevalent bull fashion. Smart the First and Smart the Second. The Capon executors two-year-old filly, who was second at Harleston to a fine filly of Mr. Wolton's, with hocks so near together as not to part with sixpence, was here, with the turn of the tide in her favour, first, while the cow- hocked one was not even placed ; so much for a land of liberty and the freedom of opinion. A high-crested yearling filly, and a winner at Saffron Walden, was, with seven other fair-formed candidates nominated for the INIember of Bury's guineas, returned at the head of the poll. Mr. Wolton's pair of handsome mares. Diamond and Doughty, distanced a pair of leather-plating looking bays of Mr. Jennings, of Newmarket ; and then with a capital team of four. Victory, Princess, Moggy, and Scott, upset the pretensions of a very decent string from the Newmarket stable. Although steam and the telegraph have brought all the world together, and a man now takes his ticket from Loudon Bridge to the Antipodes with half the fuss, and only a percentage of the great -coats, rugs, and wrappers, that he did to engage tbe box-seat to Sudbury, yet we are still as fond of our riding horses and roadsters' form and pace as ever. This love of the nag, or " everybody's hoi"se," is seen at the agricultural shows by the numbers of all sorts and conditions of men that swarm round the ring. Why here is even old Milo, with his meUow elastic touch, who has deserted the edge-bone and the judges THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 123 over the graud bull class, while Ploughshare turns his back on the agricultural beach and gast mares, and here come Longwool and Shortwool Berkshire, Large and Small, with all the ladies pall mall, as the thorough- bred nags make their appearance. But there is only one stallion here for the two prizes for those calcu- lated to get hunters. It is a walk over, and Deerfoot in Kingcraft's colours — black and white — goes dancing round the ring, looking some pounds heavier than he did when victorious at Saffron Walden. There, alone in his glory, in an extra class, is the light bay Volunteer, by Alarm, one of Deerfoot's opponents at Saffron Walden, and who we then put down as a horse calculated to get machiners. Witli three half-breds to oppose him in the coaching stallions, is another thorough- bred, Donald Caird by Au- nandale, a draft from the Ilusketon stud, and a prize taker, as King of the Dales at Framliugham in 'sixty-eight. But why change his name ? No animal who has a pedi- gree in a Stud Book or Herd should be re-christened without some particularly good reason. Donald is a big horse, fit for the purpose, and as he bends his knee as a coachcr should, took the red ribband and ten, after deducting expenses, to Flixton. Following up Sir Shafto Adair's victory, the Duke of Hamilton, with a very haudsome pair of rather cobby dappled bi-owns, defeated a weedy couple of bays, of Mr. Ogilvie's, for the cup for carriage or phaeton purposes. There were only three hunting mares with foals entered, the winner being a short-legged provincial-looking hunter of some charac- ter but lacking breed ; while the dam of the prize hunt- ing foal, Sir Shafto xVdair's Gem, is a hollow-backed ches- nut of great quality and good limbs, of Irish extraction, and Mr. Barton's Topsy but a clever-looking cobby hackney. The Marquis of Westminster's roan hackney is a mare that Mr. Branwhite, who now and then sends some nice cobs to Knightsbridge, won a prize with at the Royal Battersea meeting. She is a very nice one, and perfect, with the exception of her knees being a little too back and high from the ground. The Bury prize roadster Gipsy was also in, a well-known prize taker of Major Barlow's, and full of charaetei", though age in sharp an- gular lines begins to tell on the wasting frame of the game-looking varmint old mare. Sir Shafto Adair had a thick-set roan of good form, and the Duke of Hamilton a bay mare called " Scwell," we should fancy after the well-known dealers of Prince's Row, whose foal was proclaimed as the best. Eclipse, with some of his fat off, went more airy, showing himself to advantage, and beating Kitty, a well-made marc, with her legs nicely placed. Mr. Badham having recovered from his set-to with the Comet, was on his old favourite Major, who looks as well as ever, and as white as snow. There was a poor class of three-year-old hackney mares, with the exception of Attraction, and in the two-year- olds only thi'ee, the winner turuinp; up in a strong-made iron grey, from Bowbeck. In a fair class of yearling hackneys, IMr. Grout won with a promising one by his horse Quicksilver, the reserve number being a nicely- made roan of Mr. Branwhite's. Mr. Grout was again to the front with his ladylike Nelly, beating a nice grey from Captain Bencc's stable. Mr. James, Allen, Catchpole, Nathaniel liansome, better known as Mr. Allen Ransome both in the manufacturing and the horsey world, came off with flying colours with his very handsome Islington prize pony. Perfection, although it was scarcely fair to show a staUion with mares and geldings. Tomtit was proclaimed the king of the little ones. For a local show there was a very fair exhibition of hackneys, though among the hunters the good ones were few and far between ; but then Suffolk is not famous as a hunting country, or, if so, the owners take particular care to keep the best under lock and key. The first prize hunter. Fenian, at a side view is a rather taking horse, but not up to much weight, while he is a sprawling mover, going so wide behind that he would scarcely find room in some of the Suffolk lanes to indulge in what we snjjpose was meant for a gallop. Mr. Sparrow, of Ilalstcad, showed a bay mare of breed with a fired hock that could move. Then, the Duke of Hamilton's Turk had 8ome form, as had a grey of Mr. Bryant's, of Ipswich. Mr. Grout's chcsnut, by the Ace of Clubs, who was com- mended in a large class at Islington, here beat Mr. Badham's Jkronet and four or five others, while Mr. ^lumford with another well-made one by the Ace came in for a cup in a class of seven. The member for Bury, with a two-year-old chesnut by ^Musketeer of good form and a fine drooping quarter, beat a three-cornered one of Mr. Sparrow's. Peru is a lengthy low horse, showing breed and character, who only wants a little setting to rights to make him very hard to beat ; he was here the pick in a lot of seven, including Mr. Sparrow's bay four - year - old by Frogmore that took several prizes at Saffron Walden, and another of Mr. Harvey's, of Timworth; also The Queen of Clubs, a strong made one, but not exactly hunting form, of Mr. Mumford's ; and Brunette, a very neat light made mare of Major Barlow's, that won the Prince of Wales's Cup, at Harleston. The judges rode some of them, but Brunette, in strange hands, did not settle down in her paces kindly. The prize horses were paraded during the day, while there was a wind-up with some jumping to amuse the ladies, and, judging by the beam- ing smiles that played over the features of the fair occu- pants of the grand stand, and the buzzes of delight that were ever and anon wafted across the yard, this must have been a great success ! The weak part of the show was the cattle, there scarcely being a shorthorn cow in the yard ; and for the bulls. Monk had it all his own way with half-a-dozen fair animals pitted against him, Mr. Crabbe's Old Sam coming in for a high commendation. Hogarth the 2nd and some others from the Bowbeck herd through error were not entered in time, and their absence was very pal- pable in so small a show. Mr. Catchpole's Buttercup, the cup cow, is an ordinary cow, of a taking colour, with not a good head or eye, or anything very wonderful about her, and taking into consideration the ages of Buttercup and Daisy and the quality and symmetry of the second, we should have been more pleased had the decisions been reversed. The Shorthorn heifer had quality and form, with nothing to oppose her. There were several very beautifid specimens of the Polled Suffolk, both male and female, and the judges honoured the lengthy well-made Cherry Duke with the cup for the best bull of any age in preference to The Monk, who did not look in high form. As they did this with the Suffolk bull, surely they might have given the beautiful Duchess the cuj) in preference to Buttercup if form or quality have anything to do with it. The pure-bred Devon of Mr. Rodwell's was as ugly a specimen as we ever saw. There were something like a score of Alderneys, with some very pretty ones among them, the Rev. M. Shaw exhibiting eight out of the twenty. There was a good show of sheep for Suffolk — Lord Braybrooke in the Southdown tups being opposed by three entries of the Marquis of Bristol's, two of Mr. Boby's, two of Colonel Tomline's, and one of Lord Sondes'. In the shearling tups ]\Ir. Boby, with three entries, defeated three of theElniham flock, and one each from the Audley End and Orwell flocks. Then in the shearling ewes. Colonel Tomline beat pens from Audley End, Elniliam, and Ichworth Park. In blackfaced tups, or the Suffolk, Mr. Green, with a coarse uneven one, beat Mr. Dobito and Mr. Woodgate. For shearling tups, Mr. Green with four strings to his bow 124 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. upset Messrs. Doblto and Woodgate's pick. Mr. Gazeley won with a very nice pen of shearling ewes, opposed by some of Mr. Dobito's. In the longwools, with some fine specimens of the Cotswold, the judges reversed the Harleston decision by placing Mr. Gibliu's sheep before Mr. Brown's, and in the shearling tups placed Mr. Brown's second sheep before his Norfolk first ! We be- lieve Mr. Brown objected to the shearing of Mr. Giblin's sheep before the judging commenced. In short wool lambs the judges preferred the blackfaced Suffolks to the Hampshire and Southdowns. There was an excellent show of pigs from the sties of Messrs. Sexton, Steam, and Duckering, names that are household words in the piggery, and who run in and out, first, second, or third at the dilferent meetings, like George the Fourth, Mr. Graham, or John Scott. Mr. Wilson and the Rev. W. Holt Beever were asked to pick out the best — the former a large buyer, and the latter a true lover of form in the horse, shorthorn, sheep, or pig, and a breeder of all. They commenced with the boars of the black breed, and Kingcraft repeated his Norfolk victory, Mr. Steam being weU-up with The Parson, M'Gregor from Sexton's stud getting highly commended. Then a black sow and pigs of Mr. Steam's, by King Tom, walked over. In the breeding sows Mr. Sexton had Sunshine — that was beaten at the Harleston Meeting by Mr. Dnckering's Black Bess — a most excellent pig, with which the judges had no fault to find. They are both capital, and as the judges had to pick one, the preference was given to Sunshine. These racing names remind us of many a dead heat ; and it strikes us as rather extraordinary when animals come together so equal in merit, that there are not oftener dead heats in the show yard, and the prize or two prizes put together and divided. Mr. Wolton's pen of three young sows of the black breed was a walk over, there being no other entry. In the white boars Mr. Stearn beat Mr. Sexton's Norfolk prize pig, which was second, while he was highly commended for another. Then the Comet, who is now looked on as the Cruiser of the pigs, is very good before, but falls oiF lank and lean in the hind quarters. Mr. Petit, with a very nice sow and pigs of the Sexton breed, beat a very good- looking lot of Mr. Steam's, while, for real beauty or perfection, the pig of the show was the breeding sow Our Mary Ann of Mr. Sexton's, who van- quished Mr. Duckering's LUy, sister to Little Queen, that has taken prizes from the Land's End to Harleston, in Norfolk ; but Lily is not equal to Little Queen, and is as different in the snout as a Hottentot from the Venus de Medicis. The three young sows of Mr. Sexton's were excellent, in fact, from the three pig- geries they were all good, and no doubt they will fight their battles over again at Oxford ; where, if we were to prophesy, we should say Oui- Mary Ann would be a very good investment for a place. PRIZE LIST. HORSES rOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. Judges. — J. Clayden, Littlebury. D. Sewell, Beaumont Hall. H. Giles, Croston, Thetford. Stallion, having served 20 mares in the county. — First prize, £20, Isaac Rist, Tattingstone (Harwich Emperor) ; second, £10, C. Boby, Stuttou (Royal Prince). Threa year old entire colt. — First prize, £15, J. Ward, East Mersea; second, £5, Colonel Tomline, M.P., Orwell (The Earl). Two year old entire colt— First prize, £15, and cup value £15, 1. Rist (Young Emperor) ; second, £5, N. Catchpole, Ipswich (Emperor). Yearling entire cart colt. — Gup, value £10, J. Grout, Wood- bridge. Highly commended : S. Wolton, Newbourn. Mare with foal at foot,«^First prize, £15, S. Wolton (Moggy) ; second, £5, executors of the lata T. Crisp, Butley Abbey. Foal of 1870.— First prize, £8, Executors of T. Crisp ; second, £i, A. J. Smith, Sutton. Foal by Cupbearer. — Cup, value £21, executors of T. Crisp. Gast mare. — First prize, £10, and cup value 10 guineas, T. Capon (Matcbett) ; second, £5, Major F. Maitland Wilson, Stowangtoft (Empress). Highly commended : Executors of T. Crisp (Darby). Three year old lilly.— First prize, £10, S. Wolton (Smart) ; second, £5, Colonel Tomline, M.P. (Smart). Two year old filly. — First prize, £10, executors of T. Ca- pon; second, £5, Colonel Tomline, M.P. (Bonuy). Yearhng filly. — Cup, value 7 gs., 5 gs., and 2 gs., W. Thomp- son, jun., Thorpe, Colchester. Pair of mares or geldings, or mixed. — Prize, £10, S. Wol- ton (Diamond and Doughty) . Team of four agricultural horses, either mares or geldings, or mixed. — First prize, £20, S. Wolton (Victory, Princess, Moggy, and Scott) ; second, £10, T. Jennings, Phantom House, Newmarket (Diamond, Boxer, Shot, and Sharper). RIDING AND COACHING HORSES. Judges.— Sir T. Lennard, Bart., Belhus. H. W. Wake, Bramford. G. W. Blake, Nowton, Bury St. Edmund's. Thorough-bred stallion for hunting purposes. — Prize, £20, Major F. Barlow, Hasketon, Woodbridge (Deerfoot). Stallion for coaching purposes. — Prize, £10, Colonel Sir R. A. S. Adair, Flixton Hall, Bungay (Donald Caird). Roadster staUion mares. — First prize, £ 10, J. Grout (Sports- man) ; second, £5, H. Biiltitoft, Bedwellhay Grange, Ely (Cleartheway). Highly commended : J. Grout (Rapid Roan). Match pair of geldings or mares, for carriage or phaeton purposes, not less than 15 hands high. — Silver cup, 12 gs., Duke of Hamilton, Easton Park, Wickham Market (Tommy and Charlie). Hunting mare, with foal at foot. — Prize, £10, S. Palmer, Barbara. Highly commended : Colonel Sir R. A. S. Adair (Gem). Hackney mare with foal at foot.— Prize, £10, Marquis of Westminster. Hunting foal.— Prize, £5, Colonel Sir R. A. S. Adair. Highly commended : S. Palmer. Roadster foal. — Prize, £5, Duke of Hamilton, Weight-carrying mare or gelding, not less than five years old. — Prize, £10, and silver cup, value 10 guineas, Colonel Wil- son, Stowlangtoft Hall (Fenian). Weight-carrying hunting mare or gelding, not less than four years old.— Prize, i'lO, J. Grout (A.ce of Clubs). W^eight-carrying hunting mare or gelding, three years old. — Prize, £7, Maurice Mumford, Creeting, Needham Market (Queen of Hearts). Weight-carrying hunting mare or gelding, two years old. — Prize, £5, E. Green, M.P., Bury St. Edmund's. Highly com- mended : B, Sparrow, Halstead, Essex. Light-weight hunting mare or gelding. — Cup, 10 guineas, W. Cooper (Peru) ; second, £4, Major F. Barlow (Brunette). Highly commended : B. Sparrow. Best hunting mare or gelding in the yard. — Silver cup, value 10 gs., Lieutenant-Colonel F. M. Wilson (Fenian). Gelding or mare of not less than 14 hands, nor more than 15-2 hands high, to be exhibited in single harness. — Silver cup, value 10 gs., Duke of Hamilton. Riding mare or gelding, not under 15 hands high. — First prize, £10, G. D. Badham, Bulmer Tye, Sudbury (Eclipse) ; second, £5, J. Grout (Kitty). Hackney mare or gelding not under 14- hands high, and not exceeding 15 hands. — First prize £10, G. D. Badham (Major) ; second, £5, G. K. Cooper. Three year old hackney mare or gelding. — Prize, £5, C. S. Scott, Thorpe, Biddlestone (Attraction). Two year old hackney mare or gelding. — Prize, value £5, G. Kersey Cooper. Highly commended : Duke of Hamdton. Yearling hackney colt or filly. — Prize, £5, J. Grout (Quick- silver). Highly commended: F. Branwhite, Long Melford, Sudbury (Young Ambition). Pony, not under 13 hands high, and not exceeding li hands. —Prize, ^5, J. Grout (Nelly). THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 121 Pony, not under 13 hands liigli, and not exceeding 13 hands. — Prize, £5, J. A. Ransoine, Ipswich (Perfection) . Highly commended : W. Kersey, Reydou. Pony, not exceeding 12 hands high. — Prize, £5, G. M. Sex- ton, Wherstead Hall, Ipswich (Tomtit). The hunter jumping prize over three flights of hurdles. — Pirst prize, £1U, K. Allen, Bulmer, Sudbury (Kathleen) ; sec- ond, £5, J. II. Bryant, Ipswich. CATTLE. Judges. — M. Biddell, Playford. W. Dodds, Keelby, Ulceby. — Home, Tabraham, Norfolk. Suff'olk bull, not under two years old. — Pirst prize, £10, J. J. Colmau, Norwich (Cherry Duke) ; second, £5, B. Brown, Thursford, Thetford (Norfolk Duke). Highly commended : S. AVolton (Broadback). Sufl'olk bull, under two years old. — Prize, £10, W. Harvey, Timworth, Bury St. Edmund's. Best Suffolk bull of any age. — Cup, value 10 gs., J. J. Col- man (Cherry Duke). Suffolk cow, in milk or in calf. — First prize, £10, B. Brown (Duchess) ; second, £5, Colonel Tomline, IM.P. (Polly). Highly commended: S. Wolton (Sprightly). Suffolk heifer under three years old, in milk or in calf. — First prize, £10, J. J. Colman (Nelly 2nd) ; second, £5, B. Brown (Handsome). Highly commended: S. Wolton (Wide- awake). Suffolk heifer, under two years old, in milk or in calf. — Prize, £10, Colonel Tomline, M.P. (Red Rose). Highly com- mended : S. Wolton (Bridesmaid) ; B. Brown (Countess). Best Suffolk cow. — Silver cup, value 10 gs., B. Brown (Duchess). Shorthorn bull, not under two years old. — Prize, £10, J. Upson, Rivenhall, Witham (l^lonk). Highly commended : R. H. Crabbe, Baddow-place, Chelmsford (Old Sam) ; N. Catch- pole, Ipswich (Sorcerer). Shorthorn bull, under two years old. — Prize, £10, N. Catch- pole (Champagne Charley). Shorthorn cow, in milk or in calf. — First prize, £10, N. Catchpole (Buttercup) ; second, £5, N. Catchpole (Daisy). Highly commended ; J. Upson (Lilac). Shorthorn heifer, in milk or in calf, under two years old. — Prize, £10, N. Catchpole (Coronet). Bull of any pure breed (not being Suffolk or Shorthorn), under two years old. — Prize, £10, H. RodweU, Ampton Hall, Bury S. Edmund's (Devon). Bull of any pure breed (not being Suffolk or Shorthorn), under two years old. — Prize, £10, C. Boby, Sutton, Ipswich (Ayrshire bull). Bull of any age or breed. — The President's Cup, J. J. Col- man, Suffolk (Cherry Duke). Cow of any pure breed (not being Suffolk or Shorthorn), in milk or in calf. — First prize, £10, Rev. M. Shaw, Rougham Rectory, Bury St. Edmund's (Jersey) ; second, £5, Rev. M. Shaw (Jersey). Highly commended: C. Boby (Ayrshire); E. Greene, M.P. (Channel Islands). Commended: I. Rist (Channel Islands) ; S. Hanbury, Wickham Place, Witham (Alderney heifer, Daisy). Heifer of any pure breed (not being Suffolk or Shorthorn), in milk or in calf, under two years old- — Prize, £10, Rev. M. Shaw (Jersey). Cow of the Channel Islands breed.— Prizes, £10, £5, £3, and £2, Rev. M. Shaw (Lilac). Cow of any age or breed. — Cup, value 5 gs., N. Catchpole (Shorthorn, Buttercup). SHEEP. Judges. — J. A. Hempson, Erwarton, H. Sallows, Gilstou, Harlow. SOUTUDOWNS. Tup of any age.— Prize, £10, Lord Braybroke, Audley End. Highly commended : Lord Sondes, Elham, Norfolk. Com- mended : Colonel Tomline, M.P. Shearling tup. — Prize, £10, C. Boby, Stutton. Pen of five shearling ewes. — First prize, £10, Col. Tomline, M.P. Highly commended : Lord Braybroke. BLACKPACED. Tup of any age.— Prize, £10, J. M. Green, Stradishall, Newmarket. Shearling tup.— Prize, ^10, J. M. Green. Best short-wooUecl tup.— Prize, £10, and cup, value 10 gs.. Lord Braybroke. Highly commended : J. Gilpin, Bardlleld, ~ Braintree (O.'ifordshire Downs) Pen of five shearling ewes of the blackfaced breed. — Prize, £10, G. King, Gazeley, Newmarket. Long-wooUed tup of any age.— Prize, £10, and 10 gs., J. Giblin (Cotswold). Shearling long-woolled tup.— Prize, £10, T. Brown, Mar- ham (Cotswold). Highly commended ; T. Brown (Cotswold). Pen of five long-woolled shearling ewes. — (No award). Pen of ten short-wooUed 1 ambs.— Prize, £6, R. Woodgate, Great Waldingfield. Pen of ten crossbred lambs. — Prize, £6, A. Nicholson, Ipswich. PIGS. Judges. — W. Wilson, Baylham. Rev. W. II. Beaver, Pcncraig, Ross. Boar of the black breed.— First prize, £8, G. M. Sexton (Kingcraft) ; second, £4, S. G. Stearn, Braudeston, Wickham Market (Tlie Parson). Sow and pigs of the black breed. — Prize, £8, S. G. Steam. Breeding sow of the black breed. — First prize, £8, G. M. Sexton (Sunshine) ; second, £4, R. E. Duckering, Northorpe, Kirtou-in-Lindsey (Black Bess). Pen of three young sows of the black breed, pigged since November 1st. — Prize, £5, S. Wolton, jun. Boar of the while breed. — First prize, £8, S. G. Stearn (Cock of the Walk) ; second, £4, G. M. Sexton. Highly commended : G. M. Sexton. Sow and pigs of the white breed.— Prize, £8, J.Pettit, Aldeburgh. Highly commended : S. G. Stearn. Breeding sow of white breed. — First prize, £8, G. M. Sex- ton (Our Mary Ann) ; second, £!•, R. E. Duckering (Lilly). Highly commended : S. G. Stearn. Pen of three young sows of the white breed. — First prize, £5, G. M. Sexton (We Challenge All) ; second, £3, R. E. Duckering. Pair of white boar pigs, pigged since November Ist. — Prize, £5, G. M. Sexton. Highly commended : S. G. Stearn (Twin Brothers) ; R. E. Duckering. Pair of black boar pigs, pigged since November Ist. — Prize, £5, S. G. Stearn. The best black hoar, of any age. — Cup, value £5, G. M. Sextou (Kingcraft). FARM IMPLEMENTS. Judges. — G. Nunn, Eldo House, Bury. W. Biddell, Lavenliam. Special prize cup, presented by the Lavenham Farmers' Club, for the best collection of agricultural implements, 10 guineas, Ward and Silver, Melford. Special prize, pair millstones, 5 guineas — Bear, Ipswich and Sudbury. The dinner was held in the Town Hall, the Marquis of Bristol, the President of the Association, in the chair, who said he earnestly desired that the English farmer might never have occasion to go, what he might call creeping to Parliament in order to ratify the bargains which they had made, be they good or bad, with their laudlords, which he could not help thinking was very much like taking a slice of what some- body else had got. He was not speaking as a landlord to tenant-farmers, but as an Englishman to Englishmen, and he hoped it would be very long before we in England had to go to Parliament to redress those wrongs which are very much our own fault. Nor did he speak as a landlord desirous of making all he could out of his land, nor as being jealous of every right. His motto had always been and always would be with regard to the letting of land, " Live and let live." He held that one implied condition of letting land was this, that them an vvho took the land and farmed it should make out of that laud not only sufficient to educate his children, but lay something up for their advancement iu life at some future day, and to lay something by against a day of distress, which might come by reason of death or sickness. He did not think that there ever would come a time when such a measure as the Irish Land Bill would be required for England. The whole system was different in England to that in Ireland, but if at 126 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. any time the tenant i'arniers in the foimer country felt that they were lying under any injustice they iiad very much the remedy in their own liands. If they were only firm and outspoken with tlie landlords ho felt sure tliat everything would go on smoothly and prosperously. Take the question of game for instance. Game was the right of the tenant by the law of the land, and the tenants had very much the matter in their own hands. A great deal was said about the landlords pre- serving game, but it was the tenant preserved it. Let them agree amongst themselves about, for instance, the preservation of rabbits, and he had no doubt that what they wished would be conceded to them. Landlords, in the generality of cases, would not be willing to lose a good tenant for the sake of a few destructive animals. Col. AViLSON said associations of this kind often made a great mistake in one direction. They did not hold shows for butchers' meat, nor were they a Christmas i'at Cattle Club, but they offered prizes for breeding animals ; in order, how- ever, to obtain a prize, it was necessary to get them into such a state of fatness that it was almost impossible for them to breed. He would ask any practical man if it was not the case that in many instances they not only injured their animals, but absolutely ruined them by the great amount of fat they were obliged to place upon them. This applied more to the female animal than to the male. They had this year made one great step in advance, but they liad not yet gone far enough. Previously to this year they had only two classes for cattle, there was the Suffolk in one class, and Shorthorns and Alderueys, &c., in another. Tliis year tliere was a separate class for Shorthorns, but still tliere were different breeds in the same class. He happened to show an Alderney bull, and he was obliged to do so against a Devon, and he should like to have the judges explain how they were able to compare the merits of the Alderney and the Devon bull? This difficulty might iji future be obviated in two or three ways, either in- crease the prize in the classes, or tliey might say a prize should be given for each different description of animals if there vras sufficient merit represented. In to-day's entry there were no less than fifteen Channel cows, and that brouglit him to the lioiut whether tliere should not in future be a separate class for Channel cows or any other dairy breed. Col. Parker, M.P., said, happily in England, as had already been remarked, landlord and tenant were perfectly com- petent to enter upon their own engagements and undertakings without legislative interference. There was not a man in that room, but wliat would feel highly indignant at the suggestion of any interference of tiie kind. He fully con- curred with the excellent sentiment expressed by the noble president as to the saying, " Live and let live," and there was no need for legislative interference where there was such a kindly understanding between the parties. Amongst other questions under consideration was the one of Game, and there were no less than four Game Bills before the House of Com- mons. Rabbits were animals that had been once or twice before the House of Commons, and he was struck with the observations of one gentleman who was very much offended because the rabits were called vermin ! Prom his experience of these animals he could for his own part call them by no other name. He would take every opportunity — always bear- ing in mind that the agriculturists and reasonable men would never destroy partridges' and pheasants' nests in the season — during the winter months of Pebruary and March, with ferret, net, and dogs, of extirpating them. Mr. Edward Greene, M.P., was of opinion that after all there was a great deal of sham legislation in the House of Commons ; and but for letting off the steam, if the House was shut up for the next twelve montlis England Would be a far happier and prosperous coun- try. He could not commend the riding class. He would say, " If you attempt to breed riding horses get a distinc- tive breed of mares." Mares whose grandmothers were never seen were used for breeding purposes, too many went to the cart tail, and a great horse was used. But he believed there was one way in which riding horses might be bred with some success, and it was to use for mares horses of grand action ; because if you get action it was astonishing how the public would put up with other defects. Although in a hunter and other horses it was possible to have too much breed, with a mare that could b: df-p-nrlcd I'.pon, put lIoTil rjio". it ; \vh':'rc. however, uoliiing was known of the mare use a good trotting horse. He confessed he could not see the necessity of making animals so beastly fat, fit to be sent to the butcher. What was wanted in this Association was an instruction to some one to discard stock wliich did not come under the proper definition. He saw to-day the South and other Downs shown for one prize. He also noticed amongst the two year-old hackney fillies, an animal take tht prize fit for an omnibus, and it was exhibited against an animal fit to carry a lady. He would defy a judge to give a fair opinion under such circumstances ; and he would say if animals come in like that send them back. He was an advocate for sending animals back, for there was no way of teaching a man his business like giving him expe- rience, and there was no experience so good as that which was bought, if not bought too dearly. Mr. D. Sewell must congratulate some of the exhibitors in having kept up the credit of the Suffolk cart-horses. He considered the gast mares a fine collection, but he could not say much for those with foals. Mr. M. BiDDELL had looked over a better exhibition than they had seen to-day. The Suffolks were very much improved of late years, and this was the first instance that a Suffolk bull had beaten a Shorthorn, and he, for one, never gave a prize with greater pleasure than he did in the open class. Though the prize went into Norfolk, yet the hull was bred in Suffolk, and consequently he reflected as much credit upon the county as if he had remained in the county. He thought the animals amongst the Suffolks were the best he had seen in that class — the four-year-old cow class and the young bull. He quite agreed with the remarks made by Lieutenant-Colonel AVilson about the Alderney having a separate class, and he thought that if they came in in the numbers they did it was necessary, for there was otherwise great difficulty in deciding the prizes for Alderney cows. As to showing the animals in a fat state, one of the most successful breeders, the late Mr. Crisp, said he never would breed from an animal unless he had seen it as fat as it could be made. It was the best test an animal could have. If there was any weakness in an animal it would come out by high feeding sooner tlian with any other treatment. No one needed to fear breeding from the fattest horse tiiat he could find, as it proved it to be an animal of an excellent con- stitution, and an animal which had gone through a system of training which none but such an animal could stand- With reference to the noble President's remark as to " Live and let live," he (Mr. Biddell) spoke as a tenant-farmer only. lie farmed under the noble President, and a more liberal family there could not be, and there was no doubt whatever but that the noble Marquis thoroughly meant what he said about living and let live. There had been a great deal of nonsense talked lately upon the subject of game, and some men advocated legislation to prevent a man doing as he thought proper with his own. If a gentleman owned an estate, surely he had a right to do what he liked with it. He admitted that he had seen a great deal of injury done by game, but it was done in a small district in comparison with the whole kingdom, and if Parliament was going to legislate in the manner proposed by some, he considered, with Mr. Greene, that it had better shut up altogether for twelve months. SMUT IN WHEAT.— Uredo, pepper-brand, rust, bunt, burnt-ear, smut, and blight or mildew, are terms somewhat indifferently applied to disease in cereal grain, especially in wheat, which consists of a black or dark coloured powder inside the corns, often not showing outside, and which is reaDy a microscopic fungus having several distinct stages of growth, and is transmissible by the germination of the seeds so affected to future plants ; corn so diseased loses about 50 per cent, of its nutritive properties. The word " Brunt " seems the ori- ginal of these names ; it means simply " burnt," which de- scribes the appearance of the fungus, and is the past participle of the old Enghsli verb " to hren" or as we now write it, " to burn." When the mischief is caused by sudden cold or heat or insects, the term " blight " is generally applied ; the term " burnt-ear" is generally applied to the external, and the term " smut" to the internal manifestations of the fungoid disease. — R. THE CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.— Sir Harry Mainwaring has announced his intention of moving at the general meeting, that this Society be amalgamated with tlic Blanchcstcr and Liverpool Society. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 127 PETERBOROUGH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT rETERBOllOUCill. This show was lirlcl on Tliursday, July 7- Tlic prize list was bfittcr by £03 than last year. The boasts were tl in nuMibcr, but the sheep were weak, the extra prize I'ailing to induce a greater show than i2!}, against 33 last year. In pigs there was a large increase, mounting up from 10 last year, to 28 this. The horses showed a decrease, the total being 101-, against 125 last year. The falliug-oll' was principally in the five-year-old hunters and the hackney classes. The cart mares with foals were 9, being 2 less tlian last year; while the IS^-hand ponies rose from 4 to 15. In the small ponies there was a decrease from 13 to 8. The aged-hunter class was not up to the level of former shows, but it was said to be better than the corresponding class at lloyston. The young hunters were altogether superior, a better lot not having been seen here. Hackneys were cepial to former years. The small ponies were a very nice lot, and there were some smart year- lings. There were some good cart colts and fillies, the young colts being the best of their sex, as were the older fillies. The cart mares were a meretorious class, but the foals, it was tiiought, did not, as a rule, equal their dams. Cattle were fairly represented, fat beasts being limited, but fine. The bulls, taken together, were a good class ; and in young ones there was a close run between the Marquis of Exeter and Mr. Wood, the latter winning. There was an average show of cows, and a good one of heifers ; Mr. How taking the first prize and Mr. Gates's cup. Sheep were unusually good for Peterborough, though not as numerous as last year. Why they should not always be as good and more numerous it is impossible to say, as there are plenty of good sheep in the district. Mr. Cartwright's three-shear ram was a capital sheep. The show of pigs was one of the best and largest over seen here, Mr. T. H. Vergctte beating Mr. J. Turner for the blue riband of the large breed, and Mr. S. Deacon carrying off that for the small breed. There was a much better competition for the butter prizes, Miss Wagstalf and Mr. E. A. Skrimshire carrying oif the prizes. Poultry was about an .average, the Dorking chickens being a fine class, with a good show of game, and the Black Spanish excellent ; Lady Grace Gordon taking the prize for over a year old, and running a very near race vrith Mr. Collingwood for the first pair of pullets. The Cochins were limited, but meretorious. Not much could be said for the llamburgs, but there was a good deal to attract in the mixed breeds. What turkeys were shown were good, and the geese rare. Ducks were an excellent class. Pigeons were few in number, and of rabbits, thank heaven ! there were none. Among the miscellaneous exhibitors in the show grounds were Amies and Barford, Vergettc, Ash by and Jeffrey, and Baker, with machines and implements, and Bradford's washing machines ; wiiile Hayes and Son exhibited a collec- tion of prize carts. PRIZE LIST. HORSE-SHOEING. Judges. — J. D. Barford, Southampton. II. D. Calver, Downham Market. Shoeing hunters. — First, J. Newton; second, M. Cox; third, — Clarke. Apprentice shoeing hackney or carriage horses. — Eirst, J. Clay ; second, G. Eorth. RIDING HORSES. Judges. — Lord Kesteven, Casewiek, Stamford. S. J. Welfit, Tathwell, Louth. G. Bland, Coleby, Lincoln. Open to all England. — Hunter, 5 years old or upwards. — A silver cup, value £20, S. J. Wellit, bay horse (Loiterer) ; se- cond of £10, T. Percival, Commended, T. Percival. Gelding or filly, -i years old, for hunting purposes. — Eirst prize, £10, R. Stokes (black). Commended, C. D. Newton (chesnut) . Open to all England. — Hackney mare or gcldiug, not ex- ceeding 15i hands high.— Prize of £7, J. Hornsby, bay (Odd Trick). Highly commended, J. Hornsby (Beda). Open to all England.— Pony, not exceeding 13i hands high, —Prize, £5, J. Burnham (Lady Mary). Highly commended. C. W. Chaplin (Odd EcUow) ; E. Calthorpe (chesnut). Open to all England.— Pony, not exceeding 12^ hands high. — Prize, £5, J. Goodliff (blue roan). Commended, T. Wen- lock (chesnut.) Yearling colt or filly for hunting purposes. — Prize, £10, A. Goodman, jun. (colt by Richmond). Commended, J. Goodliff (colt by General Hess). Mare suitable for hunting purposes, and foal at foot got by a thorough-bred stallion. — A silver cup, value £10, J. Good- liir. Commended, S. Middleton. CART HORSES. Judges. — J. Plowright, Manea. L. Poster, Irthlingborough. Cart colt rising 3 years old. — Prize, £'3, E. Vawser. Cart filly, rising 3 years old. — Prize, £3, R. Hopper. Cart colt, entire or otherwise, rising 2 years old. — Prize, £3, Isaac Cooke. Cart filly, rising 2 years old. — Prize, £3, J. W. Moore. Cart mare and foal at foot. — First prize, £5, and cup, B. W. Grounds, jun. (brown mare) ; second of £2, T. U. Vergette (chesnut mare). CATTLE. Judges. — C. Howard, Biddingham, Bedford. W. Little, Littleport, Ely. Fat ox, without restriction. — First prize, £10, T. Pulver ; second of £5, R. Wood. Highly commended. Marquis of Exeter and \V. Sisman. Fat cow or heifer. — First prize, £5, Messrs. Dudding (roan cow) ; second of £2 10s., R. Wood (roan heifer). Highly commended, Marquis of Exeter (Scotch heifer). Commended, J. J. Sharpe (white heifer), and G. F. Baker (roan heifer). Bull, above 2 years old. — First prize, £10, Marquis of Exeter (Telemachus). Highly commended, II. Wood (Lord Chancellor). Bull, under 2 years old. — First prize, £5, R. Wood (Lord Aberdeen 2ud) ; second of £2 10s., Marquis of Exeter (Grand Pippin). Highly commended, W. Sisman (Paris) ; commended (The Worster Knight). Cow, having a calf and in-milk or in a breeding state. — First prize, £5, R. Searson (Magnolia) ; second of £2 10s., R. Searson (Winter Rose). Highly commended, J. Lynn. Commended, S. Vergette. Heifer, in-calf, under 3 years old. — First prize, £4, and cup, J. How ; second of £2, R. Searson. Commended, A. Good- man, jun. Heifer, under 3 years old. — First prize, £2, J. How ; second of £1, J. Lynn. Highly commended, J. J. Sharp. Com- mended, Messrs. Dudding (Virginia), and J. Whitwell (Musi- dora). Special prize, for the best animal exhibited, £10, J. How (2 year old heifer). SHEEP. Judges. — T. Cartwright, Dunstan, Lincoln. G. E. Daintree, Fenton, St. Ives. Longwoolled ram, of any age. — Prize, £10, T. Cartwright. Iliglily commended, Messrs. Dudding. Twenty longwoolled ewes. — First prize, £3, and cup, D. Webster ; second of £1 10s., S. Middleton. Ten longwoolled she.arling ewes, bred in the district. — Firs prize, £3, S. Middleton ; second of £1 10s., A. Aitken. Commended, W. W. Pearce. Ten longwoolled ewe lambs. — Prize, £3, S. Middleton. Five wether lambs of any breed, — Prize, £3, R. Webster. 128 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Three sliearlinf; wethers of any breed, open to all England. —Prize, £3, J. Wheeler. PIGS. Judges. — T. Cartwright. G. E. Daintree. Boar of the large breed, open to all England. — first prize £3, J. Wheeler (Lincoln) ; second of £1, J. Turner. Com mended, G. Harris (white). Boar of the small breed, open to all England. — Eirst prize £3, S. Deacon ; second of £1, J. Lynn. Highly commended, J. Lynn. Commended, J. Wheeler. Breeding sow of the large breed. — Prize, £3, T, H. Ver- gette (white). Breeding sow of the small breed. — Prize, £2, S. Deacon. Extra Stock. — Highly commended, for fat pig, W. Dainty. BUTTER. Judge. — J. Douglas, Clumber, Worksop. Fresh butter (Alderney excluded). — First prize, £1, Miss C. Wagstaff ; second of 10s., E. A. Skrimshire. At the dinner the chair was taken by the Earl of Carysfort, who expressed some surprise that no prize of any sort had been offered for flax, and that so little appeared to be grown in the district. There was Whit- tlesey, a perfect land of Goshen ; and there were the hills of Huntingdon, now scarcely less fertile than the valleys of Northampton. He considered the growth of flax was cer- tainly increasing. Notwithstanding the many changes which had lately taken place in agriculture, he must, as a true liberal, warn them against the adaptation of new principles. He had thought the country was too ready to run into extremes with- out reckoning upon the results, and he was quite sure great risks were involved by the too sudden over-draining of the land (No, no). If they attempted to stop a drunkard all at once, they would in all probability kill him. He strongly ad- vocated tlie preservation of water, when in some dry time like that lately experienced it served to fertilize the otherwise al- most barren land (A Voice : No, no). He repeated it, adding that the water was now carried away, and was useless ior evermore (dissent and approbation), and the gifts of Provi- dence were not sent to be wasted, however much they might be improved upon. In India and other hot countries it was the common custom during the wet season to save what rain fell in large tanks made for the purpose, from which in times of drought the water could be transferred to the land as re- quired. Wliy could not this be done in England F He was opposed to the practice of cutting down of trees, and their best motto in a flat fenny country would be to economise water and spare wood. Mr. J. Bird, contrary to the chairman, was one of the greatest advocates for draining both high and low land to the uttermost, and yet he could grow as good, if not better, crops than his neighbours. It was impossible to keep the land free of weeds when there was water too near it. Lord Kesteven said the chairman had alluded to the growth of flax. He (Lord Kesteven) had seen large quantities of it growing, but for his part beheved the promise of this year's crop was not such as to encourage its ciiltivation. He strongly advocated the system of draining now so much in favour. His friend on the left (Mr. Wells) had drained land to a considerable extent. He (Lord Kesteven) had sailed, rowed, and fished on Whittlesey Mere, but he thought there was but little to catch there now. Mr. H. T. Wreiveordsley strongly advocated a closer con- nection with the county show, and expressed the pleasure he felt on being informed that the shows would be held together in future (A Voice ; " For next year only"). THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND ISLE OF ELY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT ROYSTON. This show was held on Wednesday July 6, when amongst the cart horses the first prize for stallions went to Mr. Welcher's Honest Tom, a Royal winner. He might have taken the £20 cup on this occasion as the best entire horse for agricultural purposes, but having done so previously, he could not do so, again, and the latter premium was awarded to Mr. J. Roach, of Gretton, for England's Glory. The Suffolk horses were a handsome class, but they had not size and bone enough for the judges. The riding and coaching horses were fairish ; and there were some good brood mares. The prize given by Lord Royston for liunters did not ehcit tliat competition which is desirable, and his lordship has withdrawn the premium. There was a good show of stock, and Lady Pigot was again pre-eminent; Mr. Pawlett also being extremely successful. Her ladyship secured first honour for tlie best bull not exceed- ing two years old with Bythis, wliich also took the chief honour as the best Shorthorn of any age in the yard, and car- ried away the cup given by the Right Hon. H. Brand. Her Queen of Rosalea took first prize for the best cow in calf or milk. Lady Ann being absent. Charles-le-Beau obtained her ladyship's second prize for two-year-old bulls, the first going to Mr. T. E. Pawlett's well-known red bull Baron Killerby There were other victories for her Ladyship, La Belle Helene being second among the heifers, Mantalini the Second second among two-year-old heifers, and Imperial Rose the best of the yearling heifers. Mr. How met with some success, his first prize being a three-year-old heifer, Windsor's Butterfly, and there were some very good dairy cows competing for the pre- mium offered by the town of Royston for the best pair. As a whole the sheep were good, though in some of the classes less merit was shown than others, the Southdowns being limited. The Shropshires took everything away from the Hampshires and Southdowns among the shearling short- wooUed ewes. Lord Chesham's pen was pronounced a very matchy lot,of nice quality, andgotup to perfection. Mr. Cooke's pen was also a very nice lot, but larger, and not so well sorted in form and style. Among the Southdown rams of any age the decision of the authorities at Saffron Walden was reversed. Lord Braybrooke being now " nowhere," and Mr. Jonas first. The best fat shearling long-woolled or cross-bred wethers was a grand pen of sheep ; they were bred from Cots- wold and Hampshire Downs, and took the prize to Bedford. Lord Braybrooke showed some very nice sjieep as shearling short-woolled,wethers, but apparently they do not possess size enough to obtain the fiat of the judges. There was some spirited competition for the best shearling short-wooUed rams, there being no less than 17 pens. The judges had out for final examination four lots, and they awarded the prize to Lord Chesham, the second prize going to some beautiful sheep shown by Mr. F. Street, of Maulden. It will be seen by the prize list that Mr. Street was successful in several other classes. Captain Catling was not able to exhibit sheep up to the usual form of those he sends ; and Mr. Gunnell very easily ran away from him with first and second for shearling Leicester or Lin- coln ram ; Blr. GuuneU also taking tlie special prize given by Royston for the same class. The show of pigs was not a large one. In the large breed there was nothing to come near Messrs. Howard of Bedford, who showed a boar which carried off first prize, besides a sow which was also out of all comparison the best. There was a good small black boar and some breeding sows of the small breed, some of them having litters. The exhibition of implements took place at the extremity of the showyard, where there was a good collection for a county show ; Mr. Innes, of Market-hill, Royston, taking the prize for the best collection. PRIZE LIST. HORSES. rOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. Judges, — J. Cox, Sandbridge, St. Alban's ; J. Henley, Ruckland, Louth. Stallion.— First prize, £10, W. Welcher, Tofts, Brandon; second, £5, D. Camps, Haddenham. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINB. 129 Entire two-year-old colt. — First prize, £5, F. Richardson, Chatteris ; second, £3, W. Hurrell, Newton. Cart mare, not under four years old. — First prize, £5, J. Warth, jun., Sutton; second, £3, C. Male, Cottenliam. Mare and foal. — First prize, £5, J. Warth, jun. ; second, £3, T. GuuneU, Milton. Two-year-old cart gelding, — Prize, £4-, G. Inskip, Knees- worth. Two-yeor-old filly.— First prize, £4., E. Murfitt, March ; second, £3, Capt. 11. C. CatUng, Needham Hall. Plough team. — First prize, £6, J. Linton, Westwick Hall ; second, i;3, J. Warth, jun. Pair of uiares for agricultural purposes. — First prize, £5, J. Warth, jun. ; second, £3, W. Hurrell. Three-year-old cart colt or gelding. — Prize, £5, J. H. B. Maris, Hin.xton. Three-year-old cart filly. — Prize, £5, W. Beard, Chatteris. Pair of team horses. — Prize, £10, J. Linton. Entire horse for agricultural purposes (open to all England), the exhibitor being a member or paying an entrance fee of one guinea. — A cup, value £20, J. Roach, Gretton. Uxfra Stock, J. Linton. — Filly, one year three months. W. Batterson, Girton. — Mare, seven years. FOR KIDINa AND COACHING. Judges. — H. J. Boulton, Putnoe, Bedford ; J. Hutchinson, CattericL Thorough-bred stallion, which in the opinion of the judges is calculated to get weight-carrying hunters (open to all Eng- land), the owner being a member or paying an entrance fee of one guinea. — A cup, value £20, A. Fisher, Royston. Com- mended, J. Linton. Hackney stallion. — Prize, £10, R. Joselyn, Ely. Com- mended. J. W. Gosling, Newmarket. Mare, calculated to breed weight-carrying hunters, and foal. —First prize, £5, T. Briggs, Babraham ; second, £3, H. Hurrell, Harston. Commended, R. Hubbard, Marshland Fen. Mare or gelding, under five years old, adapted for hunting purposes. — First prize, £5, W. Goulder, Wimbotsham ; second, £3, W. Hurrell. Commended, T. Garner, Moultou. Hackney mare or gelding. — First prize, £4, E. Durraut, Wimbotsham ; second, £2, H. Thurnall, Royston. Com- mended, F. J. Fordham, Royston. Brood mare, calculated to breed hunters, with foal at foot or in foal. — First prize, £5, T. Briggs, Babraham ; second, £3, H. Hurrell. Commended, J. Ellis, Triplow. Two-year-old colt or filly, likely to make a hunter. — First prize, £5, H. Thurnall ; second, £3, J. Linton. "Yearling colt or fiUy, likely to make a hunter. — First prize, £5, H. Tliurnall; second, £3, J, Philnps, Royston. ilorse, mare, or gelding that shall leap hurdles and water in the best and safest style as often as the judges may direct. — First prize, £10, W. Goulder ; second, not awarded. Three-year-old colt, hkely to make a hunter. — Prize, £5, T. Briggs. Commended, T. Kemp, East Hatley. Three-year-old filly, likely to make a hunter. — Prize, £5, H. HurreU. Commended, H. Thurnall. Hunter not exceeding five years old at the time of the entry, the bond fide property of a resident or occupier in the Isle of Ely orcounty of Cambridge, and which shall have been in the pos- session of the exhibitor for the sis months previous to the day of exhibition. — A cup, value £20. Not sufficient merit. Pony, mare, or gelding not exceeding 13 hands. — A cup, value £5, S. Smith, Fen Ditton. Commended, E. B. Nunn, Royston. Extra Stock. Commended, C. Gabb, Bishop Stortford. — Pony. CATTLE. Judges.— C. Howard, Biddenham, Bedford; J. Robinson, Clifton Pastures. Bull, exceeding two years old. — First prize, £8, T. E. Paw- lett, Beeston ; second, £4, Lady Pigot, Branches Park, New- market. BuU, not exceeding two years old. — First prize, £10, Lady Pigot ; second, £5, T. E. Pawlett. Commended, C. Ellis, Meldreth. Bull, not exceeding one year o!d.'="First prize, £4, T, E. Pawlett ; second, £2, Lady Pigot. Commended, Lord Bray- brook, Audley End. Cow, in calf or in milk. — First prize, £6, Lady Pigot ; second, £3, G. E. Frere, Roydon Hall. Highly commended, J. Clayden, Littlcbury ; commended, G. E. Frere. Heifer, not exceeding three years old, in calf or in milk. — First prize, £4, J. How, Broughton ; second, £2, Lady Pigot. Commended, Captain R. C. Catling. Heifer, not exceeding two years old. — First prize, £4, J. How; second, £2, Lady Pigot. Highly commended, J. R.Chaplin, Ridgewell, Halstead ; commended, Captain R. C. Catling and J.R.Chaplin. Heifer, not exceeding one year old. — Prize, £3, Lady Pigot. Pair of dairy cows belonging to the same person, in milk or in calf. — First prize, £8, T. Rush, Babraham ; second, £4, J. Miller, Royston. Highly commended, S. Strickland, Steeple Morden. Fat ox, steer, or heifer. — First prize, £5, T. Pulver, Brough- ton ; second, £3, Captain R. C. Catling. (This class was generally commended.) Shorthorn bull of any age. — Prize, £20 (cup). Lady Pigot. SHEEP. Judges (Long-woolled) . — C. Clarke, Scopwick, Sleaford ; W. Sanday, Ratcliff-on-Treut. (Short-wooUed and cross-bred) : H. Overman, Weasenhara ; H. Woods, Merton. Shearling Leicester or Lincoln ram lambs. — First prize, £5, T. Gunnell ; second, £3, T. Gunnell. Pen of five Leicester or Lincoln ram lambs. — First prize, £4, R. Sparrow, Chesterton ; second, £2, T. GunneU. Shearling long-woolled ram, not Leicester or Lincoln. — First prize, £4, J. Gibbin, Bardfield. Pen of five Leicester or Lincoln ewes, certified to have brought up a lamb this year. — First prize, £5, R. C. Catling ; second, £3, F. Allwood, Walsworth. Pen of five shearling Leicester or Lincohi ewes. — First prize, £5, T. Gunnell ; second, £3, F. Allwood. Pen of five Leicester or Lincoln ewe lambs. — First prize, £4, T. Gunnell ; second, £2, F. Allwood. ShearHng short-wooUed ram. — First prize, £5, Lord Ches- ham, Latimer, Chesham ; second, £3, F. Street, Bedford. Pen of five short-wooUed ram lambs. — First prize, £4, Lord Dacre, Kimpton ; second, £2, J. P. Nunn. Pen of five short-woolled ewes, certified to have brought up a lamb this year, — First prize, £5, Lord Dacre ; second, £3, G. Jonas, Tckleton. Pen of five shearling short-woolled ewes. — First prize, £5, Lord Chesham ; second, £3, G. Cooke, Horseheath Park. Highly commended, Nockolds and King, Saffron Walden. Pen of five short-woolled ewe lambs. — First prize, £4, Lord Dacre ; second, £2, W. Hurrell. Commended, F. Street. Pen of five cross-bred wether lambs. — First prize, £4, G. Jonas ; second, £2, W. Hurrell. Commended, J. I. Ellis. Shearling Leicester or Lincoln ram. — First prize, £10, T, Gunnell ; second, £5, T. Gunnell. Southdown ram of any age. — Prize, £5, S. Jonas, Chrishall Grange. Pen of five fat shearling short-woolled wethers. — First prize £5, G. Street, Maulden ; second, £3, Nockolds and King. Pen of five fat shearling long-woolled or cross-bred wethers." —First prize, £5, H. Purser, Bedford ; second, £3, T. Rush. Pen of five fat short-woolled lambs. — Prize, £5, S. G. Jonas, Duxford. Pen of five fat long-wooUed or cross-bred lambs. — Prize, £5, E. Pigg, Barkway. PIGS. Judges.— C. Clarke; W. Sanday, Boar, large breed. — Prize, £3, J. and F. Howard, Bedford. Boar, small breed. — First prize, £3, E. King, Ashley Hall ; second, £1 10s,, R. Chaplin. Sow, inpigorsuckhng, large breed. — First prize, £3, J. and F. Howard; second, £1 10s., H. F. Everett, Bridgham,Thetford. Sow, in pig or suckHng, small breed. — First prize, £3,R, Pyne, Royston ; second, £1 10s., H. F, Everett, IMPLEMENTS. Judges.— H. Long, Carlton ; J, P. Nunn, Royston. Collection of agricultural implements (10 entries) .••Prizej 130 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. £10, G. H. Innes, Royston. Highly commeudecl, L. Gimsoii, llojston. At the diuner the llight Hou. H. Ekand, M.P., the pre- sident of the Society, iu the chair, said they had done well iu framing the hasis of the Society on a large scale, and not committing the mistake which was seen in many dis- tricts, where agricultural support was frittered away in a con- siderable number of small Societies, He knew of no part of the kingdom where a Society of this kind had accomplished greater progress. The northern part of Cambridgeshire had been re- claimed from the sea, and iu the southern part there might be some old enough to remember that a large portion was a wild down, where the rabbit had it all to himself. What had brought about a reformation in those things ? The capital and skill of the farmer. Those who had travelled abroad knew that nothine: was to be seen there equal to the capital and skill of the British farmer. The British agriculturist was a long way ahead of the foreign one. Lord RoYSTON said his experience in Cambridgeshire was that it was very little use iu giviug prizes for competition of any kind in which hunters might be considered to be engaged. The reason of it was doubtless this, that a considerable part of the county was not a hunting country, and in that part which you might call a hunting country the owners of horses had great difficulty at the different times at which the show was held to produce those animals in a state they might consider satisfac- tory to themselves and to the judges. Therefore, in giving the prizes to hunters this difliculty always arose; and, for the future, having last year failed to gain sufficient competition at March, and having failed at lloyston, he thought he should forward the views of gentlemen who competed at this meeting in giving the small sum he had devoted to hunters for some other object which would receive actual and successful competition. LIGHT AND HEAVY DRAUGHT MOWING MACHINES. EVERCREECH FARMERS' CLUB. The second machine mowing match in connection with this Club was held at Doulting. The long-continued drought had rendered the grass-crop light here, as everywhere else ; but the ground was as fair a specimen as could be found in the district. It was a large field of new clover, and the crop was perhaps about 13 cwt. to the acre. As in last year's competition, there were prizes offered to two classes of competitors, viz, the manufacturers of machines, and the son5 or servants of farmers in the neighbourhood owning machines. The follow- ing were the entries : In class 1 — Bamlett, Woods, Burgess and Key, Hornsby, Howard, Samuelson, and Lewis and Hoole ; in class 2 — J. Candy (Doulting), C. Welch (Ditcheat), R. Norton (Ditcheat), J. R. Welch (Redlands), T. Reynolds (Doulting), J. Bennett (Wanstrow), R. Harding (Cranmore), and G. Dyke (Sheptou Mallett). It will be seen that nearly all the great makers in the kingdom were repre- sented; but it unfortunately happened that Messrs. Howard were unable to compete, through the non-arrival of their machine. Last year, when there was a far better general crop of grass than we can this year expect, a hope was expressed that this year the relative meritsof the light-draught and heavy-drauglit machines would be tested in the heaviest field that could be found in the neighbourhood — a crop say of about two tons to the acre. It was evident that that such a trial could not take place this dry season, and it was even suggested that the matches might be temporarily abandoned. But, although there was an example in the course adopted by a ueighbonring Society at Frome, the Evercreech Club decided uot to discontinue the events which proved so interesting. The judges were — Mr. Richard Yeoman, of Cranmore ; Mr. Charles Harding, of Montacute ; and Mr. John Brook of Preston, Yeovil. There was a close run for first place in the manufacturers' class, and the award which was given was understood to be only for superior delivery of the swathe, the cut of the first and second machines being equal. In the farmers' class there was no difficulty iu deciding the first prize, the winner having made an excellent start, and worked well through his ground. The competition was witnessed by a large number of spectators, estimated at 1,300 or 1,400. The prizes were awarded as follows : Class 1. — Open to all England. To the manufacturer of the mowing machine which shall mow and leave in swathe in the best manner one acre of land in one hour : First prize, £4, Messrs. Burgess and Key, Brentwood, Essex (time, 45 minutes) ; second, £2, Messrs. Woods, London (49 minutes). Class 2 — To the managers of the mowing machine, the owner of which being a farmer, and the competitor a farmer's son or servant — the latter having been in the employ of the owner not less than three months previous to the match — which shall mow iu the best manner one acre of land iu one hour : First prize, £2, Mr. G. Dyke, Shepton Mallett (with Bamlett's machine) ; second, £1, E. Collins, servant to Mr. T. Reynolds, Doulting (with Hornsby's Paragon machine) ; third, 15s., J. Candy, Broad- pool, Doulting (with Burgess and Key's machine) ; fourth, 5s., W. Batt, servant to Mr. R. Harding, Cranmore (with Woods' machine). At the Dinner, Mr. Wiiatley, the Secretary, said that when the Society met upon a similar occasion to this, in June, 1869, he then promised to look out a heavy crop of two tons to the acre to try the merits of the machines upon ; but he had not yet been able to find such a piece, and he was sure that none of those present could boast of it upon their farms. The committee had therefore arrived at the conclusion that the question of the relative value of the heavy and light machines had not yet been properly solved. It was an impor- tant question to consider as to the amount of work that could be accomplished in a given time by the various machines with one or more horses. Manufacturers would say, perhaps, that it required a big hammer to break a big stone, and vice versa, and others would say that the liglit machine eould compete on equal terms with the heavy. That at present remained for them to determine, and another year might prove to them the fact, should they be enabled, as he hoped, to put the machines into a suitable crop. Mr. R. Yeoman, one of the Judges, said the manufac- turers' class had given them the most difficulty to decide upon. In the farmers' class there was not so much to occupy their attention ; for the work was in some instances uot so well done as they could have wished. However, that was accounted for by the lightness of the crop, and the wind which beat it down so that it would not stand against the knives, it being very difficult to cut unless the knives were in the highest state of perfection. Mr. Brook, another of the Judges, thought they should not take the mowiog of that day as a sample of what the machines were really able to do ; for he had seen those which had seemingly done the worst to-day, excel on other occasions. He believed there was nothing like having a good start, and setting the machine properly at the beginning, in order to make a good finish ; but if the competitor were up to the mark, he would narrowly watch his work throughout, and if he saw anything goiug wrong, not hesitate to put it right. Mr. Harding, the third Judge, gave it as his opinion that looking at the crop and circumstances over which they had no control, the work was as well done as might be, Mr. C, Welch called attention to a fact with which he was much struck, viz., that this year as well as last year the prizes in the first class were won by light machines, and in the second or farmers' class by heavy draught machines. He eould not understand why the light machine in the hands of the mechanic should always win the first prize, whilst in the hands of the novice the heavy sort was always successful. Now the thing they wanted was the machine that was most complete in the hands of their labourers. They didn't gene- rally want to get machines to work them themselves, although he had a very good machine which he had worked all the season, and no doubt many others had done the same. He saw a young man present, a farmer's son, who had worked a THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 131 light machiue aud won a prize to-day iu the mauufacturing class. Of course that geutleraan was possessed of more knowledge and intelligence than the generality of labourers, and therefore his success was no proof of the superior useful- ness of any particular raacliiuc for labourers' use. He sliould be glad if any manufacturer present would give him an expla- nation of the fact he had stated with regard to the heavy and light machiues. Mr. Burgess, in reply, ventured to dispute the fact that heavy machines were always the winners in the farmers' class. Last year at Radstock the first prize iu the manufacturers' class was taken by Woods, and the second by Burgess aud Key ; and then in the drivers' class the first tliree prizes were taken by Burgess aud Key's machiues in a competition with eight others — and theirs was a very light-draught machine. It was a question simply of the driving-rod. If they had a long driving-rod brought down at an angle, they must have undue friction — and that was the only way he could account for the difference referred to. Mr. Welch said it seemed to him that Woods' machine ^ was working an the same principle — from a long driving-rod. Mr. Burgess replied that it was not so much of an angle. I He explained that the reason why some machines were so heavy in dranglit was because they were badly proportioned. At the present time all the machines were got up to work very well; and the points to be looked to in selecting a machine were light draught — which was very important as a question of expense — aud the easy and inexpensive renewal of any part that became worn. Messrs. Woods' representative denied that it was the length of the driving-rod which was a disadvantage to tlie ^ heavy machines ; but at the same time he believed it would not be long before the superiority of light-draught machines was a general couclusiou. The heavy machines would be laid aside, and light ones brought into general use. He did not mean to say there might not be some extraordinary crops in certain seasons — perhaps even 2^ tons per acre — which would rcciuirc hcaviiir machines tJian were used upon ordinary occa- sions. But he did say that if tliey had got one field out of ten where they wanted a heavier machine — speaking from experience, he could tell them that if they took off the boy, when tliey found the machine did not work so well as it should, aud put on a heavy man in his place, they would find I it an improvement. He argued that it would be better for a farmer to wear out a light machine a year or two sooner than to wear out his iiorses by using a heavy one. I Mr. Brook said he had suggested to the committee that in awarding manufacturers' prizes they should take into account the draught of the machines ; but tliey told him the judges had nothing to do with anytliing except the best cutting. Auotlier consideration which he would recommend to makers was this — which he was sure they could carry out with the greatest ease — tliat tliey should fix swathe-boards to their machines, so as to take the swathe out of the way of the wheels aud the horse's feet, aud so prevent it from being pressed into the ground, which with a heavy crop was often very injurious. Mr. Yeoman, referring to the superior success of the com- petitors in class I, said the reason was very simple. In the manufacturing class they were all in good order — the knives in first-class condition, aud they were generally new machines ; whereas in the farmers' class perhaps the machines had been in use many years, and the knives were not in the best condi- tion. He thought that might account iu a great measure for the discrepancy. One of the successful machines to-day had been in use seven years. FARMS TO LET." There are, it is said, in the far-famed conuty of Norfolk some tifteeii thousand acres of laud in one certain district that would threaten to be very shortly unoccupied. On the lighter soils, ranging away from Brandon to Watton, many of the tenants find it quite impossible to go on any longer. Not that the Local Taxation sleight- of-hand has already been tried upon them, or that they have come to protest against paying an equivalent in rent for a set-off in rates. Not that they have precisely succumbed to "the three disastrous years" to which Mr. Sewell Read spoke so feelingly at ilarlcston. Not that they have allowed the cattle-plague to beat them, or a run of low prices to quite starve them out. These are, no doubt, serious difficulties against which the farmer has had to contend, but even these are scarcely siiflicient to account for the curious fact of there being so much land to let iu the highly cultivated county of Norfolk. Let us turn again for a raomcut to that very useful discussion at the Harleston dinner, where the key-note was struck, perhaps uuwittingly enough, very early iu the afternoon. Sir Willoughby Jones in advocating the growth of sugar iu this country essayed to show how " oiu' climate was manifestly becoming dryer and hotter, as it was certain to do by the throwing down of hedges and the cutting down of hedgerow timber ; " and climate, as we take it, will ever be a serious consideration in thoroughly testing such an experiment. But Sir Wil- loughby's argument was nipped in the bud ; they don't throw down hedgerows and don't cutdovvn hedgerow timber in Norfolk. Rlr. Charles Howard, a stranger who seems to " have had his eyes about hiin " during his travels, said : " I never was iu a county iu my life where I saw so muidi useless hedge-row timber. 1 am quite certain of one thing — that the farmers of Norfolk do all they can to meet the exigeucics of the times ; it now rests with the landlords to help them. The first thing they should do would be to allow them the privilege of cutting down this beastly rubbish — pieces of timber which if they stand fifty years will never be worth a sovereign ; to cut down many of the hedge-rows ; and to destroy the great pest of the farmers — the tenants of these wild hedge-rows — the rabbits." And what did the natives, the farmers of Norfolk say to this ? Luckily, it came to the turn of two or three leading men to speak after Mr. Howard sat down. Aud Mr. England was " quite sure if they did not grow too much timber, they harboured too many vermin ;" while i\Ir. Henry Overman said as to the " more important subject of hedge-row limber, they were living in critical times; and, unless the landlords went a-head as fast as the tenants, good-bye to their having any tenants at all !" We have had no communication whatever with Mr. Overman on the subject of his speech, as it is not from him the rumour reaches us, but it does look as if he had those fifteen thousand acres cf worse than waste in view when he said so much. But Mr. Overman said more, or said so much again with still greater emphasis ; " If the landlords persisted in the over- preservation of game they would have to farm the land themselves. The misery of this might first of all fall upon the tenants, but it would afterwards come upon the laudlords, aud perhaps many of them would be able to find neither the cajiital nor the ability." This is pretty plainly put, but it all brings us back to our opening fact that some of the Norfolk farmers arc beaten at last, not by the times, not by any lack of means or ability, but from being denied fair play by their own laudlords. The continual discussion of this evil for some years past has no doubt tended to its occasional correction iu some quarters, but in Norfolk, idways a game-ridden county, the abuse is with (nany landlords rather on the increase than 132 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. otherwise ; and, indeed, " An Aggrieved Norfolk Farmer" oflFers a very likely reason for this. He says in so many words : " Now, I am a right loyal subject, and wish well to my Queen and all her family. But one fact T cannot shut my eyes against ; that is, since his Royal Highness became a landowner in Norfolk we have double the game we had before, and this is caused by the eagerness of cur country gentlemen to have the Prince for their guest, whilst the tenant-farmers have to pay the extra expense incurred by rearing an extra quantity of game for market, for the Prince, of course, must have an extra good day's shooting." Putting His Royal Highness quite out of the question, there is no possible doubt but that as a rule the higher the rank of the so called sportsmen the greater the slaughter. Tt is well to take a district so celebrated for its superior cultivation as "the frightful example" of such excesses, and it is wholesome to have the plague-spot pointed out by a man in many ways so successful in his vocation as Mr. Charles Howard. The Norfolk farmers may not take to Shorthorns, perhaps, as Sir Willoughby Jones would put it, the climate of the eastern counties does not alto- gether go to ripen these high-bred auimals ; but they can grow polls, and Devons and Downs, and horses and bar- leys, all of the very best, and yet still Mr. Howard sig- nificantly shakes his fore-finger at them, and says " I am not going to find fault with your farming, but if you don't look out you will no longer hold the position you have done ; other counties will soon trip you up." No, no, Mr. Howard, it will not be any other county, not even Bedfordshire that will trip Norfolk up ; but Avhat will drive the Norfolk farmer from " the position he has so worthily held," will be the hedge-rows, the rabbits, the battues, and the landlords. Down in Devonshire the other day, Mr. Knowles, when following Canon Girdle- stone said, " The large landowners cultivated their land in the outset, but finding it did not pay, let it off. He would ask what was the reason it did not pay ? Because it was so over-run with hares and rabbits. The owners of coppices and preserves ought to pay much heavier taxes than they did." It would so seem that here, once again, from the same causes we arrive at very different results. In the West the owners have been in the habit of farming the land themselves until they can do so no longer, when they let it out to tenants. In the East the tenants have been in the habit of farming the laud until they can do so no longer, when they return it to the owners ; the reason being precisely the same. As Mr. Knowles says, they find that holding laud does not pay, because it is so over- run with hares and rabbits. Sir Massey Lopes has, if we recollect aright, in his scheme for the re-adjustment of local burdens, some sort of penalty in store for these coppices and preserves which they are denouncing in the West almost as energetically as they are hedgerows in the East ; but how would such a proposition fare with the county members of the House of Commons ? On this ubject there is no class in Parliament so thoroughly sel- fish, or so uumindlul of those they are supposed to repre- sent. The Parmer's Friends would tax the farmer's gun, or if they do not dare say so much they carefully keep out of the way. It should be the business of Mr. Sewell Read and Mr. Pell, who, acting for Mr. Read, carried the occupiers' exemption from the gun licence, to have the division list extensively circulated, and then Sufiblk and Wiltshire may see how much it has to hope for and how little to depend on. In Norfolk, to be sure, if the heavy game-preservers turn farmers they can represent their own interests in this way, and that will tend very much to simplify the matter. As some people are arguing out the business of betting just now, " every maa haa a light to ruin Mmself if he likes," THE GAME EVIL. TO THE EDITOR. SiK, — I have read with pleasure, for months past, your able articles on the game question, and feel mortified at the apathy and indifference of ray owu county on this momentous question, and disappointed beyond measure with our "farmer member," Mr. C. S. Read, for it is seldom he opens his mouth ou the subject, and then generally says nothing, or worse than nothing. Our Scotch bretliren are alive to the prize at stake, and speak out with that manliness which ought to put to the blush many of our Eoglish counties, especially Norfolk, which, as yet, has done nothing towards the amelio- ration or repeal of those grinding laws that nine-tenths of our farmers would delight to see, not modified, but repealed. Yet they stand still, quietly looking on, afraid of their landlords, afraid to risk anything but keep in the background, hope others will do the work, and, when the battle is over, if a victory is won, would then valiantly come to the front and reap the benefit. If we look closely into the matter we shall find there is a cause why our large farmers, or rather leading farmers, do not speak out ou the game question — it is, they are sporting men themselves. They ape the Esquire, and in some circles are very extensive gentlemen on a small scale. Many land- lords know the weak side of these gentlemen, and, as it were, propitiate tliem by giving them a few days' shooting during the season. I am sure it would amuse you, Mr. Editor, could you see and hear these would-be gentlemen-sportsmen the following market-day at dinner — how they take every oppor- tunity of showing their position and standing in society, by informing the company what they did, how they did it, and how many they bagged to their own gun when they shot with the Squire, Sir John, or my Lord so-and-so. But I will leave the Norfolk farmer to the consolation of his own thoughts, for you must bear in mind uo set of men in any county, from the inmost recesses of their hearts, have a more bitter hatred of the game-laws than the men who till the soil of Norfolk. To return to the game-laws, which every honest and fair dealing man must regard as being as unjust and demoralizing to the poor man as they are injurious to the tenant farmer, I say the injury they inflict upon the tenant is incredible, to say nothing of the heartburnings occasioned by the insults he is continually subject to from that tenants' pest, keepers, who generally are more arrogant than their masters. But there is another reason for reform, and that is, the enormous amount of food destroyed. In this coimty it is immense, as it is no exaggeration to say it is 10 per cent, on all grain and root crops, with a like proportion on all artificial and natural grass. And all this waste, in the face of an in- creasing population, for what? Why, to provide the upper crust of society with amusement at the tenants' expense. Perhaps some may say this is a matter between landlord and tenant ; but I beg to say it is not the case, for if you find here and there a landlord who deals justly and truly with his tenants, and keeps his word (which too many do not) as regards the amount of game to be preserved, he cannot pro- tect you from the neighbouring landowner, and from his swift- footed army of devils called hares and rabbits, which invade bis land by night, and devonr and destroy big crops like locusts. It is a lamentable and incontrovertible fact that the generality of landlords, however estimable their characters in other respects, have no hesitation in breaking faith with their tenants on the game question, keeping double and treble the number aereed upon at the time of hiring ; and this intolerable injustice has to be endured frnm the man having invested his capital in the land. The most the tenant dare to do is to make a quiet and respectful complaint ; for a manly and stout determination to have the terms of his agreement car- ried out would in most cases be followed by a notice to quit ; and poor, helpless Jolm Hodge would have to budge, and leave his capital in the soil behind hira, whilst the worthy landlord can chuckle over the game he has played, and look out with soft and honeyed words for another dupe. The remarks that I have made refer more especially to ground gaine ; but the well-being of society demands that the game-laws should be done away with altogether, in conse- quence of the demoralizing effect they have upon the lower classes. Jnst suppose an industrious, contented rei>«etftU^ THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 133 labouring mau is set to trim a hedge iu June, and in the course of his work he falls in with a pheasant's nest with ten or twelve eggs. It is well known (for it is no secret) that gentlemen buy each other's eggs and, without doubt, some of their own. Tlie price is generally Is. each ; so that such a nest would be worth at least 10s. See what a temptation this is to a poor man who works all day for 2s., and sometimes less, lie takes it, and, if not found out, looks for more, until he becomes a night poacher ; and the mau who would other- wise have been an honour to the sphere of life he moved in lias, through the cursed game-laws, become a poacher, a thief, a burtlien to society, aud perhaps a murderer. How mach longer in this enlightened age are those things to be tolerated ? Are we to be compelled to give such an education to our la- bourers' children as will make them dissatisfied, and unfit them for the work they have to do ? Are we to be prevented from employing tlie hands we like in our fields in consequence, as it is alleged, of the contamination of the sexes, when it is well known, if separated iu the day, they will mix together at night ? Is it not a farce there should be all this motherly care for the good training of the humble classes, and yet allow ^ the monstrous game-laws to remain untouched ? And why is this so ? Because it interferes with the interests and amuse- ments of the law-makers themselves. Now, I am a right loyal subject, and wish well to my Queen and all her family. But one fact I cannot shut ray eyes against: that is, since his Royal Highness became a landowner in Norfolk we have double the game we had before, aud this is caused by the eagerness of our country gentlemen to have the Prince for their guest, whilst the tenant-farmers have to pay the extra expense incurred by rearing an extra quantity of game for market, for the Prince, of course, must have an extra good day's shooting. It is this excessive preservation of game that produces straitened circumstances and great privation amongst many of the tenant-farmers ; some quite ruined, and some, driven to the depths of despair, have lost their reason. Think of this, you game-preserving landlords, and draw what comfort from it you can. Hoping you will insert this in your valuable journal, I am, Mr. Editor, An Obscuee and Aggrieved Norfolk Farmer. West Norfolk. THE GAME EYIL IN NORFOLK. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — I should not have considered it necessary to reply to the personal observations of your " obscure and aggrieved Norfolk farmer," but as chairman of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture I must call his attention to the important aud spirited meeting of that Chamber on the Game Laws held about a month ago. Both the amendment and resolution, which were carried, emphatically condemned the over-preservation of ground game, aud suggested practical means to remedy the evil. Almost all the speakers denounced the present game laws, and there was no shirking responsibility and uo en- deavour to break the discussion. I think the Norfolk farmers at that meeting and elsewhere have spoken out manfully, yet respectfully, and I am not aware that the Scotch tenantry have done more, for at present all their efforts to amend the griev- ance have ended in tlie production of some half-dozen bills which, instead of showing an unaniiuicy of opinion, display a singular amount of division upon the subject. I would also state that I moved the Norfolk resolution as an amendineut to one of the propositions of the Central Chamber of Agriculture. Finding the meeting greatly in favour of the original proposal, I withdrew it, and it is possible that what I said may not be regarded by all my brother farmers as " worse than nothing." At any rate I have since had the cold shoulder from sundry game preservers, and also, I am thankful to say, the thanks of many tenant-farmers. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Clare Sewell Ee.vd. The Farmers' Club, Salisbury Srjuare, London, July 7. Out of the thirteen entries nine appeared. The makers and who entered the machines were as follows : Sarauelson, those Wood (wood frame), Wood (iron frame), Howard (Bird, North Molton), Bamlett (Bird, North Molton), Burgess and Key, Page, Lewis and lloole (Bird), Wood (Dock- ings). Tlie trial ground was steep and ridgy, and the judges ordered a second trial of the following machines : Samuelson, Burgess and Key, Wood (iron frame). Wood (wood frame), and Bamlett's. AVitli the exception of Messrs, Samuelson's and Wood's machines they were worked by labourers of the district. After a long and patient trial the judges awarded the prizes as follows: First prize of £10 to Samuelson, second of £5 to AVood (iron frame), and com- mended Bamlett. The judges were Messrs. Buckingham (Aller),Passmore (Whitcott), and Breally, machinist (Molland). MOWING MACHINE TRIAL IN DEVON- SHIRE. Atrial took place at North Moltouof mowing machines, under the auspices of the North Molton and Twitchen Farmers' Club. MOWING MACHINE MATCH AT PRESTON. The following decision was given, on Friday the 8th, for the Challenge prize of £50 by the judges — Mr. \V. Clarke, Bis- pham Farm, near Ormskirk ; Mr. Henry Neild, The Grange, Worsley ; and Mr. Christopher Richmond, Elm House, Thorn- ton, near Liverpool. Their Report ran as follows : — Trial of mowing machines near Preston, in the match between Messrs. Picksley, Sims, and Company, of Bedford Leigh, Lancashire, and Mr. A. C. Bamlett of Thirsk, York- shire : A. R. P. Lot. Lot. Field No. 1, consisting of 3 3 38 allotted A and B. Field No. 2, consisting of 3 1 30 allotted C and D. Field No. 3, consisting of 6 2 2-i allotted E and F. Field No. 4, consisting of 6 0 28 allotted G and H. Lot A fell to Mr. Bamlett, whose machine commenced at 6 12 and finished at 8 10. Lot B fell to Messrs. Picksley and Sims, whose machine commenced at 6 21 and finished at 8 14, and we unanimously decide the work on Lot B is much the best. Lot 2, divided into lots C and D : Both machines commenced work at 8 40. Lot C fell to Messrs. Picksley, Sims, and Co. aud was completed at 11 9. Lot D fell to Mr. Bamlett, which was completed at 11 44. The work done is pretty equal in merit, but slightly in favour of Messrs. Picksley and Sims. This field had been very imperfectly picked, and abounded with stones and clinkers ; the manure had been badly spread, and the machines were very severely tested by this neglect. No. 3, divided into E and F : Both machines commenced operations about one o'clock. This is an awkardly shaped field for a mowing machine abounding with grips and other irregularities of surface. Lot E fell to Messrs. Picksley, Sims, and Co., and lot F to Mr. Bamlett. Both parties com- pleted at one and the same time. A singular quality of work was manifested, our decision being that both sides of the field were equal ; but the centre portion is iu favour of Messrs. Picksley, Sims, and Co. No. 4, divided iuto lots G and H : Lot G fell to Mr. Bamlett, who commenced at 6 5, and finished at 8 59, aud lot H to ilessrs. Picksley, Sims, and Company, who com- menced work at 5 55, and finished at 8 56. We decide that iG, on the whole, is the best work we have seen dur- ing the day ; but it is only just to say it is the most favourable portion of tlie whole ground for the operation ; while lot H had some open cross draius of a most trying de- scription for a machine to encounter. The time actually occu- pied in the work by Messrs. Picksley, Sims, and Company, was 11 hours and 58 minutes, and by Mr. Bamlett, 12 hours and 31 minutes, being 33 minutes in favour of Messrs. Picksley, Sims, and Co. While we acknowledge the re- markably close competition in this unparalleled trial to be almost a tie, we are unanimous in declaring our award to be, under the conditions of the agreement between the competi- tors, in favour of Messrs. Picksley, Sims, and Co. The terms of the trial were : The mowing of ten acres with one and the same machine, with two knives only, with one driver, and same pair of horses ; no assistance of any kind allowed, such as sharpening the knife, oihng, or the like — all of which conditions were rigidly carried out. Quandfi/, lime, and qualify of work were the tests of excellence. One of the judges writing to us Bays ; " You ^Yill agree 134 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. with me it is an unparalleled test, not only to machines, but to horses especially, as also to man. You will note that the judges were finally thoroughly unanimous, and the contest almost a tie, but still fairly and well won by the Lancashire firm. I coveted all the long day that yourself had been eye-witness amongst the great concourse of assembled farmers and others ; but the details will explain the salient points of this most important contest and achieve- ment of mechanical sliill over the rough uneven ground. It was marvellous that the machines did not smash ; ns> one could credit the test they underwent unless by witnessing it. After what was seen yesterday, in small, rough, out-of-shaped fields, with gutters, &c., no old prejudice can be tolerated against using these machines." TENANT RIGHT. At the last meeting of the Ixworth Farmers' Club Mr. Harrison said he would divide his subject into four different heads, viz. : First, the Landlord ; second, the Tenant ; third, the Labourer ; fourth, the Community at Large. First as to the landlord. It has been said that if tenants are to be compen- sated for the outlay of their capital upon their different occu- pations when leaving the same, that the landlord will be in- jured thereby. Now to this argument I emphatically demur, and how the landlord is to be injured by the outlay of the tenant's capital, in the improvement of liis occupation, I cer- tainly have yet to learn. It is certainly true true there might not be so many applicants for farms as at present ; so much the better, for the landlord and his agent too. Instead of having 30 or 40 applicants as is frequently the case, would not three or four practical men of business to choose from, be much better for all parties concerned ? I cannot find words of my own to prove the fallacy of sucli a statement, equal to a quotation I saw in print a short time since. A gentleman (Mr. Caird), as long ago as 1850, writing to the Tiiiies news- paper, and speaking of the Lincolnshire Compensation Clauses, says, " Till the reign of George III., the county remained in a neglected state, the fee simple of the now cultivated wolds and heaths, worth little more than their present annual rent." He says further in the parish of Lincoln, six years agQ, four ten- ants renting 4,000 acres of land at £125 each, or 2s. 6d. per acre, became bankrupts. This same land is now let for up- wards of £4,000 a-year, paid by prosperous tenants, and it is the custom of landlords to refuse any tenant that objects to the payment of compensation for unexhausted improvements. Perhaps some gentleman may be led to think that corn was very cheap at that time, but it was not the case, for in looking for the price of that year, I find it £5 13s. lOd. per qr. I could bring forth many proofs from my own experience, to show that this Tenant-right question would prove of equal benefit to the landlord as to the tenant, but I forbear as I have already exceeded the limits I intended for this part of the sub- ject. Next as to the tenant. Being an humble tenant farmer myself, I should have preferred passing over this part of the sucject altogether, but then a link vi'ould have been wanting to have made this paper at all a reasonable one. I cannot, there- fore, forbear to say a few words, to prove to you, gentlemen, that it is a great injustice that one man shall sow, and another reap the fruits of the other's outlay. I will suppose a case, and are there not a great many to be found ? of a man hiring a farm in a thorough bad state of cultivation ; he throws all his energies and all his capital into it, and perhaps spends the best part of his life in the improvement of his occupation. The hand of death strikes him down, he is numbered with the dead, and the farm he has spent his health and his wealtli upon, passes into other hands, with only a common valuation. Now if the Lincolnshire system was generally adopted, this crying evil could not take place, and it would be far better for both landlord and tenant, inasmuch as there would be en- couragement for the outlay of capital. I pass on to the third part of this subject, the labourer, ard 1 believe this part of this paper to be of the utmost importance, and I do feel it needful to say a few things upon the different modes of letting land, to show how the labourer is benefited or injured thereby. There are several modes of letting land in this country, but the principal ones are these, viz., by lease, and by six months' notice. Now both these are unsound in principle, standing alone. If you take the lease, without compensation clause, what does it do for an enterprising tenant beyond securing to him his occupation up to the time for which he had bargained fur the same. Suppose we s.ay the lease is for twelve years, and the farm in a bad state when he enters, it will take four years to get it into only middling order, and without being able to pay any rent for it out of the profits ; then four years more to bring it up to the mark, and what then ? Why, eight years gone, the tenant begins to ask himself a few questions about the remaining lour years — several labourers are dis- charged, the grazing stock is suspended, and all kinds of little improvements laid aside. Then there is the six months' notice. This is much worse than the lease standing alone ; no security whatever, and but little ciiance of any quantity of labour being employed. I don't say but that there are a few cases, with noblemen and gentlemen that are desirous to do justice under such agreements, but they are the exception svnd not the rule, consequently the labourer must sulfer thereby. The question will then arise, how are we to improve on the present system ? To this question I would reply, give two years' notice, make it binding by law, pay for all unexhausted improvements, such as draining, mucking, claying, seeding, and cleaning land, all kinds of feeding stulfs consumed upou the farm, in proportion to time. While I strongly urge the justice of this state of things, I would call upon the negligent tenant to compensate for all dilapidations, and I firmly believe if such were the case the poor would be much better em- ployed than at present ; but I must not dilate any longer on this part of the subject, but pass on to the fourth and last part, being the community at large. I need not say much upon this head. It is well known that the consumers must be losers, if the land is not half cultivated and the poor not half employed. The quantity of corn and meat required for this country is enormous, consequently every eifort ought to be made, and every encouragement ought to be given for the full development of the capabilities of this our sea-girt isle. It is well known that the working population are the consumers, both of food and raiment ; and I firmly believe that if greater security was given for the outlay of capital than at present, that a great boon would be conferred upon the community at large, and that large tracts of land not yet cultivated at all, and a very large portion as yet not half-farmed, would be made to yield large crops of all kinds for the well being of our fel- low-creatures. Mr. W. Matthews was in favour of doing away with the landlord's priority of claim to rent. This would lead to Tenant Right, because the landlord's interest would then be the same as that of the tenant. What was wanted was security, and without that outlay could not be expected. Mr. Manfield held that alterations miglit be made which would be for the benefit of landlords, tenants, and labourers. This might be either by a lease of the most liberal kind, a system of Tenant Right, by which a farmer was compensated for unexhausted improvements, such as draining, marling, and claying, and also for feeding stuffs used. He would give no compensation for artificial manures used, because he beheved they were taken out of the land almost as fast as they were put in ; but when a farmer had spent a good deal in oilcake, and was called upou to leave at very short notice, it was a great in- justice to liim, because there was a lot of money left in the land. The valuation, however, should not be in proportion to the price paid for the food, but according to its nature. He would make it as nearly impossible for a tenant to lose by being subject to six months' notice the capital he had put into the land, as it was now for a landlord to lose his rent. It was asserted by several members tliat the effect of the landlord's priority was that farms were sometimes let to men of straw ; whereas without it they would get better tenants — men of capital, who would farm the land better. Mr. Hatten said he always endeavoured, in hiring a farm, to make the best bargain he could, but so long as there was so much competition as there was at present one could not hire exactly as one liked. Tiiey could not get paid for unexhausted TITR FARMRR'8 MACIAZIKE. ]-■! improvements unless the landlord consented to it, fur if one would not take a farm, another would. In his opinion it would he for the iuterebl of the tenant and also of the laud- lord if unexhausted iuiprovemeuts were paid for, but then they must be real ones valued by a disinterested person, for joiue of them had fancies in farmiug, aiul what one cousidercd an im- provement, another would not. Mr. Mii.LEU said the present position of aQ'airs was not satisfactory, and w as capable of some considerable improve- ment. It seemed to liim a matter completely of private arrangement between the parties, and one in which no outsider could interfere. When a tenant had no definite holding, but hired from year to year, they fell back upon the custom of the country, and it might be a question whctiier that was sufli- ciently deftncd. It olVered certain compensations, and the question was — were tiiey sullicient? Valuations might be brought down by the landlord paying the rent and charges upon fallows himself, and thus room would be made to allow for unexhausted improvements, witiiout materially enhaucing the amount of the valuation. It was a great evil if a young man's whole capital was locked up by a valuation, for his resources were thus weakened, and he was crippled for want of capital. The Chatrmax, Mr. E. Green, M.P., said he had a diffi- culty in deciding whether he should prefer a lease or a tenancy from year to year, with two years' notice to quit, and a com- pensation for unexhausted improvements, suitable to the farm he occupied ; for what were unexhausted improvements on one farm would not be on another. When a man was going out he should have two years' notice, but it was a hard thing for all — the outgoing and incoming tenants and the labourers. They also know that the suiTering generally fell upon the la- bourers, for at the end of a lease there were not so many men employed. Again, il was stipulated in every lease that a fan.i should be cultivated in a husliand-like manner, but what remedy had a hnidlord against a tenant if he left a farm in had cuiidhiou. if a tenant had broken the covenant;!, ho liu'l known ofalandlord'b recovering, but never when, while fulfilliiig his agreement, he had left the farm in a bad condition. Yet this was a loss to tiie landlord, for he must let it at a lower rent. There was one covenant he would never insert in a lease if he were letting land — that about selling hay olT the farm, as he held there were times when the tenant could make much more of it by selling it than by consuming it, and afterwards bring the price back again in feeding stuffs. As to priority of claim, he believed it would be a great evil to do away with it, for in the first place the landlord would in all probability, if it were abolished, require a bond for the rent, and would insist upon having the rent punctually ; and although it was desirable that men of no capital should not be allowed to take farms, yet how many humlreds of men had risen by being allowed to take a farm with borrowed capital added to some little of their own ! As to the covenants, he did not think they could depart from the four-course system with advantage ; he knew if he did on his own land he saw the difference in his crops. His only covenants in a lease would be as to the last two years — supposing two years' notice to be given — for excepting at that time he did not belitve a man could farm badly and not injure himself. He thought they had come to the conclusion that they would desire to make their own bargains with their landlords, but that if they could make an improvement in the relation of landlord and tenant, or in that of the incoming and outgoing tenant, they would be doing good. He did not see how they were to legislate in the matter, but he was in favour of giving as much liberty as possible to tenant farmers. BUYING BY ANALYSIS. AVhatever may be the eventuality of the next harvest as regai'ds cereals, it is quite certain that there will be a great deficiency of the fodder-crops for winter — viz., straw, hay, and swede turnips. What white turnips may grow to — anything or nothing — is uncertain. Now these are the crops which make milk, mutton, and beef in the Hrst instance, and in the second place result in a supply of manure for the growth of future crops upon the farm. It is quite clear, therefore, that a demand for imported feeding-stuffs will spring up to some extent proportionate to the deficiency of the home crop of fodder ; and a similar increased demand for artificial ma- nures will arise from the deficiency of home-made ma- nure, consequent on the same case and circumstances. The necessity for great attention to this part of his busi- ness is now imperative upon the farmer ; nor is it the least important element in the state of affairs that we now contemplate that the farmer is called upon to bring in fresh capital to make these necessary purchases imme- diately after the loss of his crops, and in consequence thereof. The loss this year, in fact, however consider- able it may be in itself, entails a further investment of capital for next year's purposes. In addition to this, we have the anuouncement of the advance of price of guano ; and this must be taken in company with the well-known decrease of quality in the article. All these facts com- bine to make it clear that upon the manner iu which this great and costly necessity of the farmers' occupation is carried out his position and profits will greatly depend. The prevalence of the system of adulteration iu nearly all articles of commerce, and especially in articles of con- sumption, has been recently exposed iu the papers and discussed in the House of Commons, as such revelations have assisted to make public opinion ripe for legislation. The doctrine that the mixing of materials of a low qua- lity with those of a higher quality, and even that lower- ing the saleable iirice of goods by admixture with a cheaper article, though the same be a harmless ingredient, and the compound a necessity of trade, has been in force some time. The fallacy is, however, now apparent, when the evils that it has led to are fully developed. That the public will have low-priced articles may be ad- mitted; and natural it is that the labourer, who earns his money, should be careful iu its expenditure. He gets the low-priced, because he thinks it the cheapest article ; as such it professes to be, but such it is not. There can be no doubt that at this moment equally reprehensible modes of manufacturing spurious manures and feeding-cakes are very prevalent. The im- mense number of dealers and agents for manures and feeding-stufts who are to be met with iu every market bear witness, not only to the extent of the trade, and its importance to the farmer, but also to the facilities afforded by it for making profit out of the farmer's necessities. It could not otherwise have covered the large commissions paid to travellers and the enormous inci- dental costs as well as the expenses proper of the manu- facturer. Enormous charges over prime cost have thus been paid by the farmer, even though the article sold was what it professed to be. The lessons taught us by the inquiry into the adultera- tion of seeds last year are before us ; when the leading merchants and growers came forward to state that they should be glad of legislation to put a stop to the nefarious practices of the trade, by which they were compelled, wittingly or unwittingly, to sanction the arts of decep- tion, by selling adulterated and kiln-dried seeds purchased to sell at a low price. Similarly, we believe, there are yet many manufacturers and merchants who have in- vested considerable sums in works for the preparation of manures, oil-cakes, and feeding-meals, who would be glad indeed if we could bv anv lesislation get rid of those 136 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. " Free Laucers" iu the trade, who are uuscrupulous as to what they offer the farmers, provided that it will sell. Incidentally then, we say, follow the example of the great seed houses, and aid us in detecting and exposing that low practice iu the trade which depends on selling the farmer an article by a name to which it is not en- titled. If the leading houses agi-ee to sell by analysis with a warranty only, they will do much towards purifying the trade, and Parliament will be induced to set a trap to catch the night-hawks who are abroad to pounce upon the unwary pigeon. In a similar manner it is for the intelligent farmer to realize his true position at this moment, and to take cognizance of the increased call upon his purse for the articles of manure and food, the prevalence of adulter- ation, and the willingness of the best houses to co- operate with him in putting down the imposters in the trade ; and this he can do by dealing only with those houses that sell by analysis, with a warranty. We are not going to trace the details of the adultera- tions that are now prevalent in the trade connected with agriculture. The great evil is that most articles are not made properly, and then at the lowest price compatible with their cost ; but are mixed before sale with cheaper substances, so as to be sold at a certain figure, which is low enough to captivate the farmer, and to leave a great profit. Some years ago these adultera- tions were manipulated so clumsily that detection was easy. Stones and shells were added to bones, gypsum and water to guano, mud and sand to linseed-cake ; but now lower qualities of guano are mixed with the best, inferior linseed-cakes with the higher priced, and various kinds of meals, brans, and pollard with feeding-cakes of every description, so that it is impossible to detect by cursory inspection, or, indeed, by any examination short of chemical and microscopic analysis, the true value for agri- cultural purposes of the article — be it manure or feeding- cake — that is offered to the farmer. We are aware that want of self-confidence is not a common trait in the farmer's character ; but in this in- stance modesty will be a merit. If he attempt to buy his artificial manures and feeding stufl's as he buys his pigs and his sheep, according to his owu judgment, he win certainly come to grief, and pay for more than he buys, and less than he bargained for. We cast no general censure on the trade in which iniquities, we are sorry to say, exist. There are many " honourable men" in the commercial department of agriculture ; and many respectable men, who sell these articles to farmers, are not the parties who make them, and they may possibly be ignoraut of the exact composition of what they do sell. They unwittingly, however, assist in a sys- tem which is prejudicial to agriculture aud inconsistent with commercial morality ; and it is for them to become aware of the nature of the article they do sell, and to sell it as such ; as it is equally the duty of the farmer to as- certain, by a proper analysis, the composition and com- mercial value of what he is about to buy. This once done, the seller will soon look out for himself, and no longer utter counterfeits, and escape consequences, on the plea that he did not coin them. It is only, then, for the farmer to assume the modesty which should accompany ignorance, and say to the dealer, "I am profoundly ignorant of the composition of the article that you oifer to sell, but I will buy it subject to the analysis of a chemist, and to his opinion as to its being the article you call it." We are aware that it may appear humiliating to confess ignorance, but it is not so really. Newton felt how narrow were the confines of the known compared with the unknown when he described all the knowledge he had acquired as a few pebbles gathered on the shore of the sea of knowledge ; and the English agriculturist must not be too proud to confess his owu inability to contend with the sharp practice of the un- scrupulous trader ; while he must, at the same time, seek the protection which science only can give. The manu- facture and composition of artificial manures is a scientific process, and as a study is interesting and instructive ; but the art of adulteration, so as to secure cheapness, and escape detection is one that is equally dependent ou scientific knowledge and skilful manipulation. It is only, therefore, by the aid of science that such attempts can be foiled. The same hand that shaped the sword can forge the shield. To a considerable extent, then, the prevention of adulteration is in the hands of the farmer ; for he is sure of the assistance of the best houses iu the trade iu carry- ing out a system which will do away with the unfair traders by doing away with the means by which they live ; that is, the system of buying cake and manures by the sight, the touch, and the smell, all of which senses, however acutely the farmer may be endowed with them, may be deceived. It is no use, however, waiting until Chemical Societies are established in all the rural districts. They will one day be as plentiful as parish schools. In the meantime, however, the steed may hunger while the grass grows, and the farmer, in the position he now occupies, with an important outlay to make, must ret as other traders do who are compelled to use all the means in their power to obtain information as to the quality and real value of the merchandise which Ihey buy. The trader who buys brandy, cloth, or tea, employs agents, travellers, or brokers of special skill to ascertain the all-important point of the quality and value of the goods in question, and the chemist is the only agent the farmer can employ, to secure him his money's worth of the article which he has to buy of the trade. With the fact of the great outlay absolutely necessary underthe circumstances of thepresent crops, and the fact that special efforts will be made by the trade to make the most of the opportunity, it is in the farmer's power, and it should now be his practice, by the simple mode we have proposed, to encourage the fair trader, and to protect himself. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. Monthly Council : Wednesday, July 6. — Present, the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., President ; the Earl of Lichfield, the Earl of Powis, Major-General Viscount Bridport, Lord Kesteven, Lord Tredegar, Lord Vernon, Sir Massey Lopes, Bart., M.P., Sir A. K. Macdouald, Bart., Sir H. B. Vane, Bart., Sir Watkin W. Wynne, Bart., M.P,, Mr. Bowlv, Mr. Cantrell, Colouel ChaUoner^ Mr. Davies, Mr. Dent, M.P., Mr. Druce. Mr. Holland, Mr. Wren Hoskyns, M.P., Colonel Kingscote, M.P., Mr. Leeds, Mr. Pain, Mr. Randell, Mr. Ridley, M.P., Mr. Shuttleworth, Mr. Statter, Mr. Stone, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Torr, Mr. Webb, Mr. Wells, M.P„ Mr. Whitehead, Mr. Jacob Wilson, Professor Simonds, {ind Dr. Voelcker. THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 137 Earl Ho(ve, of Gopsall, Atkerstone, Warwickshire, was elected a Governor of the Society. The following new members were elected : — " AUix, W. Towaley, Cainpsea Ash, Wickluim Market. Baker, Rev. 11. LoubriJge, Ramsden, Emstouc, Oxford. Bayloy, Rev. W. 11., The; Vicarage, Cassiugtou, O.^ford. BLigrave, Edward, Oxford. Boweu, Edward II. , Kmgslow, Bridgnorth, Salop. Boweu, Ilamphroy C, Chesterton, Bridgnorth, Salop. Boydeli, Uarry S., Sulham, Reading. Bridgland, Stephen, Springfield, Tooting. Briggs, D. Grant, Calcetiiorpe, Louth. Coley, Henry, Neachley Hall, Shifnal. Croysdale, Jolin, Wiiitley Bridge, Pontyfract, York. Devaux, Alexander, 20, Avenue Road, St. John's Wood, N.AV. Douglas, James Bryant, I, Hampden Street, Nottingham. EUett, Robert, Cirencester. Everett, William Spencer, Carlton Colville, Lowestoft. Fox, John, Coalbrookdale, Wellington, Shropshire. y Furness, Captain M. W., Rugby. Garland, T. Bland, HiUtields, Reading. Gibson, Joseph, Whelprigg, Kirkby Lonsdale. Gillart, Richard, Llynlloedd, Machynlleth, Montgomery. Greeuaway, George Cattell, Binswood Cottage, Leamington. Griffin, George, Torton, Kidderminster. Hathornthwaile, W., Lower Lee House, Higher Wyersdale, Dolphinholrae, Lancaster. Hill, John, Wistaston Manor House, Nantwich. Howman, Henry A., llallougliton, Coleshill, Warwick. Humphrey, Arthur, Walpole St. Peter, Wisbeach. Ishara, Arthur C, Weston Turville, Tring, Bucks. Jones, Thomas, English Frankton, EUesmere. KelsaU, George, Marton, Baschurch. King, John Robert, Nortli Orrasby, Louth. Knight, William Edward, 14, Carter Gate, Newark, Notts. Marker, Richard, Combs, Honiton, Devon. Martin, Antoine, Malagnon, Geneva. Martin, Henry W., Littleport, Isle of Ely. McHattie, John, Chester. Meredith, David, YeatsaU, Rugeley. Middlemore, Colonel, Thorngrove, Worcester. Mildred, Daniel, Preston, Cirencester. Miller, T. H. Singleton, Kirkham, Lancashire. Mort, WiUiam Martin, Baschurch, Salop. Moas, Benjamin, Ashington Hall, Rochford. Newton, John, Manor Road, Bermondsey, S.E. Nevell, Edward, Chawley Farm, Cumnor, Oxford. Noel, Captain Charles Perratt, Bell Hall, Stourbridge. Norris, W. G., Coalbrookdale, Wellington Salop. Pickstock, Henry, Baschurch, Shrewsbury. Pratt, Frederick, Westmeon, Petersfield. Ridley, WilUam Wells, The Abbey, Sontham. Spiers, Richard James, 14, St. Giles Street, Oxford. Stratton, James, Chilcombe, Winchester. Stunt, Walter C. Brogdale, Ospringe, Faversham. Teece, Richard, Weston Villa, Baschurch, Salop. Thompson, T. Warren, 1, Claremont Bank, Worcester. Thorpe, Henry, Buckingham. Tumor, E, Weston, Brereton, Rugelpv. Waldo, E. Waldo Meade, Stone WHll,"Edenbridge. Walker, Joseph, Chorlton, Nantwich. Ward, William, 41, St. Giles, Oxford. Weaver, William Richard, 108, Eastgate Street, Chester. Welch, Alfred, Southall, Middlesex. Weston, Philip, Coaldbrook Hall, Wellington. Williams, Hugh, Chesterton, Bridgnorth. Worley, William, Stanton Harcourt, Eynsham, Oxford. Finances. — Major-General Lord Bridport (chairman) presented the report, from which it appeared that the Secretary's receipts during the past month had been duly examined by the committee, and by Messrs. Quilter, BaU & Co., the Society's accountants, and found cor- rect. The balance in the hands of the bankers on June 30 was £2,308 9s. 3d., and £3,800 remains on deposit. The quarterly statement of subscriptions and arrears to June 3, and the quarterly cash accouut, were laid on the table, Journal.— Mr. Thompson (chairman) reported that the Secretary had received a letter from the Secretary of the Socictc des Agriculteurs de France, stating that subscriptions promised to defray the expenses of the Congrcs International of 1871 already amounted to a large sum, and that it has been decided to hold tlie Congres during the last fortnight in May.— This report was adopted. Chemical.- Mr. Wells, M.P. (chairman), stated that the Secretary having reported to the committee that Messrs. Bradburn and Co. had addressed a letter to the Editor of the Agricultural Gazette, threatening him with legal proceedings, in consequence of his publicatiou of the quarterly report made by the Chemical Committee of the Council last March, the committee therefore re- commended that the Secretary inform the Editor of the Agricultural Gazette that the Society are prepared to hold themselves responsible for the publication of their own proceedings, and the reports of their committees, as furnished by the Secretary. The committee also reported that Professor Voelcker had reported to the committee the papers which he had furnished since 1855, based upon actual experiments made by himself or under his direction. Up to the year 1865 these experiments were carried out on the farm of the Roynl Agricultural College at Ciren- cester ; since then, by friends of the Professor, under hia direction, and the papers published in the Journal are the result. The committee and the Professor request the co- operation of any member of the Society who will suggest and assist in carrying out further experiments of the same nature. The following is the list of papers pub- lished : In 1855 — Experiments on the comparative value of different artificial manures for raising a crop of Swedes. In 1858— Experiments upon Swedes, with remarks on the manures employed, made in 1856 and 1857. In 1860 — Experiments with different top-dressings upon wheat, made in 1859. In 1860 — Experiments on Swedes. In 1863— Experiments with different top-dressings upoa wheat, made in 1859-'60 and '61. In 1863— Experiments with different top-dressings upon wheat, made in 1863. The preceding experiments were done on the farm at- tached to the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. In 1864 — 1, Salt experiments on mangels; 2, field experiments on cloverseeds ; 3, field experiments ou clover in relation to the changes which take place in the field and stack in haymaking ; 4, field experiments oa crude German potash-salts and common salt on mangels ; 5, field experiments on root crops ; 6, field and laboratory experiments in relation to the causes of the benefits of clover as a preparatory crop for wheat : 7, field experi- ments on seeds and permanent pasture ; 8, field experi- ments on mangels for the last Journal. At present there are in hand for publication in the forthcoming Journal: Experiments on potatoes. And have in hand the results of several series of experiments in cloverseeds and permanent pasture, extending over several years. Experiments are in progress this season on swedes and turnips, potatoes, artificial grasses, and permanent pas- ture. They are undertaken by Messrs. Coleman and Hull, York : Mr. Roberts, Haslemere ; Mr. Cadle, Glou- cester ; Mr. B. Lloyd Baker, Hardwick Court, Glouces- ter ; Mr. Norman, Aspatria, Carlisle ; Mr. Wall, Dur- ham ; Mr. Lloyd, Hertford ; Mr. Sharpley, Stilthorpe, Louth ; Mr. Kimber, Abingdon, who also has in progress experiments on the dift'erent forms in which phosphates are most beneficial to vegetation ; comparative experi- ments with coprolites, precipitated phosphates, bones, soluble phosphates, &c, id it 138 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. The quesliou of the variation inqnality of guano haying been again brouglit before the committee, and suggestions having been made that some standard of quality should be settled by the importers, and all cargoes valued accord- ingly, tlie committee advise that a communication be addressed to ISIessrs. Thompson, Bonar, and Co., the agents of the Peruvian Government, calling their atten- tion to the many complaints sent to the Society as to the variable and inferior quality of guano as now imported, and asking them if they can propose any method of placing the trade on a more satisfactory footing, and giving some more certain guarantee of the quality of the cargoes imported. — This report was adopted. General, Oxford. — Lord Kesteven reported the following recommendations of the committee : That Pro- fessor Simonds be allowed the travelling expenses of uot more than three veterinary assistants at the Oxford meeting ; that the charge for additional laud at Oxford, obtained at the request of the Council, amounting to £43 2s. 6d., be paid by the Society ; and that a further sum, not exceeding £100, be granted for advertising the Oxford meeting. — This report was adopted. SHOWiTARD Contracts. — Mr. Randell reported that the committee recommended that the approaching termi- nation of the existing contract for showyard works be advertised before the Oxford meeting ; that certain addi- tional works at Oxford be executed according to the sug- gestions of the honorary director and the surveyor ; and that the surveyor be instructed to prepare a draft plan of the showyard for Wolverhampton. — This report was adopted. Implement. — Mr. Thompson reported that, after full discussion of the dilferent modes of dealing with the trials of steam-cultivating machinerj', and of the kinds and amounts of prizes to be offered, it was resolved to refer to the Council the following questions : (1). What sum shall be allotted to the implement trials for 1871, bearing in mind that the published rotation restricts these trials to •' machinery for the cultivation of the laud by steam-power and traction-engine ?" (2). When shall the meeting of the committee be held which shall fix the classification and conditions of the trials at Wolverhampton ? The committee recommended that the exhibitors of steam cultivating machinery at Oxford be invited to attend a meeting of the Implement Committee to be held in the showyard on Saturday, the I6th, at 3 p.m., and to offer for the consideration of the committee any suggestions which seem to them advisable with reference to the prizes to be offered at Wolverhampton. This report having been adopted, it was moved by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Col. Challoner, and carried unanimously, " that a sum not exceeding £800 be granted for implement prizes in 1871." The special meeting of the Implement Com- mittee to fix the classification and conditions of the trials to take place at Wolverhampton was fixed for Saturday, the 16th, at 3 p.m. ; and the committee were ordered to report to a special Council meeting to be held in the showyard at Oxford, on Tuesday, the 19th inst. A deputation, consisting of the Mayor of Wolverhamp- ton and Mr. R. H. Masfen, on behalf of the authorities of Wolverhampton, was then received, to present an applica- tion tor leave to substitute other fields for those which were originally offered, for the trials of steam cultivators in 1871. The question having been carefully discussed, it was moved by M. Randell, seconded by Mr. Jacob Wilson, and carried unanimously, " that this application be granted," it being understood that the Society could obtain, if required, 50 acres of strong land, at a cost not exceeding £10 per acre, The following noblemen and gentlemen were appointed a General Wolverhampton Committee : — Duke of Devon- shire, K.G. ; Earl of Lichfield, Earl of Powis, Viscount Bridport, Lord Chesham, Lord Kesteven, Lord Vernon, Lord Walsingham, Sir Massey Lopes, Bart., M.P. ; Sir A. K. Macdonald, Bart. ; Sir Watkin W. Wyun, Bart., M.P. ; C. E. Amos, T. C. Booth, Edward Bowley, Charles S. Cantrell, John Clayden, D. R. Davies, Joseph Druce, W. I. Edmonds, W. F. Fryer, B. T. Brandreth Gibbs, Richard Hornsby, C. Wren Iloskyus, M.P. ; Col. Kingscote, M.P. ; Robert Leeds, R. H. Masfen, Richard Milward, Charles Randell, R. C. Ransome, M. W. Ridley, M.P. ; William Sanday, Joseph Shuttleworth, Thomas Stratter, William Torr, Sir II. R. Vane, Bart. ; F. Wal- ton, James Webb, William Wells, M.P. ; Charles White- head, Lieut.-Col. Wilson, Jacob Wilson ; Mayor of Wol- verhampton for 1870 and 1871, the Stewards. On the motion of Mr. Thompson, the following rotation of districts,* recommended by the Country Meeting Dis- tricts Committee, was unanimously adopted : i o a " 60 t- 18 a £.2 2 S .3 «; "" o li I- -a Place of last or future fixed Meeting. S o a a erval between last [eeting and the t, as per the pro- posed sclieme. n or loss to each strict according to same. S ^n a to 3-a ?^ O 1873 A 1 Newcastle 1864 9 — 1 1874 D 3 Bury 1867 7 + 1 1875 1?' 3 Plymouth 1865 10 — 3 1876 C 4 Leicester 1868 8 — 0 1877 li 5 Manchester 1869 8 — 0 1878 G 6 — 1872 6 + 3 1879 E 7 Oxford 1870 9 — 1 1880 H 8 Wolverhampton . 1871 9 — 1 Mr. J. Dent, M.P., having withdrawn the motion of which he had given notice, Mr. Holland (chairman of the Education Committee) gave notice that at the next monthly Council he would move for a renewal of the edu- cation grant. Mr. C. Whitehead gave notice that at the next monthly Council he should move that implements and machines used in the cultivation and preparation of Hops be in- serted in the Society's classification of implements for which prizes are offered. A letter from Mr. A. Welch in reference to a patent cattle truck, was referred to the Implement Committee. A memorial from exhibitors of carriages was received, and the Secretary was instructed to inform the memo- rialists that the conditions of the Society's prize-sheet must be complied with. * The districts, with their present denominations, are the following: (A.) Durham, Northumberland and Nortii and East Ridings of Yorkshire. (D.) Bedfordshire, Cambridge- shire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. (P.) Cornwall, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Somerset- shire, and Wiltshire. (C.) Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lin- colnshire, Northamptonshire. Nottinghamshire, Rutlandshire, and Warwickshire. (B.) Cumberland, Lancashire, Westmore- land, and West Riding of Yorkshire. (G.) Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Worcestershire, and South Wales. (E.) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and Sussex. (H.) Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and North Wales. THE FARMER' S MAGAZINE. Ib9 THE FARMERS' CLUB IN BEDFORDSHIRE. Ou Tuesday, July 12, following the example set by some previous chairmen, Mr. James Howard, M.l'., invited a party of the members of the Farmers' Club to spend a day with him in Bedfordshire. These invitations, it should be understood, arc mainly confined to the com- mittee, to past chairmen, and to other members who have read papers at the monthly discussion meetings. The company on Tuesday was increased by the j'resencc of certain other leading tenants who farm in the vicinity of Bedford ; while the agricultural element of the House of Commons had not been passed over, although a morn- ing sitting on the Irish Land Bill detained some of the honourable gentlemen who had promised to come. M. Laveleye, a well-known Belgian agriculturist, who wrote the paper iu the recently-published Cobdcn Club series ou Laud Tenure in Belgium and Holland, was a close observer of the scene ; and if the openiug business at Oxford accounted for the absence of some members of the Club, English agriculture was still well represented in this way : Beds. — W. Armstrong. G. Battams. E. Crouch. W. Ilipwell. C. Howard. W. W. Kilpin. J. Purser. M. Reynolds. C. Stephenson. J. Thomas. H. Trethewy. E. Wythes. Berks. — 'T. Owen. J. B. Spearing. Bucks. — E. M. Major Lucas. T. Morris. Cambuidgeshire. — A. S. Huston. Essex. — J. Clayden. C. Hope (Barking). Herts. — J. Bailey Denton. N. Rix. J. Ross. J. Weall. nuxTiNCiDo:NsniRE. — T. H. Murfin. Kent. — 11. Marsh. Lincolnshire. — T. B. Bring. G. Martin. E. Sowerby. Middlesex.— G. M. Allender. H. Corbet. W. Eve. J. N. Lee. T. Scott. Norfolk. — R. Leeds. C. S. Read, M.P. Northamptonshire. — Owen Wallis. Oxfordshire. — Captain Dashwood. J. Innes. R. J. Newton. Shropshire. — G. Smythies. Suffolk. — E. Greene, M.P. Surrey. — L. A. Coussmaker. Sussex. — James Wood. Wiltshire. — W. J. Browne. Belgium. — Eraile Loveleye. Holland. — Baron Melvil Van Lynden. Smidt Van Gelder, sen. Smidt Van Gelder, jun. Having ourselves so frequently enjoyed the opportunity of looking round Bedford and about Bedfordshire, we were desirous rather of gathering some first impressions than of repeating our opinions on all there is to be seen here. We consequently the more readily avail ourselves of the note-book of a member of the Club, a practical farmer who has written prize essays on agri- cultural subjects, and also distinguished himself by the able papers he has read at meetings of the club. The party assembled at the Britannia Iron Works, about ten o'clock, and at once proceeded to inspect the works, which for space, uniformity of design, and general convenience, are scarcely to be equalled, and in which about seven hundred hands are employed. Passing from the landing wharf, where all the materials are lauded, we enter a side door of a large building which is called the cast- ing-house ; here the coals, and iron, are raised by two hy- draulic lifts to aa apartment above, which communicates with three large vertical furnaces for melting the iron. After witnessing the difl'erent processes of casting plough tops, wheels, riggers, and other small castings used in the various departments, we pass ou to another building where the dilferent castings arc converted into wrought or malleable cast iron, by being nealed in ovens ; this is a most valuable improvement, and is of especial service to those who emigrate or live iu lone places long distances from works, as the chance of breaking the old brittle castings, by carriage, putting together, or in after use, is avoided, as well as the vexatious expense and hindrance occasioned by having to send continually for fresh castings. Attention is next directed to a very small and ingeniously constructed two-horse portable engine used for pumping water, and worked at the small cost of 3s. 6d. per day. Next is a new patent for generating steam in separate tubes instead of all in one large boiler, the steam being conveyed by a small pipe communicating with the general receiver and applicable both for fixed and portable machinery. Then an engine is in course of construction for the purpose of steam ploughing : it has 42 vertical tubes, which strikes one on first sight as adding to the weight, although on inquiry we find such is not the case, but that the engine will be at least one ton lighter than the ordinary engine of the same size ; while the increase of power gained will be very great, as it can be driven at a very high pressure with perfect safety. This is a most valuable invention, and is doomed to displace the old boiler, with its liability to burst. At this point we are painfully reminded that time, like ourselves, will not linger ; as there is a long programme, we therefore pass on with a hurried step, through the different buildings for fitting-up reaping and mowing machines, for packing and for painting, and take a passing glance at the system of accounts, the revolving machine for polishing castings, the American steam hammer, the horse rakes, the double- turrow ploughs, and various other ploughs and harrows of every demonination for which this establishment has been so long and so justly celebrated. The clock strikes twelve, and we find numerous vehicle s waiting to convey us to other scenes. First there is the Bedford Town Sewage Farm, where about 100 acres are at present receiving the sewage from the town, but this will shortly be applied to 80 acres more. The crops of Italian rye-grass and cabbages arc looking exceedingly well. The efHuent water, after percolating through the soil, passes into the stream to all appearance perfectly pure. We are next conveyed to the Hoo Farm, Park Farm, and Clapham Farm, containing together about G2y acres, belonging to IMessrs. J. and F. Howard, and farmed by them. After viewing the ex- cellent stock; especially the pigs, and the various luxuriant crops of roots, wheat, and barley (there being but few- oats, and those not so good), we pause in amazement and wonder how it is that dry as the season has been, none of these crops want rain ! Is it because there has been an unlimited amount of artificials used to produce them ? No ; for we find that only 3s. 6d. per acre has been spent. What is it then ? Why, the simple fact whicli most English farmers are daily opening their eyes to, fh;it deep-draining and the stcrim-plough or cultivator have converted a cold barren clay soil, which only a few years ago was thought to be scarcely worth cultivating at a few shillings per acre, into a most fertile aud productive one ; 140 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. while the deep cultivation iu a dry season like the present enables the roots of the plants to luxuriate and penetrate to a great depth, and thus obtain sufficient moisture, as the same means would in a wet season be equally serviceable iu carrying off quickly any superfluous supply of water without materially lowering the tempera- ture of the ground or retarding the growth of the plants. In estimating the wheat at 6 qrs. per acre, and the barley at 7i qrs., with as much straw as can just stand up with- out rain, this seems to be put within bounds. Before returning to Bedford we drove round by Biddenham and viewed Mr. Charles Howard's beautiful flock of Oxford Downs, for \^hich he is so deservedly celebrated, and his crops of corns and roots which are very good, the mangolds, swedes, and kohl rabi beiug the most luxurious we have seen this season. The Britannia farms are worked on the eight or double four-course system, namely : 1, winter roots — kohl rabi and mangel wurzel ; 2, barley ; 3, beans ; 4, wheat ; 5, summer and autumn keep, as white turnips, rape, mustard, tares, cabbage, &c.; 6, wheat; 7, clover; 8, wheat, the end of the course. This course is subject at times to variations ; if, for instance, sheep are on the autumn feed, too late barley or oats may be substituted for wheat. Two fields, which have been thrown out of course in con- sequence of drainage, are this year cross cropped. The area of cultivated land is over 330 acres, of which 40 acres are planted with kohl rabi and mangel wm'zel ; 40 acres with white turuips and rape, and part fallow after tares eaten off, to be sown again with mustard and rape. The far field of roots were devoured by the fly, and had to be resown, but in consequence of the long dry weather they have grown slowly, each shower of rain bringing up a few more plants, so that until the last few days they were unable to hoe them. There were fatted on the land last year about 450 sheep, besides keeping a breeding flock of 200 ewes. In the yards are usually wintered between 60 and 70 head of homed stock of all ages. The Hoo farm is kept apart for weaning purposes, the youny Shorthorn steers from which, this year in the month of May, realised 14 guineas each, the average age being little over 11 months. £105 worth of artificial manure is the bill for the whole farm, or 3s. 6d. per acre on the average ; 334 acres arable (28 more just purchased, but not yet in hand), 230 acres of pasture, 47 acres of wood, total 629 acres. For this year's crops there have been ap- plied 24 tons of soot ; 15 tons were sown on land in pre- paration for barley, from which roots were carted off, and where barley is sown after wheat, while the remainder is put to the fallows where rape and white turnips are growing. The kohl rabi and wurzels have received dissolved bones at the rate of from 3 to 4 cwt. per acre. There is but little to add to this, the general feeling being one of admiration at the excellence of both the corn and the root crops, the more especially when the diflicnlties of the season were taken into consideration. After leaving the sewage town farm the visitors were " hit very hard" at the outset by the appearance of the first field on the Bri- tannia farms adjoining the high road. This was a piece of good ground planted in alternate drifts of mangold wurzel and khol rabi, aU as healthy, true through, and flourish- ing as if there had been the most genial of times for the growth of roots. The wheats, as our corres- pondent says, looked equally well ; but although he and other strangers would put the yield at six quarters or more, those who know the land would rate five quarters at any time as a very capital crop. The day's drive was rendered more delightful by the beautiful views and " bits" of scenery by which the business of the occasion was here and there relieved — the Clapham Park fox- cover and the range over the Grand National Steeple- chase Course — the peeps through the oaks and the elms in Bromhara Park, and the gay water-party drifting lazily down the Ouse by Biddenham, and wondering much at the excited people who were studying the Oxford pen of ewes, or following the renowned John Brown up his double furrow. Perhaps, however, at the close of a long drive on a summer day as grateful a scene as any was the nicely shaded tent on the very brink of the river, and in the centre of the Caldwell Priory grounds ; although still not to be quite oblivious of all commercial relations you enter through the Works, while ever and anon the noisy rattle of a goods train on the transpontine rail gives an over-eloquent orator a chance of re-collecting himself and his ideas. ShaU we stay to say here how nicely the wines were tempered, how art- fully the lobster salad was concocted, or how the very beef smacked of the Shorthorn, as the mutton was true Down — Oxford, if you please ? But Mr. James Howard, as his venerable father before him, has often served the office of mayor, and the hospitality of the Corporation of Bedford has been famous since Goldsmith wrote or Captain Plume fretted his hour upon the stage. THE DINNER. Mr. James Howard, M.P., of course presided, the vice-chair being taken by Mr. C. Howard. The toast of " The Queen" having been duly honoured, Mr. E. Gkeene, M.P., in proposing " The Farmer's Club," observed : Permit me to say how much I have enjoyed this day in looking over this beautiful country and witnessing the success of that system of agriculture in which I myself entirely beUeve. We have arrived at a time when we meet with high rents, high charges, and competition on all hands, but I believe the nature of Englishmen is to rise to the difficulties set before them. If we are to be successful as agriculturists vee must have more than the five inches of soil on which we liave de- pended. The hon. member proceeded to advert to the har- monious action of agriculturists of different political opinions, and having expressed his admiration of the great iron works close by, concluded by coupUng the name of the chairman with the toast. Mr. James Howard, M.P., in the course of his reply, said : I cannot express the gratification I liave felt in seeing you here to-day, and can only hope that when you return to your homes you will not look upon this day as having been misspent. Many present have in former years looked over the farms which you have seen to-day, and I believe they will agree with me that good as the crops are on my own farm they have upon the whole seen better in former years and in more genial seasons. The crops you have seen to-day are not the result of very heavy applications of artificial manure, but, as has been expressed, of deep cultivation. When I tell you that we have 639 acres, and about 600 under crop and in grass, and that the sum we have spent for artificial manure is £105, for the past year, or 3s. 6d. per acre, you will agree with me that we have not been very extravagant upon that head. Although the crops in this immediate neighbourhood look very promising, I regret we cannot rejoice together over tlie prospects of tlie British farmer for the ensuing year. With so little stock in prospect or in hand for the winter, and with a vast number of animals sold ofi^ during the drought for kilUng, meat, though at a high price at present, must during tlie ensuing year be much higher tlian now. When we look at the deficiency of the crop upon tlie light lands, on the Continent as in England, and the large importation of grain, the staff of life must be very dear ; and you all know that a large importation of grain means a disturbance in the money market in this country, and whenever the money market is disturbed it means diminished employment for the people and the general depression of commerce throughout the country. The prospects of the times I believe to be gloomy indeed, but let us hope the unseen hand of a beneficent Providence will avert the dangers we see ahead. There was a time not far remote when men in this country who aspired to a knowledge of political economy treated it as a matter of inditference whether this should be a grain-producing country or not, but THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 141 time has proved the utter hollowness of sucli a doctrine. At the present day the importance of British agriculture and its scientific status are recognised by all intelligent men in the commercial and scientific world. It is true tliatuow and then a sneer is hurled at the " bucolic mind," but that proceeds from ignorance or prejudice. The life of a farmer of late years, with fickle seasons, long drought, and increased taxation, has not been an enviable one. One of our poets says : " How blest the farmer's humble lot, How pure the joys it yields. Far from the world's tempestuous strife. Free 'mid the scented fields." But however true that might have been in former years, I don't think it applies in the present day. With regard to the Farmers' Club, no one could tell how it had promoted agri- culture in the past generation. He was one of those who believed that no agricultural association had done so much, in a quiet way, to promote a knowledge of the true principles of practical farming in this country as the club. He had said in a quiet way because it was uo political organisation, and did * not advance the interests of agriculture at the expense of other classes — its only object being to promote good agricul- ture throughout the counties of England, not interfering with those classes which were not mainly connected witli agricul- ture. In looking over the papers read in years back, which he had often done, he had been surprised to find such a mass of information contained in them, which had proved useful t • himself. It would be good service if those papers were revised and published. He commended that idea to some of the rising generation in agriculture. Mr. H. Corbet gave the next toast, " Foreign Agricul- ture." He said that for many years past he had had the ho- nour of attending several meetings of this kind, and he looked upon them as of special value, because they brought together men from all parts of tlie country, who, being more or less practiciil, could act as critics upon what they saw. He had the pleasure of knowing Bedfordshire for many years, and had seen with great interest every improvement which had been carried out, and he should like to iuvite the whole world to come there and say what they thought of Bedfordshire through the medium of this Club. As Secretary of the Club he was proud to see what the Chairman and his brother, who was a past Chairman, had been able to show to-day to the visitors, English and foreign. Throwing to the winds at once all invidiousness, foreign agriculture and English agri- culture, through the medium of the railway, the telegraph, and the advanced state of science, had become more and more identified, and if there is anything to be gathered from foreign agriculture we should be the first to adopt it, while our visitors in turn might profit from something they saw here. With the toast ne coupled the name of M. Laveleye, a distinguished Belgian, who had written upon the small farm system on the continent, tlie tenure of land, and other subjects. M. Emile de Laveleye, who responded in French, said : Permit me to express to you my gratitude for the toast which Mr. Corbet has ueen kind enough to propose, not only with re- ference to foreign agriculture, but also in connection with its representatives amongst you this evening. I thank you, also, gentlemen, not only in my own name ns a Belgian, but in the naraa of our brothers of Holland who are present, for the very kind manner in which you have received the toast. Allusion has been made to what I have published concerning the land systems, in which I have shown the beneficial results ema- nating from small estates and small cultivation {pelite culture) in Belgium. I confess, however, that in going to-day over the farms so admirably cultivated by Messrs. James and Chas. Howard, while admiring their superb animals, the steam application, or the tillage, and perceiving such extraordinary results during a year which has been so unfavourable, I was almost on the the verge of recognising the superiority of farming on a large scale (/a grande culture) had I not called to mind that in this respect England constitutes a very remarkable but unique ex- ception. 1 have studied the rural economy of agricultural systems of nearly all the continental nations, and everywhere — in Prussia, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and Holland — I have found large estates far less well cultivated and less taken care of than small estates. If it is otherwise in England, the diflference arises from the fact that there exists ja this country a class of men who are wanted elsewhere, that you have farmers wlio devote themselves to cultivation, that you are a nation of capital, and possess an intelligence, perse- verance, and practical genius which are truly worthy of admi- ration. I have always recognised the services which the large farming of England has rendered to the world at large, not only by creating improved breeds, but by producing agricultural implements of great excellence. On this head I would princi[ially set forward the gratitude which is due to a man wlio, like Mr. Howard, has been in- strumental to so remarkable a degree in promoting the progress of mechanical science in its application to agriculture. Everywhere I have been — not only in Belgium and Holland, but in Hungary, Italy, Spain, and Portugal— I have found agricultural implements which were sent out from the ironworks which now surround us. The benefits resulting therefrom are incalculable. The marvellous improvement of farming implements represents hundreds of thousands. Sup- posing it allows only the production of a half hectolitre rnore per acre, multiply that by the number of acres under cultivation, and you will realize and enormous amount. It is for this revisou, gentlemen, one can say that men who apply their in- ventive genius, as Mr. Howard has done, to the promotion of agriculture, are in truth benefactors of humanity. By exert- ing themselves to lower the price of bread they contribute to the riches and wellbeing of nations and individuals. One can the more vividly feel the gratitude we owe to those who thus labour for the ecnnoraic development of peoples when, perhaps, we are on the eve of seeing the evil genius of war set loose to destroy those riches which agriculture and industry conspire to produce. In conclusion, therefore, I give you the toast of the " Agriculture of England and the Messrs. Howard," as a mark of grateful acknowledgment for the incal- culable services which they have rendered to the agriculture of the Continent. Mr. 0. Wailis proposed " Success to the Royal Society's Meeting at Oxford," responded to by Captain Dashwood, who gave " The Father of the Firm," Mr. Howard, senior. Mr. Alderman Howard repUed in a very effective and hu- morous speech. Mr. Hope proposed " The House of Commons," coupled with the name of Mr. C. S. Head, M.P., in whose hands, he remarked, such questions as the game-laws and the malt-tax might be left. Mr. C. S. Head, M.P., in responding, adverted to some valuable hints which had been given at the late Norfolk show by Mr. C. Howard to the farmers of the county, and spoke strongly on the advant"ges of steam cultivation. He proposed the health of Mr. C. Howard in connexion with Bedfordshire farming. Mr. C. Howard, in the course of his reply, referred to the remarks he had recently made at Norfolk and justified them, warning agriculturists that no man was so unsafe as he who considered himself safe; and humourously describing some of the implements he had seen in that county as curiosities which might have come from Noah's ark. He condemned the Game Preservation and Poaching Bill as a class legisla- tion, and said 99 out of every 100 farmers in the country were opposed to it. Mr. £. Greene, M.P., supported the Bill in the interests of the farmer. The power given to policemen operated for the suppression of poaching, and in a parish of Suft'ulk in which ha resided there had not been a conviction for poaching during the last twelve months. If a man had no right to take game that game must be preserved. The hou. member concluded oy proposing " Success to the Britannia Works." The Cuairma:* responded, and said he difi'ered from Mr. E. Greene on the Game Poaching Bill, and hoped to see the day when there would be a clean sweep of the Game Laws and game placed on the same footing as other property. Mr. Tretiiewy proposed the health of the Secretary, Mr. Corbet, in complimentary terms, and took occasion to offer a few remarks as to the beneficial influence exercised on agricul- ture by the Club. Mr. Corbet, in responding, said, with regard to the ques- tion between Bedfordshire and Norfolk, there was a gentleman present who felt that it had not been argued out, and with the permission of the chainiian, he would give the health of Mr. Leeds, of Castle Acre, one of the past chairmen of the Club. Mr. Leeds, in responding, observed that Mr. Chas. Howard had not visited Norfolk in reality, for the show had been held in a yard which was actually in Suffolk. In no county did th« 14£ l-HE FARMER'S MACxAZtNE. landlord do more to beuelit their tcuautb than in his own, and the nobleman under which he lived liad compelled all his tenants 10 cut down all the vermin, beginning with rabbits. Even thougli the Prince of Wales shot over the estate, the tenants of that nobleman were allowed to shoot hares and rabbits. He trusted the show woald be held near his own place next year, and he should be happy to receive those of his audience who might attend it. The CilAlU1I\^ reiiiarked that the development of agricul- ture in Xorlblk or Bedfordshire was due to the exertions of the late Earl of Leicester and the Duke of Bedford. The other toasts were, " The Past Chairnieu," proposed by Mr. Scott, and responded to by Mr. James Wood ; the health of Mr. Nutter, who had given the use of his grounds, proposed by Mr. C. Howard ; and the health of Mrs. James Howard, proposed by Capt. Uelf. SELBY AGRICULTURAL SHOW, Tlie a»»uual show of stock and implements of the agricultural society established for Selby and the district took place under very favourable circumstances. The day was fine, and there was a numerous attendance of company. The cattle generally were a magnificent lot of animals, par- ticularly the bulls of auy age, eight in number. They had to contend for Lord Londesborough's £10 prize, and Mr. Linton, of SherilT Hutton, was the conqueror with his white bull, Lord Irwin. The bulls not exceeding three years old were good. W. T. Markham, of Becca Hall, Aberford, secured first honours, and Lord Londesborough took the second prize. The display of horses was in every respect fir.st-rate, and fully eijual to all anticipation. The following gentlemen officiated as the judges • SHORTnoR>-s, Sheep, and Pigs. — George Smart, Laxton, Tadcaster; George Mann, Scawsby, Doncaster; and Thomas Willis, Caperby, Wensleydale. Houses. — Henry Jewison, ilaistliorpe, Malton, and Thomas Colton, Eagle Hall, Newark. PRIZE LIST. SHORTHORNED CATTLE. Best bull of any age. — Prize, £10 (given by Lord Londes- borough), Wm. Linton, Sheriff Hutton Park. Bull not exceeding tliree years of age. — Pirst prize, £10, W. T. Markham, Becca Hall, Aberford ; second of £3, Lord Londesborough. Bull not exceeding IS months old. — First prize, £5, C. T. Tuunard, Thorganby Hall ; second of £3, A. Hathorn, Birkin. Cow of any age, in calf or milk. — Eirst prize, £5, W. Lin- ton ; second of £-2, J. Hutchinson, Selby. Cow, in calf or milk, not exceeding four years of age. — Eirst prize, £3,C. M. Weddall, West Bank, Carlton ; second of £3, J. Pearson, Cleek, Selby. Heifer not exceeding three years of age. — Eirst prize, £3, Lord Londesborough ; second of £1, H. Hutchinson, Flaxley Lodge. Heifer not exceeding two years of age. — Eirst prize, £2, AV. Linton ; second of £1, Lord Londesborough. CATTLE OF ANY BREED. Cow for dairy purposes. — First prize, £3, W. Briggs, Hirst Courtney, Selby ; second of £3, W. and R. Jewitt, Bracken- holme. Cow for dairy purposes, the property of a labourer. — First prize, £3, G. Tomlinson, Selby ; second of £3, M. Brady, Selby. LONG-WOOLLED SHEEP. Shearhug ram. — First prize, £5, E. Riley, Kipling Cote Farm, Beverley ; second of £3, Jno. J. Simpson, Pilmoor House. Aged ram. — First prize, £3, and second of £1, E. Riley. Pen of five breeding ewes, — First prize, £3, J. Rishworth, Lothertou Park, South Milford ; second of £1, W. Brown, Highgate, Holme-on-Spalding-Moor. Pen of five shearling gimmers. — First prize, £5, W. Brown ; second of £3, E. Riley. Pen of five shearling wethers, — First prize, £5, W. Brown -, second of £3, Riley Briggs, Osgodby Hall, Selby. Pen of gimmer lambs. — First prize, £3, J. Banks, AVresslo, Howdeii ; second of £1, J. Smith, Brayton. Pen of wether lambs. — First prize, £3, Jas. Banks ; second of £1,S. Ri^h-,vorlli, Cold Hill, South Milford. PIGS. Boar, large breed. — First prize, £'3, Wilson Lister, Armley, Leeds ; second of £1, G. Sedgwick, York. Boar, middle breed. — First prize, £3, Wilson Lister ; second of £1, G. Sedgwick. Sow, large breed, in pig or milk, — First prize, £3, G. Cliap- man, Searacr ; second of £1, T. Reuison, Scaife, Market Weighton. Sow, in pig or milk, of the middle breed. — First prize, £3, G. Chapman ; second of £1, T. Renison. Three store pigs, not more than twelve months old. — First prize, £3, C. Hutchinson and Jos. Vollans, Selby ; second of £1, J. Banks, Stainer Hall, Selby. Labourer's store pig. — First prize, £3, J. Houfe, North Dulfield; second of£l, R. Bradley. HORSES. Hunter of any age. — Prize, £10, J. Robson, Old Malton. Four year old hunter. — First prize, £10, J. Reader, Holme ; second of £3, R. Metcalf, Malton. Roadster nag or mare of any age. — First prize, £10, J. Robson, Old Malton; second of £3, F. Mason, Malton Road, York. Pair of horses, of either sex, for agricultural purposes. — First prize, £5, and second of £3, Thompson, Skipwith. Brood mare, for breeding weight-carrying hunters. — First prize, £5, J. Richardson, Selby ; second of £3, G. C. Smith, Escrick Grange. Brood mare, for breeding coachers. — First prize, £3, J. Reader, Holme second of £1, H. Thompson, Whitmore. Brood raare, for breeding roadsters. — First prize, £3, J. AVild, Holrae-on-Spalding-Moor ; second of £1, Riley Briggs, Osgodby Eall. Brood mare, for breeding agricultural horses. — First prize, £3, T. Makin, Fairburn ; second of £1, J. and T. Appleyard, Wistow, Selby. Three year old hunting gelding, — First prize, £3, R. E, Blanshard, Aughton, York; second of £1, J. Burton, Selby. Three year old hunting filly. — First prize, £3, J. Burton, Hill Field. Selby ; second of £1, W. Taylor, Ryther. Two year old hunting gelding or filly. — First prize, £3, J. Denison, Sherburd ; second of £1, J. Foster, Wistow. Three year old coaching gelding. — First prize, £3, H. Thompson, AVhitemore ; second of £1, W. Beckett, Deighton. Two year old coaching gelding or filly. — First prize, £3, E. Appleyard, Wistow; second of £1, G. and J. Swinbank, Riccall. Three year old roadster gelding or filly. — First prize, £3, T. Dales, Kearby, Wetherby ; second of £1, W. Thompson, Skip- with. Two year old roadster gelding or filly. — First prize, £3, W. Prince, Chapel Haddlesey. Pony, not exceeding 14 hands, of any age. — First prize, £3, J. M. Backhouse, Wistow ; second of £1, W. White, Ariu- thorpe, Doncastcr. Pony, not exceeding 13 hands, of any age. — First prize, £3, W. White; second of £1, II. Robinson, Camblesforth. Three year old agricultural gelding. — Fir^t. prize, £3, J. vratson, Barlow Grange, Selby ; second of £1, G. Braithwaite. Three year old agricultural filly. — First prize, £3, .1. Wood ; second of £1, W. Banks, Bahthorpe. Two year old agricultural gelding or filly.— First prize, £3 J. Ringrose, Hillam ; sccoud of £1, J. Smith, Brayton, Selby iHE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 143 B A N P F SHIRE C A T T L E SHOW. The series of cattle bliows iu the North oprucJ ou July L2, with the show iu coaneetiou with the United Bunirshire Agri- eulturul Society. The show was the largest and in every re- spect the most successful ever held under the auspices of tlie Society. The Shorthorns were forward iu large numbers, and comprised some very superior animals, though generally per- haps tlie quality was not so equal as in the polled. The ma- jority of the cattle were not of the colour which experienced breeders prefer in Siiorthorned stock, that is dark red or roan; the prevailing colour seerned to be light red and red-and-white intermixed in such a manner that it could iiardly be called roau. The polled stock were very superior as a class, and seemed to be tiie most attractive to the visitors. Only two ^ aged bulls were brought forward, but these would have done credit to any show yard, and were so evenly matched that it was not the easiest of matters to decide which had the prior claims. There was also a large and creditable turu-out of crosses, many of them very meritorious animals. JuD(iEs: Cattle, William Wallace, Chapel of Seggat; Thos. Garland, Ardletheu ; James Couhraue, Little Haddo. — Horses, Sheep, and Swi:ne; John Sleigh, Strichen Mains ; Thomas TurubuU, Smithstown ; A. K. LeitcJi, Inchstelly. CATTLE. SHORTHORN BREED. Bulls not exceeding eight years old. — i'irst prize, Mr. Bruce, Buruside ; second, Mr. Adam, Seafield ; third, J. Pirie, New- ton, Culvie. Bulls calved after 1st January, 1868. — First prize, Mr. Longmore, Rettie ; second, Mr. Scott, Gleudronach ; third, Mr. Cantlie, Keithraore ; fourth, Sir. Bruce, Broadland. Bulls calved after 1st January, 1869. — First prize, Mr. Longmore, Rettie ; second, Mr. Bruce, Broadland ; third, the Earl of Seafield. Highland Society's Medium Silver Medal for the best bull. — 3Ir. Bruce, Burnside. Cows of any age. — First prize, Mr. Scott, Glendronach ; second and third, Mr. Longmore, Rettie ; fourth, Mr, Turner, Arradoul. Sir G. S. Abercromby's Silver Challenge Cup for the best cow. — Mr. Longmore, Rettie. Heifers calved after 1st January, 1868. — First and second prize, Mr. Bruce, Broadland ; third, Mr. Longmore, Rettie. Heifers calved after 1st January, 1869. — First and second prizes, Mr. Bruce, Broadland ; third, Mr. Longmore, Rettie. Highland Society's Silver Medal for the best heifer. — Mr. Bruce, Broadland (yearling heifer). POLLED BREED. Bulls not exceeding eight years old. — First prize, Mr. Tay- ler, Glenbarry ; second, Mr. Gordon, Tullochallum. Bulls calved after 1st January, 1888. — Mr. Walker, Jlount- blettou. Bulls calved after 1st January, 1S69. — First prize, Mr. Paterson, Mulben ; second, Mr. Bruce, Burnside. Cow of any age. — First prize, Mr. Skinner, Drumin ; se- cond, Mr. Paterson, Mulben ; third, Mr. Tayler, Glenbarry. The Earl of Fife's Silver Challenge Cup for the best cow. — Mr. Walker, Mountbletton. Heifers calved after ist January, 1868. — First prize, Mr. Paterson, Mulben ; second and third, Mr. Walker, Mount- bletton. Heifers calved after 1st January, 1869. — First prize, Mr. Skinner, Drumin ; second, Mr. Paterson, Mulben ; third, Mr. Duff, Hillock-head, CROSS BREED. Cows of any age. — First prize, Mr. Turner, A.rradoul ; se- cond, j\lr. Longmore, Baldavie ; third, Mr. jNIilne, Corse of Kinnoir. Pairs of cows of any age. — First prize, Mr. A. Wilson, jun., Tochieneal ; second, Mr. Longmore, Baldavie ; third, Mr. Ogilvie, Tillynauglit. Ikifcrs calved after 1st January, 1868. — First prize, Mr. Shand, Ordcns ; second, Mr. Rust, Paddocklaw ; third, Mr. Smith, Thrieplaud. Pairs of heifers calved after 1st January, 1868. — First prize, A. Wilson, jun., Tocliicneal ; second, Mr. Smith, Thriep- laud. Heifers calved after 1st January, 1869. — First prize, Mr. Findlater, Cranna ; second, Mr. Ogilvie, Tillynauglit ; third, Mr. Shand, Ordens. Pairs of heifers calved after 1st January, 1869. — First prize, Mr. Shand, Ordens; second, A. Wilson, jun., Tochieneal; third, Mr. Shand, Ordens. ANY BREED. Osf.n calved after 1st January, 1868. — i'irst prize, Mr Scott, Glendronach; second, Mr. Bruce, Broadland ; third, Mr. Longmore, Hilton. Pair of oxen calved after 1st January, 1868. — First prize, Mr. Scott, Glendronach ; second, Mr. Longmore, Hilton ; third, Mr. Longmore, Baldavie. Oxen calved after 1st January, 1869. — First prize, Mr. Shand, Ordens ; second, Mr. Ogilvie, Tillynaught ; third, Mr. Murray, Pittendreigh. Pairs of oxen calved after 1st January, 1869. — First prize, Mr. Ogilvie, Tillynaught ; second, Mr. Smith, Thriepland ; tliird, Mr. Shand, Ordens. Animals showing most symmetry, fat, and weight. — First prize, Mr. Scott, Glendronach ; second, Mr. Shand, Ordens. Cattle belonging to Tenants whose Rents are under £50. Dairy cows of any age. — First prize, Mrs. Murray, Bur- nervie, Marnoch ; second, Wm. Lauder, jSTethermills ; third, James Riddoch, Gledsgreen. EXTRA STOCK. Cross cows. — Mr. Turner, Arradoul. Cow and calf. — First and second prize, A. Wilson, jun., Tochieneal , HORSES Draught stallions having had produce during the year 1869. — Mr. Tait, Brankanentham. Draught entire colts foaled after 1st January, 1868. — First prize, Mr. Tait, Brankanentham ; second, Mr. Mackie, Cum- merton. Draught mares without foals. — First prize. Major Gordon, Park ; second, IMr. Murray, Faichfolds ; third, Mr. Wilson, Kilnhillock. Mares for breeding draught horses, having foals at foot. — First prize, Mr. Longmore, Rettie ; second, Mr. Leslie, Cors- kellie ; third, Mr. Walker, Mountbletton. Draught horses. — First prize, A. Wilson, jun., Tochieneal ; second, Mr. Scott, Glendronach ; third, J. Morrison, Loan- head. Draught fillies, foaled after 1st January, 1867. — Mr. Smith, Thriepland. Draught fillies, foaled after 1st January, 1868. — Mr. Walker, Mountbletton. Draught 'geldings, foaled after 1st January, 1868. — First prize, ■\iajor Gordon, Park ; second, Mr. Walker, Mount- bletton. Draught fillies, foaled after 1st January, 1869. — i'irst and second prizes, Mr. Walker, Mountbletton ; third,Mr.Longmore, Hilton. Draught geldings, foaled after 1st January, 1869. — F'irst prize, Mr. Longmore, Baldavie ; second, Mr. Longmore, Hil- ton ; third, Mr. Morrison, Loanhead. Extra Stock. — iirst prize, Mr. Longmore, Baldavie; sec- ond, Mr. Ogilvie, Bankhead ; third, Mr. Longmore, Hilton. PIGS. Sows. — First prize, Mr. Ogilvie, Bankhead; second, 0. Badenoch, Carnoch . SllEEl'. LEICESTER BREED. Tups of any age. — First prize, Mr. Hannay, Corskie Bank ; second, Mr. Bruce, Burnside ; third, Mr. Leslie, Corskellie. 144 ^HE FABMER'S MAGAZINE. Shearling tups. — First prize, Mr. Bruce, Burnside second and third, Mr. Hannay, Croskie Bank. Peus of five ewes, not less than two-shear, having had lamb, during the season. — First prize, Mr. Hannay, Corskie Bank ; second, Mr. Longmore, Rettie. Pens of five gimraers or shearling ewes. — First prize, Mr. Bruce, Burnside ; second, Mr. Hannay, Corskip Bank ; third, Mr. Longmore, Rettie. ANY OTHER BREED. Six ewes having had lambs daring the season. — Mr. Long- more, Rettie (Leicester ewe). Six shearling gimmers. — Mr. Smith, Threipland. The dinner took place in a marquee erected on the grounds, and the chair was taken by W. J. Taylor, of Glenbarry. After the usual loyal and other toasts, in giving the toast of the evening the Chairman said ; I am now about to propose " The United Banffshire Society, and continued suc- cess to it." I say continued success to it, because from the statistics that were read to you by the Earl of Fife, whan proposing this toast last year, there can be no doubt of its success hitherto. I find that the entries of this day exceed, by a great number, those of any former year. Last year we thought we were very well off, but we had then only 275 entries, as against 344 this year, Therefore, I think I am t'lilly justified in saying that we are going on prosperously. And, as the numbers of the stock have increased, I am quite sure everyone will agree with me that llie quality has not, at all events, fallen off. I find my friends the black polled, as usual, in the minority in point of numbers ; we are over- crowded by these great Shorthorns which are now pervading the country, so that we seldom see a black beast. However, I shall always adhere to the creed that however good the Shorthorns may be, we should always keep up the black breed for the purpose of crossing, and I am sure my friend, Mr. Paterson, will agree with that sentiment. There can be no doubt as to the great advantage of such meetings as the pre- sent, and of such societies as that to the prosperity of which we are now drinking. Breeders who remain at home, and seldom see any stock but their own, are apt to get con- ceited about their beasts, and they will never get out of that conceit until they come to such an exhibition as the present, and get the shine taken out of them. Then they Bee that it is necessary to go home and try to im- prove their stock. I say, therefore, to tlie Banffshire, and to all similar societies, " Go on and prosper.'' After- wards in giving "The Tenantry of Scotland" he said: It is to them, gentlemen, and to their exertions, that it is mainly owing that Scotland, instead of being as formerly, in the words of our poet, " Land of brown heath and shaggy wood," and one of the poorest countries in the world, is now, notwitlistanding its rigorous climate, famed for its agriculture, and for the abundant product of the soil. The relations of landlord and tenant, founded on equitable contract, strictly adhered to, are productive of mutual benefit and of kindly feeling between the classes — a happy contrast to the state of things which unhappily prevails in parts of the sister country of Ireland, where it lias been found necessary to introduce the legislative measure now before Parliament, in order to enforce justice between landlord and tenant. This has been done at the expense of what I consider a great violation of the princi- ples of political economy, and of the grand principle of free contract between man and man, which, I trust, will always be maintained in its entirety in Scotland. Mr. Scott, Glendronach, proposed " The landed proprietors of the county." The chairman had said that a great deal had been done by the tenantry in improving " the land of brown heath and shaggy wood;" but they all knew that the tenants' influence on many occasions would have been futile unless they were supported by wise and judicious landlords. He was happy to think that a great number of our landed proprietors could be included in that category. He was very sorry that so few came to see their shows, which had now become great institutions. He believed, and he was sure he would be borne out by the agriculturists around the table, that if it had not been for tlieir cattle shows, and the improvement in breeding, the rent-roll of the landlords would not have stood so high as they did. He trusted that the landlords would perform the duties devolving on them, and that they would profit by expe- rience and come amongst them more than they had hitherto done, when they would find that their tenants were not so bad fellows to meet with. Mr. Cantlie proposed the health of the Chairman. As a landlord himself, and as commissioner for a vast landed pro- perty in this county, he was well known and respected ; and his conduct in all business matters, his upright and straight- forward conduct never failed to call forth the greatest admi- ration. The CuAiRMiN returned thanks. " Good Night" was then given by the Chairman, and the campany separated. NEWTON-ON-DERWENT AND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. This society held its sixteenth annual show at Dunnington, four and a-half miles from York. Especially deserving of favourable notice were the bulls of any age and the bulls under twelve months old. The cow classes, too, were equally good, the cows of any age in-calf or milk, and the heifers under three years old being a prime lot of beasts, and very much admired. In wool and mutton, no less than in form, the sheep classes were irreproachable. The pigs were equally good ; the boars of any breed and the sows or gilts for breeding purposes being fully up to the mark for display at an agricultural show. The judges were : For cattle, pigs, and sheep — H, Peacock, Monnt Vale, York, and J. Kirby, Skirpenbeck. For horses — T. Bowman, Croom, Sledmere, and R. Robson, Deigliton. PRIZE LIST. SHORTHORNED CATTLE. Best bull of any age. — First prize, G. Harrison, Newton- on-Derwent ; second, T. Harrison, Dunnington. Boll under twelve months. — Prize, J. Stephenson, Whel- drake. Cow, of any age, in-calf or milk. — First and second prizes, J. Stephenson. Cow, of any age, in-calf or milk, for dairy pvu'poses. — First . prize, J. Stephenson ; second, Julia Hart, Dunnington Lodge. Heifer, under three years old, in-calf or milk. — First prize, R.Roundthwaite, Buttercrambe ; second, J. Stephenson. Heifer calf, under one year old. — First and second prizes, J. Stephenson. SHEEP. Ram, of any age. — First prize, G. Harrison ; second, W. White, Full Sutton. Pen of five ewes, that have suckled lambs to the 1st July. — First prize, G. Harrison ; second, J. Stephenson. Pen of five shearling gimmers. — First prize, J. Kirby, Skirpenbeck ; second, Thomas Etty, Sutton-on-Derwent. Pen of five gimmer lambs. — First prize, G. Harrison ; second, J. Stephenson. HORSES. Nag of any age, to be ridden in the presence of the judges. — First prize, F. Mason, Calm Farm, Malton-road ; second, H. R. W. Hart, Dunnington Lodge; third, H. Dndding, Haxby. Three-year-old nag gelding or filly. — First prize, H. R. W. Hart ; second, Mr. Watson, Grimston. Two-year-old nag gelding or filly. — First prize, J. Stephen- son ; second, T. Harrison. Yearling nag gelding or fiUy. — First prize, J. Penrose, Newton-on-Derwent ; second, J. Snowball, Stockton. Nag foal.— First prize, W. Willsthorpe, Appleton ; second, G. Dickson, Heslington. Coaching mare and foal.— First and second prizes, J. Stephenson. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 145 Tliree-year-okl coacliing gelding or filly. — Krst prize, W. Becket, Deighton ; second, J. Kirby, Burton Fields. Two-year-old coachiug gcldiug or filly. — First prize, W. Wharram, Skirpenbeck ; second, Mr. Newton, Sutton-on- Derwent. Yearling coacliing gelding or filly. — l^irst prize, R. Staveley, Scrayingluim ; second, T. Saltniarsli, Stamford 15ridge. Horse or mare for agricultural purposes. — First prize, E. Jewitt, West Cottingwortli ; second, J. Long, Skipwitli. Two-year-old agricultural gelding or filly. — First prize, T. Braithwaite, Newton-on-Derweut ; second, T. Palfreman, Kexby. Foal, colt or filly, for agricultural purposes. — J'irst prize, J. Butler, Malton-road ; second, W. J. Ware, Skirpenbeck. Foal, by any roadster horse. — First prize, G. Dickson, Heslington ; second, T. Harrison. Foal, by any coach horse. — First prize, J. Kirby, Burton Fields ; second, T. Harrison. Colt or filly foal by " Elvington Wildfire."— First prize, G. Barker, Elvington ; second, T. Etty, Sutton -on-Derwent, Colt or filly foal by " Inicephalus." — First prize, W.Dev^c, Groves, York ; second, J. Watson, Grimston. Sweepstakes of 5s. each, for best three-year-old hunting gelding. — Prize, J. Kirby, Skirpenbeck. Sweepstakes of 6s. each, for the best pony under 14 hands. — First prize, J. Wood, Newton-on-Derwent ; second, J. Williamson, Elvington ; third, J. Hatfield. Osbaldwick. PIGS. Boar, of any breed. — First and second prizes, J. Sedgewick, The Grove, York. Sow or gilt, of any breed, for breeding purposes. — First prize, T. Nicholson, Lawrence-street, York ; second, R. Taylor, Holtby. Cottagers' pig. — First prize, J. Tesseyman, Dunnington ; second, T. Porteus, Murton ; third, M. Shepherd, Dunnington. SALE OF MR. MEADOWS' SHORTHORNS AT THORNVILLE, WEXFORD, IRELAND, On Thursday, June 30. — By Mr. John Thornton, This " small but distinguished herd," whieli has been of gradual growth since 1830, was comprised chiefly of tribes that had a good local celebrity. The fine grazing district iu the Barony Forth, in the county of Wexford, is much indebted to Mr. S. Armstrong, of Enniscorthy, who introduced Shorthorns from Cumberland some five- and twenty years ago. Mr. Bolton, of the Island, has also a good stock, with two bulls of Mr. Booth's iu ser- vice, while Mr. Meadows started first with the Fanny tribe from Mr. Conolly. jNlany animals had been bred fx'om this line, and F'anuy 30th was the last in the catalogue. It is only of short descent, going back to the bull Duke (3633), but the sort have been remarkable for their sweet heads and thoroughbred looks, all duly appre- ciated in the Wexford showyard, where they won a number of prizes. The Bloom or Blossom tribe was got from Mr. Armstrong, and traced back to No. 22 at the Chilton Sale. This was by far the best family. In 1867 Mr. Meadows bred Bolivar (25649) from this tribe, ex- hibited him in Dubliu, and sent him to England, where he was quite the best yearling at the Royal at Leicester in 1868. He was sold there to Mr. Brierley, who now backed up the family, and purchased his own sister Bloom (lot 10) for 50 gs. ; bnt she was thin and low in condition from recent calving, and milking heavily too. Her calf, a very good one, made 51 gs., and went to Mr. Bolton ; whOst his half-sister. Bloom of the May, a heifer in good condition, exceedingly stylish, and symmetrical, fetched 90 gs. for Australia. Chausonette, a fine, large cow, and a prize winnei', went to ]Mr. Maxwell Gumble- ton, County Cork, for 64 gs., and her heifer, Chaumontel, the first prize yearling at the IJubliu Spring Show, was kept iu the county by IMr. Bolton for 63 gs. Polly Hopkins, the highly commended heifer at Dublin, went cheap enough to Mr. Gumbleton for 42 gs. Mr. Meadows also sent over to this country the bull Charlie (25745) who won several premiums, but his line of blood was not greatly appreciated, his dam, low in condition, fetching only 41 gs., and his half- sister, a yearling heifer, 20 gs. Prince of the Realm, purchased from Mr. Carr, in use for the last two years, was bought to go to Mr. J. How,- in England, for 70 gs. A very large company as- sembled, and Mr. Meadows entertained a great number in the house. The auctioneer, iu opening the sale, re- marked on the success that had attended Mr. Meadows in Ms endeavour.s to compete in England for prizes, which Avas received with cheers, and the sale all through was of a most lively and animated description. Many of the cows being heavy milkers were low in condition, and Mr. Meadows reserved two at 30 gs. The calves were also a little thin, but the heifers were remarkably good, and brought out excellently under Tom Quin, the well-known herdsman. Subjoined are the prices ; COW^S AND HEIFERS. Chemisette (luis bred nine calves). — R. J. Devereux, M.P. 20 gs. F'anny 7th (has bred ten calves). — W. M. Gibbon, 26 gs. I'anny 9th (has bred six calves) — W. J. Bryan, 31 gs. Primrose 4th (has bred four calves). — W. Boxwell, 21 gs. Polly Fortune (has bred four calves). — W. J. Bryan, 30 gs. F'anny 14th (has bred four calves). — Resei-ved. Chintz (has bred four calves). — J. King, 41 gs. Amelia (has bred three calves). — Reserved. Chansonette (has bred two calves). — Mr. Gumbleton, Cork, 64 gs. Bloom (has bred two calves). — C. W. Brierley, Manchester 50 gs. Primrose 6th. — W. J. Bryan, 28 gs. F'anny 33rd. — Earl FitzwiUiam, 36 gs. F'anny 24th. — A. Keating, 24 gs. Fanny 25th.— W. J. Bryan, 65 gs. ClieniUe. — C. F'urney, 23 gs. Adelaide. — S. Armstrong, Enniscorthy, 22 gs. Fanny 26th.— F. Boxwell, 26 gs. Bloom of the May. — Tait, for Australia, 90 gs. Cambric. — W. A. Caulfield, 20 gs. Chaumontel.— W. Bolton, The Island, 63 gs. Polly Hopkins. — M. Gumbleton, 42 gs. Fanny 27th. — C. Furney, 15 gs. Bloom of the Heather. — W. Bolton, 51 gs. Cashmere. — J, Thomas, 13 gs. Primrose 8th. — A. Connon, 18 gs. Fanny 30th.— W. T. Taylor, 10 gs. Chiivre Feuille. — M. Gumbleton, 13 gs. BULLS. Prince of the Realm (22627). — J. How, Broughton, 70 gs. Fitz-Charles.— R. Devereux, M.P., 30 gs. Charlemagne. — W. J. Bryan, 20 gs. Summary. £ 8. d. £ s. d. 25 Cows 35 0 0 ... 873 12 0 3 Bulls ... ... 42 0 0 ... 126 0 0 Total £999 12 0 28 head averaged £35 14s. 146 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. SALE OF MR. D. R. DAVIES' HERD, MERE OLD HiVLL, KNUTSEORD, CHESUIHE, Wednesday, Jlly 13, IS70.— By Mk. Strafi:okd. Manchester seemed to be the head-quarters overnight for the Shorthorn Irateruity, who were bound for Mere Old Hall, to see the sale, not so much of ]Mr. Davies' herd as the sale of old jMoss Rose, her daughter, aud the Cleopatras. The " Queen" coffee-room was as full of the Shorthorn dile as a commercial-room could be of business men. Mr. Drewy (Duke of Devonshire), Mr. Leney, Mr. Tracy, Mr. jNIerton, and Mr. Strafford, had preceded Mr. Oliver, Mr. Foster, Mr. Larking, Mr. Rand (Lord Braybrooke), Mr. Lynn, Mr. Thornton, and the Australian contingent, Mr. White and Mr. Lang- dale ; and there was the felt but unspoken suspicion that everyone was bound upon the same purpose. It was, however, reported that Mr. Cochrane, in company with his clever assistant, Simon Beattie, had been there and gone down overnight, after having been to Wetherby and Warlaby, making some extraordinary purchases, so that all chances of a bargain seemed gone. The old cow was freely put to make two to three hundred, and the heifer at least live ; but the company had not reckoned upon the Squire of Gaddesby, who was not down over- night either in person or by deputy, in Mr. Bland. A few slight showers only refreshed the hot, bright morning, and cheered the hcai-ts of the burnt-up south countrymen. The cattle were conveniently placed in a large field, where the ring was pitched, and some pens secured the sheep and pigs, upon which Messrs. Clarke and Lythall operated afterwards. By noon there was a large and thoroughly Shorthorn company, among them being ]\Ir. Cochrane and Beattie ; Mr. Gibson, on the part of Messrs. Walcott and Camp- bell ; Mr. Downing, Mr. Slye, Mr. Knowles (Capt. Gunter), Mr. Slatter (Lord Derby), Mr. Roper (Lord Skelmersdale), Mr. Punchard (Lord Kenlis), Mr. Bland (E. IL Cheney, Esq), Mr. Culshaw. (Col. Towneley), Mr. Lowndes, Mr. Atherton, Mr. Tunnicliffe, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Fawcett, Rev. P. Graham. Old Moss Rose and Wellingtonia grazed near the gate, as if they knew the object of the company ; Cleopatra oth, being in season, was kept in the house, and the rest grazed in the field. The white Moss Rose 2nd was a little difficult to find among many white ones, as her splendid pedigree was not fully borne out in her appear- ance. A white Cleopatra was once or twice mistaken for her ; but when found, ^loss Rose 2nd's appearance was keenly scanned, inasmuch as a little doubt prevailed as to her productiveness. She had a tumour when a yearling, and had been served by Twelfth Duke of Thorn- dale, but not holding to him she had been scut to "Wetherby, and served Jan. 12, by Third Duke of Wharf- dale. It was also said that, in the event of her not breeding, Mr. Davies wonld meet the case. The other animals, save a pietty roan heifer from Candidate's Duchess, were not particularly admired, and the tvvo by the Twelfth Duke of Thorndale were deemed weedy and delicate. The bulls in the houses were considered, and some went even so far as to say they would have made inferior steers; still just before lunch they were ])araded in a ring and showed to more advantage. A very elegant luncheon was served, with Mr. Tatfon in the chair, who proposed her Majesty's health, aud also Mr. Davies', whose popularity and zealous efforts in bringing out another herd, after thirty-six — the whole herd save four — had been lost iu the plague, were one general theme of discourse. The ring was pflched a long distance from the sheds, aud a spacious raised stand erected behind the auctioneer. During his preliminary observations and the reading of the conditions of sale. Old Moss Rose, looking as young and as fresh as at Preston Hall, paraded the ring for the fifth time, and seemed, with her head up and gay carriage, to he as well aware as she was proud of it. The history of this remarkable cow is as follows : Bred by Mr. Harvey Combe, she was sold as a calf, and a great beauty too, at Cobham Park sale, 1857, for 260gs. to Mr. Hales, who resold her to Mr. Betts for 245gs. in 1862, her bull-calf Marmion selling for 155gs. to Mr. D. R. Davies. At the Preston Hall sale she was bought by Mr. Davies for 230gs., and her calf ^loss Rose 2nd by Mr. Foster for 160gs. It was agreed, however, they should toss for choice ; and Mr. Foster took Moss Rose, Mr. Davies buying her at his sale for 400gs. There was much elegance and fine character about her — a sweet head, with long, tapering horns, fitted well on to her neat shoulders. Age had made her lumpy behind ; but her lovely roan and thoroughbred stylish look at once commended her even to the sceptical. Mr. Drewry bid a hundred for her, and Mr. Foster fifty more. Mr. Leney came in at 200gs., and then followed quiet bids behind the rostrum up to 350gs., when Mr. Elt Cheney, of Gaddesby, was announced the buyer. She has thus realised l,485gs. at various times. Cleopatra Sth, a fine, large, deep roan cow of beau- tiful quality, and a 130 gs. purchase at Holker, was re- purchased by Mr. Drewry at 80 gs. Harmony, a short- legged, long-bodied cow, went cheap enough and in-calf to Mr. Homer. Wellingham, a 120 gs. purchase at Havering, kept up her good looks, and fell to Mr. Slye, after some opposition from Mr. Thornton, for 40 gs. over cost price. Mr. Thornton, hov/ever, got the next at 41 gs., and she was a 90 gs. purchase of Mr. Logan, who won the first prize at the Plymouth Royal with her. In sym- metry, colour, and fine quality she was unequalled, and seemed a cheap in-calf investment. Candidate's Duchess, by Capt. Gunter's Duke of "Wharfdale, was not in a breed- ing state. Cleopatra 9th, coughing, but a uice-colom'ed slyish cow, was re-purchased by Mr. Downey for Mr. Harward at 05 gs. Then came some quite second-rate animals until lot 12, a Bracelet, a 40 gs. lot at Mr. Wythes in 18G7. Although a deep, short-legged, fine- coloured cov/, she liad a low loin, supported with good round ribs. Mr. Drewr), after opposition from Mr. Thornton, secured her at 70 gs., and her sister, not so good but in-calf, at 45 gs. Then came in Moss Rose 2nd, a sweet-headed, long-quartered, stylish-looking hei- fer— 200 gs. was the first bid. Jlr. Beattie for Mr. Cochrane bid 400 gs., and Mr. OUver got in at 450. Then followed a succession of bids from the stand up to 700 gs., when Mr. Oliver was in again : " ten," said Mr. Beattie, and then arose a clapping of hands and slight cheers; "twenty," from jNfr. Bland ; "thirty," shouted out Beattie; "five," said Air. Oliver; and "fifty," came Mr. Bland; "eighty," said i\Ir. Oliver; "eight hundred;" "the glass runs." "Who's the buyer?" Mr. Cheney ; and a good cheer and much murmuring talk and surprise arose on this extraordinary animal, TUB FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 117 which is by far tlie dearest sold this year. The siicces- siou of inferior auiinals fetched inferior prices, and Mr. Thornton for J\lr. .James liad quite a single guinea run with Mr. Homer for (Jlcopatra 12th. The 13tli, put up at 50 gs., was a fair, deep-Hcshcd heifer, and Mr. Foster got her at 62 gs. Candidate's Duchess 2ud, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th, out of lot 6, was by far the prettiest lot in the sale ; there was much competition for her, and she went eventually for 105 gs. to Mr. Thornton. Mr. Fawcett got a very pretty Cleopatra yearling from lot 2, cheap at 57 gs.; and \Yelliugtonia 2nd by 12th Duke of Thorndale was anything but handsome ; a peculiar roan, and evidently light fleshed, she seemed dear at 200 gs. to Mr. Leney. Lot 10, of the bidls. Royal Chester, a plaluish, growinj; bull with a nice colour, inferior head, and good Hank, was brought in tirst and put up at 100 gs. There was little competition for him. Mr. White, however, who evi- dently fancied him for his sister's sake, opposed ilr. Stratford, who got him at 200 gs. for ]\Ir. Barnes, of of Sydney. Lot 1, (jrand Duke of Essex 4th, had not improved on his yearly appearance when Mr. Davies gave 170 gs. for him, and went at a trifle over market price. Then came in lot 10, by far the handsomest calf in the sale, and one of great promise ; he was own brother to Royal Chester, and Mr. Knowles got him cheap enough at 130 gs. With this the interest of the Shorthorns ceased, and Messrs. Lythall and Clarke discoursed to an almost local company on the merits of the very superior Shrops, which had been selected from some of the best flocks. A few were passed, but on the whole fair prices were ob- tained, from 5 1 to 18^ gs. Five pounds per head was paid for a pen of shearling ewes, and the flrst saw, a handsome lot bred for Mr. Atherton, made 10^, whilst her daughter fetched £13. This concluded a very suc- cessful and pleasant though somewhat tedious business. Subjoined are the prices : COWS AND llEIFERS. Moss Rose, roan, calved July 2, J858, by Marmaduke (14397), out of Cambridge Rose 6th by 3rd Duke of York (10166).— Mr. E. H. Cheney, 350 gs. Cleopatra 5th, roan, calved January 2, 1861, by 9th Duke of Oxford (17738), out of Cleopatra 3rd by C'dge Barrington 2nd (14234).— Duke of Devonshire, 80 gs. Harmony, red and white, calved November 2, 1861, by Cherry Duke 3rd (15763), out of Floret by Douglas (12714).— Mr. C. M. Hamer, 46 gs. Wellingtonia, roan, calved May 5, 1862, by 3rd Duke of Thorndale (17749), out of Waterloo 24th by Grand Duke 3rd (16182).— Mr. \V. W. Slye, 160 gs. Charlotte 4th, roan, calved March 29, 1863, by Duke of Knowlmere (19623), out of Charlotte bv Noble Arthur (16621).— Mr. John Thornton, 41 gs. Candidate's Duchess, red and white, calved July 17, 1863, by Duke of Wharfdale (19648), out of Candidate by Jasper (11609).— Mr. J. HalsaU, 35 gs. Cleopatra 9th, roan, calved November 15, 1863, by Lord Oxford (20214), out of Cleopatra 4th by Duke of Buck- ingham (14428). — Mr. J. Ilarward, 65 gs. Rose of Thorndale 2nd, red and white, calved April 5, 1864, by 2nd Duke of Thorndale (17748), out of Rose of February by May Duke (13320).— Mr. Thorn, 49 gs. Flirtation 2nd, white, calved February 3, 1865, by Garibaldi (17919), out Flirtation by Rakish (15127).— Mr. Watson, 31 gs. Leonora 2nd, red and white, calved July 18, 1865, by Gari- baldi (17919), out of Leonora by Homer (14714).— Mr. Thorn, 36 gs. Rose of Thorndale 2nd, red and white, calved August 13, 1865, by Medora's Grand Duke (22337), out of Rose of Thorndale by 2nd D. of Thorndale (17748).— Mr. Thorn, 31 gs. Bracelet, roan, calved ISfarch 23, 1866, hy Sir James (22902), out of Blanc Mange by I\Iagistrate (13274).— Duke of Devonshire, 70 gs. Blaud, roau, calved January 21, 1867, by Sir James (22902). out of Blanc Mange by Magistrate (13274).— Duke of Devonshire, 45 gs. Bloss Rose 2ud, white, calved January 19, 1867, by 4th Duke of Tborudalc (17750), out of Moss Rose by Marmaduke (14897).— Mr. E. 11. Cheney, SOOgs. Flirtation 3rd, roau, calved May 10, 1867, by Young Hopeful (24159), out of Flirtation 2nd by Garibaldi (17919).— Mr. Thorn, 33 gs. Princess Royal 2nd, red and white, calved May 29, 1867, by Young Hopeful (24159), out of Princess Royal by Gari- baldi (17919).- Mr. Highfield, 25 gs. Charlotte 7lh, red, calved September 29, 1867, by Golden Duke 2ud (21837), out of Charlotte 4th by Duke of Knowl- mere (19623). — Mr. Owen, 27 gs. Rose of Thorndale 4tli, red and white, calved March 6, 1868, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24068), out of Rose of Thorndale 2nd by Medora's Grand Duke (22337). — Mr. Thorn, 30 gs. Cleopatra 12th, white, calved April 13, 1868, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24008), out of Cleopatra 5th by 9th Duke of Oxford (17738).— Mr. J. A. James, 47 gs. Flirtation 4th, wliite, calved June 25, 1868, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24068), out of Fhrtation 2nd by Garibaldi (17919).— Mr. Robinson, 20 gs. Cleopatra 13tli, white, calved October 18, 1868, by 3rd Duke of Claro (23729), out of Cleopatra 9th by Lord Oxford (20214).— Mr. Foster, 62 gs. Rose of Thorndale 5th, roan, calved February 14, 1869, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24068), out of Rose of Thorn- dale 2nd by Medora's Grand Duke (22337).— Mr. Brooke, 21 gs. Candidate's Duchess 2nd, roan, calved February 15, 1809, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24068), out of Candidate's Duchess by Duke of Wharfdale (19048).— Mr. John Thornton, 105 gs. Leonora 3rd, red, calved February 15, 1809, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24008), out of Leonora 2nd by Garibaldi (17919).— Mr. Cooke, 27 gs. Princess Royal 3rd, rich roan, calved April 28, 1869, by 12th Duke of Thorndale (20020), out of Princess Royal by Gari- baldi (17919).— Mr. llightield, 25 gs. Cleopatra 14th, white, calved April 26, 1809, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24068), out of Cleopatra 5th by 9th Duke of Oxford (17738).— Mr. J. Fawcett, 57 gs. Wellingtonia 2nd, rich roan, calved May 9, 1869, by 12th Duke of Thorndale (20020), out of Wellingtonia by 3rd Duke of Thorndale (17749).— Mr. F. Leney, 200 gs. Charlotte 81 h, red and white, calved January 16, 1870, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24068), out of Charlotte 4th by Duke of Knowlmere (19623).— Mr. Ratclitfe, 16 gs. Rose of Thorndale 6th, roan, calved March 1, 1870, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24008), out of Rose of Thorndale 2nd by Medora's Grand Duke (22337).— Mr. T. Statter, 20 gs. Leonora 4th, red and white, calved March 28, 1870, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24008), out of Leonora 2nd by Gaiibaldi (17919).— Mr. Jabez Hart, 12 gs. Cleopatra 15th, ricli roau, calved May 8, 1870, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24008), out of Cleopatra 5th by 9th Duke of 0.\ford (17738).— Dead. Charlotte 9th, roau, calved June 5, 1870, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24008), out of Charlotte 7th by Golden Duke 2nd (21837).— Mr. Thorn, 15 gs. BULLS. Grand Duke of Essex 4tli (2406S), roan, calved May 2, 1866, by Grand Duke 4tli (19874), out of Lady Bates 3rd by 4tb Duke of Oxford (11387).— Mr. Thorn, 43 gs. Freebooter (20198), red, calved July 2, 1807, by Garibaldi (17919), out of Candidate's Duchess by Duke of Wharfdale (19048).- Mr. Statter, 29 gs. Enthusiast (26106), red and white, calved July 7, 1867, bv Garibaldi (17919), out of Surmise 4th by 2nd Duke of Kent (19620).— Mr. Howard, 50 gs. Leonardo (26579), red and white, calved March 16, 1868, bv Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24068), out of Leonora 2nd by Garibaldi (17919).— Mr. Middleton, 29 gs. Safeguard (27409), roan, calved May 29, 1863, by Grand 148 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Uake of Esses 4tli (34068), out of Surmise 4tli by 2ud Duke of Kelit (19630).— Mr. P. Murton, 40 gs. Patriot (37048), roan, oalved July 17, 1868, liy Patrician (34728), out of Harmony by Cherry Duke 3rd (15763).— Mr. Ratcliffe, 37 gs. Don Carlos (25908), red and white, calved October 8, 1868, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (34068), out of Cliarlotte 4th by Duke of Knowlmere (19633).— Mr. Thorn, 30 gs. Thorndale Oxford Duke, red and white, calved Tebruary 12, 1869, by 12th Duke of Oxford (19633), out of Rose of Thorndale 2nd by 3nd Duke of Thorndale (17748).— Mr. Harrison, 35 gs. Prince Thorndale, red and white, calved April 15, 1869, by 13th Duke of Thorndale (26030), out of Bracelet by Sir James (32902)— Mr. AVhite,31gs. Royal Chester, roan, calved April 25, 1869, by Grand Duke 10th (21848), out of Moss Rose by Marmaduke (14897).— Mr. Barnes, 200 gs. Pretender, roan, calved July 21, 1869, by Grand Duke of Esses 4th (34068), out of Flirtation 3ud by Garibaldi (17919).— Mr. Robinson, 36 gs. Songster, rich roan, calved August 11, 1869, by Grand Duke of Essex 4th (24068), out of Harmony by Cherry Duke 3rd (15673).— Mr. Wyatt, 36gs. Red Rover, red and white, calved December 7, 1869, by En- thusiast (36106), out of Princess Royal 2nd by Young Hopeful (24159).— Mr. Piatt, 27 gs. Snowstorm, white, calved January 20, 1870, by Grand Duke of Esses 4th (24068), out of Bland by Sir James (22902).— Mr. Wright, 8 gs. Duke of Wellington, roan, calved May 19, 1879, by 12th Duke of Thorndale (26030), out of WeUingtonia by Srd Duke ofThorndale (17749).— Mr. Tindal, 30 gs. Royal Lancaster, roan, calved June 20, 1870, by 10th Grand Duke (21848), out of Moss Rose by Marmaduke (14897).— Capt. Gunter, 130 gs. Thorndale Baronet, roan, calved July 1, 1870, by 13th Duke of Thorndale (36030), out of Bracelet by Sir James (32903).— Mr. Thorn, 13 gs. SUMMA.KY. £ S. d. 31 Cows averaged £87 13s. 6d 2,716 7 0 17 Bulls „ £49 Os. 9d 833 14 0 Total £3,550 1 0 48 head averaged £73 19s. 2d. SALE OF MR. DRAKE'S HERD, AT SHARDELOES, AMERSHAM, BUCKS, July 15, 1870.— By Mr. Strafford. As a popular master of hounds Mr. Drake was better known than has a breeder of Shorthorns. His herd had, however, been in existence for nearly twenty years, " being long and carefully bred from the famed herds of the late Captain Dilke, the Rev. F. Thursby, and Mr. W. Torr : the sires formerly used were of the famed Kuightley sort, such as St. Patrick (12038) and Scapulary (15244), fol- lowed by Final Hope (17848) from Aylesby, Loi^d Lieutenant (22167) from Bushey Grove, and AVizard (25468) from Sholebroke Lodge" — who was still in blind- fold service. For large fine frames and great milking properties the cattle looked excellent, and were brought out in excellent condition, especially some of the two- year-old heifers, which were a fine lot, though they all somewhat lacked that style which now seems of such high value. Mr. Torr and Mr. Gibbon rested their weary judicial labours for a day, and were present ; also the Rev. J. Micklethwaite (Norfolk), Mr. Sartoris (Farndish), Mr. Aubrey Mumford (Chilton), and a small local com- panjr. A magnificent luncheon, in the true hearty old English style, was served in a marquee, and had it been a " meet" instead of a " sale" would doubtless have been filled quickly enough ; as it was the attendance was re- markably small. The cows accordingly sold low, often under market price, going from 18 gs. to 33 gs. Mr. Micklethwaite secured the best bred cow at only 24 gs.. Madrigal 6th, with three crosses of Booth blood on a Robsou origin, milking heavily after calving. Mr. D. Hill of Pinner, and Mr. Heanley of Croft, also got some. The heifers went better, lot 24, Lffilia 8th, was a fine white heifer in capital condition in calf. She made but 40 gs. from Mr. Hugh Dunn, who also got Lselia 9th at 41 gs., and opposed for lot 29, Meadow Flower 13th, a thick roan, up to 37 gs. Lot 32, a very handsome roan heifer. Madrigal 18th, fetched the top price, 63 gs , and was bought by Mr. Thornton for Mr. Cochrane, Canada. A few of the calves were very pretty and fetched from 8 gs. to 20 gs. each. Wizard (25468), a short-legged, good, red, buU, and quite active, made beef prices, and Valorous, a red yearling of the Vestris tribe, went for 40 gs. Some bull calves made as high as 8 gs. each, and the eight bulls averaged about £19 10s., the whole herd realising not quite £1,400, or about £24 a piece. The country is much bm-nt up, the crops look fair, and pro- mise well, but a steady down pour for fom'-and-twenty hours would be of immense service. THE INCIDENCE OF LOCAIi TAXATION. Where tenant-farmers (as is now common) are disposed to talk strongly about game and the game laws, chambers of agri- culture aud analogous societies are very apt to be entertained with long disquisitions on local taxation, and the various phrases wherein it is unpleasant to the landowners. Farmers are urgently asked to direct their attention to that subject. Agitation is required at their hands, and some of those alarmist tactics, which, iu days gone by, rendered the farmers' interests the stalkmg horse of the landowners, are put in motion. But somehow or other farmers turn a heedless if not a deaf ear to such invocations. They begin to see that, as yearly tenants at all events, to shift the local burdens to the Exchequer, or to personal property, or anywhere else iu relief of the landowners, would be shiftiug the burthen from one shoulder to the other. What they ceased to pay as taxation would be added to rent. This was exemplified lately at a meeting of the Yeovil Board of Guardians, where Mr. Andrews, a labourer guardian, strongly advocated a charge of poor rates on the owners of personal as well as landed property. Thereupon Mr. Shore asked " where the tenant-farmers were going to get the advan- tage of it ?" As Mr. Andrews fell constrained to admit, it was more easy to ask than to answer a question. After using sundry lengthy arguments, Mr. Andrews was told by several farmers that he had not answered Mr. Shore's question. No doubt this was hard. But Mr. Parsons put the objection plainly when he said — " If he had a house to let, nearly always the first question was — ' What are the rates ?' Then if the rent was £100, and the rates £30, of course the applicant would take that into account ; but he did not see that it af- febted the tenant in any other way." Then Mr. Marden said — " Supposing his (Mr. Andrews') scheme were carried out, aud the tax reduced to 6d. in the pound, didn't he think that the difference would be added to the tenants in the shape of rent ? He believed landlords in general would do so at once." Commenting on this meeting, the Mark Lane Express fairly tells its agricultural readers — " Attempt to disguise it as we may, rates and taxes with the farmer are very much a matter of rent. There is nothing so susceptible, nothing so buoyant, as rent. Only free it from its burthens, and up it goes in a moment like a balloon." All this the farmers are finding out, and it is every year becoming more difiicult to make them the catspaw of the landowners in attempts to shift the taxes falling on land to other property,— £'fo«a»«>/. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 149 THE SOCIETY OF AGRICULTURISTS m FRANCE. TRIAL OF REAPING MACHINES. It is some months since we noticed the origin and due recognition of this Society, tmder whose auspices a grand national Congress will be held in Paris in May, 1871. In the meanwhile M. Drouyn de Lhuys, the President, arranged for an international trial of reaping machines, which commenced on Monday last, on the farm of the brothers Decanville, at Petit Bourg, some twenty or thirty miles from Paris, on the Lyons line of railway. This occupation is over 3,000 acres of land in extent, not precisely in a ring fence, tor there is not a fence upon it ; such boundary lines as there are dividing the fields into some hundreds of acres each. There was, for instance, one of three hundred acres in wheat, another adjoining still larger in beet, while in a third of as great a range a J double set of steam plough apparatus was at work break- ing up the new stubble. There are water works that pump up a supply from the Seine, there are gas works, and a beet-root distillery, with boys', girls', and infants' schools for the children of the five hundred men em- ployed on the farm. It was here that the Messi's. Decanville received the officers of the Society and other visitors with magnificent hospitality. Professor Wilson had been nommated on the part of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and Mr. James Howard, M.P., went over by special request of the president to " co-operate" in conducting the trials and drawing up the rules and regulations. There were twenty entries, but many of these, from the w^ant of railway ac- commodation, or more properly of competition, were not sent ; whilst amongst those on the field were machines from Messrs. Hornsby, Howard, Samuelson, and Matti- son, together with sundry copies of the English and American machines, but made on the Continent. Some of the English firms brought over their own teams, and of course their own men. Before commencing, the jury made known the rules by which they should be guided ; thus they would reckon 10 points for clean cutting, 10 for delivery of sheaves, 5 for quickness of execution, 10 for lightness of draught, 5 for lowness of cut, 10 for me- chanical arrangements. Thus the exhibitors knew the points which would be most valued. Some of the im- plements made capital work, but the competition was ultimately reduced to the three self-delivering machines of Messrs. Hornsby, Howard, and Samuelson, which will be tried again on heavier crops immediately after the Royal Meeting at Oxford. The dynamometer test was applied to the several implements by M. Tresca. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW AT LILLE, FRANCE. PRIZES AWARDED TO ENGLISH EXHIBITORS. A large gold medal, value 600 francs (£20), to Aveliug and Porter, Rochester, for their double engine steam cultivating apparatus. A gold medal, value 100 francs (£4;), to Aveling and Porter, for their steam road roller. Ploughs. — A bronze medal to J. and E. Howard, Bedford, for their plough for deep work. The first prize gold medal to J. and F. Howard, for their champion plough, mark B B. The silver medal to J. and F. Howard, for their subsoil plough. Harrows. — The only prize, a bronze medal, to J, and F. Howard, Bedford, for their collection of harrows. Rollers. — The only prize, a bronze medal, to Aveliug and Porter, Rochester, for their roller and Crosskill's clod Ridging Ploughs.— The only prize, a bronze medal, to J. and F. Howard, for their ridging plough. Grass Mowing Machines. — The first prize, gold medal, to Samuelson and Co., Banbury. The second prize ("ex wquo") to W. A. Wood, London, and to J . and E. Howard, Bedford. Haymaking Machines. — The first and only prize to J. and F. Howard, Bedford. Hor.se Rake.s. — The first and only prize to J. and P. Howard, Bedford. Reaping Ma( uinks. — The first prize, gold medal, to Sauuieisou and Co., Banbury. The second prize, silver medal, to J. and F. Howard, Bedford. The third prize, bronze medal, to Bri^^liara and Bickerton of Berwick on Tweed. A gold medal, value 100 francs (£1), to Aveling and Porter, Rochester, for their road locomotive. A silver medal to Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, Stow- market, for their collection of machines and notably for their crusher. THE SUGAR-BEET BUSINESS, At the Harleston dinner, Sir W. Jones, as he always does, spoke to the purpose, and endeavoured to elicit some remarks from the member for South Norfolk on the desira- biUty of the farmers of this country turning their attention to growing the Silesian beet and having it manufactured into sugar. The worthy baronet's argument was very ingenious, but he will, we think, find farmers slow to move in the sugar- beet business, simply because they, like ourselves, are at pre- sent unable to see that it would answer the purpose to go to a great expense in growing a crop of beet, cart it perhaps several miles to the manufactory, and then be paid but a small sum per ton, and this too, when (if we are correctly informed) every bit of top, dirt, and root must be carefully cleared from the bulbs before they are weighed. The cleaning would not only be a tedious and expensive matter on heavy soils, but would reduce the weight per acre very considerably, not that we want to sell the soil, only when persons make out that they have grown a great weiglit of mangold per acre, a tolerable amount of soil sometimes hangs to the roots when they are weighed. Then, again, we apprehend that, in other respects, " all is not gold that glitters," for we fancy that if a farmer made a practice of selling liis mangold from his farm every year, the landlord would soon demand heavy compensation for damage sustained. Would it not also necessitate the keeping of less cattle upon a farm if the food upon which the farmer mairdy depends for his spring grazing was sold ? Feeding- stuffs may always be bought, but there will be some difficulty in finding a substitute or an equivalent for mangold. Even if it is found to answer on the strong land about Lavenham, in Suffollv, is it at all likely that it would answer on the bulk of the land in Norfolk ? We shoidd like to know what the farmers who have tried this sugar-beet growing think of it, and if, as a ride, they are going on \\ith it ? We happen to know a very good tenant on a farm in every way adapted for growing the sugar-beet, and situate within a few miles of a beet-sugar manufactory, where beet is bought at a fixed price per ton, delivered at the works. Now this tenant is a sharp, intelligent, keen observing, practical man, and knows how to make the most of things as well as any man, and has, con- sequently, watched the sugar business pretty closely. His landlord, wishing to do him a good turn, and to encourage him, and having heard a deal about the great profits to be made by growing sugar-beet, very kindly told him he might take advantage of the excellent opportunities offered him during the remainder of his lease, and in a new lease clauses for the growing and seUing of this kind of beet should be in- serted. The answer was, " very much obhged for your kind intentions, but I have no desire to sell the mangold oft' my farm ; " and, further, he said if he thought he should be com- pelled to carry out such a system in the management of his farm, he should dechne to take another lease. It is true this is only the opinion of one man, but we should like to know how many practical men could be found in Norfolk to say he was wrong in the view he took of the matter. Mr. C. S. P«ad very dexterously and properly avoided being led into discussing a matter about which he confessed h^ had had hQ experience. — T/te Norwich Uewry, ir,o TTTE FARMEB'8 MAGAZTKF. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. MEETING AT OXFORD, '■ If a foreigucr had come to Oxford expecting to see the best show of breeding stock which England could produce, he would have been led to form a very inadequate idea of the merits of the diiFerent sorts of live stock bred in this country." So says the official Report on the first Meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society as held in the July of 1839. And what has occurred in the interim? If a foreigner should travel down to Oxford again expecting to see the best breeding stock which England can produce, we will undertake to say that he shall not be disappointed. In fact, foreigners themselves have made it a practice for many years past to attend these meetings, knowing very well as they do that they will be tolerably certain to see the best of everything. There is no other such an advertisement for the breeder, there is no other such an opportunity for the buyer. The Royal Agricultural Society of England, as proved by its celebrations in 1839 and 1870, will be found to have ably fulfilled its mission. It may not, by the advent of another meeting, be al- together uninteresting or unprofitable to make some re- ference here to the proceedings at the first Oxford Show, the more especially as it so happened that we ourselves were present, and thus do not speak merely on hearsay. The great national breeds of stock had then, very much as they have now, a pre-eminence on the prize sheet ; although many of the exhibitors, it was clear enough, re- quired educating up to such a movement. As the Report said, " One of the advantages to be derived from an ex- hibition of this nature is to show farmers and breeders of live stock the perfections in shape and quality at which they ought to aim ; and it should therefore be no disap- pointment to the Society to find that some of the exhibitors proved, by the animals which they brought to the show, that they were at present very deficient in this know- ledge." But further, it was equally plain that some who possessed such knowledge, who had arrived at something like perfection in shape and quality, did not at the outset see the advantage of publicly disjilaying their attainments. There were in all tweuty-six entries of Shoithorus, the majority of which were sent in from the immediate neighbom'hood ; while only one Yorkshire or North Country herd was represented, that of Mr. Bates, of Kirkleavington, as the other names that still live in Shorthorn annals were Mr. Baker, of Cottesmore, and his neighbour Lord Exeter, Mr. Beasley, of Chapel Brampton, and Mr. Langston, of Sarsden. Mr. Bates with his Duke and Duchesses took all the premiums but one for bull calves, and at the show of next week the Dukes and Duchesses will be one of the very few famous herds in England that the foreigner will seek for in vain. Those, however, who remember the Duchesses of those days would scarcely now be prepared to give them such unqualified precedence, so that their absence will not be so keenly felt. There has been a deal of good done with the Shorthorn since 1839. The fifteen Devons were officially declared to have " excited great attention from the j^ui'ity and beauty of the animals ;" and yet they were but Somerset Devons, as there is not the name of a North Devon or Cornwall man to be traced in the catalogue. "We have arrived at a somewhat higher opinion of the purity and beauty of the blood-red Devon since 1839. There were twenty-four Herefords with the Reverend J. R. Smythies, one of tlie great champions of the White-faces, continually beaten, so that the competition must have been tolerably strong ; but a uine-years-old Hereford cow from Lynch Court took the first prize in a mixed class as " best calculated for dairy purposes." Have the Herefords impi-oved in this way siuce 1839 ? A Long-horn bull and a Sussex cow were iu their respective classes the best of the other breeds, and Mr. Rowland sent five Herefords from the famous Creslow pastures that the judges declai-ed would pay best for grazing ; the next best being five Devons exhibited by Mv. Trinder, of Wantage. Where were the Shorthorn steers in 1839 ? Amongst the sheep there were thirty-five entries of Southdowus, where a Mr. J. Webb, from Babraham, in Cambridgeshire, exhibited some animals that commanded no attention, and Mr. Stephen Grantham from Sussex, and Mr. T. Crisp from Sulfolk took the chief honours. There were some thirty entries of Leicesters, with Mr. Sam Bennett, and Mr. Earl, of Earl's Barton, declared to be the crack ram breeders ; and there was a mixed lot of Lincolns and Cotswolds, of seventeen entries between them, and with the Cotswolds in the ascendancy. Mr. Hewer, Mr. Slater, and ^Ir. Large were exhibitors in 1839, and will the Cotswolds ofter a better front in 1870 ? The following passage from the report, speaking to a part of the proceedings long since abandoned, has an air of primitive simplicity about it which comes in curious contrast to the organization of system now arrived at : " The prize intended to be given by the Society, in order to ascertain the best and most productive varieties of wheat, cannot be decided. The wheat exhibited was of excellent quality, and the judges selected, as was intended, two samples of white and two samples of red wheat, of great beauty aud purity for trial ; but the desire of the public to examine the difi'crent samples shown, and to compare them together, was so great, that not only a deal of the v^heat from the selected parcels was thrown down and lost, but the wheat from all the parcels was mixed together, so that either as to quality or to purity the wheat sown might have been very ditt'erent fi'om that which was exhibited." How Mr. Brandreth Gibbs and his stewards would stare at such arrangements as these ; although it is almost to be regretted that the mixed sample was not tried, particularly as both parcels were of such beauty aud purity. Some of our greatest discoveries have been the result of accident, and in the art of mixing or crossing a happy chance has often achieved more than the most laborious research. ScaiTon, the French comedian, as T//e Spectator tells us, being iu sore need, stationed himself just outside the door of a tobac- conist iu the most fi-equented part of Paris, where with a very engaging manner he begged a big pinch from the box of every customer as he came out. These pinches were all carefully preserved aud sold back to the shopkeeper, who soonbecame famous for a new variety of snuff, which he called " Tabac de mille fleurs." The curiosity of the farmers at Oxford in 1839 might have led to some such similar in- vention in the way of seed corn — '' Wheat from a thousand hands." During the week there was a General Meeting of the IMembers, at which prize essays were read, and a dinner at which speeches were made. From all these the now THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 151 most uoticeable contribution was a paper on the Compa- rative Advantages of Wheel and Swing Ploughs, by Mr. Handley, M.P., who went almost altogether lor the wheel plough ; while the Report says that " IMessrs. llansome exhibited a variety of ploughs of superior constructiou, amongst others a Bedfordshire plough with wheels, to which is adapted a lever for enabling a ploughman to regu- late the depth of the land-wheel as the ploughis inmotion." Then, again, " Mr. Hart, of Wantage, exhibited some very clever swing and wheel ploughs ; one also by Mr. Howard, of Bedford, of small size, with a mould- board of an excellent form, calculated to give the least resistance in turning over the furrow was much ap- proved." IIow suggestive, how pregnant with matter, how something like the foreshadowings of the Vates of old do these reports of thirty years since now read ! At the same time they serve to show that although started in something like " fear and trembling" the lines of the Royal Agricultural Society were laid straight enough, and that were her first commander Lord Spencer still amongst us, he might look back with some pride at her first voyage out. THE IMPLEMENT DEPARTMENT. "Trials of steam-engines, horse-gears, crushers, chaff- cutters, oilcake breakers, turnip cutters, steaming appara- tus, dairy implements, from Monday, July 11, to Saturday, July IG." So says the official announcement ; but thirty- one years since when the Royal AgricuUural Society of England held its first meeting in Oxford there were no trials of fixed steam engines, simply because there were no steam engines to try. Beyond Trevithick's little engine down at Trewithin, that had been at the service of the Corn- wall farmers for some thirty years or more, the use of steam power for the purposes of agriculture was unknown alike to manufacturers and farmers when the new Society went to Oxford in 1839. Many of the other implements, the turn of which comes round again here, were, however, " for the most part," as the Report has it, " familiar to one or othsr of those present." And we gather accord- ingly that "the judges especially invited attention to the chaff-cutting machines," as exhibited by Ransomes of Ipswich. " The one. No. XII. is the largest and most powerful of its kind hitherto constructed. It is re- markable for the equable slicing-cut of the two knives, each three feet long, fixed on the fly-wheel, and for the method of advancing the straw. The first operation is eff'ected by the peculiar form of the cutting edge of the knives, which pass through the straw at the same angle with it from point to heel ; and are so adjusted as to act with nice precision against the polished metal surface of the straw-box. The straw, which is stationary and firmly compressed by the press-board during the cut, is advanced in the interval of one knife finishing and the other com- mencing its action. This operation is accomplished very exactly and simply, by means of an elliptic wheel, driven by an eccentric circular one, whose motion is derived from a latchet wheel on the same axis acted on by a crank, so that the straw is forced rapidly forward ; the press-board in front being at the same time raised to take oft' the friction, and brought down again with a powerful grip upon the straw, whilst the knife passes through it. A contrivance is also adapted for varying the length of the chaff from 3-8ths to Ij inch in length. With the \ inch cut, it was stated to produce half a ton of chaff per hour, with the power of two horses, and so on in proportion to the length of cut. This machiue is equally applicable to steam or,water, as to horse power." Such was the model chaff-cutter of thirty years since,and on theprize list we find the Society's Gold Medal duly awarded to Messrs. Ran- some of Ipswich, "for their excellent display of implements' and especially their chaff-cutting machines and BiddeU's scarifier." Again, we gather that " Gardner's excellent turnip-slicer, and a similar one of Edwards' were exhibited, as also one of Harts', the cutting part of which resembled that of Gardner ; but it was placed on the side of a cast- iron disk, instead of being attached, as Gardner's, to the circumference of a cylinder." The exhibition of imple- ments was not in other ways a very large one, the Garrett s and Howards being almost the only firms of any present eminence that then entered the lists with the Uau- somes. Nevertheless the judges did not close their brief report " without expressing their approbation of the exhi- bition of implements generally, and though many of them are well known to the practical agricul- turist, yet there appears such a marked im- provement in their manufacture and construction, that the Judges congratulate the Society on the progressive advance in the science of agricultural mechanics." The judges of implements were Mr. H. Handley, M.P., Mr'Parkes, and Mr. John Morton. To what further progressive advance their successors in 1870 will be able to speak the experience of this busy meeting will serve to show. The seventy odd acres of ground are well occupied, and some £300 more has been paid by the manufacturers for " ground rents :" and the catalogue, was published in good time this year, is gradually becoming more bulky ; on this occasion reaching 535 pages, and embracing 7,851 entries and 404 stands of implements. The number of articles shown is in excess of the last show by about 130, but this does not mark so rapid au increase as in the three previous shows, which each exceeded the preceding one by more than 1,000 entries. Barford, of Banbury, has the large number of 180 entries, of k\\\c\\ 5 are described as new implements. Amies, Barford, and Co., of Peterborough, 100 entries, of which two are stated to be new, and 14 are set down for trial. Perkins, Hitchin, 31 entries, among which are 3 new implements. Ashby, Jeffery, and Lute, Stamford, 46 entries, 10 for trial and 6 new implements. W. Crosskiil and Sons, Beverley, 30 entries, 1 for trial. T. Baker, Compton, Newbury, 58 entries, 4 for trial. E. H. Bentall, Maldon, 50 entries, 14 for trial. E. Cambridge and Co., 33 entries, 3 for trial. Ransomes, Sims, and Head, 79 entries, 1 described as a new implement. Reuben Hunt, Halstead, 24 entries, 14 for trial, and 3 new implements. R. Hornsby and Sons, Grantham, 56 entries, 9 set down for trial. R. Boby, Bury St. Edmunds, 30 entries. Beverley Iron Works, 49 entries, of which 10 were for trial, 2 new implements. Haslam and Clarke, Henley, 36 entries, 3 for trial. Bristol Implement Company, 1 new for trial. J. AUcock, RatcUffe-on-Trent, 7 entries, 4 for trial, 1 new implement. Coleman and Morton, Chelmsford, 28 entries, 3 for trial, 1 new implement. A. W. Gower and Son, Market Drayton, 25 entries, 1 new implement. Burgess and Key, London, 9 entries, 2 of which new im- plements. Hunt and Pickering, Leicester, 117 entries, 18 for trial, and 8 described as new. John Barrowraaa and Co., Dunfermline, 4 new implements. A. C. Bamlett, Tliirsk, 17 entries,, one a new reaping machine. W. Ball and Son, Rothwell, Kettering, 53 entries, among which are 6 described as new implements. James Cornes and Co., Nantwich, 24 entries, 8 for trial. John Fowler and Co., London, 36 entries. Robert Maynard. Cambridge, 10 entries, 3 for trial. 152 THE FAEMBR'S MAGAZINE. Picksley, Sims, and Co., Leigh, 134! entries, 13 for trial, and 13 new. Brown and Maude, Shrewsbury, 10 entries of which 9 are new, 1 for trial. R. Winder, Dartford, 3 new implements, both for trial. Fiskin and Co., Leeds, 4 entries, 1 new, and 3 for trial. W. Tasker and Son, Andover, 39 entries. W. S. Underbill, Newport, 30 entries, 1 for trial, 5 new im- plements. Thomas Sheen, Aylesbury, 8 entries, all for trial. Lewis and Hook, Shrewsbury, 88 entries, 37 described as new implements, 17 for trial. Reading Iron Works, 27 entries, 8 for trial. Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, Stowmarket, 67 entries, 31 for trial. Southwell and Co., Rugeley, 46 entries, 31 for trial, 35 de- scribed as new. John Freer and Co., Loughborough, 3 new implements. W. N. Nicholson, Newark, 60 entries, 10 for trial, 1 new implement. Robert Tinkler, Penrith, 11 churns, all for trial, 4 described as new. Edward Page and Co., Bedford, 63 entries, 9 for trial. WaUis and Strevens, Basingstoke, 35 entries, 1 a new im- plement. P. and W. Hobbs, Basingstoke, 17 entries, 7 for trial, 1 nerr implement. E. R. and F. Turner, Ipswich, 38 entries, 17 for trial. Richmond and Chandler, 36 entries, 3 for trial, 3 new im- plement.s William Woofe, Bedford, 5 entries, 1 new implement for trial. Vickers, Snowden, and Morris, Doncaster, 11^ entries, 3 new implements. Thomas and Taylor, Manchester, 46 entries, 3 churns for trial. Mellard's Trent Foundry, Rugeley, 60 entries, 33 for trial, 6 new implements. J. and F. Howard, Bedford, 85 entries. Walter A. Wood, London, 9 entries, 3 new implements. Q. W. Murray and Co., Banff, 8 entries, 5 of them new implements. Richard Garrett and Sons, Saxmundham, 39 entries. Joseph Gilbert, Evesham, 9 entries. H. and G. Kearsley, Ripon, 9 entries, 5 for trial. Joseph Warren, Maldon, 38 entries, 2 for trial. John Gray and Co., Uddingston, 16 entries, 6 new imple- ments, 5 for trial. James Eastwood, Blackburn, 38 entries, 19 churns for trial. Morton and Turner, Kenninghall, 6 entries, 1 a new imple- ment. James Davis and Son, Hemel Hempstead, 13 entries, 5 new, 3 for trial. John Cooke and Co., Lincoln, 34 entries, 11 new imple- ments. Thomas Corbett, Shrewsbury, 39 entries, 13 new imple- ments, 20 for trial. C. Denny and Co., Chard, 13 entries, 6 for trial. Aveling and Porter, Rochester, 5 entries, 1 new for trial. John Tye, Lincoln, 15 entries, 4 for trial. John Weighell, Pickering, 6 entries, 4 for trial. Timothy Thomas, Cardigan, 4 entries, 3 new implements, 1 for trial. Tuxford and Sons, Boston, 30 entries. Alexander Aldworth, Abingdon, 5 entries, 1 for trial. Whitmore and Benyon, 14 entries, 1 new implement for trial. Marshall, Sons, and Co., Gainsborough, 15 entries, 3 en- gines and 1 mill for trial. Wm. Foster and Co., Lincoln, 4 entries. Davey, Paxman, and Davey, Colchester, 10 entries, 3 new implements, 1 for trial. Robey and Co., Lincoln, 11 entries, 2 for trial. Ruston, Proctor, and Co., Lincoln, 15 entries. Riches and Watts, Norwich, 17 entries, 6 for trial. A. B. Cliilds, London, 4 entries, 1 for trial. Clayton and Shuttleworth, Lincoln, 19 entries, 3 for trial. J. E. Hodgkin, West Derby, 8 entries, 5 for trial, 4 new implements. W. Allchin and Co,, Northampton, 4 entries, 1 for trial. The following is a complete list of the stands :— Arnold and Sons, London ; Ashley, Jeffery, and Luke, Stam- ford ; Atmospheric Churn Co., London; Aveling and Porter, Rochester ; Atkinson, London ; Afflick, Swindon ; Aylseford, London; AH way & Son, London ; Allcock, Nottingham ; Agri- cultural and Horticultural Association, London ; Allchin and Son, Northampton ; Amies, Barford and Co., Peterborough ; Aldworth, Abingdon ; Bentall, Maldon ; Beard, Bury St. Ed- munds ; Bradford and Co., London and Manchester ; Baker, Wisbeach ; Burney and Co., London ; Boby, Bury St. Ed- munds ; Baylis, Jones, and Baylis, Wolverhampton ; Beach and Co., Dudley ; Barford, Banbury ; Barrows and Stewart, Banbury; Beverley Waggon Co.; Brown and Co., London; Baker, Compton, Newbury ; Ball, Rugby; Barton, London; Barton and Sons, Carlisle ; Bellamy, London ; Boulton and Co., Norwich ; Braggins, Banbury ; Bristol Waggon Co. ; Browning, Oxford ; Bush, Histon, and Bush, Notts ; Barrowman and Company, Dumfermline ; Bell, London ; Brown, Lyme Regis ; Brice, London ; Burgess and Key, London ; Bristol Implement Company ; Barford, St. Neots ; Belcher, Gee, and Company, Gloucester ; Brown and May, Devizes ; Badger, Worcester ; Bamlett, Thirsk ; Barnard, Bishop, and Barnard, Norwich ; Ball and Sons, Kettering ; Binnie, Dayer, and Co., Chipping-Norton ; Burrell, Hertford ; Brown and Maude, Shrewsbury ; Birming- ham Boiler Co. ; Barton, Boston ; Burgess, Malvern Wells ; Cottam and Co., London ; Coultas, Grantham ; Clayton and Shuttleworth, Lincoln ; Clarke and Son, Brackley ; Cranston, Hemel Hempstead ; Childs, London ; Carson and Tooue, Warminster ; Carson and Son, London ; Carr, Bristol ; Cross- kill and Sons, Beverley ; Clay, Wakefield ; Corbett, Shrews- bury ; Cambridge and Co., Bristol ; Coleman and Morton, Chelmsford ; Corbett and Son, Wellington, Salop ; Corcoran, Wett, and Co., London ; Central Cottage Improvement So- ciety, London ; Cousins, Oxford ; Cooch, Northampton ; Cooke and Co., Lincoln ; Coulthurst, Symons, and Co , Bridgwater ; Crowe, King's Lynn ; Clemens, AbeU, and Co., Worcester ; Cheavin, Boston ; Crowther and Co., Hudders- field; Cullingford, Stratford; Carter and Co., London; Comes and Co., Nantwich ; Clemesha and Co., Manchester ; Cranston, Birmingham; Day, Son, and Hewitt, London ; Davis, London ; Driffield Linseed Cake Co., Driffield ; Day and Sons, Crewe ; Dodge, London ; Dean, Oxford ; Duffield, London ; Davis and Co., London ; Davy, Oxford ; Davey, Paxman, ami Davey, Colchester ; Denny and Co., Chard ; Dunsdale and Co., Loudon ; Denton, Wolverhampton ; Davis and Son, Hemel Hempstead ; DowUng, London ; Duffield, sen., London ; Davis and Co., London ; Dickson and Sons, Chester ; Derbyshire Cheese Factory Association, Derby ; Dennis and Co., Chelms- ford ; EUis, London ; Eldridge, Bicester ; Eagles, London ; Early, Witney ; Eddington, Chelmsford ; Eastwood, Blackburn ; Foster and Co., Lincoln ; Fardon, Leighton Buzzard ; Fenton, Great Grimsby ; Fisken and Co., Leeds ; Fox and Co., London ; Friedlander, Breslau ; Farmers' Supply Association, London ; Follows and Bate, Manchester ; Fowler and Co., London ; Fell, Windermere ; Freer and Co., Loughborough ; Gros, Plymouth ; Garrett and Sons, Leiston ; Gibbs, Sewardstone ; Gray, Sheffield ; Grover and Baker, London ; Gibbs, T., and Co., London; Gardner, Gloucester; Gibbs, J., and Co., London ; Gow er and Sons, Wmchfield ; Green and S o Leeds; Gilbert, Evesham; Gill and Co., Oxford; Griffin, Morris, and Griffin, Wolverhampton ; Gibbons, Wantage ; Gilbert, Abingdon ; Gray and Co., Glasgow ; Guggenheim, Oxford ; Gwynne, London ; Howard, Bedford ; Hedges, Ken- drick, Oxford ; Hollis and Sons, Witney ; Hodgkins, Liver- pool ; Haslam and Clarke, Henley-on-Thames ; Hilton and Co., Liverpool ; Hope, Wellingborough ; Hardon, Manchester ; Harrison and Sons, Leicester ; Harlow, Macclesfield ; HOI and Co., York; Heard, London ; Headley and Sons, Cambridge; Haynes and Sons, London ; Hollis, Stow- on-the- Wold ; Han- cock and Poden, Sandbach ; Hare and Co., London ; Hart and Co., London; Hancock, Dudley; Handley, Birmingham; Harris, Bermondsey ; Hobbs, Basingstoke ; Hodgetts, More- ton-in-Marsh ; Holmes and Son, Norwich ; Hornby and Sons, Grantham ; Hathaway, Chippenham ; Hepburn and Sons, Southwark; Houghton and Thompson, Carlisle; Headley, Cambridge ; Hilston and Co., Wandsworth ; Harwood, Fins- bury ; Hunt, Earls Colne ; Humphries, Pershore ; Hunt and Pickering, Leicester ; Hayward, Tyler, and Co., London ; Hydes and WigfiiU, Sheffield ; Hunter, Maybole, N.B. ; Hud^ THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 1S3 •peth, Haltwhistle; Hill and Smith, Brierley Hill; Hirst and Sous, Halifax; Howes and Son, Norwich; Halstead and Co., Newark ; Howorth, Bolton ; James, Cheltenham ; Johnstone, London ; Jones and Rowe, Worcester ; Jones, Gloucester ; Inman, Stretford ; King, Coftgeshall ; Kerslake, Exeter ; Kearley, Ripon ; Kitt- mer, Loutli ; Ligon, Finsbury, London ; Long, Bampton ; Lewin, Poole ; Lewis and Poole, Shrewsbury ; Lampitt, Ban- bury ; Larkworthy and Co., Worcester ; Le Butt, Bury St. Edmunds ; Lucy and Co., Oxford ; Musgrave Bros., Belfast ; Marshall Bros, and Co., Gainsborough ; Matthews and Co., Driffield ; Mattison, Bedale ; Major and Co., Bridgwater ; McKenzie and Sous, Cork ; Massey, Openshaw ; Mayuard, Cambridfje ; Meuuit de Lion and Co., Clerkenwell ; McNaught and Smith, Worcester ; Moule's Earth Closet Co., London ; Merton and Turner, Harlmg ; Main and Co., London ; Merryweather and Sons, London ; Mellard, Rugeley ; Milibrd and Son, CuUompton ; Murray and Co., Bauif ; Markall and Sons, London ; Middleton, Southwark ; Moore and Co., Lon- don ; Myers and Co., Loudon ; Mulliner, Leaniiogton ; Messenger, Loughborough ; Mapplebeck and Lowe, Birming- ham ; Marsden and Co., Leeds ; Milford, Exeter ; Milburn, Manchester ; M'Neil and Co., London ; M'f ew aud Co., of London ; Moreton and Co., Liverpool ; Native Guano Com- pany, London ; Nalder and Naider, AVantage ; Nye and Co., London ; Norton, London ; Nicholson, Newark ; Nell, Harrison, and Co., London ; Oliver and Co., London ; Oldliam and Booth, Kingston-upon-Hull ; Owens and Co., London ; Proskaner and Co., London ; Penney and Co., Lin- coln ; Powis and Co., London ; Pooley and Son, Liverpool ; Powis, C. aud Co., London ; Parkes aud Co., Birmingham ; Perkins, Hitchin ; Pierce, London ; Pickering, Stockton-on- Tees ; Pinfold, Rugby ; Parhara, Bath ; Page and Co., Bed- ford ; Picksley, Sims, aud Co., Leigh ; Plenty and Sou, New- bury; Proctor and Ryland, Birmingham; Priest aud Wool- nough, Kingstou-on-Tbames ; Parsons and Son, Birmingham ; Phillips and Co., Leeds ; Pavy, France ; Ransome, A. and Co., London ; Ransomes, Sims, and Head, Ipswich ; Richmond and Chandler, Sal ford; Richards, London; Reading Iron Works Co., Reading ; Riches and Watts, Norwich ; Reeves, Westbury ; Robinson and Richardson, Kendal ; Ransome, S. E. and Co., Loudon ; Robiuson, Bridgwater ; Robinson and Sou, Rochdale ; Rollins, London ; Raiuforth and Son, Lin- coln ; Richmond, Colue ; Randall, Leighton Buzzard ; Ruston, Proctor, and Co., Lincoln ; Robey and Co., Lincoln ; Robin- son and Co., Kettering; Ravenscroft, London ; Rendle, London; Rarasbottom and Co., Leeds ; Roberts and Son, Bridgwater ; Roberts, Stony Stratford ; Samuelson and Co., Banbury ; Spong and Co., London ; Smith, London; Smith, Kettering; Sharmau, Melton Mowbray ; Smith and Grace, Thrapston ; Sutton and Sons, Reading ; St. Pancras Iron Company, Lon- don ; Sawney, Beverley ; Sales and Co., London ; Singer Machine Co., London ; Simpson and Co., London ; Silvester, London ; Shrewsbury, London ; Shepherd, Abingdon ; Stacey and Sons, Uxbridge ; Startin and Co., Birmingham ; Scott, Manchester ; Stacey, Newbury ; Salmon, Bermondsey ; Sainty, Wisbeacli ; Salmon, Tomlin, and Co., Kettering ; Sheen, Aylesbury ; Siddeley and Co., Liverpool ; Summerscales, Keighley ; Slack and Brownlow, Manchester ; Shand, Mason, and Co., London ; Smith and Sons, Witliara ; Spear and Jack- son, Sheffield ; Schaffer and Budenberg, Manchester ; Staynes and Sons, Leicester ; Sinclair, Manchester ; Seary, Oxford ; Smith, Lowthorpe ; Shuttleworth, Sheffield ; Southwell and Co., Rugeley ; Topham, London ; Tipper, Birmingham ; Taylor, Rurasey ; Thoru, Norwich ; Tasker and Sons, Andover ; Thomas, Stratford-on-Avon ; Tangye, Bros., and Holraan, London ; Turner, Ipswich ; Taylors' Sew- ing Machine Co., Driffield ; Thomas and Taylor, Salford ; Thomas, Cardigan ; Tuxford and Sons, Boston ; Tye, Lincoln ; Tennent and Co., Leith ; Thompson, Perth, N.B. ; Tinkler, Penrith ; Thompson, Edinburgh ; Unite, Paddington ; Un- derbill, Newport ; Vulcan Iron Co., Ipswich ; Vickers, Snowden, and Morris, Doncaster ; Wendover, London ; Weir, London; Webb and Son, Stowmarket ; Whitehead, Preston ; Watson, Andover ; Wood, London ; AYilliamson, Kendal ; Worssam and Co., Chelsea ; Webb and Co., Worcester ; Warner and Sons, London ; Worth, London ; Willacy, Preston ; Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, Stowmarket ; Wheeler and Son, Gloucester ; Wilderspin, St. Ives ; Waide, Jjondon j Walworth and Co., Bradford ; Wilder, Wallingford j Woolfe, Bedford; Warren, Maldon ; Winder, Farninghara, Dartford; WooUey, AUestree, Derby ; Whitmore and Briuyon ; Wickhara Market ; Weighell, Pickering ; Wallis and Stevens, Basingstoke ; Wilson and Co., Loudon ; Wright, Birmingham ; Wlieeler, Nottingham; Williamson, Reading; Yarrow and Headley, Isle of Dogs. The first portion of the business of the thirty-second annual meeting commenced on Monday, July 11, and mueh credit is due to the bulk of the exhibitors, who were well forward in their preparations in conformity with the rules of the Council. Even the delay with, those few who were late in the yard on Saturday arose more from pressure of traffic on the railways than from any dilatoriness on the part of the exhibitors. The general arrangements have been well carried out, with, the exception of a little want of preliminary action in the engineering supervision, for great delay aud difficulty- arose from the bad working of the official registering dy- namometers, which although supposed to be effective and expensive apparatus for counting the revolutions, were half the time in a state of rest and would not act at all ! so that one would even have been content to have had the old treble-faced gas counters rather than no register at all when important implements were being tested, and which had in conseqence to be tried over again, to the loss of time both to judges and exhibitors. So with the testing boilers, one or two harmless but startling explosions took place, owing to the bursting of the connecting india-rubber tubing, for which brass tubing would, we should have thought, have been better. Clayton and Shuttleworth had the trial of their engine stopped, owing to the excessive heat produced in running journals of the dynamometer, and separate sets of judges had to borrow the dynamo- meter to test their machines. There was a want of annoimcement, too, to exhibitors as to the trial of horse gear ; of which there were a great number entered, and at least fifty to be tested, but it was only on Friday that the exhibitors were made aware where they were to be tried, and then all the labour and expense which had been incurred in fixing had to be done over again. One of Aveling and Porter's small traction engines, guided by a lad. did effective service all the week in fetching to and carrying from the trial -yard, heavy mills and bulky machines, like an elephant of vast power whip- ping its trunk round objects and moving them about iu any direction with the greatest ease. The width of the implement yard averages about 750 feet. There are 1,120 feet of shedding for implements iu motion, 50 implement sheds, each 225 feet iu length, and the sheddiug occupies the chief portion of the area erected across the yard in two rows of 25 feet with an avenue 70 feet in width running between the rows down to the trial-yard on the south side of the enclosure nearest the town ; 850 feet more of machinery in motion is at work on the western boundary. Monday, as usual, may be said to have b.een devoted en- tirely to preliminary arrangements and preparations, much of which might have been done on the previous Saturday, had due forethought, resulting from past experience, been exercised. The principal work achieved was commencing the trial of chaff-cutters and the testing of steam gauges. In 30 of the latter very great discrepancies were discovered. The standard by which they were tested was 50 and the highest gauge was found to be 73 above the standard and the lowest 60. The Grinding Mills. — In the mill trials on this occasion the competitors were timed to five minutes, to grind the largest quantity of meal equal or better to a sample produced by the miller employ Bd. The rniUg selected for competition were : 154 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 1st. A portable coru grinding mill, invented and manufactured by Hancock and Fodeu, of Sandbacb, Chester, jorice £50; fitted with one pair of 3 ft. 6 in. Mow Cop grey stone, on substantial metal frame with gearing complete. 2nd. A grinding mill with stone grinders 3 ft. 6 in. in diameter, invented and manufactured by John Weighell, of Pickering, Yorkshire, price £35 : fitted with the best Derbyshire Peak stones, suitable for grind- ing or crushing all kinds of grain for farmers' use. 3rd. An independent iron-framed portable grinding mill, invented and manufactured by Whitmore and Benyon, of "Wickham Market, price £55 ; with stones £2 10s. extra ; with fast and loose pulley, fitted with 33 in. diameter French stones of superior quality. 4th. An improved grinding mill for steam or water power, nianufaclured by the Reading Iron Company, price £86 ; fitted with best burr beef stone and Peak runner 48 in. diameter, with crane for lifting the stone and pulley. 5th. The Royal Agricultural Society of England's Bury St. Edmund's first prize grinding mill, with French buiT stones, manufactured by E. R. and F. Turner, Ipswich, price £55 ; mounted on an iron frame and constructed in the most substantial manner. 6th. Robey and Co., of Lincoln, a corn grinding mill, fitted with one pair of best Derbyshire Peak stones 3 ft. 6 in. diameter, price £50 ; the stones and machinery are fixed in a metal frame of excellent design, rendering the mill both strong and portable. 7th. Ashby, Jeflfery, and Luke hada mill selected fortrial with 42 in. stones, price £45, with crane £6 10s. extra ; it was well and strongly-built, with oak frame, and stones of best quality Derbyshire Peak; gear-work strong, simple in management and noiseless ; but did not com- pete. 8th. Marshall, Sons, and Co., of Gainsborough sent in a cylindi'ical iron frame grinding mill, price £54 ; fitted with 3 ft. 6 in. Derbyshire stones, complete with driving pulley. 9th. Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, of Stow- market, competed with a mill with 42 in. French burr stones, price £65 ; strongly constructed, with iron fi-ame, and every improvement necessary for grinding any corn into flour or meal. 10th. John Tye, of Lincoln, sent in one of his portable grinding mills, fitted with 3 ft. 6 in. grey stones, price £56; on metal frame, with all necessary fittings; but some parts gave way in the trial and it had to be removed. The comparative result of the trials, as far as regards quantity turned-out in the prescribed time, is shown by the following figures : Barley. Wheat. Lbs. Oz. Lbs. Oz. Hancock and Foden ... ... 61 2 ... — J. Weighell 45 1 ... 43 8 Whitmore and Benyon Failed to get samples. Reading Iron Works 53 47 ... 40 1^ E. R. and F. Turner 42 0 ... 36 8 Robey and Co 38 9 ... 45 8 Ashby, Jeflrey, and Luke ... — — . Marshall and Co 37 12 ... 82 4 Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner... 37 1 ... 21 9 John Tye 51 0 ... Broke down. Riches and Watt 12 12 ... 18 8 At Bury St. Edmund's it will be remembered Tui-ner and Co. carried off the £9 piize for mills, John Tye the second prize of £6, while Ruston and Proctor were highly-commended. The CHAfF-cuTTER Trials, --The first entered by T, Sheen was not tried, E. Page and Co., Bedford, a machine, 12-inch, fitted with three knives, reversing gear, cuts four lengths of chaff; cut 421bs. Thomas Allcock, of Ratcliffe-oa-Trent, an improved chaft' cutter, price £13, with three knives, for steam or water power, of immense strength, simple in construction, cutting two lengths without change of wheels, has a 13- inch mouth with reverse and stop motion and toothed rollers ; cut 79|lbs. in three minutes. Robert Maynard, of Cambridge, a patent portable steam power sifting chaff engine, price £45 ; if fitted with caving elevator, £4 extra ; 891bs. Richmond and Chandler, of Salford, a machine identi- cal in principle to that which obtained the first prize of the Royal Society at Bury St. Edmunds, price £16 16s. ; with feeding web, £1 10s. extra. The diameter of puUey was 20| inches. After a false start, owing to error in fixing dynamometer, the machine did excellent work, maintaining its previous reputation by cutting 154lb3. although rather an irregular sample. The next tried was one manufactured by James Comes and Co., of Nantwich, with three knives, a self-acting mouthpiece, and stop and reverse motions, which can be fitted to cut any length required. This machine has gained the first prize of the Society for 14 years in suc- cession, while it turned out good chaff; it only cut 98Ibs. Owing to the driving band slipping, it had to begin a second lot, James Davis and Son, of Hemel-Hempstead, next entered the list with a 10-inch cutter, price £10 10s., mounted on wood frame, fitted with toothed roller, stop and reverse gear, with change wheels, but it only turned out 281bs. of chaff in the prescribed time. The next machine taken out for trial was one of Mel- lard's, Trent Foundry, Rugeley, price £10 10s; stated by the manufacturers to be an excellent machine and of im- mense power and capability, specially constructed for being driven by steam, change wheel, rising mouth-piece from 2^ to 5^ inches and 12| inches wide. The result of effective feeding by three men was 68 lbs. weight of chaff. To this succeeded the star chaff-cutter of Lewis and Hoole of Shrewsbury, described as a new implement, which received the first prize at the Royal Cornwall Agri- cultural Society in May. It cuts two lengths of chaff without change of wheels and is fitted with forward, stop, and reverse motions, price £12 12s., pulleys £1 6s. extra. This machine might have done better but for bad feeding and help, as it got choked and the top layer did not pass through. The result was 70 lbs. After this followed one by Hill and Smith (Corke's pattern), of Brierley Hill, Stafford. It was objected to by some as disqualified, not being entered in the catalogue, and when put to trial soon choked, and the sample produced was not considered of sufficient importance to be weighed. One of Carson and Tooae's, of Warminster, with stop and reverse gear for steam power, was then put on the platform. It is of a similar principle to that which carried off the prize at Canterbury in 1860, price £13 ISs, It made good work in the quality of chaff cut, and turned out 78 J lbs. Messrs. P. and W. Hobbs, of Basingstoke, next entered the lists with an improved chaff-cutter, price £12 12s., fitted with three knives, cutting two lengths of chaff, rising rollers and mouth piece, width of cut 13 inches. It choked several times, and turned out at last 54 lbs. H. and G. Kearsley, of Ripon, tried a chaff-machine, price £10 lOs., with' improved tooth -rollers and rising mouth-piece, and a new etop-motioa for arresting the THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 155 rollers and steel mouth-piece. This turned out a good chaff, but choked once or twice in the feeding : the result was SO^lbs. Hunt and Pickering, of Leicester, tested a chatV-cutter, pi'ice £11 lis., which appeared to be a strong machine for one or two horse-power with two knives, all safety appliances and a solid steel mouth-piece surface, jt choked in feeding, and the result of the work was SOilbs. Picksley, Sims, and Co., of Leigh, then went in with a new implement, price £14, combiuing all the recent im- pi'ovements, which cuts two lengths of chaff without change of wheels, is fitted with forward, stop, and reverse motion and patent clutch gear, and is a strong and substantial machine. It has a 24'-iuch pulley. It was well fed, produced good chaff, and turned out 1331bs. w eight. E. H. Bentall, of Maldon, was next in rotation, with a £14 14s. chaff-cutter, cutting three lengths without extra change wheels, has stopping and reversing motions, wrought-iron legs and braces, improved tooth rollers, and mouth-pieces. It was worked by a 21 -inch pulley. After a good deal of choking from over-feeding, the result was ISUlbs. Ashby; Jeffery, and Luke, of Stamford, tried a small chaff-cutter on wrought-iron frame. Price, to cut two lengths, £9 93. It cut 611bs. Joseph Warren, of Maldon, tried a large machine, price £18 18s., with a mouth 18 inches by 4 inches rise, which produced 971bs. ; but a bad sample of chaff. A few selected chaff-cutters were then put through a second trial, being first run through empty to test by the dynamometer the power they took. T. Allcock, of Ratcliffe-on-Trent, did in five minutes 1481b. chaff. Richmond and Chandler, with a pulley 21^ diam., 267 net. This ended the trials of chaff-cutters for Tuesday. On Wednesday morning they were resumed with James Comes and Co.'s machine; after some delays, owing to the strap slipping, they turned out 1681bs. of chaff in the given time. To this followed Carson and Toone's machine, doing 1541bs. of work. Next came Picksley, Sims, and Co.'s, which being w'ell fed, turned out 217ibs. E. H. Bentall followed, this machine being worked by a 20-in. pulley, cut 1891bs. The trials of these cutters were concluded by the second test of R. Maynard's, which resulted in an amount of 223ilbs. The diameter of the mouth-piece of the principal chaff-cutters was in Bentall's loj in., and in Richmond and Chandler's, and Picksley and Sims's 14i in. If we compare the trials of the chaff-cutters at the show at Bury St. Edmunds we find that the relative competitors stood as follows. The horse-power per minute, and the number of revolutions of the dynamometer, we cannot compare, as these are not yet made known by the judges at Oxford. The time at Bury St. Edmunds for cutting 1 cwt. of straw stood as follows : Min. Sec. Richmond and Chandler 2 35 E.H. Bentall 2 21 Picksley, Sims, and Co 3 18 Carson and Toone 4 17 E. Page and Co 4 42 James Comes and Co 2 57 The first three named took the first, second, and third prizes in rotation, while the others were commended. The comparative power and speed of these competitors ou that occasion were as follows : Richmond and Chandler E.IL Bentall Picksley, Sims, and Co. .. Carson and Toone E. Page and Co James Comes and Co. .. Rev. of H. P. per Average Dynam. Min. H. P. 5.23 2.948 1.143 10.28 5.794 3.406 12.88 7.260 2. 20 12.25 6.905 1.612 14.57 8.213 1.747 10.8 6.087 2.063 Cake-Breakers. — Soon after midday on Wednesday the judges commenced testing the oilcake breakers and crushers. The first tried was one invented by Holmes and Sons, of Norwich, price £15, filled with large case- hardened or steeled cutters, very strong gearing, capable for adjustment for any sized pieces, or for sowing. We failed to get the time of this trial. Next followed Amies, Barford, and Co., of Peterborough, witii their improved Royal prize mill, price £G, which took the first prize at the last trials at Bury as the best mill for power. It is all made of iron, fitted with two pairs of adjustable rollers, and will break the hardest cake into twenty different sizes for lambs, sheep, and beasts. They finished their 3 cwt. of cake in 2 min. 20 seconds ; but it was crushed rather too fine for feeding, although well suited for sowing. The second trial of the machine with thinner cake was also done in the same time. Hunt and Pickering, of Leicester, next went in with an oilcake breaker, price £6, with double rollers, adapted to reduce oil, cotton or rapecake to very small sizes for feeding purposes, also fine enough tor sowing as manure. The first trial with this cake was done in 2 min. 25 seconds ; the second, with thin cake, in 2 min 35 se- conds. The Reading Iron Works put in an improved breaker, price, with pulley, £6 Gs., fitted with two knob or teeth- rollers, and two additional grooved rollers, for reducing the broken cake to dust. Tlie first trial was done in 3 min. 83 seconds; the second in 1 min. 31 seconds. Messrs. Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, of Stowmarket, entered a cake-breaker for fourteen dift'ereut sizes, price £6. A strong machine, with double rollers for breaking any description of cake in sizes varying from dust to pieces for bullocks. The first trial was done in 2 min. 30 seconds ; the second in 2 min. 55 seconds. E. H. Bentall, of ^laldon, sent in a good breaker, price £6 6s., and the first test was done in 2 minutes 15 sees., but on the second trial one of the teeth flew, and hence the machine was withdrawn. To this succeeded W. N. Nicholson, of Newark, with a strong useful .£10 machine, asserted to be capable of doing a large amount of work with little power. The first trial was done in 1 minute 53 sees.; on the second the machine got out of gear, but another trial gave 1 minute 27 sees. E. R. and ¥. Turner of Ipswich then produced a breaker, price £10 10s., with two pairs of adjustable rollers, by means of which any desired sample could be broken. It had an 18-inch mouthpiece, rather shallow. The first trial gave the time 1 minute 7 sees., but the dynamometer did not register well. The second 1 minute 23 sees. The first trial, with thick cake, was repeated, and resulted in 1 minute 15 sees. This ter- minated the proceedings of these breakers ou AVednesday. On Thursday morning the trials were resumed with a double roller breaker, price £5, of R. Mellard and Co., of Rugeley, adapted for hand or power, both sets of rollers can be regulated to break the cake to any degree ot fineness ; it has a receiving box and screen. The time of the trials was 1 minute 48 sees, and 1 minute 156 l^HE FARMEB'g MAaAZTNU. 20 sees. ; but as tlie dynamometer did not register, tlie second trial was gone over again, tlie time being then taken at 1 miuute 32 sees. To this followed a cutter made by Coleman and Morton, of Chelmsford, price £4 14s., which gained the first prize at the Paris Ex- hibition in 1867 ; alleged to be very strong, and capable of getting through much work, but did not come up to promise, as it did not carry the stuff down, the cake jumped a good deal ; the two trials gave 3 mins. 39 sees, and 4 minutes 6 sees, as the relative time, while the machine choked in tlie second trial. This was followed by a double-action breaker, made by Kobert Maynard, of Cambridge, price £10, suitable either for steam or hand-power, and for crushing any description of cake from 1 to 3 J inches thick. This ground a coarser sample, with little or no dust. Time, 1 minute 30 sees, and 1 minute 55 sees. Holmes and Son, of Norwich, submitted a breaker, price £15, suited for steam or hoise-power, fitted with case-hardened or steeled cutters, very strong gearing, adjustable to any sized pieces, or for sowing; sample coarse, with little dust. Time, 1 minute 30 seconds and 1 minute 10 sees. S. Corbett and Sons, of Wellington, tried a breaker with one pair of rollers, price £12. The first sample was rather coarse, the second somewhat better. Time, 1 minute 15 sees, and 2 minutes 22 sees. Those which were considered the most effective were then submitted to a second trial, which resulted as fol- lows : Thick Cake. Thin Cake, mins. sees. mins. sees. E. R. and r. Turner 1 11 1 20 Amies, Barford and Co., 2 5 2 10 Hunt and Pickering not tried. Turnip Pulpers, with Power. — Each was given 3 cwt. of roots to cut, and the machines were timed. R. Hornsby and Sons, of Grantham, a patent disc root pulper, price £6 15s., pulley for power extra, took the first prize at the Bury trials. Time, 1 minute 38 seconds. Reuben Hunt, of Halstead, a disc root pulper, price £4 10s., with eight knives. Time, 3 min. 11 sees. Woods and Cocksedge, Stowmarket, a root-pulper for steam power, invented by Phillips, of Brandon, price £7 7s. Described by the exhibitors as a very fast pulper. Will cut up 20 tons a day ; teeth easily replaced at Id. each. Turned out a good sample, and did the three cwt. in 3 minutes 11 seconds. R. Mellard, of Rugeley, a treble action disc root- pulper, stripper, and slicer, price £7 10s.; pulley, 7s. 6d. extra. By turning the feed-plate, either operation can be done without altering the knives. Did not work well. The feeder had to hammer down the roots, to the danger of his fingers, which got caught by the slicer. The sam- ple was rough. Time, 3 minutes 5 seconds. E. H. Bentall, of Maldon, put in a patent root-pulper, price £7 7s., of a make which has been in use 14 years ; it is expeditious and durable, and is alleged to be the only pulper that will pulp cabbages properly. The time taken was 1 minute 40 seconds. The Judges gave the machine a second trial, which resulted in 1 minute 53 seconds time. The same exhibitor submitted another pulper, price £5 5s., on the disc principle, fitted with eight knives, which can be regulated to pulp finer or coarser. The time taken by this machine to cut a rather coarse sample, was 1 minute 44 seconds. Thos. Corbett and Co., of Shrewsbury, tested an im- proved pulper, price £6, which did its work in 1 minute 15 seconds. Picksley, Sims, and Co., of Leigh, then placed on a very strong machine adapted for power only, price £6 5s., which had a very large cutting surface, and worked by a 24-ineh pulley, turned out a good sample in 1 minute 8 seconds. Messrs. S. Corbett and Son, of Wellington, next had tested a patent root-pulper, price £6 10s. ; it was worked by a 15-inch pulley ; it did the work required in 57 or 58 seconds. Messrs. Edward Page and Co., of Bradford, next brought forward an improved disc root pulper, price £5, fitted with adjustable sliding knives and other appliances, which did not work well, and took the long time of 3 minutes 25 seconds. The next brought on the platform was one by Hunt and Pickering, of Leicester, which was a disc root pulper, price £6 ; a strong compact machine, for horse or steam power, stated in the catalogue to be able to pulp 4 tons an hour. This did its work in 1 minute 45 seconds, but like some others of the same class, scattered the pulp widely thi'ough the holes of the disc cover, and made rather bad work. R. Mellard, of Trent Foundry, Rugeley, tested a disc root pulper, price £5 5s., on strong wood frame, adapted for power, fitted with 12 steel knives. It was worked by a 12 inch pulley, and did the work in 1 minute 7 seconds. This brought the trials to a close for Thursday. On Friday morning, a few of the principal root pulpers were again tested by the judges, without the limit of one person feeding with roots ; the owners being allowed to put in the roots as they liked. The result of the trials as to time were : Min. Sees. Hornsby and Sons 1 34 T. Corbett 0 57 Picksley and Sims 0 50 Robert Willacy, of Preston, submitted a combined machine for trial, consisting of an oilcake breaker, turnip and root cutter, and patent cattle-feeder, price £25 ; a very pretty-looking affair in theory, but which broke down in practice, and would not touch the turnips thrown in. Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, of Stowmarket, then submitted a double-action turnip-cutter for bullocks and sheep, price £5 53., but it was very slow in action, and not much approved of; it did its work in 4 min. 14 see. Hunt and Pickering, of Leicester, had a £5 5s. turnip- cutter tried, which did its work in 4 min. 30 sec. R. Hornsby and Sons, of Grantham, were the next on the list with a patent disc turnip -cutter, price £4 10s., introduced in 1861 and improved in 1866. It cuts with great rapidity, and took the first prizes at the Bury trials of the Society. It did its work in 2 min. 59 sec. On Saturday these trials were resumed, the first tested being a machine by E. H. Bentall, of Maldon, an improved Gardner's turnip-cutter, price £5 5s. A double-action cutter for sheep and cattle, the frame of iron and the grate of wrought iron, fitted with handle so that the turnips can be taken out at the side where the person turns the machine. Time occupied in cutting 5 min. 15 sec. The following hand pulpers were then tried with 2 cwt. each of turnips : Reuben Hunt's (Gardner's) double-action turnip-cutter, price £5 5s., cuts for bullocks or sheep, made with cast- iron or wood top. Time occupied 3 min. 58 sec. The results of others tried afterwrrds were : THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 15? Min Sec 6 0 8 20 5 2 5 28 6 12 6 45 4 1 3 0 7 6 6 0 5 0 9 12 6 30 9 50 Carson and Toones Southwell and Co R. Hornsby and Sons' pulper Woods and Cocksedge E. H. Bentall Ditto, another machine Picksley, Sims, and Co. ... Corbett & Sons, Wellington Southwell and Co T. Corbett, Shrewsbury Coleman and Moreton E. Page and Co Woods and Cocksedge Hunt and Pickering Hand Chaff Cutters. — The next brought on were chaff-cutters, worked by hand power. H. and E. Kearsley, Carson and Toone, Lewis and Hoole, Mellard, and Reuben Hunt had entered, but were withdrawn. The first tested was one by E. H. Bentall, of Maldon, price £5 15s. 6d., fitted with wrought iron legs and braces, improved tooth rollers, the gearing in the frame covered, cuts three lengths, 9i-inch mouthpiece, cut 121bs. Ashby, Jeffery, and Luke, a hand-power chaff-cutter, with wrought-iron frame and angle irou legs, to cut two lengths, £3 17s. 6d., 8i-inch mouthpiece, cut 81b. P. and W. Hobbs, of Basingstoke, a chalf-cntter, price £5 5s., mounted on iron frame for cutting two lengths, with rising rollers, and mouthpiece 9 inches wide ; to be worked by hand-power, or attached to a 1 -horse geax. This machine cut 71b. J. Cornes and Co., of Nantwich, a chaff cutter, price £4 15s., has self-acting mouthpiece, and cuts two lengths ; is stated to have gained four of the Society's prizes; cut 51b. Thos. Sheen, of Aylesbury, a chaff-cutter, mounted on cast-iron frame for hand-power, with registered rollers ; rising mouthpiece 3i inches wide, to rise from 2 to 3^ inches ; adapted to cut two lengths of chaff without change of wheels ; work done 41bs. only. Hunt and Pickering, of Leicester, a machine, price £5 5s., cuts two lengths ; knives nm within iron frame, double universal joints in top roller shaft, no change wheels, the mouthpiece fitted with solid steel surface; this machine cut 71bs. Southwell and Co., of Rugeley, a machine, price £3 12s. 6d., fitted with patent lever for varying the length of cut without changing the wheels or removing the cover : has a rising mouthpiece 8i by 3j inches, and powerful fly- wheel ; cut 71bs. HUl and Smith, of Brierly ITill, had one of Corne's pattern with two knives, but as there was no pulley sent with it and no one to attend to it, it was put aside. Lewis and Hoole, of Shrewsbury, had entered one of their Star chaff cutters, price £2 5s., but would not bring it forward. T. Allcock, of Ratcliffe-on-Trent, had an improved chaff cutter, price £5, with two knives ; cuts two lengths without change of wheels; described by the maker as simple in construction and very easy to work. This cut 61b. weight. Joseph Warne, of Maldon, had a small £5 5s. chaff cutter, made to cut different lengths without change of wheels, which cut 61bs. Edward Page and Co., of Bedford, exhibited a 9-inch chaff cutter, price £7 10s., which cuts 3 lengths, and is sufficiently strong to be worked by horse power. This cut easily 81bs. Smith and Grace, of Thrapston, sent in a machine, price £5 17s. 6d.,' fitted with brass bearings, case- hardened mouth-piece, toothed roDers, stop and reverse motions; cuts two lengths of chaff without change of wheels ; has two handles, so that two men or boys can work it. Size of mouth lOin. by 4in. This cut lllbs. Picksley, Sims, and Co., of Leigh, a new chaff cutter for hand power, price £G ; combines all the recent improvements, and will cut two lengths without change of wheels ; 9iin. mouth. The work done was lOlbs. Alex. Aldworth, of Abingdon, an old-fashioned chaff machine ; feed drawn by sacking ; roller bottom ; prica £4. Length of box 6ft. 6in., size of cut 14in. by 7in. Length of cut can be varied without change of wheels. Worked by one man, with a knife cutter and treadle. Although much laughter and ridicule was created by the appearance of this coffin-looking machine, yet the man turned out an excellent sample of chaff, cutting ISlbi. in 3 minutes. Richmond and Chandler, of Salford, finished in this class with a machine, price £7 7s., constructed with an entirely new form of mouth-piece. It is impossible to choke it. Adapted for cutting two lengths without change, and 4 lengths with 1 pair of change wheels. This cut 13lbs., the highest quantity registered. We can only indicate the comparative merit of the se- veral implements tried, in the absence of the power used, and the revolutions shown by the dynamometer, particulars which are not to be had from the judges ; still, the several facts stated will enable the public to form a very fair average idea of the duty of the different machines submitted for trial. A little difficulty arose on Friday, in consequence of the discretionary power exercised by the judges, in calling for and testing one or two crushing mills of Messrs. Ran- some, Sims, and Head, who had entered nothing for trial, a step against which Mr. R. C. Ransome protested ; but the judges persisted, and stated that exhibitors had no right to withhold anything for trial, and the judges had the power, on refusal, of ordering it out of the yard. After a little discussion, Mr. Ransome handsomely gave way to the judges. On Saturday afternoon the council held a conference with the leading implement makers as to the general nature of premiums to be awarded at Wolverhampton in 1871, and a preliminary was suubmitted and discussed, which will come on again for further consideration. llie following is a summary of the competitors in the trial- yard in the several classes, and some of the results : FIXED STEAM ENGINES WITH BOILER — SECTIo:S 1 — CLASS 1, Clayton and Shuttleworth ; Robey and Co. ; Riches and Watts ; Ashby and Jeffery ; J. Eastwood ; Brown and May ; Hancock and Poden ; Marshall, Sons, and Co. ; E. R. and P. Turner ; Reading Iron Works ; T. D. Eagles ; Davey, Pax- man, and Davey ; W. N. Nicholson. Engine Trials. — The trials of the four-horse power fixed engines gave the following results : Teu-horse-power Engines. Price of Engine. E. R. and P. Turner 142 Clayton and Shuttleworth ... 240 Marshall, Sons, and Co , 130 Reading Iron Works 202 W. S. UDderhill I 150 Real Time. ra. s- I 2 14 ' 3 6 2 36 3 13 2 21 Mechanical Time. m. s. 2 17 3 23 2 42 3 19i 15S THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Four-horse-power Engines. Clayton and Shuttleworth ... Riclies and Watts Robey and Co Ashby, Jeffery, and Luke ... Brown and May Hancock and Foden (with "I boiler) J Price of Engine. £ 105 100 102 125 95 Real Time. Mechanical Time. m. s. 3 25 2 H 2 7^ 2 13 3 1 35 45 9 17 25 9 1 26 SECTION 1 — CLASS 2 — WITUOUT BOILERS. G. H. Ellis ; E. R. and F. Turner ; Clayton and Shuttle- worth ; Marshall, Sons, and Co. ; Reading Iron Works : W. S. Underbill. SECTION 5 — CLASS 1 — MILLS WITH STONE GRINDERS, STEAM OR HAND POWER. Hancock and Foden ; J. Weighell ; Whitmore and Benyon ; Reading Iron Works ; E. R. and F. Turner ; J. D. Pinfold (Compound stone and steel) ; Robey and Co. ; AUchin and Son; Mellard's Trent Foundry ; Ashby, Jeffery, and Lute ; J. Tye ; Marshall, Sons, and Co. ; Woods, Cocksedge, and Co. ; T. Baker. SECTION 3 — CLASS 2 — MILLS WITH METAL GRINDERS, STEAM OR HAND POWER. Hunt and Pickering ; E. Page and Co. ; E. and H. Ro- berts ; Beverley Waggon Co. ; T. Corbett ; T. Thomas ; S. Corbett and Son ; Riches and Walts, 12^ lbs. barley, 18^ beans ; Amies, Barford, and Co. ; Smith and Grace. •ECTION 3 — CLASS 3 — MILLS WITH METAL GRINDERS, HAND POWER. P. and W. Ilobbs; Smith and Grace; E. Page and Co. ; Hunt and Pickering ; T. Corbett ; Riches and Watts ; J. Da- Tis and Son ; S. Corbett and Sou. SECTION 4 — CLASS 1 — CRUSHERS, STEAM OR HORSE POWER. Amies, Barford, and Co. ; E. R. and F. Turner, 90^1bs. oats, 15-tilbs. beans ; Woods, Cocksedge, and Co., ISl-^lbs. oats, 253|lbs. beans ; Picksley, Sims, and Co., 67|lbs. oats ; E. H. Bentall, 116|lbs. oats, Sijlbs. beans; S. Corbett and Son, 591bs. 7ozs. oats, 1031bs. beaas ; Ransomes. SECTION 4 — CLASS 2 — CRUSHERS, HAND POWER. P. and W. Hobbs ; Picksley, Sims, and Co. ; T. Corbett ; E. R. and F.Turner; E. H. Rental!, IS^lbs. oats, ISflbs. beans; Woods, Cocksedge, and Co., 13|lbs. oats, 21ilbs beans ; S. Corbett and Son. SECTION 4 CLASa 3 — STEAM OR HAND. E. H. Bentall, IS^lbs. oats, 8Jlbs. beans ; Woods, Cocks- edge, and Co., 13|lbs. oats, 6|lbs. beans ; Picksley, Sims, and Co. ; E. R. and F. Turner ; Beverley Waggon Co. SECTION 4 — CLASS 4 — HAND POWER. Picksley, Sims, and Co. ; Richmond and Chandler ; Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner ; E. H. Bentall ; E. R. and F. Turner ; Ransomes, Sims, and Head, tried by judges, but not entered. SECTION 5 — CLASS 1 — CHAFF CUTTERS — STEAM OR HAND POWER. E. Page and Co. ; T. Allcock ; Lewis and Hoole ; R. Mayuard; Richmond and Chandler; J. Comes and Co. Davis and Son ; Mellard's Trent Foundry ; Hill and Smith P. and W, Hobbs ; H. and G. Kearsley ; Hunt and Pickering , Picksley, Sims and Co. ; E. H. BentstU ; Ashby, Jeffery, and Luke ; J. Warren, SECTION 5 — CLASS 2 — HAND POWER. Quantity cut in 5 niin. E. H. Bentall, 121bs. ; Ashby, Jeffrey, and Co., 81bs. ; P. and W. Hobbs, 71bs.; J. Comes and Co., 51bs. ; T. Sheen, 41bs. ; Hunt and Pickering, 71bs. ; Southwell and Co., 71bs. ; Hill and Smith ; T. Allcock, 61bs. ; J. Warren, 61bs. ; E. Page and Co., Slbs. ; Smith and Grace, lllbs. ; Picksley, Sims and Co., lOlbs. ; A. Aldworth, 151bs. ; Richmond and Chandler, 131bs. SECTION 6— CLASS 1 — OILCAKE BREAKERS— STEAM OR HAND POWER. Holmes and Son, 1 m. 30 s. Im. 10 s. ; Amies, Barford, and Co., 2, 2.20 ; Hunt and Pickering, 2.25, 2.35 ; Reading Iron Works, 2.33 1.31; W. N. Nicholson, 1.53 1.27; Woods, Cockscdgp, ;>ud AVarner, 2.30, 2.55 ; E. H. BentaU, broke down; E. R. and F.Turner, 1.15, 1.23; Mellard's Trent Foundry, 1.43, 1.32; Picksley, Sims, and Co. ; Coleman and Morton, 3.39, 4.6; R. Maynard, 1.36, 1.55; S. Corbett and Son, 1.15, 2.22. SECTION 6 — CLASS 2 — OILCAKE BREAKERS — HAND POWER- Reading Iron Works ; Coleman and Morton ; E. Page and Co. ; R. Willacy ; Woods, Cocksedge and Warner ; Hunt and Pickering ; Ashby, Jeffery, and Co. ; Lewis and Hoole ; South- well and Co.; S. Corbett and Son; P. and W. Hobbs; Picksley, Sims, and Co. ; T. Corbett ; R. Hunt ; Haslam and Clark ; Mellard's Trent Foundry ; W. N. Nicholson ; E. R. and F. Turner ; E. H. BentaU. SECTION 7 — CLASS ] — TURNIP AND ROOT CUTTERS. R. Wallacy, broke down; Hunt and Pickering; Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner ; Binnie, Dayer, and Co. ; Hornsby and Sons ; T. Corbett and Son ; E. H. Bentall ; Mellard's Trent Foundry ; Lewis and Hoole ; H. and G. Kearsley ; R. Hunt ; Carson and Toone ; Southwell and Co. SECTION 7 — CLASS 2 — ROOT PULPERS. Lewis and Hoole ; Southwell and Co. ; Hornsby and Sons, 1.38 1.34; R. Hunt, 3.11 ; Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, 3.11; Mellard's Trent Foundry, 3.15 ; E. H. Bentall, 1.40 and 1.53 ; T. Corbett, 1.15 and 57 sec. ; Picksley, Sims, and Co., 1.8 and 50 sec. ; S. Corbett and Son, 59 sec. ; E. Page and Co., 3.25 ; Hunt and Pickering, 1.50 ; R. MiUard, 3.15. SECTION 8 — STEAMING APPARATUS. W. N. Nicholson ; Amies, Barford, and Co. ; V. Barford. Hunt and Pickering, of Leicester, had an improved breaker, price £3 10s., which had received a prize from the Society. It was adapted for breaking nine different sizes. It took 9 5 min. time in breaking hdlf-a-cwt. of cake. Southwell and Co., of Rugeley, a breaker, price £3 3s., adjustable by a simple contrivance to break six different sizes, mouthpiece I25 by 2i in., convertible into a hopper. Wheels entirely covered, to prevent accident. Time of working 7 min. 45 sec. S. Corbett and Son, of Wellington, a breaker, price £3 10s. Made good work. Two trials gave respectively 4 min. 25 sec. and 4 min. 20 sec. T. Corbett, of Shrewsbury, a similar machine, price £3 10s., adapted for breaking six different sizes. Time 5 min. 45 sec. E. R. and F. Turner, of Ipswich, a double action breaker, price £4 los., for cutting for beasts, sheep, and lambs. Time 6 min. 9 sec. E. H. Bentall, Maldon, a breaker, price £3 Ss., equally adapted for cutting several sizes of cake. Time 7 min. 50 sec. Amies, Barford, and Co., an oilcake mill, £3 lOs. Can be worked by a strong lad, and will break the hardest cake into eight sizes, for sheep and beasts. Time of two trials 4 min. 48 sec. and 4 miu. 56 sec. Mellard's Trent Fouudiy, Rugeley, an improved oil- cake breaker, price £2 15s., fitted with eccentric motion to regulate the distance between the breakers. Time 4 min. 35 sec. A few other breakers were subsequently put under trial. The following were the awards to oilcake breakers worked by hand-power : Amies, Barford, and Co., £6 ; Mel- lard's Trent Foundry, £4 ; Corbett and Son, commended. Among the sets of horse gear tried were four sets by Reuben Hunt, of Halstead, ranging in price from a pony gear of £6 lOs. up to £15. Three from the Reading Iron Works, from £7 7s. to £11, the latter price being for a patent safety gear. The whole machinery being self-contained, no accident can happen to persons or machinery. The dust and wet being excluded, there is no waste of oil or grease. Three made by Thomas Baker, of Compton, Newbury, price from £12 to £15 IDs. Two sets of gear work, with intermediate motion, by E, R, and l\ Turner, Ipswich, £7 7s. to £11. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 159 One by Robert Boby, of Bury St. Edmuads, price £12 12s. One by Henry Denton, of Wolverhampton, £12. Two by E. Cambridge and Co., of Bristol, £11 10s. to £12 10s. Two by Colemau and Morton, of Chelmsford, £11 10s. and £15. A one-horse power and a two-horse power gearing, by Hunt and Pickering, of Leicester, same price as last- named. One one-horse and one two-horse gear, price £11 10s. and £16, by Richmond and Chandler, Salford. A two-horse power gear, works of iron, by Brown and Maude, of Shrewsbury, price £12 10s. A one-horse and a two-horse gear, by Holmes and Sons, of Norwich, price £9 and £13. One, price £11, made by R. Hunt, of Earl's Colne, but exhibited by Haslam and Clark, of Henley. Seven sets, by Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, of ' Stowmarket, from £8 8s. up to £17 17s. Two, by Ashby, Jeffery, and Luke, of Stamford, £11 lis. An improved horse-power works, price £12, made by Mellard's Trent Foundry, Rugeley. One-horse and two-horse power gear, by T. Corbett, Shrewsbury, price £13 10s. and £lo 10s. A two-horse gear, price £17, by Williamson Brothers, of Kendal. A two-horse gear, price £10 10s., by John Weighill, of Pickering. A two-horse gear, £14, and a three-horse gear, £24, by Davis and Son, of Hemel Hempstead. We enumerate these principally to show the variable range of prices as put forth by different makers. In the trials of the bone-crushing mills, the Beverley Iron and Waggon Company, with their Bury St. Ed- mund's first prize double roller mill, price £210, with a pressure of 251b., crashed in 6 minutes 10 sees. 1 qr. 231bs. to dust. The single roller mill of the same firm, price £85, also a prize mill of the Society, turned out in 5 minutes, 3 qrs. 51bs. of 5-inch, 3 qrs. 25ilb. of ^-inch, and 3 qrs. 61bs. of rough. W. Crosskill and Sons, of Beverley, tried their single roller mill, price £90, which delivered in 5 minutes, 1 qr. 181b. dust, 1 cwt. and 261b. of j-inch, and 1 cwt. 1 qr. ISJlb. rough. The Beverley Company received two prizes of £9 and £6 respectively, and the other Beverley house, £5. riXED STEAM-ENGINES OF 4-HORSE POWER. £9 Clayton and Shuttleworth. £6 Brown and May. £5 Reading Iron Works Company. Marshall and Co. highly commended. Robey and Co., and Davey, Paxman, and Davey com- mended. The correct running mechanical times were : Min. Sees. Clayton and Shuttleworth 3 45 Brown and May 8 9 Reading Iron Works Company 3 1 Marshall and Co 2 26 RobeyandCo 2 22i Fixed Engines above 4-horse power and not EXCEEDING 10-HORSE POWER. — Clayton and Shuttle- worth and Reading Iron Works Co., equal £11 5s. each ; Marshall, Sons, and Co., £7 10s. Time : Clayton, 3 min. 23 sees. ; Reading Iron Works Co., 3 min. 19| sees. ; Marshall and Co., 2 min. 24 sees. The rule was that steam should be got up ; and then, each stoker being provided with a certain amount of Llangennech coal, was left to make the most he could of his engine, which was connected by a driving-strap to a force- register or friction-break, beneath the shed, some thirty feet distant. Each engine had been previously tested up to about double the pressure at which it was proposed to be driven, the working pressure of steam when on trial not exceeding oOlbs. per square inch. The judges, in adjudicating on the engine, in addition to the quantity of fuel used in maintaining the lifting powers, took into calculation the facility of access to the working parts, the simplicity of construction, probable durability, and prime cost. By this means, the most complete decision was arrived at in the interest of the purchasers of these expensive pieces of machinery. For the class of mills with metal grinders, for grinding agricultural produce for feeding pui poses by hand power, the £10 prize was ivil/i/ieUl hy the judges. In the class of root-pulpers Picksley, Sims, and Co., of Leigh, were highly commended for their pulper worked by steam-power ; ant' T. Corbett, of Shrewsbury, and S. Corbett and Sons, of Wellington, commended for their hand-power pulpers. Steaming apparatus for preparing food for stock : Amies, Barford, and Co., £12 for their portable apparatus for farm use, price £26 10s., and £8 prize for a similar apparatus, but 'Aith smaller pans, price £23 10s. ; it will steam inferior hay at 3d. per ton, and potatoes at 6d. per ton. For churns worked by hand-power, £4, to Robert Tinkler, of Penrith, for a churn price £4 15s — will make lib. to 301bs. butter. £3 10s. to George Hathaway, of Chippenham, for a barrel churn with newly invented stoppers and improved beaters ; sold at £6. £2 10s. to Thomas Bradford and Co., London, for a mid-feather churn ; to make up to 251bs. The hexagon 8 gallons eccentric churn of Thomas and Taylor, of Salford, to make from 21bs. to 241bs. of butter, price £3 10s., was highly commended as handy for very small farms. Churns worked by any other power : £4 10s. to Robt. Tinkler, for a churn for large dairies, price £6 5s., which will make from 61bs. to 1201bs. of butter. £3 to Robinson and Richardson, of Kendal, for a churn, price £6 15s., capable of making up to SOlbs. of butter. £2 lOs. to Thomas Bradford and Co., of London, for a churn, price £8 lOs., fitted for steam, horse, or water- power, and to churn up to 1 cwt. In the class of cheese tubs the judges withheld £7 of the amount offered. In the class of guano-breakers the prize of £20 was withheld for want of merit. Flax-breaking machines : John E. Hodgkin, West Derby, £6 for a flax-breaker, for steam or horse-power, and £4 for a machine for hand-power. Draining tile machinery -. £8 to J. D. Pinfold, of Rugby, for his improved power machine, which received the Society's prize at Leicester. It will make 10,000 bricks, or 15,000 draining pipes a day. £7 to J. Whitehead, of Preston, for his hand machine. Edward Page and Co., of Bedford, commended for their double end machine, suited for steam-power. One of the ten silver medals to be awai'ded was withheld by the judges. The following are the judges' awards for the horse gear : Class 1. — One-horse gear. Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, Stowmai'ket, fii'st prize, £5 ; Richmond and Chandler, Salford, second, £2 10s. ; Reuben Hunt, Hal- stead, third, £2 10s, Hunt and Pickering, Leicester, %m THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. highly commended. Coleman and Morton, Chelmsford, Thomas Corbett, Shrewsbury, and the Reading Iron Works, commended. Class 2. — Two-horse gear, Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, first prize, £5 ; E. R. and F. Turner, Ipswich, second, £2 10s. ; Richmond and Chandler, third, £2 10s. Reuben Hunt, Mellard's Trent Foundry, Rugeley, and Coleman and Morton, highly commended. Woods and Cocksedge, T. Corbett, and Williamson Brothers, Kendal, commended. We now proceed to give some notice of the principal exhibitors in the implement yard, although this must necessarily be restricted, for space would fail us to give anything like even an enumeration of the number of stands. Every year adds to the magnitude of the show yard, and unfortunately the integrity and speciality of the purely agricultural element of the implement yard are more and more departed from, rendering it too much of a huge bazaar filled with heterogeneous miscellaneous articles which have little or no connection with the farming interest. This extension of the outside element tends to swamp the true agricultural implement makers, who devote enormous expense to a due representation at the Society's meeting, and whose objects are in one direction the main interest and support of the show. Murray and Co., of Banif, exhibit some good double-furrow ploughs, which have been successful this year in competitive trials in Scotland : several of these embody new improvements, and one, a combined double-furrow plough and subsoiler, received high com- mendation from the judges. The front plough can be removed and a subsoil body attached, which stirs up the bottom of the previously cut furrow 5 to 8 inches deep, and the back plough following turns the next furrow on to it ; thus all treading upon the newly-loosened subsoil is avoided, leaving the bottom free to drain off the surface water and to be operated upon by the frost and air. They also show a new land roller, jointed so as to follow the inequalities of the land. Hornsby and Sons, of Grantham, have a varied collection of implements, including turnip cutters and root pulpers, thrashing machines, steam engines, ploughs, drills, mowers, and reapers. Their patent Governor self-raking reaper attracted much at- tention among practical men, by the simplicity and efficacy of the foot-board, by which the driver can throw the machine in and out of gear. The knife being held down by a slide-box prevents its being broken by the high speed at which it runs. The Progress i-eaper of this firm is the same in principle, but with a diff'erent raking apparatus. It is light and compact, with great strength, and took less draught than any machine tested at ]\lanchester. Their Paragon mower, wliich took the first prize at Manchester, is different in arrangement to any existing machine. The joint of the finger bar being made to act direct upon the crank in travelling over in- equalities of land, no friction takes place. It will work when turned-up for travelling, and crop at the side of a hedge. It gained the first prize in competition recently in France. The Manchester mower is lighter in construc- tion than the Paragon. It is peculiarly adapted for cutting difficult crops on uneven as well as level land. The gearing being placed on the opposite side of the machine, gives greater facilities for throwing it in and out of gear. The Premier reaper, which gained the first prize at Manchester, is used either for one or two horses, Avith attachment for delivering side sheaf, side swathe, or back sheaf, and is very light in draught. It will be re- membered that this firm has carried oS the highest awards for turnip and root cutters and pulpers. Their cutter is dif- ferent in the arrangement of the knives to any other made, every knife being set in such a position that no wedging of the roots is possible, no two knives being set opposite to the other. The whole of the knives on one side may be removed bodily by taking out three bolts. As every knife can be readily got at, a new one can be put in if required by the most simple farm labourer. The number of teeth round the outside of the disc prevents the last piece from dropping through, and it is brought up again into the hopper where the other roots press it forward through the knives, as there is no other exit. In these root pulpers which carried ofl' the first prize for steam power pulpers and the only prize for hand pulpers, each steel, diamond-pointed knife is fastened separately with an iron wedge, and the hopper holds the roots in position for being cut. The oscillating cleans the cutters and renders the machine simple and easy to work. Their adjustable corn screen, with efficient blower and improved dressing apparatus, was highly commended by the judges. It is somewhat similar to that which obtained the Society's prize at the Bury meeting. A fine riddle may be used for peas and such like. The screen is capable of opening and closing to suit various sizes of corn. The difficulty hitherto in making a combined blower and dressing machine has been that the hopper required the whole breadth of the machine to distribute the corn well in front of the blast, necessitating in many cases a change of hopper; here it is simply done by removing the plate and bringing it inside the riddle case. Corn and seed drills, ploughs, &c., and many other useful machines and imple- ments are also shown on their stand. On J. Fowler and Co's. stand we have 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8-furrow balance ploughs, subsoil cultivators, and turning cultivators, with 5, 9, or II tines, as may be required. The 12 and 14-horse engines, and the cultivators they di-aw, are coming into somewhat extensive use at home and abroad. Two of these, made for the Khedive of Egypt are shown, whilst there are two of 30 nominal horse-power, but capable of working up to a pressure of 100 or 120 pounds, which would give them a power of between 70 and 80 horses each. These monster engines have been made for Mr. R. CampbeD, of Buscot Park, near Faringdon, who has had a similar pair in use for nearly twelve months. They are intended to prepare land to the depth of three feet for the growth of sugar-beet, of which Mr. Campbell has about 2,000 acres under culture. The cost of these engines, with a complete set of cultivators and apparatus, is nearly £2,500. We also noticed several of Pirie's double-furrow ploughs, besides a couple of 8-horse power traction engines. This double-furrow plough, which was considered a remarkable novelty at Leicester two years ago, has been outstripped since. It is carried on three wheels, which work in a diagonal position, and draw towards the soil to be cut and turned while at the headlands. The shares are raised clear of the ground by the application of a lever. Thomson, of Edinburgh, shows a kind of omnibus road steam engine, which was highly commended by the judges. It is completely under the control of the driver, and, like Aveling and Porter's engines, wiU turn within a circle of a few feet in diameter. Its chief novelty, however, consists in the tire of each wheel having around it a band of indiarubber. This band varies from 4 to 6 or more inches in thickness, according to the weight of the engine, and it is shod with flat bars of iron an inch or so thick and about thi'ee inches in width. By this arrangement a large grip is obtained from the rubber yielding to the weight of the engine, and being formed into a flat surface of some length on the road, while the shoe protects the rubber from being cut by stones. The " shoe," in the form of these flat lengths of ME FARMER'S J^IAGAZINE. 161 iron bar, is held togelkcr by an endless chain being fastened to the ends of the bar on each side of the tire. An 8-horse power road steamer, weighing six tons, draw- ing a load of 18 tons, will consume 481bs. of coal per mile on good level roads ; on very hilly roads the consumption may rise to 'J61bs. per mile. Rausomes, Sims, and Head, of Ipswich, occupy a very large space with samples of all the varied implements and engines for which their iirm is so well known. Among these is Jeffery's double-furrow plough, fitted with an ap- paratus for taking the plough out of work, and turning it easily at the headlands ; the depth can be regulated as it proceeds. Then they have another double-furrow plough, which appears to be the only two-wheel plough that carries the weight iu the ceutre of the implement. It is adapted to plough from 3 to 7 inches deep, and can be readily adjusted to take two furrows, each from 8| to 10 inches wide. It can do deep work, angular work, or *> match work. There are also shown ploughs, fitted with Woofe's patent disc cutter for pulverising the soil, and patent presser for preventing the hoUowness common to all rectangular furrows. This takes no more power than an oridinary plough. Then there are special ploughs, suited for use in Cheshire and Lancashire, and for the Eastern Counties; tui-n- wrest ploughs for hill-side plough- ing or for level land ; horse-rakes, harrows, haymakers, the latter double-speeded, fitted with a fast backward, instead of the usual overhead motion, for scattering, and a slow backward motion for turning the hay. These, with corn screens, thrashing-machines, and a host of lawn- mowers, for hand-use or for horse-power, ranging from 8 inches wide to three feet, constituted the principal articles. We must not omit to mention, however, that they also show a three-furrow plough, to supply the demand if such ponderous implements are likely to come into use. Picksley, Sims, and Co. (Limited), of Leigh, a firm which has come out so successfully in all the competition trials for which its machines were en- tered, had on its stand a large and varied display of corn and linseed crushers, chaff-cutters, cake-breakers, turuip- slicers and pulpers, horse-rakes, combined mowers and reapers, and other useful articles. Their strong standard combined mower and reaper has a patent sliding double-gear arrangement, which allows of the finger-bar and knives being projected 6 inches out- wards clear of the frame-work in reaping, without re- moving the pole. By the I'emoval of a single bolt the speed is altered to fast for mowing and slow for reaping. In the manufacture of chaff-cutters they rank, perhaps, nest to Bentall's in the quantity turned out, and are also well known for their root-pulpcrs, cutters, and mills, ranging from all prices. J. and F. Howard, of Bedford, maintain their high re- putation by the implements shown on this occasion. They exhibit their steam cultivation machinery. In one set the engine is fitted with a steam force-pump, available iu case of fire or for irrigation. Steam harrows, sub- soilers, and drills are also among their implements, be- sides innumerable ploughs, from the most cheap and simple to the most effective and complete forms. And there is also their three-furrow plough, which, it is said, can be worked by three horses on light land. A seat is 2)rovided for the ploughman, and a steerage lever, which enables him readily to guide the implement. The self- acting horse-rake, which i-eceived a silver medal from the judges here, has been designed to meet the demand for a self-relieving rake, in order to reduce the manual labour required to raise the teeth, and relieve the rake of its load. The advantages of the Howard safety-boiler, of which there are about 8,000 already in use in England, are stated to be the freedom of risk from explosion, economy of fuel, perfect circulation of the water, ready means of removing sediment, simplicity of parts, economy of space, and facility iu transport and setting. It can work up to 140 or 150 lbs. pressure. Tuxford and Sons, of Boston, have nine steam-engines on the ground, including horizontal, portable, steeple, and traction engines. The steeple engines are of great durability, and calculated to stand the roughest work, either in the yard or the field. They also show several combined thrashing machines, straw elevators, and speci- mens of Appold's centrifugal pumps, adapted to discharge from 150 to 1,400 gallons per minute. The Keadiug Iron Works (Limited) have an extensive show, comprising a large amount of heavy machinery. Their four-horse and eight-horse fixed engines we have already spoken of in the competition trials. Horse-gear, thrashing machines, crushing mills, &c., are some of the specialities of this company. In the lock-lever horse- rake a great improvement has been made in the fastening of the teeth, which are adjusted to rise and fall according to the inequalities of the ground. In a cheap barley liummeler for hand power, which received the first prize at Worcester, the grain passes through a cylinder, with a wire screen at the bottom, in which revolves a spindle fitted with steel blades. Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, of Stowmarket, show a large variety of machines and implements. Their horse gear carried off the first prize in both classes for one and two-horse gear ; some of those exhibited are adapted for working machines requirina; either fast or slow speed ; others for a pony to work a small chaff-cutter, mill, or for pumping, while some are mounted on travelling wheels to move about from farm to farm, and suitable for working elevators in harvest time. This firm also sup- plies mills, pulpers, root-cutters, carts, and other farm necessaries. Amies, Barford, and Co., of Peterborough, competed with a number of their corn-grinding mills, and took the first prize iu the class of mills with metal grinders ; also a first prize for their oilcake breakers ; two for their steaming apparatus, two silver medals, and one high commendation iu the miscellaneous articles. They had on their stand a large number of clod crushers, land pfessers, garden rollers, and water-ballast rollers, up to three tons in weight when full. Some improved flour- dressing machines were also shown. Ashby, Jefferys, and Luke, of Stamford, exhibited many varieties of haymakers, suitable for small occupa- tions and for light or heavy crops ; chaff cutters, sets of horse gear, cake breakers, horse rakes, and portable steam engines. The Bristol Waggon Works Company (Limited) had on the ground a most extensive collection of agricultural carts and farm waggons, ranging from various prices. Among them was one fitted with Capt. Stephens' patent endless rails, for soft and marshy land, preventing the wheels sinking and making ruts. Drills, sheep racks, horse rakes, winnowers, and other useful articles com- pleted their show. E. H. Bentall, of Maldon : The reputation of this maker has been long maintained for the utility and eft'ec- tiveness of his crushers, chafi'cutters, cakebreakers, turnip cutters and pulpers, and his stand contained an extensive assortment of m?chines of his make. The stand of E. Cambridge and Co., of Bristol, was principally noticeable for it rollers and clod-crushers, chain-harrows, some portable engines and horse-gear. Reuben Hunt, of Halslead, had some useful horse gear, oilcake breakers, root-cutters, and pulpers, and we es- pecially noticed an improved clover and trefoil seed draw- 162 THE FAEMBR'S MAGAZINE. ing machine, which will thrash aud dress these with the same barrel in a very effective mauner, removing the horny husk of trefoil, and the leathery pods of clover. R. Roby, of Bury, excels principally in screens, al- though some haymakers and drills were shown. A small chaff screen, for use in a corn-merchant's office, at- tracted attention, by which may be readily ascertained what the samples will be when screened. John Baker, of Wisbeach, exhibited a dozen varieties of his dressing and screening machines for cleaning and separating all kinds of grain and seeds for market. The Beverley Iron and Wagon Company (Limited) had a very fine display of implements, among which were compound action grinding mills, bone mills, turnip cutters, prize carts and cart wheels, prize rollers and clod crushers, and portable farm and railway trucks. The one-horse reaping machine, with patent screw manual sheaf delivery, which was first shown at the Smithfield Show, received high commendation on this oc- casion from the implement judges. It has the advantage of a change wheel which the revolving machine has not. It is remarkably light and simple, and fitted with Norfolk's patent self-acting tipping platform to suit various crops, reduces labour, and ensures uniform sheaves. Honorary Director of the Show and General Arrangements : Mr. B. T. Brandreth Gibbs, Half-moon Street, Piccadilly, London. Steavards of Ijiplemen ts : Sir A. K. Macdonald, Bart., Woolmer Lodge, Liphook, Hamp- shire. Lieut.-Col. Wilson, Stowlangtoft Hall, Bury St. Edmunds. Mr. Chandos Wren Hoskyns, M.P., Harewood, Ross. Mr. W. J. Edmonds (Steward Elect), Southrop House, Lechlade. Judges of Implements. Fixed Steam Engines, Horse Gears, and Steaming Apparatus : F. J. Bramwell, C.E., 37, Great George-street, London. E. A Cowper, C.E., 6, Great George Street, London. Mills, Crushers, and Coprolite Mills : H. Caldwell, Monkton Farleigh, Bradford-on-Avon. H. StephensoE, Throckley House, Newcastle-on-Tyne. John Ogilvie, Mardon, Coldstream, N.B. Chaff-cutters, Oilcake-breakers, Turnip-cutters, and Guano- breakers : John Hemsley, Shelton, Newark. Matthew Savidge, Sarsden Lodge Farm, Chipping Norton. Henry Cautrell, Baylis Court, Slough. Bone Mills, Flax-breaking Machines, Tile Machinery : John Thompson, Badminton, Chippenham. J. W. Kirabei,Tubney Warren, Abingdon. G. M. Hipwell, Elmore Lodge, Sutton, Surrey. Dairy Implements : J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury. George Jackson, Tattenhall Hall, Chester. Gilbert Murray, Elveston, Derby. Draining Tools and Miscellaneous Awards : F. Sherborn, Bedfont, Middlesex. John Hicken, Dunchurch, Rugby. John Wheatley, Neswick, Driffield. PRIZES FOR IMPLEMENTS. FIXED STEAM ENGINES. Four-horse power, with boiler combined. — First prize, £9, Clayton and Shuttleworth •, second, .€6, Bro\\n and May ; third, £5, Reading Iron Works Company. Highly commended : Marshall, Sons, and Co. Com- mended : Robey and Co., and Davey, Paxman, and Davey. Above four-horse power and not exceeding ten-horse power, to be worked by an independent boiler. — Clay- ton and Shuttleworth and Reading Iron Works Com- pany (equal), prize of £11 5s. each; third, £7 10s., Marshall, Sons, and Co. HORSE GEARS. Gears for one horse. — First prize, £5, Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, Stowmarket ; second, £2 10s., Richmond and Chandler, Salford ; third, £2 10s., Reuben Hunt, Halstead. Highly commended : Hunt and Pickering, Leicester. Commended : Coleman & Morton, Chelms- ford ; T. Corbett, Shrewsbury ; and the Reading Iron Works. Gears for two horses. — First prize, £5, Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner; second, £2 10s., E. R. and F. Turner, Ipswich ; third, £2 10s., Richmond and Chandler. Highly commended : Reuben Hunt, Mellard's Trent Foundry, and Coleman and Morton. Commended: AVoods and Cocksedge, T. Corbett, and WiUiamsoa Brothers, Kendal. MILLS. Mills, with stone grinders, for grinding agricultural pro- duce into meal, by steam or horse power. — First prize, £8, J. Weighell, of Pickering ; second, £7, E. R. and y, F. Turner, of Ipswich ; third, £5, Marshall, Sons, and Co., of Gainsborough. Commended : Reading Iron Works Company, and Smith and Grace, of Thrapston. Mills with metal grinders, for grinding agricultural pro- duce for feeding purposes, by steam or horse power. — First prize, £8, to Amies, Barford, and Co., Peterbo- rough ; second, £7, T. Corbett, of Shrewsbury ; third, £5, E. and H. Roberts, of Deanshanger. Mills with metal grinders, for grinding agricultural pro- duce for feeding purposes, by hand power. — The judges did not recommend any award in this class. CRUSHERS. Corn crushers by steam or horse power. — First prize, £6, Ransomes, Sims, and Head, of Ipswich ; second, £5, E. H. Bentall, of Maldou ; third, £4, Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, of Stowmarket. Commended : E. R. and F. Turner, of Ipswich. Corn crushers by hand power. — First prize, £6, E. H. Bentall, of Maldon; second, £4, Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, of Stowmarket. Linseed crushers by steam or horse power. — Prize of £B, E. R. and F. Tui'uer, Ipswich. Linseed crushers by hand power. — First prize, £6, E. R. and F. Turner, Ipswich ; second, £4, Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner. CHAFF-CUTTERS. Chaff cutters to be worked by steam or horse power. — First prize, £10, Richmond and Chandler, Salford; £5, Picksley, Sims, and Co., Leigh ; £5, E. H. Ben- tall, Maldon (bracketed equal). Highly commended: Carson and Toone, AVarmiuster. Commended : J. Cornes and Co., Nantwich ; T. Allcock, Ratcliffe-oa- Trent. Chaff cutters to be worked by hand power. — First prize, £6, Richmond and Chandler, Salford ; second, £4, Picksley, Sims, and Co., Leigh. Highly commended : Smith and Grace, Thrapston ; E. H. Bentall, Maldon. OILCAKE BREAKERS. Oilcake breakers, for large and small cake, to be worked by steam or horse power. — First prize, £6, Amies, Barford and Co., Peterborough ; second, £5, E. R. and F. Turner, Ipswich ; third, £4, Hunt aud Pickering, Leicester. Oilcake breakers, for laige and small cake, to be worked by hand power. — First prize, £6, Amies, Barford, and Co. ; second, .£4, Mellard's Trent Foundry. Com- mended : S. Corbett and Son. TURNIP CUTTERS. Turnip and root cutters. — First prize, £7, R- Hornsby aud Sons ; £4, Hunt and Pickering ; £4, R. Hunt (bracketed equal). THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 163 Root pulpers. — First prize, £7, R. Ilorusby aud Sons (for steam or horse power) ; second, £4, Picksley, Sims, and Co. (for steam or horse power) ; third, £4, R. Hornsby aud Sons (for hand power). Highly com- mended: Picksley, Sims, and Co. (for hand power). Commended : T. Corbett (for steam power) ; S. Cor- bett and Son (for hand power). STEAMING APPARATUS. Steaming apparatus for the preparation of food for stock. — First prize, £12, and second prize, £8, Amies, Bar- ford and Co. DAIRY IMPLEMENTS. Chums worked by hand power. — First prize, £4, R. Tinkler; second, £3 10s., G. Hathaway; third, £2 lOs., T. Bradford and Co. Highly commended : Thomas and Taylor. Commended : Richardson and Robertson, aud W. Waide. Churns worked by any other power. — First prize, £4 10s., R. Tinkler; second, £3, Robertson and Richardson ; third, £2 lOs., T. Bradford and Co. Cheese tubs. — Prize, £3, Mellard's Trent Foundry. The judges withheld the balance of the amount offered for this class. Cheese presses. — First prize, £4 lOs., Southwell and Co., Rugeley ; second, £3, Mellard's Trent Foundry, Ruge- ley ; third, £2 10s., J. Cornes and Co., Nantwich. Curd drainer, &c. — Prize, £2 10s., J. Cornes and Co. Curd mills. — Prize, £2 10s., Southwell and Co., Cheese-turner and general collection of cheese-making apparatus. — Prize, £2 10s., Carson and Toone, General collection of utensils for butter making. — Prize, £2 10s,, AUway and Son. BONE MILLS. Bone mills to be worked by steam or other power. — First prize, £9, the Beverley Iron and Waggon Company ; second, £6, the Beverley Iron and Waggon Company ; third, £5, W. Crosskill and Sons. GUANO BREAKERS. Guano breakers, worked by hand power. — The prize was withheld for want of merit. COPROLITE MILLS. Prize of iSlO, E. R, and F. Turner, Ipswich. FLAX BREAKING MACHINES. First prize, £6, J. E. Hodgkin (for steam or horse power) ; second, £4, J. E. Hodgkin (for hand power). TILE MACHINERY. Machines for the manufacture of draining tiles. — First prize, £8, J. D. Pinfold (for steam or horse power) ; second, £7, J. Whitehead (for hand power). Com- mended : E. Page and Co. (for hand power). DRAINING TOOLS. First prize, £6, Hunt and Pickering, Leicester ; second, £4, Clarke and Son, Brackley. Highly commended: F. Parkes and Co. MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS. SILVER MEDALS. Amies, Barford, and Co., of Peterborough, for a portable metal corn grinding mill with dressing apparatus. Amies, Barford, and Co., of Peterborough, for Campains' patent anchors for steam cultivation. W. Barton, of Boston, for a cottagers' patent cooking stove, invented and made by Richards, of Wincanton. J. and F. Howard, of Bedford, for patent self-acting appliance to horse rake. Gilbert Murray, of Elvaston Castle, Derby, for model set of plant for cheese-making ou the American factory system, H. Pooley and Son, ot Liverpool, for patent automatic grain scale, simplilied from that exhibited at Man- chester last year. Robey and Co., of Lincoln, for patent self-feeding appa- ratus for thrashing machine, designed to prevent acci- dents and save manual labour. J. and B. Sainty, of Wisbeach, for patent wood covering for temporary buildings, walls, &c. James Sinclair, of Manchester, for chemical fire-engine called " I'Extincteur." HIGHLY COMMENDED. Amies, Barford, and Co., of Peterborough, for set of steam cooking apparatus. T. Baker, Compton, Newbury, improved tumbler or tip- cart. Wm. Ball and Son, of Rothwell, patent double-break ou waggon. Barrows aud Stewart, of Banbury, improved 4-wheeled windlass for steam cultivation. Beverley Iron and Waggon Company, Limited, double self-acting or reversible sheaf-delivery to reaping machine. T. Corbett, of Shrewsbury, improvement in hand clover- seed barrow. James Davey, of Eynsham, set of improved Scotch cart harness. J. Fowler and Co., of Loudon, 8-horse power traction engine on patent springs. D. Hart and Co., of Wenlock Road, City Road, London, patent automatic self-acting and self-registering weigh- ing machine for grain. Holmes and Sons, of Norwich, improvements in corn, hay, or straw elevators. R. Hornsby and Sons, of Grantham, "combined corn-dress- ing and screening machine. Thomas Hunter, of Maybole, Ayr, for Dickson's patent double drill turnip cleaner. Thos. Mackenzie and Sons, of Dublin, for patent mower and reaper knife-grinder aud rest. G. W. Murray and Co., of Banff, for combined double- furrow plough and subsoiler. Thos. Perkins, of Hitchin, patent folding shafts for reap- ing and mowing machine. W. Rainforth and Son, Brayford Head, of Lincoln, for improved patent adjustable corn-screen. Richmond aud Chandler, of Salford, for an improved litter-cutter. J. and B. Sainty, of Wisbeach, improved cattle crib, with iron posts aud wood frames. Southwell and Co., of Rugeley, improvement in ridging plough. W. Smith, of Foston Lowthorpe, near Driffield, for self- feeding sheep- rack with patent slides. R. W. Thomson, of Edinburgh, for patent road steam engine, 8-horse power nominal. COMMENDED. J. p. Barford, of Banbury, for an improved carriage-lifting jack. Henry Denton, of Wolverhampton, for improvement in a chain harrow carriage. T. Mackenzie and Sons, of Dublin, for improvements in turnip and mangold drill. H. J. and C. Major, of Bridgwater, for patent angularly corrugated rooting, and ridge or crest-tiles, for farm and other buildings. J. and B. Sainty, of Wisbeach, for improvments in field and other gates ; also for patent sheep fencing. Richard Winder, of Farningham, Dartford, machine for tarring sheep-fold netting, 164 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. AGRICULTUEAL SHOWS. BY THE CROTCHETT FARMER. I am crotchety enougli to think that I have one or two crotchets upon a subject which some may and do think is quite beyond the regions of crotchets, while others, by-the-way, think it is precisely that in which crotchets abound. For example, is it a crotchet or is it not which nearly all — nay, I may as well say all, for that is simply the truth — our agricultural societies have, that what they interest themselves in and make the only features of their shows comprise all the points or subjects upon which farmers are generally interested ? I am free to confess that this notion of our societies does seem to me a crotchet, and one which unfortunately exercises a very prejudicial influence upon the progress of agriculture. I think I could name half-a-dozen — pi-obably a round dozen of subjects which are altogether ignored by our agricultural societies, never apparently dreamt of by their officials as coming within the range of usefnl subjects, but which nevertheless are of the greatest practical im- portance. I venture to say that there is not a practical man who thinks — an important concession no doubt in these days when thinking is itself deemed a crotchet, a man who ventures to think for himself being considered as equal to, if not exactly the crotchety man — I venture to say that there is not a practical man who thinks about what he is doing that has not in the course of a single season had several points brought up before him arising out of his daily practice which he is greatly, if not alto- gether ignorant of, and about which, just because he is so, he is desirous to have the authoritative expressions of other and wiser men than himself. It is in connectioa with our agricultural societies that such men are, and yet by reason of an unfortunate something they do not give the societies the benefit of their wisdom or experience, and this mainly because they are not asked to do so. Men are all apt to run for ever in the groove they have made for themselves, or which has been made for them, and this is especially true of corporations whether of science or of social life. Now, we think, that our great societies have been running too long in certain grooves, and the sooner tliey shunt off to others, the better for the societies, unquestionably the better for the farmers, and not the least benefit of going into any one new groove would be I take it that it would be seen that there would be other grooves branching out naturally from it which would lead along the lines of most interesting investiga- tions, full of practical and suggestive truths. For example, I will walk along the alleys and round the broad beaten paths of the great yearly gathering at Oxford this year, and, unless I shall be greatly and I confess agreeably mis- taken, while I find numerous examples of implements and machines and hosts of animals, I shall find nothing whatever to indicate what is the result of the working of these implements and machiues, nor what are the sub- stances upon which those countless herds and Hocks are fed upon ; in other words, I shall see machinery and stock, but not a vestige of the crops which these machines help to cultivate or upon which these stock are fed. Yet, why is this, that the very aim and object of a whole and ceaseless round of farming operations should have no place at all in the national gathering like that of the Koyal Agricultural Society ? And yet it is impossible to say that this branch of farming carries with it no points of practical importance to farmers — it on the contrary carries many. If, indeed, this branch was taken up and prosecuted with the eagerness which other branches are prosecuted it would be found that many points are con- nected with it of surprising importance to the farming community. Supposing that prizes were offered for the best specimens of farm produce, the details of the mode of cultivating of which, the soils, the working of them, the mode and period of sowing, the quality of seed used — the manures and grain being also fully stated — I am crotchety enough to believe that a vast deal would be obtained of real service to farmers ; and more than that, our agricul- ^ tural savans would not fail to see that each detail of farm- work in connection with these would carry with it ques- tions, many of which are now puzzling our best practical heads, but upon which our societies have given no au- thoritative utterance. Take any of the points in practice I have named above connected with the preparation of the soil — the sowing of the seed, its manuring — I wiU venture to put upon each and all of them a series of ques- tions, not one of which has yet beeu properly, some not A at all investigated by our societies, and all of which never- theless are of the highest possible importance. We pet our stock at our shows, we make much of our implements and machines, but it apparently never enters the minds of the society authorities who do both to conceive of the possibility that taking up other branches would be the very means to show us how much there was connected with them that influenced the future both of stock and implements. Great as has been the impi'ovement in the machinery of the farm during the last few decades, is there anyone who will venture to say that the improve- -< ment would not have been greater, much greatei', had our machinists understood clearly what it was that our farmers wanted ? Surely none. I have lived long enough to recollect what the agricultural machinery was at the date of the first Oxford Show, and what a difference be- tween that show and the one now about to be held ! and I have watched since then the long list of machiues and implements which have been brought out, and the nearly as long list of those which have been condemned and con- signed to oblivion, and yet many of which so consigned would never have been brought out at all had their in- ventors known what was wanted. And this knowledge might have been given to them had the societies entered upon and taken heartily up those lines of inquiry con- nected with the crops and cropping of the farm, which have lain for years — too long a course — and are now lying before them for investigation. Let this branch be taken up, and from it will flow a number of questions, the authoritative judgment upon which your societies will do a vast deal of good to the practice of farming. A very interesting department of the coming show at Oxford will be what for some years has been a most in- teresting department — namely, the collection of seeds, manures, and feeding stuff's, and I should be surprised to find this year what I have never yet found, that these are within the pale of official recognition. With reference to the two first of these, what we have already said with reference to the crops and cropping of the farm applies more or less to them ; and with reference to the feeding stuff's, I am crotchety enough to fail to see why, if the in- terests of the farmer are looked upon as worthy to be guarded as far as they can be guarded by official recogui- THE FAEMEE'S MAGAZINE. 165 tion of stock is concerned, they should not be guarded by the same being extended to the foods upon which they are fed. A man has some chance, and ought to have the skill, to guard himself from being taken in by the purchase of a bad beast, what chance has he of guarding himself against being taken in by the purchase of bad food ? The question the reader will perceive is one of no small importance — by no means crotchety in its natui'e, although I know full well that it will be deemed as crotchety in having bi'onght forward its claims to the consideration of the Society and of all societies which profess to be instituted for the benefit of and to do their work in the interests of farmers. Why are all these points overlooked ? As the Yankees say, " I want to know ; pray do tell ;" but then who is tell me ? those who should will not, and those who would like cannot. A rather crotchety dilemma, I confess, to be placed in. But the time will come when the question which should be asked of the governing councils of our agricultural bodies will be asked of them, and will receive a reply other than we believe they would give now. The points have not as yet had their full weight with them — time shall yet be required to allow this weight to be exercised ; meanwhile, it is some gratification for those interested to know that outside at least of those governing councils the subject we have only glanced at is receiving fair attention. What a journal such as this is can do in the helping on of such a movement it has for some years quietly doue. So far as any advocacy of it is con- cerned, it may appear to some that a crotchety man can do nothing else than advocate crotchety subjects ; still, in reply, I may say that you and I, good reader, have lived to see what was at one time called crotchets at another great and beneficial reforms. It may be so in the present case. That our societies have done much I heartily be- lieve ; that they can do more I no less believe. THE THORNE AGEICULTURAL SOCIETY. Thome has recently held its annual carnival. There was a good show of horses for agricultural purposes, and for young draught horses the exhibition here has never been sur- passed. Both carriage horses and roadsters were well repre- sented, and iu no previous year have better appeared amongst them ; and though the hunters did not show iu large numbers, still they were more numerous than last year. In the show of agricultural implements the number of exhibitors was in excess of former years. The entries for cattle have never at anytime been large, and though there was an improvement this year there is yet plenty of scorpe for further advancement. Of the stock exhibited in this department the bulls preponderated. Of the sixteen shown, twelve of them were under two years old, the remaining four being aged. The judging of sheep was not at all satisfactory to the public. Not that the judges did not give perfectly honest decisions, but inasmuch as two of them were Lincolnshire men, they naturally preferred the prevailing character of their own county. Pigs, on the whole, were of first-rate quality. The only fault, if any, in this department, was tlie one also noticeable in the cattle and sheep — that they were not more numerously represented. Judges. — Horses: G. C. Woolhouse, Wellingore, Lincoln ; C. Wood, South Dalton, Beverley ; W. Harper, Linley-hill, Beverley. Cattle : T. Cartwright, Dunstau Pillar, Lincoln ; J.T. Havercroft, Wooton Dale, Barton; G. Smart, Aberford, York. HORSES. Agricultural mare and foal. — First prize, W. Bramley ; second, E. Coulman. Hunting mare and foal. — First prize, W. Pulsfordhrowne ; second, T. Askren. Carriage mare and foal. — First prize, J. Read; second, H. Cooke. Roadster mare and foal. — First prize, W. Whaley ; second, H. W. Godfrey. Agricultural yearHng or filly. — First prize, R. Fillingham ; second, W. Bramley. Commended : J. Coulman. Agricultural two-year-old gelding or fiUy. — First prize, H. Robinson ; second, T. Duckitt. Highly commended : J.Brown. Commended : F. T. Turner and M. and A. Glew. Agricultural three-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, C. Lister ; second, W. Banks. Agricultural mare or gelding, any age. — First prize, W. Banks ; second, J. Coulman. Commended : T. Black. Pair of draught horses, exclusively for agriculture. — First prize, S. Thompson ; second, M. Askren. Commended : M. Durham. Pair of draught horses, adapted for light soils. — First prize, J. Coulman ; second, S. Barker. Highly commended : E. Coulman. Hunting yearling colt or filly. — First prize, G. W. Morris ; second, G. W. Morris. Commended : W. B, Houlden. Hunting two-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, G. Cross second, F. J. Maw. Commended ; J. S. Hill. Hunting three-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, II. Cooke ; second, G. Cross. Carriage yearling colt or filly. — First prize, J. Coulman ; second, H. W. Godfrey. Carriage two-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, H. Robinson ; second, M. Askren. Carriage gelding or mare, any age. — First prize, S. Gurnell ; second, J. Reader. Commended : G. Gurnell. Roadster yearling colt or filly. — First prize, J. F. Watson ; second, E. Ellis. Roadster two-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, J. Furniss ; second, R. Maw. Commended : M. Askren. Roadster three-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, E. Ellis ; second, T. Shearman. Highly commended : G. Wake- field. Roadster gelding or mare, any age. — First prize, E. Winter ; second, W. Stephenson. Weight-carrying cob, any age or sex. — First prize, J. Ask- ham ; second, J. T. Blaydes. Lady's hackney, any age or sex. — First prize, J. Cross; second, W. Duggleby, jun. Highly commended -. J. Reader. Pony, not exceeding U hands. — First prize, W. Axe ; second, G. Gurnell. Highly commended -. G. Harrison. Pony, not exceeding I* hands. — First prize, C. Dook ; second, W. Johnson. Commended : W. Blaushard. CATTLE. Bull, under two years old. — First prize, J. Sunderland ; second, G. Mann. Bull, any age. — First prize, F. Frudd ; second, T. J. Crow- croft. Highly commended : B. H. Brooksbank. Bull, under two years old. — First prize, G. Hatfield ; second, B. J. Whitaker. Highly commended : W. Burton. Cow, in calf or milk. — First prize, J. Dickinson ; second, T. J. Crowcroft. Highly commended : J. Dickinson. Heifer, in calf or milk. — First prize, E. H. Marshall ; second, M. Askren. Highly commended : J. H. Dean. Pair of calves, under 18 months old. — First prize, W. Mel- lows ; second, M. Askren. SHEEP. Long-woolled ram, any age. — First prize, R. Wright ; second, J. T. Moorhouse. Long-woolled ram, one shear. — First prize, R. Wright ; second, R. Wright. Pen of five long-woolled ewes. — First prize, J. Winder ; second, W. Carr. Peu of five long-woolled gimmers. — First pri^e, E. Lister; second, F. Frudd. Higlily commended : J. Rishvvorth. Pen of five long-woolled wedders. — First prize, W. B. Tate ; second, T. Carr. Pen of five long-woolled Iambs,-— First prize, T. Smith; second, G. T. Wood, ' 166 THE FARMBE'S MAGAZINE. PIGS. Boar, any breed. — First prize, W. Stephenson ; second, W. Plumtree. Sow, any breed. — First prize, G. Briggs ; second, W. Maskill. Open gilt, any age. — First prize, Z. Maude ; second, G. Wagstaffe. Three store pigs, — First prize, H, Sellers ; second, T.Askren. Cottager's pig. — First prize, G. Holgate ; second, J. House ; third, D. Hunter. IMPLEMENTS. Implements manufactured by exhibitors. — Prize, £3 2s., Messrs. Vickers, Snowden, and Morris. Assortment of implements. — Prize, £5 Rs. and the Society's medal, J. Glew, Howden, THE IMPOVERISHMENT OF THE SOIL BY MAN. BY CUTHBEET "VT, JOHNSON, F.K.S. It is only within the last quarter of a century that the subject of this i)aper has attracted the public attention. This, indeed, has been induced in a great measure by the progress of sanatory efforts. When the inhabitants of crowded neighbourhoods began to awake and discern the ill-effects of living over cesspools, and allowing their noxious contents to filter into their wells, other modes of providing for the removal of sewage were adopted. Then came the time when sewers were constructed and house- drains connected with them. Then another difficulty arose, viz., the disposal of the large amount of sewage collected by the sewers. This was, as a matter of course, directed to the lowest portion of the district, and allowed to flow into an adjoining river. Then came complaints of the fouling of its waters, and legal proceedings. This rendered necessary the adoption of means for the purifica- tion and utilization of the sewage. This led to several erroneous estimates of the money value of town sewage, and these deceptive statements originated many schemes for its purification. As most of these have failed it will be useless to describe their manipulations; I propose, however to allude to two of these, which are founded on Nature's teachings, and her processes we are all aware rarely fail : I mean the dry earth, and the irrigation systems. Both these have recently been examined in a very valuable report, by her Majesty's Commissioners appointed to inquire into the pollution of rivers. And what they have so well described, I need hardly attempt to allude to in any other language. The Commissioners (Major-General Denison, Mr. E. Frankland, and Mr. J. C. Morton), in commencing their inquiries, were impressed with the fact, that of all the live stock of our island, man was the worst as regards the manure he adds to the soil. They remark {Report, 1870, p. 71): " Everyone is familiar with the idea that the fertility of a farm depends very much on the quantity of live stock kept upon it. It is, in fact, an established maxim in agriculture that, apart from the use of imported and manufactured fertilizers, the maintenance of fertility depends very much upon the live stock which the farmer keeps upon the land, and the quantity of manure which he can thus apply to it. " The fertility of the 23,370,503 acres in the hands of English farmers is thus dependent on the 19,821,863 sheep, 3,706,641 cattle, and 1,629,550 pigs which, ac- cording to the statistical returns just issued by the Board of Trade, are kept on English farms ; a number which, calculated wholly as sheep, that is, putting cattle of all ages as equal to six, pigs as equal to two, and horses equal to eight, sheep apiece, amounts in food-consuming and therefore manure-producing power to as nearly as possible two sheep per acre over the whole area of the enclosed land in England. Taking 1,141,996 agricultural horses into account, we may say that the whole farm-stock of this country is less than five sheep to every two acres in the hands of English farmers. These are the published returns for 1869. In 1868 there were in England 23,038,781 acres returned as occupied ; there were 3,779,691 cattle, 20,930,779 sheep, and 1,981,606 pigs — numbers which calculated wholly as sheep amount to 47,572,137 sheep, corresponding to a very little more than two sheep per acre of the enclosed land in this coun- try. No returns of the horses employed on farms were obtained in 1868. We give the returns of both years in illustration of the very considerable variations which take place from year to year in the farm livestock of the country, while mankind steadily increases in number every year. " We have, however, omitted all reference to another resident animal of the greatest food-consuming power; for whose maintenance indeed all these acres and all this live stock are owned and cultivated. Nearly one-third of the live stock of this country is mankind ! In 1869, there were in England_20,658,599 of ' man ;' and he con- sumes not only the produce of all these acres, and of all these cattle, sheep, and pigs which are maintained upon them, but imported food as well, to the extent of two- fifths of the estimated quantity of our home-grown wheat, and probably one-twentieth or more Ln excess of our home-grown meat, A creature of such great powers of consumption ought according to all the analogies to be of corresponding agricultural value as a fertilizer. If, leaving out of consideration the products of respiration, excrement be just the food of an animal minus its growth, then on the ground of both these elements of the cal- culation, man ought to be the very best farm-stock we have. He is not only a much better fed animal than a sheep, but he takes much less out of his food. Bread and beef are better food than grass and turnips ; and the growth taken out of these several rations is much less in the former case than in the latter. The population fed on bread and beef does not increase in number, and that is virtually in total weight, more than two per cent, per annum, whereas the ' population' fed on grass and turnips increases in weight at least 30 to 50 per cent, within the year. A sheep builds its whole weight of body out of the food of 18 months. The average age of man in England is rather more than 40 years, and the weight of his body at death is all that he has saved out of all the food he has consumed during the whole period of his life. On every ground, therefore, we ought to anticipate the superiority of man to sheep as a manure-producing animal for farm use. " And it is worth while to compare the two species further. So far as England is concerned, although the sheep population varies considerably from year to year, they are upon the whole as nearly as possible alike in number ; and in the month of June, when the agricul- tural returns are made up, and when lambs are not above half grown, they are probably also very nearly alike in weight. The average carcase weight of the sheep sold at Smithtield is barely 801bs., which would correspond to a live weight of 1401bs. ; and that may be considered also as the average weight of the adult man. Comparing then their respective rations, their relative wastefulness of food, their weight and number, we might reasonably THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 167 txpect that Eaglishiueu oii};ht at the very least to be as efficient as English sheep in the maiiileiiauoe ol' English fertility. But what is the fact ? The sheep is the very best live stock known to English agriculture, and man is virtually good for nothing. What would the English farmer do without his Hock ? Over all the oolitic, chalk, and gravel soils — the ligiit-land districts of the country — to be deprived of the assistance of the sheej) would be the ruin of the agriculturist. Man, on the other hand, is, as live stock, we repeat it, virtually useless to him. The excrement of a sheep is worth, at least, five shillings a year to the farmer. In South Lancashire the excre- ment of man does not I'ealize fivepence per annum indivi- dually. The following table shows, as regards the leading towns of which particulars have been given to us, (1) the population — deducting the estimated number using water- closets ; (2) the tonnage of manure removed from privies, more than three-fourths of which must be ash and cinder waste ; (3) the value annually received for it at the depot from the farmer ; and (4) the value thus received per head of the population annually : Quantity and Value of Town Manure. Name of Town. Fopula- Tons of tionusmg Manure Privies, annually. Money received. Value per Head. Liverpool 350,000 138,777 12.000 1,800 120,000 38,600 300,000; 73,594 75,000, 22,465 29,000 7,000 77,000 50,000 37,000 6,637 15,000 9,000 £ 8,000 150 4,000 6,740 1,567 100 2,000 95 740 d. 5-5 Widnes 3-0 8-0 Manchester 5-4 Bolton 5-Oi Bury 0-8 Oldham 6-2 Ashtou-under-Lyne... JSouthport 3-3 8-8 Total 1,015,000 347,873 23,392 5-5 " The sum of £23,392, which is hei-e quoted as repre- senting the money value of all the house waste of about 1,000,000 people, is indeed all that is received from 1,286,000, that number being the whole population of the towns named, and that sum being all that is received for what the scavenger collects ; so that the annual value individually of man as farm stock in Lancashire may be put down as less than 4Jd. ; and this supposes the ash and cinder waste with which the excrement is mixed to have no share in the valuation." It is when speaking of the remedies for the nui- sance ai'ising fi-oni common privies and ashpits that the Commissioners, iu referring to the use of various common deodorisers, observe that " the so-called dry-earth closet is much the best of these plans ; and it is undoubtedly capable of being made an admirable scavenging expedient, so far as privy i"efuseis concerned. Of this we convinced ourselves at the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, ■where a large number of earth closets have been intro- duced, and are worked to the satisfaction of Dr. Meyer, the resident medical officer. At Wakefield prison too, all the lower cells are provided with earth closets ; and al- though the closeness of a confined and narrow room was perceptible (the prisoners having been kept in till a later hour than usual on our visit), there was no offensiveness recognizable of the special kind that might have been expected. Here, however, the plan has been found ap- plicable only to the cells on the male side of the house, in which separate vessels for the nrine are provided. The earth for the Wakefield prison is dried in a kiln and sup- plied weekly to the closets, and the pans are ixmoved as soon as filled ; their contents, taken to a shed, are turned and pulverized, and used in the prison garden with advantage. At Halton in Buckinghamshire a pretty country village of 50 or 60 cottages, the roadside chalky soil is used suc- cessfully in the dry-earth closet with which every cottage is provided. ]''or lliis purpose it is screened and dried upon a kilu lloor about 'J feet square ; 100 bushels of coke being used iu this way per annum for the 50 closets in the village. When hot and dry the earth is carried to the hopper in the back wall of each privy, which holds about GOlbs. — enough for 40 uses of the seat. The floor beneath is cemented so as to hold the liquid as well as the solid excrement ; and the seats are liinged and on springs, so that on rising from them a portion, about li-lb., is dis- charged from the hopper, and thrown upon the mass below. We came, without notice, one evening into the village, and examined about a score of these cottages, and found everything as clean and sweet as possible. Seats and floors in front, hoppers and cesspool floors behind, were all clean; and there was nothing to be seen but white dry earth, and no smell was perceptible. More- over we were told that the cesspool, cleaned out as re- quired three or four times a year, furnishes a material, which, after lying in a heap for some months under a shed is put upou the kiln again and used a second time. Last year 70 tons of stuft' were taken out of the privies of the 50 cottages ; 30 tons however had been used twice, so that only 40 tons were available for use upon the land ; and it had proved a capital fertilizer, producing an abundant crop of grass where the manure had been applied. " In all these eases, however, the chamber slops are kept separate ; and independently of that the success de- pends not upon the people using the privies, but upon an ofticer whose business it is to look after them and keep them clean. Even at Halton one man is set apart for this work who attends to the kiln, to the provision of dried earth, to the keeping the hoppers full, and to the removal of the manure. Elsewhere we have known earth closets introduced for the use of cottagers accustomed to the old privy seat and cesspool ; and, requiring special service and attention which the average man or woman will not give, they soon became filthy and offensive. Add to these circumstances the enormous aggravation of all the diffi- culties of the plan when not fifty but fifty thousand householders have to be provided with the necessary ap- pliances and induced to work them properly, and we can have no hesitation in pronouncing the dry-earth system, however suitable for institutions, villages, and camps, where personal or official regulations can be enforced, entirely unfitted to the circumstances of large towns. " At Lancaster, indeed, an attempt has been made by a neighbouring landed proprietor, Mr. W. J. Garnett, of Quernmore Park, to get the house scavenging of the town done upou a modification of this plan, and to deal with the whole excrement of the household upon the dry-earth system. By constant and even daily collection in tubs and pans the whole excrement is collected from a large number of houses, and the payment of Id. a week per house is said to secure the collection of the chamber slops as well as of the privy contents. Nearly one-tenth part of the town is thus dealt with. Earth is sent round daily, and thrown into the privy holes, and when the pit is full the whole is taken to a depot where it is mixed with material derived partly from street sweep- ings and ash-pit refuse ; and being thereafter piled beneath a shed built upon a farm near the town, the whole is soaked with the collected urine. " A sample carefully taken being analyzed in our labora- tory proved to contain — Organic matter and ammonia contain- ing '207 of total combined nitrogen 6G71 Mineral matter containing "326 of phosphoric acid 66'782 Water - 26-547 100.000 N 168 THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE, " These figures indicate a practical value certainly much below that at which we had heeu led to estimate it by mere inspection ; and it is manifest, from the very small amount of total combined nitrogen, that much of the urine escapes preservation. An inordinate quantity of eartli appears also to have been added to the excre- meutitious matters, since more than 93 per cent, of the finished manure consisted of nearly worthless mineral matters and water." Secondly, we will examine the deodorizing results of irrigation. This is of far greater importance than the large profit derived in this mode from sewage. The im- provement of the public health, indeed, must ever be the primary object with Boards of Health. Now this great question has been carefully and laboriously examined by the Commissioners who have, in each month of the year, by their own analytical chemists, in a laboratory belonging to the public, examined the sewage as it flow^s on to the land, in various places, and the effluent water as it escapes from the irrigated land into an adjoining stream. I select fi'om this invaluable report the cases of Croydon and Norwood, because here we have to consider the re- sults obtained from two widely different loils — the first being a gravel soil, and the last a stiff variety of the London Basin Clay. Of these two most important operations, the Commissioners observe : " The following table contains the results of our periodi- cal analyses of the sewage and the effluent water from the sewage farm at Norwood : Kesults or Analyses Expressed in Parts per 100,000. I Total soHd Or- Or- Description and Date of matters ganic ganic Am- Collection. in So- Car- Nitro- monia. lution. bon. gen. Average composition of the 94.9 3-971 1-586 6-032 sewage before irrigation. Effluent water, Sept. 24, 1868 81-7 1-621 •214 •013 Oct. 8, „ 95-3 1-516 •189 -006 » 22, „ 88-4 1-372 — 1-080 Nov. 19, „ 780 1-473 -285 1-366 Dec. 3, „ 79-6 1-258 •323 1-052 ,. 17, „ 103'0 1-187 •120 1-254 „ 31, „ 77-8 1-291 •098 -497 Jan. 14,, 1869 86-5 1-221 •721 „ 21, „ 94^3 1-173 •265 •720 after two nights' frost. Effluent water, Jan. 25, 1869 100^3 1-431 •419 1-095 after seven nights' frost. Effluent water, Jan. 28, „ 77-3 1-280 •406 1-195 Feb. 11, „ 83-8 1-130 •133 •300 ,. 25, „ 73-2 1-577 •391 •988 Mar. 12, „ 83-1 1-294 •107 -965 » 25, „ 97-8 1-061 •189: -342 , April 8, „ 81'6 1-376 •321 •885 „ 22, „ 102-5 1-495 -260 •842 , May 6, „ 84-3 1-483 •410 1-131 >. 20, „ 83-0 1-602 •354 •730 , June 3, „ 97-1 1-683 -250 -415 „ 17, „ 79-8 1-360 -221 •894 July 1. „ 95'1 1-577 •271 •905 „ 15, „ 94-0 2-160 ■274 •408 „ 29, „ 93-6 1-889 •210 •135 Aug. 12, „ 93-8 2-095 •339 -130 „ 26, „ 74-3 1-605 •370 •673 , Sept. 9, „ 89-2 2-085 •300 •300 „ 24, „ 87-0 2-034 •517 1-128 " These results, extending over an entire year, show that the effluent sewage was, except in a few instances, so far cleansed, even upon this heavy clay soil, as to be admis- sible into running water without nuisance. Two of these instances are instructive, since they occur consecutively during and immediately after seven nights' frost, viz., m the samples collected on January 25th and January 28th, 1869. The frost was by no means severe, yet the organic nitrogen rose from -098 to -419 per 100,000 parts of effluent water, showing that the removal of offensive nitrogenous organic matter was partially arrested, and indicating that during a severe winter the purification of sewage upon a non-absorptive clay soil may be seriously interfered with. It is fortunate, however, that the ad- mission of putrescible organic matter into streams during frosty weather is far less objectionable than it is when the temperature is higher, since the organic matter does not render the water offensive so long as a low temperature is maintained. " The following results of analyses illustrate the effect of irrigation when carried out upon the porous gravelly soil of the Beddington meadows. It will be seen that the sewage as it flows upon the land possesses scarcely half the strength of average London sewage. The effluent water, even in the month of December, was satisfactorily cleansed and contained but mere traces of suspended matters. Results of AwALysEs Expressed in Parts per 100,000. Description. Sewage as it liowed upon land, Dec. 23, 1869. Eflluent water, Dec. 23, 1SG9 Sewage as it flowed upon land, Dec. 30, 1869. Effluent water, Dec. 30, 1869 Suspended Matters. Mineral. Organic. Total 1-96 Trace. 3-80 Trace. 6-64 Trace. 10-80 Trace. ;-oo Trace. 14-60 Trace. "The following table contains the result of our periodical analyses of the sewage and the effluent water from these meadows, extending over an entii'e year : Results of Analyses Expressed in Parts per 100,000. Description and Date of Collection. Average composition of the sewage before irrigation. Effluent water, Sept. 24, 1868 Oct. 8, „ Nov, Dec. Jan. 22, 5, 3, 31, 14, 21, after 2 nights' frost. Effluent water, Jan. 25, 1869, after 7 nights' frost. Effluent water, Jan. 28, 1869 Feb. 11, „ „ 25, „ Mar. 12, „ 25 Ap'ril 8^ "„ ,, 22, „ May 6, „ „ 20, „ June 3, „ „ 17, „ July 1, „ „ 15, „ » 29, „ Aug. 12, „ „ 26, „ Sept. 9, „ „ 34, „ Total soUd Or- Or- matters ganic ganic Am- m So- Car- Nitro- monia. lution. bon. gen. 45-7 2-508 1-576 3-006 37-8 -723 •119 -006 37-9 •605 •120 •005 49-0 •644 -069 •008 39-9 •801 •248 40-2 •766 •239 •534 48.7 •632 -124 •130 44-7 •604 •186 •166 46-0 •620 •242 •466 45-1 •562 •335 •275 34-5 •614 •093 •165 38-4 -979 •138 •125 39-9 •541 •089 -098 37-3 •545 •097 •246 38-8 -427 •077 •090 36-2 •637 •122 ■150 39-1 •702 -129 ■124 37-1 •758 •083 •032 37.1 •644 •080 •020 33-9 •531 •127 •062 29-1 ■291 •082 ■042 32-1 •761 -036 •050 38-1 •605 •124 •008 36-9 -628 •077 ■090 39-1 •582 -385 •278 30-8 •362 •054 •018 32-7 •591 -105 ■038 35-5 -606 -105 •068 Of the profit derived from sewage-irrigated laud we fiave ample evidence. It was when speaking of the THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 1C9 Edinbui'gh meads that the Commissioners observed (Re- port j). 75^ : " The grass of the Lochend meadows has averaged du- riug nine of the spring sales, at which it is disposed of by auction, £27 12s. 2d. per statute acre. During the year 1869 the highest price attained was £11 17s. 6d.per acre, and from that down to £19 per acre has been realized. The Italian rye-grass on the same farm has varied in price from £32 an acre for the first year's cuttings to £25 an acre for the second year's cuttings." Nearly similar sums per acre have been received from the sewage-irrigated meads of Norwood and Croydon. Tliese laborious researches I earnestly commend to the careful study of tlie agriculturist, the landowner, and the sanatory commissioner. After a lengthened experience, I feel well assured that by no known chemical process can sewage be so well and profitably utilized as by irrigation. It is a mode of puri- fication which nature points out to us and which in all ages has been the means of removing the excreta of the animal world. Neither is it a novel application by man- kind. The sewage waters of Milan, of Edinburgh, and of Mansfield have long and successfully been employed in the irrigation of the grasses. It is a process free for every one to adopt ; but not being a patent process, it has no set of patentees to publicly defend its very superior clainjs, or to contend, as they might, that irrigation is the only process, and all others attempted on a large scale sources of deception and misery. FARM FENCES. At the dinner of the Boroughbridge Agricultural Associa- tion, Sir G. 0. Worabwell in the chair, Mr. Bennett, of Heston, read the following paper : The subject I have to introduce to your notice for discussion is one that perhaps may not be so interesting as many others relating to fanning ; hut, nevertheless, I think it is one of great importance, for no farm, however well managed in other re- spects, can be considered complete and in a high state of cul- tivation unless the fences are neat and in good order. I think very often too little care and attention have been paid to this particular brancli of the farm business. How often do we see large gaps and thin places in the hedges filled up witii dead thorns (often thrown carelessly into them), making them larger every year by their smothering, and consequently killing any young shoots that may be near them. No doubt there has been a great improvement in tiie management of fences during the last few years. The old high hedge with the wide hedge- side growing all sorts of rubbish and producing a great crop of both insect and vegetable nuisance is fast giving way to a better state of things, and where now seen it is generally more the landlords' than the tenants' doinpf, on account of the pre- servation of game. I know of no farming operations upon which 'here is such a diversity of opinion as to the best method of managing hedges, some being in favour of what is called cutting and laying or plashing ; some advocating scotching or cutting one side, and leaving the other side to cut in a year or two after ; others again advocate catting off close to the ground, and by that means getting a young fence from the old roots. The old-fashioned plan of plashing an old thin hedge, leaving for stakes the live wood, and where thin filling up with dead thorns, and then binding the top, I think a very bad one, and I have no doubt we can account for many of the wretched bad fences we see from this mode of proceeding. The description of fences vary a great deal in different localities. In some there are high sod banks with furze on tlie top, and others are made by planting the elm, holly, &c. Some are walls made with the loose stones so plentiful in their neighbourhood ; but mostly they consist of the white tliorn or quick, and this being the case in this particular district, it will be better perhaps to confine tlie discussion to the best mode of treating young and good hedges of this description ; and also the best way to restore an old bad one. In making a new fence, 1 think the quicks should be planted early in the spring before the buds show, about uiue to the yard, a trench being dug and the sod turned down upon the roots on tlie level laud, if there is suf- ficient soil ; if not, a bank may be formed by cutting a ditch on one or both sides, and planting on the top, but I do not like tlie plan of planting on a bank unless necessary. The quick should be allowed to grow for a year, and then be cut down, kept quite clean from weeds, and left to grow for two or three years, when it may be put into form, which should be very like the letter V inverted. I would not touch with tlie knife the lower lateral shoots at all, but leave them to spread wide on each side of the bottom, and by that means preserve the hedge from the depredations of sheep and cattle. I think many of the hedges we see are trimmed too narrow at the bottom, and by so doing letting the sheep get their heads into the centre of the fence. It is indispensable in getting a young hedge up quickly to keep it clean and well defended by posts and rails or other means, and on no account should it ever be slashed by making the knife cut downwards, but always up- wards, and I think the best time to do it is in the autumn. In the next place I come to a much more difficult part of the sub- ject, viz., the best way to improve and restore an old bad hedge. No doubt it is the cheapest way in the long run to stub it up, and plant a new one at a short distance from where the old one stood, but under many circumstances this cauuot be done. I think the best way is to comliine the two systems of scotching and plashing — scotching where there is plenty of live wood, and laying and lapping a thorn from both sides of the gap, so that, if possible, they should meet in the centre, and be fastened down to the ground with some pegs that have hooks, and a nick or two cut in the layers to make them put out young shoots. All the roots and rub- bish should be well forked out, and the hedge kept clean, or the tender shoots \\\\\ not grow. When free from hedge- row trees, it would be perhaps the best plan to dig and manure the land in the gaps, and plant with young quick- wood, at least if the thorns sliould not be long enough to reach each other. I have seen some very old bad hedges make great improvements by this way of management, although it is very seldom anything will thrive where there are many trees growing, and I may remark that nothing hinders or spoils the cultivation of a farm so much as having a quantity of hedge-row trees, especially ash trees. Their roots being so near top, take all the goodness out of the soil, besides breaking the implements used. Anotiier plan I have seen adopted is to lay the thorns on one side of the roots or stools, so that you have a guard fence during the time the young shoots are growing up. The objection to this way is that the guard fence is taking the greater part of the nourishment the old roots should give to the young shoots, and consequently they are not so strong and vigorous as they should be. Witii respect to the best and clieapest manner of forming dead fencing for thin places and gaps, I prefer turnip trays. Some years since I bought several dozen from the neighbourhood of Peterborough. The cost, including railway carriage, was 2s. Gd. eacli, but I am told they cannot now be had for the same price. They were made of riven oak heads, hooped. Tlie rails were made of ash saplings, either whole or split down the middle. Trays made in this manner are far better and much more durable than tliose made of sawn wood. I liad them in constant use for the purpose of putting down in gaps and at the side of thin places ; the labour is very little, and they can be soon shifted from one place to another when required. I bad them I think eleven or twelve years, and they were sold when I left my farm for within a trifle of what they cost when new. Perhaps the neatest and most durable wood fencing is what is called railway fencing, made of foreign limber. The expense I believe runs about Is. per yard for sheep guarding, and Is. 4d. per yard for cattle. Tlie standards are driven down with a raell, and the rails are fastened with clipped nails. Posts and rails are most If g I7d THE JPABMER'S MAGAZINE. generally used, tlie cost depending' niucli upon the locality, but I prefer tlie railway fencing. I believe the material is very mucli the same price as tlic railway fencing, but the labour in putting them down is much heavier and more expensive. I have to thank you for listening to these re- marks, and I hope they will be the means of eliciting the opinions of those present on a subject which is too little thought about, and that we shall be able to learn some- tliing by mutually communicating our ideas to one another. Tiie Chairman was received with applause. He said he was very much obliged to tlie gentlemen present for having drunk his health so cordially, and it was a pleasure to him to attend the piesent gathering. As Mr. Smith had said, he pur- posed making a few remarks on the subject which was to be brought under discussion, lie had to thank Mr. Bennett for his very instructive paper, and he would follow him in ofTeriug a few remarks on the same subject. He was very fond of jumping over farm fences at a certain season of the year, but he also took equal delight in rearing and training fences, as they should be upon every farm and estate, for in his humble opinion nothing improved the look of a farm so much as neat, well-kept, and well-shaped hedges, and he might also add good gates. He meant nicely painted gates, well hung, and capable of beiug opened, if required, without a person riding having to dismount his horse, or being obliged to strain his muscles in attempting to lift them — gates not fastened by an old halter or a broom handle. He was deviating from his subject, but whilst on the subject of gates let liira add that, hunting as he did every day in the week, on every side of the country, he saw the most remarkable gates and fastenings ; and he could assure them he often envied the owners tlie brains thoy must liave in inventing such fastenings ; and he often thought what a pity it was that they did not turn their powers of invention to better account. But, to return to our farm fences : Some twelve years ago it occurred to him that many acres of estate were wasted by growing wide, crooked old fences, full of hedge-row timber, and mucli of it of no value whatever. lie therefore made up his mind to stub many of them up, and to throw small fields together, so as to have a few large enclosures instead of many small ones. He found it a slow and tedious process, and also ?.n expensive operation ; but, being fortu- nately blessed with a set of tenants all anxious for improve- ments, with their assistance he had succeeded, and he might say that his tenants and himself had stubbed and grubbed up miles of old hedge-rows. In this way they had thereby im- proved tbpir farms and liis estate. In this way, as many pre- sent well knew, the look of the country had been changed. With their permission, lie would now tell them the system adopted with regard to planting quickwood and rearing it. In the first place, the planting of new quicks on the site of the old fence was carefully avoided. It was then trenched 18 inches deep by thirty wide. If planting on sward land, the sods were first pared and then chopped into small pieces and thrown back into the soil. The quickwood was nest planted in a single row as soon after (Christmas as possible, and left for one year. After allowing it one year's growth, it was cut off close to the ground, and it then put forth very many shoots, which grew strong and well. In the third spring, the tall shoots were cut down again, carefully leaving the lateral branches, which, of course, spread out, and make a good thick bottom. The fourth year and every subsequent year it was allowed to rise about a foot, and, by training it in this man- ner, and shaping it like the English capital letter A, it became a good sheep fence between ploughing fields in seven years, and a good fence between grass fields in ten years, and not requiring any guard fencing. lie measured one on his farm on the previous day. It was nine years old, and was five and a-half feet high, whilst at the bottom it was exactly six feet in width. In rearing farm fences, the geat secret he had fouud was to keep the quickwood well cut down the first four years, so as to grow thick at the bottom, and, above all, to keep it clean and well protected from sheep, especially lambs, which would injure it as much as hares or rabbits. He con- sidered it a waste of time aud money to attempt to get up young quickwood fences where there was much ground-game, it being impossible, as he had found out himself, to do so be- fore he reduced the ground-game upon his estate. These young fences, when seven years old, and trained in the way he hail mentioned, were the best possible protection for winged game, as they were narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. A partridge could sit close to the quickwood, perfectly pro- tected by the side or lateral branches, which covered her so that no dog could get near her. And let bim tell them for their information, and for the information of landowners gene- rally, that when he first commenced to grub up these old fences, so dear to all gamekeepers, that an old and excellent keeper of his informed him gravely that there would not be a place left for a bird to nest in, and that the new hedges would be useless. Last year, however, when out shooting, he came to a new hedge about eight years old on one of his farms, and this good keeper's retrievers could not extract a dead partridge from the bottom of the fence into which it had fallen in consequence of the width of it. The keeper turned round to him with the remark that " these ere hedges are the best for birds to nest in I ever saw." The man was converted, and he saw and was satisfied that he had done right in the course he had adopted. He said nothing to the keeper in reply to this remark. There were several present who knew the fences on his farm and estate, but should anjone whom he then addressed have uot seen them, and would like to see for himself, he should be glad to have a visit from him, and he would point out to hun hedges from two to ten years old which no other estate in the three ridings could beat. Mr. Calder said he had recently spent an hour or two iu riding over and looking at the Newbnrgh estate, in company with Sir G. 0. Worabwell, and he could say that he never saw better gates, and he had not once to get off his horse to open one. The estate, from what he saw, was one of the best ma- naged he had witnessed since he came from Scotland to England. The hedges, too, upon the estate were very good. The best time to plant a new hedge was in November and December, or iu February. In his opinion the best of all hedges was a stone fence, but the cost was great, and they could not be adopted except iu a stone country. Mr.T. Scott (the Secretary and the Vice-Chairinan) quite agreed with Mr. Calder considering that one of the most prominent features of the proper management of an estate was good fences kept iu proper order and duly cared for. He was of opinion that in the planting of quickwood four to the yard was sufhcient, and that six to eight or nine vi'as far more than necessary, and when planted the whole of them would not live. The quickwood could be well manured for three halfpence per yard, and this treatment was the means of get- ting up tlie fence as quickly as possible. In the cutting of a new fence it ought to he struck upwards, and never down- wards, and the proper time for planting was to his mind in October. He deprecated the system of cutting down and lay- ing old fences, as nothing was so detrimental to the thorn, which was in fact murdering the plant itself. Speaking of guard fencing he considered post and rails expensive, as they were rubbed against by cattle, but the American fencing was smooth and handsome. No estate of any magnitude ought to be without a saw mill, as by it a great amount of timber would be made available for fencing which otherwise could scarcely be sold at any price. It was to the interest of both landlord and tenant to have good fences on a farm, more par- ticularly to the landlord. The keeping of the bottoms of hedges perfectly clean, and encouraging the lateral shoots to grow, was the proper means for securing good fences. He agreed with the hon. baronet as to the importance of good gates properly hung. Really good gates were scarce, those that would readily swing backwards and forwards and shut themselves. Many of them dragged upon the ground and soon became out of order and destroyed. They would not swing easily, and farmers who had such gates on their farnts were rightly served if they found them left open. Mr. Jacob Sjiitii spoke of railway fencing being good, but too expensive. As a guard fence tliere was nothing so good as oak posts with a single line of rails in front of an old hedge, by which cattle were kept from injuring it. Mr. Bennett, in acknowledging a vote of thanks, said that he did not approve of stone walls as fences. Loose stone fences were always getting out of repair, and they gave the country a cold and bleak appearance. THE PARMER'S MAGAZINE. 171 AGRICULTURAL CUSTOMS All adjourned meeting of the Blidland I'armcrs' Club was held at the Royal Hotel, Temple Row, Binaiugliam, for the further consideration of the paper on Agricultural Customs, which was read by Mr. W. Eowler, juu., at tlie meeting in April ; Mr. W. Brewster, President, in the chair. The discussion was resumed by Mr. R. II. M\skex, wlio had reduced his remarks upon the sulycct to writing, lie was most anxious to know the views of Mr. i'owlcr and gentlemen of his profession upon the following points ; First — Is the ge- nerality of land farn\ed wellP Does it produce as much as it IS capable of doing P What is the percentage of farms not di- rectly handed down from one occupying memiier of a family to anotber, which are left in a good and desirable state of cultivation and condition ? Next — Wliat are the means of securing that desirable state alluded to ? by whom must that expense be borne P And are, or are not, existing agreements tending to the encouragement of good husbandry, or to the depreciation of the land during the last few years ot tlie occupa- tion ? It must be admitted that those who expend liberal sums in manure and feeding stuffs farm in a manner to make the land of greater value than when those appliances are with- held ; and hence the cause of hearing so much on this subject. He would give a simple illustration on a farm of 400 acres — 80 grass and 320 arable. He would contrast the grain crops in their respective value where farms are left iu good condition with those wiiich had been impoverished during the last years of occupation, and give proposed scales of compensation nu- merically. In tile first case he should give the scale for arti- ficial manures or purchased food, assuming that i;200 per an- num was expended for food, and £'200 for manure. This pro- posed to give one-third of last year's manure bills, amounting on the £200 to £66 13s. id. ; one quarter of the last year's but one purchased food, £50 ; and one-third the last year, £66 13s. id. ; total, £183 6s. 8d. Now, if he grew one-half quar- ter per acre more wheat and barley, and sold the former at 40s. and the latter at 30s. per quarter; he was a gainer of £96 13s. 4d. in the first two years' crops, after paying the in-coming tenant the amount due to him on the scale referred to. The uext sealc proposed the same scale for foods as the last, but two-thirds instead of one-third for artificial manures : One-quarter last year but one for food... One-third last year for ditto Twcthirds of manure bill for roots £50 0 0 66 13 4 133 6 8 Total £250 0 0 Now, if he grew six bushels of wheat and six bushels barley more under tins scale than where no consideration to a quit- ting tenant was made, and the farm had been impoverished, he sold: wheat, £210; barley, £180; total, £420; amount re- ceived over in-coming payment, £170 : a good return for his first outlay. The uext was Mr. Cadle's prize agreement, and it gave on £200 for purchased foods : One-quarter last year but one £50 0 0 One-half last year 100 0 0 One-third last year but one for purchased ma- nures 66 13 4 All the last year's, provided it is used for roots... 300 0 0 Total £416 13 4 Now with this liberal allowance they would expect to have better crops than in the others ; and one quarter per acre ad- ditional to the crop on an exhausted farm was a very mode- rate amount to put the increased crop at, which, at the same price as the other scales, would give For 160 quarters wheat at 40s £320 Tor 160 quarters barley at 30s 340 Total £560 Hence they had a profit of £143 6s. 8d. They would see the advantage was greater in the second illustration than in the tiiird ; and the only alteration lie should suggest in the third was that tlic allowance for purchased manures should only ex- tend to the last year, and he tliouglit the returns would not be materially effected by the change. That would stand thus in the table : One-quarter last year but one for cake £50 0 0 One-half last year for cake 100 0 0 All the last year's manure 200 0 0 £350 0 0 Thusforwheat 320 0 0 „ barley 240 0 0 £560 0 0 Deduct 350 0 0 Total amount in first two years over amount paid onentry 210 0 0 The amount of compensation should not be a matter of doubt or litigation. To those persons who doubted the desirability of such a practice being more generally accepted, he would reply by asking them to tell iiim how the landlord's interes"; was in any degree interfered with or encroached upon P The landlord was equally interested with themselves. He secured a class of tenants he never had before ; the country at large was an immense gainer by the Increased amount of native pro- duce ; and the additional amount of labour required to carry out the general requirements of good farming must tend to a beneficial result in all ways. He would ask how long a farm that was run out would be in regaining its natural producing powers under good management P He heard from some of the greatest land valuers that it will not much improve from the exhausted state for eight or ten years. Now the tabular state- ments which he had given had reference only to the improved crops of the first two years of the new occupancy, and showed a net gain to the income by paying fur food and manures so as to retain the soil in an unimpoverished state, de- monstrating beyond all power of contradiction the desirability of preventing exhaustion, which is so much encouraged by the present unsatisfactory covenants. Let the tenant be compen- sated for all improvements wiiich have been effected by the landlord's consent (those of a permanent character must be paid by the landlord, as his land is wortli a higher rent from the same) and the in-coming tenant should pay for acts of husbandry and unexhausted foods and manures. He believed such an arrangement would be fraught with unknown advan- tage, not only to tlieowner and occupier of the land, but to the community at large. Laud must be well farmed and left clean, and those who did not so leave it ought to be made to forfeit a sum sufiicient to repay the in-coming tenant for the additional outlay which he had to make. Under the old and geueral farm covenants he would impose no such thing, as nearly all of them tend to foster bad farming in every way during the last years of occupancy, both as to condition and cleanliness. In this he was aware the generality of the most thinking men and best landlords, agents, and farmers, agreed with him. The one great tiling which was lost sight of was that when a farm was left tlie incomer was, in tlie majority of cases, called upon to expend large sums in cleaning and manuring the land before lie got any return for \n» outlay. Would not this be more advantageously met by the farm beiug returned in a good state by paying the off going tenant, and thus preventing the injury and spoliation that arose by a tenant having to take out of the land that which he had put in, because he receives no benefit from tiiat which he leaves behind P Corn grown and consumed on the farm he would not allow for, neither for artificial manures used for the growth of grain crops. The proposed compensation would encourage men to farm so as to leave their occupations in good order, and would 172 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. attract capital to a brauch of commercial enterprise which lias occupied, and ever will occupy, an important and indispensable position in a nation's wealth, prosperity, and independence. Although we had imported annually during the last three years £37,000,000 in the shape of grain, and £5,000,000 worth of cattle, besides other articles of consumption, our teeming population required it all ; and any protracted drought or continuous rain caused a marked difference in the value of agricultural produce. It was, therefore, imperative that no barrier should interfere with the best returns which a grateful soil is ever ready to yield. Mr. Brawn regretted that the landlords had not manifested a greater interest in the discussions which had taken place upon the subject. It might be that they were apprehensive of losing something by any changes which might take place in the present system of customs and covenants ; but he thought this was a very erroneous view. A.11 the farmers asked was that they should be encouraged to cultivate their land so as to increase the amount of produce, and to employ more labour. One Warwickshire landlord, however — Lord Leigh — took a deep interest in the question ; and lie was sure that nobleman would not suffer, but rather benefit, by the graceful conces- sions he had made to his^tenants. He was glad to find that, with a single reservation as to the last year of the tenancy, Mr. Eowler was not in favour of binding farmers to any fixed sys- tem of cropping ; for such restrictions would never make a bad farmer into a good one, and he had seen laud as thoroughly exhausted where a certain rotation vi'as insisted upon as where the tenant exercised his own discretion. He was afraid Mr. Eowler was too much in favour of the six months' notice to quit, and he believed that a twelve months' notice would greatly tend to the improved cultivation of the soil — [Several voices : " Three years."] Buildings should be erected by the landlord ; and if it was inconvenient to him to lay out his money, and the tenant was disposed to do so, the latter should be allowed to erect them on the understanding that he was repaid by the landlord at a fair valuation on expiration of tenancy. Draining, too, should be done by the landlord, and interest on the amount be charged as increased rent upon the tenant. In regard to compensation for unexhausted improve- ments, he thought it was desirable the Legislature should pro- vide that all disputes should be decided by arbitration ; and that a public umpire should be appointed to decide upon cases where the arbitrators appointed by the respective parties could not agree. Mr. Kiivu said it was a gross injustice that the law should allow a heir on succeeding ^n an estate to turn out the occu- pying tenants, almost at a moment's notice. Mr. Fowler said that the stringency of the law of which Mr, King complained was considerably modified some years ago. Mr. Houghton said that since the repeal of the Corn Laws every child born in this country had been fed by the produce of foreign countries ; and that if landlords did not themselves make alterations, it was certain that alterations would be made for them, since it was dangerous for us to go on importing foreign food even faster than the increase of population. Mr. May said there was great difficulty in stating the pre- cise amount which ought to be awarded to a tenant for com- pensation, but all must agree that something ought to be done. He thought they were in a fair way for arriving at some deci- sion, since the discussion of this topic was now general all over the country. If m the face of low prices for corn they were to go on spending their money, they must know under what guarantee they were doing so. He did not wholly agree with what had been said on that occasion as to the amount of compensation. The phases of the question were so various, and each ought to be considered so thoroughly, that he thought it would be hardly possible to lay down any particular rule. They all knew that the amount of corn or cake consumed very much altered the value of tlie manure. Mr. Lawes, and most gentlemen who had made it a matter of study, averred that beyond a certain amount a beast did not assimilate the whole of it. But if you gave a beast 41bs. of cake, the probability was that it would assimilate more in proportion than if you gave it 81bs. ; aud they all knew that our best feeders — those who fed for show purposes — gave an extreme quantity. Now it was said there would be great difiiculty in knowing whether a man had consumed all for which he put in a demand. Some said you must bring vouchers, and here a great difficulty would arise. Still they must have some arranged plan of compen- sation, which must be left to the decision of men capable of judging. If it had been achieved in other counties it could be achieved in this, and consequentlv in all other counties. He, himself, was a lease man, and preferred a lease on liberal terms to any other form of holding. He could not see why, under a lease, the land should not be left in as good a state as under any other kind of agreement. The six months' notice was a very dangerous tiling when exercised in an arbitrary fashion. Mr. T. B. Wright said that he still thought the ques- tion before them should be discussed upon a wider and more extensive basis than it had hitherto been. So far as that Club was concerned, it liad resolved itself into that of unexhausted improvements only ; and it certainly was to be regretted that some general rules on this point had not long since been arrived at. But he must again express the opinion, that whatever scheme of compensation they might establish would prove an inadequate protection to tenant-farmers who held their farms subject to either a sis or a twelve months' notice to quit. He thought either long leases or some arrangements of a similar character, would alone satisfy the requirements of the case. The state of agricultural affairs in Ireland had lately attracted public attention in an extraordinary degree ; and in one province of that part of the United Kingdom, Ulster, a state of things existed which had been productive of the best results to both landlords and tenants. The Ulster custom was not founded upon any written law ; but he believed the late Earl of Derby had said that he was as much bound by it as though it had the authority of an Act of Parliament. A recent writer, speaking of the extraordinary prosperity of Ulster, said : " Strangers see in the north of Ireland a province in no special way favoured by Heaven, with ruder air aud a less generous soil than that of the fertile and sunny south, and here in this ' black northern' county is centered all the prosperity of the land." He did not know whether the legis- lation which was found necessary with regard to Ireland would be applied to this country, but that some changes m the tenure of land were necessary there could not, he thought, be a doubt. At the same time, it would be unwise to rely upon any half measures, or to pretend to make changes when in reality the object was to keep matters very much in their present state. Every one must be satisfied that it was abso- lutely necessary for the welfare of the community that the land of England should be made as productive as possible, and should employ a fair share of the labour of the country, and it would, he thought, be unwise on the part of the landed interest to disregard the state of public opinion and especially in many of our large towns. But although he ventured to urge that compensation for unexhausted improvements was by no means all that was required, yet under any circumstances questions of this kind would from time to time arise, aud he thought both the Club and the agricultural interest generally were indebted to Mr. Fowler and to Mr. Masfen for the clear and able manner in which they had treated the subject. Mr. Lowe contended that the farmers had not hitherto sufiicientJy looked after their own interests. He should, no doubt, be told that farmers in this country were placed in a peculiar position, by reason of there being so great a demand for occupations ; but since they were dealing with a limited commodity they should be the more careful as to the conditions on which they took it. By their eagerness to obtain posses- sion of farms the farmers enabled the landlords to impose restrictions and exact conditions which were manifestly unfair to the tenant. What was wanted was a fair and equitabii; agreement between landlord and tenant ; but if they wailed for legislative interference he feared they would for a long time remain in suspense. Mr. WiNTERTON said that many tenants stood with open hands to invest their money in the land, if they had guarantees for compensation, which, he contended, they should demand, not as a favour but as their right. He himself had so invested his capital, because he felt he was doing what he ought to do as an occupier ; for he held that the man who had a farm under his charge was bound, not only in justice to himself, but to the whole country, to make the best possible use of it. Still he must say that this investment of his capital had often been to him a subject of very anxious thought, and had caused him many sleepless hours, especially in regard to the family grow- ing up around him. AU farms ought to be taken under a fair agreement, and if this were the case, he believed the THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 173 produce of the land and the stock which it carried would be almost doubled. Mr. PowLEii made only a brief reply, in which, with re- ference to the difficulty which it was supposed tenants would experience in making out claims for compensation, he sug- gested that thry sliould enter in a separate book, or place upon a separate file, the accounts on which they based their claims. He agreed that where landlords were not prepared to drain, or to erect buildings, the tenants should be allowed to do it by an agreement which was equitable to both parties. As to the six months' notice to quit, lie contended that much might be said on both sides ; and that landlords did not turn out good tenants, for they were not over plentiful, lie did not think any aUowance should be made for manure used in the growth of corn crops. Speaking generally, with regard to purchased manures, he thought two-thirds of that used in the last year and one-third of that in the year before, would be about a fair allowance. Concerning corn and cake he should say one- third and one-sixtii respectively for the last and previous year. In conclusion he said he would submit a resolution which was moderate in tone, and would, he thought, be agreed to by all present. His friend the Chairman had wished him to go a little further ; but as probably tliis would give rise to dis- cussion, for which the hour was too late, he had preferred to let it remain in the following form : " That in the opinion of this meeting it is highly desirable, both in tlie interests of the landlord and the tenant, that a fair and reasonable allowance should be made to an outgoing tenant for unexhausted pur- chased manures, and also for corn and cake consumed upon the farm within the last two years of the tenancy." Mr. Masf EN seconded the motion, which was carried unani- mously. THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, CIRENCESTER. The spring session closed with the usual distribution of diplomas, certificates, and prizes. About nine o'clock in the morning the visitors, professors, and students assembled in the College Chapel, and after a short service, adjourned to the theatre of the institution, Mr. Holland presided, and in giving away the prizes each professor made some remarks upon the work which had been done during the past session in his own department. Professor VVrtghtson expressed satisfaction with the atten- tion which had been given to agriculture proper, aud spoke of the growing interest in that very practical part of agricultural studies, manual work, which had become, he might say, a re- cognised institution at the College. A year ago the attempt was made to stimulate interest in this direction, and he felt confident that the large body of students he saw before him would bear him out wlien he said that the practical work on the farm now occupied an important part of their leisure time. Professor Ciiuiicn, after a few prefatory remarks re- garding the progress of students in chemistry, gave a short epitome of the various subjects which had occupied his atten- tion in the laboratory during the past session. He had de- voted much time and care to the preparation of the new edition of the Laboratory Guide. The whole of the volume was in type, and would be published before the opening of next session. The Guide has been doubled in size, but, he hoped, increased in clearness as well as completeness. The first part, entirely new, consisted of 33 lessons of chemical manipulation, in- tended to teach practical chemistry in a way fitted for general adoption in colleges and schools. A series of experimental grass plots had been arranged in order to test the results of the continued application of certain manures to definite mix- tures of grass and clover seeds : a series of sugar determinations in sugar beets, taken up at short intervals last autumn, had been completed. A new substance (cyclopic acid) had been discovered in the Cyclopia Vogelli, one of the plants used by the African Boers for tea ; three new minerals, interesting from a scientific point of view, had been examined, and the usual work of water, manure, and other analyses had been carried on. After some remarks from Professors M'Bride and M'Nab, the Principal spoke of the general good conduct of the students throughout the closing session. With regard to what Professor Wrightson had said upon practical work, he entirely concurred, but he would ever hold the opinion that, valuable as a know- ledge of practical (manual) work must be to the fanner, the first object of the college was to encourage study and to com- municate scientific knowledge. Without in the slightest de- gree deprecating the importance of practical work, he wished to remind them tliat it must ever hold a subordinate position with regard to more abstract study. While speaking upon the point, lie must not forget to acknowledge the most kind and earnest interest BIr. Swanwick had taken in the encourage- ment, by prizes, of interest in farm work. Mr. Swanwick had allowed students every facility for acquiring practical skill in the slicepfold, the feeding sheds, and the fields, and he had given a large amount of his time in deciding who was the most eligible candidate for his prizes. Mr. Holland spoke at some length upon the objects of the promoters of the College and the success which up to the pre- sent time had been achieved. He also drew the attention of students to the means afforded by the College Club of con- tinuing in after life friendships made while at coUege. The Club ought to become every year more important and more useful, and he hoped to see a large number of old students and old friends at the approacliing Club meeting at Oxford. Pour candidates for the diploma then received their certifi- cates of membership, namely ; U. Willett, Lewes, Sussex ; J. Edwards, Leamington ; E. Jackson, Darlington ; M. Gra- nados, of Mexico. The certificates of honour and prizes having been distributed, the meeting separated. SHEEP "WORRYING. At the Yeovil County-court, last mouth, a watchmaker and jeweller, of Yeovil, named Dobell, brought a claim against the son of a farmer, Mr. John Brooks, to recover the sum of £3, the value of a dog, which the defendant had shot. It would seem that some time in April last a Miss Cook, accom- panied by the dog, was walking through a field of the de- fendant's, in which were a number of sheep, when the dog gave chase to a lamb, which he seized, and began to worry. Mr. Brooks, jun., at that moment came out of his house, and, shouting at the animal, caused it to leave its hold of the lamb, which at that time appeared to be dead. The dog had not, however, gone far before Mr. Brooks shot it dead. Under these circumstances, the action was brought to recover the amount above named. On the part of the defendant it was not for a moment denied that he shot the dog, but it was contended that he had perfect right to do so. The dog, when first seen, had the lamb, which was only about six weeks old, on its back at the time, and was shaking it. It was impossible to have shot the dog before it left the lamb, or in all probability that would have been shot as well. The losses occasioned to Mr. Brooks by dogs worrying sheep were stated to be nearly £100 a year ; and Mr. WaUs, who appeared for him, argued that the conduct of the defendant had been perfectly justifiable in order to ensure the safety of the sheep ; and he quoted an opinion from Oli- pliant, in support of his case, as follows : " To justify a person in shooting a dog for worrying his sheep, it is not necessary to prove that he was shot in the act, but it is sufficient if it ap- pear that he has been accustomed to worry sheep and could not have otherwise been restrained from doing so." On the other hand, Mr. Ellis, who represented the plaintiff, argued that the dog having left tlie lamb, defendant had no right to shoot it. His Honour took a similar view of the case. If the dog had been in the act of worrying the slieep, or if he had been running after them, and they could not have escaped without the interference of the defendant, the law would pro- bably have upheld him in his act. But here it seemed he had waited until the mischief had been done, and he killed the dog when it was not necessary for him to do so in order to prevent a recurrence of the attack, for the dog was going away ; and that being so his remedy against the owner of the animal would have lain in an action for damages, and not in kiUing the dog. Evidence was then given as to tlie value of the animal. By the plaintiff' it was stated to have been a valuable retriever. The defendant said he should be sorry to be seen walking about witli such a " mongrel" after him. Ultimately tlie judge, Mr, Saunders, gave the plaintiff a verdict for SOs. 1V4 THE FAKMER'S MAGAZIHE. CALENDAR OF AGRICULTURE Drilled crops must be tliouroughly cleansed, by scuffl- ing aud hand-hoeing, so that no weeds are seen to grow. The intervals of the drills are thoroughly fallowed by the horse-hoe repeatedly applied, and the ridglets broken and pulverized by the two-hand hoeings, which "thin the tur- nip plant and destroy the weeds. Potatoes, beetroot, and cabbages are cleansed in the same way, aud any tall weeds that may rise after the last scuffling and hoeing are pulled by hand. Before the haulm of jiotatoes has grown over the intervals of the drills, the ridglets are earthed up by two deep aud heavy furrows of the double- mould-board plough, done in the interval of 10 to 14 days apart, the plough drawn by two horses, walking two drills apart, with a maiu draught-tree of 5 feet in length, the ridglets being 3 inches distant. The ploiigh moving in the intervening hollow, a wide scope is afforded for throwing a deep furrow of soil over the sides of the ridglets, in which the tubers have room to protrude aud swell. This fiuishing process of a deep and wide tillage forms a very chief point in the cultivation of the most valuable root that is enjoyed by man in the largest va- riety of purposes, from the table of the peer down to the feeding of the pig and the peasant, and in the various conditions of boiled or steamed, raw, washed or dirty, used alone or mixed with other substances. No other root permits so many applications. Lay lime, dung, and composts on wheat fallows, the lime being previously laid in a longitudinal heap on the headland of the field, turned over and pulverized into a hot causticity by the application of water. In this con- dition the pulverulent body is spread over an extent of ground to the right and left of single-horse carts, by hand shovel in the allowed quantity, aud harrowed into the ground by a double tine. Another method places the cinders from the carts in small heaps on the ground, and covers with earth, and .spreads the lime over the surface, when the rains and the moisture of the lengthening nights have dissolved the cinders. A recent method breaks the crude limestone into small pieces, which are burned into cinders, that are spread over the ground, covered by a furrow of ploughing, dissolved in the ground by the moisture of the soil, which is heated and the tem- perature raised by the warm aud damp exhalations that are emitted by the process of dissolution. This way agrees well with the doctrine of lime conferring its benefit to the ground by the caloric of the incinerated body warming the ground and raising the temperature, which is very favourable to every vegetable life. The first-mentioned way of the lime being in the condition of quicksilver from a fresh dissolution of the cinders, and consequently run- ning into the mo4 minute crevices in the land, spreads the warmth most evenly and intimately into the ground, and coincides more fully with the theory of the warming ef- fects of lime, to which there is the strongest probability attached, and rises above the " scienlia media," which is above conjecture, and below certainty. The warming effects of lime may be a fixed certainty, which are most generally lost or made very weak by reason of want of quantity, and from the land being a conductor over a fallow of caloric, depending mainly on the mixture with animal and vegetable remains. Hence arises the failures and the success of lime as a manure. Farm-yard dung is laid on fallowed lands, cleaned of weeds, with all stones removed, and the soil pulverized. Small heaps of dung — from 13 to 15 two-horse cart loads, and about 20 loads of single carts to an acre — are spread evenly over the surface, with lumps of dung, broken by hand and fork, and covered by a furrow of ploughing. A lad or woman may follow each plough, and gather into the furrow of the plough any piece of duug that lie on the surface, having escaped the covering furrow. The nicer ideas on the subject of evaporation lay the land into ridglets by one furrow of the common plough, the dung is spi'ead along the hollows, and covered by splitting the ridglets with one furrow of the plough, which in going and returning opens a furrow and covers another. A cross harrowing will be I'cquired to level the ground for the seed furrowing of the land, or the ridging of the land may be done across the line of the seed furi'ows, and omit the harrowing. In the applications of farmyard duug, the advantage will appear of the straws being cut into short lengths by the steam-thrashing ma-, chinery. The covering in the land will be rendered more convenient, and the mixture will be more complete of straws, urine, and solid ffcecs. Supply to work-horses and cattle in the yards ample stores of vetches, which will be the green meat of the farm, aud will constitute a good food from the pods of seed being formed. The second crop of clover will come into use, and the most necessary and constant (quite possible) supply of green meat being provided, the yards will be filled in summer, making dung as good as in winter, from horses, cows, cattle, and store pigs voiding much urine and mucilaginous ffcces. Ample littering must be af- forded. Keep the draft ewes on good pastures, and at the end of the month jjlace them with the ram for early lambs. The lambs of the year must have a good maintenance. Carry to the liquid manure tank all vegetable substances in a reduced bulk, with fine earths and scraping collec- tions. Or the tank may contain liquids only, and the earthy bodies may form a dry compost heap, with caustic lime as a solvent of coarse substances, and mild lime as a mixture for minute substances. This heap will be most useful for receiving all reducible bodies into a compost. Sow in the end of the month, on stubble ground ofgood quality, rye aud tares for the early spring use, and sow on beds of well-prepared land the seeds of drum-head cab- bages, kohl-rabi, savoys, and brocoli, for plants to be used next spring. The plants require to be transplanted into lines, to prevent shooting into seed too soon. Cut all tall weeds on sides of roads, and on ditch banks, before the seeds are ripe, which, being light and feathery, are carried by the wind into places where they grow, and give much trouble. A special clause of agreement should stipulate the destruction of such pests. This month constitutes the general season of the har- vest of grain crops over two-thirds of the United King- dom. In the earliest districts, the reaping is concluded by the end of the month, in next earliness the crops are reaped and finished by the first half of next month ; while in the farthest northern parts, the whole business falls into September with a remnant into October. The earliest cuttings permit of the sowing of turnips on stub- ble lands, to be consumed on the ground as sheep feed in early winter, and also the scuffling of the ground, and the burning of the rubbish for winter sowing of suitable plants, and of pea and bean grattaus, for wheat. The burning of the surface freshness makes a good manure. Wheat is cut by hand sickle, tied into sheaves of a THE FABMEK'S MAGAZINE. 175 moderate bulk, placed iu shocks of twelve sheaves, two of which iu the uorthera latitudes, are reversed, and serve as a hood for covering the shock. This precaution defends from rain, but retards from drying after the stack has been drenched by heavy rains. Still the practice is approved of by many. When fully dried, the crop is car- ried and built into ricks, or lodged iu barns. In early and dry climates, oats and barley ai'e mown by the scythe, and dried as hay, and placed iu ricks or in barns ; on being turned and dried in the swathe for some days, the crop is tied into sheaves, carried and lodged. The binding suits better for the thrashing ma- chinery. Peas are cut from the grouud by hand sickle, laid into small heaps, which are turned over, and dried, and carried into ricks or barns. Beans are cut by sickle into small sheaves, and tied with straw ropes or tarred twine, which Jast may be preserved for several years. The cutting of the crops is done by day labour, by the acre or by the sheave, as may be most convenient. But in general day labour will be the most eligible, and when properly directed and carefully superintended will always produce the best execution of work ; contract ever leads into deception and quarrels. Reaping machines, which are known beyond description, are employed to cut grain, and have attained a very con- siderable employment. But a success in the exceptional cases of favourable circumstances is not by any means sufticieut to establish a practice on a principle for general utility ; a majority of similar results is most easential in all such cases of application and performed under the greatest possible variety of circumstances that can be ex- pected to occur. The original cost of the machine is large, and consequently requires a large extent of farm ground on which to effect its reimbursements. Hence its ineligibility for small farms. All wheels require a level surface on which to run, and the operation requires a crop of rather strong stems, standing close rather than thin, of uuiform height, and but little bent from an up- right position. The application is awkward by the draught power being attached to the lateral end of the ma- chine, and thus requiring an open cut at the side or in the middle of a field. The physical obstacles of uneven sur- faces, hilly grounds, and swelling undulations, along with thin crops, and a frequent break down from heavy rains, with twisting and intertwining by winds and storms, may confine the use of the reaping machine to the benign cli- mates of South Britain, and to the extreme parts of it, with a very partial use over the whole of Scotland, and North of England, owing to the physical and adventi- tious obstacles that have been mentioned ; and as the value or utility of any discovery, invention, or calculation is not to be gained till time has sobered the enthusiasm of its advocates, a fair inference may be deduced that the cutting of grain crops may remain a manual operation notwithstanding all the ingenuity has been expended, that will appear in mostly all attempts of novelty. The toothed hand sickle continues to make the neatest work ; the scythe sickle, though easier drawn, and with less power, cuts the stems before being caught by the hand, and iu thin crops strews the ground with a dirty work ; but in careful handsthe use is very eligible with strong crops. CALENDAR OF GARDENING. Kitchen Garden. Sow the main crop of turnips — the Early Store or Dutch — iu drills, with an inch or two of good manure, and a pint of bone-dust to each barrow, three inches directly over the intended rows ; and these drills should be struck in ridges, formed by taking a little of the earth from the spaces between them. Choose an open spot of land outside the garden ; for turnips rarely prosper witli- in it. Hoe and thin the plants as they grow, till, at last, they stand about nine inches apart, above two feet from row to row. Sow in the first week the main crop of next year's early cabbage — in the most southern latitude, from the 6th to the 10th, in the northern parts, a week earlier, according to the coldness of the locality. Water the drills before sowing, if the weather be dry. Sow winter prickly spinach twice, in the second and last week. Choose mellow soil, moderately rich, like to that after fresh dug early potatoes. Nitrate of soda has been proved a most fertilizing dress, particularly in bind- ing gritty loams — half-a-pound scattered over a pole of 30? square yards digged in, and the rows a yard apart, sown as the digging proceeds. Sow endive in the second or third week. Sow also a sprinkling of horn carrot, salads, radish, and lettuce, the hardier sorts, and onions for spring. Sow cauliflowers about the 20th, to be planted under glasses or in frames. Transplant, at various times, according to their size, stout, well-formed plants of cabbages, brocoli, savoys, and Brussels' sprouts. Incorporate a quantity of good manure with the soil, to which has been added sulphate of ammonia, half-a-ponnd to a square pole. Coleworts, for greens, in the same manner, twelve inches apart. Celery, for the latest crop, by the third week. If the weather be dry, apply water liberally. Never mutilate the plants by cut- ting the leaves. " Earth up" former plantings timely and carefully. The spade may be used when the plants are strong, and have already been twice earthed. Propagate sweet herbs by slips and cuttings. Take up garlic, shallots, and onions that are ripe. Destroy weeds, leave none to spread the evil by seeding, and the most sedulous attention is now required. Cut vegetable mari'ows and cucumbers as they come on, leaving none to become ripe. Be particular to gather French beans and runners, for if pods ripen, the bearing of edible pods is checked at once. " Gather beans and have beans," says the old rule. Eruit Depart.ment. Raspberries. — Attend first to cut out the brown canes that have borne fruit ; then take away slender supernu- merary young shoots — air and smi will thus act upon those six or seven good canes which are left to ripen. Burn the dry canes that are pruned out, and scatter the ashes over the raspberry beds. Some condemn this burning, but the earth may beneficially receive back, as soon as possible, the inorganic salts thus developed by fire. Spur bearing trees on espaliers should be regulated very early by cutting back or snapping the wandering breast or spur wood one-third of their length. By snap- ping the sap is checked and diverted to the lower buds, while its course is not so fully and suddenly arrested as it is by amputation. The trees are for a time rendered un- sightly, but as all must be cut lower back in a few weeks, this is a mere trifle, if the benefit alluded to be taken as a " set off." Vines may not be shortened, but let the bearing and succession wood be trained in open regular order. Cut olT to the lowest bud all weak laterals, stop the leaders, 176 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. and thus divert all tlie power of the maiu shoots and leaves to the perfecting of the clusters. A few plants of vines may grow on the garden-wall or on a railing. Make fresh plantations of strawberries, if the season be not dry and parched. The land must be richly prepared with dung, and if possible with a mixture of fresh soil from a vegetable earth, rotted for a time before applica- tion. The sets must be healthy and strong, in a dark- green colour, with roots fibrous and spreading, placed six inches apart, in rows that are one foot distant. If dry weather continues, apply water very liberally till the sets are seen to have struck root. The beds may be six feet wide, and the rows drawn across or lengthwise. Flower Gaudex. Attend to the routine directions that have been so often given, especially to the gathering of manure, from large weeds cut and chopped into the tank ; earths and drop- piugs in the compost-heap, with earthy matters of all kinds. Now re-pot and dress any auricula plants, and pot off seedlings. At the end of the month transplant or introduce evergreens, particularly if be weather be moist. AGUICULTURAL RE POUTS. GENERAL AGRICULTURAL REPORT FOR JULY. The weather during the past month has been all that could be desired for the growing crops, and all cereals have made rapid progress. Wheat has improved much in the ear, and has come rapidly to maturity. As we write the harvest is general, and the results, on the whole, are considered satisfactory. No doubt there is a decided deficiency on light and ill-culti- vated soils, but the falling off will be made good by the return from well-farmed and heavy lands, on which the wheat plant is remarkably good. Tlie present year has afforded another proof, if one were wanting, tiiat a dry, hot season is the best suited to the development of the wheat plant in this country. We have this year experienced something more nearly approaching to drought than has been the case within recollection. The dryness of 1868 was rather owing to the great degree of heat than to any long-continued absence of rain, but this year less than half the average rainfall occurred during the first six montlis. While, however, wheat has flourished under this state of things, the spring corn crops have been very differently circumstanced. Barley and oats at one time presented a very poor appearance, but improved considerably under the influence ot rain. It is surprising that roots and the corn crops have not suffered more than they have done, but this may be partially explained by the fact that the spring was cold and ungenial, aud that the moisture was retained in consequence, aud not dissipated by radiation. When we last wrote there was every appearance of dull markets and declining rates ruling for some time, but since tlien an element of the greatest uncertainty has been imported into the case. The declaration of war aud the threatening aspect of continental politics generally have had the effect of causing a state of excitement in the grain trade which has been rarely equalled. On the news of the declaration of war by France against Prussia becoming known, a panic set in at Mark-lane, and the most extravagant prices were demanded. The prospect of the partial suspension of the import trade and of the total cessation of shipments of fine wheats from the Baltic induced factors to hold very firmly, and millers were at length compelled to pay 5s. to 6s. per qr. more money for English wheat. A similar rise took place in the value of foreign wheat, though in the case of Araericau red wheat the improvement w^as as much as 8s. per qr. A reaction naturally followed the state of panic, and prices receded towards the close of the month 3s. per qr., leaving wheat about 2s. per qr. dearer than at the opening of July. It was only natural that the favourable harvest pros- pects and the early date at which the harvest has commenced should influence the quotations in a downward direction. Although the hay crop in the South of England has proved very unsatisfactory, in the North and in Scotland the yield has beeu good, while the prospect of a second cut is every- where encouraging. In Ireland all crops have prospered under the influence of fine weather. It is believed that feeding stuffs of all kinds will rule firm in value for some time to come. Large quantities have been purchased on French account, and these transactions will no doubt be carried on so long as they are found practicable. One of the most unfortunate features of the war is the fact that the crops in North Germany are outstanding ; and it is believed that, owing to the depletion of the labour market, a great portion of them is doomed to deutructiou. The accounts from the hop districts were never better, aud the yield is looked forward to as an imprecedentedly large one. The bine has seldom been freer from blight, and towards the close of the season the weatlier forced on its growth rapidly. Consequently the hop trade has beeu in a state of total sus- pension, and values have remained quite nominal. The wool markets suffered much by the withdrawal of French and German buyers from the market and by the check that the yarn trade has suffered from the outbreak of war. Prices are consequently lower, colonial wool having given way Id. to 2d. per lb. REVIEW OF THE CATTLE TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. There has been an absence of any important feature in the cattle trade during the past month. The commencement of hostilities between France and Prussia, and the prospect of a curtailment of our foreign receipts at one time tended to impart strength to the market, and to promote a higher rauge of values, liowever, the increased liberality of the arrivals from our own grazing districts caused a reaction to set in, and the advance was lost. Although some really fine stock has been received from Lincolnshire, the bulk of the arrivals have come to hand in but indifferent condition. Certainly, during the past week a tendency to improvement has been apparent ; but there is still a comparative scarcity of choice stock. lu Scotland, on the other hand, owing to the plentiful supply of grass, cattle have fared well, and the few beasts which have been sent to market have been well-conditioned animals. As regards trade, really prime beasts have beeu in request, and have at one time made 5s. 6d. per Bibs. At the present moment the extreme quotation does not exceed 5s. M. ; whilst many good serviceable animals are being disposed of at 4'S. lOd. to OS. per 81bs. The show of sheep has been equal to the average so far as numbers have been concerned ; but the quality has been but middling. During the earlier part of the mouth the trade was weak, and there was a tendency to lower rates. Sub- sequently, there was a reactionary movement, and the value of the best Downs aud half-breds recovered to os. id. to 5s. 6d. per 8 lbs, But, at the same time, transactions have been effected in good breeds at 5s. per 8 lbs. Lambs have been quiet and without change in value. For calves, the supply of which has been good, there has been very little inquiry, and the business doing in pigs has been unimportant. The hay crop in the southern counties has proved sadly deficient; but farther north the yield has been much better. The recent rains give promise of a second crop, but in no Crise will it be heavy. The root crop promises to turn out well. On the whole, so far as can be discerned from present prospects, fodder will be scarce during the winter months. Tlie total supplies of stock exhibited and disposed of at the Metropolitan Cattle Market have been as follows : Beasts 24,843 Head. Sheep and Lambs 211,610 Calves 5,350 Pigs 1,155 THE FABMEE'S MAGAZINE. 177 Comparison of Supplies. July Beasts. Sheep and L^mbs. Calves. Pigs. 1869 20,24.0 170,880 4,4.35 1,129 1868 24,312 195,250 3,938 1,360 1807 18,59n 130,480 3,117 1,755 1866 21,710 158,990 3,778 2,420 1865 26,010 149,900 5,757 2,480 1804 27,394 147,890 4,658 3,140 1863 24,070 109,870 3,822 2,682 1802 22,392 151,060 2,339 2,632 1801 19,740 150,140 3,532 3,210 1860 19,870 153,000 3,133 2,428 1859 19,000 106,632 3,609 2,430 1858 20,468 154,922 4,202 3,290 The arrivals of bullocks from our owu grazing districts, as "yell as from Scotland and Ireland, thus compare with the three previous years : July, July, July, July, From— 1867. 1868. 1869. 1870. Norfolk, Suffolk, &c 2,500 1,800 300 1,100 Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, &c., 2,860 6,000 5,300 4,800 Other parts of England 3,370 3,700 2,020 2,800 Scotland 324 90 47 97 Ireland 80 170 450 120 The total imports of foreign stock into London have been asunder: 1808. 1809. 1870. Beasts 6,037 8,784 6,800 Sheep and Lambs 24,905 30,772 37,991 Calves 2,282 4,009 4,340 Pigs 2,316 3,349 3,230 Beasts have sold at from 3s. 2d. to 5s. 6d., sheep 3s. 4d. to 5s. 6d., lambs 6s. 4d. to 7s., calves 3s. lOd. to 5s. Od., and pigs 4s. 6d. to 5s. Sd. per 81bs. to sink the offal. COMPAEISON OF PRICES. July, 1808. July, 1809. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Beef from 3 0 to 5 0 3 0 to 5 8 Mutton 3 0 to 5 0 3 0 to 5 8 Lumb 5 0 to 6 0 5 6 to 6 0 Veal 3 6 to 5 0 4 6 to 5 8 Pork 8 2 to 4 4 3 10 to 5 2 The dead meat markets have been moderately supplied with meat. Tlie trade, generally, has been quiet. Beef has sold at from 3s. 6d. to 5s., mutton 3s. bd. to 5s. 2d., lambs 5s. to 5s. lOd., veal 4s. 8d. to 5s., aud pork 4s. to 5s. 4d. per Bibs, by the carcase. AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE, FAIRS, &c. BANBURY FAIR. — There were a good many sbeep, but business seemed sluggish, the best bringing about 5s. per stone. The supply of cattle was not large, neither was the business great. PRIZES AT BASINGSTOKE FAIR.— For the largest number of sheep and lambs as a breeder, the same having been in the possession of the exhibitor prior to the 1st of March last, a piece of plate, value 20 gs., to T. Moore, Viables Farm, near Basingstoke; to tlie breeder who shall pen the second largest number, a cup, value 5 gs., J. Portsmouth, Basingstoke. For the best pen of 100 Hampshire Down wether lambs, bred and led by the exhibitor (the breeding flock to consist of not less than one-fourth two-tooth ewes), 10 gs. to A. Budd, Overton ; second, 5 gs., J. Wigg, Basing- stoke. For the best pen of not less than 40 wether lambs of any breed, bred and fed by the exhibitor from a flock of ewes not exceeding 410, such pen to be taken in proportion of 10 to every 50 ewes, 5 gs. to G. Twitchen, Worting AVood Farm ; second, 3 gs., J. Palmer, Cliddesden. For the best pen of ewes, the whole of which shall have been fed by the exhibitor from the 31st of October, 1869, such pen to consist of not less than 50 nor more than 100, taken in proportion of 10 to every 50 ewes kept by the exhibitor, 10 gs. to F. Budd, Hatch- warren. For the best pen of 100 two-tooth ewes of any Ijreed, having been in the possession of the exhibitor from the 1st of January last, 10 gs. to J. Lunn, Preston Candover. For the best pen of 100 wether sheep of any breed, which shall have been in the possession of the exhibitor prior to the 1st of Marcii last, 5 gs. to J. Wigg, of Skyer's Farm ; second, 3 gs., A. F. Bradby, Preston Candover. For the best Hampshire Doft'n ram of any age, 5 gs. to J. Moore, Littlecot, Pewsey, Wilts. For the best pen of not less than live llampsliirc Down ram lambs, taken in projiortion of 2 to every 100 ewes kept by tlie exhibitor, 5 gs. to F. Budd. For the best ram of any age not being of the Hampshire Down breed, 5 gs. to Mrs. E. Clift, Slierborne St. Jolin ; second, £2 10s., J. Wheeler, Long Compton, Shipston-on-Stour, Oxfordshire. BOSTON FAT SHEEP MARKET.— A fair supply, which met a tolerably brisk demand, at from 7d. to 8d. per lb. There were several buyers from the North present again. BRISTOL COLT FAIR.— A fair trade was done, 30 guineas being the highest price realized. There were some capitr.l Irish nags, and they realiezd high prices, from 40 to 50 guineas being given for (irst-ratc ones. The cart-horses and marcs were poor, and trade was dull owing to the short- ness of keep. BROMYARD FAIR.— The supply of store stock was very small ; but small as it was it was fully equal to the demand, there being no purchasers, and the greater part being driven home unsold. Cows and calves were more jilentifiil, but for want of keep only a few changed hands. No fat beef. Sheep were plentiful ; fresh ewes brought 7d. and wethers and lambs 8d. per lb. Tlierc wus a large supply of pigs, which sold upon easier terras. The fair was altogether a very dull one, very little business being done. FORT-WILLIAM SHEEP MARKET — Glenflnnau and Glenaladale blackfaced wethers 31s., Beach blackfaced lambs £11 15s. per clad score, Lettermore blackfaced wethers £27, Acharn blackfaced ewes i£24, slack ewes £14, wethers 27s., shot lambs £0, Beneveicht blackfaced wethers 33s. Od., Achvlair Duror wethers £23, ewes X'12, Achnaeone wether lambs 10s., mid ewe lambs 8s. (shotts deferred), Auchintee wethers 31s., Appin wether lambs 9s. 9d., Lundavra slack ewes £17, Inchree do. £15, Auchindaul wether lambs £12, Kenlochmoidart tiiree- year-old wethers 30s., Dalness do. 29s., Keil Ardgour wethers £29, Coruuan ewes £17, Crigau two-year-old wethers £21, Frinisgaig ewes £12, Mr. Anderson's Oak Bank Mull Cheviot top wether lambs £13, South Corrie Kenloch Gairloch two- year-old wethers £19 10s., shott lambs £4, Kinloid Arasaig wethers £25, Glenmore Ardnamurchan shott lambs £0, Strath- mashie and Shirra Beg ewes £18, Moy Lochaber Cheviot wether lambs £13, Cruben Beg slack blackfaced ewes £17, do. three-year old wethers £30, Glennevis ewes £17 10s., wethers £31 10s., Guischau three-year-old wethers £20 lOs., Bar Blaroch Morrar top wether lambs £9 10s., Gorstenfern Ard- namurchan three-year-old blackfaced wethers £25, Bohintiu yeld ewes £20, Glennage Ardnamurchan top wether lambs £10 5s., cast ewes £4 10s., shott lambs £6, Kenloch three- year-old wethers £33. GRANTHAM FAT STOCK MARKET. — A very good show of stock ; business dull. Beef 8s. to 8s. Od. per stone, mutton 7d. to 7-Vd. per lb. HORSHAM FAIR.— There were about 10,000 slieep and lambs penned. The highest price made for lambs was 36s. for a pen of 150, belonging to the Messrs. E. aud R. Emery, of Hurston-place, Storrington. This was 4s. per head higher than any other slieep in the fair. LINCOLN FAT STOCK MARKET.— A good supply and brisk trade, beef making 8s. to 9s. per stone, and mutton 7id. per lb. _ OVERTON FAIR.— On ordinary occasions 60,000 to 70,000 sheep and lambs are penned, but on this it was from 10,000 to 15,000 short. There was a brisk sale at the com- mencement of the day, and some thousands were speedily dis- posed of ; but later the sale declined, and became somewhat dull, though a good clearance was effected. Average lambs fetched from 24s. to 36s., choice from 30s. to 40s. Mr. R. Awbery penned some wliich realised 37s. each. Mr. F. Budd's 100 ewes fetched 60s. Ewes averaged from 30s. to 45s., and wethers from oSs. to 48s. PRIZES iVT THE OVERTON (HANTS) FAIR.~The judges were E. Olding of Woodford, T. Gerisli of Upton, and T. Moore of Viables Farm, Basingstoke. Best pen of 100 wether lambs, Mr. A. Budd ; best pen of wether lambs, Mr. J. Wigg ; second, Mr. G. Twitchen ; best pen of ewes, Mr. T. Budd ; second, Mr. A. Budd ; best ram, Mr. J, Moore ; best pen of ram lambs, Mr. F. Budd. ST. BOSWELLS FAIR.— As compared with the prices 178 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. current at last year's fair, tliosc obtaiiitd to-day were cousidera- bly up. The best class of lambs may be quoted at from 29s. to 36s., and the second lots at from 23s. to 28s. 6d. Last year the highest price was 31s. ; so that on the top there is an in- crease of OS. The general advance would vange from 3s. to Ss., though in some instances a greater rise was reported ; but then when this occurred the lots were considered to be of better quality than the lots from tlie same hirsels were last year. This market was not a very profitable one for dealers, and it was only from farmers that information as to prices could be obtained. SALISBURY SHEEP EAIR was the largest ever held there, about 10,000 sheep being penned, which was about 1,000 more than last year's fair, and probably 2,000 in excess of the average number. Trade, however, was dull, and in tlie course of the day lower prices had to be submitted to in several cases before sales could be ell'ected. Good useful lambs were sold at from ISs. to 25s., superior ones realizing as high as 40s., ewes 25s. to 3os., and wetiiers 35s. to 45s. a few lots fetching even higher prices. Mr. James Rawlence, of Bulbridge, sold a pen of 100 splendid ewe.s to Mr. Bishop, a dealer of Soutliall, for 55s. a head, tlie lot having carried olf Dr. Lush's prize, as tlie best pen in the class in which they were exhibited. Mr. Carpenter, of Lake, obtained 42s. for the pen with which he took the second prize in the same class, and Mr. Walter Young sold a lot which did not take a prize for 43s. Mr. Heed, of New Court, obtained 35s. 6d. for a very good lot of ewes. Mr. F. Tabor sold some lambs for 32s. Mr. James llawlence sold his fourth lot of 100 cull larabs at 30s. PRIZES AT THE SALISBLTIY SHEEP EAIR.— The judges were J. Marsh (Stratford), Mr. Compton (Fisherton Delamere), and Mr. Attwater (Britford). A piece of plate, value £5, for the best pen of improved Hampshire Down ram Iambs in the proportion of two to every 100 ewes, kept and put to tup the previous year, not less than four, nor more tlian ten lambs from one flock : F'irst prize, Mr. Moore, Lielttcott ; second of £3, Mr. Dibben, Bishopstone. A piece of plate, value £5, for tlie best pen of 80 wether lambs, bred by the exliibitor, from any flock, not exceeding 400 breeding ewes, or of 100 lambs from any flock exceeding that number: First prize, J. Fleetwood, Coombe ; second, Mr. Higgins, Great Wishford. A piece of plate, value £5, for the best pen of 80 wether sheep, having been at least for three mouths in the possession of the exhibitor, from any flock not exceeding 400 wether sheep, or 100 from any flock exceeding that number ; Prize, J. Hording, Speckington. Apiece of plate, value £5, for the best pen of 80 breeding ewes, good on tooth, and having been at least for six months in the possession of tlie exhibitor, from any flock not exceeding 400 breeding ewes, or of 100 from any flock exceeding that number : First prize, Mr. Rawlence, Bulbridge : second, Mr. Carpenter, Lake. A piece of plate, value £5, for the best Hampshire Down ram of any age : J. Moore. A piece of plate, value £5, to the largest penner : J. Thatcher, Stoford. A piece of plate, value £5, to the largest purchaser : Mr- Meakins, of Cambridgeshire. SHERBORNE FAIR.— The threatened rain held oif , and there was consequently no inducement to do business in the few lots of sheep ottered (about half the usual average). Beasts were also scarce and business feeble. SLEAFORD FAT STOCK MARKET.— A very large and first-class show of fat beasts, which were sold at a shade less than the extreme rates of last week. Good show of sheep, which met with a brisk trade. Best beef realised from 9s. to 9s. 3d., second quality from 8s. 3d. to 8s. 9d. per stone ; mutton from T^d. to 8d. per lb., lambs from 25s. to 35s. each. SPILSBY FAIR. — There was only a small number of fat beasts, which sold readily at 9s. per stone ; well-fed sheep made 8d. per lb. Store beasts, of which there were several of good quality, were a drug, and could not be converted into cash. REVIEW OE THE CORN TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. The montli commenced with refreshing showers which soou left their mark upon the meadows, though not heavy or of long coatinuauce, but after the first week hot dry weather returned, and cut olf the hopes of a second crop of grass, though greatly fiicilitatiug the maturity of the corn. Some quantity of oats has already been gathered, also of peas, barley, and also Talevera wheat, and we are brought to the eve of our general gatherings. These prospects at the outset of the month began to curtail the late advance occasioned by foreign exports, but suddenly a war cloud has burst upon us from the nation needing our su])plies, exciting a panic oa the Stock Exchange and poducing on our corn markets a scene of wildness that re- minds us of former times. On the third ^Monday the entire aspect of prices was changed for every description of corn. Wheat then rose 6s. to 7s., and nearly all spring corn 2s. to 3s. The latter has sustained its then value, but the wheat trade only one week after the sudden and heavy advance, showed symptoms of a reaction, and Eng- lish became so difticult to sell that prices could not be considered more than nominal, holders of foreign consent- ing to a reduction of 2s. to 3s. per qr., with but little doing at that Very large sales of floating cargoes were made at the advance, and as things now look these pur- chases have a prospect of leaving a loss, hut the chapter of accidents now that war lias commenced and harvest is coming on may set matters right. Rumours have now become so much the order of the day that prices have been quite uusettled, but after all the nominal rates are not extravagant, and may yet be surpassed, Tlie Government reports of the crop in America represent the wheat har- vest as being about six milliou quarters less than iu 1869, and from California less is to be expected than previously received. So our range of prices, independently of any political calculations, does not seem likely to be a low one, more especially as spring corn will be deficient and dear, and hay still more so. They are in full harvest in France, but scarcely an average is expected, nor is it in many parts of Germany where the long and trying winter did much damage. War may greatly add to this, and so none can divine for the future, while we would sincerely hope that our own country will keep clear of the tremendous conflict expected. The prices lately quoted abroad were as fol- lows : "White wheat at Paris 61s., red 60s. ; white at Bordeaux 52s. 6d. ; wheat at Courtrai (Belgium) o4s., at Liege 60s., Antwerp and Brussels 62s., mixed Polish at Amsterdam 56s., white Zealand at Rotterdam 53s., marks at Ilambro' 47s.,Wahreu 50s. 6d.,at Romaushorn 57s. 6d., at Porrentruy 56s., at Stettin 45s. to 50s., at Pesth fine red to 46s., at Cologne Sis. free ou board, fine new at Danzic 60s. cost freight and insurance, fine old to 65s. c. f. and i. ; soft at Algiers 53s., hard 46s. ; A'o. 2 Mil- waukie at New York 48s. cost freight and insurance per 4801bs. The first Monday in !Mark Lane commenced on small supplies of English wheat, with only moderate arrivals of foreign. The show of fresh samples from Essex and Kent was very scanty, but with favourable weather trade was dull, at a decline of Is. to 2s. perqr. The sale of foreign was also very limited, and all descriptions were reduced in value to tlic same extent. Though few cargoes were on the coast they were more than sufllcient for the demand, with prices pointing downwards. A decline for a fort- night past having been submitted to in the country, far- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 179 iiiers ill some places resisted iiuy farther redaction, but still there were sellers at Is. less at Sleaford, Wakefield, Market Ilascn, Stockton, aud Gloucester ; ami other towns followed the London reduction, as Binningliaiii, Leeds, Ipswich, Kotherham, Wolverhampton, and Bristol ; Liverpool only gave way Id. to 2d. per cental for the week. Wlieat, both at Glasgow and Edinburgh, gave way Is. per qr. Native wlieut at Uubliu was not lower but dull, foreign was GJ. to Is. per barrel clicaper. On the second Monday the Eiiglisli su])|)]y was small, but the foreign was considerable. The show of fresh samples from the near counties was very limited. The eircumstauce of rumours of war on the Continent prevail- ing saved the market from a further fall, which seemed imminent on Friday, though millers were not eager buyers. The foreign trade hardened from the threatening state of politics, thougli business was but on a moderate scale, at the previous Monday's rates. With an increase of car- goes off the coast holders were asking higlier rates, which prevented extensive business. With more warlike ap- pearances as the week wore on, partly checked by the near approach of harvest and very fine weather, there was but little difference noted in tlie country wheat trade. Though some places where war was supposed probable demanded higher rates, others who did not credit it were willing to make some concession. Liverpool, always excitable, rose 2d. on Tuesday per cental, and a like advance was realized on Friday ; and on that day in London there were few sellers unless at an advance of 2s. or 3s. per quarter. Glasgow was again up Is. per qr. for wheat, and Edinburgh was about Gd. per qr. dearer. Wheat at Dublin was de- cidedly 6d. per barrel dearer. On the third Monday the English supplies were rather better, and the foreign less, though good. Few fresh samples were exhibited on the Essex and Kentish stands. The news of a declaration of war by France against Prussia made a very wild market. Holders of English scarcely knew what to ask ; many demanded 10s. more, some 7s., and as much as the last was really paid, though the average rise for home-grown qualities could scarcely be stated as over 5s. to 6s. With greate- variety in foreign, and a possible curtailment of supplies, as much as 8s. more was in some instances paid, while some were otfering at 5s. advance, and of course did not exceed it. Business was in fact nearly paralysed, and prices very irregular. For cargoes afloat 5s. per qr. increase was demanded. The country markets this week were in some instances wilder than London. At Bnry St. Edmunds, Bristol, and Brigg 10s. more was reported to have been paid for fine qualities; 53. to Ss. was commonly insisted on, and the more moderate places, as Hull and Thirsk, were 4s. to 5s. dearer. Liverpool, after a rise of Is. Gd. per cental on Tuesday, gave way on Friday 3d. per cental, and London then evinced symptoms of reaction, as France, the country actually at war, did not quote such an advance as England. Glasgow was 3s. Gd. to 4s. per boll dearer, and Edinburgh nearly as much. Dublin noted a rise of 3s. to 4s. per brl. on native and foreign samples. On the fourth Monday the Exiglish arrivals were moderate ; those from abroad plentiful. The show of fresh samples from Kent and Essex was limited ; among the latter appeared a very dry sample of new Talavera, held at 63s. The entire trade was unhinged, a reaction having set iu since the previous iMonday, as even the F'rcnch maikets had not advanced so heavily as our own. Though Monday's rates were asked, there were no buyers ; and so prices were nominal. As regards foreign, some holders — who iu the previous week were more moderate in their views than others — were able to sell in retail at about previous rates ; but they were generally 2s. to 3s. per qr. lower. The imports for four weeks into London were 18,197 qrs. English wheat, 112,214 qrs. foreign ; against 14,946 qrs. English, 1 10,324 qrs. foreign for the same period last year. The Loudon exports in four weeks were 23,650 qrs. wheat, 6,498 cwts. flour. The imports into the kingdom for four weeks ending July 16, were 1,915,632 cwts. wheat, 309,682 cwts. flour. The general averages commenced at 50s. 5d., and closed at 49s. 8d. Those of London commenced at 52s. 9d., and ended at 55s. Gd. per qr. — showing that all these sales had been made before the declaration of war. The flour trade, which had previously worn a dull aspect, had a sudden start on the third Monday, when the French declaration of war was known. Country, as well as foreign sacks then instantly rose 4s. per sack, and even barrels as much ; while town millers put up the price of town qualities from 47s. to 54s. On the last Monday, however, there was a great calm, and holders of country and foreign sorts were ready to concede fully Is. per sack and barrel, or even more. The imports into London for four weeks were 53,405 sacks country made, 5,149 sacks 39,253 barrels foreign, against 66,647 sacks English, 21,716 sacks, 38,908 barrels foreign in 1869. The supplies of maize have only been moderate through- out the month, and fine qualities have risen 3s. to 4s. per qr., making extra yellow worth about 363. and extra white 37s. The imports into London for four weeks were 22,141 qrs., against 48,374 qrs. iu 1869. The receipts of barley of our own growth have been exceedingly small, the crop being pretty well exhausted ; but there has been an increase in foreign descriptions, chiefly for grinding purposes. This trade has been animated by the poor accounts iu some places of the crops and the lively French demand which has taken off 9,570 qrs. during the montli. Nothing can now be had under 28s. per qr. for grinding, and good sorts are worth 30s. ; but malting descriptions were only of nominal value. The imports into London for four weeks were 564 British, 47,148 qrs. foreign, against 1,267 qrs. British, 14,811 qrs. foreign in 1869. The malt trade, on the whole, has been steady, and after losing a shilling in value at the commencement of the month, recovered it on the rise iu barley. As regards the oat trade the first Monday commenced with a decline, which was recovered on the second : then came the declaration of war, causing a rise of 2s. to 3s. per qr. ; and the Monday following brought a further increase of value of 6d. to Is. per qr., from the effects of the drought and the large exports to France, which in the month, from London alone, reached to 70,205 qrs. Coarse Russians, weighing 381bs., have become worth 26s. 6d. per qr., and fine Petersburg 29s. Swedes of great weight 30s. and over. The imports into London for four weeks were 2,177 qrs. English, 1,060 qrs. Irish, 213,081 qrs. foreign, against 2,090 qrs. English, 3,505 qrs. Irish, 179,081 qrs. foreign last year. Beans throughout the month have been in moderate supply, and advanced on the third ^londay Is. to 2s. per qr. ; but the time of year being against the sale, and maize being relatively cheaper, the demand has not been extensive. The poor appearance of the growing crop serve, hoivcver, to keep up values, as well as the small imports. The London receipts during four weeks were 1,338 qrs. English, 1,896 qrs. foreign, against 636 qrs. English, 1,520 qrs. foreign for the same time in 1869. Though of English peas the supply was only half that of beans, the foreign arrivals have lately considerably in- creased, chiefly iu white sorts of medium quality only fit for feeding, from the Baltic and Jlontreal. Such have only increased in value about Is. per qr., fair sorts being worth 38s. to 39s., fine boilers to 42s. The imports into London for four weeks were 629 qrs, English, 16,739 qrs. 180 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. foreign, against 125 qrs. English, 10,263 qrs. foreign in 1869. The arrivals of Linseed have been quite on a small scale, and seem likely to be limited. Prices therefore have advanced 2s. per qr., and cake from the drought has increased in value 5s. to 10s. per ton. All sorts of agricultural seeds have been held at high rates, though the diy weather in France has so prevented the sowing of trifolium incaruatum that, notwithstanding a very short crop, it has become cheaper. CURRENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LANE. ShUlIngs per Qaarter. WHEAT, new, Essex and Kent, white (nominal) 53 to 60 „ „ red 62 56 Norfolk, Lincolnsh.,and Yorksh 52 66 BARLEY 32 to 36 Chevalier 40 46 Grinding 31 34 Distilling 37 41 MALT (nominal), Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk 62 71 Kingston, Ware, and town-made 62 71 Brown 49 66 RYE 36 38 OATS, English, feed 25 to 32 Potato 29 Scotch, feed 00 Irish, feed, white 23 Ditto, black 23 BEANS, Mazagan ...42 Harrow 41 PEAS, white, boilers.40 36 00 Potato 00 00 27 Fine 26 29 26 Potato 27 32 46 Ticks 43 46 49 Pigeon 49 54 44M:aplo 44 to 45Gr6y,new 40 42 FLOUR, per sack of 2801bs.,Town, Households.uom. 48 51 Country, on shore 37 to 39 „ 41 42 Norfolk and Suffolk, on shore 36 38 FOREIGN GRAIN. ShiUings per Qaarter. WHEAT, Dantzic, mixed 65 to 66 extra 60to62 Konigsberg 53 55 extra 55 68 Rostock 53 54 fine 55 58 Silesian, red 60 52 white.... 52 55 Pomera., Meckberg., and Uckermrk. ...rod 62 54 Russian, hard, 41 to 40. ..St. Petersburg and Riga 47 60 Danish and Holstein, red 50 53 American 52 53 Chilian, white 58... Califomian 68 ... Australian 58 61 BARLEY, grinding 29 to 34.. ..distilling and malting 37 43 OATS, Dutch, brewing and Polands 25 to 33 feed 22 28 Danish and Swedish, feed 25 to 29.... Stralsund... 25 29 Canada 23 to 26, Riga 21 to 27, Arch. 24 to 28, P'sbg. 27 29 TARES, Spring, per qr small 38 47 large 47 50 BEANS, Friesland and Holstein 41 46 Konigsberg ,,,, 40 to 46, ..Egyptian 41 43 PEAS, feeding and maple... 40 42... fine boilers 40 43 INDIAN CORN, white 33 36. ..yellow 33 35 FLOUR, per sack, French. .42 41. ..Spanish, p. sack 00 00 Americau, per brl 23 25...extraandd'ble. 25 27 IMPERIAL AVERAGES. For the week ended July 16, 1870. Wheat 38,3181 qrs. 49s, 8d. Barley 692| „ 31s. 2d. Oats 1,423 ,, 25s. 6d, COMPARATIVE AVERAGES. WHEAT. BARLEY. OATS. Years. Qrs. s. d. Qrs. 8. d. Qrs. s. d. 1866.. 32,4811 ... 54 0 3111 ... 33 6 l,191f... 26 2 1867.. . 27,393| ... 65 1 637^ ... 35 1 1,459| ... 28 4 1868.. . 25,6121 ... 65 0 258i ... 37 4 ],024i...30 11 1869.. . 39.3684 ... 60 % 289i ... 32 0 659 ...26 0 1870.. 38,318J ... 49 8 5921 ... 31 2 1,423 ...25 6 AVERAGE S Fob the last Six Weeks : June 11, 1870 June 18, 1870 June 25, 1870 July 2, 1870 July 9, 1870 July 16, 1870 Aggregate of the above ... The same week in 1869 Wheat. 1 s. d. 46 1 48 0 50 5 51 6 60 7 49 8 49 4 50 2 Barley. s. d. Oats. s. d, 22 0 25 0 25 1 2^ 10 25 8 25 6 24 10 26 0 FLUCTUATIONS in the AVERAGE PRICE of WHEAT. Peice. June 11. June 18. June 25. 1 July 2. JiUy 9. July 16. 50s. 7d. 51s, 6d. ... ::: r-"J" ... 1 60s. 5d, ... r / ... ... 1 493, 8d. ... i ... (- _C_S91B 48s. Od. -^•-J" 46s. Id, .„ r.. ..< ... BRITISH SEEDS. MusTAED, perbush.jbrown 13s. to 15s., white 13s. to 15s. OANABT,per qr eOs. 683, CL0VEBSEED,red 64s, 703, CoBiANDBB, per cwt 2l8, 228. Tabes, winter, new, per bushel 78, 8s. Tbefoil 363. 38s, Rtegeass, per qr 283, 30s. Linseed, per qr., sowing 70s. to 72s, .crushing 58s. 643. Linseed Cakes, per ton £11 53. to £11 153. Rapeseed, per qr 763. 80s. Rape Cake, per ton £5 15s. Od. to £6 53. Od. FOREIGN SEEDS. Cobiandee, per cwt 2l8.to22s. Caebawat ,, Cloveeseed, red 5l3. to 623., white Hempseed, small 4l3. to 45s. per qr.... Dutch Tbefoil Ryegbass, per qr Linseed, per qr., Baltic 58s. to 623, ..Bombay Linseed Cakes, per ton £11 5s. to £11 158. Rape Cake, per ton £5 10s. Od. to £6 58. Od, Rapeseed, Dutch 728, 76s. HOP MARKET. Mid and East Kents £7 0 £9 5 £13 12 48s. 60s, 72s, 82a, 46s, 488. 28s, 283, 26s, 30s. 63s, 64s, Wealds. Sussex , Bavarians Preucli Americans Yearlinss.., 6 0 5 12 6 6 5 0 4 5 1 10 7 0 6 6 7 7 5 15 5 5 2 10 8 0 6 13 9 0 6 10 6 0 3 10 POTATO MARKETS. BOROUGH AND SPITALFIELDS. English Shaws 80s. to 100s. per ton. Regents 100s. to 120s. „ French 70s. to 90s. „ PRICES of BUTTER, CHEESE, HAMS, &c. BUTTER, per cwt, Dorset 130 to 131 Friesland .114 116 Jersey .101 110 Fhesh, per doz, . , 15 17 BACON, per cwt : Wiltshire, green. . 74 78 Irish, f.o.b .. 70 78 CHEESE, per cwt. : Cheshire 74 to 84 Dble. Gloucester... 60 72 Cheddar 74 90 American 60 70 HAMS : York, old. ..101 112 Cumberland 102 112 Irish, new 83 116 GLASGOAV, (Wednesday last.) — A large supply of cheese, which caused sellers in some cases to make slight concessions in order to effect sales. A good many left over unsold. Cheddars (old) 65s. to 70s. per cwt., ditto (new) 50s. to 58s. ; Dunlops (old) 63s. to 69s., ditto (uew) 48s. to 52s. ; skim- milk 18s. to 22s. CORDEROY & CO.'S CHEESE CIRCULAR, Thursday July 21. — Since our last circular was issued, the chief topic of conversation in commercial and other circles has been the disastrous news of impending war on the continent of Europe. The immediate effect of tlie tidings upon tlie provision market here has been to raise the value of bacon and pork, in anticipa- tion of shorter supplies from abroad, and to lower the price of Dutch cheese, of which large quantities are being hurried for- ward to this market. What further results will follow we cannot venture to predict. POULTRY, &c., MARKETS.— Goslings, 5s. to 6s.; Ducks, Is. 6d. to 2s. ; Irish, Is. to Is. 6d. ; Ducklings, 2s. to 3s. ; Surrey Fowls, 4s. to 7s. ; Sussex ditto, 2s. 9d. to 3s. 6d. ; Boston and Essex, Is. 9d. to 3s. ; Irish, Is. to Is. 9d. ; Rab- bits, tame Is. to Is. 6d., ditto wild 6d. to 9d. ; Pigeons, 6d. to 9d. Eggs, best 8s. 6d., seconds 7s. per 120. ENGLISH WOOL MARKET. CUBBENT PeICES OF ENGLISH WoOL. Fleeces — Southdown hogs per lb. Half-bred ditto ,, Kent fleeces „ Southdown ewes and wethers ... „ Leicester ditto ,, SoETS— Clothing, picklock „ Prime ,, Choice ,, Super ,, Combing, wether mat ,, Picklock ,, Printed by Rogerson and Tuxford, 265, Strand, Loudon, W.C, s. d. s. d 0 tol 0^ 2 3 2 3 0 04 1 2 4 44 2^ 3 1 2 0 04 3 '6\ Oi 1 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. AUGUST, 187 0. CONTENTS. Plate I.— IN EUSTON PARK. Plate II.- KINGCRAFT; a Thoroughbred Colt: The property of Lord Falmouth. Descriptions of the Plates ..... Royal Agricultural Society of England : Meeting at Oxford Prize-list, Cattle, &c. Monthly Council . Implement Department The New Farm How to Kill Lice on Cattle . Our British Fruits The Average Price of British Corn, as Affecting the Tithe-rent Charge Dairy Farming ..... The Norfolk Agricultural Society: Meeting at Harleston The Essex Agricultural Association: Meeting at Saffron Walden Hants and Berks Agricultural Society: Meeting at Basingstoke The Utilization of Bog Land in Ireland .... The Treatment of Liquid Sewage ..... The Suffolk Agricultural Association : Meeting at Sudbury . Smut in Wheat ••••... Peterborough Agricultural Society : Meeting at Peterborough The Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely Agricultural Society : Meeting ROYSTON ........ Light and Heavy Draught Mowing Machines : Evercreech Farmers' Club "Farms to Let'' The Game Evil Mowing Machine Trials . . . Tenant Right Buying by Analysis . The Farmers' Club in Bedfordshire . Selby Agricultural Show Banffshire Cattle Show .... Newton-on-Derwent and District Agricultural Society Sale of Mr. Meadows' Shorthorns at Thornville, Wexford, Ireland, by M Thornton ... Sale of Mr. D. R. Davies' Herd, Mere Old Hall, Knutsfor'd, Cheshire, Mr. Strafford Sale of Mr. Drake's Herd, at Shardeloes, Amersham, Bucks, by Mr. Strafford The Incidence of Local Taxation The Society of Agriculturists in France International Agricultural Show at Lille, France The Sugar-beet Business Agricultural Shows. — By the Crotchety Farmer The Thorne Agricultural Society The Impoverishment of the Soil by Man. — By Cuthbert W. Johnson, F.R.S. Farm Fences .... Agricultural Customs The Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester Sheep Worrying .... Calendar of Agriculture Calendar of Gardening Agricultural Reports Review of the Cattle Trade during the Past Month Agricultural Intelligence Review of the Corn Trade during the past Month Market Currencies. Imperial Averages, &c. . page 87, 88 88 97 136 151 101 102 103 104 107 109 114 118 119 120 122 12G 127 128 130 131 132 133 134 135 139 142 143 144 145 14G 148 148 149 149 149 164 165 166 169 171 173 173 174 175 176 176 177 178 180 MARK LANE EXPRESS, AND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL, IS THB LARGEST AND THE LEADING FARMER'S AND GRAZIER'S NEWSPAPER, PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY EVENING, IN TIME FOR POST. Office of Publication and for Advertisements, 265, Strand, London. May be liad of all Booksellers and Newsmori inroughout the Kingdom, price Sevenpence, or jgl lOs. 4d. per annum. Just Published price 5s., uniform with " STLK AND SCARLET," &c., SADDLE AND SIRLOIN; OR ENGLISH FARM AND SPORTING WORTHIES (NORTH), BY THE DEUID. LONDON: ROGEESON & TUXEOED, 265, STRAND. D' POPULAR MEDICAL WORKS, PUBLISHED BY MANN, 3 9, COENHILL, LONDON. Post Free, 12 Stamps ; Sealed E^ids, 16 Stamps. kR. CURTIS'S MEDICAL GUIDE TO MARRIAGE : a Practical Treatise on ITS Physical and Personal Obligations. With instractioDS to the Man-ied and Unmarried of both Sexes, for removing the special disqualiiieations and impediments which destroy the happiness of wedded life, founded on the result of a succes.sful practice of 30 years. — By Dr. J. L. CURTIS, M.D., 15, Albemarle Street, Piccadilly, London, W. And, by the same Author, for 12 stamps ; sealed ends, 20. MANHOOD : A MEDICAL ESSAY on tlie Causes and Cure of Premature Decline IN Man ; the Treatment of Nervous Debility, Spermatorrhoea, Impotence, and those peculiar infirmities which result from youthfvil abuses, adult excesses, tropical climates, and other causes ; with Instructions for the Cure of Infection without Mercury, and its Prevention by the Author's Prescription (liis infallible Lotion). REVIEWS OF THE WORK. " Manhood. — This is truly a valuable work, and should be in the hands of young and old." — Sunday Tines, 23rd March, 1858. "The book under review is one calculated to warn and instruct the erring, without imparting one idea that can vitiate the mind not already tutored by the vices of which it treats." — Naval and Military Gazette, 1st February, 1856. " We feel uo hesitation in saying that there is no member of society by whom the book will not be found use- ful, whether such person hold the relation of a Parent, Preceptor, or Clergyman." — Sun, Evening Paper. Manhood. — " Dr. Curtis has conferred a great boon by publishing this little work, in which is described the soTirce of those diseases which produce decline in youth, or more frequently premature old age." — Daily Telegraph, March 27, 1856. Consultations daily, from 10 to 3 and 6 to 8, 15, Alefmarle Street, PtccadillYj, London^ W. HARDING S FLEXIBLE ROOFING. REDUCED TO ONE PENNY PER SQUARE FOOT. The BEST and CHEAPEST COVERING for HOUSES, SHEDS, FARM and other BUILDINGS, &c. Suitable for all Climates, and adopted by the English and Foreiffu Governments, Railway Companies, Metropolitan Board of Works, &c. Awarded the Silver Medal, Amster- dam Exhibition, 1869, for its Cheapness and Superiority to Felt, although the price was then 50 per cent, higher than at present, and ia proved to be a much more Durable, EflQcient, and Weather-tight Roofing than CoiTugated Iron, at One-third the cost, and can be most easily fixed by any unpractised person. Please send for samples of present make. PRICE ONE PENNY per Square Foot, or 233. per Roll of 25 yards by 41 inches wide. DRESSING, 28. 6d. per gal. ; ZINC NAILS, 6d. per lb. SAMPLES AND TRADE TERMS FREE. HARDING'S COMPOUND OIYCEBINE DIP. CONTAINS NO POISON, AND IS DESTRUCTIVE TO INSECT LIFE ONLY. It is a certain cure for Scab in Sheep, who thrive and incroaso in weight after the use of this Dip. It also preserves the lealth of aU animals belonging to the homestead. , „ . , ,. ,.. , <■ *-^v,oi /i»,.ov,„» It increases the growth of the wool, and cleanses it of all offensive accumulations which always cause functional derange- ment, it being a well kno\vn fact that acrid and corrupt humours aUowed to remain on the surface are the cause ot a great "^TMsOTeparation is most easily applied, perfectly harmless in use, and most deadly to Ticks, Lice. Maggots, and a sure cure for Foot Rot. It also prevents the Fly striking j avoiding the Animal being troubled with Maggots, and heals all Sores, &c. Sold in Tina of 5H»s. and lOlbs., at «d. per Ito.; aiid in Driims of S511>s., 5011>i». and upwards, at 5d. per 11». ; toy all Chemists, Seeds- men, Ironmongrers, and otliers throngrliont the l£ing-dom. A 51b. TIN IS SUFFICIENT FOR TWENTY-FIVE SHEEP. No Dipping Apparatus uecessaiy, common Tubs being all required. (See the simple Directions for Use on each Tin.) J^ HARDING, Sole Manufacturer, 20, Nicholas Lane, Cannon Street, London, E,C. LONDON AND COUNTY BANKING COMPANY. ESTABLISHED 1836. SUBSCRIBED CAPITAL... £2,500,000, in 60,000 SHAEES of £50 EACH. PAID-UP CAPITAL.. .£1,000,000 RESERVE FUND... £500,000. NATHANIEL ALEXANDER, Esq. T. TYRINGHAM BERNARD, Esq. PHILIP PATTON BLYTH, Esq. JOHN WM. BURMESTER, Esq. P. P. BLYTH, Esq | WILLI4.M JARDINE, Esq. DIRECTORS. I THOMAS STOCK COWIE, Esq. PREDERTCK PRANCIS, Esq. FREDERICK HARRISON, Esq. LORD ALFRED HERVEY. TRUSTEES. J. W. BURMESTER, Esq. I AUDITORS. I WILLIAM NORMAN, Esq. WILLIAM CHAMPION JONES, Eiq. E. HARBORD LUSHINGTON, Esq. JAMES MORLEY, Esq. WILLIAM NICOL, Esq. W. CHAMPION JONES, Esq. I RICHARD H. SWAINE, Esq. General Manager— WILLIAM McKEWAN, Esq. rHTFTn INSPECTOR INSPECTORS OF BRANCHES. ^ CHIEP ACOOUNTANT. wf NORFOLK Esq. H. J. LEMON, Esq., and C. SHERRING, Esq. JAMES GRAY, Esq. SOLICITOKS-Messrs. STEVENS, WILKINSON, & HARRIES. SEORETARy— P. CLAPPISON, Esq. HEAD OFFICE, 31, Manager— WHITBREAD TOMSON, Esq. | LOMBARD STREET. Assistant Manager— WILLIAM HOWARD, Esq. THE LONDON AND COUNTY BANK opens— riTJAWTTcr ArronNTS with Commercial Houses and Private Individuals, either upon the Pl»^ ""^^"^-V. adopted by Ot?eXieS.trSyraSBg a sSaUCoSssion to those persons to whom it may not be convementto Bustam an agreed ^^T^EP^jflT^ACGOUNTS -Deposit Receipts are issued for siuns of Money placed upon these Accovmts. and Inter^^^^ tinent, in Australia, Canada, India, and China, the United States, and elsewhere. ^^lif^L'si^^^!%lt^TG^'^T^^^^^ Of E„,ush or Foreign Shares effected, and Divib.k.s. ^l^r^Xci^t^es^^re'alfakM^^^^^^^ the Bank for the receipt of Money from the Towns wh-re the Com^ ^•^LSrTSn^e Bank axe bound >iot to Oisolos^e^th^t^^sa^tion^^^^^^^^^ ^^|S McKEWAN, General Manager, IMPORTANT TO FLOCKMASTERS. THOMAS BIGGr, Agricultural and Veterinary Chemist, by Appointment to His late Royal Highness The Pi-ince Consort, K.G., Leicester House, Great Dover Street, Borough, London, begs to call the attention of Farmers and Graziers to his valuable SHEEP and LAMB DIPPING COMPOSITION, which requh-es no BoiUng, and may be used with Warm or Cold Water, for effectually destroying the Tick, Lice, and aU other iusects injurious to the Flock, preventtag the alarmiag attacks of Ply and Shab, and cleansing and purifying the Skin, thereby greatly im- proving the Wool, both in quantity and quality, and highly contributing to the general health of the animal. Prepared only by Thomas Bigg, Chemist, &c., at his Manu- factory as above, and sold as follows, although any other quantity may be had, if required :— 4 lb. for 20 sheep, price, jar included £0 61b. 30 81b. 40 101b. 50 201b. 100 301b. 150 401b. 200 601b. 250 60 lb. 300 801b. 400 LOO lb. 500 (cask and measure included) 0 10 0 15 1 0 1 3 1 7 1 17 2 6 Should any Flockmaster prefer boiling the Composition, it will be equally effective. MOST IMPORTANT CERTIFICATE. From Mr. Heeepath, the celebrated Analytical Chemist :— Bristol Laboratory, Old Park, January 18th, 1861, Sir,— I have submitted your Sheep Dipping Composition to analysis, and find that the ingredients are well blended, and the mixture neutral. If it is used according to the dii-ections given, I feel satisfied, that while it effectually destroys vermin, it wiU not injui-e the hair roots (or " yolk ") in the skin, the fleece, or the carcase. I think it deserves the numerous testimonials published. I am. Sir, yours respectfully, William Heeapaih, Sen., F.C.S., &c., &c., To Mr. Thomas Bigg, Professor of Chemistry. Leicester House, Great Dover-street, Borough, London. He would also especially call attention to his SPECIFIC or LOTION, for the SCAB or SHAB, which wUl be found a certain remedy for eradicating that loathsome and ruinous disorder in Sheep, and which may be safely used in all climates, and at aU seasons of the year, and to all descriptions of sheep, even ewes in lamb. Price FIVE SHILLINGS per gallon — suflScient on an average for thirty Sheep (according to the virulence of the disease) ; also in vrine quart bottles. Is. 3d. each. IMPORTANT TESTIMONIAL. " Seoulton, near Hingham, Norfolk, April 16th, 1855. "Dear Sir, — In answer to yours ot the 4th inst., which would have been repUed to before this had I been at home, I have much pleasture in bearing testimony to the efficacy of your invaluable ' Specific for the cm-e of Scab in Sheep." The 600 sheep were all dressed in August last vrith 84 gallons of the 'NoN-poisoNous Specific,' that was so highly recom- mended at the Lincoln Show, and by their own dresser, the best attention being paid to the flock oy my shepherd after dressing according to instructions left ; but notwithstanding the Scab continued getting worse. Being determined to have the Scab cured if possible, I wrote to you for a supply of your Specific, which I received the following day ; and although the weather was most severe in February during the dressing^ your Specific proved itself an invaluable remedy, for in:, three weeks the Sheep were quite cured ; and I am happy to,i say the young lambs are doing remarkably well at present.';! In conclusion, I believe it to be the safest and best remedy now in use. " I remain, dear Sir, "For JOHN TINGEY, Esq., " To Mr. Thomas Bigg." "R. RBNNEY. \e^~ Flockmasters would do well to beware of such pre' parations as " Non-poisonous Compositions :" it is only necessaiy to appeal to their good common sense and judg- ment to be thoroughly convinced that no "Non-poisonous" article can poison or destroy insect vermin, particularly such as the Tick, Lice, and Scab Parasites— creatures so tenacious of life. Such advertised preparations must be wholly useless, or they are not what they are represented to be. DIPPING APPARATUS £14,, £5, £4,, & £3. THE ROYAL FARMERS' INSURANCE COMPANY, 3, NORFOLK STEEET, STEAND, LONDON, W.O. CAPITAL.— Persons insured by this Company have the security of an extensive and wealthy proprietary as well as an ample Capital always applicable to the payment of claims without delay. LIFE DEPARTMENT,— BONUS.— Insurers of the participating class will be entitled to four-fifths of the profits. FIRE IDEPARTMENT,- Ist Class— Not Hazardous Is. 6d. per Cent. 2nd Class— Hazardous 28. 6d. „ 3rd Class — Doubly Hazardous 4s. 6d. „ BUILDINGS and MERCANTILE Property of every description in Public or Private Warehouses.— Distillers, Steam Engines, Goods in Boats or Canals, Ships in Port or Harbour, &c. &c., are Insured in this Office at moderate rates. SPECIAL RISKS.— At such rates as may be considered reasonable. NEW INSURANCES.— No charge made for Policy or Stamp. FARMING STOCK.— 5s. per cent,, with liberty to use a Steam Thrashing Machine without extra charge. Nearly FIVE MILLIONS lusui-ed in this Office. SEVEN YEARS' INSURANCES may be eifected on payment of Six Years' Premium only. LIGHTNING and GAS.— Losses by Fii-e occasioned by Lightning, and Losses by Explosion of Gas when used for Lighting Buildings va\l be allowed for. RENT.— Tlie Loss on Eent while Buildhags remain untenantable through fire may be provided against. HAIL DEPARTMENT.— (Crops and Glass.) PoHcies to protect parties from Loss by the destruction of Growing Crops or Glass, by HaU, are granted on Moderate Terms. LOSSES. — Prompt and liberal settlement. AGENTS WANTED. Apply to JOHN REDDISH, Esq., Seeretary and Actuary, N No. 3, Vol. XXXVIII.] SEPTEMBER, 1870. Thisd Series. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE, AND MONTHLY JOURNAL OP THE AaEICULTUEAL II^TEREST. JBelriraUlr TO THE FARMERS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. LONDON : PUBLISHED BYROGERSON AND TUXFORD, 265, STRAND. PRICE TWO SHILLINGS. BOGERSON AND TUXFORD,] tPRINTBRS, 266, STBAJID, mtm^9>i9 %mMjm» THE ROYAL FARMERS' INSURANCE COMPANY, 3, NOEFOLK STEEET, STEAND, LOISTDON, W.O. CJ^^PITAL. — Persons insured by this Company have the security of an extensive and wealthy proprietary as well as an ample Capital always applicable to the payment of claims without delay. LIFE DEPARTMENT.— BONUS.— lusiirers of the pai-ticipating class will be entitled to four-fifths of the profits. FIRE DEPARTMENT,- 1st Class — Not Hazardous ,., ,., ,., ,., Is. 6d. per Cent. 2nd Class — Hazardous ... ,,, ,., ... ... 2s. 6d. „ 3rd Class — Doubly Hazardous ... ... ,., ... 4s. 6d. „ BUILDINGS and MERCANTILE Property of every description in Public or Private Warehouses. — Distillers, Steam Engines, Goods in Boats or Canals, Ships in Port or Harbom*, &c. &c., are Insured in this Office at moderate rates. SPECIAL RISKS. — At such rates as may be considered reasonable. NEW INSURANCES.— No charge made for Policy or Stamp. FARMING STOCK. — 5s. per cent., with liberty to use a Steam Thrashing Machine without extra charge. Nearly FIVE MILLIONS Insured in this Office, SEVEN YEARS' INSURANCES may be effected on payment of Six Years' Premium only. LIGHTNING and GAS.— Losses by Fire occasioned by Lightning, and Losses by Explosion of Gas when used for Lighting Buildings wiU be allowed for. RENT. — The Loss on Bent while Buildings remain untenantable through fire may be provided against. HAIL DEPARTMENT.— (Crops and Glass.) Policies to protect parties from Loss by the destruction of Growing Crops or Glass, by Hail, are granted on Moderate Terms. LOSSES, — Prompt and liberal settlement. AGENTS WANTED. Apply to JOHN REDDISH, Esq., Secretary and Actuary. FOUNDED A.D, 1844. Empowered by Special Act of Parliament, 25 & 26, Vict., cap. 74, • THE GREAT BRITAIN MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY, Chairman— L ORD VISCOUN T N E W R Y. SPECIAL ADVANTAGES TO ASSURERS. The entire profits divided amongst the holders of participating policies. The profits applied first in extinguishing the premiums at a given date, and aftei-wards in making the policy payable dm-ing life : this important advantage being secured without the payment of any additional premium. ANDREW FRANCIS, Secretary. EUROPEAN ASSURANCE SOCIETY. EMPOWERED BY SPECIAL ACTS OP PARLIAMENT, FOR LIFE ASSURANCE, ANNUITIES, AND GUARANTEE OF FIDELITY IN SITUATIONS OP TRUST. Cbief Office— 18', TFaterloo Place, Pall-mall, JLornlon. ANNUAL INCOME, £300,000. CAPITAL, subscribed by more than 1,600 Shareholders, nearly £800,000. J3 T TtT'T' T O T?. S Chairman— General Sir FREDERIC SMITH, K.H., F.R.S. The Rev. A. Alston, D.D. I A. R. Bristow, Esq. I Edmund Heeley, Esq. E. Hamilton Anson, Esq. j R. M. Carter, Esq., M.P. | Reginald Read, Esq., M.D- This Institution offers eveiy advantage of the modern system of Life Assurance. The European is specially aiithorised by Parliament to guarantee the fidelity of Government officials. The New Prospectus contains the Table for complete Life Policies, which are not forfeited by the nou- payment of the Renewal Premium. Prospectuses, Forms of Proposal, and every information may be obtained on application to the Society's Agents, or at the Chief Office. HENRY B. PARMINTER, Manager. THE FARMBR'8 MAGAZINE. SEPTEMBER, 1870. CONTENTS. Plate I.— DUCHESS; a Prize Polled Cow: The property op Mr. B. Brown, OF Thursford, Thetford. Plate II.—EXPECTATION ; a Prize Hunter: The property of Sir Watkin W. Wynn, Bart., M.P. PAGE Descriptions of the Plates .;.>•• 1^1, 182 Beet Sugar. — By Cuthbert W. Johnson, F.R.S. Cart Horses or Dray Horses ? The Present Prospects of the Sewage] Question in Relation to the Public Health . . . . " . , . « Horse Shoeing : The New Method . , . . • Agriculture in Normandy ,....» The Agricultural Labourer ...... The Egg Ovens of Egypt ....•* The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society: Meeting at Sleapord Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland : Meeting at Dumfries Bridlington Agricultural Society ..... The Yorkshire Agricultural Society: Meeting at Wakefield The Bath and West op England Society and Southern Counties Association Royal Agricultural Society of England : Monthly Council . Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland : Meeting at Ballinasloe . Darlington, South Durham, and North Yorkshire Show . . Driffield and East Riding Agricultural Society . . County Cork Agricultural Society : Meeting at Cork . • Thirsk Agricultural Society . . . . • The Durham County Agricultural Society: Meeting at Sunderland . The Northumberland Agricultural Society: Meeting at Morpeth Gloucestershire Agricultural Society : Meeting at Stroud . The Dorchester Agricultural Society ...» Whitby Agricultural Society . . . . • North Lancashire Agricultural Society : Meeting at Blackpool . Sale of Mr. T. Horley's Shropshire Sheep, at The Fosse, Leamington. By Mr. W. G. Preece ..*... The Romford Sewage Farm , • . • • A Sheep Breeder's Story ..... A Chapter on Sacks. By an old Flourfactor The Price of Wheat Seventy Years Since KoYAL Agricultural Society of England : Meeting at Oxford- Machinery IN Motion .... The Birmingham Horse Show, in Bingley Hall North and East Ridings of Yorkshire Agricultural Society . Penistone Agricultural Society .... The Royal Dublin Society : The Horse and Sheep Show What to Talk About Local Taxation Weights and Measures Calendar of Agriculture Calendar of Gardening Autumn Culture. — By a Practical Farmer The Dry Season. — By the Northern Farmer Irish Butter Market. To the Editor Sheep Sales and Lettings . Agricultural Reports . . Agricultural Intelligence . . Review of the Corn Trade during the past Month 182 185 186 194 195 197 201 202 206 212 213 219 220 221 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 234 235 236 238 240 243 244 246 249 250 251 255 256, 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 268 269 270 Market Currencies, Imperial Averages, &c, , • • • • *'* LONDON AND COUNTY BANKING COMPANY. ESTABLISHED 1836. Su1»scril»c, R. Brunton, Marton, Middlesbro'; second of £1 10s., S. L. Lane, Bal- dersby Park. Three years old filly. — First prize, £!•, Miss E. A. Aglionby, Easthwaite Lodge, Hawkshead ; second of £1 10s., G. Kuowl- son, Thormanby, Easiugwold. Bro od mares, by a thorough-bred horse, having a foal at her foot, or stinted.— First prize, £4, B. Spraggon, NafCerton; second of £1 10s., J. T. Robinson. ROADSTERS. Colt foal. — First prize, £2, T. Harrison, Wheldrake ; second of £1, H. Pease, Pierremout, Darlington. Filly foal. — First prize, £3, B. Spraggon; second of £1, F. Greathead, Darlington. Yearling gelding. — First prize, £4, T. Barnard, Birdforth ; second of £1 10s., S. R. C. Ward, Darlington. Yearling fiUy. — First prize, £4, the Rev. J. C. Wharton, Gilling ; second of £1 lUs., J. M. Muggleswick, Durham. Two years old gelding. — First prize, £4., J. Carter, Marske ; Rpcood of .:£1 lOs,, R. White, Seatoiv Carew, Two years old filly. — First prize, £4, E. Waldy, Barmpton ; second of £1 10s., R. Emmerson. Three years old gelding. — First prize, £i, J. S. Stowell, Darlington ; second of £1 10s., C. Knowlson, Birdforth. Three years old filly. — First prize, £4, G. Askwith, Hutton Sessay, Thirsk; second of £1 10s., W. Stead, Cleckheaton. Brofld mare, having a foal at her foot, or stinted. — First prize, £4', G. Leng, High Clifl'e, Winston ; second of £1 10s., T. Harrison, Wheldrake. Colt foal for harness.— First prize, £2, M. Willey, Heigh- ington ; second of £1 10s., M. Robinson, Hawxwell, Bedale. Filly foal. —First prize, £1 10s., J. W. Botcherby, Middleton St. George ; second of 10s., M. Robinson, Hawx- well. Yearling gelding. — First prize, £3, Mrs. J. Dixon, Cocker- ton ; second of £1 10s., J. W. Blair, Darlington. Yearling fiUy. — Prize, R. Watson, Stockton-on-Tees. Two years old gelding. — First prize, £3, G. Liddle, Great Chilton, Ferryhill ; second of £1 10s., T. Plummer, Easiug- wold. Two years old filly. — First prize, £2, J. C. Johnson, Man- field, Darlington ; second of £1, J. Plews, Whitby. Two years old gelding. — First prize, £3, G. D. Trotter, LTpleatham, Marske ; second of £1 10s., T. Plummer, Easiug- wold. Three years old filly.— First prize, £3, R. Garuett, Nor- thallerton ; second of £1, J. Donaldson, Great Ayton, Nor- thallerton. Brood mare, to have a foal at foot or stinted. — ^Flrst prize, £4, M. Robiuson, Hawxwell ; second of £1 10s., R. Watson, Stockton-on-Tees. Ponies not exceeding 13 hands. — First prize, £3, G. B. Blakey, Newcastle ; second of £1, H. Pease, Darlington. Colt or filly foal for agriculture. — First prize, £2, Lieut. - Col. C. L. Wood, Bishop Auckland ; second of £1, M. Tom- linson, Cowthorpe, near Wetherby. Yearling gelding. — First prize, £3, T. Cummlng, Lan- chester ; second of £1 10s., J, Atkinson, High Beaumont Hill, Darlington. Yearling filly. — First prize, £3, J. Henderson, South Shields ; second of £1 10s., N. Stonehouse and Son, Marske-by-the- Sea. Two years old gelding. — First prize, £4, G. Atkinson, Seaham ; second of £1 10s., J. F. Green, Darlington. Two years old filly. — First prize, £4, Lieut.-Col. Wood ; second of £1 10s., G. F. StelHng, Darlington. Three years old gelding. — First prize, £4, W. C. Carr, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; second of £1 10s., N. Stonehouse and Son. Three years old filly.— First prize, £4, M. Reid, Chester-le- Street ; second of £1 10s., J. Hopps, Bedale. Brood mare, to have a foal at foot or stinted. — First prize, £4, G. Atkinson, Hall Farm, Seaham ; second of £1 10s., E. and A. N. Pawson, Burley-in-Wharfedale. Thoroughbred stallion.— Prize, £50, T, Winteiingharaj r^roft, near .Darlington (Underhand), THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 227 Agricultural stallion .—Prize, £20, J. Torshaw, Buriey-iu- Wharfdale (Non-sucli). T our years old mare or geldiufj, by a thoroughbred horse, for the field. — A cup, value £10, J. Bulman, East Greystoncs, Gainford ; second of £3, G. Lancaster, Morton Grange, Nor- thallerton. four years old mare or gelding, roadster. — A silver cup, value £5, T. Sutton, Jliddlcton-one-Row ; second of £3, 11. R. W. Hart, Dunuiugton Lodge, York. Mares or geldings, any age, not exceeding 15^ hands high. A silver cup, value £5 5s., J. U. Harris, Uoundales, dales, Morpeth ; second of £3, J. S, Stowell, Fuverdnlc House, Parliugtoa. JLare or gelding that leaped the fences best to the satisfac- tion of the judges. — First prize, £7, C. Rose, Market Hill, Malton ; second of £3, R. Applegarth, Bishop Middleham. i'ony, mare or gelding, not exceeding It hands high, that leaped the fences best to the satisfaction of the judges. — Prize, £4-, J, S. Stowe, Faverdale House, Darlington, BUTTER, EGGS, &c. Fancy butter. — Silver cream jug, value £2, Mrs. Shepherd, Sadberge, Darlington ; second of 10s., Miss J. Burnside, Low Bottom House, Cockerton. Plain butter. — First prize, £2, Mrs. G. T. Stephenson, Whitecross, Darlington ; second of 10s., Mrs, Sliepherd, Sad- berge, Darlington, DRIFFIELD AND EAST RIDING AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. This Society celebrated their sixteenth show of stock and implements in fields adjoining the Beverley-road, Driffield. The cattle found many admirers, being of pure blood and quality, the bulls of any age comprising the best animals in the East Riding. The cows in calf or milk were no less com- mendable. Pigs and sheep were limited in extent, but their merit was unmistakable, as they constituted the cream of the district. Horses were the great feature of the show, and in the aggregate they made up a capital display of various breeds. The following were the judges j SiiOKTiioKXS, Sheep, ajcd Pigs. — E. Hodgkinson, IMorton Grange, Retford ; J. Angus, Bearl, Stocksfield ; and C. Clark, Min skip Lodge, Borough-bridge. Horses. — W. L'^ppleby, IJonby, Lincolnshire ; J. fi. Kirkham, Audleby Villa, Caistor ; A. L. Maynard, Skiuuin Grove, Saltburn-by-the-Sea ; Jackson, Everett, Laughtou, Gains- bro' ; T. Scott, Broom Close, Boroughbridge ; and J. Turner, The Grange, Ulceby, Lincolnshire. PRIZE LIST. SHORTHORNS. Bull of any age, — First prize, £10, W, Linton, Sheriff Hutton, York ; second of £5, T. Frank, Fylingdales, Whitby, Cow in calf or milk, — First prize, £5,T. Frank, Fylingdales, Whitby; second of £3 W. Linton, Sherift' Hutton. Y'earling heifer. — First prize, £3, T. Hornby, Flotmanby, Ganton ; second of £1, R. H. Robinson, Laugtoft Field, Heifer calf under twelve months old. — First prize, £2, W, Liuton ; second, H. F, Smith, Sutton, Hull. Fat ox of any age or breed, — First prize, £2, P, Dunn, Pasture House, Sigglesthorne ; second, executors of F, Jordan, Eastburn, EXTRA STOCK, First prize, J. Sterriker, Driftield, for half-bred Alderney heifer; second, G, Angas, BeeCord Grange, for pure Hereford cow ; third, G, Angas, for pure Hereford bull calf. Best yearling bull. — First prize, silver cup value £10, J. S. Jordan, Emswell (Nestor) : second of £3, R. Fisher, Lecon- field, Beverley (Royal Prince). SHEEP, Shearling ram, — First prize, £7, E, Riley, Beverley ; second of £3, E. Riley. Three shearling rams. — First prize, £5, E. Riley ; second of £3, E. Riley. Aged ram. — First prize, £5, E, Riley ; second of £2, J, W. Sharp, Ulrome, Lowthorpe, Pen of five breeding ewes and lambs. — First prize, £5, S, Staveley, Tibthorpe ; second of £2, J. Dickson, Nafferton. Five shearling wethers. — First prize, £4, W, Brown, Holme- on-Spalding Moor. Five shearling gimmers. — Prize, a silver tankard, E, Riley. HORSES, Thoroughbred stallion, for hunters. — First prize, £6, Mr. Shaw, Market Weighton (Prince Plausible) ; second of £2, G. J^amplough, Naffertou (Strathern). Stallion for coach horses, — First prize, £6. W. Jackson, Garton (Helicon) ; second of £3, W. Hance, Garton (Garton Grog). Stallion for roadsters. — First prize, £6, T, Brown, Butter- wick (Bay President) ; second of £2, P, Triffitt, Holme-on- Spalding Moor (Fireaway). Stalliou for agricultural purposes. — First prize, £6, F. Simpkin, Brough (Lord of the Manor) ; second of £2, R. Marsliall, Keyingham (Simon Pure). Mare and foal for hunting. — First prize, G, C. Jarratt, Harpham ; second of £2, W, H. Harrison Broadley, M.P., W^elton, Two years old hunting geldiug or filly. — First prize, £3, Sir G. Cholmley. Yearling hunting gelding or filly, — First prize, £2, Sir G. Cholmley. Mare and foal for coaching, — First prize, £5, J, Johnson, Brigham. Coaching mare without a foal. — First prize, £3, J. Stephen- son, Winestead, Three years old coaching gelding. — First prize, £5, J. Johnson ; second of £2, W, Coleman, Fraisthorpe. Two years old coaching gelding. — Prize, £3, W. Coleman. Yearling coaching gelding or filly. — Prize, £3, J, Stephen- son, Winestead, Coaching filly under four years old, — Prize, £4, John T. Marshall, Ijeeford, Roadster mare and foal. — Prize, £5, J, Wilde, Holme, York. Tliree years roadster nag or mare, — Prize, £3, R, Lowish, Haisthorpe. Mare and fo.al for agricultural purposes. — Prize, £5, Smith, Berapton. Three years old gelding or fiUy for agricultural purposes. — First prize, £4, J. Thompson, South Dalton ; second of £2, G, Augas, Beeford Grange. Two years old gelding or filly for agricultural purposes. — Prize, £3, W. Walker, Scorbro' Decoy. Yearling gelding or filly for agricultural purposes, — Prize, £2, W. Walker, Scorbro' Decoy. Pair of horses, of either sex, for agricultural purposes,— Prize, £4, R, Beckett, Watton. Ladies' pony under 14 hands, — Prize, £3, F, Jordan, Cay- thorpe, Bridlington. Pony not exceeding 12 hands. — First prize, £1, J. W. Jordon, North Burton ; second, A. Duggleby, Laurel House, Beswick. EXTRA STOCK: Roadster, gelding or mare of any age, not less than 14j, and not exceeding 15 hands high, — Prize, a silver cup, value £25, J, Robson, Old Malton, Hunting mare or gelding, four years old, — Prize, a silver cup, J. B. Barkworth, Raywell, Brough, Hunting mares or geldings, all ages, — Prize, a silver cup, value £25, H, Jewison, Raisthorpe, Hunting mare or gelding, three years old, — Prize, a silver cup, value £10 10s., Sir G. Cholmley. Mave or geldiug, not exceeding 15 hands 2 inche? lugl^.'»9 228 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. " Prize, a silver cup, value £10 10s., Capt. G. Boynton, Hau- thorpe. Barton Agues. PIGS. Boar, large breed. — Prize, £3, J. aud H. Sugden, Leconfield. Sow, large breed. — Prize, £3, J. Thompson, Seanicr. Boar, small breed. — Prize, £2, D. Sellers, Driffield. Sow, small breed. — Prize, £2, D. Sellers. Store pig, the property' of a labourer or working meclmuie. — First prize £2, T. Dawson, DritHeld ; secoud of £1, J. Storey, Winter. D.IIRY PRODUCE. The best Gibs, of butter. — Prize, a silver butter cooler, J. Major, Sledmere Grange. The best aud heaviest 12 ben's eggs. — Prize, a silver egg stand, ?.lrs. Holmes, Sunderlandwick. COUNTY CORK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY— MEETING AT CORK. In point of numbers and in regard to the quality of some of ' Die classes, the show of the Cork Agricultural Society was a decided improvement. The Shorthorns and Ayrshires were up to the average, as were also the sheep ; while the dairy cattle , were superior to those exhibited ou the last occasion. Judges. j Horses. — II. Briscoe ; Major Browne, Scots Greys ; W. Quinn. SiiORTiiORjNS. — C. Cole Hamilton ; A. Warburton. MiscELiANEOUS. — J. Bogue ; G. llewson. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. SHORTHORNS. Bull calved previously to January 1st, 1868. — First prize, E. J. Smith, Islaumore, Croom ; second, F. W.Lowe, Ivil- shane, Tipperary. Bull calved in the year 1808. — First prize, E. J. Smith ; second, AV. H. Massy, Mount Massy, Macroom. Bull calved in the year 18C9. — First prize, R. J. M. Guni- bleton, Curryglass ; second, E. J. Smith. Bull Calf, calved in 1870. — First prize, the Representatives of the late T. llungerford, Clonakilty ; second, E. J. Smith. Cow, in calf or in milk, of any age. — First prize, R. J. M. Gumbletou ; second, Christy Brothers, Fort Union, Adare. Heifer calved in 1868. — First prize, J. Popliam, Bandon ; secoud, Christy Brothers. Heifer calved in ISO'J. — First prize, E. J. Smith ; second, R. J. M. Gnmbleton. Heifer Calf, calved in 1870.— First prize, E. J. Smith ; second, R. Smith, Mallow. AYRSHIRE. Bull calved previously to Jan. 1st, 1869. — First prize, II. Jones ; second, J. Roche, M.D. Bull calved on or after Jan. 1st, 18G9. — First prize, II. Jones ; second, R. Barter, jun. Cow, in calf or in milk, of any age. — First and second prizes, T. Forest. Heifer calved in the year 1868. — First prize, II. Jones; second, J. Roche, M.D. DAIRY cows. Lot of three Dairy Cows, of any age or breed. — First prize, D. DriscoU ; secoud, T. Eorrest. EXTRA STOCK. — The prize to M. Ahem, of Blarney. HORSES. Cart Stallion. — Prize, H. Irvine, Dunvale, Cork. Draught mare in foal, or with a foal at her foot. — First prize, J. M'Kenzie, Innishauuon ; second, J. B. Roberts, Bal- iinhassig. Three-year-old Colt or Filly for farming purposes. — First prize, M. Ahern ; second, Mrs. Forrest, Killeens. Two-year-old Colt or Filly for farming purposes. — First prize, M. Ahern ; second, T. Forrest. SHEEP. lEICESTEE. Shearling Ram. — F'irst prize, S. Mowbray ; second, W. R. Meade. Ram of any other age. — First prize, W. R. Meade ; second S. Mowbray. Pen of five Shearling Ewes. — Prize to S. Mowbray. BORDER LEICESTER. Shearling Ram. — First aud second prizes, J. P. Furlong. Ram of aiiy other age. — Prize, R. Briscoe, OTHER LONG-WOOLLED. Shearling Ram. — Prize, J. P. Furlong. Ram of any other age. — Prize, J. B. Smyth. Pen of five Shearling Ewes. — Prize, J. B. Smyth. SHORT-WOOLLED. Shearling Ram. — First prize, R. W. G. Adams ; socond, J. P. Furlong. Ram of any other age. — Prize, R. AV. G. Adams. Pea of five Shearling Ewes. — Prize, R. Barter, jun. PIGS. Boar of the white breed, over 12 months old. — First prize, R. Lawe ; second, I. W. B. Magill. Boar of the white breed, under 12 months old. — First prize, J. C. Cooper ; second, W. J. Rumley. Boar of the coloured breed, over 12 mouths old. — First prize, J. C. Cooper ; second, A. C. J. Warrcii. Breeding Sow of the white breed. — Prize, J. C. Cooper. Breeding Sow of the coloured breed. — First prize, J. C. Cooper ; second, A. C. J. ATarreu. Lot of three breeding pigs of the same litter, born in 1870. —Prize, I. \Y. B. Magill. For Tena:vt F'arjiers orii.y. Cow for dairy purposes, of any breed or cross-breed. — First prize, D. Driseoll, Blarney ; second, J. M'Donuell, Carrigaline; third, M. Forrest, Blarney. Heifer, of any breed or cross-breed, calved in 1868. — First prize, Christy Brothers ; second, T. Dorgan. Heifer, of any breed or cross-breed, calved on or after Jan. 1, 1869. — First prize, Chri.sty Brothers ; second, D. Driseoll. Five Ewe Lambs. — First prize, T. Forrest ; second, R. J. Nash. Yearling Shorthorned Bull. — First prize, M. Aheru, Blar- ney ; second, T. Forrest, Blarney. Thoroughbred Sires. — First prize, St. George Mansergh, FViarsfield, Tipperary ; second, F. H. Power, Mallow. HUNTERS. Weiglit-carryiug Hunter, not less than five years old, equal to U stone. — First prize, E. II. Reeves, Mallow ; second, J. B. C. Justice, Riverstown. Hunter, not less than five years old, equal to 12 stone. — : First prize. Colonel Ainslie, Royal Dragoons; second, R. D. Hare, Queenstown. Four-year-old Horse or Mare for hunting purposes. — First prize, J. Bruce, Charleville ; second, R. Lawe, Ballyuova. Three-year-old Colt or Filly for huntino- purposes. — First prize, F. H. Power, Mallow; second, T Hayes, jun., Cross- Iiaveu. Ladies' Riding Horse or Mare. — First prize, Viscountess Doneraile ; second, T. Garde, Midleton. Park Hack. — Prize, J. Bruce, Charleville. Harness Horse. — Prize, J. Bruce. Pony under 12 hands high. — Prize, R. Clifton, Clifton Grange. Neatest and smallest pony, over three years old. — Prize, II. Morris, Douglas. Thoroughbred Mare, in foal, or with foal at foot. — First prize, E. Burke, Ringaskiddy ; second, W. Barry, Carriug- twohill. Brood Mare, for producing weight-carrying hunters, in foal, or with a foal at foot — Prize, J. Delany, Riverstown. Mare calculated to produce weight-carrying hunters, in foal, or having liad a foal in '09 or '70.— First prize, W. S, Hunt, Killeagli ; secoud, J, B. C. Justice, THE FAEMEE'S MAGAZINU, 229 THIRSK AGEICULTURAL SOCIETY. Tlie first show of this newly-established Society was held near Tliirsk. Tiiere were some very good animals in the cattle classes, especially the dairy cows, for the best three of which a silver cup was awarded to Mr. T. H. llutcliinson, of Manor House, Catterick. Major Stapyltou took the lirst prize for bulls with Lord Wetherhy. Mr. T. H. Hutchinson carried off all the prizes for Leicester sheep. The tsvo prizes for thorough-bred entire horses for hunters went to J. K. Uennisou, for Grand Master, and to J.Meggison for Shilioleth. The prize for the best entire agricultural horse was obtained by J. Farshani for Non Such. Judges. Horses. — Hunters and Roadsters : A. L. Maynard, Skin- ningrove ; G. Bolaiu, Alwinton, Rothbury. Coach and Cart Horses : J. Mewhurn, Ingleby Hill, Yarm ; W. Hill, North Charlton, Embleton. Cattle, Sheep, and Pigs. — T. P. Outhwaite, Goldsborough ; T. Scott, Broom Close,.Ripon ; J. Culshaw, Towneley Hall, Burnley. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. SHORTHORNS. Best bull, two years old and upwards. — First prize, Major Stapylton, Myton Hall ; second, the Hon. P. Dawney, Ben- ningbrough Hall. Bull, above one year and under two years. — First prize. Cap. R. Tennant, Scarcroft Lodge, Leeds ; second, S. Barker, Pockley, Helrasley. Calf, under twelve months old. — First prize, Major Stapyl- ton ; second, Capt. R. Tennant. Cow or heifer, in calf or milk, three years old and upwards. — First prize, Capt. R. Tennant ; second, J. W. Botcherly, Middleton-one-row, Darlington. Cow or heifer, in calf or milk, under three years old. — First prize, Capt. R. Tennant ; second, I. Garbutt, Brag House, Farndale. Heifer, one year old and under two years. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, Capt. R. Tennant. Heifer calf, under twelve months old. — First prize, Major Stapylton ; second. Major Stapylton. ANY BREED OR CROSS. Cow, for dairy purposes. — First prize, J. T. Robinson,Leckby Palace, Thirsk ; second, C. Douthwaite, Northallerton. Cow, the property of a cottager. — First prize, J. Cummings, Weswick, Ripon ; second, J. Todd, Sion Hill, Tliirsk. Three dairy cows, in calf or milk, the property of a tenant farmer. — Prize, a silver cup, T. Hutchinson, Manor House, Catterick. A silver medal to Capt. Tennant's first prize cow. SHEEP. LEICESTEP. OR LONG WOOL. Ram, one shear. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, T. H. Hutchinson. Ram, aged. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, T. H. Hutchinson. Pen of three gimmer shearlings. — First prize, T. H. Hutch- inson ; second, T. H. Hutchinson. Pen of three ewes, having suckled lambs in 1870. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, T. H. Hutchinson. OTHER BREEDS. Pen of three Marsham ewes, having suckled lambs in 1870. — First prize, H. Walton, Low Gingerfield, Richmond : second, W. T. Wells, Kirklington, Ripon. PIGS. Boar, large breed. — First prize, W. Lister, Armley ; second, G. Chapman, Searaer. Boar, small breed.— First prize, G. Knowlson, Thorraanby ; second, W, Lister. Boar, any other breed, not qualified to compete in the two previous classes. — First prize, S. Appleby, Armley ; second, G. Sedgwick, York. Sow, large breed, in pig or milk. — First prize, AV. Lister ; second, G. Chapman. Sow, any other breed, not qualified to compete in the two previous classes. — First prize, J. Greaves, Clotherholme ; second, G. Chapman. Tliree gilt pigs, under twelve months old. — First prize, W. Routledge, York ; second, G. Ciiapman. Pig, the property of a cottager. — First prize, T. Greenwood, Leeds; second, J. Eden, Thirsk. A silver cup for the best female pig to W. Lister. HORSES. Thoroughbred stallion for hunters. — First prize, J. R. Den- nison, Minsthorp, Pontefract ; second, J.Meggison, Brorapton Moor, Northallerton. Stallion for agricultural horses. — Prize, J. Forsham, Burley- in-Wharfdale. Brood mare for breeding coach horses, with foal at foot. — First prize, J. Curry, Boltby ; second, AV. Mothersill, Brock- holme, Northallerton. Brood mare for breeding roadsters, with foal at foot. — First prize, F. Cookson, Roundhay, Leeds ; second, A. Hawxwell, Thirsk. Brood mare for breeding agricultural horses, with foal at foot. — First prize, T. Upton, Pallathorpe, Tadcaster ; second J. Pinkney, Bagby Grange. , Y'earling gelding for the field. — First prize, G. M. Loraas, Dishforth, Thirsk ; second, J. T. Robinson, Leckby Palace, Thirsk. Y'earling filly for the field. — First prize, W. Clark, Asenby, Thirsk ; second, R. Emmerson, Over Dinsdale. Two years old gelding for the field. — First prize, J. Cattle, Barton-le-street, Malton ; second, R. Brunton, Marton, Mid- dlesbro'. Two years old filly for the field. — First prize, G. B. Peirson, Baldersby; second, J.T.Robinson. Three years old gelding for the|field. — First prize, S. L. Lane, Baldersby Park ; second S. L. Lane. Three years old filly for the field. — First prize, J . Kirby, Knayton ; second, G. Knowlson, Thorraanby. Hunting gelding or mare four years old, to be ridden in the ring. — First prize, D. Batty, Myton ; second, J. Kirby. COACH HORSES. Yearling gelding. — Prize, W. Mothersill, Brockholme, Nor- thallerton. Yearling filly. — Prize, J. Walls, Kilvington. Two years old gelding. — First prize, T. Plnmmer, Birdforth, Easiugwold ; second, J . Wells, Ilutton Hall, Ripon. Two years old filly. — First prize, J. Cleasby, Carlton Miniott, Thirsk ; second, J. Plews, Howlett Hall, Whitby. Three years old gelding. — First prize, T. Plummet ; second, M. and W. Boville, Walk Mills, Osmotherley. Three years old filly. — First prize, J. Donaldson, Great Ayton ; second, — Garnett, Welbury, Northallerton. ROADSTERS. Two year old gelding. — First prize, J. Orrell, Byland Abbey ; second, J. Carter, Marske. Two years old filly. — First prize, G. B. Carter, Thirsk ; second, W. Sanderson, Hambletou. Three years old gelding. — First prize, R. M. Bowman, M.D., Ripon ; second, C. Knowlson, Birdford. Three years old filly. — First prize, W. Snowden, Slingsby ; second, W. Robinson, Morton-on-Swale. Gentleman's hackney, any age or sex, not exceeding 15 hands in height. — First prize, T. Robson, Thornton Marishes ; second, R. M. Bowman, M.p. 230 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. CAKT HORSES. Yearling gelding. — Prize, C. Boroby, Baldersby, Thirsk. Two years old gelding. — Krst prize, Mrs. Hedon, Baldersby; second, Hon. G. E. Lascelles, Thirsk. Tliree years old gelding. — Prize, P. Stephenson, jun., Eaintou. Three years old filly. — Pirst prize, M. Reed, Beamish Burn, Chester-le-street ; second, J. Hopps, High Burton. Pair of Agricultural horses, of either sex. — Pirst and second prizes, Major Stapylton, My ton flail, Helperby. Best jumper. — Pirst prize, H. Johnson, Spofforth ; second, C. Rose, Malton. Mare for breeding weight carrying hunters, with a foal at foot. — First prize, silver cup, W. H. Clark, Howden ; second, J. T. Robinson, Leckby Palace, Thirsk; third, R. Cattley, Wigginthorpe. Pony, not exceeding 14 hands in height, any age or sex.— Pirst prize, A. Hawxwell, Thirsk ; second, T. Brooks, Manor House, Thirsk. THE DURHAM COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT SUNDERLAND. The twenty-second annual exhibition of this Society was held on the farm of Mr. R. Smith, High Hendon. Tliis year's show, that a larger number of silver cups were oiTered by gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood of Sunderland than at any previous meeting in other parts of the county. The number of Shorthorns on the show-ground last year, at Bishop Auck- land, was 29, and this year ¥i ; and horses 143 last year, and this year 220. One of the principal features of the show was, of course, the exhibition of hunters. Amongst them were several very fine animals. The special prize for the best shorthorned breeding animal was awarded to Mr. Outhwaite's heifer Vivandiere ; the special prize tor the best shorn, the property of a landowner or occupier in the county of Durham, was taken by Mr. Geo. Atkinson's heifer Village Bell, which also took the special prize, consisting of a piece of plate of the value of 25 guineas. JUDGES, Cattle, Sheep, and Pigs : John Wood, Stanwick Park, Darlington ; Jefferson, Preston Howe, Cumberland ; George Wilkinson, Ilerrington. Horses.— Field and Harness : W. Hawdon, Walkerfield ; J. Atkinson, Doddingtou, Wooler ; R. Hodgson, Bramper. Cart : B. Spraggon, Nafferton ; R. Wade, Little Burdon ; C. Hubbiek, Durham. Dairy Produce : The Mayoress of Sunderland ; tlie Hon. Lady Williamson ; Lady Julia Wombwell. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. SHORTHORNS. Bull of any age. — First prize, £5, W. H. Raine, Morton Tinmouth, Darlington; second. Earl Vane, Wynyard Park (Sultan 2nd). SPECIAL PRIZES EOR THE BEST SHORTHORNS. Shorthorn breeding animal of either sex. — Prize, a silver cup, Outhwaite's heifer (Vivandiere). Shorthorn, tlie property of a landowner or occupier in the county of Durham. — Prize, a silver cup value 10 gs., George Atkinson's heifer (Village Belle). Shorthorned breeding animal of either sex, the property of a tenant farmer in the county of Durham. — Prize, a piece of plate of the value of 25 gs. (to be held until'the Society's Show next jear), G. Atkinson's heifer (Village Belle). Bull under two years. — First prize, £10, Lady Pigot, Branches Park, Newmarket (By this) ; second, £5, W. Linton, Sheriff Hutton, York (Lord Irvine). Cow in calf or milk, having had a calf within tlie last 12 months.— First prize, £8, Lady Pigot (Queen of Rosalea) ; second, £4, J. W. Botcherby, Middleton-one-Row, Darhngton (Bessy Gwynne). Two-year-old heifer in calf.— First prize, £6, J. Outhwaite, Bainesse, Catterick, Yorkshire ; second, £3, R. Burdon, Castle Eden (Roseleaf). One-year-old heifer.— Pirst prize, £4, G. Pollard, Trafford Hill (Abergeldie) ; second, £2, G. Atkinson, Hall Farm, Sea- ham (Bracelet). Bull calf under twelve months old.— First prize, £3, J. H. Hutchinson, Manor House. Catterick, K.G. ; second, £1, Barl Vane, Wynyard Park (Grand Turk). Heifer under twelve mouths old. — First prize, £3, J. H. Hutchinson, Manor House, Catterick (Gerty) ; second, £1, J. Bulmer, Middleton-one-Row (Prince Royal). Bull under three years old, the property of a landowner or occupier. — First prize, £5, R. F. Trenholm, Butterwick, Sedgefield (Windleston) ; second, £2, Earl Vane, Wynyard Park (Sultan 2nd). Cow in calf or milk having had a calf within the last twelve months. — First prize, £3, G. Atkinson, HaU Farm, Seaham (Ringlet) ; second, £1, G. Atkinson (Julia). Two-year-old heifer in calf. — First prize, £3, W. H. Raine, Morton Tinmouth, Darlington (Fern Froud) ; second, £1, J. Bulmer, Middleton-one-Row (Rosette). SHEEP. Ram of any age. — First prize, £5, J. H. Hutchinson, Manor House, Catterick ; second, £2, Captain C. J. Briggs, Hylton Castle. Shearling ram. — Pirst prize, £5, J. H. Hutchinson ; second, £2, J. H. Hutchinson. Pen of five ewes, having reared lambs, — Prize, £3, J, H. Hutchinson. Pen of shearling gimmers. — First prize, £3, J. H. Hutchin- son; second, £3, J. H. Hutchinson. PIGS. Boar, large breed. — First prize, £3, R. E. Duckering, Nor- thorpe, Kirton Lindsay ; second, £1, R. E. Duckering. Boar, small breed. — First prize, £3, George Mangles, Great Givendale, Ripon; second, £1, V. W. Corbett, Seaham. Sow, large breed. — First prize, £2, R. E. Duckering; second, £1, R. E. Duckering, Sow, small breed. — First prize, £2, R. E. Duckering ; second, £1, G. Mangles. Pig the property of a cottager. — First prize, £1, J. Taylor, South Lodge Cottage, Roker; second, 10s., J. Miller, Thorn- ton Place, Sunderland ; third, 5s., J. Miller. HORSES. Hunter. — First prize, a silver cup, Captain A. H. Hunt, Birtley ; second, £5, E. T. Smith, Colepike Hall. Leaper. — First prize, a silver cup, T. Dobson, Newcastle ; second, £2, Robert Woodfield, East Herrington ; third, £1, R. T. Walker, Fence Houses, Greatham, Stockton-on-Tees, Saddle Mare. — First prize, £5, John Thomas Robinson, Leckby Palace, Asenby, Thirsk ; second, £2, B. Spraggon, Nafferton, Stocksfield-on-Tyne. Three-year-old colt for the field. — First prize, £4, R. Bur- don, Castle Eden ; second, £1, R. Brunton, Marton, Middles- borough, Three-year-old fiUy for the field. — First prize, £4, Philip I\irkup,Bishopwearmouth; second, £l,G.Mears,Tatham-street, Sunderland. Two-year-old colt for the field.— First-prize, £3, R. F. Trenholm, Butterwick, Sedgfield ; second, £1, W, Smith, Carr House, Darlington. Two-year-old filly for the field. — First prize, ^2, John Tliomas Robinson ; second, £1, A. Hedley, Elyhaugh, Felton. Yearling colt for the field.— First prize, £2, J, T. Robinson ; second, £1, A. Hedley. THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 231 Yearling filly for the field. — First prize, £3, R. Emmersou, Over Dinsdale, Darlington; second, £1, William Forster, West Herriugton. Harness mare. — First prize, £5, William Laing, Sunderland ; second, £2, Robert Crow, Low Raisby, Kelloe. Three-year-old colt for the field. — First prize, £•!■, J. Beach, Durham Hotel, West Hartlepool. Three-year-old filly for harness. — First prize, £1, Robert Garnett, Welbury, Northallerton ; second, £1, John Donaldson, Great Ayton, Northallerton. Two-year-old colt for harness. — First prize, £3, J. H. Harris, Houndalee, Morpeth. Three-year-old filly for harness. — First prize, £3, W. Pal- lister, Houghton-le-Spring. foal for tlie saddle. — First prize, J. T. Robinson; second, 10s., R. Eramerson, Over Dinsdale, Darlington. Foal with harness. — Prize, W. Minto, Hetton-le-Hill, Easington Lane. Cart foal. — First prize. Colonel Wood, Howlish Hall ; second, 10s., J. Rennoldson, Cleadon Laws, Cleadon. FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. Cart mare. — First prize, £5, G. Atkinson, Hall Farm, Sea- ham ; second, £2, J. Laws, Eachwick Red House, Dalton, Northumberland. Three-year-old cart colt. — First prize, £4, W. C. Carr, South Benwell, Newcastle ; second, £1, N. Stonehouse and Son, Skelton Mill, Marske-by-the-Sea. Three-year-old cart filly. — Prize, £4, M. Reed, Beamish Burn. Two-year-old cart colt. — First prize, £3, G. Atkinson ; second, £1, T. Gibbous, Cleadon Hills, Hartou, South Shields. Two-year-old cart filly. — First prize, J. Atkinson, By well Hall Farm, Stocksfield-ou-Tyne ; second, £1, M. T. Clark, Pittingtou Hallgarth. Yearling cart colt. — First prize, £3, T. Cumraing, Lan- chester, Durham ; second, £], J. Fowler, Claypath, Durham. Yearling filly. — First prize, £2, J. Henderson, Horsley Hill, South Shields ; second, £1, T. Gumming, Pair of daught horses.— First prize, a silver cup, G. Atkin- son ; second, £3, G. Wilkinson, East Herrington, Sunderland. ROADSTERS. Roadster.— First prize, a silver cup, value 10 guineas, G. Dale, West Lodge, Carlington ; second, £3, H. H. Thompson, The Oaks, Sunderland. ladies' hackney. Ladies' hackney. — First prize, a silver cup, D. Dale ; second, £3, H. H. Thompson. Pony, not exceedinfr twelve hands liigh. — First prize, £2, C. Taylor, 1, Thornhill-terrace, Sunderland ; second, £1, R. L. Pemberton, The Barnes, Sunderland. LOCAL PRIZES. Pair of draught horses, the property of an inhabitant of the borough. — First prize, a silver cup and £5, W. H. Allison, Undercliffe, Sunderland ; second, £2, E. and F. Richardson, Steam Mills, Bishopwearmouth. Single draught horse, the property of an inhabitant of the borough. — First prize, £2, W. H. Allison ; second, £1, J. J. Allison, Roker. Pony, not exceeding fourteen hands in height, the property of an inhabitant of the borough. — First prize, L. Briggs, The Cedars, Sunderland ; second, J. Crisp, Lane House, Hylton- road. DAIRY PRODUCE. Four pounds of fresh butter. — First prize, J. Henderson, Horsley Hill, South Shields ; second, Mrs. Atkinson, Seaham Hall Farm ; third, Mrs. Burnside, tlollin House, Cockerton. Two half-pounds of fresh butter. — First prize, W. Smith, East Boldon ; second, Jane Newby, Littlethorpe, near Eas- ington. Four pounds of fresh butter. — First prize, Miss Peacock, Springwell House ; second, Mrs. J. Fish, East Boldon. Basket of fresh hen eg^s. — First prize, Mrs. G. Dawson, Tunstall ; second, G. H. Proctor. The dinner was well attended ; Sir H. Williamson, Bart., M.P., occupied the chair. THE NOBTHUMBERLAND AGRICULTUEAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT MORPETH. The weather was very favourable, and the number of visitors during the day was very great. The show in many respects deserves to be regarded as one of the most successful the Society has ever held, both as regards number and quality. In 1868, when at Cornhill, the total number of entries was 73i, in 1869, when at Hexham, the total was 907 ; and this year, at Morpeth, the total was 939. The first prize for the aged bull was carried oft' by Mr. Codthart, Brampton, with Ace of Trumps. Lady Pigot, Branches Park, Newmarket, gained two silver medals, one for the year old bull, Bythis, and the other for her celebrated cow. Queen of Rosalsa. The display of Gal- loways was small, but excellent in quality. JUDGES. Cattle.— Shorthorns : T. C. Booth, Warlaby, Northallerton ; J. Knowles, Wetherby Grange, York ; and G. Mitchell, Meikle, Heddoe, N.B. Galloways: W. Forster, jun., Stonegarth Side, Longtown ; W. Armstrong, Tarnend, Milton ; and J. Little, Guards' Farm, Gretna. Sheep. — Border Leicesters : A. Geekie, Baldowrie, Glasgow ; F. P. Lynn, Mindrim Mill, Coldstream ; and W. C. Thomp- son, Dilstonhaugh, Corbridge. Cheviot and blackfaced : W. Henderson, Fowberry Mains, Belford ; J. Hogarth, Julien Bower, Penrith ; and H. H. Scott, Alnham, Aln- wick. Horses. — Agricultural purposes : J. Atkinson, Brandon, Aln- wick ; J. Bolam, Glorornm, Belford ; and J. Blackstock, Hayton Castle, Maryport. Horses for the field : J. Par- rington, Brancepeth, Durham ; J. Smith, Humburton, Borobridgc ; and J. Usher, Stodrigg, Kelso. Hackneys and ponies : G. Coulthard, Lanercost Abbey, Brampton ; R. Craig, Lyham, Belford ; and L. C. Chrisp, HawkhiU, Ab- Wick. Pigs. — J. Rutherford, Way-to-Wooler, Wooler ; J. A. Arm- strong, Baysleap, Newcastle ; and C. Borthwick, Mindrim, Coldstream. Wool. — J. Humble, Newcastle. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. shorthorns. Bulls, above two and under seven years old. — First prize, Coulthard, Smith, and Bell, Brampton (Earl of Chester) ; second, J. Newton, Cbollerton (Ace of Trumps) ; third, J. Wright, GreengiU, Penrith. Bulls, above one and under two years old. — First prize, Lady Pigot, Branches Park, Newmarket (Bythis) ; second, W. Linton, Sheriff Hutton, York ; third, J. Outhwaite, Bainesse, Catterick. Bull calves, under twelve months old. — First prize, R. Har- rett, Kirkwelpington (Gipsy Queen) ; second. Sir M. W. Ridley, Bart., Blagdon. Cows. — First prize. Lady Pigot (Queen of Rosalea) ; second, W. Linton. Heifers, above two and under three years old. — First prize. Sir W. C. Trevelyau, Bart., Wallington (Yetholm Daisy) ; second, J. Outhwaite. Heifers, above one and under two years old. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson, Manor House, Catterick (Lady Blanch) ; second, G. and J. Atkinson, Bywell Hall Farm. Heifer calves, under twelve months old. — First and second prizes. Sir W. C. Trevelyan. Heifers, above two and under three years old. — First prize, G. and J. Chirney, Ellington, Morpeth; second, Gi G. Lee, West Laud Euds, Haydoa Bridge, R ^ •232 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Heifers, above oue aud under two years old. — First prize, S. Langdale, High Espley, Morpeth ; second, G. G. Lee. Heifer calves, under twelve months old, S. Langdale ; second, G, G. Lee. GALLOWAYS. Bulls above two years old. — James Graham, Parcelstown, Carlisle. Bulls under two years old. — James Cunningham, Tarbreock, Dalbeattie. Cows or heifers above three years old. — First prize, James Cunningham ; second, James Graham. Cows or heifers under three years. — James Graham, Par- celstown, Carlisle. SHEEP. BORDEE LEICESTERS. Rams of any age. — First aud second prize. Rev. R. W. Bo- sanquet, Rock, Alnwick. Shearling rams. — First prize, George Torrance, Sisterpath ; second, Mr. Simson, jun., Bainslie, Lauder; third, Messrs. Dinning, Nilston Ridge. Pen of five ewes. — First prize, George Simson, Courthill, Kelso; second, J. and G. Laing, AVark. Pen of five gimmers. — First prize. Rev. R. W. Bosanquet, Rock ; second, John Langdale, Newton Red House. CHEVIOTS. Rams of any age. — First and second prize, Thomas Elliot, Hindhope. Commended, John Douglas, Swiniside Hail, Jedburgh. Two shearling rams. — First and second prize, Thomas Elliot, Hindhope, Jedburgh. Pens ot five ewes. — First prize, T. Elliot ; second, R. Short- reed, Attonburn. Pen of five gimmers. — First and second prize, T. Elliot, Hindhope. BLACK-EACED MOUNTAIN BREEDS. Rams of any age. — First prize, T. Oliver, Redburn, Stan- hope ; second, H. T. Thompson, Lamparts, Gilsland. Shearling rams. — First prize, T. Oliver, Redburn ; second' T. Wliite, Westburnhope. Pens of five ewes. — First prize, D. Tweedie, Lanarkshire ; second, C. Armstrong, Garrigill. Pens of five gimmers. — First prize, D. Tweedie ; second, C. Armstrong. ANY OTHER DISTINCT BREED. Pens of five ewes and gimmers. — Prize, T. H, Hutchinson, Manor House, Catterick. HORSES. rOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. Brood mares, with foal at foot. — First prize, J. and G. Atkinson, Bywell Hall Farm ; second, J. Laws, Eachwick Red House. Three years old geldings or fillies. — First prize, C. Lister, Coleby Lodge, Lincoln ; second, B. Spraggon, Naff'ortou. Two years old geldings or fillies. — First prize, J. Dinning, Belford ; second, T, Gibson, Cleadon Hills. One-year-old geldings or fillies. — W. Laws, Black Heddon; second, J. Laycock, Low Gosforth. Pair of geldings or mares of any age. — W. Smith, Melking- ton. Pairs of mares of any age. — Gibbons, Burnfoot. FOR THE EIELD. Brood mares. — First prize, Mr. Robinson, Lechby Palace; second, Mr. Chrisp, Hawkhill. Three-years-old geldings or fillies for the .leld. — First prize, Messrs. Armstrong, Carlisle ; second, Mr. Smith, Melkington, Two-years-old geldings or fillies for the field. — First prize, Mr. Calder, Kelloe Mains ; second, Mr. Smith, Carr House, One-year-old geldings or fillies for the field. — First prize. R. Dand, jun.. Field House, Bilton ; second, Mr. Tliompson, The Frolic, Capheaton. Horses or mares, above five and under ten years old. — First and second prize. Sir W. C. Trevelyan. Hunters. — First prize, T. E. Smith, Gosforth House ; second, T. Parker, Shellacres, Norham. Horses or mares, four-years-old. — First prize, Mr. Turnbull, Branton West Side ; second, J . Wilson. Woodliorn Manor. Hackneys, horse or ruare. — First prize, C. Stevenson, New- castle ; second, J. H. Harris, Houndalee, Morpeth. Ponies, horse or mare. — First prize, J. Newton, Chollerton; second, T. Sample, Bothal Castle ; third, Master Aunett. SWINE. Boars of the large breed, of any colour. — First and second prize, Mr. Duckering, Northorpe, Kirton, Lindsey. Boars of the small breed, of any colour. — First prize P. Eden, Salford ; second, Mr. Mangles, Ripon. Sows of the large breed, of any colour. — First and second prize, Mr. Duckering, Northorpe. Sows of the small breed, of any colour. — First prize, Mr. Eden, Salford; second, Mr. Duckering, Northorpe. Sows of the middle breed. — First prize, Mr. Eden, Salford ; second, Mr. Duckering, Norihorpe. Sow pigs, pen of 3 of the large breed, under sixteen weeks old. — First prize, Mr. Eden, Salford. Sow pigs, pen of 3 of the small breed, under sixteen weeks old. — First prize, Mr. Eden, Salford. WOOL. Leicester, best five fleeces. — First prize, Messrs. Laing, Wark; second. The Executors of the late J. Angus, Whitefield. Cheviot, best five fleeces. — First and second prize, R. Don- kin, Ingram. Half-bred, best five fleeces. — First and second prize, R. Donkin, Ingram. Black-faced, best five fleeces. — First and second prize. Earl of Tankerville. About 300 gentlemen sat down to the dinner, in a large pavilion erected on the show ground. The chair was occupied by the Right Hon. Lord Vernon, President of the Royal Agricultural Society (of Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire, and the owner of the Widdrington estate). The Chairman, in proposing " Success to the Northum- berland Agricultural Society," alluded to tne great agricultural improvements which had taken place in the county of North- thumberland during the last few years. These, he believed, were in great part due to the energy aud activity of the various persons engaged in the cultivation of the soil, and also to the good relations which subsisted between landlord and tenant. He next alluded to the subject of women labouring m the fields, and contended that the occupation was quite as healthy as many others in which women were engaged, and in no de- gree more degrading. He spoke at some length of the im- provements wUieh might yet be introduced into agricultural affairs by a more extended use of steam power in the cultiva- tion of the soil. Northumberland, he thought, was in many respects well suited for the introduction of steam power as the fields were generally large, aud as some of them knew to their cost, the soil was stiff and heavy. He concluded by coupling the toast with the name of the secretary, to whose abilities he paid a warm compliment. GLOUCESTERSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT STROUD. At the annual show of the Gloucestershire Agricul- tural Society the Entries was very short. The Hereford Times describes the stalls of fhe white faces "a beggarly account of empty boxes ;" several of which were entered for the show did not majce an appearance. There had been three entries ; viz., Mr. John Baldwin's Lord Ashford ; Mr. Thomas Edwards's Leominster the Tliird ; and Mr. Thos. Thomas's (St. Hilary) Sir John the Third— a prize- taker at Taunton and Oxford. Two out of the three stalls were, however, vacant, and Leominster the Third, which was THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 233 third ia his class at Oxford, and a grand young bull, by Tom- boy, a sou of the famous Sir Thomas— was alone in his glory. lu the next class — bulls above one aud under two years old — five out of six entered were shown, viz., Mr. Thos, Edwards's Sir Robert, also by Tomboy ; Mr. H. 11. Evans's Sir Oliver the 3rd, by the Hampton Court Sir Oliver the 2ud ; Mr. John Harding's Count Eosco and Noble Boy, the former by Severus and the latter by Symmetry ; and Mr. Richard Hill's, by luterest. Of this lot Count Eosco was placed second at Oxford to that grand young bull Mr. Philip rnrner's Trojan ; Mr. Hill's I'resident — about which there was so much talk, on the ground of his great size and development for bis recorded age — third ; while Noble Boy aud Sir Oliver the 3rd passed without otlicial recognition. Tiiejudges at Stroud reversed the Oxford decisions, for they jjlaced JMoble Boy tirst, and did not notice his stall companiou, Count Eosco ; Mr. Edwards coming second with Sir Robert, and Mr. H. R. Evans getting the reserve number with Sir Oliver the Third ; the big bull from Orleton not at all taking their fancy. In the class for Indl-calf under IC months old, Mr. Richard Hill aud Mr. H. R. Evans were the only two who exhibited out of an entry of four; Mr. Hill's Pearl Diver taking first, and ]\[r. Evans's calf by Chieftain second. The breeding cow class, which had three entries, was a blank ; aud the class for heifers under two-yearsold was just redeemed from that position by the presence of Mr. John Harding's Dahlia. In the class for heifer calf under 13 months' old, three out of four were stalled. Thus ended the meagre list of the Herefords. Out of the -iO entries of Shorthorns there were about a dozen ab- sentees, lu the aged bull class we understood that the Taun- ton decisions were reversed. The entries of horses reached to 103, and nearly aU were present. In the class of entire thoroughbred sires for pro- ducing hunters or luicks, the first prize fell to Mr. M. Biddnlph. The class for hunters of any age, iu which there were 13 entries, was a very fair one. The class for hunters under live years old was a good one, and the mare and foal class (13 entries) was a remarkably good one. We subjoin a list of the judges and prizes. JuDCiES. — Cattle : E. Doig, Lilliugstoue Hall, Buckingham ; T. S. Bradstock, Cobrey Park, near Ross. Sheep and Pigs : T. Walker, Stowell Park, near Northleacli ; A. Edmonds, Longworth, Faringdon. Cart Horses : J. Craddock, East- ingtoa, Northleacli ; J. Barton, Colne St. Aldwyns, fair- ford. Hunters and Roadsters : Coi. Kingscote, C.B., Kiugseote Park, Wotton-under-Edge ; Major II ey wood, Ocle Court, Hereford ; J. E. Bennett, Husband's Bosworth Grange, Rugby. Cheese : B. Brunsdou, Ross ; J. Brether- ton, Gloucester. CATTLE. HEREFOKDS. Bull above 2 years old. — Prize, £10, T. Edwards, Wiuter- cott, Leominster (Leominster 3rd, 3211). Bull above 1 and under 2 years old. — Eirst prize, £10, J. Harding, Bicton, Shrewsbury (Noble Boy) ; second of £5, T. Edwards, Wintercott (Sir Robert). Bull calf under 12 months old. — Eirst prize, £5, R. Hill, Orleton Court, Ludlow (Pearl Diver); second of £2, II. R. Evans, jun. Heifer under 3 years old. — Prize, £5, J. Harding, Bicton, Shrewsbury (Dahlia). Heifer calf under 12 months old. — First prize, £i, J. Harding (Red Dahlia) ; second of £3, E. J. Morris, Stanley Poutlarge, Wincbcombe (Stanley's Delight). Three dairy cows of any breed, in railk. — First prize, £10, G. Game, Churchill Heath ; second, £5, E. J. Morris. SHORTHORNS. Bull above 2 years old. — Eirst prize, £10, the Right Hon. Lord Sudeley, Toldington, Wincbcombe ; second £5, G. Game. Bull above 1 and under 2 years old. — First prize, £10, T. Game and Son, Broadmoor, Northleacli ; second of £5, J. Dove, Hambrook House, near Bristol. Bull calf under 12 months old. — First prize, £o, R. Strat- ton, Burderup, Swindon, Wilts; second of £3, T. Morris, Maisemore Court, near Gloucester. Bull, cow, and offspring. — Prize, £10, R. Stratton. Breeding cows. — Eirst prize, £G, II. Stratton ; second of £3, G. Game. Heifer under 3 years old. — First prize, £6, R. Stratton ; se- cond of £3, T. Game aud Son. Heifer under 3 years old. — First prize, £o, R. Stratton ; second of £2 10s., G. Game. Heifer calf nuder 12 months old.— First prize, £i, R. Stratton ; second of £2, R. Stratton. BREEDING SHEEP. Long- wools (live theaves). — First prize, £5, Executors of the late T. Gillett, Kilkenny, Faringdon, Berks ; second of £5, Sir J. Rolt, Ozle.worth Park, Wotton-under-Edge. Ram of any age. — First prize, £5, Executors of the late T. Gillett ; second of £3, T. B. Brown, Saiperton Park. Sliearling rams. — First prize, £5, Executors of the late T. Gillett ; second of £3, Executors of the late T. Gillett. Five ewe lambs. — Prize, £5, H. Cole, Ashbrook, Cirencester. Five ram lambs. — Prize, £5, H. Cole. Short-wools (five theaves). — First prize, ^£10, Sir W. Throckmorton, Bart., Buckland, Faringdon; second of £5, Colonel Kingscote, C.B., M.P., Kingscote Park. Ram of any age. — First prize, £5, Sir \V. Throckmorton, Barf. ; second of £3, Sir W. Throckmorton, Bart. Shearling ram. — First prize, £5, Colonel Kingscote, C.B., M.P. ; second of £3, Colonel Kingscote, C.B., M.P. Five ewe lambs. — Prize, £5, Sir W. Throckmorton, Bart. F'ive ram lambs.— Prize, £5, G. Wallia, Old Shifford. OXFORDSHIRE AND SHROl'SHIRE. Ram of any age. — Prize £5, G. Wallis, Old Shifford, Shearling rams. — Prize £5, G. Wallis. HORSES. Cart horses, stallion. — First prize, £20, W. Wynn, CranhiU Levs, Grafton, near Alcester ; second of £10, Col. Kingscote, C.B., M.P. Cart horses, mare and foal. — F'irst prize, £10, G. Finch, Cubberley Court, Cheltenham ; second of £5, S. Davis, Wool- ashill, near Pershore. Cart horses, gelding or filly. — Prize, £5, J. Theyer, Crickley Hill, near Chelteuhaiii. Stallion for getting hunters or hacks. — First prize, £2j, M. Biddulph, M.P., Ledbury (The Mallard). Hunters of any age. — First prize, £30, R. Ilolman, Bays Hill, Chelteuham (Plinlimmon) ; second of £10, C. Cook, Toddington, Wincbcombe. Hunter under five years old. — First prize, £15, A. Newman, Winchcombe. second of £7 10s., W. Till, Coaley, Dursley. IMare and foal. — Prize, £10, R. Swanwick, Royal Agricul- tural College Farm, Cirencester. Hack not exceeding 15 bands. — First prize, £10, R. N. Hooper, Llansannor Court, Cowbridge ; second of £5, W. T. Dewe, Coed Cue, Llanuon, Llanelly. Pony above 13 and under 14 hands. — First prize, £8, Capt. J. S. Ballard, The Verlands, Cowbridge ; second of £■1, Major Quinton, Hamhill, Cirencester. Pony not exceeding 12 hands. — F'irst prize, £5, R. New- combe, Cirencester ; second of £3, II. S. Stephens, Stonehousc. CHEESE. 1 cwt. of thick cheese. — First prize, £5, G. Gibbons, Tunlej Farm, Bath ; second of £2 10s., S. M. Harding, Nupdown Thornbury. 1 cwt. of double cheese. — First prize, £5, J. Harris, Court House Farm, Cam, Dursley ; second of £2 10s., J. Smith, Nupdown Farm, Thornbury. 1 cwt. of thin cheese. — First prise, £5, J. Harris, Court House ; second of £2 10s , T. Witchell, Nymphsfield. THE DORCHESTER AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.— The show of this Society was very small. Mr. John Pitfield, of Symondbury, with his Triumph gained the Hon. W. H. B. Poitmau's prize for the best bull. Mr. W. Paull, of Puddleton, showed the l)est heifers, those from Mr. W. Mayo, jun., of Friar's Waddon, being commended. ^Ir. T. H. Saunders, of Water- coinbe, carried otf Mr. Wingfield Digby's prize for ewes, and also exhibited some good wethers in the extra stock depart- ment Mr. J. C. Fooks, of Cerne Moss, IMr. G. W. Homer, of Athelhampfon, and Mr. James Harding, of Waterson, were the other principal prize takers for sheep. A prize offered by Mr. Brymer for the Ijest cart stallion was won by Mr. F. Kelloway of Stratton. At the dinner which followed the show General Sir John Michel presided. It was agreed to invite the Bath and West of England Society to visit Dor- chester in 1872. 234, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. WHITBY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. At tlie thirty-seventh annual show of this society the entries exceeded in number those of lastyear in all the classes except those of sheep ; while the classes for horses, particularly the coaching and hunting breeds, were weU filled, some of the animals exhibited being of great excellence. The following were the principal prizes awarded : HORSES. Thorough-bred stallion. — Prize, P. Hogarth, Lythe. Coaching stallion. — Prize, R. Rhea, Pickering. Agricultural stallion. — Prize, R. Cole, Plaxton. Coaching brood mare, with her foal or stinted. — Pirst prize, R. Welford and Sons, Newton ; seccmd, J. Porritt, Buck Rush. Coaching foal, colt or filly. — Pirst prize, R. Welford and Sons ; second, J. Plews. Yearling coaching colt or filly. — First prize, Messrs. Wor- mald, Normanby ; second,*A. Welford, Brock Rigg. Yearling coaching filly. — Pirst prize, R. Welford and Sons ; second,!. Garbutt, Parndale. Two-year-old coaching gelding. — First prize, Jilson Estill, Hawsker ; second, M. Wellburn, Fylingdales. Two-year-old coaching filly. — First prize, G. Gill, Brotton ; second, J. Plews, Ugglebarnby. Three-year-old coacliing gelding. — First prize, T. Jackson, Barnby ; second, P. Campion, Overdale. Three-year-old coaching filly. — First prize, J, Donaldson, Ayton ; second, T. Newton, Easington. Agricultural brood mare with her foal or stinted. — First prize, W. Burnett ; second, W. A. Wood, Sutton Forest. Agricultural foal, colt or filly. — First prize, J. Cross ; second, W. A. Wood, Sutton Forest. Agricultural yearling colt or filly. — Prize, J . Braithwaite, Ebberston. Agricultural two years old filly or gelding. — First prize, W. Brewster, Little Barugh ; second, Messrs. Wormald. Pair of agricultural horses, having been worked as such during the season, age or sex immaterial. — First prize, C. M. Palmei , second, Y/. Ward, Fanniel Flat. Huntiug brood mare, with her foal or stinted. — First prize, R. Jackson, Normanby ; second, J. Forster, Newton. Hunting foal, colt or fiUy. — First prize, R. Wood, Pinchin- thorpe ; second, F. Peirson, Westonby. Hunting yearling, colt or filly. — First prize, P. Shimmins ; second, C. M. Palmer. Two-year-old liunting colt or filly. — First prize, Messrs. Wormald ; second, W. Ward. Three years old hunting geldiog. — Prize, W. Ward. Three years old hunting filly. — First prize, R. Jackson ; second, J. S. Darrell, Ayton. Hunting mare or gelding. — First prize, J. S. Darrell ; second, H. Jewison, Raisthorpe. Horse or mare of any breed; which leaps the artificial fences in the best hunting style. — First prize, C. Rose, Malton ; second, J. Forster, Newtown. Hunting mare or gelding. — First prize, H. Linton, East Row ; second, W. Ward. Roadster mare or gelding over 14 hands. — First prize, J. Robson ; second, D. Hartley. Pouy, mare or gelding, over 12^ and not over 14 hands. — First prize, J. S. Darrell ; second, J. Weighill. Pony, mare or gelding, not over 12J hands.— First prize, J. Windle j second, T. Boyes. Donkey, horse or mare. — First prize, T. Richardson, Sands- end ; second, S. Wilson, Egton, CATTLE. SHORTHORNS. Bull calf, over six and under twelve months old. — First prize, Cass Smith, Westerdale ; second, J. Cross. Two years old bull. — First prize, W. C. Worsley ; second, D, Hartley. Heifer calf, over six and under months old. — First prize, J. Bulmer ; second, J. Wilkinson, Yearling heifer. — First prize, C, Smith ; second, R. Hodg- son, Westerdale. Two years old heifer, in milk or calf. — First prize, I. Gar- butt ; second, J. Bulmer. Cow, in milk or calf. — First prize, I. Garbutt ; second, Cass Smith; DISTRICT PRIZES FOR CATTLE. Dairy cow, with special reference to milking. — First prize, H. Ward, Hawsker ; second, J. Kerr, Lythe. Two yearling steers, which have been the property of the exhibitor sis months prior to the show. — First prize, J. Plews ; second, T. Beeforth, Sneaton. Pair of working oxen. — First prize, T. Watson, Sneaton ; second, M. Wellburn. Cottager's cow, of any breed, with special reference to milk- ing.— First prize, W. Galloway, Newholm ; second, T. Lynass, Goldsbro'. SHEEP. LEICESTERS. Shearling ram. — First and second prizes, I. and E. Tindale. Tup lamb. — ilrst prize, W. S. Gray ; second, T. B. Scoby, Rook Barugh. Pen of five ewes, having reared lambs in 1870. — First prize, E. Corner, Broad Ings ; second, J. Elliot. Pen of five gimmer lambs. — First prize, W. S. Gray ; se- cond, T. P. Scoby. Pen of three tup lambs, bred by exhibitor. — First prize, E. Corner, Broad Ings ; second, W. S. Gray. T ivo-shear or aged moor tup. — First prize, W. Rudsdale, Danby : second, C. Smith. Shearling moor tup. — First prize, C. Smith ; second, W. Rudsdale. Moor tup lamb. — First and second prizes, W. Rudsdale. Pen of five moor ewes, having reared lambs in 1870. — First C. Smith ; second, W. Rudsdale. Pen of five moor shearHng gimmers. — First prize, W. Ruds- dale ; second, C. Smith. Pen of five moor wethers, two-shear or upwards, bred by exhibitor. — First and second prizes, J. Peirson, Goathland. PIGS. Boars of any breed, over six months old. — First prize, G. Chapman, Seamer ; second, M. Gray. Sow or gilt of any breed, over six months old. — First prize, J. Thompson, Seamer ; second, G. Chapman. Boar of any small breed, over six months old. — First prize, J. Windle ; second, G. Chapman. Sow or gilt of any small breed, over six months old. — First prize, R. Bowman, Pickering ; second, G. Chapman. Cottager's pig, the owner not keeping more than one cow. — First prize, Joseph Ward, Woodlands; second, J. Young, Whitby. NORTH LANCASHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT BLACKPOOL. The attendance of visitors on the first day was not large, although the proceedings were unusually interesting to agri- culturists, but on Wednesday the showyard was crowded with visitors, not only from Blackpool, but also firom the neigh- bouring districts. The judges of Shorthorns were W.Torr, R.Smith, and W.Key. The Shorthorns were well represented for a country exhibi- tion such as this, and the class for aged bulls drew a good muster. Bolivar received the silver medal for the best Short- horn aged bull and Mr. Statter. rivalling Mr. Brierly in this THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 235 class, received second place, together with a silver cup, for the best three Shorthorns iu the yard. A year-old bull belonging to G. Hunt, of Frenchwaod, Preston, was placed first iu the class for bulls above one and under two years old, for which a silver medal was offered. Mr. Statter's Prince of Thorndale came iu second, out of a good contest among 17. The winner of the first raedal was a roan cow, exhibited by Mr. W.Bradburn, of Wednesfleld, Wolverhampton. The Rev. L. C. Wood's Miranda 10th was placed second ; but when judged iu the class for cattle of any breed, she gaiued greater dis- tinction. Mr. Uradburn, of Wolverhampton, for best heifer not exceeding three years, took first and second prizes. I'or heifers not exeeediug two years, Messrs. Statter, junior, and Brierley once more divided honours, Mr. Brierley being awarded the first medal, Mr. Statter the second, whilst Mr. Bradburn had to content himself with a " highly com- mended." Mr. Baxter, of Skipton, stepped in at the class for heifer calves, taking the chief award, leaving Lady Pigot, Messrs. Brierley, Statter, Farrar, and Hunt to settle the re- maining positions. A special prize for the best Shorthorn bull for the locality was awarded to Colonel Clifton, Lythara Hall. For the best bull, two years old and upwards, two silver cups were offered, the first falling to Mr. Statter, jun., of Stand Hill, Whitefield, Manchester, for Thorndale bake, four years old. There were nine entries iu this class, aud Duke of Thorneyholme, a three-years-and-ten-months, was placed second. The silver cup offered for the best bull, above one and under two years, was won by Mr. Geo. Hunt, French- wood, Preston, with a one-year-old. Knight of the Shire. He also secured the silver cup given for the best calf. In the competition for calves under twelve months, the first prize was given to Mr. Benjamin Baxter, Skiptou, Yorkshire. For aged cows, the Rev. C. Wood, Singleton Lodge, Kirkham, received the first premium, Miranda 10th; Mr. J. Farrar, of Thorney- holme, second. For heifers not exceeding three years, in calf or milk, and for the best heifer not exceeding two years, Mr. Brierley, Mr. Statter, and Mr. Hunt again fell together, but for heifers not exceeding three years Mr. Farrar, of Thorney- holme, wrested the first place from both the former. Mr. Statter was placed second with a roan, Rosalea, verging on three years. Yorkshire took the prize for the best heifer calf, by Benjamin Baxter, of Skipton, Lady Hudson Baxter second. The judges of Horses were Thomas Gibbons and William Kendal. " Laughing Stock," the hunter stallion, was awarded the first prize and the silver cup ; having now won this piece of plate three years in succession, will secure it absolutely for his owners, C. and J. Moffat, at Kirklinton Park, Carlisle. For the best roadster stallion Lund and Rediuau, of Castle Yard, Preston, got the silver cup for a four-year-old, " Octavian." For the best draught stallion the first cup was given to James Forshaw, of Burley-in-Wharf- dale, Yorkshire, for " Nonsuch," and the second to Abraham Cooke, of Much Hoole, Preston, for " Young Ploughboy." The best brood marc for draught purposes was shown by R. C. Richards, of Clifton Lodge, Preston. Tiioraas Fox, of Avenham Hall, Singleton, received the first medal f^iven for the best mare for breeding hunters, and Mr. Statter, of Whitefield, the second. For the best brood mare for harness purposes, Mrs. Porter, of Layton Hull ; T. II. Miller, Single- ton Grange second. Pairs of draught horses, Mr. Brierley, of Middleton, first and second ; Mr. Brierley also won the first aud second prize in the next class for the best draught mare or gelding. Mr. Statter secured the first place for three-year-old gelding or filly for draught purposes, and J. W. Holt, Wood-road, Bury, second. Three-year-old geldings or fillies for hunting purposes, E. Twisaday, of Thwaite Moss, Rowland, and A. Aglionby, Esthwaite Lodge, Hawkshead, were first and second. J. M'Neil, Paroo Hall Farm, near Fleetwood, received the prize offered for tlie best gelding for harness ; H. Kirkham, Peel Marton, Black- pool, that for draught purposes; J. W. T. Tyler, of Esthwaite Lodge, Hawkshead, the cup for the best gelding for hunting purposes, W. Jackson, of Singleton, second; for two-year-old geldings or fillies for harness, the medals for first and second were won by the latter-named gentleman ; W. Kirkham, of Staliniue, Poulton-le-Fylde, the best yearling colt or filly for draught ; and R. C. Richards, Clifton Lodge, Preston, the se- cond. In the same class, for hunting purposes, W. Roberts, Thorneyholme, Burnley, gained the premium ; and in that for hunters, Mrs. Shorrock and Sons, of Wharles ; E. Jennison, of Ridge Farm, Pilling, raedal for best colt for draught ; W. S. Hodgson,ofThistleton, for hunting; aud J. Nickson, of Lytham, for harness purposes ; roadster mares, J. Scholefield, of Green- royd, Rochdale, first, and W. Roberts, of Thorneyholme, Burnley, second ; G. Wightman, of Preston, first for cob above 13| and not exceeding 15 hands ; best gelding for dray pur- poses, J- Pearson, of St. Michael's Hall, Garstang, and best filly for the same purpose, R. Walsh, jun., of Thornton. Sheep were not numerous. The principal prizes were taken by T. H. Hutchinson, of Catterick, Yorkshire, who, with W. Norman, of Aspatria, Cumberland, and Mrs. Johnson, of Frodsham, divided the awards in the classes of Leicester, Shropshire, and long-wooUed sheep. Pigs were also an ex- ceedingly spare show, and P. Eden, of Salford, appro- priated the fijst prizes in all the classes. SALE OF MR. T. HORLEY'S SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. AT THE FOSSE, LEAMINGTON, 0.\ Moi^BAY, July 25, by Mh. W. G. PREECE. At the luncheon Mr. John Canning said : The true origin and pure lineage of this flock, and its claiming for its progeni- tors some of the highest-priced celebrated animals, aud most noted Royal winners referred to in the records of Shropshire sheep, were indisputable. Mr. R. H. Masfen eulogised the Shropshires exhibited at Oxford, and the integrity of the Judges, of whom he was one. Mr. HoRLEY compared the past and present exhibition of South Downs and Shropshires at the Royal shows, and pointed out the superiority of the latter. The foUowing are the prices realised : Rams.— I. Mr. Knight, 17 gs.; 3, Mr. Hand, 15 gs. ; 3, Mr. Webb, II gs. ; 4, Mr. Robins, 13 gs. ; 5, Mr. Walker, 20 gs. ; 6, Mr. Moore, £8 I8s. ; 7, not sold ; 8, Mr. John Ford, 9 gs. ; 9, Mr. Umbers, 10 gs. ; 10, Mr. Harris, 8 gs. ; 11, Mr. Cox, 19 gs. ; 12, Mr. Knight, 16 gs. ; 13, Mr. Aston, 11 gs. ; li, Mr. W. Wood, U gs. ; 15, Lord Lowe, 13 gs. ; 16, Mr. Bromfield, 8,gs. ; 17, not sold ; 18, Mr. Calcott, 8 gs. ; 1 9, Mr. Umbers, 15 gs.; 20, Mr. Loggin, li gs. ; 21, not sold; 22, Mr. Griffin, 6 gs. ; 23, Mr. Lowe, 7i gs. ; 24-, Mr, Hand, 8i gs. ; 25, Mr. J. Palmer, 7i gs. ; 26, Mr. Webb, £6 I6s. ; 2tj Mr. E. Greaves, M.P., 10 gs.: 28, not sold; 29,Mr.H. J.Shel- don, 19 gs. ; 30, Mr. Perkins, 7 gs. ; 31, Mr. Jordan, 7 gs. ; 33, Mr. Forman, 9^ gs. ; 33, Mr. Bromfield, 7 gs. ; 3i, Mr. Birch, 8 gs. ; 35, Mr. Reading, 10 gs. ; 36, Mr. Hamer, 6 gs. ; 37, not sold ; 38, Mr. Burbery, £6 16s. ; 39, Mr. Draper, 10 gs. ; 40, Mr. Harwood, £7 17s. ; 41, Mr. Palmer, 10 gs. ; 42, Mr. Hand, £7 17s. ; 43, Mr. Webb, 5 gs.; 44, Mr, Walker, £35 I4s. ; Mr. Horley, sen., 10 gs. ; Mr. Knight, 12 gs. ; Mr, Staite, 10 gs. Ewes.— 1, Mr. Watson, £17 10s. ; 3, Mr. Watson, £13 2s.; 3, Mr. Umbers, ^12 lOs. ; 4, Mr. Umbers, £13 2s. 6d. ; 5, Mr. Umbers, £13 3s. 6d. ; 6, Mr. Botteril, £13 2s. 6d. ; 7, Mr. Botterill, £13 2s. 6d.; 8, Mr. Botterill, £13 2s. 6d.; 9, Mr. Robins, £11 5s.; 10, Mr. Reading, i'U 17s. 6d. ; 11, Mr. Umbers, £11 5s. ; 12, Mr. Reading, £11 5s.: 13, Mr. Webb, £9 7s. 6d. ; 14, Mr. Umbers, £5 ; 15, Mr. Knight, £14 78. 6d. ; 16, Mr. Robins, £13 2s. 6d. ; 17, Mr. Knight, £12 10s. ; 18, Mr. Knight, £13 2s. 6d. ; 19. Mr, Umbers, £13 10s. ; 30 Mr. Knight, £13 2s. 6d. 236 THE f AEMER'8 MAGAZINE. THE ROMFORD SEWAGE FARM. The Mapliu Sands scheme for utilising the sewage of London has come to grief. The promoters have failed to carry out the project, and the Board of Works has de- clared the £25,000, lodged as security, to be forfeited. And so on Tuesday last the well-known Mr. Hope got up a party to inspect another sewage farm which he has re- cently established near Eomford. The visit was arranged with more particular reference to the Metropolitan Board of Works, and consequently the unexpected death of the Chairman, Sir John Thwaites, on the day previous, threw something like a shadow over the proceedings. Otherwise the occasion was just such a gala day as people feel ready to treat themselves to at the fag end ot the season. There was a team of greys, backed by two or three more pairs, awaiting the arrival of the mid-day train from town. There was an enjoyable drive of some three miles or so to Brittou's, a walk over the farm, and a champagne luncheon laid out in a quaint old barn, duly decked with bright glass, fresh flowers, and national banners. Then every patch of crop was headed with a card showing when it was sown, how it had been gathered, and what it was worth. And from such particulars the critics were left very much to draw their own conclusions, for nothing could be less obtrusive than Mr. Hope's manner or more in good taste than the way in which he left the experiment to tell so far its own story. And the company, if more congenial than cap- tious, was certainly well qualified to pass an opinion on that they saw. There was Mr. Chadwicke, " the father of modern sanitary science ;" there was Mr. Rawlinson, who " sat for eight years on a lloyal Commission ;" and Mr. Bailey Denton, " one of the must eminent of agricultural engineers ;" and Col. Hogg and Mr. Adams, of the Metropolitan Board, with Mr. Grant, the second engineer of the works ; while the local division of Essex agriculturists was headed by Sir Thomas Barrett Lenuard, who is quite willing to aid any progressive movement in his own neighbourhood. A report of the day's doings will be found in the fol- lowing page, to which it may be as well to add a few particulars here. The farm at Britton's, with an old but unoccupied manor house upon it, is about two-and- a-half miles from Romford; it consists of some 110 acres of poor land, that would look to be worth, as times go, perhaps 30s., or say £2 an acre. Of this, the neces- sary arrangements having been made with the local Board of Health, Mr, Hope entered on possession at Michaelmas last under a seven years' lease, by which he agrees to pay a rental of no less than £900 a-year ; that may be put as £300 for the land and £600 for the sewage, which, with the cost of carriage, would raise the gross rental to close upon £10 an acre. We can thus far go thoroughly with the Chairman of the Romford Board in congratulating the rate- payers on " the excellent tenant they had found," although we can scarcely see, with such figures before us, how " they give him all the manure he requires." The facts, nevertheless, are sufficiently strong and suggestive. Mr. Hope is by this time a man of con- siderable experience, or, as the phrase runs,!one who "should know something of what he is about." Looking, then, to the sewage of Romford with an hungry eye, he seems to have determined to take it on almost any terms and almost any where ; for we believe he tried for one or two other farms before he faced so uninviting a prospect as that offered him at Britton's. Anything less like a show place it would be scarcely possible to imagine ; but the new tenant lost no time in turning it to account, and pro- bably nobody ever did so much in so short a period. The growth not only of crops but of weeds is something pro- digious ; for sewage on a soil, necessarily not very care- fully prepared, would threaten to produce an abundance of everything. The tidy farmer would consequently conceive something of a prejudice in the outset, but he might look further into the business with some possible advantage. The system adopted at Britton's is that of garden, or as it appears just at present, experi- mental farming. As we have mentioned the crops are cultivated in mere patches, and with a view of supplying the vegetable more steadily than the grain markets. There are, of course, continual cuttings of ryegrass, while other new grasses are being introduced ; there are peas selling clear, with the straw left, at £15 per acre, but then, as one of the home-bred farmers had it, " nobody else about here has got any peas." Carrots make £41 per acre, or £20 per acre profit ; cabbage of all kinds flourishes exceedingly, some sorts reaching to a marvel- lous size ; beet-root is estimated at £80 per acre, and oats and barley sown a fortnight since will be ready to cut in October. And so the rent of land rises from £2 to £10 per acre, manure included be it remembered ; while the farmer in return will get more crops and bigger yields than ever. Nevertheless the Maplin Sands Company fails ; and " Farmer So-and-so, near a town," as Mr. Mechi puts it, " declines to have the nasty stufl' on his land, and so has obstructed its use." But these Professors all speak in the same strain. Mr. Rawlinson " had been met with furious opposition, bigotry, and preju- dice,"— " the result of such men failing to see in the system what he had seen," and so forth. Mr. Johnstone, M.P., found " we had been wasting he did not know how many hundreds of years something we ought to have made a profit of;" and Mr. Chadwicke " knew it was a long time ago when he predicted that that waste manure, which in towns meant pestilence and disease, would in the agricultural districts mean high and enhanced production " This all no doubt sounds prettily enough, but what does it all come to ? Mr. Mechi says the farmers " have obstructed the use of sewage," but has jMr. Mechi ever put them in the way of properly, that is profitably, using it? Of the many schemes he has in turn advocated so strenuously, where would the farmer have been had he adopted them ? Mr. Rawlinson complacently complains of the prejudice of people who could not see so far as himself, but then what did he see during the eight years he sat on that famous commission ? Or, is the problem even now quite so sa- tisfactorily solved as he would have us believe it to be ? If it is, from all we remember of Mr. Rawlinson and his sayings and doings, he has solved it continually, not precisely by these same means, during the last eight or eighteen years. Mr. Chadwicke's prophecy may of course still eventually turn out to be true; and gentlemen, like Mr. Johnstone, who know the least about the matter, are the first to declaim of the waste, and the profit, and all that sort of thing, " which ought to be understood by every Englishman." The world, that is the world of practical men, is coming to pay less and less heed to all this mere talk of "nasty stuff and obstructive farmers" — of "bigotry THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 237 and prejudice" — and of men declining to waste their time and money at the bidding of some bystander. Mr. Hope, however, occupies a very diiferent position. As he him- self says, he has come in for " some rather severe criticism from his neighbours in Essex ; " and great crops have, alas, been too often before now but the forerunners to failure in sewage farming. But should Mr. Hope suc- ceed, his efforts and his example will do far more to further the cause than all the Commissions, windy harangues, or direct attacks on the farmers to which the country has now been periodically treated for so many years past. On Tuesday, August 9tli, a party, amongst whom were Mr. E. Chadwike, C.B., Mr. 11. llawlinson, C.B., Mr. J. G. Eairshawe, J. M. Grant, C.E., Col. Hogg (Member of the Metropolitan Board), Mr. A. Johnstone, M.P., Mr. E.B.East- wicke, C.B., M.P., Mr. T. W. Keates, E.C.S., Mr. J. H. Lloyd, Sir T. B. Lennard, Mr. J. Bailey Denton, C.E., Mr. B. H. Adams (BletropoUtan Board), Mr. 11. Morgan, C.E., Mr. H. Corbet, Mr. B. Gooch, Mr. A. Tod, Mr. C. Freeman, and a majority of the members of the llomford Local Board of Health were invited by Mr. W. Hope to visit Britten's Farm, Hornchurcli, wliich has been purchased by the Romford Local Board of Health for the disposal of their sewage by irrigation, and let to the well-known Mr. Hope, of the Lodge Farm, Barking. The object of the visit was to inspect the result of tlie application of sewage to the land and crops. On the arrival of the company at the house they at once proceeded to look over the farm. One of the tirst crops to which attention was drawn was a piece of Italian rye-grass, sown ou the I'Jth March, since which four crops have been cut, averaging 71 tons per acre, and sold at £1 per ton. Close by was a piece of Dalmahoy potatoes, planted on the 2nd April, which were producing Ij cwt. per rod, and worth about £25 per acre. Some of these were very tine. New Rose Kidneys were also shown, which produced ten or twelve at each root, many being from four to five inches in length. Some beans and peas sown ou the 2nd April produced — the former £9 and the latter £13 per acre without the straw. Another piece of rye-grass, sown ytb April, will be ready to cut for the fourth time in a few days. Nest came some Urocona yarns, planted on tbe 6th June, adjacent to which were some very large Jersey cabbages. A little further on was a specimen patch of clover, sown on the 23rd May, which was very thick and about a foot high. Adjoining were about four acres of transplanted mangold- wurtzel, while another crop of the same kind exhibited some very fine roots. Close to these was a f-rop of parsnips, sown on the 28th April, which averaged from 1^ to 2 inches in diameter, and of a proportionate length ; also a fine crop of cauliflower, planted on the 19tii July. Some fine carrots, crimson beetroot, and runner beans, are also growing. In addition to those already named, there were some fine pieces of bunching and other kind of cabbages which promised some good crops, having been planted about the middle of June. A strip of a newly imported kind of grass caUed Broinvs odoratus AnstraViaciis was sown on the 4th June and was cut on tlie 1st of August ; this, if the trial proves successful, is expected in a great degree to supplant the Italian rye grass, being a perennial and lasting much longer than tbe latter. After tliis comes a fine crop of maize, for ripening, sown on the 2ud June, averaging from 3 feet to -i feet in height, some lieads reaching nearly 5 feet. A strip of American oats stands very thick, and carries a great liead ; as this cut is said to produce about 20 qrs. per acre. Close by is a crop of intermediate carrots, about 4 acres in extent, sown on the •ith April, a moiitli later than usual ; some of these have already been sent to market and pro- duced £41 per acre, while tliose still growing liave been sold on the ground at £21, and are to be cleared oiT by the purchaser in a few days. The above may be considered as the principal crops, but there are many others, most of which have been put in on trial, and are not large in extent, but all appear to be more or less successful. Each crop is labelled, show- ing the time of planting, and the results that have accrued. With regard to the manner in which the sewage is put upon the land, it is first pumped to the roof of the engine-house and then conveyed in sheet iron troughing to about the centre of the farm, where it branches off in all directions, there being outlets at short internals which can be opened for the discharge of sewage, or plugged up, or even set so as to allow of a certain (piantity passing out, as required. The liquid eveutually Hows into channels of cement or earth, and thence again into smaller off channels, which nm along tbe crown of the beds, tbe ground liaving been originally laid out in proper slopes. Tliese smaller channels are dammed up as required, and the sewage then overflows the beds. Of course there is a large amount of elfluent water which percolates tlirougli the soil, and this is carried back into tbe tank in a state of purity by means of drain pipes laid at a depth of 5 feet from the sur- face and 150 feet apart. Tlie party having completed its survey, adjourned to luncheon at the invitation of tlieir host, after which some little time was spent in speaking on tlie subject they had just been testing. Mr. Johnstone said, as tlie representative of many of them in another sense and iu another place, he would ask tiiem first to drink the liealth of tlieir host. Having spent sucli a profitable and interesting morning as he had, he thought this system of sewage irrigation was really a thing which ought to be understood by all Englishmen as much as any question of reduction or social economy. Here we had been wastmg, for he did not know how many hundreds of years over, something we ought to have made profit of ; and now that the country was full of hungry mouths and bellies, any means of filling them ought not to be passed over. This system of irrigation was a grand means of getting rid of a nuisance, and a great source of natural wealth as well (Hear, hear). Of all the men who had given this thing a push up, their host was the greatest, therefore he would ask them to drink the health of Mi. Hope (applause). Mr. HoPF, in thanking Mr. Johnstone and company for the toast, briefly alluded to the gloom which had been cast over so many of his friends by the death of Sir John Thwaites, the chairman of the Metropohtan Board of Works, whicli had oc- curred on the previous morning. He had hoped to have seen him present on this occasion ; he had hoped to have had the opportunity of showing the members of the Metropolitan Board how easy the system was ; and also of making them acquainted with some of the Essex landowners and farmers, many of whom he hoped would be their future customers. The process was very simple, and he thought there could not be any doubt about the result now. Some of his neighbours had rather severely criticised him, and, though he had spent a good deal of money, he thought it would all come right in the end. Before breaking up, he thought he ought to present to them one gentleman who had assisted as nmch as any one in carrying out the Main Drainage Works of London ; he referred to Mr. Grant, the second engineer to the Board of Works. His name perliaps had not been so prominently before the public as that of Mr. Bazalgette, but perhaps he had done the most work. All those who knew Mr. Grant and his attainments would bear him (Mr. Hope) out that there was not an abler civil engineer. He gave them the health of Mr. Grant and tlie success of the Main Drainage Works of Londou. Mr. Grant, after thanking the company for the honour passed upon him, and referring to the Main Drainage Works of Loudon as the largest that have been executed iu any part of the world, said they had not yet been able to utiUze to any extent that which they carried from the metropolis ; but the works had been so executed that it might be added to them whenever the time for solution of tbe diHiculty had been arrived at. What they had seen in the morning had helped to so in some degree. Mr. Grant concluded by briefly referring to the death of Sir J. Thwaites. Mr. R.VWLINSON, in proposing the health of Mr. Edwin Chadwick, the father of modern sanitary science and the con- sisteut promoter of sewage irrigation under certain disadvan- tages, said they had also seen it a very great success. He was speaking iu tbe presence of the members of the Romford Local Board, and he well remembered the contest they had as to whether that land should be purchased for the object con- templated. He also remembered some very curious arguments being advanced on that occasion, and he would now appeal to the members of the Board as to whether the opinions he gave them had not been more than fulfilled under the arrangements 238 THB FAHMEE'S MAGAZINE. of Mr. Hope? This was, he believed, the begiDning of one of the greatest social movements of the present day. He had been met with furious opposition,' bigotry, and prejudice; but he should not like to say that the man who opposed his way of thinking did that which he con- ceived to be false, did it from dishonest motives, but he would be inclined to believe that the opposition was the result of such men failing to see in the system what he had been able to see. But, apart from all this, they were that day met under the hospitable roof of their friend Mr. Hope ; and most heartily did he wish him success. Mr. Chadwicke, in reply, said it was a great gratification to him to see that which was the pestilence of their towns — the waste of manure — by this farm made profitable. He hoped it was a long time ago when he predicted that that waste manure which iu towns meant pestilence and disease, would in the agricultural districts mean high and enhanced production. He was quite sure that they should see as they had seen that day that that waste which deso- lates and lowers the condition of the" population would in the agricultural districts give the highest amount of production of food that would elevate the condition of the people. He believed that this movement, of which they had seen so brilliant an example that day, would lead to an enor- mous increase of the productive power of the soil, not only in this country, but through the example set to the countries abroad. It required great labour, great skill, great power ; and he thought that the power had certainly, as far as he had seen, been displayed by their host. It had given him pleasure to be present on this occasion ; and he hoped, for the sake of the example, that it might have due support anddue success. Mr. Hope next asked the company to drink the health of Mr. Rawlinson. When the Government sent him down to examine into the complaints of the ill-used people of Rom- foid (laughter), his friend Mr. Hawes and the rest of the local board were saddled with so many heavy rates that, if he (Mr. Rawlinson) had not kept his head cool and his judgment sound, he would very likely have fallen into the views of these people, and would liave said it would never have paid to pump the sewage on to this farm ; therefore, if anything liad been gained, it was much more due to Mr. Rawlinson than to him (laughter). In his official position he was called upon to fur- nish opinions, and he did so witli an unerring decision, which was remarkable. Mr. Rawli;<'30N, in responding, said he could not take credit for what Mr. Hope tried to put upon him, but he would take credit for having striven to understand the question. In the first place he would not say that he did understand it, but that he had striven to come to an understanding. As far as he had studied the question, as to whether sewage ought to be treated as the waste product it had been treated or whether it ought to be treated as they had seen it treated that day, he had come to the conclusion that the proper place for sewage was the land. He had been a member of several royal com- missions, and sat upon one for eight years which had been ap- pointed to inquire into the best means for utUisiug town sewage. On that commission the Lords, Commons, chemistry, medicine, and engineering were efficiently represented, the latter branch by Mr. Austin and himself. During the eight years they examined all the places in Great Britain where sewage had been or was attempting to be utilised. They re- ported and drew up conclusions, in which they said town sewage could be utilised ; circumstances might so intervene as to pre- vent its being utilised for the profit of the town, that was direct money profit, but it should always be utilised because of the very great profit to the community at large. Romford was so situated that they were able to get rid of their sewage without its being any burden to the community ; and some of them would no doubt remember at the inquiry he held he told them that if proper means were taken to utilise sewage on the land, instead of being a burden as many of them feared, it would relieve their rates, get rid of litigation, and put them in a position of comparative comfort. He had sitting at his right hand one of the most eminent agricultural engineers in England, and this movement, he was very happy to say, was supported by him. Trom what they had seen that day he did not see any need fear the result, but he sincerely hoped that Englishmen would learn a lesson and plain common sense, and that they would do their best, shoulder to shoulder, not to bolster up a delusion, not to try any trickly dodge, but to take that which poisoned their towns, contaminated their rivers, which produced nuisances and disease and discomfort, and do with it what they were doing at Romford, which was an example that all England ought to see. He hoped they would soon see sewage generally applied to land, and have that done which brought produce and food to the multitudes of our country. He then gave the health of Mr. Bailey Denton. Mr. Deinton happened to be a colleague of Mr. Hope upon a committee which necessitated his presence on this farm occa- sionally ; the first of those visits was several months ago, and he would declare as a man of considerable experience in agricul- tural matters, that he never before had seen a more forbidding instance or a more forbidding task lor any man to undertake than that whicli Mr. Hope had on this farm set himself. Now, he came here to-day, after two previous visits, when he felt much on account of his friend, as he had the most gallant spirit, would be beaten — not vanquished immediately — but he thought he would not do what he saw to-day had been accomplished. He feared the weeds would over-grow him, and tliat moreover the arrangements tor the delivery of the sewage were not as perfect as they ought to be ; he felt that his friend would be encumbered with difficulties which he could not rationally over- come, but he was bound to tell them now that he never walked over a farm on which there were more certain instances and proofs of success. He saw that expanding growth which told him tliat sewage properly applied would do all that they expected, and to-day's experience was most certain of its success. Mr. Hope thought it would be ungrateful if they broke up without drinking one more toast. He begged to propose the " Health of the producers of the Romford sewage, coupled with the name of Mr. T. Hawes as chairman of the Romford Local Board of Health" (cheers). Mr. Hawes, in thanking the chairman and the company for the toast, said, perhaps he was an old man in years, but he was a young man in sewage, and he quite agreed with Mr. Denton, that its value and benefit was incalculable. He maintained that sewage utilization was still in its infancy. He certainly had to congratulate the members of the Board and the ratepayers of the town of Romford in having ob- tained such an excellent tenant as they Irad. He felt that had they searched England through they would not have found a more efficient man than Mr. Hope to carry the farm on. He must also say one word upon the Board ; bethought their tenant would say they were the best landlords in Eng- land. Tiiey not only let him the land fairly, but they gave him all the manure he required ; that was more than ever he knew any one else to do. The company then broke up. A SHEEP BREEDER'S STORY. A great deal of information is often conveyed in the records of improvements effected in the plants and animals that minister immediately to the service of man, even to those who are not directly concerned in the experiments detailed. A farmer wUl pick out from the description of some change that has been brought about in a variety of wheat suited to special sircumstances, a principle that wUl assist in breeding sheep, and the horticulturist will rarely peruse the manner in which the plastic elements of animal life are moulded to the will of tlie breeder of horses, cattle, sheep or pigs, without perceiving an analogy that may be applied with advantage in his own sphere. Under this impression, therefore, of the benefits to be derived from it, even by those wao are not immediately concerned in the facts as breeders, we now intend to narrate the story of the Improved Kentucky Sheep, as we glean it from certain agricultural reports of the American Govern- ment. The story of the Improved Leicester Sheep has been told over and over again in England, and the prodigious in- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE, 239 crease in the weight of mutton produced in England since Bakewell began his experiments, shows with what result. The story of the Kentucky sheep is now being impressed upon the American agricultural mind, and is leading to similar re- sults. We have also our breeding tradition, of which the Camden Merino stands first. The native slieep of Kentucky are hardy and prolific ; but like all native kinds tliey are small, fatten slowly, and yield little wool. Though the general diffusion of them proves their adaptation to the circumstances in which they are placed, yet it is well known that the tendency which all animals have to adapt themselves to climate and subsistence may be materially modified and controlled by judicious crossing, and that the im- provement made by these crosses becomes permanent, and thereby stamps distinct varieties of the same class of animals. Chiefly by these influences (crosses, climate and food) the British varieties of sheep have been produced ; and their dis- tinctive features, in congenial locaUties, are as indelible as those of the stocks from which they were produced. In the same manner, no doubt, still other varieties may be produced ; nor does there appear to be any insuperable difliculty in blending, in the same animal, any number of valuable quali- ties which are not actually antagonistic to each other. We have been supplied with certain materials to be combined at our pleasure within certain limits. The work might have been done for us ; but we have been left to do it for ourselves, as the occasion required, and the desired developement of human skill and character in the operation has followed. Owing to the tendency of all improved breeds of domestic animals to relapse to their original status, when they are neg- lected or abused, tiiey must be kept up. Judicious crossing and selection which is required to bring a variety to any given state of perfection, must of course be maintained. Mr. Kobert AV. Scott, to whose skill the " Improved Kentucky Sheep " is due, seeing nothing in the existing sheep of the district to suit his requirements as a grazier, determined upon beginning to graft upon the original stock something that would in time come nearer to his standard. None of the British breeds would suit his purpose — the Cotswold being too delicate when young to bear ^exposure to the wet season ; the South Down having too short a fleece, and the Merino being too smaU. Acting on these impressions the improver informs us that he "has perseveringly endeavoured for over thirty years to combine in the same animal the hardness and prolific quality of the native sheep, the size and weight of fleece of the Cotswold, and the symmetry of form and delicacy of mutton of the South Down ; and also to combine in the same fleeces the weight and length of the Cotswold, with the thick- ness and softness of the Merino." Mr. Scott's modus operandi was as follows : In the beginning about thirty ewes were selected from a flock of unimproved native sheep. Amongst these was turned a very large and fine Saxony or Merino ram, the object being in the otfspring to increase the thickness of the wool and to impart fineness to the fibre. This step was thought advisable before uniting the coarse fleeces of the native sheep with the coarse and still more open fleeces of the large imported varieties, and the efi'ect was satisfactory. The ewe lambs of this cross were put, on the first of October, after they were one year old, to an imported Bakewell ram, of large, full, round carcase, and a heavy fleece of long wool. The ewe lambs of this latter cross were also, in due time, put to an imported Southdown ram, of large size and high standing, the object now be:ng to infuse into the progeny that active, sprightly and thrifts disposition, and highly-flavoured and beautifuUy marbled mutton for which the Southdowns are so justly celebrated. This object was also successfully obtained. The wethers of this crop were the delight of the epicure, while the value of tha fleece was not diminished ; as much being gained by increasing the number of fibres to the square inch as was lost in the length of them, A very doubtful experiment was next tried, but the operator speaks well of the result. A ram, three-fourths Cotswold and one-fourth Southdown — a large, hardy, active sheep, with a thick and heavy fleece, was put to this progeny. The two next crosses were made by pure-blood Cotswolds ; and the next by a " fine full-blood Oxfordshire ram (a Down) of re- markable softness and silkiness of fleece." They were all animals with short necks, round barrels, broad backs, and full briskets. They seem to have added to the flock still more weight of carcase and fleece ; while the texture of the latter and the delicate flavour of the former were not perceptibly impaired, and, therefore, in the next fall the flock was divided between two full-blood Cotswolds. This sounds like the pranks of an American tapster, in the concoction of one of tlie slang drinks of that country. The elfect, however, is well spoken of by Mr. Scott, wlio says, " My success in the Improved Kentucky sheep has beeu great, and the sale and diffusion of them wide." It must have been amusing to have glanced at the flock at this stage, with a view to detect the traces of these crosses. We are in- formed that they were all perceptible (blended, but stQl manifest) in the character and habits, as well as in (he carcase and in tlie fleece ; but in some a particular cross predominated, which was naturally to be expected, on account of the recentness of the improvement. That the blending might be more entire, a cross wiih foreign sires was avoided the year following (1854), but sires were selected from the " Improved" flock. " In the fall of the year 1855," says Mr. Scott, " in order io carry out the same design, 1 tried chiefly to a mixed ram, whose pedigree showed Cotswold, Ox- fordshire, Teeswater, and South Down blood." The italics here are our own, for it seems improbable that the object al- luded to would be obtained by such means; still the breeder was perfectly satisfied with the result. Something further was done in 1856. A fine large Cotswold ram was used, and year toliowing selected ewes put to him and a ram of mixed blood. This gave a more complete uniformity to the progeny — the ewes crossed with the Cotswold evincing a preponderance of South Down aud Merino, those put to the mixed-blood ram exhibiting a preponderance of Cotswold qualities. The rams used in 1858 and 1859 were from his own flock, with a view of fixing the qualities gained, and more entirely blending the blood. " By this time," says Mr. Scott, " these sheep were as essentially alike and uniform, and maintained their identity and imparted their qualities as surely as sheep of any other breed." Since 1860, well selected rams of his own breeding, together with those of Leicester and Cotswold blood, have been used in such a manner as to impart some valuable qualities either to the fleece or to the carcase, or to the constitution of the progeny ; " pure Cotswolds, superior in form, size, and fleece, being raised in 1865 and 1866." Now let us touch slightly on the economic results of this preparatory blending. One object was to get an animal which should be adapted to the climate and subsistence of the West and South. Was this done ? In a new country the housing of sheep is generally too expensive a process to be practised. Therefore a class of sheep is wanted that will live in the open air, and cull their subsistence under ordinary conditions. Sheep may be so adapted to a bad climate or to a poor soil, as to get the greatest amount of good out of it. Where some would starve they thrive. Thus the slieep required was one that would face the bleakest winters and the hottest aud dryest summers without any protection, except that which nature had given them. The Improved Kentucky apparently have fulfilled these conditions. If it be allowable to twist the meaning of an old proverb, we would say " like good wine they need no bush." They bear the climate unaffected by disease. They are free from cough, snuffle, foot-rot. In springs and summers of excessive rain , clothed to the knees and to the ears by a thick, long, and im- penetrable fleece, they bid defiance to the wind, rain, and snow, and seem at all times to be comfortable and sprightly. In summer they are changed from pasture to pasture, and they devour almost every green weed. In winter sliort grass is all that they require, and if that cannot be afforded them they will take the corn fodder or straw with the cattle, and thrive well upon it, though at lambing time, Hke other sheep, they require a more succulent diet. They get on without grain or hay. Then as to their thrifty and prolific character, a good deal is to be said. The practice of course is to breed only from the most healthy, symmetrical, and well-woolled ewes ; the rest are fed as usual, and fatten with great rapidity. No ram is ever used which has the slightest taint of disease. By such care in tlie selection of parents, and by the frequent crossing of animals not even remotely related, and also by crossing with rams of different breeds (which is against the received opinions of the majority of breeding authorities) without making noted 240 THte B^ARMER'S MAGAZINE. crosses (which is a saving clause), " a degree of health and vigour has beeu iufused into this breed vrhich," we are told, "is not surpassed iu any other." The native ewes, under favourable circumstances, very frequently produce twins, and rear them well. The improved sheep are quite as prolific. Mr. Scott says : "I have often, when the flock was smaller than at present, raised one-third more lambs than there were ewes, and have rarely failed to raise as many lambs as ewes even under unfavourable circumstances. As thrifty and wool-producing sheep they are preferred to the Cotswold in Kentucky and in the West. Yearhng rams will weigh IT-ilbs., nine months old lambs 1041bs., two-year-old rams 2241bs , same age ewes ISOlbs., fed on grass only. Then as to the weight and character of fleece the evidence is conclusive on the point of " improvement." The fleeces of these sheep vary from eight to fifteen pounds — the whole flock of over one hundred breeding ewes having averaged over eight pounds of merchantable wool, free from burrs, tags, &:c. ; and though not washed on the sheep's back, still clean enough for domestic manufacture. Though the fleeces of these sheep arc not per- fectly uniform as to length, thickness, and fineness of fibre, still there is a general uniformity, and tiie diversity is said to be of no practical disadvantage. Their wool is longer than that of any sheep, except that of the Cotswold family, and is equal in length to that of many individuals of that family, while it greatly excels the wool of the Cotswold in fineness and softness of fibre, and in the number of fibres to the square inch. In some individuals it is wavy or curly, but is never harsh or wiry. Except the face and the legs below the knees, the whole body is covered with a close and compact fleece, which, when full grown, leaves no open line on the back, as with the Cotswold ; but gives a per- fect protection to the sheep, and causes them to present a smooth, handsome, and portly appearance. The wool is lus- trous, and dyes, cards, and spins well, and is much approved by manufacturers. The testimony as to the merits and value of these sheep appears to be very strong. We do not see any quotation of the value of the wool, but a manufacturer is reported to make the following statement : " When we take into consideration the fineness of the texture, the length and evenness of the staple, the weight of the fleece, its clearness of gum, we can say that we prefer the wool purchased of you to any other we use ; and in consequence have for years re- commended our customers to supply themselves with your sheep." A gentleman who used the sheep for years said of them : " I am not able to supply the demand for ram lambs, 5/. per head ; I reared from one of the ewes two lamlis, which weighed, at five months old, 105 and 111 lbs. gross, and clipped 5j and C lbs. of wool , they brought me 10/. The mother, when I sold the lambs, weighed 175 lbs. Another lamb at SIX months old weighed 122 lbs., clipped 6 lbs., and brought 5A" These and other facts of the same kind, go to prove that Mr. Scott, by judicious selection and cross breeding, has pro- duced a really valuable variety. And there is no slight advan- tage in seeing how the success lias been achieved. — Journal of ihe New South Wales Agricultural Society. A CHAPTER ON SACKS. BY AN OLD ILOURFACTOK. It is a remarkable fact that the word " sack," so far at least as the sound is concerned, is the same, or nearly so, in the language of every civilized country in the world, and, in fact, wherever the article itself is used. We are not learned enough ourselves to account for this, but we are assured by philolo- gists that it originated so long back as the time of the building of tlie Tower of Babel, where there was so much confusion and outcry every night amongst the workmen for sacks to put their tools in that the word was never iorgotten, but has been handed down from generation to generati'vii. Be this account true or false, certain it is that sacks have been the cause of great uproar and contention wherever they have been com- mercially employed. Our attention has been drawn to this subject by the circum- stance that the corn and flonrfactors and the railway authorities in France are at tlie present time in the throes of an agitation respecting sacks, similar to what occurred in Loudon some five- and-forty years ago, of which we shall speak at large preseutly. It appears that since the adoption of free trade in France, in imitation of England, the grain and flour trade in the former country has assumed so much importance that the number of sacks required for the transmission of those articles, whether by rail or water, is enormously increased. These are supplied, on hire, by the railway directors, who obtain them from the makers. A guarantee is required by the borrowers for the safe return in good condition of the whole number obtained ; but, notwithstanding this, a great many are stiU lost in one way or the other, and the difliculty is to know on whom to fix the loss. This is specially the case in the foreign trade to so great an extent that the parties interested are puzzled to know how to remedy the evil. In this emergency the principal sack manufacturing firm in Paris— Messrs. Pernet and Chene — who are the largest lenders of sacks and whose establishment is near the Paris corn market, has proposed tlie formation ot a company, or an association for carrying on the general manu- facture of sacks and all other fabrics made from hemp, flax, jnte, &c., such as sacks, tents, tarpaulins, &c., and for the letting of sacks on hire to millers, corn and flour factors, and others requiring them. Tiic importance of this institution in France may be seen when we state that the weiglit of the materials employed in the manufacture of sacks alone amounted to one hundred millions of kilogrammes, or 98,214' tons, chiefly flax, hemp, and jute. The sacks from these are nearly all employed for the conveyance of grain, flour, and all kinds of agricultural produce, besides large quantities of guano, phosphates, and other artificial and chemical manures, which are constantly being sent by railway and water. Laige numbers of these are annually lost or seriously damaged in the transit from place to place, and the directors have great difficulty in recovering the value ; for, although the borrowers engage to return them safe and sound, the loss cannot in some cases be assigned to the right party. By the establishment of the association, there- fore, they will be better able to protect the sacks let out on hire from depredation than by a private individual or company. We have referred above to the loss of sacks in the London trade, both corn and flour, and its history is so remarkable as to form quite a romance in commerce. We must, however, go back fifty years to obtain a correct notion of the matter. At that period, before steam flour-mills were invented, a large por- tion of the flour consumed in the metropolis was made in the country, especially in Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, and other counties nearest to the place of consumption. These miUers had, we may say, no control over their sacks with flour sold in London. As soon as they were emptied they became a kind of public property, and were appropriated by any one who chose, or were able to lay hold of them. This misappropria- tion of an almost unprotected description of property was carried to a length that would astonish a miller of the present day, the very system employed to secure their due and timely return to the miller being the greatest means and cause of their loss. In explanation, we may state, that public collectors took upon themselves the ostensible task of collecting sacks of all kind, but especially those belonging to millers. They pro- fessed to give receipts for them to the bakers and others to whom the flour was sold, with the names of the persons to whom they belonged. Some of these collectors undoubtedly were honest men, but others were far from sustaining that character. Sacks by the ton were cut up and sold to the paper- makers in the neighbourhood of the metropolis, and to the makers of bung-cloths for brewers and others requiring them. Great numbers were sold to unscrupulous millers, or let to them on hire ; and, as to the general body of millers, it was almost an understood thing that everybody got hold of every other body's sacks for working iu the mill. In going into one of THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 241 these cstiiblislmieuts in tlie neighbourhood of London you would probably see a large miscellany of these articles all marked with the owners' names, but which were never sent out, and therefore had no chance of being restored to the mill they came from. We recollect one country miller who was so noto- rious for this species of misappropriation, to which lie added a very pompous address, that he obtained the title of Count Sacks : we supose after the name of Marslial Saxe, the famous warrior. We also remember a case in which a country miller meeting a neighbouring grist, addressed him thus : " I hear, friend P., that thou hast got some of my sacks in tliy mill P " " Very likely ;" was the rejoinder, " but in this case 1 go upon the principle of au eye for au eye, and a tooth for a tooth ; perhaps you have got some of mine ? " " ]No, I have none of thine, friend P." However, friend P. took au early oppor- tunity of calling at the frieud's mill and found plenty of his own sacks, on which, of course, he laid an instant embargo. Another common mode of misappropriation was the follow- ing : A flour factor having a demand for flour of a particular mark, and liaviug no immediate opportunity of obtaining them at the price he could afford, had only to apply to a col- lector, and, at a day's notice, he could have as many as he wanted, paying a certain price for them. This, in oue respect, might not be tiie worst kind of fraud, so far as the sacks were concerned, because they got into circulation, and there was a chance of their reaching the rightful owner ; but, on the other hand, the flour put into them was most probably of an inferior desciipiion, and the consequence was, the character of the miller suffered by the transaction ; but, as we have stated, the paper millers and bung-cloth makers were the greatest dealers in this contraband trade. The writer knew oue case in which 35 cwt. of sacks, chiefly new ones, were thus cut up and sold to a bung-cloth maker in one lump. Mind, we are speaking of what occurred nearly fifty years ago, and, of course, cannot apply to the present practice of the class of traders in question. We may say with the poet, " Our's are a sweeter set of saints, I trow," and, as a help, most of the country millers who still send flour to London charge them regularly with the flour. But, on the other hand, London is now chiefly supplied by its own steam mills, which have shut out a large number of those country millers who formerly supplied it. Be this as it may, the losses of the millers xt the period referred to became so constant, so enormous, and so daring, that the country millers were at tlieir wits' ends to know what course to take, when an accidental circumstance pointed out a plan which, if it could have found general support from the great body of millers, would have fully remedied the evil. The following is the cir- cumstance referred to : A country miller, who was selling four or five hundred sacks of flour weekly in London, engaged an agent for its sale, and, after the affair was arranged, he said : " Well, and now about sacks ; what is your plan tor securing their safe and speedy return? " " I suppose," was the reply, " that you will employ the regular sack collectors." " Ah, tliat's the point. 1 believe that our losses are chiefly sustained in that mode of collecting them. We have ourselves been compelled to purchase new sacks to the number of 16,500 in the course of three years and a-half, and have not, after all, a full working stock at command. This evident robbery must be put an end to, otherwise not only will the entire profits of the trade be absorbed, but the capital itself will follow them. You must therefore think the matter over, and any plan you propose to adopt, if feasible, shall have our strenuous support." Thus addressed, the agent, after consideration, proposed the fol- lowing plan : To employ his own private collector, who should strictly avoid taking the sacks of any other miller, on pain of dismissal ; that he should have a regular account of all flour delivered, and give receipts to the bakers for those sacks re- turned ; that the agent should keep a regular debtor and creditor account of sacks against the bakers, the collector giving him immediate notice if any have been taken away by other collectors ; tliat written notices, signed by the miller himself, should be given to each and all the public collectors, to avoid taking the sacks in question, on pain of a prosecution, which, if, after two or tiiree instances, they should disregard, would then be commenced against them. Written notices were also given to bakers purchasing the flour, by the private collector, signed by the principal, not to allow the public collectors to takj his sacks. Such was the plan adopted, and we shall now show how it operated. In carrying out this plan, although he was fully supported by his employer, the agent found that he had thrust his head into a nest of liornets. He soon convinced himself that the collectors were the men with whom he would have to cope as the principal delin(iuents, and against these men, with the exception of two, he was compelled in turn to commence pro- secutions. One of them was taken before a magistrate three times before he would desist ; another was twice arraigned ; a third, who was also a wharfinger, having, after three warnings which he laughed to scorn, taken a number of the prohibited sacks, was served with a notice of action in the Court of Kiug's Bench, being at the head of tlie trade, and therefore worthy of a more respectable process than an ap- pearance in a police court. This he also derided, and chal- lenged the agent to proceed with his action, which he would certainly defend. His idea was that as the business of sack collecting was an established fact, those who followed it had a sort of " vested right " in it, that no private arrangement could set aside, or prevent his collecting any sacks that came in his way ; the agent therefore made a special point of en- deavouriug to bring this " vested right " gentleman to his senses by having to defend himself in the highest court of law in which it could be tried. This case was looked at with great interest by the other collectors ; for if he could have established his point it would at once have enabled them also to set the prosecutor at defiance ; but they " reckoned without the host." On going to his lawyer and stating the case to him foi the purpose of his entering a defence to the action, the man of law asked him in a quiet manner, " Have you then taken the sacks in question after receiving a written notice and warn- ings P " " Yes," he replied ; " and they are now in my ware- house, packed, ready to be delivered to the owaer." " Well then," was the rejoinder, " take my advice, which at any rate you must believe to be disinterested, carry the sacks back to the baker from whom you obtained them, as you say that both the private collector and the wharfinger will not take them from you, having orders from the prosecutor to that effect ; then go to the lawyer for the prosecution and pay all the expenses already incurred, and give a written promise that you will not in future interfere with his client's sacks. I know the party well, they are wealthy people, and having rir/ht on their side they will spare no expense or trouble in supporting it. I will see his lawyer, and will undertake to stop the prosecution if you follow the course I have proposed. But if you persist in defending the action it will cost you hundreds of pounds before you have done with it. And besides, it would be monstrous if a miller, or any other party, had not a good right to conduct his business and secure his own property by whatever plans he thinks proper. I there- fore w.irn you that if you persist in your intention the con- seipiences will be very serious indeed." This advice, so perfectly disinterested, had its desired effect. The sacks were returned to the baker from whom they were obtained, and who, in fact, was as much to blame as the col- lector. The expenses, too, were paid, which was the unkindest cut of all ; a written assurance given that the sacks in question would not in future be interfered with ; and the " vested right" — proved to be a vested wrong — was blown to atoms. The success of the agent in collecting the sacks of his employer with so much regularity, and in the prosecutions which he instituted, without, however, carrying them to the extent he would have done had not the delinquents succumbed, drew the attention of the millers generally to the possibility of establishing an Association for the protection of sacks belonging to millers supplying London with flour from the country or otherwise. Nothing, in fact, could prove more successful than the plan adopted by the agent after a few cases had been taken before the magistrate ; and the case with the delinquents was found to be hopeless. Some of the bakers declared that the collectors would " swear over the prohibited sacks, but would not touch one of them ;" and after five years' trial of it, at the end of which the agent gave up his commission, his employer made him a pre- sent of two iiundred pounds, and stated that during that pe- riod, instead of having to purchase five thousand sacks a year, he iiad not purchased a single sack, and had always a sufficient stock for every purpose, all of them having his own mark upon them, for it was a rule strictly adhered to that no stray 242 THE FAEMEE'S MAGAZINE. sacks should be admitted into the mill. The millers therefore —but chiefly those in the country, who were the greatest sufferers — were anxious to form an " Association for the Pro- tection of Sacks," and the agent was requested to draw up a plan, which he did, and it was in full operation for about two years, at the expiration of which it was given up, for reasons which will be stated presently. It was in contemplation to extend and modify the plan by having a " Sack Depot," to which all sacks belonging to the members of the Association were to be conveyed, and there sorted and packed ready for delivery to the wharves and other places, for restoration to the owners. It is worthy of remark that very few of the town millers joined the Association, for reasons best known to themselves, but which may be guessed at from what is known. It was notorious, indeed, that, like " Count Sacks" and " The Friend," it was a common practice for millers in the country as well as in town to have their stocks of " working sacks," or such as were used in the mill only, made up wholly, or to as great an extent as possible, of " stray sacks," which were never suffered to go out with flour or otherwise. Now the facility for the London millers to re- plenish their stocks of " working sacks" would be wholly de- stroyed by the proposed association, and therefore most of them declined joining it. A few prosecutions were instituted by it, the most important one of which was against a marine- store dealer in the Old Kent-road, on whose premises were discovered by the police officers an immense number of millers' sacks, cut up and packed ready to be sent to a paper-mill. This man was tried at the Old Bailey sessions, and found guilty of receiving goods knowing them to have been stolen. The original delinquent was not prosecuted, there being no direct evidence against him ; but the police were ou the alert, and would probably have found sufficient proof of his guilt. He was, however, warned by one of his friends that evidence would probably be soon forthcoming, which so alarmed him that, being at the time in bad health, he took to his bed, and died in the course of a week. The marine-store dealer was sentenced to a terra of imprisonment. In another case a col- lector was detected in selling sacks to a greengrocer, and was taken before the magistrate, to whom he confessed his offence, pleaded poverty, and engaged, if the prosecutor would forego any further proceedings, he would relinquish sack-collecting, and go to sea, which had been his former course of life for some years. His offer was accepted, and he thankfully left the court. There is no doubt that if the Association had been supported as it ought to have been, it would in time have effected a com- plete revolution in the mealing trade, so far as the sacks were concerned. But it had scarcely been well established before a circumstance occurred to break it up, and things reverted to their former channel. It was as follows : The agent referred to in the first part of this history, received an intimation from his wharfinger that a barge load of flour in sacks having his employers' mark upon them, had passed his wharf and gone up the river. The agent immediately wrote to his principal to know whether he bad sold any flour, and received a reply that he had not, and that if the sacks bore his mark, they were stolen or surreptitiously obtained, and made use of by some one who had no right to them ; and he charged his agent to use every means to discover where they were landed, and to whom the flour belonged. It was several days before he could ob- tain the information, when his own wharfinger, happening to call at a neighbouring wharf, discovered on one of the floors the identical sacks, in number one hundred, and filled with flour made from wheat at a mill at Deptford. On inquiring further, he learned that the flour belonged to a baker in the Minories, who had purchased the wheat in Mark Lane and sent it to the mill. The agent immediately wrote again to his employer stating the circumstances, and received an order to commence proceedings against the baker. In the meantime the agent had called upon the latter and demanded to know how he had obtained the sacks, &c. The baker refused to give him any information about it,, and told him flatly that he might take what steps he pleased, as he was prepared to de- fend himself. He was accordingly served with a notice of action in the Court of King's Bench ; and now another person came forward most unexpectedly, to put a stop, if possible, to the prosecution, though the case was so clear against hira that there was no doubt of a conviction, if it had been allowed to proceed. The following were the facts : Amongst the Norfolk millers — eighteen of the largest of whom had joined the Association — was one whose shipments of flour amounted to from three to five thousand sacks per week, partly made at his own mills, but the greater part either purchased of other millers or ground for him at mills near London or elsewhere. To this man the baker in the Minories was a considerable customer, and the latter appealed to him to prevail on the prosecutor to stay the proceedings against him on his sending the sacks to the proper wharf. Al- though the affair was in the hands of the solicitor to the As- sociation, the prosecutor was prevailed on to yield ; bat so disgusted was he with the whole transaction that he instantly withdrew from the Association, and his example was followed by all the Norfolk millers, who saw plainly enough that there was no disposition to remedy the evils of the trade, of which the case in hand was as clear as daylight against the delin- quent. It was believed, in fact, that the flour had been made from wheat belonging to the miller who thus interfered, and that he had done so with the view of screening his own share in the affair, there being no apparent motive why he should do so, as a leading member of the Association, and always acting as chairman, and foremost in urging on prosecutions in every other case. The withdrawal of the Norfolk millers from the Association gave the death-blow to the institution, and the collection of the millers' sacks in the metropolis fell again into the hands of the old collectors ; with what results the millers themselves could have told if they were still living ; but we believe that most of the millers and the sack collectors are dead, and very few indeed of those in the flour trade at that time are living. It is a remarkable and significant fact that, of the eighteen Norfolk millers who joined the Association in 1824, thirteen had failed within seven years after. What share the loss of sacks might have claimed in this remarkable result, it is impossible to say ; but it cannot be doubted that it must have lessened the profits materially, and thus contributed to the failures. Certain it is that by the introduction and extension of steam-power applied to grinding corn, which took place about the same lime, the Norfolk millers were shut out from the Loudon trade, and we believe most of those millers who formerly ground for that trade, now send their flonr northward, to Hull, Newcastle, &c. The repeal also of the duties on foreign corn has materially tended to make a change in the supply of flour to the London market. The millers in London and its vicinity can now supply themselves, and do so, with foreign wheat of excellent quality quite as cheaply, and, in general, more so than those at a distance from the metropolis can purchase at the local markets that of native growth. Not only so, but they can take the month's credit on it in Mark-lane, convert it into flour in a day or two, and into money in a week if necessary. It therefore requires but little capital to conduct a mill working by steam in London or its immediate neighbourhood compared with what a similar concern in the country absorbs. The payments for wheat in the latter case are most frequently expected the following market-day ; added to which is the delay in getting the flour to London ; though this is materially done away with where tlie mill is within reach of a railway. Bat, as we have stated, the Norfolk millers have found a better market in the north of England, and we believe the hulk of the flour, beyond the local consumption, is sent thither. With respect to the sack collecting, most of those who still send flour from the country put it into unmarked sacks, which are charged to the factors or bakers to whom the flour is sent or sold. The town millers have mostly their own collectors, although some employ one or two of the public ones to pick up such stray sacks as they may come across. But with all their care, their loss is still about five per cent. ; as to that of the millers who brand their sacks instead of sending them out plain and charged for with the flour, we have no means of learning the amount ; but it is to be hoped that former pro- ceedings have not entirely lost their influence, and that a better supervision is exercised over the collection now, in consequence of the exposure of the means by which sacks were lost under the former system. THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 243 THE PRICE OF WHEAT SEVENTY YEARS SINCE. [From The Sun, October, 1800.1 There never was a subject on which cabn discussion was more required than on that of the preseat high prices of pro- visions, and particularly of wheat. We never knew one in which people more violently persisted in erroneous opinion. One man asserts that scarcity alone is the cause of the high price, without aey aggravation from collateral causes ; while another more erroneously, and perhaps wickedly, denies that there is any real scarcity, and imputes the price to speculation and monopoly. There is no source of error more comraou than that of representing us the sole cause that wliich, toge- ther with many other circumstances, produces the effect. From the year 1750 to the year 1770, the average balance received annually for wheat expoHeJ, amounted to about £600,000. From the year 1770 to 1790, the average balance paid for the same article imported, amounted to about £300,000. From 1790 to the present time, the balance has been constantly increasing against us, and is now at least double what it was on an average from 1770 to 1790. This clearly shows that the consumption of Wheat, whether aris- ing from a more numerous population, or from any otlier cause, has increased in a much greater degree than the means of producing it. In addition to this fact, it is well ascertained that there is this year a deficiency in the crop of wheat. In thrashing it does not yield so well as it promised. These are the principal causes of the high price : a general consumption more than equal to our ordinary produce ; and the produce of the year less than a common crop. The practices of dealers may, and we believe in some instances have tended to aggra- vate the evil, but their influence in producing high price is exaggerated. To assert, as some of our journalists have done, that " there is no scarcity," is the effect of ignorance, or of malicious intention. A great cry has been raised against monopolists, forestal- lers, &c., and high authority has given too much sanction to this clamour. Look at the number of convictions for fore- stalling, and the delusion is manifest ; for no person will say that the judges did not set out upon their circuits with quite sufficient abhorrence of this crime, and quite sufficient inclina- tion to punish it, wherever it was detected. Mr. Waddington, one of the friends of the people, has done full, even more mischief than he can be aware of — not merely because he speculated in hops, but because so gross an instance of mono- poly, and of raising an artificial price, was detected and exposed in him, that from that time whenever any article of provision has been raised to a very high price, the people have always considered it as artificial, and occasioned by the same practices. But many of those who give up the idle clamours against monopolists, impute much of the high price of wheat and flour to the speculations of the farmer and the miller. We have before stated that, in a season of scarcity, many persons in possession of corn, ought to keep it in store. There is no article in which it is so essential to the community that the price should be fixed in exact proportion to the supply. An arbitrary price fixed too high in proportion to the stock on hand, deprives a great proportion of the people of this impor- tant article of food ; an arbitrary price fixed too low creates an undue consumption, and produces a famine. Farmers were never supposed to have hoarded more upon speculation than in the last year, and yet the old stock of 'corn was never so nearly exhausted on the appearance of the new crop as in the present year. Those who look to the miller as the source of the evil, tell us, as a proof, that the price of flour, on a particular day, was higher than it ought to have been, compared with the price of wheat ; they talk as if they thought the wheat that was bought one day was ground the next : they forget that the trade of a miller is necessarily a trade of speculation ; that he grinds to-day the wheat he bought perhaps six months ago ; and therefore, though the price of flour may in some degree be regulated by the price of wheat, it cannot be governed by it. It may be said that the trade of a miller ought not to be a trade of speculation ; that he should be prohibited from be- coming a purchaser, and should he paid at a certain rate for grinding. The answer is, that it is impossible to fix the rate ; tliat what would be an enormous profit to one man, would drive another, with different machinery and under different circum- stances, out of the trade. The miller probably gains enormously upon some of his purchases, little upon others, and upon some he loses. The question, in a mercantile point of view is, arc his profits ex- orbitant upon the whole ? True it is, that he makes the most profit when corn is dearest ; in times of abundance there is a competition of sellers ; all they look for is a living profit; in times of scarcity there is a competition of hoarders, all looking for a high price. This is the nature of all trade. In the article of corn, if in the times of scarcity it produces the evil of a high price, it produces also the good of a sparing consumption. We are as hostile as any persons to the real monopolist— to tlie person who is mischievous and wicked enough to endea- vour to create an exorbitant and artificial price in the articles of human sustenance, bearing no relation to the supply. But the more we abhor and detest such a character, the more anx- ious we are to prove what we know to be the fact, that such characters are not common, and the more desirous we are that just men, acting in the fair line of their business, should not be confounded with them. To confound them will have the effect of driving the best men out of the trade. To whatever cause we ascribe the high price of wheat and of bread, the poor call loudly upou us for our assistance. Some measure that has the effect of a temporary increase of the wages of labour must also be adopted. The high price puts the food of the people out of the reach of many of the labouring classes of society. Such a situation of things can- not arise without the mischievous malignity of the ill-disposed endeavouring to raise mobs, and excite them to riot, by im- puting it to causes from which they know it does not spring. We shall be happy if Parliament can devise any adequate remedy for the evil. Bounties on importation may be given ; non-consumption agreements entered into, and many allevia- tions may be found ; but without a diminished use of wheaten bread in all the classes of the community, and a considerable extension of our corn land, the evil, though perhaps mitigated for the present, will recur again. But the difiieulties of the present year should claim the first consideration of Parliament. Whenever it deliberates upon this interesting and important question, we trust we shall see the attention of all persons anxiously directed to one and the same object; to relieve the wants, and not to inflame the minds of the people. SUGAR FROM BEET-ROOT.— Now let us see (keeping as clear as possible from technical terms) what happens to the beet-root, when it is brought to the factory. The usual plan of operation is to wash the roots well, so as to free them from clay and dirt, and then to place them within the clutches of circular saws, making over 1,000 revolutions a minute, by which they are torn to pieces and reduced to pulp. This latter is then packed in linen bags, and subjected to the action of an hydraulic press, by which tlie juice is all squeezed out, and the pulp becomes a cake. This not only forms the beet- bread — so valuable for feeding purposes — but, if not required for that end, can also be used for making brandy and vinegar ; or, what is stiU more remarkable — paper, it being found by paper manufacturers to be superior to rag pulp. So that, whatever may be the defects in the beet process, incapability of utilisation is not one of i\\txa,—-Food Journal. 244 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. MEETING AT OXFORD. MACHINERY IN MOTION. We continue our notices of some of the various imple- ment stands in the endeavour to do justice to the many deserving exhibitors who by their mechanical skill and enterprise added so largely to the genei-al interest of that portion of the showyard. To attempt to enumerate or point out the special advantages of the thousands of implements shown would be utterly impossible. We can only make such brief commentaries as our notes, after inspection, have suggested. We commence with the machinery in motion, which always drew the largest share of curious visitors. Most of the machines at work deserve a passing notice, although some of them were working miscellaneous objects, somewhat foreign to agriculture. Nalder and Nalder, of Wantage, had two finishing thrashing machines to prepare grain ready for market, fitted with their patent screen to regulate the quantity of tail corn. Also, one of their malt screens, capable of screening 30 quarters an hour, as in use at Barclay & Perkiu's and other large breweries. Marsden, of Leeds, had two stone-breakers at work ; one, Blake's American stone-breaker, 10 ft. by 7 ft., has a revolving screen for breaking and separating McAdam's road metal: it was employed breaking about 100 tons of limestone per day, at IJd. per ton, and the machine will break the hardest stone at a cost of 3d. per ton. Another machine, made by Marsden, suitable for road metal or fine crushing, has jaws 12 inches by 3 inches, and is used for breaking quarry chips, chips for road metal, or for fine-crushing emery, cemeut, or coprolites. Walworth and Co., of Bradford, had several of their smut machines and wheat cleaners working, also a flour- dressing machine with revolving cylinder and external brushes. One improved smut machine, fitted with sepa- rator and powerful exhaust fans on the most scientific principle, was guaranteed to clean 110 bushels of wheat per honr. Hancock and Foden, of Sandbach, had a 4-horse and a 6-horse power steam engine at work driving a corn- driving mill, and a fixed thrashing machine adapted for large occupations. Whitmore and Binyon, of Wickham Market, had some of their improved steam engines driving grinding mills with meal elevators. Marshall and Co., of Gainsborough, made a very cre- ditable display of steam engines, among which were five portable engines of various power. Their fixed 10-horse engine took the third prize in the competitive trials, and their 4-horse engine, which was highly commended, ran six minutes longer time than any other vertical engine. The grinding mill at work also took a third prize in com- petition. Some thrashing and dressing machines and circular saw benches completed the principal objects shown. Foster and Co., of Lincoln, had two good finishing thrashing machines, set in motion by au S-horse and 10- horse portable steam engines of their make. Davey, Paxman, and Davey, of Colchester, had at work a 4-horse vei'tical fixed engine with a boiler on a new principle, with special facilities for quickly removing ^re-box aod for beating water, driving corn-drying ma- chines by steam-heated cylinders, the blast passing through the chamber while the corn is kept in complete agitation. Robey and Co., of Lincoln, had a vertical steam engine with patent field boiler commended by the judges. It is constructed with steam jacketed cylinder, and fitted with patent variable governor expansion gear. There were engines of different power driving grinding mills and thrashing machines. The portable combined double-blast thrashing and finishing machine of this firm, fitted with Riley's patent wrought angle-iron frame, improved straw shakers, barley awner, patent revolving screen, and self- feeding apparatus, was honoured with a silver medal. Huston and Procter, of Lincoln, had six of their steam- engines employed for different purposes. Their other ob- jects shown were sawing benches, corn mills, thrashing machines and straw elevators. Holmes and Sons, of Norwich, besides an 8-horse engine, horse gear, and oilcake breakers submitted to trial, had a straw elevator, the combination of the horse gear with which renders it easy of removal for stacking at any part of the stack, thus saving labour. This firm also had a good collection of seed, corn, and manure drills and manure distributors. A 13-row lever-drill, by adjusting the width of the levers, can be varied to any distance, so that a great quantity of seed or graiu can be deposited per acre. Riches and Watts, of Norwich, had a large number of grist mills, which attracted attention — especially Felton's American mill now made by them, also some hay col- lectors, and a vertical 4-horse steam engine of their own make. Among the few American implements shown, Childs and Co., of Mark-lane, exhibited one which can be used either as a smutter to remove the smut, or as a decorti- cator to both remove the smut and thoroughly hull wheat, rice, and other grain ; also an aspirator for dressing all kinds of grain and rice, by the combination of coarse and fine riddles and exhaust. Clayton and Shuttleworth, of Lincoln, depended chiefly upon their engines, which carried off the highest prizes in each class. They worked some thrashing machines and straw elevators. Whitehead, of the Albert Works, Preston, exhibited several of his drain-pipe, tile, and brick-making machines, which have met the approval of the judges at many of the Society's shows. These varied in price according to work and requirements. In one of these tried 129ilbs. of clay was screened by hand-power in the short space of one minute, with a screen of three-sixteenths of space between the bars. There were also fifty-nine two-inch tiles made in the same length of time. It carried off a prize, as stated in our last number. Pinfold, of Rugby, produced some stone and steel grist mills ; and although his brick and tile machines were not entered for trial, one was tested by the judges and carried off the first prize for a power machine, which cuts the clay by the traveller, and is adapted to make a large number of bricks or drainpipes daily. Page, of Bedford, was another exhibitor of clay-crush- ing rollers, brick presses, and pipe and tile making machines, a very strong double-end machine worked by an excentric, and suited for steam power, bging com- mended by the judges. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 245 The only other brick an J (lie ni.irliinc (o be noticed was Calcult's, mauufactured by ('. LainpiK, ol' Banbury, which when worked by a G-horse power eui^iiie will ])repare the clay and make 20,000 to 25,000 bricks iu ten hours. Ilodgkin, of Liverpool, had in action several of tlie useful machines made by Lawson and Sons, of Leeds, for dressing tlax, snited for scutch niill owners or large or small farmers. They were driven by one of llansome's portable engines. These machines took both the prizes for hand and steam power breakers and cleaners. Barrows and Stewart, of Banbury, exhibited besides a varietyof thrashing machines and elevators, ami the neces- sary apparatus to steam cultivation. Smith's perfected four-wheeled windlass with steel w^ire rope was highly commended by the judges. Humphries, of Pershore, had one of Clayton's engines driving two or three single and double blast thrashing machines. Thomas, of Cardigau, exhibited new combined grinding and crushing mills for making fine or coarse meal for household and feeding purposes. These were worked by one of Marshall's 5-horse portable engines. Brown and May, of Devizes, had eight engines in the yard, oue fixed and the others portable. Richmond aud Chandler, of Salford, pride themselves specially on the excellence and serviceable quality of their chaffcutters, for which they again carried oft' the two tirst prizes, although run close on this occasion by the firm of Picksley, Sims, and Co. The Salford house exhibited no less than nineteen of these machines, of ditTerent prices, and with certain specialities and new improvements. In oue the old form of lever and weights are abolished, and spiral springs on each side ttie mouthpiece are substituted, thereby increasing the pressure on the feed as it becomes thicker, and the steel mouthpiece is also of an improved form, so as to render choking impossible. Another nev/ implement shown was a litter-eutter, for cutting straw into long lengths for bedding. By the addition of change vvaeels it may be adapted for cutting chatF. Bean and oat mills, root- washers, and sets of horse gear were the other articles shown. Coleman aud Morton, of Chelmsford, entered horse gear for competition, and some oilcake breakers. They also had on their stand a miscellaneous collection of useful implements including cultivators, potato diggers, manure and water carts. A patent steerage horse hoe, made to take ten rows, with a new method of adjusting the draught, was entered as a new implement. Hunt and Pickering, of Leicester, made a very fine and extensive display of useful implements. To say nothing of horse power gearing, grist mills, corn crushers, cake breakers, and turnip cutters, they entered several cheese presses, and some serviceable ploughs and horse hoes. Their mowers and reapers for two horses were described to have some improved features. The mower is adapted to cut equally well upon ridge and furrow as upon flat meadow land, and the cutting steel parts are an important improvement. Another form has the back-delivery reap- ing attachments, so as to make it a complete combined machine. A light aud simple reaper, adapted for back, side, and swatlie delivery, cuts breadth of five feet. Ball and Son, of Rothvvell, drew attention by their fine collection of waggons and carts. Some of their har- rows were characterised by improvements, and their sack- holders appeared to be simple and useful contrivances. Samuelson aud Co., of Banbury, contented themselves with exhibiting reapers and mowers, the specialities of which are well known, and Gardner's turnip cutters. Southwell and Co., of Rugeley, exhibited a great many improvements aud novelties in cli iffcutters, cake breakers, turnip slicers and pulpers, cheese presses and stools, and mills, besides cultivators and rollers, the specialities of which we have no s;)ace to enumerate. Nicholson, of Newark, brought forward eight vertical engines of moderate horse power, some of the smaller ones being specially adapted for driving chaif-cutters, churns, aud suchlike. lie also entered several cake crushers and breakers for trial. This maker was also strong iu hay- making machines and horsc-rakes, winnowers, aud other useful farm implements. Wallis and Steevens, of Basingstoke, had two portable steam-engines on the ground working thrashing machines and elevators or stackers. They also exhibited a number of their ploughs and patent harrows, with teeth ranging from 5^ inches to 12 inches in length. Turners, of Ipswich, had two fixed and three portable engines in the yard, besides a good assortment of various crushing mills, cake breakers, flour mills, and other articles of their manufacture. The stand of Mellard's Trent Foundry, of Rugeley, was principally noticeable for its dairy appliances, es- pecially cheese presses and curd mills. Pugh's improved self-acting cheesemaking apparatus for cutting, gathering, pressing, and vatting of curds is simple iu construction, economizes labour, and produces more aud better curd than by handmaking. This firni entered also several very good corn mills, chaft'-cutters, oilcake breakers, and root pulverizers iu the trials. An improved double-action haymaker was also shown, which is a strong and service- able machine, with backward and forward motion, and a simple method of raising and lowering the tine barrels. Gray and Co., of Uddingston, brought forward no less than six improved ploughs, described in the catalogue as " uew implements." They are double furrow ploughs, with the exception of one — a triple furrow, which, it is stated, can be worked on light soils with three horses. McKenzie and Sons, of Cork, obtained high commenda- tion for a very useful article — their patent mower and reaper knife-grinder and rest, which was brought out iu America a short time ago, and is now largely iu use iu this country. It combines in one implement a knife- grinder, common grindstone, and a knife rest. The knife is held iu position by a small pinching screw ; a convex stone block, worked by a crank, acts on one side each of two sections in an oblique reciprocal motion. It grinds from point to end, requiring only a boy to manage the whole thing. Their turnip and mangold sower, which gained a silver medal at Mauchester last year, is well known. Tye, of Lincoln, besides corn mills, coprolite mills, elevators, and all mill utensils, had an eight-horse portable engine. The old-established and well-known seed-houses made large and handsome displays of roots, seeds, and forage plants, the stands of Sutton and Sons, Thomas Gibbs and Co., and J. Carter and Co. being especially noticeable. The following corrections have been received : — The Fixed Steam-engine Trials. — The time run by Marshall, Sons, and Co., of Gainsborough, with the Ten- horse power Engine, was 2 hours 42 minutes. The figures iu our report were transposed. Crushers for Steam or Horse-Power. — Corbett and Sons, of Wellington, Salop, did not go to trial. Bone Mills. — The Beverley Company roller was a single not a double one, and the total turned out by that machine 3 cwt. S^lbs. — viz., dust 1 qr. 231bs., i-inch 3 qrs. 5Ibs., i-inch 3 qrs. 25ilbs., rough 3 qrs. Gibs. m THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. THE BIRMINGHAM HORSE SHOW, IN BINGLEY HALL. Although the Hall was not packed quite so full as we have seen it, still there were plenty of animals gathered together to have made a good show, provided they had been of the right sort. Unhappily this was not the case, and we looked for good horses even as the parched up country has in many places gasped and thirsted for sum- mer showers, which many a tiller of the soil knows to his cost have been by far too few. Nevertheless there were some plums in the pudding, and as the hall was nicely ventilated, and the custom of mixing up larking with business abolished, together with another wearisome failure, that of bringing the horses in class after class before the judges and the public, it was altogether an agreeable and interesting meeting. On first entering the yard we were told that it was rather strange that the three judges of hunters were Northamptonshire men — for the neat residence in stoue and slate that you glide by on the right after leaving Rugby for Birmingham is well known as once the residence of Mr. Oldacre, the London saddler and purchaser of horses — and before leaving the yard that it was still more curious that the chief prizes should find their way to Wansford in England, which is also in the same county. We do not for a moment say that there was any unfair leaning to the grass country and to a fellow-sportsman, but we think that such a remarkable coincidence should be avoided for the future, as some of the exhibitors were not particular in picking phrases when giving vent to their feelings, laying the emphasis on an expressive word as strong as ever Keeley the actor did in one of his parts, " This is the scene the painter drew, Here's the rock and there the Masted yew." But in the ladies' horses, when Mr. Elliott and Major Barlow were judging, was the sensation scene of the play ! where after a lengthy deliberation they awarded the platii-.g- looking unmannerly Squire from 'Wansford the blue riband, in preference not only to one or two others but to Mr. Jones's neat blood-like bay by Artillery, as nice a horse for the purpose, in manners, form, action, and temper, as one would wish to see — a verdict that de- servedly brought forth hisses, and that was enough to choke Mr. Jones or any other man from exhibiting again. We believe, as many did, that the bay was the horse Major Barlow went for, and if so, we think that he ought to have stood out for his opinion as he would for "his country, or at any rate he should have called in a third party — some known judge of horses for general purposes, and not one whose qualification is his having given so many thousands for such a horse, like the gentfeman who on the strength of his having parted with £30 for a Cochin China cock was appointed a judge of poultry, and soon after locked up by his friends. Surely after such a decision there ought to be a court of appeal, or at least the ladies for the future allowed to judge for themselves as they could not fall into such a mistake, or give greater dissatisfaction. The four-days' show commenced on Tuesday, the 16th of August, Captain Clarke, Messrs. Oldacre, and Elliott, proceeding a little after nine with the thorough-bred stallions; the Captain taking a rather passive part throughout, while the other two seemed to go well together. There was nothing among the thorongh-breds up to Dalesman of last year, comprising as they did Legislator by Voltigeur, a short horse of no substance, and his toes in ; Laughing Stock by Stockwell, an over- topped deformity, a Elatcatcher, and as untrue a made horse throughout as we ever wish to see, and this we say in the face of all the prizes he has taken from the time Mr. Cookson started him with the lloyal £100 at Newcastle, and we have plenty to back us in our opinion. AVhat the judges can see in him but beef we cannot comprehend, but we have set our pen against him from the first, as we did against Beechwood, Master of Arts, and a host of others, as we well recollect it was thought at the time to be a bit of presumption on our part to differ with prac- tical men, as it was with Mr. Oldacre in '67, when he put False Alarm before Scottish Chief, and the wooden Master of Arts and Voyageur before Mountain Dew and other horses that could move. Of course a man who watches show after show, and who has given up his time to the love of the thing, as well as heard the opinions of some of the best men in the country over horses both on form and action, cannot know anything about it ; while some lad just out of his teens, who has escaped drawing corks or serving out sugar, through picking up a little dog Latin during a six-month's stay or so at Camden Town, can bounce into a ring and disqualify a horse, though a couple of most potent-grave and reverend seniors beg to differ with him ! Surely we are an easy- going people, when we know what mistakes doctors make, even when we can point out where the pain is ourselves. " But we are diverging," as the diner-out said when he mistook the canal for the towing-path. The next on the list was Professor Airy by Mathematician, a neatish topped horse of no substance, and not in appearance a hunter sire. Bertie by Newminster we had our say about as a hunter sire at Wakefield, as we had of the leggy A-lcibiades by Cossack when he won at Islington, and that some say is like his sire, and that we say just about as much as Tom Spring was like Tom Sayers, the most civil of boxers, being a fine big-boned man, while the other was gipsy-like and wiry. Then Idler by the Flying Dutchman is deficient of bone ; and Sincerity by Red Hart we have given a portrait of in our Oxford and Wakefield reports, while Carlton by Stockwell, belonging to the same stable, was an absentee, as were all Mr. Casson's other entries, in consequence of the death of his father. Hercules by Kemptown could not belong to the crew, as his dam Polly by Hereford, a very handsome hackney mare that took a second for brood mares at Oxford, is not in the Stud Book. The last on the list was Jupiter by Weatherbit, who when a yearling was the hero of the ring at one of the Middle Park sales according to "Nunquam Dormio," who thus describes him : " The interest of the whole afl'air culminates as the brother to Neptunus the finest furnished yearling we ever set eyes upon, paces slowly round with an extraordinary long powerful stride. There was a strong competition, and Mr. Jackson became his owner for 620 guineas ;" but here Jupiter was un- noticed, and the shuffling going Professor Airy beats him for a place. Laughing-stock is second, and Sincerity first — having now played first, second, and third at Birmingham, Wakefield, and Oxford, he and Laughing-stock holding the same places as they did at Wakefield, were Mr. Elliott, also, acted as a judge. Jupiter takes somewhat THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 247 after his sire and Neptunus, but is not so round in the barrel or so powerful and muscular in his frame, nor has he the beautiful limbs of the old horse, but then he has not Weatherbit's weakness behind the shoulder to such an extent, lie is a lathy wiry horse of fair form that we are not in love with, but we would just as soon or sooner send a mare to him with the chance of breeding a hunter, as we would to Laughiug-stock, Professor Airy, Alcibiadcs, Idler, or Legislator, as there are six of one and half-a-dozen of the other. Laughing-stock is more likely, perhaps, to get weight carriers, if like gets like; as in that case they will have quite euough to do to carry themselves. Let us now pass on to the hunters exceeding fifteen hands and a half, up to fifteen stone with hounds ; and, taking them as a lot, there was not a first class passenger amoug tliem. We are not speaking of under- ground swells that will not bear the light, and that can cut a dash for fourpence, or of the short distance gentlemen who settle down into the second class when they get out of their own county, but of the genus genuine, who can go the pace and distance from end to end. The first horse, the Yankee, from Wansford, is a strong beast, but lacks quality, and is over at his shoulder -points, with his forelegs under him, and these he does not get away in his walk; although he seemed to use them better in his gallop from what we could see in a circus. Then, Tipperary was a very coarse-looking gentleman when he took a prize here as a four-year-old, but he has fined a bit, and is a good-shaped horse barring his head ; and the society he was now in suited him. Widmerpool, the third prize, is a compact hunting-like horse on a short leg, with great power, but with his jowl set too far into his neck. The Don, from the same stable, is lengthy, of good form in top and limbs, but does not look of a hardy constitu- tion, although he can move ; while Major Barlow's Fox and Mr. Sankey's bay were not without breed and hunting characteristics. Next came the fifteen hands and a half hunters, without condition as to weight, which, like last year, was the class of the show. Among the lot were Mr. Lucy's beautiful mare Heroine, the first at Islington this year, as well as Golden Hue, that played second to her — a mare that Lords Portsmouth and Coventry, together with Jlr. Chaplin, thought better than the gig horse who won the Badsworth hunt cup at Wake- field ; but here Messrs. Oldacre and Elliott won't look at her, as she is drafted one of the first, without even putting her through her paces, though this class is without condition as to weight ; and the Heroine is as neat a light hunter as ever stepped; while Golden Hue, who is cramped in his forehand and uot near so free a mover, they keep in and award a third prize, as tliey can afford to do, having got rid of the Heroine. " But," says some 'cute gentleman, "what limbs Golden Hue has to the mare 1" and we grasp them and find the dift'erence mere hair splitting. Major Barlow's ueat lengthy mare Brunette fares much the same as the Heroine ; while one really nice horse and a goer, Mr. Uilke's Genial Boy, comes in for a commendation. Mr. Richards' Ashwell, a thoroughbred colt, that we spoke well of last year, with the exception of being a little throaty, when first in the four-year-olds, is now a gelding, and came in for a high commendation. The second prize. Highflyer, is of fair form and breed, and can move ; while the winner, JMr. Percival's Granby by Gemma di Vergy, dam by Belzoni, bred by Mr. Watson, of Dorsley, Totness, where we have seen many a good one, is a deep level-topped horse of quality, as his pedigree would lead one to expect, hardy looking, with a nicely-proportioned length of leg, but rather light of bone for his top, and he did not move at all freely. Tres-ace, a big, narrow, lathy, chesuut horse of breed, that was second to Topstall last year, was not noticed. The hunters not exceeding fifteen and a-half were a poor lot, and we doubted whether the judges would award a prize, as the best, Coxcomb, who took two prizes at Islington, is but a neat hack or ladies' horse. The gentleman up caused a little amuse- ment when taking him over the gorse bar for the first time by making a patent safety of the pommel ; however, he did it very cleverly the second time without such aid. On our asking a friend by our side whether that was the way he held on, he replied, very quietly, " Not in public." The four-year-olds were not grand, and we thought Mr. Holmes was more deserving of the prize in this class than where he was second to Granby ; but not so much with his highly-commended bay by Planet, who seemed a little tucked up in his back ribs aud peacocky in his quarters, as with Prudence, a wiry-lookiug wear-and-tear black. The first-prize, Walton, can move, and was of fair form, while Doctor de Jongh was not exactly of the hunter- stamp, though with plenty of quality, aud Mr. Roots' com- mended, that Mr. Oldacre kicked into a scramble of some sort round the ring, and then got ofi', aud looked at, was a thick-set, bad-shouldei'ed cob, with nothing of the hunter about him. In a fair lot of three-year-olds the first aud second two-year-olds of last year took the same places ; the first, a chesuut colt by Saxon, looking anything but well done by, while the filly by the Lawyer could not be in better trim. The third had a good fore- hand ; and Blankney, out of a favourite mare of Mr. Chaplin's, was rather high on the leg. The others we noticed were Mr. Frost's Comet and Mr. Richards'a Tommy Dodd. In the two-year-olds JNIr. Richards was again to the fore, playing first and third with a deep good-limbed thorough-bred colt by jMorocco, out of a Fingal mare, and a nice-formed one of not so much sub- stance, but a free mover, by Lacydes. The second was a long narrow colt of no depth by Hurrah, while the com- mended, a chesuut with four white legs, pleased us better than the highly-commended, whose shoulders were not quite right. The second day commenced with the roadsters and hacks exceeding fifteen hands with ^Major Barlow aud Mr. Elliott in the judgment seat. Mr. Holmes won easily with a well-made brown, cobby-hack, of great power, that could move ; the second, The General, being a lathy thorough-bred looking horse, with gingerly dancing action. The next lot, the weight-carrying hacks, were very poor with the exception of half-a-dozen ; the blue riband going to Alouzo, a bay of some character with a drooping quarter, and by no means perfect in form ; but he moved strong aud well, beating a very haudsome red roan hack, Redpath, from Charlecote Park, where they go for beauty as well as form, as we never saw an ugly one from that quarter. Mr. Elliott rode the two, pulling Alouzo together and making the bay look twice the horse under hiin, that he did with his groom up ; but as he did not get the mouth of Redpath he showed to less advantage with the judge than he did with his neatly got-up attendaut. The third was a useful one of Mr. Holmes', aud we think second at Beverley. The next best were Mr. Wilde's Brown Bess, from Bridgnorth, and Mr. Brest's, of Stretford's Rufus. Mr. Hornsby's old mare Beda won it last year, but now was shown in a ladies' class, with her stable companion Odd Trick ; but we think both would have fared better as gentlemau's hacks. In the cobs under fourteeu hands, after a little rattling the dice turned up in favour of Chicken Hazard, a good topped, very stylish pony of thirteen two, with that peculiar straight, marching, hesitating action, although we thought the chances were six to four in favour of Mr. Marfleet's fashionable gentle- man-Starlight, a much better goer, though a trifle slack in lus l)ack, Tlxe second, Cleveland, a strong, well-made S 2 248 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. one, from Thurgartofa Priory, with power aud action, would have looked noue the worse if the gentle- inaa in the red waistcoat had paid a little more attention to his nag's toilet. Tlie Colonel was perhaps more of the coh cut than cither, and took up tlic same position as he did last year. The next was the seusation class that we alluded to in the beginning, where the Squire of AVansford, as a ladj-'s horse, was put over the heads of Mr. Jones' bay ; Mr. Badham's Eclipse ; Major Quentin's Burnt Sienna, a second prize taker at Islington; Mr. Garucft's Elegance, well known on the londou boards ; Mr. llobson's Artist ; and Mr. Ricliards' Shambally, who ilguied as the prize hunter not exceeding fifteen two last year. The commended Baron, a chesnut from Wansford, was more to our faucy than liis stable companion, but as a charger, and not a lady's horse, Mr. Badham's old grey IMajor, who is as well-known in the ring as the gentleman in the white hat aud crape that steered him, must have nearly filled the stocking with prize money by this time, as his victories are as numberless as the stars. He again played the conqueror in ladies' horses not exceeding fifteen hands, with Lady Jane as liis second, an iron grey of a good figure ; but a skittish young lady of a queer temper, that was continually kicking up her heels. The commeuded was a pretty weed from Cowbridge ; while old Beda aud her young man could not keep step together, lost their tempers, and were bowed out by the master of the ceremonies. Miss Davy, of Leamington, showed a rather taking grey inare by Cregane, an Irish stallion shown at "Wakefield, and Mr. Hobday a neat black hack called Robin Hood. The harness horses exceeding fifteen hands higli were not up to much, with the exception of the winner, Greenfield, who is a lengthy, short-legged, stylish-looking horse, for Mr. Browning's grey was rather common-looking, and Mr. Thorne showed a bay with a rather waspy middle, that was a capital mover, going oily and well. In the next lot in harness exceeding thirteen hands aud a-half and not exceeding fifteen hands, th^re were not many of anything like the first water ; the Princess being a clever mare, with nothing extraordinary about Mr. Blyth's second, but why Leybourue is continually passed over as a gig-horse we should like to know, as the way he carries himself, with his beautiful action makes np for a little lightness in his back ribs. Many of these horses in harness had not their numbers. With nothing worth mentioning to oppase him, Mr. Holmes won in harness pairs with a couple of dark browns, fine looking horses, but they did not pull well together, going in a sheepish sort of way, with their tails tucked in and their eyes and ears working backwards aud forwards, evidently not more at home in the circus than some couples of ladies and gentlemen when making their first appearance in a public coffee-room in this country. Por horses or ponies JMr. Thorne was awarded the prize for the best appointed tandem, neither the leader or wheeler being remarkable for anything good. To our mind, Mr. Tyler's turn out, with two rather varmint-looking bay ponies, well in hand, was by far the best, but the prize invariably goes to horses here upon this reasoniug : " Would you not rather sit behind horses than little bits of twisting pouies ?" There were a great many ponies, but as with the horses the ordinal y ones prevailed, and the beautiful were few and far between. But is not this the same with all things, and it has often struck us, as we dare say it has mauy before, when gaziug out of some hotel window at the people passing, that if war were declared between the ngly aud the handsome, how tlie good-looking ones would soon be routed. Of course, we should be neutral, unless the ugly mugs insisted on our leading them on. We have no time to notice the little fry, but cannot pass over such as Mr. Hornsby's sweet little chesnut, Lady Mary, that any lad would fall in love with ; Mr. Eaton's Beauty, Mr. Adderley's Vulcan, Mr. Bower's Jemmy, and (,'aptaiu Brooke's Patty. In the cob stallions the tug of war was between St. George, the Islington and Oxford prize cob, and Mr. Milward's Sloaford hero, Don Carlos, over which the house divided, and Mr. Graham, of Yardley, was called in to decide, who gave it in favour of Don Cai'los, a verdict that we should quite agree with, provided the Don was as good behind as he is before. The agricultural aud dray horses do not muster in great numbers in Bingley Hall, but what there are of them are generally good. In the agricultural stallions the first- prize two-year-old at Oxford not qualified to compete as Clydesdale or Suffolk, Nonpareil, a very deep well- made horse, on a short leg, with not the best head or eye, beat the well-known Clydesdale, Young Lofty, about the handsomest cart horse we ever saw ; while the gaudy coloured Young Champion, the second at Oxford, was third. There was a solitary aud very moderate spe- cimen of a Suffolk exhibited by Mr. Beale Brown. There were four four-year-olds, the third at Oxford in mares and foals, a grey, Nelly by name, being the first, and a useful active looking hay of jMr. BuUivant's second, while Mr. Brierly's cUesnut Warwick, the second at Wakefield in a capital class, was nowhere ! In dray horses it will be seen that Mr. Brierly beat the Midland Railway Company, who exhibited a couple of very fair specimens. PRIZE LIST. Judges. — P. Oldaker, London. Captain Clarke, Spratton. J. Elliott, Towcester. Major Barlow, Woodbridge. J. Burberry, Stratford-ou-Avon. R. Swale, Wolverhampton. Thoroug'li bred stallions for getting hunters. — Pirst prize, £30, J. Casson, Burgh-by-Sands, Carlisle (Sincerity) ; second, £10, J. Moffat, Kirkliuton, Carlisle (Laughing Stock) ; third, £5, W. Robinson, Bonelull, Taraworth (Professor Airy). Hunters exceeding 15 bauds 2 inches, equal to 15 stone, 5 years old and upwards. — Pirst prize, £30, T. Percival, Wans- ford, Northampton (The Y'ankee) ; second, £10, Westley Richards (Tipperary) ; tliird, £5, Westley Richards (Widmer- pool). Hunters exceeding 15 hands 2 inches, without condition as to weight, 5 years old and upwards. — Pirst prize, £30, T. Percival (Granby) ; second, £10, G. Holmes, Beverley (High- flyer) ; third, £5, H. Spencer Lucy, Warwick (Golden Hue). Highly commended: Westley Richards (Ashwell). Com- mended : C. P. Dilke, Coleshiil (Genial Boy). Hunters not exceeding 15 hands 2 inches liigh. — Pirst prize, £20, Major Quentin, Cheltenham (Coxcomb); second, £10, P. Blttkeway, Stourbridge (Surprise). Hunters four years old. — Pirst prize, £20, A. Newman, Winchcomb, Gloucester (Walton) ; second, £10, W. H. Hoey, Leamington (Doctor de Jongh) ; third, £5, C. Milward, Moseley (black gelding). Highly commeuded: G. Holmes (bay). Commended: W. Root, Leamington. Three years old colts or fillies, for hunting purposes. — Pirst prize, £20, Westley Richards (chesnut colt) ; second, £10, T. Argyle, Tamworth (Jenny). Commended : G. Mitchell, Bur- ton-on-Trent (Blaukney). Two years old colts aud fillies, for hunting purposes. — First prize, £15, Westley Richards (bay colt) ; second, £10, J. Mordauut, Staple Hill, Warwick (chesnut colt) ; third, £5, Westley Richards (bay colt). Higlily commended: T. Jones, Shrewstiury (bro.vn). Commeuded: G. J. Mitchell, Burton- on-Trent (chesnut colt). Hacks, roadsters, and cobs excecdcding 15 hands higli.^ Pirst prize, £15, G. Holmes (brown gelding) ; second, £10, P. G. Haines, Ealing (The General) ; third, £5, J. Gilraan, Bir- mingham. Weight carrying hacks, exceeding ll hands and not exceed- ing 15 hands 2 inches. — Pirst prize, £15, G.Wilkes, Birming- ham (Alonzo) ; second, £10, II. Spencer Lucy, Warwick (Rsdpath) ; third, £5, G. Holmes (brown mare). THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 249 Cobs not exccediiiff 14 hands liigli. — First prize, £15, Capt. J. S. Ballard, Cowbridge (Chicken Hazard) ; second, £10, R. Miiward, Thurgartou I'riory, Notts (Clc^vehuid) ; third, £5, II. E. Williams, lland&worth (The Colonel). Commended : C. Marllect, Xewark (Starlight). Ladies' horses, exceeding 15 hands high. — First pri/.e, £15, T. Percival (The Squire) ; second, £5, F. B. Jones, Chelten- ham (bay). Highly commended: T. I'ercival (The Baron). Ladies' horses, not exceeding 15 hands high. — First prize, £15, G. D. Badhani, Sudb\iry (Major) ; second, £5, AV. H. Har- rison, Oxeudon, Northampton (Lady Jane). Commended: K. N. Hooper, Covvbridge (The Hart). Harness horses exceeding 15 hands high. — First prize, £15, C. J. Shaw, Edgbaston (Greenfield) ; second, £5, J. A. Brown- ing, Birmingham (Grey mare). Harness horses exceeding 14 liands and not exeeediug 15 hands high. — First prize, £15, H. J. Buck, Shrewsbury (Princess) ; second, £5, T. W. Blyth, Evesham (Bay gelding). Pairs of harness horses. — Prize, ±'~fl, (i. Holmes, Beverley. Tandems, horses or ponies. — Prize, £5, G. Tharrae, Bir- mingham. Ponies in harness, not exceeding 14 hands high. — First prize, £10, Capt. W. J.Brooke, Weedon (Fatty); second, £5, G. Clements, Birmingham (Sultan). Highly commended, E. Stevcuton, Swan Village (Brown). Ponies not exceeding 13 hands high. — First prize, £10, J. Ilornsby, Grantham (Lady ]\Iary) ; second, £5, J. Thomas, Carditl' (Minnie). In harness.— First prize, £10, \Y. King, Leighton Buzzard (Tommy) ; second, £5, J. Cooke, Banbury (Prince of Wales). Commended, J. Katon, Soutliwell, Notts. (Beauty). Ponies, not exceeding 13 hands higli, to carry children.— First prize, £10, F. Bower, Birmingham (Jemmy) ; second, £5, 11. M. Hamer, Stratl'ord-on-Avon (Kingcraft). Com- mended, F. Bower (Leominster). Pairs of ponies, in harness. — First prize, £10, Major Quen- tin, Cheltenham (Lothair and Corisaude) ; second, £5, Male, Leamington (llobin Hood and Little John). Stallions, for getting cobs or ponies.— First prize, ^615, 11. Milward (Don Carlos) ; second, £5, H. Rouudcll, Otley (Sir George). Dray horses, four years old and upwards. — First prize, £15, C. W. Brierly, Manchester (Champion) ; second, £5, Midland Railway Company (Captain). Agricultural horses, four years old and upwards. — First prize, £15, A. II. Thursby, Leamington (Nelly); second, £5, J. BuUvant, Birmingham (Gilbert). Stallions.— First prize, £30, AV. Wynn, Grafton, Alcester (Nonpareil) ; second, £10, the Earl of Beauchamp, Worcester (Young Lofty) ; third, £5, J. Manning, Wellingboro' (Young Champion). NORTH AND EAST RIDINGS OF YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Scarbro', Hackness, and North and East Ridings Agri- cultural Society has just held its annual show. Partly no doubt from the prevalence of foot and mouth disease, and partly fronr similar gatherings being fixed for the same day, the show of liorued cattle in number and in quality was far below what it has been in previous years. The entries on Friday, taken altogether, numbered a little over 800 ; last year they exceeded 1,000. The two years old heifers made up the only class among the Shorthorns in which there was a good competition, Mr. Hornby, of Ganton, taking the leading prize against four other breed- ers. Major Stapylton, of York, took the leading bull prize with the five years old Lord Wetherby, and was awarded also the first prize for bull calves. The two years old bull prize went to Mr. Robert Fisher, of Beverley, and the three years old to Mr. Frank, Fyliagdales. The first prize for aged heifers was given to Lord Fevershain's Columbia, and the first honour for heifers under two years went to Mr. Hornby. There was a fair show of sheep. The pigs made up a good show, and most of tiie classes were well filled. The display of horses was a pretty large one, and formed, as usual, the chief feature of the show. Judges. — Cattle, sheep, and pigs : P. Spencer, Claybrook, Lutterworth; V. J. Empson, Bonby, Barton-on-Humber ; W. Jobson, Buteland, Hexham. Hunting and nag horses : R. Walker, Somerby, Brigg; J. E. Bennett, Bosworth Grange, Rugby; W. S. Atkinson, Barrowby Hall, Wood- lesford, Leeds. Coaching and agricultural horses: J. W. Arnett, Ulgham, Jlorpeth ; A. Tnrnbnll, Cresswell, Jlorpeth ; W. Wood, Habrough, Ulceby. The following list contains their principal awards: CATTLE. SIIORTHOllXS. Bull of any age. — First prize. Major Stapylton, York ; second, D. Hartley, Westerdale. Bull above one and under two years old. — First prize, R, Fisher, Beverley ; second. Earl Fevershain, Hemsley. Bull calf, under twelve months old. — First prize. Major Stapylton ; second. Earl Feversliam. Cow or heifer above three years old, in calf or milk. — Prize, Earl Feversliam. Heifer not exceeding two years old. — First prite, T. Hornby, Ganton ; second. Major Stapylton. Bull above one and under three years old. — First and s econd prizes, T. Frank, Whitby, Cow or heifer above three years old, in calf or milk. — Prize, T. Frank. Heifer not exceeding three years old, in calf or milk. — Prize, T. Hodgson, Scarbro'. Heifer not exceeding two years old. — First prize, T. Hornby ; second, J. M. Crosby, Scarbro'. CATTLE Of .^.\V UREED. Dairy cow. — Prize, G. Chapman, Seamer. COTTAGER A^"D MILK SELLERS' PRIZE. Milk cow. — First prize, Thos. Cole, Scarbro' ; second, G. Chapman. SHEEP. Two shear or aged ram. — First prize, E. Riley, Beverley; second, J. W. Sharpe, Hull. Shearling ram. — First prize, E. Rily ; second, W. Brown, Holme-on-Spalding-Moor. Pen of three shearling rams. — First prize, E. Riley ; second, J. J. Simpson, Hunmanby. Pen of five shearling giinmers. — First prize, W. Brown ; second, E. Riley. Pen of five Leicester ewes. — First prize, R. Tindall, Pickering ; second, S. Staveley, Driffield. Pen of five Leicester gimmer lambs. — First prize, W. S. Gray, Whitby ; second, Mrs. E. D. Nesfield, Scarbro'. Ram adapted to a moor or mountain district. — First prize, W. Rudsdale, Dauby End, Yarm ; second, C. Smith, Wester- dale. Pen of three ewes adapted to a moor or mountain district.— First prize, C. Smith ; second, W. Rudsdale. Fat ewe or wether. — First prize, R. Tindall; second, W. Brown. PIGS. Boar of large breed. — First prize, J. and H. Sugdon, Bever- ley ; second, M. Gibson, Scraboro'. Sow of large breed, in milk or pig. — First prize, J. Thomp- son, Seamer ; secmid, G. G, Bilton, Scarboro'. Boar of small breed. — First prize, G. Mangel?, Ripon ; second, G. Sedgwick, York. Sow of small breed, in ])ig or milk. — First })rize, G. Man- gles ; second, T. Boggett, lleworlh. Three store pigs, of any In-eed, of the same lifter, and from four to nine months old. — First and second prizes, M. Harri- son, Scarboro'. Boar of large breed, not exceeding twelve months old. — First prize, W. Rudsdale, Yarm ; second, G. Chapman; Seamer, a56 THE PAEMER'S MAGAZINE. Sow of large breed, not exceeding twelve months old,— Krst prize, W. Rusdale ; second, G. Chapman. Boar of small breed, not exceeding twelve months old. — Tirst prize, G. Chapman; second, J. Windle, Piclcering. Sow of small breed, not exceeding twelve months old. — First prize, W. Wardell, East Ayton ; second, G. Chapman. Store pig, tlie property of a cottager or working man. — first prize, G. Chapman ; second, G. Scoter, East Ayton. Extra stock. — Prize, D. Berryman, Euston. HOUSES. HUNTERS. Stallion, thoroughbred. — First prize, W. Shaw, Shipton; second, G. Lamplough, Driffield. Brood mare, with foal at her feet. — First prize, J. Eobinson, Thirsk ; second, G. Hingrose, Ganton. Yearling gelding or filly. — First prize. Sir G. Cholmley, Bridlington ; second, R. Catley, York, Two-year-old gelding. — First prize, Charles Elsley, York ; second, J. Cattle, Malton. Two-year-old filly. — First prize, J. F. Leigliton, Osgodby ; second, J. Robinson. Three-year-old gelding. — First prize, E. D. Nesfield, Scar- boro' ; second. Sir G. Cholmley. Three-year-old filly. — First prize. Sir G. Cholmley ; second, R. Jackson, Middlesbro'. COACniJJG HORSES. Stallion. — First prize, G. Holmes, Beverley ; second, H. R. W. Hart, York. Brood mare, with foal at her foot. — Prize, J. S. Darrell, 'West Ayton, Sherburn. Yearling gelding or filly. — First prize, E. Piercy, Garton, DrifiBield ; second,?. Jackson, Scarboro'. Two-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, G. Hopper, Yedmandale, Ayton ; second, J. Taylor, Burton Agnes. Three-year-old gelding or iilly. — First and second prizes, T. Darrell. ROADSTERS. stallion. — First prize, R. Waters, Gilling ; second, "W. Poad, Ruston, Sherburn. Brood mare, with foal at her foot. — First prize, W. Major, Sledmere ; second, J. F. Morris, Scarboro'. Yearling gelding or filly. — First prize, C. Crosby, Brompton ; second, G. Kuowlson, Thorraanby. Two-year-uld gelding or filly. — First prize, T. B. Wilson, Folkton, Ganton ; second, W. Snowdon, Slingsby. Three-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, T. N. Kendall, Pickering ; second, W. Snowdon. Mare or gelding of any age.— First prize, W. and G. Lo vel, Norton, Malton ; second, W. Stevenson, Cottingham, Hull. AGRICULTURAX HORSES. Stallion. — First prize, J. Braithwaite, Ebberstou, Hesler- ton ; second, Francis Simpkin, AVelton, Brough. Brood mare, with foal at lier foot. — First prize, Mrs. E. Smith, Bempton, Bridlington ; second, W. A. Wood, Sutton Forest. Yearling gelding or iilly. — First prize, R, Davison, Bemp- ton ; second, John Petch, Scarborough. Two-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, J. Jackson, se- cond, J. S. Darrell. Pair of horses, of either sex, worked during the summer.— Prize, R. Tindall, Kirby Misperton, Pickering. PONIES. Mares or Horses, under two years old, not to exceed 14 hands 2 inches high. — First prize, W. Simpkin; second, J.S. Darrell. Mares or Horses, under eight years old, not to exceed 13 hands high. — First prize, H. Walker, Scarborough ; second, Col. J. D. Astley, Scarborough. Extra stock. — First prize, Jas. Barwich, Scarborough ; second, W. Peacock, Scarborough. SPECIAL PRIZES. Hunting gelding or mare, of any age, open to the district only. — Prize, G. Ringrose, Ganton. Hunting mare or gelding, five years old. — Prize, J. S. Dar- rell, West Ayton, Sherburn. Hunting gelding or mare, four years old, the property of a tenant farmer residing within the district. — Prize, T. Darrell, West Ayton. Ladies' hackney gelding or mare of any age. — Prize, Sir G. Cholmley, Bridlington. Harness gelding or mare, not less than three but under eight years of age. — Prize, W. Stephenson, Cottingham. Roadster, of any age up to 14« stone. — Prize. J . Robson, Old Malton. LEAPING PRIZES. Horses, of any age, sex, or breed. — Prize, T. Youdan, Gan- ton. Ponies, of any age, sex, or breed. — Prize, T. J. Bodger, Sherburn. The luncheon took place at one o'clock, and was attended by a numerous company. Mr. E. S. Cayley, of Wyedale, one of the vice-presidents, took the chair in the absence of Lord Londesborough. PENISTONE AGEICULTUEAL SOCIETY. The seventeenth annual exhibition of the Penistone Society has beeu held. The amount of prizes given was in money nearly £250, besides fourteen silver cups for the best stock on the ground. The entries for horses were not nume- rous, only numbering forty-three ; but the quality, as a whole, was very fair. With the exception of seven jumpers, they were all for agricultural purposes. Both tlie mares and geld- ings were a good class, while the foals were excellent. Of cattle there were 39 entries, but for quality they were the best lot here ever shown. Bulls were excellent, and the shorthorn cows were exceedingly good. Sheep comprised 46 entries ; taken, as a whole, they were a very good class. Pigs, too, were of a fair class throughout, though small in number. Judges.— Cattle and Sheep : G. H. Sanday, Holme Pierre- pont, near Nottingham ; J. Rooth, Stretton, Alfreton, Derbyshire ; AV. Mellows, High Melton, near Doncaster. Pigs and Horses : F. W. Addey, Upper Cudworth, near Barnsley ; Charles Speight, Millhouses, near Sheffield ; J. Sheard, New House, Huddersfield. CATTLE. Shorthorned bull. — First prize and silver cup, T. Statter, jun., Standhill, Whitefield, Manchester ; second, Mrs. Pack- man, Tupton Hall, Chesterfield. Shorthorned yearling bull. — First prize, J. Sunderland, Bil- lingley, near Barnsley ; second, T. Statter, jun. Shorthorned bull-calf. — First prize, G. Mann, Scawsby Hall Doncaster ; second, J. Maun, Sprotbrough, Doncaster. Shorthorned cow or heifer in calf or milk. — First prize, T. Hopkiuson, Woodthorpe, Tupton ; second, T. Statter, jun. Cow for dairy purposes. — First and second prize and silver cup, AV. Marsh, New House, Penistone. Two-year-old shorthorned heifer. — First prize, Crawshaw and Blakeley, Dewsbnry ; second, J. S. Stanhope, Cannon Hall. Two-yeai'-old shortliorned heifer. — First and second prize, J. Burgon, Hall Royd, Silkstone. One-year-old shorthorned heifer. — First prize and silver cup, T. Statter, jun. ; second, Crawshaw and Blakeley: One-year-old shorthorned heifer. — Prize, J. Marsh, Cub- ley, Penistone. Shorthorned heifer calf under 12 months old. — First prize, Crawshaw and Blakeley ; second, R. Lowe, Shire Green. Shorthorned heifer calf under 12 months.— Prize, W. Marsh. SHEEP. Ram of any age. — First prize and silver cup, T. H. Hutch- inson, Manor House, Catterick ; second, J. Dransfield, Ox- spring House. Shearling ram.^First and second prizes, T. H. Hutchinson, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 251 Shearling ram.—Second prize, Elizabeth Birks, Edge Hill, Penistone. Tup lamb bred ia 1870. — First prize, T. II. Ilutchinsou ; secoud, J. Dransfield. Tup lamb bred in 1870. — First prize, E. Birks; second, W. Parkin, Ilunshelf. Pen of -111106 ewes having suckled lambs in 1870. — First prize, T. H. ilutcliinson ; second, J. "Winder, Newton, Don- caster. Pen of three ewes having suckled lambs in 1870. — First prize, J. Sliarpley, Scholeiiill ; second, J. Mills, Whitefield, Oxspring. Pen of three shearling gimmers. — First prize, silver cup, and second prize, T. II. Hutchinson. Pen of three shearling gimmers. — First prize and silver cup, F. Fisher, Gawber Hall, Barnsley; second, J. Sharpley, Scholehill. Pen of three evre lambs bred in 1870. — First prize, J. Winder, Newton ; second, T. H. Hutchinson. Pen of three ewes bred in 1870. — First prize, AV. Parkin ; second, J . Sharpley. PIGS. Boar of large breed. — First prize and silver cup, P. Eden, Cross-lane, Salford ; second, R. E. Duckeriug and Sons, Nor- thorpe, Lincolnshire. Boar of small breed. — First prize, P. Eden ; secoud, R. E. Duckeriug aud Sons, Northorpe. Sow of large breed iu-pig or with litter suckling. — First prize and silver cup, R. E. Duckeriug and Sons; second, P. Eden. Sow of middle breed in-pig or with litter suckling.— First pri/.e, II. E. Duckeriug and Sons ; second, P. Eden. Sow of small breed in-pig or with litter suckling. — lirst prize, 11. E. Duckeriug and Sons; second, P. Eden. Store pig of large breed.— Prize, R. E. Duckering and Sons. Store pig of middle breed. — First and second prizes and silver cup, C. F. Uallas, Huddersfield. Store pig of small breed.— First prize, R. E. Duckering and Sons ; second, C. F. Hailas. COTTAGE labourers' CLASS. Store pig of any breed. — First prize, G. llamsden, Penis- tone ; second, J. Holland, Thurlstone ; third, C. Webb, Stain- borough. HORSES. Gelding or mare for agricultural purposes. — First prize, J. Dransfield ; second, J. Haigli, Pule Hill, Thurgoland. Brood mare for agricultural purposes, with a foal. — First prize, T. Makin, South Milford ; second, W. Bramley, A.m- cotts, Doncaster. Foal of 1867, gelding or filly, for agricultural purposes. — First prize, S. Barker, Marr, Doncaster ; second, T. Statter, jun. Foal of 1868, gelding or filly, for agricultural purposes. — First prize, T. Duckett, Beutley, Doncaster ; second, T. Wilkinsou, Ardsley. Foal of 1869, colt or filly, for agricultural purposes. — Prize, S. SilverwGod, Cawthorne. Foal of 1870, colt or filly, for agricultural purposes. — First prize, T. Makin, Beckfielct House ; second, T. Statter. THE' ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY, THE HORSE AND SHEEP SHOW. The most successful event of the year in Ireland has been the annual horse aud sheep show held by the Royal Dublin Society in its extensive premises Kildare-street. It has brought together the finest horses from every direc- tion that Ireland can boast of. The few words uttered by Sir John Power and others at the Royal Agricultural Society's banquet in Kilkenny in 1833, when its show was held there, were taken up with spirit by the leading noblemen and gentry, aud culminated in the first Irish horse show iu April, 1864, when 370 horses appeared in competition. The progress the horse shows have made since will be best understood by reference to the following table : Year. Entries. 1864 370 1865 No show 1866 303 1867 358 1868 368 1869 452 1870 493 But it is not in numbers that the exhibition shows its merits, but in the increasing value of the young stock annually brought forward ; as those must acknowledge that have kept a close watch on the progress made, con trasting the style, quality, aud condition of the first with the succeeding shows, of which that under notice yields abundant proof, as it is universally acknowledged that never before were horses shown iu such good working condition. The first section included stallions " best calculated to improve and perpetuate the breed of souud stout thorough- bred horses, weight-carrying hunters, and horses for general stud purposes," in which eighteen were entered. His Excellency Earl Spencer was put first for General ITess, occupying the same position as he did last year ; Mr. F. H. Power, Mallow, comes second with Citadel, bred by Lord Derby, by StockweU out of Sortie, by Melbourne; a high commend goes to St. George Maa- scragh, Tipperary, for Joco ; and commends go to Mr. Power, the owner of the second prize horse, for Robin, bred by Baron Rothschild, R. L. Moore's Little Stag, and Thos. Lindsay's Pathfinder, the second at last year's show. There were mauy good horses besides those placed, amongst which were Mount Palatine, Monarch of the Glen, Tom King, Master George, and Artillery — the prize horse of 1866 — a little out of form, but still one of the finest horses iu Ireland. In the next section, for thorough-bred sires, calculated to get carriage, troop horses, or roadsters, Strood, the prize horse of 1869, was the only one entered, and he gets the prize ; while, singular to say, that in the next section for thorough- bred sires, calculated to get roadsters, hacks, or harness- horses, Kiunaird, the property of Captain Morgan, Athy was again the only one entered, but passed over for want of competition. This wis blowing hot-and-cold, for Kinnaird was placed second last year, and is still a good horse for the purpose. A very fine horse — Cleavcland — the pro- perty of W. E. Fitzsimous, jNlouut Forest, Gorey, was entered by some mistake among the agricultural horses. He w^as bred by Mr. Riddell, Great Stanton, Yorkshire, by Wonderful Lad out of Georgina by Master George; and the judges were so much pleased with him as to recommend a special prize medal. Hunters, not less than five years old: The first section for weight-carriers equal to 14 stone and upwards numbered 65, which contained many superior animals. Mr. Richardson, Lainbeg House, Lisburn, was deservedly put first for a grand and very powerful brown gelding by Domino, out of a mare by Last of the Barons. C. M. Coyne owns a hny marc by Zouave, dam by Leandur, which came in second. She 252 TflE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. has good action, but greatly below the first prize in power. S. Bruce, Benuetsbridge, Kilkenny, was placed third with Caprice by Dou^h, dam by llegulator, an active, well-backed chesuut mare ; and a fourth goes to Captain Cosby, Stradbally Hall, for Carrick, bred by Earl Carrick, Mount Juliet. Mr. Belf's Lady Spencer, Captain Studdert's chestnut gelding, Y. King's Queen of Trumps, Captain Tuthill's La Montague, and a host of others unplaced, were taking horses, with capital action and many equal to the requirements named in the section. Pive-year-old hunters, equal to 12st. 71b. up to 14st., numbered no less than 70. Captain Chaplin, A. D. C, The Castle, Dublin, is first for his bay gelding Pioneer by Pilot, dam by Dounfuen ; Joseph Mulkell, Termon Boyle, second, for C. Ranger by Chit Chat ; J. Murphy, Whiteleas, Kildare, third, for Roscommon by Tom Steele ; the fourth went to Daniel Dunn's Rambler by Arbntha; an IL C. goes toThos. Turbitt, Owenstown, for his half-bred hunter, winner of the Ward Hunt Cup, 1870, and a comraeud to C. Bury, Woodville, Roberts- town, for Dove, by Cheerful Horn. Many horses in this section went well over the high leap, the first prize going to Captain Ross, Scot's Greys, for a really clever hunter by ^lallet dam by Navariuo. Hunters 5 years old, equal from list, to 122St., numbered 40. Captain Chaplin, A. D. C, The Castle, Dublin, was placed fisrt for Tarquin by Ilarkaway, dam by Preny. He is a powerful horse, with a great body, short back, and well set on his limbs. The second was "VV. W. Tennant's Eden by Eden, dam Sheela by Bird- catcher. He is a capital fencer, and took the second prize over the high leap. The third prize went to Rev. P. Fitzpatrick, Mohill, for Telegram by Pantaloon, dam by Irish Birdcatcher ; a capital horse and fine jumper. C. E. "Walker, Moynalty, Meath, came iu third for Shrimps by M. D. An H. C. went to ^lichael Flood, and a commend to R. N. Bate, Pm-dysburn, for his chestnut geldiug by Zouave, dam Eugenia. The show of youQg horses was most creditable, with scarcely an exception. Of four-year-old colts, equal to 13st. 71b. and upwards, there were 42 entries. J. Morrin won the first prize, and the Dublin Citizens' £100 Challenge Cup, open to horses from 4 to 6 years old, the property of bond fide tenant- farmers, whose occupations do not exceed in value ioOO per annum, to which the Society adds £20. The second goes to D. A. Mortimer, MuUagh ; the third to Robt. Smyth, Emyvale ; and a commendation to H. M. Richardson Rossfad, Ballycassidy. Of four year-old fillies up to some weight there were six entries. The prizes were : first, Thos. Bradley, M.D., Kells Gi'ange, Kilkenny ; second, Thos. Connolly, M.P., Castletown ; third, SacTuel Ridgevvay, Geashill ; four, A. A. Lawder, Drairasna. Of four-year-old colts up to from list, to 13st. 71bs. there were 43 entries : the first prize went to Mr. Archdell, Crocknacrieve ; second, D. A. Mortimer, Lake View MuUagh ; third, Robt. Smyth, Emyvale; with R. M. Richardson and David Rogerson com- mended. Four-year-old fillies equal to the same weight numbered 16 entries : first, A. E. (Jonnollv, Bleakhallst., Dublin ; second, R. E. Baillie, Dundalk ; third, N. M. Archdall ; II. M. Richardson commended. The three- year-old colts numbered 22 : first. Dr. Shiel, Ballyshan- nou ; second, Gerald Filzgibbon, Merriou-square ; third, N. M. Archdall, Crocknacrieve; fourth, W. J. Perry, Bleak-rock, Dublin. Of three-year-old fillies there were nine : the first prize withheld ; second, Wm. Woodhouse, Frankford ; third. Major Frend, Feathard Tip. Two- year-old-colts, 12 entered: first, Allan Pollock, Lis- many ; second, Wm. Armitage Moore, Cavan ; third. Lord Clanmorriss. Two-year-old fillies, 6 entered : first, Major Llooyd, Monaghan ; second Mrs. Corbally, Swords ; third and fourth withheld. Yearling colts, 8 entered : first, C. W. Wise, Cahir Tip ; second, Allan IM'Donoch, Curragh-camp ; third, P. F. Casey, Raheny, Dublin. Yearling fiillies, 1 entered : first prize, Baptiste G. Graham, Kesh, Co. Fer- managh. Ladies' mares, 15 entered, were all great beauties. The Misses Turbet, Owenstown, taking the prizes for two half-bred mares. Rose and Kitty. Park horses, 9 entries ; first, Peter Lalouette, Princes-street, Dublin ; second, Allan M'Donagh, Curragh Camp. Weight-carrying cobs and roadsters, 18 entered : first, C. W. Wise, Cahir Tip ; second. Rev. R. D. Faulkner, IloUymount, Mayo ; third, j\Iark Colgan, Enfield ; highly commended David Rogerson, Roundtown ; commended B. C. Russell, Hazle- patch. Cobs or roadsters, 14 to 15 hands high, calcu- lated to carry 13 to 15 stone, 14 entries : first, Patrick Breen, Gorey; second, Wm. Walpole, Balla- coUa ; third, Bernard Sweeny, Castlerea, Roscommon. Cobs or roadsters, under 15 hands high, calculated to carry under 13 stone ; 12 entries : First, Jno. Wallis, Donnycarney, Dublin ; second, James Maher, Enfield ; third, David Rulltdge, Tuam ; highly commended, D. H. Pluuket-Johnstone, Dalky ; commended, Capt. Hnrafrey, Strabane. Harness horses or mares, bred in Ireland ; 11 entries : First, Capt. Coote, Castlekuock, Dublin ; second, Thos. S. Palmer, Merriou-square, Dublin ; commended, Allan K. Algie, Holymount, JSIayo. Ponies; 17 entries : First, Dermot Cole, Kinnegad, and the Austin £5 Cup ; second, Capt. Tuthill, Nass ; third. Miss Lane, Shannon ; highly commended, N. J. Harrison, Clonard, Kilkenny ; commended, J. K. Rogerson, Oluey, Roundtown. Ponies under 12 hands high : First, J. F. Bewley, Black Rock ; second, Peter Noon, Roebuck Park, Dundrum ; third, R. H. Morrison, Lceson Park, Dublin ; highly com- mended, L. Keogh, Queen-street, Dublin. The smallest pony in the yard : W. Brown, DalkeJ^ Broodmares — Thorough-bred mares, or having had foals in 1869 or 1870; 10 entries: First, C. L. Ellison, for Blue Bonnet, by Young Melbourne, dam by Teddiugton ; second, Thos. N. Wade, Shrubbery, Killock, for Martha, by W'iudfall, dam by Launcelot ; third, Thos. Connolly, M.P., Castletown, Celbridge, for Barbara, by Barbarian, dam by Birdcatcher; commended, Sir Percy Nugent, for Cascade, by Artillery, dam Crystal, by Crosier. Mares calculated to produce weight-carrying hunters, in foal or having had fcals iu 1869 or 1870; 20 entries : First, Robt. G. Cosby, Stradbally Hall ; second, Jno. Morrin, Dunshaughlin ; third, Robt. Bodkin, Armagh, Co. Gal- way ; fourth, Thos. Lindsay, Derry Bog House, Co. Down; highly commended, Joseph Reeves, Athgarvan. The first section of cart horses contained but three stallions over four years old. The Earl of Lucan, Casllebar House, Mayo, exhibited a very powerful Suf- folk stallion, which was put first, and also awarded the Royal Agricultural Society's £50 challenge cup, but after wearing the cards for the first day, a veterinary ex- amination declared him unsound, and the honours were ti'ansferred to the second prize. Sir Patrick Wallace, the property of Messrs. Mooney, Crumline, and Co., Dublin. The Earl's horse is a grand one in all his points, but was not active on his fore legs. Sir Patrick Wallace is a well-framed powerful horse of great substance, grand fore hand and quarters well ribbed, clean limbed, and active. At the show of last year, the judges declared this horse, and all shown with him, as wanting in merit, although two out of three of the judges were the same on both occasions. Four stallions under four years old made up the next section, but unevenly matched as to age, two of them being a year older than the other two ; Peter O'Mally, Santry, getting the first place for Orphan, a yearling, and half-brother by the sire's side to the prize horse THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 283 in the aged section ; S. Rait Kerr, Edeudcrry, and W. Pallon, V. S., Kilkenny, being second and third respectively, for two two-year-olds, Lanark and Tenant llight, bolli imported Clydesdales of good pronrse. Four lillies under live years old made up the next section, in which Gerald Rice, Grange Raheny, took the first prize with Jess, half-sister to the prize stallion. She occupied the same position last year as a thrcc-year-old, and is a full bred Clydesdale of great power and symmetry. The second went to iMr. Archdall, of Crocknacricve, for Brown Bess, a very handsome four-year old Clydesdale. The Jlessrs. INIoouey had an 11. C. for Nora Creina, a hue dark-browu two-year-old filly, and full sister to the prize horse Sir Patrick Wallace : she held the same posi- tion last year as a yearling. Of agricultural brood mares there were but two imported Clydesdales, one S. R. Kerr's Bell, the other C. L. Ellison's Bonnet, which were placed in the order named. According to general expectations the show of sheep was a good one, numbering 141 entries in all the classes and sections ; but the show of pure Leicesters was not, in too many cases, in purity of type equal to what we should have as breediug stock. This class of sheep, to which almost all other breeds owe so much, was confined to Thos. Marris, The Chase, Ulceby ; J. G. A. E. Gould, Poltimore, Exeter — the only exhibitors from England ; Wm. Owen, Blesinton ; W. R. Meade, Ballymartle, Bal- linhassig, Cork ; Seymour Mowbray, Killeany, Moun- trath ; J. G. A. Pcrriu, Chantilly, Co. Dublin. The Messrs. Gould's sheep arc strong animals, but coarsely bred ; while Mr. Marris' were much neater, higher bred, and very even. However, in the thirteen entries which made up the section for shearling rams, the judges seemed to have forgotten all former precedent, and run on size and weight, giving the Messrs. Gould the leading prizes, ^Vm. Owen a third, W. R. Meade a fourth, S. Mowbray an H. C, with Marris' very neat rams unno- ticed. In rams of any other age there were but ten entries, where the judges preferred the lesser weighted rains, giving Mr. Marris the first and third place and an H. C, Mr. ^Icade the second, and jNlr. Owen a com- mended ; but the Messrs. Gould did not exhibit in this class. From the high position ^Icssrs. Owen and Meade have occupied for many years, and the pains and expense they go to in introducing rams from the most renowned English breeders, and the symmetry of their sheep, they should certainly stand higher. In the section for pens of thrce-shcarling rams, w hich is unques- tionably a very trying one on breeders, there were seven entries — Mr. Marris two pens, Messrs. Gould one, Mr. Owen one, iMr. Meade two, and Mr. Mowbray one. Mr. Marris takes the first and third prizes, and Messrs. Gould the second; ilr. i\Ieade an H. C., and Mr. Owen a com- mendation. Of shearling ewes there were but four pens, of five each. Mr. Marris two, Alessrs. Gould one, and Mr. Mowbray one. Messrs. Gould take first, and Mr. Marris the second and third places, and S. jlowbray was highly com- mended. Mr. Mowbray was the only exhibitor of ewes that had reared lambs in 1870, which of course gave him a walk over. The Border Leicester class came next in order, and were well represented ; twelve very fine shearling rams made up the lirst section, where Mr. Thomas Robertson, Nar- raghinore, Kildare, stood first, for an exceedingly nice one, with good wool, good ends, back, and ribs, and in prime working condition. Captain Cosby., Steadbally Hall, Queen's County ; R. F. Franks, Jerpoint Hill ; and Loftus II. Bland, Blandsfort, taking the prizes in the order named. In aged Border rams there were but two exhibi- tors, Mr. Bland, and Earl Fitzwilliam, from his Irish demense, CooUattin Park, Wicklow ; ^Ir. Bland taking more than the lion's share, the noble Earl getting the third place. Mr. Bland had one of the finest rams of this pen-filling breed in the show, but by some mis- take he was entered in a wrong section, although the judges did not like leaving him out in the cold, and re- commended him a special-prize medal. Seven pens of shearlings of three each made up the next section, and a splendid one it was, Messrs. Bland, R. II. Franks and Robertson taking the honours respectively. The next section was for shearling ewes, of which there w^erc four pens of five each, Messrs. R. F. Franks, Bland, and Colonel Leslie, Castle Leslie, Glesslough, being the only exhibitors, who take their places in the order named. Of ewes that reared lambs in 1870, Mr. Bland and Lord Fitzwilliam were the only exhibitors, with a pen each, and they divided the premiums. This variety of sheep, though rams, have been introduced from time to time to cross with other, has not been bred to any extent in Ireland. In size and symmetry it is fully equal to any breed, and its wool is only equalled by the Roscomnion in length and lustre, while the prize shear- ling ram clipped 23Mbs. of wool in April last. JNIr. Caleb Goring is the princi])al, if not the only breeder of Lincolns in Ireland ; he exhibits eight out of eleven shearling rams, one of them the Oxford second prize. He exhibits three out of five aged rams, two out of four pens, of three each, of shearling rams; lie is equally strong in the ewe sec- tions, and takes all the money prizes offered in the class. The next variety, of sheep [is that which has got such notoriety as the Roscommons, but which owes its excel- lence to the importation of the pure Leicester sort, en- couraged and fostered by the old Farming Society of Ireland, formed in 1800, when the Dublin Society thought well of devoting its time and energies and cash to silk and woollen manufactures, and even became re- tailers of those goods; and to the Farming Society of Ireland we are mainly indebted for the introduction of improved Shorthorns, Longhorns, and Southdowns as well as Leicesters. The show of Roscommon sheep, at length accorded a separate class, has been most creditably represented. Eight magnificent lellows competed in the one- shear section. Mr. Roberts, Farn, Strokestown, leads oft' with Xenophon, a worthy son of last year's prize ram XXX ; scarcely infe- rior were JMr. R. Flynn's second and Mr. Wm. Cotton's third prizes. Twelve Grand Sultans made up the aged ram section ; Mr. J. Blood Smyth, Fedamore, Limerick, was put first for a grand ram bred by Mr. Roberts, and that was first at this show in 1868, and at the Tralee Royal and Cork and Limerick local shows 1869; Mr. Roberts and ^Ir. Flynn coming in second and third. In the next section there were five pens of three each of shearling rams; ^Ir. Roberts, W. Cotton, and R. Flyua taking the honours respectively. In shearling ewes there were four pens ; Cox Cotton first, Wm. Cotton second, and J. Blood Smyth third. Of ewes that reared lambs in 1870 there were but three pens of five each ; Wm. Cotton one, and R. Flynn two, who shared the money. In the short-woolled class the beautiful Southdowns have disappeared altogether from our shows, and more the pity ; so the Shropshire Downs had it all to them- selves, and so had Mr. C. W. Hamilton, who took all the prizes except a fourth, which went to Mr. Morris for a shearling ram. The show of wool w'as small, 11 parcels of 3 fleeces being staged, in 5 sections ; the prize being a large silver medal in each section. The awards were: for Leicester wool, Seymour Mowbray ; Border Leicester, Robert Cotton ; Lincoln, IMrs. Rooney (hogget) ; ditto, Robert Cotton II. C. for wether ; other Long-wool, William Cotton ; ditto, Mrs. Rooney commended ; Shropshire Down, Robert Cotton. 254 THE FARMER'S MAaAZINE. rirst day, high leap over hurdles trimmed with gorse 4^- feet high. First class for five-year-old hunters car- rying 14 stoue. Twenty-four entries were made for this leap, many of them coming out from the lighter weight carrying classes; the jumping on the whole was good: first prize to Captain Koss, Scots Greys, Curragh Camp, for his hunter by Mellit, dam by Naverino, and the prize horse in his section ; second to W. W. Tennant's Mobar- nene Tip for Edeu, by Eden, dam Sheelah by Birdcatclier ; this horse was the second prize in the section open for horses to carry 11 to 12st. 71b., but carried 14 stone to the leap. The second class for leaping was for five-year- old hunters carrying 13st. 71b. and upwards, hurdles 4^ feet high : first prize, R. Flyun's four-year-old filly, Annie, by Mayboy, dam by the Dean ; second, Arthur A. Lawder's four-year-old filly. Fawn, by Roebuck, dam by Small Hopes. The third class was open for ladies' horses, weigbt carrying cobs, roadsters, &c., cari-ying 15 stone and upwards, over hurdles 4 feet high : first prize, David Rogerson's bay cob, no pedigree ; second, Bernard Sweany's Cock Robin, by Tom Steele. The fourth class was for ponies 12 to 14 hands high, over hur- dles 3 feet high : prize to J. K. Rogerson, Olney, for bay mare; no pedigree. The fifth class was for ponies uuder 12 hands high: prize to R. H. Mor- rison, Leeson Park, for bay mare ; no pedigree. Second day, over stone wall, commencing at 4^ feet high, to be progressively increased to, but not exceed C feet high. The fencing was admirably contested by 19 horses, till there remained but three that c leared the wall satis- factorily at its full height, viz., Mr. Low's Jack Spring, Captain Morgan's Chatterbox by Chit-chat, and Mr. Joseph Kilgannou's Surprise, the p rize was awarded, in the first instance, to Captain Morg m's Chatterbox, from the superior way in which he flew over the wall, but on going to the scales his rider wasund( r the i-equired weight of 12 stone, as was also the rider of Surprise, so the prize fell to Mr. Low's Jack Spring, an i no second prize was awarded. The third day's business wa Tprincipally devoted to the wide leap, over a hurdle, trimmed with gorse 2i feet high on the taking-ofif side, with 13 feet of water. Twenty-uine horses came to the scratch for the prizes of £10 and £5. All but two jumped the obstacles, but at the fiuish the judges were so well pleased with the per- formance of Mr. Low's Jack Spring, and Mr. Flyun's Valeria, that they awarded each a first prize, and -Mr. Russell's Limerick Lass was recommended the second honour. Limerick Lass performed in grand style till the last two rounds, when her fore part came in contact with the hurdle. On the last day, Friday, a sweepstakes of 10s. each, ■with £3 added, was competed for over a hurdle trimmed with gorse, which was won by Mr. Richard Flynn, on his four-year-old filly Annie, the winner of the four and a-half feet hurdle leap in the second-class, and thus ended the finest horse show yet held in Ireland, and the sports connected with it. The arrangements were excellent, and reflect great credit on the Committee of Management ; but there ai-e two things which require consideration before the next year's show, viz., that the veterinary inspection of sires and brood mares take place before they are sub- mitted to the judges, or, at least, before the awards are made public. If this hadbeeu the case Lord Lucan's mag- nificent Sulfulk Punch would not have worn the first prize card and ribbon in his class, and that of the Royal Agricultural Society's Challenge Cup for the first day. The other is that it is not lair when prizes are open to young and aged horses to weight them equally over hurdles and stone walls ; had the horsps been weighted according to age Captain Morgan's Chatter Box, a four- year-old gelding, a most perfect jumper, and made the first prize for his splendid performance over a six feet high stone wall, would not be disqualified because his rider was 10 lbs. light of 12 stone, the prescribed weight. The judges were : Thokougheked ajjd Other Bikes a:xt) Brood Mares. — Captain Archdall, M.P., Castle Archdall, Kesh ; Major Barlow, Hasketou, Woodbridge Suffolk; W. Kennedy, Geganstown, Braunostowu. • Hunters. — Major Borrowes, Gilltowu, Newbridge ; H. Bris- coe, Tinvaue, Carrick-on-Suir ; U. Watson, Ballydarton, near Bagnalstown. Young Horses suitable eor Hunters. — D. Beatty, J.P., Enniscortby ; Hon. W. Arbuthnot, Hatton, Montrose, N. B. ; W. Dunne, CoUiiistown, Clondalkin ; Captain R. Bernard, Forenaughts, Naas ; R. S. Fetherston U., J.P., Knockview, Killucau ; R. B. P. Persse, Moyode Castle, Athenry. Ladies' Horses and Harness Horse or Mare bred in Ireland. — J. Devenish, Rush Hill, Drurasna ; Lieutenant- Colonel Hillier, Constabularly Depot, Phceaix Park ; Major Wilkin, Castlekuock Lodge, Castleknock. Weight-Carrying Cobs and Roadsters and Ponies. — R. Moore, J. P., Killashee, Naas ; H. M. Richardsou, Ross- fad, Ballycassidy ; Major D'Arcy, J.P., Castlepark, Bal- linasloe. Agricultural Horses. — Hon. H. Massy, Clarina, Limerick; N. M. Archdall, Crockuacrieve, BalHnamallard ; J. Simson, Cloona Castle, Hollyraount. Jumping Prizes. — Sir C. E. Kennedy, Bart., Johnstown, Rathcoole ; B. R. P. Persse, D.L., Moyode Castle, Athenry; L. Morrogh, 5, Great Denmark-street, Dublin ; S. A. Rey- nell, J. P., Archerstown, Killucan ; Sir J. Power, Bart., Kilfane, Thoraastown ; Major Wilkin, Castleknock, Veterinary Surgeons. — D. Paley, Stephen's Green ; T. D. Lambert, William-street ; ]\I. Murphy, Parkgate-street. AUSTRALIAN EXPORTATIONS. — The purchase of Master Butterfly (13311), the first prize bull at the Royal Chelmsford Show for 1,200 gs. was the talk of the colony for many years; but his career in Melbourne was not of long duration. Since his time, Shorthorn breeders have looked to Mr. R. M'Dougall for their best blood, as he is known to be a _pedigree man. Ten years ago he exported largely, and has from time to time had valuable bulls sent out to him. Last year he sold a large portion of his herd, upwards of 100 head, for an average of over 60 gs., and this season Mr. M'Dougall has made a short visit here for the purpose of buying some of the best Booth bulls for the selected portion of his herd. Negotiations for Mr, Carr's young pure Booth bull Earl of Clare fell through, but Mr. M'Dougall had previously bought from Mr. Booth, of Warlaby a white bull calf Field-Marshal Booth for 800 gs., of great promise, and by Com- mander-in-Chief, from Lady Mirth, who is out of the same dam as the celebrated prize cow Lady Fragrant. He also bought Major (26790), who has been in service at Her Majesty's Shaw Farm, and is of the same family as the 1,000 gs. Patricia. Mr. Budding's first prize bull calf, Robin Hood, at the Royal and Yorkshire Shows was bought for 150 gs. ; he is by Mr. Foljambe's Robin, from Countess of Wragby, by Booth's Sir Roger, dam of Countess of Yarboro', the second prize yearling heifer. The first prize Hereford bull calf at Oxford also goes out with these Sliorthorns ; bred by Mr. Taylor, of Showle Court, he is by Triumph, from Hazel 3rd, and called Oxford Lad. They left Gray's by the Anglesey last week, in charge of their owner. Some young bulls have also been sent out to Mrs. Clark Irving's stations near Sydney. Seven years a^o the late Mr. Clark Irving purchased some stock of Mr. Jonas Webb and other breeders, including some of the Cambridge Rose tribe. The three bulls now exported are of Bates blood ; two of them were bred by Mr. J. P. Foster, of KiUabow, and are both sons of Lord Dunmore's 2nd Duke of ColUngham, and from dams one of Lord Spencer's Florentia family, and the other from Caroline 5th, of the Kirklevingtou Craggs tribe, for which Mr. Foster gave 205 gs. at the Didmarton sale. The third bull, Famous Gwynne, was bought at Mr, Chas, Howard's sale for 110 gs. THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. 255 WHAT TO TALK ABOUT. The off, or second season has set in. Beyond the fixtm-es whicli appear in our list, will be many a more local gathci'lng, where there will be something to see and something to talk about. And the outside, or more general interest of these anniversaries goes to centre the rather on what is said than what is shown. By the time we have run through the Western, the Royal, the Yorkshire, and a few other leading exhibitions, we come to know the crack stock of the year tolerably well by sight and hand ; and neighbour Brown may manage to beat neighbour Jones without creating any great sen- sation out of their own immediate circle. But even a sheep sale or a ploughing match will often serve as the occasion to draw out an jM.P. or a leading- landlord, if it should not give a straightforward tenant the chance of expressing his opinions. It is only to be hoped that the most may be made of such openings, and that people will not rest content with the expression of stale platitudes ; such as how the interest of everybody is identical with the interest of everybody else — how every man who sits under his own squire is certain sure to farm under the best landlord in England — or, how it is very improper to bi'oach agricultural politics at agricul- tural meetings. If only fitly handled, there are many questions which would promise to pay for a little closer examination when owner and occupier meet each other, as it were, on their own common grounds. Without ever descending to personalities, there is nothing more wholesome than driving the nail home, as there is nothing more absurd than tacitly assuming a man is going to do better simply because he has been doing wrong so long, and nothing more idle than passing over abuse from the fear that the mention of it may be unpalatable to some offender in the comppny. When the young lady asked the young gentle- man if he could spell such a very long word as op-por-tu- ni-ty the abashed youth began gradually to realise the fact of what a tongue-tied simpleton he was. Still it is necessary to proceed with some discretion, and fortunately the key-note has already been struck. A reverend man and, moreover, a reverend landlord has been kind enough to indicate the course which should be taken, the tone which should be observed at the celebration of these festivals. He has gone yet further, and laid down in a few broad lines the relative duties of Landlord and Tenant. Thus early, at the very outset of the proceedings, it is scarcely possible to overestimate the value of such advice, when coming from such a quarter ; and we ac- cordingly took care to give in our last number the address of the Reverend Brodie Innes when speaking for "the Landlords of the Country" at the dinner of the Moray- shire Farmers' Club. It may even be worth while to dwell a little longer on this, the more especially as the name of the Duke of Richmond was introduced, aud the district stands deservedly high for the system of cultiva- tion pursued. Mr. Innes, then, in classifying the fea- tures of his discourse, says, firstly : " The best thing a landlord could do was always, and in every way, with a due regard to his own rights, to accommodate himself to and consider the interests of his tenants — to hold them toge- ther, to come and see them at such meetings, to see them at their own farms, and to be amongst them as much as possible. These were things which he consi- dered to be landlords' duties." This may, perhaps, sound a little vague ; as, when given in detail, attending agricultural dinners, and visiting the tenants on their farms, although no doubt very excellent things in their way, would seem to confine landlords' duties within a somewhat limited scope. Again, it is clearly very desir- able that the two should see something of each other, but a landlord who is amongst his tenants "as much as possible," that is who is continually over-looking them, is apt to become in reality an intruder, and his inter- ference to do more harm than good. An occasional ride over the estate, when the owner of the soil may see and judge for himself how it is worked and what is wanted, should be productive of a deal of good, but any mau who is always busying himself about another man's business is, in any state of life, but too often in the way. Secondly, or on the otljer side, Mr. Innes cautions his hearers " they should all try to make the most of the points on which they agreed, and to make the least of those points in which their interests might probably appear to differ ; and if there were differences, to keep them at home, aud say as little about them as possible, or, according to the old Scotch proverb, to wash their dirty liuen in the house." And here we arrive at the grand deduction that the best thing the farmers can say at these meetings is to say — nothing whatever ! If they altogether agree with what the landlords have said there can naturally be no necessity to say anything more; and if they do not they had better keep their differences at home, or, as Mr. Innes elegantly puts it, wash their dirty linen in the house. And all this being interpreted means to say — there are no public questions which concern the farmer, that he has no rights to assert, no grievances to complain of, about which he should have the impertinence to speak in any company of his fellows. Was there such rubbish as this ever uttered? The Reverend Brodie Innes says " they must stick to their class, to their interests as tenant-farmers ;" and how must they do so ? By doing aud saying nothing. Does the reverend gentleman imagine that any great principle was ever recognized, any great wrong ever redressed without the expression of popular opinion upon it ? He is astonished to see there are "a great many farmers who are ready to join in the cry of injuries which do not touch themselves, who said there were certain evils over Scotland in one way or other, and they woidd like to protest, like to petition Parliament, and to tiy to get them removed. When they came to ask if they them- selves suffered from these evils, they admitted they did not, but they knew somebody in the neighbourhood, or a good way oil", that did." And what then ? If, as Mr. Innes advises, these men are to stick to their class, surely it is all to their credit that they wage war against evils, even though these do not affect themselves but only their class. Was ever a more mean selfish doctrine sought to be inculcated ! Let us take as a case the crying evil of the day, the damage done by game : if a tenant wash his dirty linen at home, that is, if he dare complain to his landlord, it is about equal main and chance as to his receiving notice to quit, or getting any redress. If, on the other hand, he himself should make a public matter of his " injuries," he is only the more certaiuly courting his own ruin. He becomes a marked mau, not merely with his own, but with all the landlords in the district. An evil such as this is only to be effectually attacked by washing not the tenant's but the landlord's very dirty linen in public — to be "cried" 256 THE FAtlMER'S MAGAZINE. dowu, to be "protested" and " petitioned" against by those who " stick to their class," though they do not suH'er themselves, but know of some, far or near, who do. Still it is well to be warned in time of the consequences, and Mr. Brodie luues, in conclusion, says, impressively : " If the landlords seeing, perhaps, here and there, oc- casion for difference on some points, were to unite as a class against the tenant-farmers of Scotland, and say they would stick to their own class as against tenants, what would the result be ?" Well, we repeat. What would the result be ? If the landlords, seeing there were differences which required proper adjustment, stiU refused to go into these, though the tenants as a class asked that such matters should be fairly settled, the result, as jMr. Inncs appears to imply, would be that the tenant-farmers of Scotland would be turned out of their farms. Was there ever such rubbish as this ? or, if the threat does not amount to thus much, what does it mean ? What could the landlords of Scotland unite to do against the tenant-farmers of Scotland, when they " protested" against abuses, and ''petitioned" for rights which would insure the land being maintained in a better state of cul- tivation ? Mr. Innes regretted to see so few of the landlords of Scotland present at the dinner ; hut if these gentlemen were to take their cue from him it was, perhaps, quite as well that they kept away. — Mark Lane E.vjircss. LOCAL TAXATION. The Select Committee of the House of Commons ap- pointed to inquire and re])ort whether it is expedient that the charges now locally imposed on the occupiers of rate- able property should be divided between the owners and occupiers, and what changes iu the constitution of the local bodies now administering rates should follow such division, have considered the matters to them referred, and have come to the following resolutions, which they have agreed to report to the House : 1. That your committee, without pledging themselves to the view that all rates should be dealt with in the same manner, are of opinion : {a.) That the existing system of local taxation, under which the exclusive charge of almost all rates leviable upon rateable property for current expenditure as well as for new objects and permanent works is placed by law upon the occupiers, while the owners are generally exempt from any direct or immediate contributions in respect of such rates, is contrary to sound policy. (Jj.) That the evidence taken before your committee shows that iu many cases the burden of the rates, w'hich are directly paid by the occupier, falls ultimately, either in part or wholly, upon the owner, who, nevertheless, has no share in their administration. (c.) That in any reform in the existing system of local taxation, it is expedient to adjust the system of rating in such a manner that both owners and occupiers may be brought to feel an immediate interest in the increase or decrease of local expenditure, and the administration of local affairs. [d.) That it is expedient to make owners as well as occupiers directly liable for a certain proportion of the rates. {e.) That, subject to equitable arrangements as regards existing contracts, the rates should be collected, as at pre- sent, from the occupier (except in the case of small tene- ments, for which the landlord can now, by law, be rated), power being given to the occupier to deduct from his rent the proportion of the rates to which the owner may be made liable, and provision being made to render persons haviug superior or intermediate interests liable to proportionate deductions from the rents received by them, as in the case of the income-tax, with a like prohi- bition against agreements in contravention of the law. 2. That your committee have examined many witesses, and received at their hands veiy conflicting opinions as i-cgarJs the proportion in which the burden of rates at present falls relatively on owners and occupiers. 3. That in the event of any division of rates betw^een the owner and occupier, it is essential that such altera- tions should be made in the constitution of the bodies administering the rates as would secure a direct repre- sentation of the owners adequate to the immediate interest in local expenditure which they would thus have acquired. 4. That justices of the peace should no longer act ex officio as members of any local board in which such direct representation of owners has been secured. 5. That the great variety of rates levied by different authorities, even in the same area, on different assessments, with different deductions, and by different collectors, has produced great confusion and expense ; and that, in any change of the law as regards local taxation, uniformity and simplicity of assessment and collection, as well as economy of management, ought to be secured as far as possible. 6. That the consolidation into one rate of all local rates collected within the same area is a matter of great import- ance ; and that your committee concur in the resolution of the Select Committee on Poor-rates Assessment, 1868, which recommended one consolidated rate, viz., "that a demand note should be left with each ratepayer on the rate bei\ig made, stating the amount of the requisitions, the rate in the pound for each purpose, and the period for which the rate is made, the rateable value of the pre- mises, the amount of the rate thereon, and of each pay- ment" of the instalments of the rates. 7. That whilst it is necessary to make provision for limiting, as far as practicable, the disturbance of existing contracts, it would be, on many grounds, undesirable, and almost impracticable, to extend the exemption of pro- perty held under leases from the operation of the proposed changes until the expiration of such leases. 8. That the exclusion of the owners of property held under long leases from the right of voting for local autho- rities, after the proposed changes had taken effect iu re- spect of other property, would lead to much inconvenience and confusion, while, on the other hand, it would be in- admissible to allow them to vote unless they acquired an immediate interest iu the rates. y. That the difficulties of the case would be equitably met by exempting the owners of property held under lease froni the proposed division of rates for a period of three years, and by providing that after the expiration of that time the occupiers of such property should be enti- tled, equally with all other occupiers, to deduct from the rent the proportionate part of the rates to which the owner may become liable, power being given to the owner at the same time to add to his rent a sum equivalent to the like proportionate part of the rates, calculated on the average annual amount of the rates paid by the occupier during the three years above referred to. 10. That by the terms of the reference to them, your THE FARAIEE'S MAGAZINE. 257 committee were limited to the question of the division of the charges on rateable property between the owners and occupiers, and what changes in the constitution of local bodies administering rates should follow such division ; and they have consequently been precluded from entering upon the inquiry of the relations of local and imperial taxation, and the nalure of the property liable to (he same. 11. That your committee are of opinion that the in- quiry on which they have been engaged forms only one branch of the general question of local taxation, and that other considerations, besides those which have been sub- mitted to their investigation, should be previously taken into account in any general measure giving cllcct to the above recommendations. 15^'/^ Jiilij, 1870. The committee was thus composed : ]Mr. Hunt, .Mr. Ayrton, Sir Massey Lopes, JMr. Acland, Air. Corrauce, Mr. Ivathbone, Mr. Pell, Mr. George Gregory, Sir "William Tite, Mr. Fielden, Sir Hedworth Williamson, ilr. AViiliam Henry Smith, Mr. Backhouse, Mr. Wheel- bouse, Mr. St. Aubyn, Colonel Brise, Sir James Law- rence, Mr. Birley, Mr. "Walter, Mr. Charles Seely, jun. ; Mr. Goschen (Chairman). The wituesses examined were ; Messrs. D. P. Fry, F. J. Cochrane, Tom Taylor, F. B. Garnett, II. A. Hunt, T. II. Earle, G. A. Webb, C. S. Read, M.P., J. Lam- bert, H. Pownall, W. H. Wyatt, F. H. Glossop, Genge -Vndrews, Rogers, Squarey, Sir S. Waterlow, Captain F. L. Uashwood, Dr. W. N. Hancock, SirT. Thwaites, J. Caird, Ilayward, Grant, Innes, May, W^ Middleton, T Aveney, and Dudlev Baxter. LOCAL TAXATION. The Central Chamber of Agriculture called a public meeting at Oxford on the Wednesday in the Show week for the purpose of discussing tlie subject of local taxation. Colonel Tomline, chairman of the Chamber, was to have taken the chair at the " banquet," but having met with an accident he was unable to do so, aad Sir Massey Lopes occupied !iis place. Sir George Jeukinson, owing to unforeseen circumstances, could not attend the meeting; Colonel Nortl;, M.P., was also absent ; Mr. F. S. Corrauce, M.P., who bad promised to attend, did not appear ; and Mr. Barnett, M.P., was unavoidably kept away. The attendance generally was very poor, and tiie cluiirman, in opening the business, regretted the smallness of the company. The Cii.^iRiivN having theu proposed " The Health of Her Majesty the Queen," the only toast given, moved the follow- ing resolution : "That this meeting protests against tlie pre- sent unjust exemption of income derived from personal pro- perty from contributing towards tlic various objects for wliich funds are now raised liy local rates, and is strongly of opinion that this grievance ulfects owners and occupiers of house pro- perty in towns quite as much as the landed interest, aud, therefore, that both descriiitions of property are equally in- terested in the removal of this anomaly." Referring to the Act of Elizabeth, which ordained that everyoue should pay towards the raamtenance of the poor of the country according to his means, that Act, no doubt, excepted from such taxation woods, forests, and mines. He would say, let them be in- cluded, aud also let personal property be iucluded, for " what was sauce for the goose was sauce for the gander." What they complained of was that they, the owners aud occupiers of laud, paid not only their fair share of imperial taxation, but they were also called upon to pay the exceptionally aud ever- increasing income tax, bi-yond the imperial burden. They were called upon to pay income tax in disguise to the extent of about 13 per cent, over aud above the owners of other de- scription of property. They had also to pay new impositions entirely nueoiinectcd with Poor-law management, and now they were called upon to pay an education rate. That was stated to be 3d. in the £, but he believed it would more often be (id. He contended that all these rates should be general in their incidence, and that all descriptions of property, in- cluding personal incomes, mines, woods, &c., slmukl pay a fair proportion of taxation. Mr. 11. II. MasI'EN (Staffordsliire) seconded the resolution, maintaining that nmuufacturers paid only a very small pro- portion of taxation for lab(nir compared with the payments which the agriculturist — the owner and occupier of land — was called upon to pay. ]\[r. NiEi.u (.Manchester) supported the resolution in a lengthy speech, in the course of which he was frequeutly in- terrupted. Mr. Ru.ssEN (Worcestershire) also supported the resolu- tion, which was carried. Mr. A. Pell, .M.P., moved: " That the proposal to divide the payment of rates between owners and occupier does uot alford any relief or remedy for the grievance complained of in the incidence of local taxation, and tiuit no settlement of the question could be accepted as final or satisfactory which is not preceded by a tliorough inquiry to determine whether the objects now locally provided for are of local or national obli- gation." Mr. Sewell Re.vd, M.P., seconded the motion. He had come to Oxford direct from the House of Commons that day, where he bad been advocating the extinction of all ground game, aud he hoped he should be ex- cused if he should wander a little from the subject in hand. He was himself a tenant-farmer, aud might be said to repre- sent the occupiers of land in South Norfolk, and if he said auything in favour of the owners of land, they must not sup- pose that liis sympathies were altogether in favour of those owners. He protested emphatically against the dogma that because it was possible to say that the owners of property might incur more benefit from the remission of local taxation than the tenant, therefore it was a question which ought not to occupy the attention of the Chamber of Agriculture. He protested against any such narrow-minded considerations. AVhat did the Governmeut propose to do for them m the cir- cumstauces in which they were placed ? They proposed to set landlord and tenant by the ears — to divide the rale between the owners aud the occupiers. In fact, by putting the lots into two baskets, on the back of one donkey, they wanted to make them believe that the same beast did not carry the whole burden. Col. Lewis (Wales) supported the resolution, which was carried. Mr. Holly (Devonshire) moved the last resolution : " That, until the question of local taxation reform has been satisfac- torily dealt with, this meeting pledges itself to oppose most strenuously the imposition of any fresh rates on tiie present unjust basis, for such purposes as national elementary educa- tion, expenses of elections, turnpike roads, emigration, &c." Mr. G. WiiiTTAKEii (Worcestershire) seconded the resolu- tion, which was carried, and the meeting broke up. [According to the "organ" of the Central Chamber, the '' general company consisted mainly of farmers attending the Royal Agricultural Siiow ;" whereas The North of Ewjland Farmer " regrets to say the meeting was worse than a fadure. Instead of 150 being present, as the authorities of the Central Chamber represented there would be, there were only between fifty aud sixty, twenty of wlioin were reporters with free tickets and two-thirds of the others were induced to attend by a Worcester mau. This is not our idea, we wish to say, but the view of a secretary of a provincial chamber, who was present."] LOCAL TAXATION. At the quarterly meeting of tlia Nottinghamshire Chamber of Agriculture held at Eivst Retford, the attendance was not so large as had been expected. In consequence of the Educa- tion Bill having passed the House of Commons, the subject was not discussed ; and Local Taxation was thus the only one left. The Rev. C. Neyile moved the first resolution : " That real property as opposed to personal property is subjected to much greater burdens in respect of the maiutenance of the poor, and other taxes, than it is entitled justly to bear ; this meeting is, therefore, of opinion that the area of rating should be ex- tended so that the whole income of the country, however de- rived, should bear its fair share of taxation." There was, no doubt, a dilficulty in the country in getting farmers to unite, 258 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. and in tliis respect they were not so successful as the inhabit- ants of towns ; but still if they could arrange to meet and combine together it would be a great advantage to the agri- tural interest, as they could then, by united action, press their questions on the Government of the day. It was sometimes said that this question of rating was not interesting to ten- ants— that tlie landlords had more to do with the question. Now, he had had a good deal of experience in the letting of land, and he was sure that Lord Gal way and Mr. Foljambe would confirm what he had said when he asserted that the increase of rating fell very heavily on the tenant. It was the reverse of a landlord's question ; but he said this, that if landlords did tlieir utmost to save tenants every shilling tliey could, ten- ants in return should do what they could to support the advo- cacy of such great public questions. Mr. John Walker (Mattersea) seconded the resolution. Mr. Geo. Stoker supported the resolution. He thought the real question at issue lay ia a nut-shell. The great ques- tion they liad to consider was that of rating ; and he thought that all farmers there, as well as tliose who had rateable pro- perty of any kind, must see tliat the rates were increasing to an alarming extent. In addition to those already imposed, they had tiie prospect of an education-rate, and, looming in the di.stance, perhaps an emigration-rate. Wlien they saw the position in which the agricultural interest was at present, and the fluctuations wliich were inseparable from this occupation, he thought the time liad arrived when the agricultural interest should take the lead in examining into this question, and ask why it was that they were charged with such an amount of rates, and whether other classes should not share the burdens of those rates with them. Their great grievance was, that as holders and occupiers of land they had to pay taxes on land and houses, to the exclusion of personal property or property consisting of shares, money in the funds, &c. The fact was that about two-thirds of the whole income of the country, as matters at present stood escaped taxation. Mr. F. J. S. FoLJAMBE, M.P., moved the second resolution, " That this Chamber regrets that the Government has made no attempt during the present session to place the burdens of taxation on a more extended and equal basis ; and therefore pledges itself to use eveiy constitutional means to produce a speedy adjustment of the question." He quite concurred with the assertion that the Government had made no attempt to settle the great question which they were then discussiug, but it must be kept in mind that the progress of the Ministry was one which demanded the strength of a Hercules to carry it out, and that more than one member of the Government had broken down under the labour of the session. He hoped that before the Government framed a measure on such a great question as this, great care would be taken in reference to its provisions, and ample time given for its consideration. So far as the resolution he had read went, he was sure that all who had agreed with tiie first resolution would have no difficulty in supporting the oae he had just read. The duty of all to use every constitutional means for the adjustment of the question was obvious ; and this must be done by bringing it before Par- liament by petition, supported by the efforts of their repre- sentatives in the House of Commons. There was no doubt some reason why the landed proprietor of the country should be called on to pay the taxes ; because the original tenure of land was that the defensive forces of the country in time of war should be supplied by the holders. That tenure had now completely altered, but when the Act was passed for rating land exclusively there was very little property of any other kind, and it was not till after the persecution in the low countries and in France that the authors of our now extensive manufactures came to this country and laid the foundation of England's wealth. Our present connections as a nation were now entirely altered, a'nd the necessity of a change in the mode of rating was obvious. It would, however, require great care in the framing of such a measure, for they could not always give a specific value to money. But it was quite in- controvertible that a great part of the income of this country, which had not yet borne its proportion in the payment of taxes, and when land was now so heavily taxed there was great danger that the new rates which were in prospect might belike the last straw, which would break the camel'sback. Mr. H. Beevor (Blyth), seconded the motion. Mr. GoDBER (Baldertou), supported the resolution. The Pouse of Parliament seemed to have no time at all to attend to the landed interest. They seemed to have lost sight of Eng- land. They were killing the fatted calf for Ireland, but they turned a deaf ear to the complaints of the farmer. Mr. Lowe, in his grand budget, forgot all about the Malt Tax, and it really seemed that they had no time to attend to the farmers of England, but they must look out for themselves, The resolutions were carried. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. The following report of a joint committee of the Inter- national Decimal Association, and of the Central Chamber of Agriculture, has been issued, under the signature of Lord Fortescue, as chairman : From evidence brought before your committee, it appears that the extreme difiTerence of practice in the weights and measures used in different markets of the United Kingdom, for the sale of grain and other agricultural products and manures, is the cause of considerable inconve- nience and loss. The Banbury, Devonshire, Essex, Howden- shire, Kincardineshire, Leicestershire, Malton, Monmoutli- shire, Norfolk, North of England, North Riding of Yorkshire, Scottish, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire Chambers of Ag- riculture are unanimous in their opinion that steps should be taken for obtaining a uniform system as speedily as possible ; and, from long experience, your committee are convinced that no voluntary or permissive legislation, and that no local arrangement or understanding will enable us to realize the object in view. In the language used by more than one of such Chambers, " Whatever standard be decided upon, the same should be made compulsory throughout the country." Besides, however, a general testimony in favour of uniformity of weights and measures in the United Kingdom, your committee find that a movement has been gaining ground for extending such uniformity among all countries. And your Committee are strongly impressed with the convic- tion that, dependent as we are upon foreign countries for the supply of grain, other agricultural products and manures, great advantage would be derived if, in making the necessary change, we could contribute to the realization of this larger object. It would save time, it would prevent errors, it would greatly facilitate commercial transactions, if grain were quoted in the same manner in every market of the world, and if our mer- chants and corn-growers could understand the ordinary quota- tions from Stettin and Odessa as readily as those from their own home markets. Nor is the object far from practical attainment. Your Committee have learned that considerable progress has already been made in the great work ; that a large number of countries, having an aggregate population of more than 200,000,000 (two hundred millions), botli on the Baltic and Mediterranean seas, and on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, have agreed in adopting and are already using the metric system ; that this system has just been established throughout our Indian Empire, and that in this kingdom and in the United states of America the use of the same weights and measures has been made legal and permissive. Under such circumstances, and believing that if a change is to be made, it is best to endeavour to secure a system as perfect as possible, one not likely to be again altered, and one equally suitable to the general wants of all classes of the community, your Committee have come to the conclusion that the best mode of obtaining a real and permanent uniformity in weights and measures applicable to the sale of gram and other agri- cultural products and manures is by adapting our present practice to the metric system. AVith a view to this object, your Committee beg to make the following recommendations : (1.) That, in the opinion of this Committee, it is desirable that the Government should be requested to act upon the recommendations of the Standards Commissioners in their second and third reports, by legislating, with the least prac- ticable delay, in reference to the introduction of the metric weights and measures in this country, and faciliating their use by making proper arrangements for the legal verification and stamping of such weights and measures. (3.) That the Chambers of Agriculture and the Chambers of Commerce be recommended to petition the Legislature to pass, with the least practicable delay, such enactments as will establish the kilogramme with its decimal multiples and divisions as the standard unit of weight in lieu of the present pound avoir- THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 269 dnpols and other imperial and customary weights. (3.) That, in tlie opiuion of your Committee, the use of such standard weights should be made compulsory witliiu a definite time ; and thenceforth contracts made by any other weights should be invalid, (i.) That, although the Central Chamber of Agriculture has recommended that graiu should be sold by the " cental" of 100 lb. (one hundred pounds), which is in use at Liverpool, yet as your Committee find the general average weight of a sack of the different kinds of grain to be about 224 lb. (two hundred and tweuty-four pounds), or the tenth part of a ton, they are of opinion that it would be desirable to substitute for the " cental " a weight of 100 (one hundred) kilogrammes (or, in other words, " a quintal"), which only differs by a fraction from 220 lb. (two hundred and twenty pounds). (5.) That this report be printed and copies trans- mitted to all the cliambers of agriculture and chambers of commerce, to agricultural societies, farmer's clubs, and mu- nicipal councils, with the request that tliey will circulate the same, and consider the recommendations of this Committee at their earliest convenience. CALENDAR OF AGRICULTURE, The harvest over tte largest part of the kingdom will be done during this month, an early portion of the crops being cut and carried during the latter end of last month, and the latest harvest extends over the North of Scot- land, and in late seasons is often prolonged into October. In these unsteady climates the grains are all cut by hand- sickles, toothed or scythed, tied into sheaves, and placed in stooks of twelve sheaves, often with two placed astride on the top, with the butt-ends meet- ing, and the grain ends split to cover the ends of the stook. This position defends the stook from rains, and in a dry condition ; but, when thoroughly wetted by heavy rains, the drying of the stook is prevented by the covering sheaves, which have often to be removed for the purpose of exposiug the stook to the drying winds. Still, it is reckoned a useful precautiou. Thatch must be always ready to cover the ricks, in hand-drawn straws from the last year's crop ; and in wheat-growing crops it suits well to thrash the new crop for seed, and to draw the straws for thatch from the operation of machinery. But, as be- fore observed, the thatching of ricks of grain will be wholly superseded by the permanent roofs of thin irons which cover the position of the ricks, in a row, with a railway intervening, for the convenience of the grains being conveyed to the thrashing machinery. The ar- rangement will wholly remove the risk of damage to the ricks before being thatched, which is often both a loss and a perplexing accident. Except in some cases of dry lands, early climates, and very short crops of straws, all grains should be tied into sheaves for the purpose of cou- venient handling, and for the better scutching by ma- chinery. Barley and oats, which are the crops that are treated in broadcast, may lie in svrathe for some days, turned over, and then tied into sheaves. Few crops arc so short in straws as not to admit this manufacture. The extreme shortness of straw prevails only on the chalks and sands of the southeru counties, in which the thrash- ing by flail rather than by machinery is suited for the se- paration of straws and grains, that are forked together as a hay-rick, making a slovenly work, partly necessary, but mostly continued from custom. Peas are ripped, torn, or cut from the ground by hand- sickle, laid into small heaps, that ai-e frequently turned over to procure a uniform dryness, and then carried into ricks or barns. The thatching of the ricks must be done quickly, as leguminous bodies imbibe and retain much moisture. A platform of wooden beams and bars, placed some feet from the ground, is a very suitable position for peas aud beans. An open space uuderueath is advantage- ous to any ricks of dried herbage. Machinery cuts beaus with a comparative advantage of the stems standing upright, and of strength to withstand the cutting power of the machine, and to fall regularly from its stroke, and, as when cut by hand-sickle, the haulm is tied into sheaves with straw ropes or with tarred twine, which last, being preserved, will last for several years. The ricks being all thatched and secured by ropes, the yard must be raked cleau; aud all rubbish carried to a dung-yard, so that a general neatness may- prevail on every point of management. Lay well-prepared earthy composts on grass-lands eaten bare and ou lucerne. Being previously scarified deeply, spread the compost evenly over the surface, bush- harrow, and then roll the ground heavily in dry weather. This treatment promotes an early spring vegetation. Finish the dunging of clay fallows for wheats. Cart stones and tiles to drains. Scour ditches. Repair, straighten, and widen brooks and rivulets, and mix the excavated materials with lime for earthy composts. In the end of the month scarify the pea and beau grattans, when the quality of the land will produce wheat, as is required from beans, and in some eases from peas : if not, it is referred for oats and barley in the spring. Burn into ashes the rubbish collected by the scarifyings, which will form a dress for the land ; and it may answer a good purpose to apply a sprinkling of farm-yard dung to assist the crop of autumn wheat. But this arrangement wholly depends if the crop of legumes has been thick on the ground aud has covered the land with a leafy canopy so close as to exclude light and drought, kill all weeds, retain moisture, engender minute life, and promote its destruction for the purpose of fer- tilizing the soil. Unless these circumstances are in existence the land must be cropped in the spring, with the advantages of the surface being scarified and the rub- bish burut into ashes. Plough grass leys for wheat in the end of the month, when the ground may be moistened by rains, aud the land may be exposed for a time before sowing. The practice is not much to be commended ; for on turnip soils, be the cause what it may, the fact is certain, that the turnip succeeds best after oats ; and as in the case of bare fallow lands, wheat on ley just before the fallowing, and being sown upon it, the two crops of the same vegetable are too nearly placed. Plough the green crop lauds of next year, and perform the operations of fallowing into the second or third earth with the rolling and clearing away of weeds and stones. The advantage is gained of a forward coudition in the spring. Objections have been found to land lying during winter in a fine comminution of particles, which admit the most intimate mixture with water, becoming " sleeched" in the manner of mud, and with its weakness, having the adhesion destroyed, that is so very necessary for the activity of vegetation being promoted. Autumn fiiUowing can be done ouly with early harvests and under benign climates, and it may not advance beyond some stray performances. In the end of the month plough clay fallows for wheat, and sow winter vetches on good lands for the early spring food. Mix the seed with beans or winter barley and rye, which last may be sown as a seed crop, aud also for an early green meat for ewes and lambs. Pick" hops. The flowers are cut by scissors from the haulm, and placed in bins ; paid by measure at a fixed rate ; then carried to the oast, and dried -with coke and 260 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. sulpliuf to give a yellow tinge; a sliglit eolouring is sometimes used. The hops are pressed into bags of a certain size and weight, and are ready for the marl:et. The haulm of the hop is used for litter in cattle yards, being slow of decomposition, it must be cut into short pieces. Place the poles on a dry ground in a conical form, with on extreme top covering. The latest crop of spring-sown vetches along with the second crop of clovers, will form the green meat of the farm, and must be amply supplied to the work horses, to the milch cows at the evening meal, to the young pigs in the store-yard, and to a yard of young cattle, and the earliest calves of the year. A portion of the herbage of the vetches will be provided with an early seeding, and being made into hay, or so far dried as to prevent mould, will form a most valuable food for work horses, and for keeping stock. The yards must be littered often and thinly with straws cut into short lengths by the thrashing machinery, as that CDnditiou will afford much convenience in the straws being mixed with the solid and urinary fffices, and for being covered in the land. The summer straws being thus prepared for litter, the yards erected in the basin-shape to hold moisture, and the animals amply supplied with green meat in an unbroken succession. The making of dung may go on during the summer months, and will produce a most valuable adkition iu tbe quantity, and of a quality fully equal to the winter pro- duction. It will wholly depend on the provision that is made of green food, which must be unbroken, and ample in the quantity. The preparation and acquisition of manure is fully equal iu importance to the cultivation of the land to which it is applied. CALENDAR OF GARDENING. Kitchen Garden. Sow salads, as mustard and cress, twice, with ten or fourteen days intervals ; radish in frames, and transplant lettuce to stand on ridges all winter. The seeds may be sown early for winter, and so soon as fit for transplanta- tion ought to be pricked out into a roomy frame, where the plants will prosper and stand the winter ; some of the hardiest brown sorts may perhaps endure the frost, but iu general the other sorts pi-evail. Plant the main stock of cabbages in an open situation, the soil rich with manure, unless it be new loam. All the " Brassicas" prosper amazingly in fresh earth, and indeed far better than in old garden soil. The plants of s])inacli raised from seed should be thinned out to regular distances of two or three inches ; the plants will then become stocky, and may be thinned again, and the plants so removed may be used for the table. Thin out and hoe the spaces between the rows of tur- nips, which should always be sown in drills. Sow salad again if required. Mushroom beds are prepared during the month, and is the proper season for those produced naturally, especi- ally if the month be showery. The plants show no reason for being cultivated in the dark, as they are seen to prosper in full day-light. Continual attention to weeding is now required, for now the garden is liable to be quickly filled with ground- sel, chickweed, and other rubbish. Trench, ridge, and dig spare grounds. Manure and prepare plots for artichokes, asparagus, sea-kale, and rhubarb. Carry oft' and clean the garden of haulm, and take all to the rotting compost heaps. Dig potatoes ; carefully pick out the worthless, the very small tubers, and the least appearance of disease, for though it is said that partial symptoms do not convey the infection yet it may be the safest way to avoid the contact as much as possible. Exterminate all weeds which will appear in the roots only, as it cannot be supposed that stems have been allowed to bear seeds in any cultivated grounds. Digging and hand-picking of the roots will remove the pests of the garden, which create a constant labour. Each plot of ground is brought into a state of clean older, a neat digging that renders a sober quiet picture during winter, more beautiful perhaps than that of the rampant luxuriance of summer. The earliest collected manure in the liquid pit will be ready to be used on the beds prepared for strong roots, as artichoes, rhubarb, sea-kale, and cabbage plants, which require a strong encouragement both in the soil and iu the manure. ^luch moisture is required in the dung, which should be deeply saturated with liquids, soaked and so far dried as not to lose any moisture by dropping. The collection of materials for manure in the dry com- post heap and in the liquid tank must be unremittingly continued during every season of the year. Fkcit Department. The first operation may be the final planting of straw- berry beds and rows, well-rooted young plants will rarely fail, but the best method is to be provided with young stock raised in pots and now transplanted with entire balls. Pot strawben-ics for forcing. Prune, bark to within three or four eyes of the projecting shoots, of apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees so far to aid the swelling of fruitful buds. At the end of the month plant young fruit trees iu a well wrought loam that is fresh and rich with dung, or in a turf of soil of a grassy vegetation which retains trees in much health and vigour. Pits in which trees are planted are prepared for one or two years by frequent diggings and mixings with short and rich liquids, so that the tree is richly fed, but the roots meet a strong obstacle in the passage from the loose soil into the firm bank of unmoved gi'ound. It may be better to place the roots among the loamy pre- paration in a moderate depth to spread horizontally along the upper stratum of the vegetable surface in which the fibrous roots of trees seek their aliment. Mulch the ground freely over the position of the roots. The orchard will be fenced : single trees must be defended by three or four posts in the ground bearing cross-bows at the top, which spread wider to admit the branches hav- ing a range of protection. The posts to open outwards at the top for that purpose. The stem of the young tree in two feet above the ground must be defended from the gnawings of hares and rabbits by a fence of a few wires joined together. The tree may be five to seven feet high, clean and smooth in the bark, gently tapering in the stem, with a strong leading shoot and branches regularly spread, of uniform length, root of healthy fibres attached to a strong tap, which must be all shortened when planted and laid in proper horizontal direction. No bundle of I'oots can be inserted. Gather the crops of pears and apples, and lay in store on a dry floor in a dry place ; cover with dry straw, when lain for some time, and remove every appearance of decay from the store. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 261 Place uets iu front of any wall fruit trees to catch the falling fruit. Protect grapes aud other fruits by musliu or gauze covers, aud if wasps abouud suspend bottles half tilled witii treacle-water among the branches, which will destroy a large number. Flowee Gauden. Finish the clipping of hedges, hawthorn, box-edgings, which may be planted and renewed, aud plant slips of herbaceous Howering plants; remove and re-pot any choice greeu-housc plauts aud place them iu their wiulcr quarters, aud transplant jjiuks raised from pipings. Weed and roll gravel walks aud lawns, when in a, damp state ; rough dig or fork all the vacent parts of borders ; give every portion of ground a neat hoeing and raking to destroy weeds and to bring the surface to that neat appearance which is so reposiug during winter. Weeds aud rubbish left now will prove a great nuisance, as it will soou be too late to work the ground. AUTUMN CULTURE. BY A PRACTICAL FARMER. The unusual suitability of this forward season for the operatious of autumn culture must be our excuse for again touching on the subject. The benefits to be derived from autumn culture are immense, and the virtues and fertility imparted to the soil by the various operations are invaluable. By autumn culture we mean the breaking up the soil immediately after harvest, and subjecting it to the customary processes of cultivation as for a summer fallow. For this purpose of breaking up, the power of steam is of wonderful ad- vantage. It would be of incalculable benefit to the coun- try if all the arable laud not under crop, which has been properly drained, could at once be broken up by the steam plough or cultivator within the next month. The destruction of weeds and the seedlings of weeds would be most effective. The absorption of atmospheric influences at this season when the air is greatly charged with the effluvia emitted from decayed and decaying vegetation is of surprising benefit, being deposited by dews and rains. The destroying of insects, grubs, wireworms, slugs, and all such pests by these processes is of itself salvation to many a crop. The dews and rains alone supply the soil under this management with all the constituents neces- sary for the production of a wheat crop, and the prepara- tion of other soils for early corn seeding or spring root crops is of great, if not essential importance. It also greatly facilitates fallow operations for the ensuing spring and summer. Would that steam cultivation was just now universal ! What wondrous benefits it would confer upon all cultivators at this season ! and to clay lands and retentive adhesive soils it would be like a new creation. The amelioration of such soils by this deep, powerful, and effective pulverization gives it new powers, which could not otherwise be obtained. The cost of steam engines and the cultivating machinery and apparatus necessary for these works would be amply recouped by the value of their work at this particular season, to say nothing of their value and usefulness at other periods of the year. The steam engine itself would almost be iu daily use. W^e sincerely hope these implements will speedily be accessible to every farmer, to facilitate which little companies should be formed in every district for the purchase and management of these expensive appliances to farm culture, each member having the use of them according to arrangement. Wealthy farmers will do well to supply themselves. In this way steam cultivation may be greatly extended, aud the higher branches of culture would thus be generally adopted. To promote this order of culture should now be the object of every intelligent farmer. It is good for the land, it is good for the farmer, it is good for the country. We most decidedly approve of steam cultivation for autumn culture ; but as it is not yet in general practice, we should suggest the adoption of that order of culture which most nearly approaches it. For this purpose ploughs should be used with the digging breasts only, as sxipplied by all our leading plough-makers, or the strong skeleton ploughs well armed with prongs miu;ht suftlce. The object being to break up the soil as roughly as possible, in order that the greatest amount of surface, be it clods or otherwise, should be presented or laid open to the sun and air, for the absorption of atmospheric influences, as also to facili- tate its further culture by scarifiers, and harrows. Lands that have borne a pea or a bean crop are generally in- fested with slugs. These operations are certain destruc- tion to thein, and if the season is suitable for the wheat seeding, a splendid plaut is the result. The autumn pre- paration for an early spring crop is exceedingly good practice. Beans and peas can be got in very advantage- ously, but it is still better for the potato or mangold crop. On mild soils very little more is required iu the spring but a good harrowing, followed by the plough, either in ridging, or upon the flat, so that the crops may be put in according to the will of the farmer. In the district from whence we write, it is customary to prepare thus for these crops, and few parts of the country can equal them. For clays and stiffer soils it is requisite to lay them up in small lands or broad ridges, ready to be broken down in the spring, prior to seeding. We will give our suggestions as to the proper course to be pursued in autumn culture. The crops should all be cut as close to the ground as possible. As the fields are cleared, the breeding ewes and ordinary grazing sheep should be put in to pick up the seedling weeds and grassy headland. In a few days a surface har- rowing should take place, whereby the seeds of weeds may be encouraged to vegetate, so as to secure their destruction under the cultivating operations. After these prelimina- ries, and the completion of the harvest (for be it always remembered that the ingathering of the harvest should at all times be of the first importance, all other things giving way to it), all the teams in the absence of steam power, should at once be set to work to break up the soil as deeply and roughly as possible, the rougher the better. When ail is thoroughly broken up, let it lie awhile, till other farm operations which may have remained in abey- ance are got on with, so that no department of farm work is iujurioualy neglected. In a week or two from the breaking up, the various operations of culture should be proceeded to, with heavy scarifiers or harrows to move all the broken-up soil, and expose fresh surfaces to at- mospheric influences, and all fields not required for seed- ing may be thus left for an indefinite time, or till they are required for spring service, providing the winter and wea- ther is propitious ; but occasionally they get so drenched and consolidated by rains as to require a fresh breaking up, or ploughing in the spring, this the farmer's judgnient will decide." All fields required for the wheat seeding, or winter beans, should be left in the rough state till seed time, and tlien to be reduced to a proper pulveriza- tion for the seed bed, by such harrowings and rollings as may be required. Tf they are reduced too soon the pro- 262 THE FAEMEE'S MAGAZINE, babillties are that the soil would run too close together to make a good seed bed. We repeat that autumn culture is invaluable, and ought to be universally practised. We say that aU objections and hindrances to this order of cul- ture must give way before an advancing agriculture. We most sincerely urge the universal adoption of steam culti- vatioB at this particular seasoa for the first operation of breaking up the soil. All subsequent workings may be ad- vantageously done by the teams. It is highly desirable thus to promote cleanliness upon the farm, but it is of higher importance to obtain those fertilizing properties which are imbibed by the soil under this system of culti« vatioa. THE DEY SEASON. BY THE NOETHERN EABMER. A succession of diy summers, such as has been experienced, more or less, during the two past and present years, but most severely in 1868 and 1870, has a very marked effect on the business of the agriculturist, seriously affecting his pecuniary interests, and when there is a large number of live stock to be provided for during the winter months there is considerable danger of the loss occasioned being almost irreparable. During the past summer, and even up to the present date, but few districts in these kingdoms have altogether escaped injury, either to hay. pastures, corn, or green crops. The spectacle of cattle and sheep feeding on growing corn during the months of June and July for the purpose of trying to keep the animals alive is one but seldom pre- sented to the people of this country, and yet in some of the southern English counties it was this season un- fortunately too common. Such a proceeding showed, not only the straights to which stockowners were reduced to procure food for their animals, but also emphatically proclaimed the miserable condition and prospects of the corn crop. Clearly the fields so occupied were not sup- posed capable of paying for purchased food for the stock if held on till harvest and gathered in the usual course. The loss of a field of corn is a very trying thing to a tenant-farmer, and affects him more ways than one, as the money he looked forward to receive by the sale of the grain is not only go^e, but the straw, so necessary for winter use, and laying the foundation of future fertility in the shape of valuable manm-e, is also hope- lessly gone, the double loss amounting to something con- siderable. Even now the state of the pastures nearly everywhere is most distressing to look at, the grass, when there is any, being utterly devoid of succulence, and where the fields were bared down in the early part of the season, and the sun had consequently full play on the roots, there is not a vestige of anything in the shape of food, the entire moisture of the soil being apparently exhausted. It will be a good many weeks ere the soaking autumual rains will be able to bring back a shade of verdure to such fields, powerfully aided as they will by the high rate of temperature imparted to the earth's sur- face by the lengthened continuance of intense heat. Grasses and clovers spring-sown have done better amongst the corn than when sown without a crop ; in the one case benefiting by the shade, and in the other the tender root- lets were unable to cope with the full glare of the sun, and although perhaps not completely killed out, yet being only able to maintain a feeble and struggling existence, there is now but a few dried blades, where, in more congenial seasons, there would be by this time a dense mass of luxuriant vegetation, capable of fattening a sheep of any size, and from six to eight to the statute acre. An instance of this sort has occurred in our own experience this season, and is a very fair illustration that a mode of farming, however good in principle and successful in some years, may yet occasionally be beaten by the very method which it is supposed to supersede. While the fields on which the sm^ seeds were sown siniultaneously with the corn crop show a beautiful covering of verdure, the clover in some instances being half way in the sheaves of corn, about twenty acres laid down without a crop, consisting of grasses, clovers, and rape, cannot admit of the sheep being put on them, being literally burned down ; the rape leaves, which should by this time be broad and luxuriant, possessing not the slightest succulence. This is on land after a highly manured green crop the previous season, capable of bearing wheat or any other cerial, so that both corn and straw is lost in this instance, without much prospect of the herbage being so much strengthened as to afford a fair amount of feeding during the current year. Swedes, where they escaped the fly in the earlier stages of their growth, now begin to succumb to the intensity of the drought, large squares withering ofl", and the leaves where not actually withered yet drooping so much as to make it very dubious whether in the event of dry weather continuing much longer they may ever be able to recover themselves. This crop when so terribly checked by dry weather, is extremely apt to mildew late in autumn, the bulbs, even if they attain a moderate size, keeping badly, being affected by dry rot, and having black or discoloured flesh, a sure indication that the feeding properties of the plant are materially impaired. Mangolds on light land suffer also from such a lengthened drought, though in a less degree than the swede, the bulbs being in general sound, although much smaller in size than they ought to be. The crown seems to be affected first and the leaves proceeding immediately from it — withering off, growth is stopped — and a full crop cannot be calculated on when this casualty becomes at all general on the field. But for the immense labour consequent on watering large breadths of green crop with a horse and water-cart, it should surely be more generally attempted than it is, as the re- sults even from such a primitive method of laying on the water are so successful that they should command both the respect and attention of farmers to a much greater extent than is given by them to the subject at the present day. We happen to know a small farmer who is a highly successful grower of turnips, and for much of his success he is indebted to his energetic use of the water-cart during those seasons which are so dry as to threaten partial or total loss of the crop. Singularly enough his neighbours, probably deterred by the herculean labour, do not imitate him in an example so meritorious, preferring to risk the crop rather than attempt it. Turnips raised solely with artificial manures have a trying ordeal to endure during such a season as the present, not having the advantage or the chance of the slightest particle of moisture from dung or anything present in the soil capable of containing moisture, and on which they might be able to maintain an existence, however struggling. In this case the water-cart would be particularly beneficial, pro- bably saving the crop, or at least greatly increasing its bulk, by a few applications at the most critical time of its growth. The necessity of having recourse to artificial watering during such seasons as that of 1870, not only for one crop but for all— hay, pastures, roots, and corn — THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE, 263 tas attracted the attention of thinking men, and already a movement is on foot to devise the best and most economical means of irrigating with pure water, whether the supply is obtaiued from a river or by storing that which falls from the clouds. This is a highly important matter, and well worthy of serious attention, particidarly when such results are obtained from the application of sewage, and the modes of storing and putting the latter on the laud being so easily copied or modified, so as to suit pecidiar circumstances and situations. It it certainly highly suggestive to find such large sums capable of being made by an acre of grass which has been dressed with sewage. Surely in situations where river water can be easily led to particular fields and laid on to the crop by gravitation, it would be well worth giving it a trial. The fertilizing property being absent, the same results could not of course be expected ; but they might easily be sup- posed to be so great as to pay for all expenses, and leave a respectable profit besides. Ordinary irrigated meadows are a familiar example of what can be accomplished by pure water ; the same fields, year after year, giving heavy crops without the aid of any other fertilizer. One could suppose the refreshing influence \vhich would be exercised on a pasture field by the letting on of a stream of water for a few hours, and how gratefully the parched soil would absorb the welcome moisture, A field so treated would be an oasis in any district, its greenness being in pleasing and extraordinary contrast to the brown and withered appearance of the surrounding country. For a regularly- organized system of irrigation, where the water has to be raised to a certain height before it can be used, steam- power, as the most regular, most completely under con- trol, and at all times available, would probably prove most suitable. Where large reservoirs were constructed for storing the water until required for use, windmills, the motive power for which costs nothing, would be both serviceable and economical. The subject is an important one, and we are greatly deceived if this season's expe- rience will not have the efi^ect of bringing it prominently forward ; the best means for procuring a cheap supply of water fcr field crops being agitated and discussed by men of standing and influence in both the agricultural and engineering professions. Happy is the farmer this year who, having a heavy stock, however short of grass he may be, has still abund- ance of water on his own land or within easy distance, as more than half his difficulties are overcome when this is the case. Cattle do astonishingly well with plenty of water, even when the grass appears almost incapable of supporting them ; and on the other hand if both are short, disease is certain to get in amongst them, and deaths from indiges- tion and similar causes are almost sure to take place. Dairy stock have dried up prematurely, even wheje the range was large, the grasses having lost all succulence, jiad green house-food, even where preparations had been made for a supply, being very hard to obtain in large quantity. Butter has, in consequence of the small make, risen to an extravagant price, and has every appearance of reaching what may prove a heavy tax on the consumer, without however recouping the producer for the loss sus- tained by the iudift'erent yield. Of all the stock on the farm sheep thrive best in a dry season, particularly if they have the shade of a large fence to retire to, or an occasional clump of trees. This has been a trying season for them, the fly having been extremely troublesome, great assiduity being required to preserve them from iujury sustained by its attacks. When fly-struck we find nothing better for healing the excoriated skin after the maggots have been picked off, than a little dust of powdered white lead ; it not only dries up the moisture on the wound, and allays the pain, but it also is a thorough preventive of a subsequent lodgment being efl"ected. Those breeds which have not a protecting lock of wool on the forehead, get dreadfully scalded from the constant attacks of these troublesome insects. Applications of tar are not only unsightly, but require constant renewal, a linen cap should therefore be placed on every sheep which has been badly abraded, and all further trouble is at once obviated, and the poor ani- mals relieved from a very large amount of annoyance and even pain. Valuable sheep should on no account be neg- lected in this particular. Sore breasts have been and still are frequent this dry and hot season, caused by the sheep lying flat and spending much of their time in that posi- tion. The parts coming into contact with the ground get stripped of the skin, and a very bad sore is the inevitable consequence. We find it useful to scrape oft' the mortified matter, and anoint with a mixture composed of equal parts of "oil of tar," "spirits of turpentine" and " butyr of antimony," For all sores on sheep this mixture is very healing, and should be con- stantly at hand. To all appearance the approaching winter will be a trying one on many owners of stock, the hay and turnip crops being so indifferent, and recourse must be had, and that extensively, to artificials. Corn is not likely to be dear, and, if not, should form a leading feature in the assisted food of both sheep and cattle. By its use adul- teration is escaped, the consumer knowing exactly what he is paying for, which is a very important point, and one not always easily ascertained when manufactured foods are purchased. The extreme dryness of the soil has rendered it almost useless to put in any kind of turnips after corn or other crops, there being not the slightest chance of their doing any good ; but grasses sown on scarified stub- bles will come exceedingly handy in the spring for sheep ; and pure Italian rye-grass, sown on rich well-cleaned stubbles, or on potato land, will give a supply of spring food which not only come in early but prove exceedingly valuable. IRISH BUTTER MARKET. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — As a general rule there has been a difficulty in ascer- taining the real value of butter by quotations of prices, arising from the fact that the qualities are so variable ; but the diffi- culty is to a great extent overcome by the system adopted in the Cork Butter Market, of dividing the butter into six quali- ties or classes, and allowing each quality to bring its own value in price — the very large supply to the market causing the prices of each qualitj to be strictly ruled by supply and de- mand. In such a market as Cork — the largest butter market in the world — where such a great quantity of butter has to be sold every day, no other influesge feut supply ancl demand eaa long rule, and it may be fairly assumed that the prices of Cork butter over a period of years are a safe standard of the values of the respective qualities, the price of first Corks being the legitimate value of the best Irish butter, aud that the prices of the other classes represent also the value of butters corres- ponding to them in quality. I send you Tables, showing, 1st, The average prices of each quality per month for the past three years ; 2nd, The highest and lowest prices of first quality per month for the same period ; 3rd, The highest and lowest prices each year for the other qualities, 264. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. I have selected a three years' average, as it deals with the present values of goods ; while au average ruuuiug back over a longer period would be likely to mislead, as it would include prices to vvliich there is uo pro- bability of our ever returnmg, and a totally different state of affairs as regards the effect of foreign supply and demand. A careful study of those tables will give a good idea of the gene- ral course of prices, but in purchasing Irish butter, to be able to operate to advantage, the buyer should have an intimate knowledge and experience of, and should constantly and care- fully study all the influences that may affect it in price and quality. Those influences are numerous, extremely varied, aud subject to constant change. The price is affected by many causes, among whicli are home supply, foreign supply, home and foreign consumption, by the demand, by the prices of butter in different markets, by the relative prices of other provisions, by the weather, by stocks in hands of botli consumers and speculators in various places, and by many local and temoorary causes, such as haymaking, har- vesting, hohdays, rent-days, &c., which have the effect of either sending in or keeping back butter from market. 'I'he quality, either as regards its keeping properties or otherwise, is affected by the weather, by the condition of the milk, the description of cattle, by the pasture, by the size, airiness, and convenience of the dairies, and very much by the sort of fuel used in the district ; where peat or turf is burned the butter generally taking a flavour from it. Butter intended for keeping should be thoroughly freed from the milk in making, the cream being in good condition, and not injured by heat, and the butter should be made close in grain, firm, and not loo rich. Such butter does not require the great quantity of salt that is necessary in butter not pos- sessing those keeping properties. Sound judgment on tliis point is rare, and can only be acquired by experience. AVhen buying butter for keeping, care should be taken that it has not been already held for a long time, particularly during the hot summer mouths. I am yours truly, T. J. Clanc'iiy, TJ'dfercovrse, Cork. Butter Merchant. Table showing the Average Price per Month for Three for each quality of Cork Butter. 1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. 5th. 1867. s. s. s. s. 8. January 120 ... 112 ... 92 ... 72 ... 60 .. February 120 ... 113 ... 89 ... 70 ... — .. March 120 ... 116 ... 96 ... 68 ... — .. April 122 ... 120 ... 98 ... 64 ... 50 .. May 108 ... 101 ... 88 ... 75 ... 49 .. June 100 ... 97 ... 86 ... 78 ... 55 .. .Tuly 99 ... 95 ... 83 ... 75 ... 58 .. August 97 ... 91 ... 79 ... 74 ... 60 .. September 102 ... 92 ... 82 ... 76 ... 63 .. October 106 ... 96 ... 85 ... 80 ... 70 .. November 105 ... 91 ... 83 ... 79 ... 70 .. December 107 ... 91 ... 80 ... 74 ... 68 .. 1868. January 115 ... 109 ... 90 ... 76 ... 52 .. February 120 ... 117 ... 105 ... 90 ... 63 .. March 121 ... 119 ... 112 ... 99 ... 74 .. April 128 ... 127 ... 119 ... 110 ... 94 .. May 106 ... 103 ... 94 ... 90 ... 86 .. Jime 102 ... 100 ... 93 ... 89 ... 75 July 109 ... 105 ... 98 ... 86 ... 81 .. August 121 ... 115 ... 110 ... 106 ... 96 . September 127 ... 121 ... 115 ... 112 ... 100 October 130 ... 126 ... 120 ... 117 ... 106 November 131 ... 127 ... 121 ... 119 ... 116 December 136 ... 133 ... 122 ... 116 ... 106 .. 1869. January 145 ... 143 ... 128 ... 117 ... 107 .. February 144 ... 144 ... 123 ... 107 ... 99 .. March 138 ... 138 ... 112 ... 90 ... — April 130 ... 126 ... 94 ... 84 ... 60 . -May 105 ... 101 ... 90 ... 81 ... 64 June 103 ... 100 ... 93 ... 86 ... 70 July 104 ... 101 ... 94 ... 89 ... 79 .. August Ill ... 104 ... 98 ... 92 ... 84 September 119 ... UO ... 101 ... 98 . . 87 Ociober 125 ... 116 ... 107 ... 102 ... 91 .. November 128 ... 121 ... 113 ... 109 . 97 December 131 ,,. 119 ,.. 107 ... 101 „, 96 \, Year.s, 6th. 40 44 46 55 60 59 65 76 80 103 99 (B o n iB P 2, S » ■« ffl 2, g jwJ;Otfi.tO.• |>!» ot^^h-oiasif^H-'OOH^co 0050CD'COl*-a)^400COo .-' h- to 05 bS M Ml-' O OCD M 5J I— !-• S ti w m m w m 02 01 • I «■ !^- 9 < ."■■g.jq^g'5 2;.^^ P^? tC bSM tC K)CO»-'W C005t>305CnvIl-.'b5aDH-CnH-i i i i i i : i i i i : : w ^ CD 3. '< P << r-'g.rp >< g <^ 2. ►I F^ to . M h- b3 10 ro iWt005t-ot0 005CnOtOt4 92 ro o o fj c g, E s-S^ p 2. 2 d^Qooi^oocti^cobsa^coo^ tnOh-'COOSOSCnLOOOcncncD jjiWsnaioiaiTfiViWOivitr'm a.rt S- CO p*. o o 1-1 "> f S CD £. CO ° SHEEP SALES AND LETTINGS. SALE Of OXFORDSHIRE SHEARLING RAMS.— At the annual sale of rams, bred by Mr. John Treadwell, of the Model Farm, Upper Winchendon, the auctioneer was Mr. J. A. Muraford, of Chilton, Thame. The following are the purchasers and prices realized : Mr. Foster, 12 J gs. ; Mr. Palmer (Slenkey), 11 gs. ; Mr. Parrott (Shis- burn), 6 gs. ; Mr. Salmon, Tigs.; Mr. Foster, 11 j gs. ; Mr Phillips, 5| gs. ; Mr. Bulford, 9| gs. ; Mr. Bliss, 10 gs. ; Mr, Greaves, 11 gs. ; Mr. W. Stevens. ^\ gs. ; Mr. Syrall, 9| gs. Mr. Dover, 9 gs. ; Mr. Bliss, 7^ gs. ; Mr. W. Stevens, 8 gs. Mr. LinneU, lOJ gs.; Mr. Saunders, 11| gs. ; Mr. Higgins 11 gs. ; Mr. Bliss, 8 gs. ; Mr. Cooling, 8j gs. ; Mr. Parrott 9 gs. ; Mr. Ginger, 9 gs. ; Mr. Watson, 6 gs. ; M.'. E. Free man, 10 gs. ; Mr. Bulford, 6^ gs. ; Mr. Dover, 7 gs. ; Mr Rowland, 10 gs. ; Mr. Bryant, 13 gs. ; Mr. Rand, 6 gs. ; Mr, Bulford, 6 J gs. ; Mr. Ginger, 6J gs. ; Mr. Rose, 7 gs. ; Mr Bhss, 6 gs. ; Mr. Gregory, 8J gs. ; Mr. Williams, '&\ gs Mr. Parrott, 5| gs. ; Mr. Rund, 5|^ gs. ; Mr. King, 10 gs, Mr. Bliss, ^\ gs. ; Mr. Jones, 9 gs. ; Mr. J. Cox, 6 gs. ; Mr, Rowland, 11 gs. ; Mr. G. Clarke, 8 gs. ; Mr. Ginger, 7 gs Mr. Guy, 6| gs. , Mr. Brett, 8^^ gs. ; Mr. E. Clarke, 6 gs. ; Mr Boddington, 6 gs. ; Mr. Timbertuke, 8 gs. ; Mr. Syrett, 7 gs. Mr. Holt, 7 gs. ; Mr. May, 8 gs. ; Mr. Higgins, 7| gs. ; M Tompkins, 3 gs. ; Mr. King, h\ gs. ; Mr. J. Osborne, 6| gs. Mr. J. Perkins, 8 gs. The sale realized £470. The average was considerably below that of last year. During the day Mr THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 265 Tieadwell stated tliat lie intended to challenge the decision of the Judges at the Royal Show at Oxford with respect to the disciualification of liis shecii, aa he had two witnesses to prove that iiis sheep were shorn iu the tirst and second weeks in April. THE SCOUBOROUGH RAMS.— The annual letting of Mr. James Hall's Leicester rams took place at Scorborough, near Beverley. The sheep were in good condition, and there was a large bidding and a successful letting. Of 105 slieep only 13 did not find customers by public sale. One shearling reached £~3 to Mr. J . S. Jordan, fifly-live shearlings brought an average of £9 14s , and thirty-seven ol 1 sheep averaged £G 'Js. The geueral average was £8 7s. 6d. THE WEST DEREHAM (MR. HUGH AYLMER'S) SHEEP LETTING. — Tiie animals brought to the hammer consisted of 100 ram lambs, 80 sliearliug, and ten two-shear rams, and the prices realised were for ram lambs from £!■ 5s. to £8 15s., the average being £5 4s. 4d. ; the sliearlings from £6 5s. to £17 10s., the average £'8 58. 9d.; the two-shears from £0 5s. to £11, the average £7 10. THE MARHAM HALL RAM LETTING.— The annual letting of Cotswold rams and ram lambs took place on Mr. T. Brown's farm at Marham Norfolk. The animals submitted to competition comprised SO ram lambs, 80 shear-ling and 10 two- shear Cotswold rams, all of which had been bred by Mr. Brown. The SO ram lambs averaged £6 Os. lOd. Of the shearling rams, the first 10 averaged £10 16s. 3d. ; the first 20, £11 'Js. 3d. ; the first 30, £10 Us. 6d. ; the first 40, £10 13s. 4d. ; first 50, £10 6s. 3d. ; first 60, £10 4s. 6d. ; first 70, £9 I'Js. 6d. ; the 80, £'J 13s. Tlie 10 two-shear rams averaged £5 19s. 5d. ; one of the sheep sliowu at llarleston let for £31 10s., and other good sheep for the same amount, Mr. Brown reserving his Oxford prize sheep for his own use. THE COTSWOLD ANNUAL RAiM SALES.— These annual sales commenced by Messrs. Lyne and Acock submitting atBroadfield Farm, for Mr. Lane, five prime Cotswold sheep for letting, and selling 47 other shearlings. There was a vigo- rous competition for No. 1, and the hammer ultimately fell to Mr. Swanwick, of Cirencester College, when 80 guineas had been reached, the highest price realised in the sale. Several others made high figures, and the result showed an average of £14 Us. 8d. The same auc'.ioneers offered four sheep for letting, and sold 47, drafted from the flock of Mr. 11. Game, of Aldsworth. Nos. 7 and 9 excited spirited biddings, and they were ultimately knocked down at 50 gs. each. The 51 sheep averaged £16 4s. They also sold for Mr. Walker, of Nortlileach, 38 prime shearhng Cotswold rams. Mr. Barton, of Coin St. Denis, purchased the highest-priced animal for 36 guineas. The average was good, being £13 Ss. SALES AT CIRENCESTER FAIR.— Mr. Clarke, of Erampton Mansell, showed 10 shearlings, which were sold at an average of 6| gs. each. Mr. Charles Barton showed 12 shearlings, eight of which were disposed of at 8 gs. each, the highest price obtained being 15 gs. MR. COXON'S ANNUAL SALE. — The fourteenth annual sale of Shropshire rams and ewes took place at Freeford. The sale was entrusted, as usual, to Mr. W. G. Preece. Tlie shearling ram C?.p-tivator, the winner of the first prize at the late national show at Oxford, after a spirited bidding, was secured by Mr. AV. German for the season for 35 gs. Commander was purchased by Mr. F. Bj rd for 35 gs., thp Breeder's Friend by Mr. Harding for 19 gs., and Chancellor by Mr. German lor 42 gs. The ram which seemed to be the prime of the lot, and which realised the longest figure vvas Coercion, secured by Mr. Clare for 52 gs. The first department of the sale, viz., 29 rams, realised £198 15s., an average of about £17 4s, each. The next lots were six noted rams, the principal. Preserver, being bought by Mr. Masfen for 24 gs,, and Baron Pendeford by Mr. Webb for 18 gs. This lot realised £88 4s., an average of £14 14s. each. There were ten pens of five ewes eacii, which realised £135 7s. 6d., an average of £3 Is. 4d. each. MR. E. WATERS' SALE OF RAMS, RAM LAMBS, AND EWES was held by Mr. Waters, of Salisbury, and 100 ram lambs, 13 sliearliug rams, and 216 ewes were sold. The two former classes went off very well, but the ewes sold badly. Among tlie highest prices given we may men- tion the following : Mr. Mayo, 15 gs. ; ^Ir. Rawlence, 44 gs. ; Mr. Kent, 14j gs. ; Mr. Lyue, 25 gs. ; Mr. Compton, 25 gs. ; Mr. Russell 15^ gs. ; Mr. Hoddinolt, 14^ gs.; Mr. Syraes, 131 gs. ; Mr. C, Long, 15^- gs. ; Mr. Noteley, 16 gs. ; Mr. Kellow, for Mr. A. Morrison, 39 gs. After this prices gra- dually lowered to 4 gs., and the average over 100 lambs dis- posed of was £9 18s. 6d. For shearlings prices ranged from 4 gs. up to 2l gs. ; Mr. Hoddinolt gave 20 gs., and Mr. Moore gave 30 gs. The average for the older sheep was £15 3s. 8d. The sale of the second portion of the late Mr. E. Waters' im- proved Hampshire Downs at Stratford-sub-Castle, on Wed- nesday last, drew a large attendance of the principal sheep breeders and agriculturists of the surrounding and more distant counties. The auctioneer was Mr. John Waters, of Salisbury. For a pen of ten six-tooth ewes, the extraordinary price of £7 per head was obtained, Mr. Brine (Dorset) being the pur- chaser. The average for this age was £3 6s. per head. For an equally fine ])eu of four-tooth ewes, Mr. Parker, of Lashara, Hants, ])aid£5 10s. per head— the average of the four-teeths being £2 17s. 9d. The same gentleman (Mr. Parker) gave £5 10s. per head for the best pen of two-teeth ewes, and this age averaged £2 13s. 8d. For chilvcr lambs, 50s. was the price paid for the best pens, the average being £1 16s. 2d. The ram lambs, which were younger than those sold ou the first occasion, ranged from £3 to £9 9s., averaging £4 14s. per head, THE OXFORD SALE OF SHORTHORNS. — Lady Knightly 2nd goes not to Australia, but to Messrs. Wolcott and Campbell, New York jMills, Oneida Co., United States, who also purchased Patricia, through the same agent, Mr. R. Gibson. MR. COTHER'S RAM SALE.— Mr. Cother's thirty-ninth ram sale took place at Middle Aston, and there was a fair at- tendance of farmers, breeders, and others. There were 46 lots sold, and the liighest price realised was 15 gs., the second 14 gs., and the third £12 Is. 6d. ; the average was £7 12s. 3d., and the total amount of the sale £350 3s. 6d. Mr. Savage, of Sarsden, bought five of the best sheep for Canada. THE MARKSHALL FLOCK.— The annual letting of Mr. T. Allen's long-woolled rams took place on his farm at Markshall. The following was the result: The 21 ram lambs averaged £3 16s., and the 34 shearling rams £6 17s. 6d. MR. NICHOLSON'S HAMPSHIRE DOWNS AND MR. SEXTON'S COTSWOLDS.— At Ipswich, Mr. Sparling sold for Mr. Nicholson, who had been a very successful breeder and exhibitor of this class of sheep. Tiie first two Hampshire ram lambs fetched £2 15s. each, three others £4, £3, and £3 respectively. The tirst half-bred rain lamb realised £2 10s., another £1 12s. 6d., and a third £2 12s. 6d. A Hampshire shearling ram was sold at £3, a Lincoln shearling ram £3 5s., and a half-bred £3 5s. After the sale of Mr. Nicholson's sheep, about 20 Cotswold shearling tups, the property of Mr. G. M. Sexton, Wherstead Hall, were offered for sale. Five of the tups fetched £4 each, three £4 5s. each, one £4 10s., another £5, and a third £7. The others averaged about £3 15s. At Bingley Hall, nearly 200 Shropshire rams and 300 ewes were pitched ; but the attendance was much smaller than usual. Mr. E. Lythall's lot made from 5 i to 10 guineas ; about half being passed. Mr. Yates's from 5^ to 12 gs. ; half sold. Mr. Nock's 6 to 20 gs. ; all sold, and averaging about 11 gs. Lord Willonghby de Broke's, Lord Sudeley's, Mr. R. Wyatt's, and other lots were withdrawn. One only of Mr. Sheldon's was sold, at 30 gs., to Mr. D. H. Davies. Three of Blr. May's went at from 5\ to 10 guineas, one being let ; and one of Mr. Pilgrim's at 15 guineas. The interest of the day, however, centred in Mrs. Beach's lot, which included three Royal winners. The third prize two shear was first offered, and let for the season to Messrs. Webb and Sons, Seed Farms, Kinver Hill, at 63 guineas. Then followed the second prize, which made 35 gs. for the season, to Cap- tain Oliver. Mr. May secured the third prizeshearliug at 43 guineas ; the others bringing the average down to £28 13s. The prices and the public voice both confirmed the opinion that the respective positions of the two aged prize sheep at Oxford should have been reversed ; as, iu fact, the third prize has previously let higher than the second. The ewes sold far better than was anticipated. Mr. Yates's made 42s. to 44s. ; Mr. Pilgrim's 40s. 'lO 110s., the highest price of the day, given by Mr, Firmstone ; Mr. Nock's 53s. to 58s. ; Mr. Lort.'s 40s. to 50s. ; Mr. E. Lythall's 45s. to 53s. ; Mr. Owen's 45s. to 50s. ; i\Ir. Shuttleworth's 40s. to 47s. ; Mrs. Beach's 53s. to 59s. ; Mr. Tongue's 45s. to 49s. ; Mr. ToUfree's 42s. to 50s. ; Mr. Chilwcll's 36s. to 40s. ; and Mr. Hughes's 45s. 266 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Mr. Willonghby Wood's sale was held at Holly Bank, when 35 rams were oiTered, and all sold at prices ranging fram 5J to 25 guineas — the average being £8 2s. 6d. The ewes made from 40s. to 55s. — average, 48s. Messrs. Lythall, and Clarke, of Birmingham, conducted the last two sales. Mr. James Eawlence's ram sale under Messrs. Ewer and Winstanley took place at Bulbridge. for a ram lamb there was a spirited competition, and it was knocked down to Mr. Kellow, for Mr. Morrison, of Fonthill, at 60 guineas for the season. For a ram lamb of similar class, there was also great competition, Mr. Kellow being again the hirer at 40 guineas. Lot 33 to Mr. R. K. Melsome, 23 guineas ; lot 45, Mr. Rose, 21 guineas ; lot 23, Mr. Buckman, 15 guineas ; lot 51, Mr. C. Notley, Codford, £13 2s. 6d. The otliers sold at prices from 13 to 8 guineas. The pairs realised sums varying from 19 to 7 guineas. The two-teeth rams let at from 10 to 6 guineas ; and sold from 11 to 8 guineas. Mr. Arnold hired a four-teeth ram at £13 2s. 6d., and the remainder in that class sold and let at from 10 to 5 guineas. A six-teeth ram was let to Mr. Bennett for £12 Is. 6d., and a six-teeth ram was sold to Mr. R. Brine for 13 guineas. The average for ram lambs let and sold was £11 3s. 6d. each, and the average throughout the sale was £10 12s. per head. OXFORD RAM FAIR.~At this fair,Messrs. Franklin and Gale offered 70 very capital ram lambs, from the flock of H. Gale of Cuddesdon, many of which failed to find purchasers. Those sold, however, realised satisfactory prices, varying from £16 5s. 6d. to £3 13s. 6d., making the very fair average of £6 10s. The same auctioneers then proceeded to dispose of 60 ram lambs and a few older sheep, bred by W. Chillingworth, of Cuddesdon. The whole were sold at an average of £6 12s., the highest price being £14 3s. 6d., the lowest £3 13s. 6d. This average was not so high as last year's (£10 5s.). They af- terwards submitted for sale by auction 15 ram lambs, the pro- perty of J. M . Gale, of Chilworth, which were all sold except one, at an average of £3 10s. ZEALS RAM SALE.— The annual sale of rams and ram lambs, bred by Mr. C. Rose, took place in a field adjoining his farm buildings. The prices realised were from 15^ gs. down- ward, many being sold at 11,1 0, and 9 gs., &c., down to 5 gs. BABINGLEY RAM SALE.— The annual sale of loug- woolled shearling rams, the property of Mr. Charles Bradfield, was held on Wednesday last. Mr. Long, the auctioneer, disposed of the animals with the following results : First ten rams £52 5s., second £73, third £61 5s., fourth £54, fifth £50, sixth £47, seventh £48 15s., and eighth £44 15s., the average being £5 7s. 6d. MR. DIBBEN'S RAM AND RAM LAMB SALE.— On Tuesday last the annual sale and letting of ram lambs and rams belonging to Mr. Dibben, of Bishopstoue, was held at Fisherton, the auctioneers being Messrs. Ewer and Winstanley. Tliere were four ram lambs to be let, and eighty-three to be sold, Those to be let realised 6i- gs., 13:^, 6J, and 8 gs. respectively. Amongst the purchasers were Mr. E. Pinckney, 0^ gs., Mr. Cheney 9 gs., Mr. James Rawlence 9 gs., Mr. Carpenter 13| gs., and 15 gs. for a two-teeth, Mr. Symes 12^ gs., Mr. Andrews 10^ gs. Mr. Jenner 10 gs., Mr. Whit- marsh 10 gs. The whole lot realised an average of £8 5s. 6d. THE RAM SALES AT HEREFORD FARM.— Messrs. Russell and Son o/fered twenty-five rams from Mr. Downing's, Holm Lacy, and for these the lowest figure was 5 gs., and the highest £8 5s. Thirty store sheep belonging to Mr. Downing were also put up by the same auctioneers, and sold at an average of £2. The following lots were also put up : 10 rams from Mr. Taylor's, Showle Court, prices from £6 to £8 10s. ; 15 Oxfordshire down rams, belonging to Mr. Bryan, Southleigh, prices from 5 gs. to Gl gs. ; 4 rams from Stretton Court (Mr. Yeomans), price 5| gs. They also sold a quantity of Oxfordshire Down rams, belonging to Mr. Gillett, the prices being 6 gs., 6^ gs., and 7 gs. SALE OF RAMS AT RUDSTON HOUSE.— On Wed- nesday a large number of the principal breeders of sheep in the district assembled, when upwards of seventy pure-bred Leicester rams were submitted to competition by Messrs. Allison and Wentworth. The highest sliearling was taken by Mr. J. H. Medforth, of Gransmoor, for £30 ; the next in price was £20, taken by Mr. J. Staveley, of Dotterill Park ; another, by Mr. J. H. Medforth, £16 10s.; next, by Mr. Simpson Staveley, of Tibthorpe, at £16 5s. The average of one- shearlings was £10 5s, Out of 32 shearlings oflered, 33 were taken. Of the two-year shearlings eight were at an average of 8 gs. ; and of the three-shear four were let at an average of £8 10s. ; of four-shear three were let, averaging £8 17s., the highest of which Mr. Jordan, of Emswell, took at £14. Thirty-three were let for £341 14s., being a shade under £10 9s. each, in the lot. SHEEP SALES AT MELTON FAIR.— -Messrs. Spurling's sale : Mr. Lewin's first seven score of black -faced wether lambs averaged about 458. 3d. each, and the ewe lambs 18s. and 15s. Mr. Waller's wether lambs about 20s. 6d. ; the crones about 22s. 3d. ; two shearling tups fetched 42s. each, one 45s., one 44s., and another 52s. Mr. H. Orford's fat sheep fetched 36s. 6d., and the crones 27s. 6d. ; his tups averaged about 45s. Mr. Smith's wether lambs 15s. 6d., and the ewes 20s. Mr. Bond had 1,760 lambs and sheep for sale. The principal con- signors of lambs were the executors of Mr. Thomas Crisp, of Gedgrave Hall, and Mr. A. Crisp, of ChiUesford ; their wether lambs averaged about 14s. 6d. the best, and inferior about 12s. ; some half-bred lambs of better quality averaged 17s. 3d., as did the down crones ; the black-faced shearling ewes averaged 45s. ; one lot sold for 42s. Mr. W. Toller's (Gedgrave) lambs averaged 20s. 6d. Lord Rendlesham's black-faced ewe lambs 23s., and the ram lambs 21s. each ; 14 ewes sold for 34s. Mr. Crisp's (Chillesford) fat sheep averaged about 39s. Mr. Ling's (Otley) half-bred lambs, one score sold for 15s., others for less. SHROPSHIRB SHEEP AT PATSHULL.— This annual sale of Shropshire sheep, the property of the Right Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth, took place on Monday last, and was at- tended by a greater number of gentlemen than on any previous occasion. Thirty-four rams were offered, of which 30 were disposed of at prices varying 5^ to 13 guineas. Store ewes realised 51s., and yearlings 45s. Messrs. Nock, Son, and Wilson, of Bridgnorth, were the auctioneers. SiVLE OF LORD CHESHAM'S SHROPSHIRE RAMS. — The second annual sale of pure-bred Shropshire shearling rams belonging to the now noted Latimer flock took place on the 17th inst. The sheep offered were, if anything, superior to those sold last year, and presented all the best character- istics of the breed — size, quality, and wool. Two rams were let for the season — one, the highly commended at the Royal show, being secured by Mr. Bradshaw at 21 guineas ; the other was taken by Mr. E. Smith at 11 guineas. Twenty-one shearlings were sold, the prices given raging from 5 to 15 guineas. The average was £7 3s. Afterwards 125 stock ewes, which were in fair condition, considering the season, were sold at an average of nearly £3 per head, wldch was considered a very satisfactory price. SALE OF HAMPSHIRE DOWN SHEEP.— On Thursday a sale of sheep was held at Bradwell, near Stony Strat- ford, Buckinghamshire, the residence of Mr. W. G. Duncan. This was the first sale of the kind in the neighbourhood, and was also the result of an experiment by Mr. Duncan to intro- duce the Hampshire breed in the district. He is an admirer of this breed, and his land has proved suitable to the breed, as shown by the splendid animals offered for sale. The land oa this part of Bucks is naturally of a cold description, and Hampshire sheep seem more adapted for it than long-wooUed sheep, which are principally used. The sale was quite a suc- cess, and Mr. Duncan's first appearance as a sheep breeder wiU certainly not be his only sale. Mr. J. P. Goodwin, of Newport Pagnell, was the auctioneer. A quantity of theaves made from £2 12s. to £2 IGs. per head, and ewes fetched from 44s. to 50s. Wether lambs made from 30s. 6d. to 34s. The ram lambs sold at prices varying £2 12s. 6d. to £13 5s. A two-shear ram, bought at the late Mr. Humfrey's sale, of Oak Ash made £13 15s. THE GREAT GIVENDALE RAM BETTINGS.- The best shearling was let to Mr. Jordan, of Emswell, for £20. The two-shear sheep commanded a still better competition, and double figures were the rule. The second best shearling of last year (£35 10s.), after a strong contest with Mr. Foljambe's agent, was secured by Mr. Mede, an Irish breeder of Bally- narth, Ballinhassig, county of Cork, for £33 10s. Among some of the leading breeders who were takers were Mr. Wright, of Oglethorpe-hall ; Mr. Staveley, of Hayton ; Mr. PhiUips, of Beadlam-grange ; Mr. Brown, Holme on Spalding Moor ; Mr. Stamper, Highfield-house, Nunnington, and several others. SALE OF ALDERNEYS.— Mr. Richardson submitted to public competition, a valuable herd of Alderney and Guernsey THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 267 cows and heifers, the property of Mr. P. H. Fowler, of the Clarendoa Repository, Watford, Hertfordshire, importer for the Royal dairies at Windsor and Osborne. The highest price realised was 26 guineas, while the general average was about 21 guineas. Messrs. Mann and Raven disposed of a number of Lincoln shearling rams, bred by Mr. T. Gunnell, of Milton. The sale took place on the bowling-green of the Lion Hotel, Cambridge. The prices realised were very good, ranging from £40 down- wards. The prices obtained averaged more than £11. A sale of ewes and lambs took place at Shrewsbury by Mr. W. G. Preece. It opened shortly after ten, when some shear- lings belonging to Mr. John Jones, of Agdcu, Whitchurch, were put up. The first, by Duke of Cambridge, was sold for 'J guineas, and two others at 7 and 6 guineas. Mr. Edwards, of Oxou, had eight rams entered, one of which sold for 10 guineas, another at 9^^, and others at lower prices. Mr. Tanner, Frodesley, Salop, had fifteen. A two-shear ram sold for 11 guineas, and another at 9. Mr. Bowen Jones, Eusdon House, obtained 8 guineas for a three-shear ram. Messrs. Crane, Shrawardine and Eorton, ofiered twenty-eight for sale and four for letting. Caractacus, a ram by Chieftain, was let for 53 guineas, and another ram let for 21 guineas. The rams for sale realised 20, 17, 15, 1-i guineas, and lower prices. A ram, the property of the Rev. C. P. Peters, Pitchford Rec- tory, realised 32 guineas. Mr. John Evans, of Uliington, had only one or two under fifty entered. The first put up, a three- shear ram. Standard Bearer, was let to the Earl of Strathraore for 60 guineas, which was the highest price realised. Premium let for 16 guineas, Eavourite for 21, Scottish Hero 48, Downton Pippin 14, another for 21. The average of the rams sold was 12 guineas, and the average of the ewes £3 10s. Mr. Thornton, Pitchford, offered a dozen rams. One ram let for 10 guineas. The highest selling price was 30 guineas, which was obtained for a two-shear ram. Mr. Thomas Horton, Harnage Grange, let two, one at 9 guineas, and sold _^/ several, the highest price being 13 guineas. Mr. Mansell, Ercall Park, sold ten rams at an average price of nearly 9 guineas. The Hon. E. Kenyon, Maesfen, let three rams, one at 12, one at 10, and one at 9 guineas. The best selling price was 11 guineas. Messrs. Fenn and Harding let Macgregor for 15 guineas. The highest selling price was 13 guineas. Mr. G. Allen, Eccleshall, let a ram for 40 guineas, one at 35 guineas, and others at lower figures. One fine ram, with re- markably good wool, was bought by James Hand, of Lud- low, lor 41 guineas. On Wednesday an unusually large quan- . tity of ewes were offered, aU of them being of the purest « breed, and there being a capital attendance of buyers, prices were much better than on the day previous. The Messrs. Crane had twelve lots, all of whicli were disposed of. A pen of five was sold for £5 10s. each, others at 84s., 63s., 61s., 60s., and lovi-er prices, the smallest price realised being 49s. per head. Mr. Evans, Uffingtou, had thirteen lots of five each, and they sold at 90s., 80s., 75s. 71s., down to 48s. each. Messrs. Bowen and Jones, Ensdon, had fifty ev,-es, and all were bought up. One lot sold at 64s. per head, another 60s., and at other lower prices, down to 46s, Mr. Evan Bowen, Bicton House, had fifteen pens of five each. The best price obtained was 61s., and the average about 50s. Three pens belonging to the Earl of Powis were sold at an average price per head of 46s. The Rev. G. P. Peters had only one pen, but it contained some well-bred animals, which were readily disposed of at 72s. each. For one pen the Messrs, Fowler, Acton Reynald, obtained 64s. per head, for another 56s., while others were disposed of at figures somewliat lower. Mr. J. Minton, Fortou, obtained an average price of 56s. ; Messrs. Fenn and Harding, of 54s. ; and Mr. Barber, Harles- cott, 72s., one lot being sold at 86s. Mr. Horton had eight pens, and some of them obtained the best prices of the day. Four superb shearling prize ewes sold at £10 10s. each, another four at £9 15s., and a tliird lot at the same price. All were bought for transportation to San Francisco. For one lot of five Mr. Tanner, Frodesley, got 76s. Mr. Meredith, Frodes- ley, had eight pens of five. The prices varied between 38s. and 42s. Mr. Perry, Acton Pigott, disposed of thirty ewes at an average price of 46s. Mr. Bach had fifty ewes, which realised an average price of 45s. Mr. Lewis, Baschurch, had forty ewes, which sold for an average of nearly 43s. each. Mr. Rigden's annual sale of Southdown ewes and letting and sale of rams, took place at Hove, Brighton, on Friday. At the lunch the Chairman (Mr. Turner) gave " The health of Mr. Rigden, and success to the sale." The sheep brought be- fore them to-day might be in lower condition than usual, but that was easily accounted for by the shortness of keep they had been suffering from iu this part of the country. They had felt the effects of both a cold spring and a very dry sum- mer, and in fact tiie weather had been against them ever since the beginning of last March. Mr. Rigden, like most flock- masters, had not been able to withstand the efl'ects of the severity, and consequently the sheep were not in so high con- dition as tliey would otlierwise liave been. But it must be re- membered there was the blood all the same. Mr. Rigen said it was perfectly true, as Mr. Turner had said, that they had incredible difliculties to contend against during the past six mouths, and as an instance he miglit mention that he had sown more than a hundred acres with rape and turnips, and not a single acre had yet made any sliow. No one would hardly believe that sheep could have lived on what he had had to give them during the last two or three months ; he had, how- ever, been fortunate in having water, and that was tlie only thing that had saved him. The sheep to-day would aU be submitted with a low reserve, and he must do the best he could under the circumstances. Mr. Drawbridge, the Susses auc- tioneer, then submitted the lots to competition. Ewes : Five fuU-moutlied ewes, £4, The Prince of Wales : five, £4 IGs., Tlie Duke of Richmond ; five, £3, Mr. Woods, Leatherhead : five, £3 5s., Mr. Woods ; five, £3 5s., E. Stenning, Godstone ; five, £3, Carew Gibson ; five, £2 15s., E. Cane, Berwick ; five, £2 10s., J. i5. Turner, Chynton ; five, £2 10s., E. Sten- ning ; five, £2 10s., Mr. Gillespie, Bolney ; five, £2 10s., C. Gibson, five, £2 5s., C. Gibson; five, £3 7s. 6d., J. Hodson, Blatchington ; five shearling ewes, £2 15s., Mr. Case, Street Place ; five, £2 10s., Mr. Case ; five, £2 15s., The Prince of Wales ; five, £2 15s., Mr. Northall Lowne. Rams for letting : Four years old, by Young Elegance, 15 guineas. Colonel TomUne, M.P., Ipswich ; two years old, by Grandson of Arelibishop, 27 guineas, Colonel Tomline ; one year old, by No. 40, higlily commended at Taunton and Oxford, 15 guineas, Mr. Heasman, Angmering ; one year old, by No. 40, commended at Taunton, 15 guineas, Mr. Wodeliouse, Hertford ; one year old, by No. 40, commended at Taunton, 15 guineas, C. Gibson; one year old, by No. 40, 15 guineas. Lord Norbury ; one year old, by Son of Plenipo, 10 guineas, Mr. Drummond, Southampton ; one year old, by Son of Plenipo, 12 guineas. Lord Norbury ; one year old, by Sou of Plenipo, 20 guineas, Mr. Gillespie, Bolney. Rams for sale : Three years old, by a son of Reserve, 10 guineas, Mr. Stevens, North Devon ; two years old, by a son of Plenipo, 10 gs., Mr. Gibson ; one year old, by a ram of Mr. Boys, 10 guineas, Mr. Hodson, Plymouth ; one year old, by Young Plenipo, dam a Bedding- ham ewe, 11 guineas, Mr. Milward, Notts ; one year old, by No. 40, dam a Goodwood ewe; 12| guineas, Mr. Hodson, Blatchington ; one year old, by No. 40, 12 guineas, Northall Laurie ; one year old, 13| guineas. Lady Shelley ; one year old, dam a Webb ewe, 10 guineas, S. Beard, Rottingdean. Archbishop won the first prize at Canterbury, and was sold by Mr. Webb for 250 guineas ; Young Elegance was sold at Mr. Webb's last sale for 140 guineas ; No. 40 is the son of Re- serve, highly commended at Leicester. The sale of the Attleborough sheep took place on Thursday, when was offered the entire flock consisting of 42 shear- ling rams, 75 tup lambs, 75 ewe lambs, 25 shearling ewes, and 150 flock ewes. The average results of the sale are as fol- lows : Average. Total. 41 shearling rams £6 16 0 £279 0 65 ram lambs 4 0 0 258 10 177 ewes 3 16 9 502 18 75 ewe lambs 118 0 143 0 Total. .£1,182 8 At the luncheon, Mr, C. S. Read, M.P., who presided, said, I remarked just now tliat we were very blessed in liviug in an island. There is one thing about the island, however, that we seem to have forgotten, and that is that for many centuries it kept away from us not only the arms of the invader, but also the plagues and pestilences among stock which have for cen- turies devastated the continent of Europe. We seem now to have forgotten this fact, and, having these diseases located 208 THE FARxMER'S MAGAZINE. amongst us, we have A.cfs of Parliament and Orders in Council fur the purpose of stamping them out, but I am sorry to say that wc still take no sidlicient precaution against their intro- duction. Wliy, we passed a measure no less than thirteen months ago for the erection of a separate market in tjie me- tropolis for the sale and slaughter of foreign stock, and you will hardly believe that although the Corporatiou of London thirteen months ago knew that this bill was passed, yet they have not at present fixed upon a site or done anything at all towards the erection of tliis market. Now, what is the con- sequence ? All our cattle which go into tlie London market are obliged to be slaughtered there, because of their coming in contact with foreign stock ; and 1 would ask any of you who have liad the misery of having a lot of cattle there on a bad market day, whether it does not seriously affect your interest ? We cannot expect to get that market open until such time as there is a separate market for foreign stock. We have passed an Act of Parliament that has been put in force with a certain amount of unanimity in this county, endeavouring to get rid of these diseases, but I am sorry to say they still linger among us, and are on the increase. I don't doubt that in the course of this autumn, when we have oar usual importation of stock from distant parts of the kingdom, we shall have serious outbreaks of the foot-and mouth disease, and I would beg you to be very careful as to , the quality of the stock you buy, and the state of health [ they are in. I believe this will be the last of the pleasaut gatherings we have had now for some years past at Attleboro' Hall. It must be a feeling of regret that we, who com", here principally to meet our friends, should be deprived of so pleasant a holiday ; but it must also be a feeling of regret that tliose excellent sheep which Messrs. Salter have so long offered for our notice are now to be dis- persed, for I fear from the fact that they have to be dispersed, they have not altogether answered the purpose of the pro- ducers, Messrs. Salter. No one knows, who has not tried it, the expenses that are incurred by keeping up a good flock for tlie purpose of furnishing these annual ram sales. I know that they are increasing expenses, and I don't wonder that my friend Mr. Salter has found out that he cannot bestow that time and attention upon them any longer ; and that, therefore, he gives them up. This year, when our crop of turnips is so slender, and our new layers are so faint, it is more than ever necessary that we should supply ourselves with the very best stock, and I think for quantity and quality of mutton, and length of wool, you cannot find any sheep superior to Messrs. Salter's ; and as I know that in this district the old black-faced ewe is still a favourite with flockmasters, I say it is impossible to find a better cross for them than coming to these Attleboro' rams. AGRICULTURAL REPORTS. REVIEW OF THE CATTLE TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. There has been no distinguishing feature in the cattle trade of the past montli. Notwithstanding the war we have con- tinued to receive supplies from the Continent, and large num- bers of beasts have come to hand from Tonuing. It is expected, however, that the shipments from this port will be immediately stopped. We liave also received some good animals from Spain. From our own grazing districts the arrivals have been on a full average scale ; but there has been a scarcity of really prime stock, although certainly many good useful animals have been exhibited. As regards trade a fair amount of firmness has been apparent, notwithstanding the absence of activity in the demand. The best breeds being scarce at one time realized 5s. 8d. per 81bs., but the quotation at tlie present moment is 5s. 6d. per 81bs. Other breeds have been purchased quietly, and the currencies have been somewhat irregular. The supply of sheep has been about an average, botli as regards number and condition. For most descriptions the trade has been firm, and enhanced quotations have been paid, the best Downs and half-breds selling at 5s. 6d. to 5s. 8d. per 81bs. In the lamb trade there has been a want of animation, but prices have been without change, ranging from 5s. lOd. to 6s. 6d. per 81bs. Calves have been in moderate supply, and fair request, at about late rates. Pigs have sold slowly. The total imports of foreign stock into London during the past month have been as under : Beasts 7,278 Head. Sheep and Lambs 32,558 Calves 2,301 Pigs 2,388 Comparison of iMronTs. Aug. Beasts. Sheep and Lambs. Calves. Pigs. 1869 8,840 30,116 3,245 2,803 1868 10,179 26,113 1,883 3,288 1867 8,741 23,943 1,057 5,726 1866 14,927 44,566 2,960 4,087 1865 16,536 61,060 3,287 8,251 1864 11,475 41,830 2,786 4,326 1863 9,502 39,063 4,327 4,108 1863 5,630 35,056 2,060 3,397 1861 6,681 35,386 1,874 3,718 1860 6,647 40,105 2,520 4,075 1859 6,502 33,483 3,254 1,805 iia_The arrivals of bullocks from our own grazing districts, as ■yell as from Scotland and Ireland, thus compare with the three previous years : Aug, Aug., Aug., Aug., From— 1870. 1869. 1868. 1867. Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire 6,550 8,950 9,600 7,200 Other parts of England 2,830 1,720 1,590 2,500 Scotland 109 13 306 70 Ireland 130 290 295 310 The annexed figures show the total supplies of stock exhi- bited and disposed of during the month : Beasts 23,330 Head. Sheep and Lambs 164,690 Calves 3,538 Pigs 1,140 CoMPAuisoN OF Supplies. Aug. Beasts. Sheep and Lambs. Calves. Pigs. 1869 22,179 155,660 3,769 543 1868 22,230 176,030 3,353 1,175 1867 20,030 134,120 2,690 2,205 1866 26,840 153,720 2,690 2,560 1865 29,600 147,530 3,828 2,480 1864 29,420 154,800 3,426 3,046 1863 26,264 149,430 3,070 2,622 1863 24,072 154,920 2,354 3,012 1861 23,430 159,740 2,953 3,230 1860 23,290 151,500 3,348 2,070 1859 23,170 165,090 3,323 2,320 1858 26,915 151,530 2,127 3,510 1857 30,695 143,758 3,173 2,450 1856 31,371 147,350 3,354 2,875 Beasts have sold at from 3s. 6d. to 5s. 8d., sheep 3s. 6d. to 5s. 6d., lambs 5s. lOd. to 6s. 6d., calves Ss. 4d. to 5s. 6d., and pigs 4s. 3d. to 5s. 8d. per 81bs. to sink the offal. Comparison of Prices. Aug., 1869. Aug., 1868. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Beef from 3 4 to 5 4 3 0 to 5 6 Mutton 3 4 to 5 6 3 0 to 5 6 Lamb 5 4 to 5 10 4 6 to 5 6 Veal 4 0 to 5 4 3 6 to 5 3 Pork 3 10 to 5 2 3 4 to 4 4 Aug., 1867. Aug., 1866. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Beef from 3 9 to 5 2 3 8 to 5 6 Mutton 3 2 to 5 4 3 10 to 6 0 Lamb 4 6 to 5 6 5 8 to 7 4 Veal 4 0 to 5 4 4 0 to 5 4 Pork 3 4 to 4 4 4 0 to 5 0 THE FAKMER'S MAGAZINE. 269 The (lead meat juarkets have beeu inoJeracely supplied. The trade, on the whole, has beeu quiet, at about late rates. Beef from 3s. Gd. to 3s. lOd., mutton 3s. lOd. to 5s. 2d., Iambs 5s. 4d. to 5s. 8d., veal 4s. 8d. to 5s,, aud pork is. to 5s. 4d. per 81bs. by the carcase. NORTHUMBERLAND. Harvest, which iu early spring mouths promised to be late, has been hastened forward by the unprecedented dry, hot, and often withering days of June and July. Reaping was partially begun on early gravelly soils adjacent to Wooler and Beau- mont Water the first week in the present month, and by the 7th harvest became general over the entire district. Oats, being dried up at the roots, were a very short crop. Barley was our best crop. Wheat, which on all our loamy soils was in former seasons first ready for the sickle, has this season on many farms been left for the " kirn," or finish ; and by the end of the month, with such roasting atmosphere, a very large portion ■will be in stack. We may safely assert that over ninety per cent, of the entire cereal crop, and a large breadth of beans and peas, has been cut by machinery. So far as our informa- tion goes, no test as to yield of grain is certified ; yet the sheaf-bulk, when packed together in the stack, will fall woefully short of average years — a poor prospect for winter-keep, in face of the small hay-crop and the totally dried-up pasture- lands. Our only hope is that the winter may be a mild one. — Aug. 2G. NORTH RIDING OF YORKSHIRE. With the brilliant harvest weatlier the work is proceeding vigorously. Nearly all the grain in this district is cut, and a considerable quantity secured. The wheat crop is turning out as, according to our last report, we anticipated, viz., a fair average crop. The bulk of straw not excessive, but quality fine and likely to yield well. The barley crop is very good — thick on the ground, all standing, and the heads of a good length, and, so far, much has been secured without a stain. Oats are deficient in bulk and the yield likely to be bad. In many fields a large proportion of smutted heads are seen, and on all but the deep, loamy soils the grain is thin-bodied aud light. On the 18th instant we had about half an inch of rain and some trifling showers since, which includes the whole of the rain -fall in this part of the country since the beginning of July. Our pastures are fairly burnt up, aud aftermaths have never had the least chance of growing. To maintain out- door stock hay and arificial foods have to be given ; but w^ith all the aid that is given they make but little progress, and prime beef is very scarce. The root crops have made little growth. The white turnips are very backward and are suffer- ing from the ravages of the grub. Swedes are, and have been, at a standstill, and the whole crop is very patchy. Our pros- pect for winter keep is very bad indeed. — Aug, iG. AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE, FAIRS. &c. ALFORD FAIR.— There was no difficulty to find a buyer for each lot, upwards of 400 sheep being penned, which sold at about 35s. to 50s. for drapes and ewes, fat mutton 7d. to 7^d. per lb., lambs I8s. to 30s. each, 13 fat and store beasts, which averaged 9s. per stone. APPLEBY FAIR was a dull hanging one, and owners, who held firm, were obliged, in order to effect sales, to submit to current prices, owing to the scarcity of food. Grey-faced wether hoggs brought from 15s. to IGs., half-bred do. 14s. to 18s., three-parts bred 18s. to 22s., bhick-faced wethers from off the fell 18s. to 22s., black-faced ewes 20s. to 25s., and half- bred ewes 40s. to 45s. Fat sheep and lambs were good to sell, and brought high prices, but other stocks were quite a drug, and many remained in the evening in the pens unsold. BODMIN PAIR.— Fat cattle and sheep sold freely, but in consequence of the scarcity of grass the demand for store cattle was very limited. Good horses were much asked for, hut the prices wanted for a few superior animals present were so large that little business was done until late in the day. The following prices were made : Fat cattle from 70s. to 72s. per cwt., store cattle 40s. to 42s., cows and calves COs. ; fat sheep 7d, to 7id. per lb. ; ewes 35s. to 10s. each, lambs 253, BOSTON FAT SHEEP MARKET.— Very few penned, aud prices ranged from 8d. to S^d. per lb. CARLISLE FAIR.— In the lamb market a great falling off in the number shown as compared with last year, only 13,000 being placed. Last year upwards of 34,000 lambs were exhi- bited. In tlie earlier part of the day business was slow, buyers being unwilling to accede to the terms of the holders. In the afternoon, however, the market became more animated, and lambs sold pretty freely at tlie following prices : Half-breds 19s. to 34s., Cheviots IGs. to 19s., crosses IGs. to 24s. These prices bear favourable comparison with those of recent markets, aud are considerably in advance of those obtained at this fair last year. The number oT cattle was very small, and consisted mainly of Irish and cross-breds, for which £4 to £12 each were the average prices. DUNDEE FAIR. — Among the fat cattle shown were several good lots, the top lot selling at £22 per head. Sub- joined are a few of tlie sales : A lot of ten two-year-olds at £21 10s., a lot of four at £18, three queys at £14, a pair for £42, a single beast at £15, a lot of ten Highland cattle at £7, and several small lots of yearlings at from £7 10s. to £10. The show of milch cows, chiefly Ayrshires, was good, but far in excess of the demand. Mr. Liddle, Denny, showed thirty, and sold a few only at prices ranging from £13 10s. to £20. Mr. Thomas Nicol, Forfar, showed twenty-two, and sold some at from £12 to £21. Four harness horses sold at prices ranging from £15 to £48. DUiXSE HOOK FAIR.— There was a very good show of lambs, and the demand was fair, prices ruled much the same as at Lammas, though in some eases from 2s. to 3s. a head were obtained in advance of Lammas. A lot of bred lambs sold at 30s. ; a lot at 28s. ; a lot of three-parts-bred at 28s. ; a lot at 22s. ; a lot at 22s. Cd. ; a lot at 26s ; the Greenlaw Dean lot at 22s. ; a lot at 20s. ; a lot of three-parts-breed at 20s. ; a lot of greyfaced at 12s. ; a lot of sheep at 3Ss. a- head. Leicester tups, a lot of twenty, brought an average of £6 14s. 10|d., the highest priced one £13 10s. Mr. Wilson of Cumledge's lot of seventeen brought an average of £7 13s. 4d.fhe highest one in this lot being purchased at £15. iPSWiClI LAMB FAIR.— Owiug to the scarcity of feed and poor prospects as to turnips, trade was dull. Lambs made from 20s. to 30s. Messrs. Spuiiiugand Sons had some 2,700 sheep and lambs, the disposition of which was at the fall of the auctioneer's hammer. Mr. Keeble's (Tattingstone) lambs sold at 26s. to 28s., Mr. J. Lay's (Bentlev) 24s. to 27s., Mr. J. C. Cobbold's 22s. 6d. to 27s., Mr. T. Wainwright's (Ix- worth) black-faced ewe lambs 26s. to 28s., shearling ewes 38s. Gd. to 43s., two-shear ewes 40s. to 43s., black-faced tups 40s. to 80s. ; Mr. Cooper's (IloUon) ewes 40s. to 45s. ; Mr. Emerson's (Safl'ron AValden) shearling tups 40s. to 80s., lambs 30s. to 40s. ; Mr. Woodward's (Old Newton) 45s. to 46s. ; Col. Tomline's, M.P., shearling ewes 383. to 40s., crones 24s. ; Mr. W. Gurdon's (Brantham Court) shearling ewes 45s. to 46s., crones 3Gs. to 39s. jMessrs. Cruso and Hawkins had a number of tups for sale. Twenty shearling Norfolk Cotswold rams belonging to Jlr. Thornton, averaged £7, the highest price being £9 15s. ; and 20 pure Lincolushires, the property of Captain Catling, Needham Hall, Wisbeach, averaged £7 15s., the top price being £10 15s. Of Mr. C. Boby's Southdowns 7 only were let, at £G Gs. each. KNARESBRO' FORTNIGHTLY MARKET.— There was a moderate attendance of buyers, aud a thin supply of fat stock at Ss. to 9s. per stone. F'at sheep 7d. to 8d., lambs 8d. to 9d., fat calves 7d. to 7^d. LANARK SECOND LAMB MARKET.— The stock con- sists of blackfaced ewe and wether lambs. Cheviots, and crosses. Generally ewe Iambs take the lead in regard to numbers ; but on the present occasion wether lambs were by far the largest class, and certainly greater tliau has ever been seen at the second fair at Lanark. The total number of all kinds was esti- mated at about 25,000, or uearly a third more than last year, which may be accounted for by the large turn out of wether lambs. The attendance of purchasers, both from England, the north of Scotland, aud tlie Lothians was moderately good, and a considerable stroke of business was done in blackfaced ewe lambs by English buyers, and also in blackfaced wether lambs by those from the north. Wether lambs had a very bad sale, and in sympathy with the slackness of trade prices were back 2s. apiece from the lamb fair held at Lanark a fortnight ago. The best demand was for blackfaced ewe lambs, the 270 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. whole of whicli were understood to be sold at prices above those obtained last year, the increase ranging from Is. 6d. to 2s., according to the character of the stock and the fortune of the seller. Cross lambs were also in request, and they may be quoted at 3s. apiece above the value which they made in 1869. Cheviot stock was thinly represented. With the exception of a few tops, nearly all the lots of lambs on sale were seconds. LINCOLN PAT STOCK MARKET.— A large number of beasts, but very few in first-rate condition, they made 9s. per stone, and mutton 8d. per lb. MARLBOROUGH FAIR.— A larger number of sheep than has been known for many years, and prices receded 3s. to 4s. per head, several lots remaining itnsold. The highest price for ewes was o3s., realised by Mrs. Price, of Wolfhall, who also made 45s. for lambs. Mr. George Brown made 50s. for the prize ewes, bought by Mr. T. Owen, of Clapton. MELTON MOWBRAY FAIR.— The show of horned cattle was quite as large as might have been expected from the long continued drought, and prices (though unremunera- tive to the grazier) were very fair for useful meated and lialf- meated beasts. Norfolk jobbers were present, but acted with caution. The pitch of sheep was quite up to the average ; lambs from 20s. to 34s. per head. ROMNEY FAIR.— About 13,000 sheep and lambs were penned — nearly all Romuey-marsli bred and fed, but, as might be supposed, considering the extreme drouglit which has pre- vailed almost without intermission since the larabing-seasou, most of the latter on offer were in poor condition. Tegs and ewes also bore evidence of the shortness of keep, but, notwith- standing, business was brisk. Lambs realised from 10s. to 20s., tegs 27s. to 33s., and ewes from 22s. to 30s. per head. ROMSEY SHEEP FAIR.— The number penned was above an average. Trade was heavy, and the prices realised were from 3s. to 4s. per head less than last year. Lambs fetched from 18s. to 25s. ; ewes from 25s. to 34s. There was a ready sale of sheep fit for the butcher, at good prices. RUTHERGLEN FAIR.— Milch stock has gone to a very high value ; there was no fall in the value of cattle, however, and prices were much in accordance with tliose obtained at the market last month. The largest lot of milch cows in the fair sold at from £13 to £18. Mr. John Dunlop sold at from £13 to ^19. Draught horses ranged from £25 to £45, and in a few instances from the latter figure to £60 was obtained. Harness horses sold at from £30 to £50, and ponies from £10 to £26. SALISBURY FORTNIGHTLY MARKET.— There was a preponderance of middling and inferior qualities. The best made good prices, one lot of prime Devons realizing as much as 14s. per score. Trade however ruled slow, especially for inferior animals, which were purchaseable at lower figures than at last market, and were not cleared off. In the sheep department some 3,500 were penned of various qualities. Secondary sorts made rather less money than before, but good pens maintained late rates, and the whole found purchasers. Best OKcn realized from 13s. 6d. to 13s. 6d. per score, and heifers from lis. to 12s. Wether mutton made as a general rule from 8d, to SJd. per lb., and ewe ditto from '/Jd. to 8d. REVIEW OE THE CORN TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. While the past mouth has been the time for the gather- ing of providential blessing, and much of the corn which lately covered the fields has been safely housed, the savage and unreasonable lusts of men have gathered hostile armies for deadly combat, and the earth from which we all spring has been saturated with human blood. We can only hope that the terrific sacrifices of human life will soon come to an end, and Lhat the victories of Prussia will be so complete that peace once more will be in the ascendant. England has no small reason to be thankful that she has done her best to prevent this effusion of blood, and has kept aloof herself from the tremendous strife. But these political movements have made most unsteady markets ; first an unusual rise, then an equal depression, as warlike or pacific views were entertained, and in expectation of the latter new wheat has already fallen from its first made prices 6s. to 7s. per qr., and old, both foreign and English, have given way 3s. to 4s. per qr. ; but at this point there seems something like a settlement, and with red wheat at about 50s. and white at 543. in Loudon, we seem to have arrived at an approach to safety for farmers under most unusual circumstances. With only an average crop as the highest estimate, we see no hurry to realise such prices, especially as the Baltic is shut up both by a Prussian prohibition and a French fleet, and the ordinary return of winter will most probably shorten the receipts from Prussia, &c. The ex- port of wheat to France has ceased since she has gathered her own crop, but immense quantities of oats have been taken for that country, where the yield has been very de- ficient ; and beyond this there has been a free export of flour, the exigences of the war requiring the manufac- tured article for the population of Paris. The quality of the new wheat has been answerable to the fine dry wea- ther, but the temperature has varied exceedingly, the third week having brought frosty nights and mornings, and stiU heavy rains are much needed to revive the mea- dows, which have yielded so scanty a crop of hay. Un- less tliey M sQQft leaa gtQck must fee fgrced for a time upon the meat market, and eventually add much to its price ; and what mischief this war will do is yet to be seen in the way of waste and destruction. The following were the range of prices recently paid at the several places named : White wheat at Paris, 52s., red, 50s. ; old white at Bordeaux, 56s., new, 52s.; red in Belgium from 54s. to 58s. ; at H:imbro', 52s. to 533. 6d. ; at Rostock, 53s. ; in different parts of Spain, 48s. to 503.; at Pesth, 41s. ; in Italy, SOs. to 53s. ; at Rostoff, 343. to 363. ; at Alex- andria, 40s. ; at Algiers, hard 433., soft 49s. ; New York, No. 2 red, 43s. c. f. i. ; San Faancisco, 53s. 6d. c. f. i. ; best wheat at Adelaide 5s. 4d. per bushel. The first Monday in August commenced on a moderate English supply of wheat, with heavy arrivals from abroad, nearly 40,000 quarters being from the Baltic alone, and 12,000 from America. The show of samples from the near counties was scanty this morning, and with them ap- peared some new Talavera of moderate quality, which sold at 60s. The trade on the whole was quiet, but Is. over Monday's rates was generally realised. In foreign sam- ples the choice was for Russian qualities, which also brought about the same improvement. This advance noted in the metropolis was quickly responded to in the country, scarcely any market being withotit an equal ad- vance, while a rise of 2s. was reported at Bury St. Edmund's, Birmingham, Hull, Rochester, Stockton, &c., Market Harborough and Melton Mowbray being 2s. to 3s. per qr. dearer. At Glasgow and Edinburgh the ad- vance was about Is. Dublin could only report more firm- ness both for native and foreign produce. On the second Monday the Enghsh returns were small, but the foreign again considerable, though little beyond half the preceding week. A small exhibition of samples was made on the Essex and Kentish stands, nearly half was new, the best red (weighing 641bs. per bush.) brought 58s., and the best white (weighing 63lbs. per bush.) 61s. High prices were at first demanded for old, but millers would not exceed previous rates. The foreign trade was firui, aucl soHie descriptions oecasioaaUy brought an THE FARMEB'S MAGAZINE. 271 advance of Is. per qr. Sales of floating cargoes could only be made by some concessions. The country trade this week was extremely dull ; though many places held on for the previous rates, others accepted a decline of Is., and some were 2s. easier, as Birmingham, Bristol, Gloucester, Newcastle, and Stockton. Liverpool was 3d. per cental down on Tuesday, with an equal decline on Friday. Though Glasgow did not make the reduction over Is. per qr., Edinburgh wrote a reduction of 2s. to 3s. In Ire- land the corn trade was dull, Dublin and Cork giving ad- vices of the same tenor. On the third Monday the home supply was moderate, but that from abroad was greatly increased, Danzig and Rostock sending 30,000 qrs., and America 17,000 qrs. A severe reductiou was noted in new samples from the starting prices, the highest for red being 52s. and white 54s., while old fell in value 8s. to 4s. per qr., though little was oifering. Tne business done in foreign con- sisted principally of American sorts, which also were quoted 3s. lower, and to sell other qualities the same de- cline was required. Floating cargoes were reduced also in value 3s. per qr. The great fall noted in London threw the country markets into apparent confusion, and most irregular rates were the consequence, insomuch that we can only take the average decline on new at Ss. to Gs. per qr., and old about 3s. to 4s. Liverpool was down 6d. for the week per cental on Tuesday, and very dull on the succeeding Friday ; and Glasgow was down Is. per boll, or 2s. per qr. Edinburgh declined 2s. to 3s. per qr. Dublin noted a reduction of Is. per barrel, on old foreign, sales of new red being made at 31s. per barrel. On the fourth Monday there was a slight increase in the English supply, and a great reduction in the foreign, though still good. There was a fair show this morning on the Kentish and Essex stands, mostly new, of good quality. A few samples early in the day went oif from the Essex stands at about the previous currency ; but as the day advanced Kentish factors found they had to make a reduction of fully Is. per qr. before they could do busi- ness. This being done, the show was pretty well cleared off. Old was, however, no lower, there being but little offered. The foreign trade was moderate, consisting principally of a demand for Russian and American sorts, which in some cases were sold on rather easier terms, though those of fiue Galatz were held as on the previous Monday. Floating cargoes were quiet. The country trade this week was but little changed ; but there was an occasional decline of Is. and sometimes of 23. per qr. on new samples. The imports into London for the four weeks were 20,419 qrs. English, 193,346 qrs. foreign, against 15,005 qrs. Eaglish, 183,998 qrs. foreign, for the same period in 1869. The Loudon exports in the same time were 2,260 qrs., with 31,375 cwts. flour. The imports into the kingdom for the four weeks ending 13th August were 3,197,879 cwts. wheat, 310,667 cwts. flour, against 3,282,531 cwts. wheat, 466,276 cwts. flour, for the same time last year. The general averages commenced at 49s. 9d., and closed at 543. lOd. ; and the London averages began at 59s. 2d., and closed at 55s. lOd, per qr. The flour trade during the four weeks has not mate- rially varied. There was a decline in country sorts of 23. per sack on the third Monday, notwithstanding a de- mand for France ; and though that demand was partly kept up on the fourth, there was so little home inquiry that it only served to prevent a fall. Barrels fell at the same time fally Is., and they have since remained with- out change. Town millers have not lowered the top price, which has remained 543. The imports into Load.on iox the fovu: weekg were 62,313 sagk? English, 14,097 sacks 29,932 barrels foreign, against 62,234 sacka English, 33,874 sacks 7,238 barrels foreign, in 1869. Maize has been declining all through the month, making the reduction in four weeks 43. to 53. per qr., good useful yellow being procurable at 31s., which was recently selling at 35s. and more. The imports for the four weeks were 71,934 qrs., against 19,851 qrs. in 1869. The crop of English barley being exhausted, and but very few samples of new yet appearing, the few shown have brought good prices, say 40s. to 44s. ; but values cannot be said to have yet settled. The great reduction in Indian Corn could not fail to influence grinding sorts, which for the last four weeks have given way fully Is. per qr. every week, for fair quality may now be had at 26s. to 27s. The London imports for the four weeks were 767 qrs. English, 38,338 qrs. foreign, against 1,352 qrs. Eng- lish, 8,000 qrs. foreign, in 1869. We think it probable there may be some recovery from this decline, as stocks of foreign are low, and the new English will be much above these rates. The malt trade has been duU, and tending domiwards. With some of the new crop of oats arriving, there has been a gradual increase in the English supply, partly owing to the better prices lately made through the extra- ordinary demand for France, which country has taken the large amount of 139,470 qrs. in four weeks ; but there have been equally extraordinary imports, leaving the balance against prices of about 2s.perqr. Russian381b3. per bushels, lately worth about 25s. or more closed at 23s., there being some symptoms of an upward movement at the last market to the extent of 6d. per qr. What France may yet require there is no foreseeing ; but we know that Gijrman ports are closed against us, and this may mate- rially reduce our receipts. Our own crop is decidedly short, and at the best times never comes up to our neces- sities. The imports into London for the four weeks were 6,144 qrs. Eaglish, 62 qrs. Scotch, 1,300 qrs. Ii-ish, 493,133 qrs. foreign, against 4,310 qrs. English, 180 qrs. Scotch, 1,000 qrs. Irish, 127,715 qrs. foreign, for the same period in 1869. The occasional appearance of new samples of beans of good quality, together with moderate foi'eign supplies, and a general reduction in feeding stuffs, have caused this grain, which lately commanded high rates, to gradually give way, say from 2s. to 3s. per qr. in the four weeks. For some hard new winter 42s. was bid on the fourth Monday. The imports for fom* weeks into London were 1,232 qrs. English, 2,569 qrs. foreign, against 1,038 qrs. English, 2,640 qrs. foreign for the same period in 1869. New peas have also increased the Eaglish arrivals to a moderate extent, but very large imports of inferior mixed white from the Baltic have caused a general decline in this pulse to about the same extent as beans, with, how- ever, much more difficnltj'' to place them. Some low sorts might be had at 32s. to 33s., the better at 35s., and the best white at 383. to 40s., duns 37s. to 38s. The imports into London for four weeks were 2,258 qrs, English, 35,026 qrs. foreign, against 1,176 qrs. English, 6,674 qrs. foreign in 1869^ The supply of linseed having only been moderate and the want of grass making feed scarce, both seed and cake have found a fair inquiry at full prices. The imports were 23,343 qrs., against 42,752 qrs. in 1869. Very little has lately been passing in cloverseed, but prices have ruled firm. New trefoil has been placed at moderate prices. New white mustard seed and winter tares have been inquired for, but as rain is much wanted, and the prices asked have been high, buyers haye preferred holding ofl," 272 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. CURRENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LANE. ShillitiKx per Qaarter. WHEAT, now, Essex and Kent, white 50 to 56. ..new 50 to 53 red .. 50 52 ,, 47 49 Norfolk, Linclnsh., and Yorksh., red 49 52 ,, 46 49 BARLEY 32 to 36 Chevalier (nominal) 40 46 Grinding 31 34 Distilling 37 41 MALT (nominal), Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk 61 70 Kingston, Ware, and town-made 61 70 Brown 49 65 RYE 36 38 OATS, EngUsh, feed 23 to 30 Potato 27 34 Scotch, feed 00 00 Potato 00 00 Irish, feed, white 21 25 Fine 24 27 Ditto, black 21 21 Potato 26 30 BEANS, Mazagan ...40 43 Ticks 41 43 Harrow 42 46 Pigeon 47 51 PEAS, white, boiler8.36 40Maplo 42 to 43Grey,new 36 3d FLOUR, per sack of 2S01b8.,Town,Households.nom. 48 51 Country, on shore 35 to 37 „ 39 40 Norfolk and Suffolk, on shore 34 36 FOREIGN GRAIN. Shillings per Qaarter. WHEAT, Danizic, mixed 52 to 53 extra 57to60 Konigsberg 50 62 extra 52 55 Rostock 50 51 fine 62 55 Silesian, red 47 50 white,... 50 53 Pomera., Meckberg., and Uckermrk. ...red 52 51 Russian, hard, 42 to 44.. .St. Petersburg and Riga 45 48 Danish and Holstein, rod 48 61 American 48 50 French, none Rhine and Belgium 00 00 Chilian, white 66... Califomian 56 ... Australian 57 60 BARLEY, grinding 26 to 29. ...distilling and malting 33 37 OATS, Dutch, brewing and Rolands 23 to 30 feed 21 25 Danish and Swedish, feed 22 to 25.... Stralsund... 22 25 Canada 20to22, Riga 2 Ito 23, Arch.2ito23, P'sbg. 23 25 TARES, Spring, per qr small 00 00 large 00 00 BEANS, Friesland and Holstein 41 45 Konigsberg 40 to 43. ..Egyptian 39 41 PEAS, feeding and maple.. .33 35.. .fine boilers 38 39 INDIAN CORN, white 30 33. ..yellow 29 31 FLOUR, per sack, French. .41 43. ..Spanish, p. sack 00 00 American, per brl 23 24...extraandd'ble. 24 26 COMPARATIVE AVERAGES. WHEAT. Years. Qrs. 1866... 52,53o| 1867... 22,859| 1868... 61,612i 1869... 46,279| 1870... 47,377 s. d. 50 10 68 2 57 1 63 1 54 7 BARLEY. Qrs. 8. l,159i ... 33 67U ... 39 1,791| ... 41 831| 339 OATS. Qi-8. B. d. ],799|... 26 6 1,675| ... 2S 11 1,9274 ...29 2 33 7 1,461| ... 26 3 33 5 2,949 ... 25 10 AVERAGE S Fob the past Six AVeeks : July 16, 1870 Wheat. B. d. 49 8 49 9 62 10 54 11 54 10 54 7 53 9 53 1 Barley. 31 2 31 2 33 6 31 8 32 11 33 5 32 3 33 7 Oats. s. d. 25 6 July 23, 1870 26 11 July 30, 1870 26 9 Aug. 6, 1870 28 8 Aug. 13, 1870 28 0 Aug. 20, 1870 25 10 Aggregate of the above ... The same week in 1869 26 11 26 3 FLUCTUATIONS in the AVERAGE PRICE of WHEAT. Pbice. Jvdy 16. July 23. July 30. Aug. 6. Aug. 13. Aug. 20. 51s. lid. 54s. lOd. 54s. 7d. 528. lOd. 49s. 9d. 498. 8d. ::: r ll ... r ' ... L ... !-_J.L« BRITISH SEEDS. MusTABD, perbush., brown 13s. to 15s., white lls.tol38. CANABY,per qr 61s. 68s. CL0VEB3EBD,red 6'S. 683. CoBiANDEE, per cwt 21s. 223. Tabes, winter, new, per bushel 12s. ISa. Tbepoil, new 22s. 24s. Rtegbass, per qr 28a. 30s. LiNSBED, per qr., sowing 70s. to 72s,, crushing 58s. 64s. Linseed Cakes, per ton £11 IO3. to jE12 Os. Rapeseed, per qr 703. 74s. Rapjb Cake, per ton £0 15s. Od. to £6 IO3. Od. FOREIGN SEEDS. CoBiAKDEB, per cwt 21s.to22s. Caebaway ,, new 30s. 31s. Clovbeseed, red 5I3. to6l3., white 683. 769. Hkmpsebd, small 41s. to 45s. per or. ...Dutch 48s, 488. TBBFoit , ; ^Ig, 22s, HOP MARKET. Weal(ls,1870 £i 0 £4^ 15 £5 5 Mid and East Kents 5 0 5 13 6 6 Sussex 4. 0 4 15 5 5 Farnham and Country ... 5 5 C 0 7 0 Yearlings I 5 ] 15 3 0 POTATO MARKETS. BOROUGH AND SPITALFIELDS. LONDON, Monday, Aug. 29. — These markets have been moderately supplied with potatoes. The trade has been rather firmer at full prices. English Sliaws 80s. to 90s. per ton. „ Regents ... 90s. to 110s. „ COUNTRY POTATO MARKETS, (Satuday last.)— Don- caster : The market was well supplied with potatoes, and they were to be bought a trifle cheaper. Kidney potatoes 4s. to 4s. 6d., and round ditto 3s. Gd. to 4s. per hamper of five pecks. — Malton : Potatoes were stationary, dealers oftering to buy wholesale at 13s. per tub, or 3s. per bushel. — Main- CHESTER : New potatoes, Ormskirk 5s. to 10s., Cheshire 5s. to 10s. per load ; old potatoes, Yorkshire 10s. to lis., Scotcli 93. to 10s. per 352 lbs. — Y'ork : As yet the supply of potatoes is not large, no more beiug taken up than are considered suffi- cient for present wants. They are of excellent quality, and if they keep free from disease, of which there is no appearance, tlie prices will rule low. Tiiey were quoted at 10s. per tub of 280 lbs. wholesale, and 8d. per stone of 14 lbs. retail. PRICES of BUTTER, CHEESE, HAMS, &c. BUTTER, per cwt. : s. a. Dorset 148 to 150 Friesland 134 Jersej^ 120 Fbesh, per doz. ... 18 BACON, per cwt : Wiltshire, green... 74 Irish, f.o.b 82 136 128 00 CHEESE, per cwt. Cheshire, new ... Dble. Gloucester. Cheddar, old : 8. ..56 . 70 . 88 . 60 . 96 , 96 .112 B. to 64 74 90 American HAMS: York 70 93 93 Irish 00 POULTRY, &c., MARKETS.— Geese, 4s. to 7s. ; Ducks, Is. 6d. to 3s. ; Surrey Fowls, 3s. to 4s. 6d. ; Sussex ditto, 2s. to 3s. ; Boston and Essex, 2s. to 3s. ; Irish, Is. to 2s. ; Rab- bits, tame Is. to Is. 6d., ditto wild 6d. to Is. ; Pigeons, 6d. to 9d. ; Grouse, Is. 3d. to 3s. ; Quails, 2s. to 3s. 6d. Eggs, best 10s., seconds 7s. per 120. ENGLISH WOOL MARKETS. CITY, Monday, Aug. 29.— In the Englisli wool market next to notliiug has been doing. The tone, however, has been rather firmer, and the downward movement in prices has been checked. CUEEENT PeICES OF ENGLISH WoOL. S. d. S. d. Fleeces— Southdown hogs per lb. 1 0 to 1 0^ Half-bred ditto „ 12 13 Kent fleeces „ 12 1 2^ Southdown ewes and wethers ... „ Oil 10 Leicester ditto „ 11 1 li SoKis— Clothing, picklock „ 14 1 4i Prime „ 1 2^ 1 3 Choice „ 11 12 Super , 10 1 OJ Combing, wether mat ,, 12 13 Picklock „ 1 04 1 1 Cormnon „ Oil 0 11^ Hog matchmg ,, 14 1 4j Picklock matching ,, 1 OJ 1 1 Super ditto „ 0 11 0 11^ PRICE CURRENT OF GUANO, &c. Peruvian Guano direct from the importers' stores, £14 per ton. Bones, £7 Os. to .£7 15s. per ton. Animal Charcoal (70 per cent. Phosphate) £5 per ton. Coprolite, Cambridge, whole £3, ground £3 10a. per ton. Suffolk, whole £2 10s., ground £3. Nitrate of Soda, £15 15s. to £16 5s. per ton. Gypsum, £1 10s. Superphosphates of Lime, £5 5s. to £6 5s. per ton, Sulphuric Acid, concentrated 1 "SIS Id. per It)., brown l"712 03^d. Sulphate of Ammonia £16 Os. to £17 10s. Salt (in London) 25s. per ton. Blood Manure, £6 5s. to £7 10s. Dissolved Bones, £7 Os. per ton. Linseed Cakes, best American brl. £12 Os. to £13 10s., bag £11 to £12 Ids. English £0. Marseilles, £0 per ton. Cotton Seed Cake, £0 Os. to £0 Os. per ton. B, P0ESEE, London Manure Company, 116, Fenchurch Street.E.C, Agricultural Chemical Works, Stowmarket, Suffolk. Prentice's Cereal Manure for Corn Crops per ton £8 0 0 Mangold Manure „...._. ,. MOO Prentice's Turnip Manure ~ .. 6 10 0 Prentice's Superphosphate of Lime— .. ,, 6 0 0 Printed by Rogerson and Tuxford, 265, Strand, London, W.C, HARDING'S FLEXIBLE ROOFING. REDUCED TO ONE PENNY PER SaUARE FOOT. Che BEST and CHEAPEST COVERING for HOUSES, SHEDS, FARM and otlier BUILDINGS, &c. Suitable for all Climates, and adopted by the English and Foreign Governments, Railway Companies, Metropolitan Board of Works, &c. Awarded the Silver Medal, Amster- dam Exhibition, 1869, for its Cheapness and Superiority to Felt, although the price was then 50 per cent, higher than at present, and is proved to be a much more Diu'able, Efficient, and Weather-tight Roofing than Corrugated Iron, at One-third the cost, and can bo most easily fixed by any unpractised person. Please send for samples of present make. PRICK ONE PENNY pei- Square Foot, or 23s. per Roll of 25 yards by 44 inches wide. DRESSING, 23. 6d. per gal. ; ZINC NAILS, 5d. per lb. SAMPLES AND TRADE TERMS FREE. HARDING'S COMPOUND OLTCERINE DIP. CONTAINS NO POISON, AND IS DESTRUCTIVE TO INSECT LIFE ONLY. It is a certain ciu-e for Scab in Sheep, who thrive and increase in weight after the use of this Dip. It also preserves the 3alth of all animals belonging to the homestead. It increases the growth of the wool, and cleanses it of all ofifensivo accumulations which always cause functional derange- lent, it beiug a well known fact that acrid and corrupt humours allowed to remain on the surface are the cause of a great lauy diseases which afflict animal life. This preparation is most easily applied, perfectly harmless in use, and most deadly to Ticks, Lice, Maggots, and a sura lu-e for Foot Rot. It also prevents the Fly striking ; avoitUng the Animal being troubled with Maggots, and heals all Sores, &c. iold In Tin* of 5H>s. ami lOlbs., at Od. per lb. ; and in Drums of I 99lh»., &Olbs. an*^*^*>^ ASK YOUE GEOCERS OR CHEMISTS FOR GEYELIN'S TAPIOCA BEEP BOUILLON, A most delicious and nutritious Soup for 2d. a Pint, or for Thickening Broths from any Meat, SOLD IN CANISTERS, containing 5 portions, Is. ; 12 ditto, 2s. 3d. ; 25 ditto, 4s. 6d. ; 50 ditto, 83. 6d. ; 100 ditto, 16s. Each portion will make a pint of Soup. Sole Maiiiifactwrers— G^EYEI^IW & CO., Produce Merchants, Manufacturers of Granulated Tapioca, International Mustard, and Rizina, Belgrave House, Argyle Square, King's Cross, London, W.C. TWENTY.FOURTH EDITION, WAUREN^S FARMERS' ACCOUNT BOOK. Price — Folio, for large farms, 8s. ; Quarto, for small farms and for schools where youths are trained for Agricultural Pursuits, 5s. Also, Folio, with pages for a weekly instead of a daily account of labour, 7s. Royston : John Warren. London : Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. ; Whittaker and Co. ; Longman and Co. ; Ridgway. CHEAP SUNDAY AND WEEK-DAY READING FOR THE PEOPLE. Now Publishing, C^e C^urri) of €nig:lantr M^S^t^nt, A VERY CHEAP RELIGIOUS PERIODICAL. Containing original contributions by several of the Bishops and many other distinguished Divines ; Narratives; Sketches of Natm-al History; Biography, Missionary Proceediags, Juvenile Beading, Poetry, &c., with a Register of Eccle- siastical IntelUgence ; the whole combining amusement with instruction, in a style suited for all classes of readers. A series of Parish Churches, with Illustrations of a superior kind is in course of publication. This series, which wUl be of a very extended character, will be found of particular interest. Vol. LXVI., Imperial 8vo., Embossed Cloth, 480 pages, with highly-finished Illustrations of Parish Chm'ches, price 5s. 6d. London : Published in weekly numbers, price Ijd., and in monthly parts, price 9J., by S. EWINS & SON, 9, Ave Maria Lane; KOGERBON ^ TUXFORD, 265, Strand, W-O. ; and sold by all BookseUers. Intending subscribers are requested to send their orders without delay, as the back volumes and parts are now becoming vest scaece. As the Magazine enjoys a circulation far exceeding that of any other church periodical, and is read by aU classes of society, it wUl be found a very eligible medium for Adver- tisements, which are conspicuously printed, and inserted at the most reasonable rate. Now Keady, Cloth, in two Volumes, 782 pp., with four steel Portraits, Price 10s., uniform with « SCOTT AND SEBEIGHT," " SILK AND SCARLET," &c., FIELD AND FERN, OR SCOTTISH FLOCKS AND HERDS, BY H. H. DiXON. With Steel Engravings of Mr, Hugh Watson, Professor Dick, Mr. Nightingale, and the late Duke of Eichmond, &c. The Volumes, "North" and "South" (of the Frith of Forth) may be had separately— Price FIVE SHILLINGS each. Copies will he sent by Post on application to the Author. PUBLISHED BY ROGERSON AND TUXFORD, 266, STRAND. 1 \^^ .^- .r&^ir'',,^^^^ THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. OCTOBER, 1870. PLATE I. LADY ANNE ; a Prize Shorthorn Govt. THE PROPERTY OF MR. JAMES HOW, OF BROUGHTON, HU.VTINGDO.V. Lady Anne, a red-aad-wliite cow, bred by ilr. Logan at Maindee, near Newport, in Monmouthshire, and calved August 14th, 1866, is by Prince of the Empire (20578), out of Lady Elinor by Sir Roger (16991), her dam, Lady Sarah, by Baroa Warlaby (7813) — Lady Mary by Leonardo (7137) — Lady Anne by Emperor (1014) — Studley by Studley (628)— by Stirling (2705). Prince of the Empire (20578), a red-and-white bull, bred by Mr. Carr, of Stackhouse, aud calved September 12th, 1861, is by Elfin King (17796), out of Wide Awake by Royal Buck (10750), her dam, Bonnet, by Buckingham (3239) — Bliss by Leonard (4210) — Young Broughton by Young Matchem (2282)— by Jerry (4097) —by Young Pilot (4702)— by Pilot (496)— by Son of Apollo (36). Prince of the Empire was sold to Mr. Logan, at three months old, for 300 gs. Lady Elinor, a red-and-white row, bred by Lady Pigot, and calved January 17th, 1861, is also the dam, amongst others, of La Belle Helene, another well-known heifer in the show-ring. At ISIr. Logan's sale, in the spring of 1867, Mr. How bought Lady Anne, then seven months old, for 30 gs. ; but he did not exhibit her until the following year, since when she has been very busy, as the subjoined list of prizes she has taken will tell : 1868. — 1st prize, Norfolk Society, at Downhara, ou June 18. 1st prize, Bedfordshire, at Luton, June 20 ; and the special for the best animal in the yard. 1st prize, Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely, at New- market, July 1. 1st prize, Northamptonshire, at Oundle, July 3 and 3. 1st prize, Leicester, Royal Agricultural Society of England, July 16 to 21. 1st prize. South Lincolnshire, at Grantham, July 24. 3rd prize, Yorkshire, at Wetherhy, Aug. 5, 6, and 7- 1st prize, Oxfordshire, at Banbury, Sept. 9 and 10 ; and the Cliampion prize for the best animal in the yard ; also a champion prize for the best animal ex- hibited by a tenant-farmer. 1st prize, Huntingdonshire, at Ramsey, Sept. 33 ; and a silver cup for the best Shorthorn in any of the classes. 1869. — 1st prize, Bath and West of England, at Southamp- ton, May 31. 1st prize, Norfolk, at Attleborough, June 24 and 25 ; and cup for the best cow (she was entered as cow when only a heifer, for the cup). 1st prize, Oxfordshire, at Oxford, June 30 ; and tiie two champion prizes, as at Banbury, for the best animal in the yard. 1st prize, Northamptonshire, at Northampton, July 1 and 3. 3rd prize, Manchester, Royal Agricultural Society of England, July 19 to 34. 2nd prize, Durham, at Bishop's Auckland, July 29. 1st prize, Lincolnshire, at Lincoln, July 29 to 31. 2nd prize, Yorkshire, at Beverley, Aug. 4 and 5. 1st prize, Huntingdonshire, at Huntingdon, Sept. 15. 1st prize, Cambridgeshire aud Isle of Ely, at March, Sept. 22 and 23. 1st prize, Bedfordshire, at Bedford, Oct. 1. 1870.— 2nd prize, Norfolk, at Harleston, June 23 and 24. 3rd prize, 0.xford, Royal Agricultural Society of Eng- land, July 18 to 22. Ist prize, Lincolnshire, at Sleaford, July 27 to 29. 2nd prize, Yorkshire, at Wakefield, Aug. 3 to 5. 1st prize, Northamptonshire, at Wellingborough, Sept. 15 aud 16 ; Ist prize, Huntingdonshire, at St. Neot's, Sept. 21. Lady Anne has had three calves at single births. Her last calf, born on her birthday, August 14th, 1870, is Lady Fragrance, a red-and-white heifer, by Lord Blithe (22126), an own brother to Mr. Booth's famous sisters Lady Fragrant and Lady Grateful, and a bull by which Mr. How has also calves this season out of Bright Hope, British Rose, Windsor's Butterfly, and Pauline 5th. The Shorthorns Judges of the Royal Leicester Meeting in their report speak of Lady Anne as " a very perfect animal," as she should be, considering she beat here Mr. Booth's Patricia, put second to her and Mr. Booth's Lady Gaiety, the reserve number of the class. At Man- chester the Judges wrote thus of her : " Lady Anne is a very good heifer, her fore-flank particularly a good point ; although very fat, she carried her flesh very evenly." Queen Anne's winnings in the show-ring amount in all to about £280, including seven silver cups ; and she will not be shown again, but kept for breeding purposes. V CVot. LXVIII.— No. 4. 274 THE FABMEB'S MAGAZINE, PLATE II. GAM OS; A. ThokougH'Bred Filly. THE PROPEETY OF MR. TV. GRAHAM. Garaos, bred by Lord Falmoatli in 1867, is by Saun- terer, out of Bess Lyon, by Longbow, her dam Daughter of Toscar, by Bay Middleton — Malyina, by Oscar — Spotless, by AValton. Saunterer, bred by Mr. Jaques, in 1854, is by Irish Bird- catcher, out of Ennui, by Bay Middleton. He was sold when a foal for 50 guineas at one of the Easby sales, being booked to John Osborne for Mr. Jackson. During the four seasons he was in training he started fifty-five times, won twenty-seven, and ran second twelve times. He changed hands again previous to coming out as a four- year-old, when Mr. Merry gave at the hammer 2,100 guineas for the black, whose performances on going to the stud were thus neatly summed up : His pedigree shows a combination of blood celebrated for speed and stoutness, both of which qualities he possessed in a high degree — as proved by his running at two years old ; his extraordinary performance in the Cambridgeshire at three years old ; his winning as a four-year-old the Goodwood Cup and Emperor's Cup at Chantilly in a canter, beating the best English and French horses ; and his running second at five years old when half fit to Fisherman for the Ascot Cup, beating off North Lincoln and Defender. He re- tired in possession of the Whip which he had held for two years. It was thus that we ourselves wrote of him im- mediately on the conclusion of his first season at the stud, when we met with him once again at the Great Middles- borough Horse and Hound Show : " How nicely timed the change does come after so much of the big, beefy Wind- hounds and De Clares, to that neat, handsome, sweet bit of a racehorse Saunterer — ' the black 'un,' as they call him — the truest-made horse of them all, with his well-knit back, his fine shoulders, his wicked little head, and thin, bloodlike neck. And then those legs, not big ones, your lordships, for he is not a big one anywhere, but as clean as paint and as hard as iron. Turn back to your Calendars, erudite Mr. Weatherby, and trace all he has done. Go back to memory, Mr. Dawson, or ask your next door neighbour all he could do ; and you. Squire Jaques — ' the melancholy Jaques ' for once, as you stand by him in the box — and reflect how readily you ' got out ' of him." Saunterer stood at Croft in 1860 and 1861, and at the end of his second season in York- shire was sold to go to Hanover, whence he was reclaimed by Mr. Blenkii'on for the Middle Park Establishment, where he has continued since the spring of 1866. His stock came out in 1863, and he is the sire amongst other winners in this country of the following : Coastguard, Crisis, Dandle, Olmar, Sir Roger, Zambezi, Attach^, Gertrude, Master Walter, Perambulator, Westley, and Gamos ; the winner of the Oaks being amongst the first lot of three-year-olds out by Saunterer since his return to England. Bess Lyon, bred by Mr. J, B. Shepherd in 1855, ran in a few races as a two-year-old, but without any success. In 1859, she threw her first foal, Blacklock (cut), to Ellington, and then passed into Lord Falmouth's stud, where her account stood thus: In 1860, Edgworth Bess, by Vandermeulin ; 1861, Goldylocks, by Teddington; 1862, Brown Willy, by Wild Dayrell; 1863, Rallywood, by Wild Dayrell; 1864, Sunnylocks, by Newminster; 1865, Pearlfeather, by Newminster; 1866, missed to King Tom; and in 1867, Gamos, by Saunterer. Bess Lyon was sold with the Oaks filly at her foot to Mr. Blenkiron for £600, and her produce at Middle Park runs on thus : In 1868, Loadstar, by Saunterer; in 1869, a colt by Marsyas, that was sold the other day for 570 guineas; and 1870, a colt by Saunterer, to which horse the mare had been put again. Gamos is a light chesnut filly, standing a full sixteen hands, although she looks higher. She has a plain head, not particularly well set on to a lean, ungainly neck. Her forehand, however, is otherwise set off by the most mag- nificent shoulders, long and beautifully laid. She has also good depth of ribs, but is otherwise a tall, staring filly, standing very straight on her legs, with cnrby hocks, and altogether middling and infirm-looking joints. Indeed, she was in her appearance as little Uke running over Epsom and winning the Oaks as anything in the paddock ; and we certainly fancied the filly far more than a two- year-old. It is almost needless to say that she does not bear the least resemblance to her sire. At Mr. Blenk- iron's sale in 1868 Gamos was knocked down for 220 guineas to Mr. Graham. It will be noticed that the winners of the Derby aad Oaks this year were both bred by Lord Falmouth^ THE CLAYS OF CORNWALL. BY CUTHBERT "W. JOHNSON, P.R.S. The china-clays of Cornwall are of world-wide reputa- tion. In travelling through that fine county the agricul- turist will notice in various districts the very white character of some of the streams. This turbidness is owing to the preparation of the china-clays, which are washed out of the granitic soils, and also from certain mining operations. It will be useful to many a reader of this magazine if we examine the composition of these and other clays ; and this will be the more interesting, since much greater attention is now profitably bestowed on our heavy soils than was a few years since deemed useful, better modes of cultivation are adopted, and their ebeiRical composUioiJ HIWqIv better understood. This muddiness of some of the Cornish streams, caused by the preparers of the china-clay and the miners, is very injurious to some of the beautiful Cornish and Devon salmon rivers, and is the more to be regretted since it is capable of being prevented without injury to the valuable clay and mining operations. How these injure the fisheries, and the easy means of prevention, was not long since described by Mr. Frank Buckland, when addressing, at Exeter, the members of the British association. As he well remarked, " The question of pollutions on the Devonshire rivers is a very serious one, and here we at once are met face to face by the danger of interfering with th? comwerce of THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 275 the country. According to mine-owners, rivers are the natural sewers to take away the washings of the mine : they therefore put all their pollutions into the river, and these act injuriously — Ist, inasmuch as they prevent the fish ascending the rivers. 2nd, they kill them by some soluble or insoluble compound from the refuse of the mine : thus lately, on the Tavy, a mine was pumped out, and no less than seven or eight hundredweight of salmon and trout, small and great, were all destroyed. 3rd, the d6bria from the mines covers over the gravel, so that the fish cannot find spawning-places, or, having made their nests and laid their eggs, the eggs or young fish become suffocated by the mud. 4th, the pollutions from the mines destroy vegetation : the insects, therefore, are not hatched out, and the young fish consequently suffer from want of food. The 5th clause of the Fishery Act of 1801 gives a penalty for polluting water in which salmon are found ; but practically this is found inoperative. There can, however, be no doubt that a system of catch-pits may very much lessen the injury. As an instance of this, I may mention that there were copper-mines near Snowdon which drained into the Glaslyn, passing first through three small lakes or tarns. The one nearest the mine afforded the necessary opportunity for the poisonous refuse to subside ; and the fish in it have been completely destroyed, while in the second or third they were not in- jured in the least. The value of laiyi in the neighbour- hood of mines is generally very small, and catch-pits can be made at a slight expense by merely digging trenches in the ground. It very often happens that the washings from pollutions may be conducted along the brow of a hill : small channels should be cut into the main channel, so as to aUow the pollution to spread itself out gradually over land which is really of no practical value." The Cornish china-clays (to which I have alluded) are prepared from the soils resting upon the granite forma- tion, by a process which is well described in Murray's " Cornwall and Devon," to which I am indebted for the following abridged account of the works in the neigh- bourhood of St. Austel : In some places the granite is known as " soft growan," and is characterised by the partial decomposition of its felspar. In some localities the growan is tolerably firm, and is quarried under the name of " china-stone," which is extensively employed in the potteries. This china- stone is ready for sale when cut into conveniently-sized blocks. The softer china-clay, which is dug out of pits, and is known as " china-clay " or " kaolin," requires a much greater preparation for the purpose of separating the quartz and mica from the decomposed felspar. This clay is dug up, and placed upon an inclined platform under a small fall of water, and here it is repeatedly stirred with a " piggle " and spade ; by which means the whole is gradually carried down by the water in a state of me- chanical suspension. The heavy and useless portion of the clays collect in a trench below the platform, while the china-clay is carried on through a series of tanks, in which the heavier particles are deposited, until it arrives at larger tanks or ponds, from which, after resting for a time and depositing its clay, the clear water is from time to time withdrawn. When these ponds are filled with clay, they are drained, and the porcelain earth is removed to " pans," in which it remains until sufficiently consolidated to be cut into oblong pieces. It is then dried, and ready for being shipped. This clay was about a century since first noticed, and I believe prepared, by W. Cookworthy, a Plymouth Quaker. From small beginnings, the amount of china-clay an- Dually sent from Cornwall is at least 100,000 tons. It is shipped not only for the use of our Staffordshire and other potteries, hut to France, Belgium, and other foreign states. Its use is not confined to porcelain ; it is also employed by the calico, linen, and paper makers. Cornwall is not the only district from whence our manufacturers obtain their clay ; there is a large quantity prepared in Dorsetshire, and other places, of varying qualities. That which is shipped from the neighbourhood of St. Austel is sold, according to its quality, at from about 15s. to 353. a ton. I have no knowledge of the extent of the earthenware and porcelain annually required by our own country, but the exportation to foreign lands is enormous, and is annually increasing. The declared value of the earthenware and porcelain exported in the year 1855 was £1,000,738 ; this had increased to £1,642,550 in 1809, and in 1870 to £1,778,530. The origin of this fine clay is interesting. To begin with the granite, by the decomposition of which by the action of the atmosphere its soils are produced ; let us first remember its chemical composition. It is cliiedy formed in varying proportions of felspar, mica, and quartz. These are composed in 100 parts of the following sub- stances : Felspar. Mica. Quartz Silica 63-83 ... .. 48-65 ... ... 97-06 Alumina (clay) 17"17 ... ... 29-25 .. ... 0-50 Lime 300 ... — — Oxide of iron 1-00 ... ... 5-05 .. ... 14-05 .. ... TOO Potash 13-00 ... Oxide of manganese — .. 1-75 ,. ... 0-75 Loss in analysis 3-00 ... ... 1'25 .. ... 0-70 100-00 100-00 10000 The granite, notwithstanding its hard, tenacious nature, is slowly decomposed by the action of the atmosphere, and, when reduced to powder, its constituents are sepa- rated with considerable facility ; thus the granite pave- ment of the London streets, which is gradually worn to powder, in that state readily part with its potash, and to such an extent that after rain the street water contains a considerable amount of potash. The formation of the soils of the granite formation was some time since thus traced by Mr. T. F. Jamieson, of Ellon {Jour. Rot/. Ag. Soc, vol. xvii., p. 461) : The felspar of the granite in the course of the changes brought about gradually loses its transparency and lustre, the surface becomes dull and earthy, and at length it falls down into a powder. This powder forms the kaolin or porcelain clay ; its composition is somewhat variable, but approximates to — Silica 47-2 Alumina 39-1 Water 137 100-0 A little iron and lime generally remains, and frequently some potash or soda, according to what was the original constitution of the mineral, and the degree of complete- ness with which the alkalies have been washed out. The following table contains analyses of some varieties of porcelain clay Cornwall. Devon. Miesseu. Boase. Fownes. Forchammer. Silica 39-55 47-20 46-46 Alumina 38-05 38-80 36-37 Peroxide of iron • •t Lime I** 0-24 i-47 Potash 1-76 Magnesia 1-45 Water 12-50 12-00 13-61 Insoluble matter and talc 8-70 A comparison of these with the analyses given of felspar will at once show what has taken place. When the removal of the alkalie.1 has been complete, or nearly so, a poor ste., u g 276 THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. rile clay will be the consequence, but it is rarely that the alkaline silicate is altogether dissolved out. Forchammer considers that the yellow clay of Denmark consists of granite, the felsjiar of which has been altered, whilst its mica remains unchanged, its quartz forming the sand of the clay; while the blue clay results from syenite and greenstone, which have no mica. The clay derived from the potash felspar is wanting in lime, and not so favour- able to vegetation as that from minerals which contain both lime and potash or soda. The red colour of the clay is owing to the presence of peroxide of iron. In the blue clays the colour would appear to be occasionally owing to carbonaceous matter acting on this peroxide and convert- ing it back into the dark protoxide. Thus, below beds of peat, even in districts where the clay is otherwise red, a blue-coloured clay is usually found ; and beneath vege- tation red marls and sandstones are sometimes seen con- verted into a green or bluish-green colour, the carbona- ceous matter abstracting part of the oxygen. Sir Henry de la Beche some time since remarked the varying quality of the Cornish granite, and of the soils which rest upon them. He observed how much the fertility of these soils depend upon their elevation above the sea and the amount of rain they received {Jour. Soy. Aff. Sac, vol. iii. p. 31). As he remarked, the relative fertility of the granite soil of Cornwall would appear greatly to depend upon the abundance and easily- decomposable character of the felspar in the subjacent rock ; he also remarked that the relative proportion of mica would appear to have an appreciable effect upon such soils, tending to render them poor, due allowance being made for atmospherical influences. These, however, seem to influence very considerably the agricultural value of the granitic or growan soils (Cornish name for gravelly soils). Thus we have been unable to detect any appre- ciable difference between much of the granite on the high land of Dartmoor and that in the Scilly Islands, in places were both were well decomposed. In the Scilly Islands there is much growan land which is fairly fertile, pro- ducing good cropsof potatoes, wheat, barley, and grass ; while Dartmoor is merely covered by heath and coarse grass, and peat is abundant. In the one case we have islands in the Atlantic of small relative height, upon which snow is rarely seen ; while in the other there is an extensive area in the interior of Devon varying from 1,400 to 2,000 feet above the sea, on which fogs are frequent, and snow often falls and rests before it is even seen on the lower grounds. The country around More- ton Hampstead, several hundred feet lower than the mass of Dartmoor, of which it is the geological continua- tion, forms a striking contrast as to fertility with the high granitic soils on the west of that town. The grass laud is generally good, tolerable crops of barley are ob- tained, the potatoes grown are highly-esteemed in the Exeter market ; yet the general charater of the granite around Moreton Hampstead, and of that upon much of the adjoining high land of Dartmoor, are mineralogically the same. Judging from Cornwall and Devon, there are few soils which are more influenced by i-elative elevation above the sea than the " growan" or granitic soils. No doubt there may be some variation in the mineralogical character of the subjacent granites, and consequently in their relative productiveness ; but there is no doubt but that the fer- tility of the granitic groups of Cornwall gradually in- creases as they diminish in elevation. The growan soil frequently requires rain, of which, however, there is generally no want in the district. This season (1870) has been in Cornwall the driest ever remembered, little or no rain having fallen from February to September, yet the harvest has been excellent. On these soils potatoes are successfully cultivated, Of the cereals, barley and oats are the most generally grown : wheat is more so than formerly. Trees, from the abundance of the sea breezes in Cornwall, require shelter. The oak, the sycamore, and the ash then grow well on the growan soils. The amount of alumina in the clay soils of Cornwall is as various as in other places. In some districts they very beneficially practise the burning of the clay obtained from the substratum. The success of this operation of course depends upon the chemical composition of the clays thus treated, since, as a matter of course, the clay- ashes differ as widely in composition as the clays from which they are produced. "We may still, however, form a pretty accurate estimate of the nature of the substances usually contained in clay-ashes from the chemical exami- nations which have been made. These ashes, the young farmer must remember, not only contain the earthy and saline matters of the clay and of its organic matters, but of the similar substances contained in the wood or other fuel employed in their preparation, with a considerable portion also of their carbon or charcoal ; and this last substance, when the amount of ashes employed upon the land is very considerable, is much graater as regards the extent of the application of the charcoal than many fai'mers are willing to believe ; and this evidently leads to another conclusion — that these ashes, from the absorbent powers which they hence possess, are well adapted to have liquid manures or other too-rapidly-decomposing matters mixed with them, either when they are used as a covering to farmyards or compost heaps, for the floors of buildings in which stock are kept, or in the preparation of driU manures. Davy examined the ashes obtained from a variety of soils, principally those by the now- nearly-exploded paring and burning system. He obtained from 100 parts of the ashes produced by paring and burning a stiff clay soil, at Mount's Bay, in Cornwall : Parts. Charcoal 8 Common and other sorts 2 Oxide of iron 7 Chalk 2 Clay and sand 81 Supposing, therefore, that 50 tons per acre of these ashes are applied (a quantity often much exceeded), we from this analysis perceive that the farmer must often dress his land (in the ashes) with about four tons of charcoal per acre. And hence we may safely conclude that the good effects of such a dressing must be evident for several years, even if we allow but little benefit to be derived from the mechanical effects thus produced on the adhesive soils to which it is applied. The cultivators of clay soils may indeed derive con- siderable benefit, in most instances, from a careful ex- amination of the result of the labours of the chemist. It should for instance, be more generally known that the composition of a clay soil often varies materially at dif- ferent depths, a fact of very considerable importance not only to the drainer, but to those who are endeavouring to permanently increase the fertility of their soils by deeper ploughings or by the mixture of different strata. To give only one example, an apparently uniform clay being analyzed by Professor Phillips {Jo?ir, Boy. Ag. Sac, vol. vii., p. 258) was found to contain : At 22 in. At 54 in. Silica 59.0 72.9 Alumina 23.5 13.4 Per oxide of iron 8.1 6.6 Carbonate of lime 1.0 0.8 Water, sulphate of lime, &c. ... 4.8 5.5 Carbonate of magnesia 0.0 9.8 And again, some valuable experimental researches upon the clays adapted for tiles were made by Professor John- ston, He found various infusible or fire clays to be com<> THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 277 posed — 1, fi'otn Cool Island ; 2, from Stourbridge ; 3, from Slanuingtou ; 4, from Ilowtli, as follows : 1. 2. 3. 4. Alumina 30.8 38.8 ¥).d 23.2 Silica 46.3 46.1 43.0 67.96 Peroxide of iron and manganese 8.4 — — 1.1'J Lime , — — — 1.3 Magnesia _ _ _ 0.63 Potash 0.4 — — — Water 14.2 15.1 14.7 3.79 Our tiles and bricks clays, sajs Professor Johnston, are usually red naturally, or become so when burned. This shows the presence of oxide of iron, one of the ingredi- ents which tend to make them fusible. IMany also con- tain lime, some iu very considerable proportion. Mag- nesia is by no means uncommon, while potash and soda are always present in quantities more or less appreciable. It is the presence of these ingredients which gives to our bricks and tiles the burned, glassy, swollen, and porous appearance they occasionally present, and which at times, in the hands of a careless or unskilful fireman, causes them to run together into one melted mass. The follow- ing is the analysis of four varieties of good clay : I, being from Cuttle Ilill, near Dumferline ; 2, from Sher- burn Hill, near Durham ; 3, from Tullarone, county of Sligo ; 4, from Portobello, near Edinburgh : 1. 2. 3. 4. Silica and sand... 64.14 61.09 66.16 53.95 Alumina 13.54 19.91 16.08 25.55 Oxide of iron ... 7.57 6.75 8.38 8.06 Lime 1.90 3.36 1 i rq C 0.68 Magnesia 1.21 2.38 j i-oo ^ 1_61 Sr:.:::::::;:;:: HI }^'-'' '■'' i-^* Sulphuric acid... 1.37 — — — Carbonic acid ... — 3.68 — — Organic matter and water 7.82 — 4.89 8.60 The very important practical conclusion to which the Pi ofessor arrived will be readily responded to by every agriculturist : " The cheapening of tiles is at present an an object of the highest national importance. Our ma- chines for making tiles, and for screening or washing clays, will not come into general use till the persuasion is every where spread that there is no clay so apparently bad, which, by a skilful preparation, may not be made fit for the manufacture of tiles." The absorption of water by various specimens of tiles and other building materials is often a question little regarded, especially in those cases where it is important for the sake of collecting rain- water for cattle, to employ for roofing a material which will not absorb the rain. The following table shows the result of our own trials to ascertain the amount of water absorbed by 1, a red brick ; 2, a red pantile ; 3, a square roof tile ; 4, a slate, which the farmer will note does not absorb any water. This table shows the weight of the material, after being dried for three hours in an oven, and then after being immersed in water for a quarter of an hour : WEIGHT. Dried, Soaked, Increase. Red brick Red pantile ... Square roof tile A slate Lbs. Oz. 6 6 Lbs. Oz. 7 8 Lbs. Oz. 1 2 0 2 0 4 0 0 It was in the September of this year, when on a pil- grimage to the beautiful little Cornish port of Fowey, these facts engaged my attention. To this place, by means of the Lostwithiel railway, about 100 tons per day of the china-clay are brought and shipped. I have on former occasions alluded to the many other very inter- esting objects which Cornwall possesses ; the noble cliffs of Grauwacke — serpentine and granite — with which it is environed ; the briiliautly bright sea water, wliieh rolls its waves against them ; its minerals ; its calcareous sea- shore sands and sea weeds, so extensively employed as manures. Its fisheries too are of abounding interest to the pilgrim from the more level portions of our island : and such a traveller, if an agriculturist, will not fail to notice the skilful way in which the cultivators of this noble county adapt their operations to the 'mildness and moisture of the climate and the hilly nature in general of their farms. The live stock, cattle, sheep, and pigs of Cornwall will especially attract the visitor's attention, and as he arrives in the neighbourhood of Penzance, the extensive districts devoted to the growth of brocoli and early potatoes will be examined with considerable interest. These occupy very many acres around Mount's Bay, and are extensively manured, besides the ordinary farm manures, with sea weeds. The quantity of these vegetables sent to the me- tropolis by railway is very large. The average annual despatch of early potatoes from the Penzance railway station for the past four seasons is 2,337 tons, and of brocoli 2,627. The largest total of potatoes was in 1863, when 3,146 tons were sent off, and of brocoli in 1868, when the quantity was 3,571 tons. This year 2,591 tons of potatoes and 2,574 tons of brocoli have been despatched. The wanderer from other lands will also not fail to note the intelligence and courtesy of the Cornish men, their air of general comfort, and the absence there of anything like a beggar. Such a visitor, to, will recall to mind, when he remarks their very numerous fishermen and their sailors, that these are the men from amongst whom came many a noble British admiral who have well helped to preserve our empire of the sea, from the days of the Crusaders and the Armada, to the time of our own glorious Queen Victoria. FORBIDDEN FRUIT AT THE AUTUMN SHOWS. During the last fortnight or so the local agricultural shows have been at their full tide. Occasionally there have, no doubt, been too many meetings of the same kind in the same district to invest any one of these with any particular importance ; nor, moreover, has the actual success of such exhibitions been altogether up to an ave- rage. Shortness of keep, the spread of the Foot-and- Moutli disease, with some other concomitant causes have thinned out the entries ; while it looked at one time as if the consideration of any farmer's business would be crowded out at the after-dinner sittings by the one absorbing topic of the day. In our Echoes, a very good opening having been made at Leamington ; at least as so it seemed, by the introduction of such matters as the de- sirability of extending the Lincolnshire Tenant-Right, of removing much of the hedge-row timber, and of keeping down the ground game. But all this, as it turned out, was all wrong; and, indeed, as the President subsequently hinted, if he had done his duty he should have railed any speaker to order who " wandered into points likely to create differences of opinion and discussions hardly fitting for a meeting like the present. You must remember there 278 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. is a Chamber of Agriculture to wliicli these matters more especially belong." Very good; or at any rate, let us say in passing that farmers have no right to talk about agree- ments, or timber, or hares and rabbits, as members of a county Agricultural Society, but to refer all such grievances to their county Chamber of Agriculture. Now it does so happen that one of these Chambers has been started iu Warwickshire, and that only during last spring the Game Laws were very vigorously handled by that body, the proceedings terminating with the following straightfor- ward resolution: "That rabbits and hares should be the absolute property of the occupier of the land, and that any agreement to the contrary between landlord aud tenant should be null and void." Whereupon Lord Aylesford, in a letter of three lines, ordered his name to be taken " from the list of subscribers to the Warwickshire Chamber of Agriculture ;" and Lord Warwick, in a more lengthy communication wrote to " ex- plain the reason of my absence from their later debates. I do not go so far as to assert that the working of the Game Law is not a legitimate subject for discussion by a Cham- ber of Agriculture, but I will say that, considering how liable it must be to produce antagonism of classes, it should only be entered on in a moderate and kindly spirit" — and so on. In fact, so far as we can understand its tone and purport. Lord Warwick's letter reads vastly like a censure on the Chamber for ever taking up the game evil. And now what is to be done ? At Leamington Lord Warwick, as President of the Agricultural Society, says the game question is hardly a fitting point for the meeting to considei", and to this Lord Leigh says hear ! hear ! Turn it the rather over to the Chamber of Agriculture ; and when the Chamber did take up the point Lord War- wick did not go quite " so far as to assert it was not a legitimate subject," but he intimated pretty well as much, and Lord Aylesford stopped his subscription. What is to be done ? we ask. No one, we imagine, will be bold enough to maintain that the over-preservation of game will ever be corrected without protesting against the abuse 1 But then where are the farmers to do as much ? Not at the agricultural dinners, or the noble chairmen will call them to order. Not at the Chambers of Agricultm-e, or the noble presidents and vice-presidents wiU keep away and stop theii* subscriptions. " I was not aware," wrote Lord Warwick in his famous letter, " that hares and rabbits had gone so far as to take the streets of Birming- ham by storm ;" but if the farmers are denied their oppor- tunity elsewhere, the streets of Birmingham will take the hares and rabbits by storm, as there will be nothing else left for it but "urban indignation," the Farmers' Clubs, and the House of Commons. Lord Warwick, as President of the Warwickshire Agri- cultural Society, thought they had wandered too much on to points hardly fitting for the meeting ; such " points," as we take it, being farm agreements and heavy game-pre- serving. These topics were here introduced by Mr. Horley, a tenant-farmer ; while at Walsall, Lord Hatherton, as President of the Staffordshii-e Agricultm-al Society, dwelt on precisely the same subjects : " All that was requii'ed was a simjile, short, and fair agreement between landlord and tenant, with liberal covenants, and a covenant as to unexhausted improvements in case of outgoing tenancy. There could not be any difiiculty about unexhausted im- provements, because he thought that building and drain- ing were the work of the landlord : and when he could not do it the tenant ought to be able to go to the land- lord or his agent, and come to an understanding as to how he was to recoup himself for those improvements in case he became an outgoing tenant. There should be a liberal covenant with regard to unexhausted value of manure in the soil. He held that with regard to that the tenant had a Tenant-Right." Again, he " deprecated in the strongest terms that modern system of cramming an estate with game to the great detriment of the land." Now it is evident enough that Lord Warwick would call Lord Hatherton to order, as if anythiug Lord Hatherton spoke only still more forcibly than Mr. Horley on "points hardly fitting for such a meeting." Then, at Tarporley, Sir Philip Egerton, the chairman, ran riot on exactly the same line. He talked chiefly, if after rather an odd fashion, of agreements and game : " No written document was equal to a good understanding between landlord and tenant — a mutual feeling of dependence one upon the other — a feeling of honour between man and man, and Christian man and Christian man." Surely, if a landlord in the chair thinks fit to express himself in this way, the tenant may be allowed a word or two, if only to say that the clearer the understanding the better, and the greater the feeling of dependence the worse in the long run for everybody. However, as Lord Warwick cautions us, these matters are apt to get " somewhat personal" — " to require a re- ply"— " their discussion may lead to certain disagree- ments," and so on. In short, according to Mr. Calde- cott, " Mr. Horley had lifted up two landlords, as if there were no others like them in the county," and Mr. Caldecott emphatically " would not have it." Thrice happy Warwickshire ! Where, of course, every land- lord gives his tenants the privilege to kill the ground game, sanctions the system of compensation for unex- hausted improvements, and returns them the whole of their rent on the wheat land. In truth, it became such veiy bad taste to single out one or two when all were doing so well, that Lord Leigh at last protested that he Did good by stealth, and blushed to find it fame. " My private feelings led me to see that it would be bet- ter for me to give up ground game to my tenants, and I did so for that reason. But I never expected it would pass beyond my own tenantry. It got into the news- papers, and it has been to me a source of annoyance, as it appeared as if I wished to dictate to my neighbours." This naturally will only increase the dilemma. If we are not to talk about it, if we are not to cite a good ex- ample when we can, how are we to work upon those "pri- vate feelings," which leads landlords to do precisely the contrary ? For our part we are inclined to think there is no better argument than an example, good or bad, and we would make the most of it. At the Judges' dinner at Walsall the other day, we heard Mr. Masfen declare that, "as to the game question, there was no man who had a greater h orror than himself of being game-eaten ; while, at the same time no man had a greater hon'or of the question being taken up and used as political capital, as it had been by certain persons during the last twelve or eighteen months. It would be in his power to single out certain gentlemen, and he need not go many counties distant to find them, who had spoken very liberally upon this question for political purposes, but whose actions would not bear re- flecting upon, their tenants suffering more from game than the tenants of any other landlords in the county." Now, good as this is, would it not have come all the stronger if the county not so far off had been named, or even the gentlemen iwho speak so liberally and act so diffe- rently ? Still there is a wholesome tone in aU this ; and the moral of it is, that people who attend agricultural dinners with the idea only of paying vapid empty compli- ments to each other had by far better stay away, whether they be noble lords or tenant-farmers. It is a nice ques- tion, indeed, whether men who have nothing more to say ghould not at once be called to order. THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. m THE NEW FOREIGN CATTLE ORDERS. Mars, the God of War, has been depicted as attended by fire, famine, and pestilence, with an innumerable brood of minor evils, the offspring of the same malevolent trinity, in his train. The sudden outbreak of the rinderpest in Germany and France, therefore, is but the natural offspring of things, and another power of evil let loose to do mis- chief to mankind. Pestilence amongst cattle will now produce scarcity in the districts already cat up by mighty armies, and scarcity will probably produce famine, and famine pestilence, amongst the populations also debili- tated by privations of almost every other kind. And thus the ministers of evil assist each other. Impressed with this tone of feeling, the public received the an- nouncement that the cattle plague had appeared in Ger- many, with some apprehension ; but the information still more recently published, that the rinderpest has already run through Germany, the whole of northern France, and invaded Belgium and Holland, startled the agriculturists of England as much as any news published diu'ing this year of stirring events. Now we would not endorse any alarmist sentiment, nor deal with a real danger and matter of fact in the sensational manner that is now so common, thanks to the special correspondents of the present day, like George Colman's friend, " two single gentlemen rolled into one," combining the author and artist, and chawing, therefore, doubly on imagination, in their confi- dential outpouring to the listening world. Still, it is pos- sible to light the danger beacon without setting the old country on fire ; and, therefore, while the facts are in themselves real and serious enough, there is no justification for giving currency to the opinion that the authorities are asleep or inert, and are not adopting every necessary pre- caution within their reach. The plague, it appears, has been brought from Podolia and Hungary, where it seems to be permanently na- turalized in the numerous herds of cattle that have been sent to Berlin for the use of the German armies. From Berlin the speed at which it has travelled is unprecedented. On the 8th of September, Mr. E. Eardley Wilmot, of the Privy Council Veterinary Department, writes that " information has been received of the existence of cattle-plague in Kaiserlauten ;" and in a few days afterwards we learn that, after reaching Kaiserlauten, it immediately appeared at Saarbriick, in the French departement of the Moselle, and at Bar-le-duc, only 70 miles from Paris ; after which it spread with marvellous rapidity through Belgium to the Dutch district of Leyden, near Rotterdam. In fact, originating with the cattle convoys moving westward for the armies, it has out-distanced them, and, over-running the armies them- selves, has spread over Northern France, Belgium, and Holland. To meet these facts, so far as they bear on our own circumstances, we have to record that the Privy Council has acted promptly and energetically. It has also officially announced that Holland and Belgium have both been in the list of scheduled countries " since the passing of the Act of 1869," and that, therefore, they have not been specified in the recent Order in Council dated the 9th of September, by which, immediately after the 14th of September, France takes its place on the list of sche- duled countries ; and all the regulations in the 4th schedule of the Act of 1869 apply to cattle brought from any port of France. This determination was arrived at by the Privy Council only " from the probability that her cattle may become infected by those which are sent from Prussia for the use of the German armies." How quickly the probability has become a certainty is well known ; and the decision of the Privy Council was certainly not a moment too soon, and we have a strong hope that it was uot a day too late. So recently as the 20th mstant, the Council is- sued another important Order, by which all the regu- lations in the fourth schedule of the Act of 1869 " shall apply to sheep and goats brought to Great Britain from any port of the States of the North German Confederation or France, and landed in Great Britain ; and all such sheep and goats shall be slaugh- tered within ten days of the landing thereof." It also orders that " with respect to cattle, sheep, and goats brought from any port of the North German Confedera- tion or France, and landed within the Port of London, no such cattle, sheep, or goats shall be landed, except at places approved of by her Majesty's Commissioners of Customs, aud set apart for such purpose, and, notwith- standing any order to the contrary, no animal shall be moved alive out of any place so approved and set apart." Moreover, " the Government here has issued instruc- tions to Customs' officers at all the ports to exercise the strictest scrutiny and vigilance in the examination of foreign cattle ;" and upon this and the ample means of information which Mr. Forster says the Government possesss, we have to rely. The recent Order in Council has been properly and promptly issued. What, however, is really wanted is the long promised new market for foreign cattle, on the banks of the Thames, and why have we not this ? Is the Act permissive, or is it passed in one Session, with liberty to defer its being put into force to an indefinite time? If so, if it be not put off till the Greek Kalends, it n'ill certainly be a dead letter until too late to prevent infection. If, however, it be the fault of the Corporation, we hope the Privy Council will look to it. Nero fiddled when Rome was in flames, and we have no doubt the civic authorities would still feed on turtle, and punish coster- mongers, while our herds were perishing. It was said by Sydney Smith that we should have no safety on railways until a bishop was smashed in a tunnel ; and we believe that if the Privy Council had had Star Chamber powers, and had put the aldermen of the city upon vegetable diet immediately the Foreign Market Act had been passed, until its provisions were carried out, we should at the present momenthave had suchamarket on the banks of the Thames, and London would now have been placed in the same position for preventing the spread of disease from foreign cattle as our provincial ports are. Still there is hope ; on only Tuesday last The Times announced that " to-day Government will be asked by the civic authori- ties to sanction the purchase of a site for the proposed Foreign Cattle Market. This site is Deptford Dockyard, the sale of which by the Admiralty gave rise to certain questions at the close of the late Session. It is under- stood that the City Markets Committee has entered into an agreement to re-purchase 22 acres, for the sum of £91,000." This would look like land at last; whereas The Ciiij Press of Saturday declares emphatically that " whatever amount of truth there may be about this state- ment, one thing is quite clear — it is premature. The matter has not yet been decided upon by the Court of Common Council." 280 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. THE AUTUMN STOCK SALES " Well," drawled out a quaint country auctioneer, as he dropped down from his perch after a terribly dull sale on the Southdowns, " Well, I only wish we could have had that French gen'leman here again to-day !" And many will echo the aspiration ; for, as our report of the Biddenham gathering runs, " it was remarked that the usual visitors from the Continent were absent, and it is probable there was also a deficiency of those foreign com- missions which give so useful a stimulus to sales of this kind." Precisely so. We care not what breed it be — Southdown or Leicester, Oxford or Shropshire, Cotswold or Lincoln — but everywhere has there been the same deadness of trade, as we do not believe there has been a letting during the season but where the result has been considerably under aa average. In many cases business has been so bad, that the auctioneer has discreetly de- clined to go through the catalogue, but preferred that anyone in the company should " call" any sheep he might fancy. At Hove, Mr. Turner, the chairman at the luncheon, said "the animals brought out might be in a lower condition than usual ; but that was easily accounted for by the shortness of keep they had been suffering from. They had felt the effects of both a cold spring and a very dry summer ; and, in fact, the weather had been against them ever since the beginning of March." This may be something, but not much, as we question whether a home customer, more especially, would care about hiring a ram for use in the same high flattering condition in which he might have been sent to take honours at Oxford. Indeed, at a Lincolnshire letting Mr. Dring, of Claxby, declared that " on these occasions he should be glad if the breeder could vouch that there were no sheep amongst them fed on anything but green food for the last six months. If kept on green food they would be leaner, few sheep would fall lame when they got them at work, and there would be more work in them." With the general shortness of keep, farmers may not care so much about extending or even maintaining the strength of their flocks ; but the real secret of that slackness, which it would be only idle to ignore, is the absence of the "Trench gen'leman" and " the deficiency of those foreign commissions." But there are lulls in most trades ; and, although the ram-breeder may find more sheep on his hands than he quite likes to see, he can so far have no great reason to des])air. The scientific cultivation of the sheep was never carried to so great a height as it is just at present. At Oxford and Manchester these sections supplied the chief features of the show. The Shorthorn may have driven out the Longhorn, and the Devon may be gradually drop- ping back to his home in the W^est; but the more varieties of sheep there are " invented," the more people would there seem to be ready to use them. The Leicester and the Southdown in their purity were never more appreciated, although wide ranges of country be covered with Shropshires and Oxfords and Lincolns. " No ram breeder," as it was said in a kind of commentary on the career of Bakewell, " ever died a rich man," and yet no one should be capable of doing more good in his degree, ilore modern practice, however, would go to dispute the truth of such an axiom. During the early autumn it is impossible to look into a local Journal without reading of the profuse hospitality, the genial welcome, and the jovial after-sitting associated with the annual letting of the famous Grange longwools or Hill-side shortwools, as the case may be. The war, no doubt, has much to answer for, but even a Continental war cannot in these times be of very long dura- tion, and Hope may still be found at the bottom of the box. It must be remembered that during the civil strife in America, " the Shorthorn fever," as it was termed, seemed to have quite died out. The rage, like the mania for tulips or Cochin Chinas, had quite spent itself — we should never see such prices again — a more wholesome tone would rule henceforth, and so on. And really for a season it did look as if this were going to be the case. But as we all know well enough highly-bred stock is again as highly or more highly prized than ever. A heifer now is worth more by some hundi'cds than the best bull would realize some few years since. And the secret here again is, if not precisely the presence of " the French gen'leman," at any rate the influence of " the foreign commission." Nothing does so much to make a sale, either public or private, as the fact that the foreigner is a buyer. Let the ram-breeder then bear this in mind. Just for a season his market is shut up by the war, as it might have been by the cattle trade; but his turn will come again, and probably with a better average than ever, so that we would counsel him not to lose heart, not to miss his opportunity on the show-ground, nor relax his energies in the sheep fold. In sober truth, putting our Canadian and Australian customers out of court, the business done with good- pedigree cattle is hardly in a more encouraging con- dition than the demand for carefully-bred sheep. Week by week almost some of our contemporaries, with more nerve than we quite own to in this way, will not only announce but anticipate the highly successful disper- sion of some renowned herd, which is about to be brought to the hammer. These notes of admiration will dwell on the excellence of the tribes, the curious felicity of the crosses, and the imposing appearance of the animals them- selves. And yet the results have often been hardly w-orth reporting, if, indeed, they have not been here and there sys- tematically suppressed. During the Royal meeting in July people were not particular for a thousand or two as to what they gave ; and since then many a Herd Book entry, good to trace and good to look on, might have been picked up for twenty or thirty sovereigns, so strong are the vicissitudes of the trade, or so whimsical the vagaries of fashion. This is demonstrated in many different ways. We have, in turn, imported at long prices. Shorthorn stock from America, and we are now busy buying up horses from France. The stud of the Count Lagrange in which the Emperor of the French was always supposed to have an interest, came to the hammer at Tattersall's, when the highest price we believe ever given for a stallion was obtained for Gladiateur, a French bred horse but a brilliant performer in this country ; and there is something pertinent to the theme we are touching on in this purchase. Some two or three years back it was declared that the thorough-bred yearling sales had seen their best day ; that, with the decline of two or three young noblemen would follow a decline in the value of young stock ; and, in the face of this, Mr. Blenkiron, who has just bought Gladiateur for 5,800 guineas, has seldom known a better average for his yearlings than in 1870, if ever, indeed, he had sold so many so well. But the trade stops here ; as with Mr. Booth or Major Gunter, nothing goes down with your racing man but Middle Park or Hampton Court ; and elsewhere thorough-bred stock has been fairly given THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 281 away. Nay, often enough during the pasl summer, lot after lot, like a Shropshire or an Oxford later on, has beeu sent back without a bidding. But then, like Major Guuter, Mr. Blcnkiron has laid the foundation of his stud with a lavish hand. In truth, if no one obtains higher, no one gives higher prices ; and he is continually buying. A dearer bargain, so far, than Gladiatenr was perhaps acver known. As utterly untried at the stud he eouldnot, in reason, be appraised at half the money; for it by no means follows that the best race-horses turn out the best stallions ; while he is faded in his appearance, having scarcely laid on any llesh since he was put out of work — a not altogether wholesome sign. But the bye- standcrs cheered the bidding ; and whatever may come of it, a fact such as this will bring over many a customer hereafter, or so soon as peace shall be again restored to the Contineut, An old saying maintains that the best articles are the cheapest, no matter what they cost ; and Turner, the painter, always bought up his own pictures at an auction if they were going low, as he found in the end it paid him to do so. Let the moral of this commend it to any one who is looking out for a ram, a bull, or a horse. The money is sure to come back again some day or other. SALE OF MR. 0. R. SAUNDERS' HERD OF SHORTHORNS, AT NUNWICK HALL, PENKITII, SEPT. 23, 1870. By Mr. Johx Tiiohxton. It seems scarcely fifteen years ago since we sojourned in the north, saw Windsor win at the Royal at Carlisle, and then looked over Mr. R. W. Saunders' herd (father of the present man) previous to its sale on the Tuesday of the last week in July. Pedigrees were then not accounted of so much fashion as now, although a roan six-year-old Gwynue cow did make 70 gs., and went to Holker Hall ; while the top price of the day, 150 gs., was given for the white Filigree, grand-daughter of Richard Booth's Fame, strangely enough by jNlr. Alexander for Kentucky. Abra- ham Parker (9856) had reigned supreme in the herd after his victory in the Northern show grounds — the Edgar of the present day — and left behind him a number of whites and light roans. Pearls, too, were thought more of than now, and we remember a white cow making 60 gs. from Mr. Cartwright, of Northamptonshire — the Oliver of the period — and her white calf 50 gs. by a local man. Then, as now, there were a lot of aged bulls going at a trifle over butcher's price, Sir Harry Gwynne (12080) to Scot- land for 30 gs., aud Sir Charles (12075) secured for the district at 45 gs. We found the ring pitched on the same little knoll, opposite the triangular roof of the bull houses, and encircled with the trees, which had thickened in foliage with their years, but with this addition, that the ground was sur- rounded three parts round with a strong amphitheatre of seats four deep, giving the scene more the appearance of a Spanish bull tight than a peaceful bull sale. The day, bright, warm, and cheerful, spent among green fields of rich pastures and picturesque scenery, was a happy contrast to the previous one, when at the Penrith show we lounged through the cattle and watched the excitement of the multitude in their delight at the hurdle jumping. Many faces at the show were present in the pastures, where the cows and heifers were more conveniently seen than in the byre, certainly with its calf stalls the most compact we have found in the north. The road was very full all the morning, and a waggonette and pair, with the Duke of Devonshire and Col. Towneley, Lord Skel- mersdale's representatives, Messrs. Atherton, Baxter, and others broke down with its load. The cows showed to much advantage, and might really be termed a fine lot, especially old Waterloo 18th and her daughter the massive but doubtful Waterloo Duchess. Calves, milk, and a bad time had pulled the three-year-olds down ; but we fancied Wallace had much to account for as well, as none of his produce would bear critical examination. The two-year-olds and' yearlings were as pretty as paint, and in that happy condition of llesh, fat enough to please, aud lean enough to breed; good treatment, in the shape of meal and crushed cake seemed to agree with them, as well as careful treatment by the burly George, whose figure was as round as the Edgar he has so frequently led out. Still they might have been fresher, especially the bulls. A covered rick barn made a capital place for the luncheon, at which Lord Kenlis, supported by Earl of Dunmore, Lord Skelmersdale, Col. Kingscote, Sir Harry Vane, Captain Gandy, and Mr. J. P. Foster presided. The usual Royal toasts preceded Mr. Saunders, whose brief reply led to brevity in the remaining speeches, for no sooner had the first 180 lunched than a rush was made outside to refill, and altogether we heard 587 hungry mouths were filled. The massive Edgar, and his equal rotund and handsome son. Lord of Nunwich, were paraded in the amphitheatre after the first company had lunched, and Mr. Thornton at half-past one was at his post in the centre of the arena ; but it was remarkable how slowly each lot was put up. " Twenty guineas" was some time coming, whilst the old twelve year Waterloo 18th, from Shethin, a true-made Shorthorn, walked slowly round. Bid after bid came out chiefly from the local men, and a young exhibitor and neighbour, got her at 34 guineas. Jenny Deans, with her bad crops and fine rich quality, made but half the price she fetched from Mr. Spearman at Bushey in '02, but she left her grand hair and quality to all her descendants. This however, with a line of sound blood going back to Chas. CoUing's Daisy, did not take the public fancy, as none of her tribe sold high. The dam of Edgar, young Emma, was a beautiful co7\', with much elegance and the same grand quality, but her teeth were bad, and she lost her cud, so she was not oftered. Lot 6 was the highest-priced cow at Brayton, in '67, when Mr. Chas. Saunders gave 125 gs. for her; she had deepened, but was not massive, although very elegant, while she soon ran up to 81 gs., and went to a friend who sat beside Mr. Fawcett. Lady Elvira from Countess Emma, granddam of Edgar, was really a beautiful cow, full of quality and substance, but with short, lumpy quar- tei's ; she went to Lord Dunmore, who, like Mr. Foster of yore, seems to go in now more for heavy flesh and good animals than pedigree. The first Gwynne was not handsome, still her blood sold her, for two Cumber- land men wrestled well from 30 to 71 gs. One of the grandest and most stylish lots was Waterloo Duchess ; she has slipped once and never bred, and seemed alto- gether so doubtful that she made but a speculative price. Duchess Emma had a plain head, and was common coloured, notwithstanding Ninth Grand Duke, her sire ; but Wild Eyes Duchess was for many the cow of the day. Difl'erent to what we generally find a Wild Eyes, she was immensely wide and round, with a long neck, pretty good shoulders, 282 THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. and very good quarters, and full of Bates' style ; as probably one of the best of the sort out. Lord Skels- merdale, Mr. Baxter, Atherton, and many were in, but finallly Mr. Jacob "Wilson and LordDunmore opposed, and, for a wonder, Scotch blood was beaten, and she was bought for Mr. Cochrane, of Canada, whose purse seems bottomless, rieda's Farewell, also by Ninth Grand Duke and out of the 155 gs. Knightly rieda, was a very handsome animal, and his lordship secured her at nearly half the price of the more fashionable Wild Eyes. The produce of Wallace seemed hairless and light fleshed, and in the next dozen lots, a couple of Waterloo cows with unfashionable crosses sold well, a white " Bates upon Kuightley " better, as soon after the roan and almost pure Waterloo 36th entered. The biddings were very rapid, from 100 up to 300 in no time, and then Mr. Jacob Wilson and Mr. Oliver were in up to 450, after which Lord Kenlis bid and finally beat the Captain at 475 gs. The excitement of the company could be restrained no longer, cheers again and again burst out, especially as it was known the lot was to remain in the North. The next animal was the great lot of the sale, as her pure pedigree by Mr. Foster's lloyal Cam- bridge— old Moss Kose's son — out of Mr. Bolden's Water- loo 31st, made her about the third best Waterloo in the kingdom ; although not particularly a handsome red, and somewhat disfigured by a hip down. After the excitement of the last, the biddings were not so easily caught ; but it seemed that Mr. Wilson and Mr. Oliver were again at it, with Lord Kenlis to the rescue, for at 470 Mr. Oliver gave 500, and the glass ran finally. Once more the company cheered, and the place presented a wonderful sight. Not only was the raised platform crowded, but the people climed upon the roof of the bull-houses, even to the pinnacle, and even the branches of the trees all around were fiUed. It was considered that fully 1,500 to 2,000 were then present. The two succeeding lots went cheap enough ; but when the yellow red, own sister to Waterloo 36th, entered, the audience was as quiet as a church congregation, every bid rang out, from a hundred upwards, and Lord Skelmersdale opposed : though Mr. WUson got in at 300, and she joins the Wild Eyes cow for Canada. An exceedingly pretty roan heifer by the same sire, and out of lot 1, was secured by his Lordship at half the price. I'alse Fanny, a very pretty roan hairy daughter of Edgar's out of Ellen, a Kuightley cow, drew forth many bids, and finally Mr. Foster and Mr. Hay settled down until the latter was beaten. Elfin Deans had rich hair, colour, and a fine quality of flesh, and she went cheap enough to Mr. Dalzell ; Mr. Hay securing the next lot of the same tribe, only a lighter roan, for New Zealand. Then came another daughter of Edgar's out of the pur- Waterloo 31st. Mr. Graham began the contest early, and at last he and Lord Kenlis were the only bidders, when the Commoner won at the high sum of 360 gs. There was great substance and plenty of hair in this one-year-old, and Mr. Graham got two substantial ones as the nucleus of a new herd at Tumscroft, over Darwen. The calves galloped round the ring to the delight of the com- pany. FiUe d'Edgar, own sister to False Fanny, was equally as pretty, and Mr. Foster secured her also. The most attractively - bred calf was from the Wild Eyes cow ; although a nice one and of a good colour, she seemed rather flat in the ribs, but Lord Dunmore at last purchased her in lieu of her dam, and Mr. Fawcett's friend took the pretty Princess Alexandra's calf at 53 gs,, though her sister, Princess Beatrice by KUdonan, was no taking lot, what with her black nose. The other calves sold well. Edgar walked gaily round the ring ; and it would be difficult to find a fresher looking buU, or more active at his ^ge, rising eight years, even fleshed with grand hind quarters and splendid hocks and hind legs. But the public 1 were slow to bid at him, until a butcher ventured 50 gs. ; I then Mr. Brockbank bid, and Mr. Thomson took it up, until a hundred was called ; a nod from Mr. Brockbank was as good as five, "ten" said Mr. Thompson, and the glass runs, "going at 110 and — gone!" Lord of Nunwich, his son and from a pure Waterloo dam, was next brought in, and was very much like his sire, with perhaps a trifle more elegance. Mr. Messenger, who was bidding for Australia, went well along up to 200 gs., and then stopped, so Mr. Wilson got him for his own and his uncle's use at Shotley HaU. Earl of Eglinton, by the Duke of Devonshire's Tenth Grand Duke, although a good sire, was bad girthed and short-quartered, with his tail close in his back, so that Mr. Brockbank soon secured him, and Mr. Lambert, who had hired Wild Boy, a level fine buU, bought him outright at 50gs., notwithstanding his lameness. General Williams was impotent, and Waterloo Boy, who had served most of the heifers, although narrow- backed, sold well at 89 gs. A Company of tenant farmers had formed to buy one of the best bulls, so they went in for Edgar's brother, but dropped ofi^ at 5 gs. over 30 gs. each man, and he goes to Australia cheap enough at 130 gs. This was by far the best bdl of the sale. The competition was very slow and heavy for the calves, still they averaged well, and biddings were good when once started, though the long time that elapsed in putting them up sadly hindered the sale. A more pleasant one we rarely remember, bright and cheerful ; while, compared with the last, the result is astonishing. No large herd since 1867 has made so good an average, and it is nearly £10 above the great return for a smaller herd sold in the spring at Edenbridge, Kent, and hitherto the highest this year. Subjoined are the prices. COWS AND HEIFERS. Waterloo 18th, roan, calved April 23, 1858, by Bosquet (lil83), dam Waterloo 15th by The Hero (10934).— J. Lamb, Cumberland, 34 gs. Ellen, roan, calved May 3, 1858, by Prince of Glo'ster (13517), Clara Fleda by Grey Friar (9172).— A. Metcalfe, Westmoreland, 53 gs. Jenny Deans, roan, calved March 9, 1859, by Great IMogul (14651), dam Young Daisy by Zadig (8796).— J. Lamb, 42 gs. Young Emma, roan, calved January 5, 1860, by MacTurk (14872), dam Countess Emma by Heir-at-Law (13005).— tJnfit to offer. Lady Emma Oxford, red and white, calved April 7, 1862, by Eighth Duke of Oxford (15939), dam Countess Emma by Heir-at-Law (13005)— W. Parker, Penrith, 45 gs. Princess Alexandra, roan, calved March 10, 1863, by Eighth Duke of Oxford (15939), dam Catchit by Earl of Dublin (10178).— Malcolm, Carlisle, 81 gs. Lady Elvira, roan, calved June 6, 1863, by Lord Oxford (20214), dam Countess Emma by Heir-at-Law (13005).— Earl of Danmore, 84 gs. Flower, roan, calved March 16, 1864, by British Prince (19354), dam Fleda by Grey Friar (9172).— J. and J. Gaitskell, Whitehaven, 54 gs. And white cow caK by Earl of Eglinton. — T. Dalzell, Whitehaven, 19 gs. Clara Gwynne, white, calved April 17, 1864, by Prince Patrick (18633), dam Nelly Gywnne by Old Rowley (15020).— J. Thorn, Cumberland, 71 gs. Waterloo Duchess, roan, calved June 7, 1864, by Ninth Grand Duke (19879), dam Waterloo 18th by Bosquet (14183).— Rev. P. Graham, Lancashire, 55 gs. Duchess Emma, roan, calved December 3, 1864, by Ninth Grand Duke (19879), dam Countess Emma by Heir-at-Law (13005).— W. Sayer, Penrith, 51 gs. Wild Eyes Duchess, red, calved February 3, 1865, by Ninth Grand Duke (19879), dam Wild Eyes 19th by Lablache (16353).— M. H. Cochrane, Canada, 375 gs. Fleda's Farewell, roan, calved March 20, 1865, by Ninth Grand Duke (19879), dam Fleda by Grey Friar (9173).— Earl of Dunmore, 140 gs. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 283 Effy Deans, wliite, calved January 18, 18G6, by Edgar (I'JGSO), dam Jenny Deans by Gieat Mogul (14651),— T. H. Parker, Carlisle, 50 gs. Lady Fanny Oxford, red and white, calved February 23, 1866, by Valiant Duke (23111), dam Lady Emma Oxford by 8th Duke of Oxford (15939).— W. Thompson, Tebay West- moreland, 50 gs. Pearl Brooch, roan, calved February 27, 1867, by Wallace (23166), dam Pearl Powder by Ninth Grand Duke (19879). ^Dixou, Northumberland, 5U gs. Fair Fanny, roan, calved March 7, 1867, by Wallace (23166), dam Ellen by Prince of Gloucester (13517). — J- Morton, Kendal, 55 gs. Waterloo 23nd, roan, calved April 2, 1867, by Kildonan (20051), dam Waterloo 20th by Cherry Duke 2nd (14265). — Dixon, Northumberland, 71 gs. Annie Gwynne, roan, calved March 30, 1867, by Wallace (23166), dam Clara Gwynne by Prince Patrick (18633). — G. H. Head, Carlisle, 67 gs. Waterloo 34th, red roan, calved May 10, 1867, by Wallace (23166), dam Waterloo 18th by Bosquet (14183).— B. 13axter, Yorkshire, 82 gs. Indian Squaw, red and a little white, calved October 7, 1867, by Wallace (23166), dam Imagine by Ilaymau (16245). — Col. Rigg, Peurilh, 36 gs. ; and her red and white bull calf by Waterloo Boy. — J. Nicholson, Penrith, 16 gs. Farewell's White Rose, white, calved March 8, 1868, by Earl of Eglintou (23832), dam Fleda's Farewell lot 13 by 9th Grand Duke (19879).— Lord Skelsmersdale, 100 gs. Princess Beatrice, white, calved March 24, 1868, by Kildonan (20051), dam Princess Alexandra by 8th Duke of Oxford (15939). — R. Hetherington, Cumberland, 34 gs. Fickle Fanny, red, calved March 24, 1868, by Edgar (19680), dam Ellen by Prince of Gloucester (13517). — R. Jefier- son, Cumberland, 51 gs. Lady Eglinton, red and white, calved April 4, 1868, by Earl of Eglinton (23832), dam Lady Emma Oxford by 8tli Duke of Oxford (15939).— G. M. Tracy, Keut, 70 gs. Waterloo 39th, red and a little white, calved April 16, 1868, by Waterloo Chief (23184), dam Waterloo 20th by Cherry Duke 2nd (14265). — Sir W. Lawson, Cumberland, 81 gs. Waterloo 35th, roan, calved April 30, 1868, by Earl of Eglin- ton (23832), dam Waterloo 32nd by Ninth Grand Duke (19879).— Lord Kenlis, Westmoreland, 475 gs. Waterloo 37th, red, calved September 14, 1868, by Royal Cambridge (25009), dam Waterloo 31st by Third Grand Duke (10182).— R. E. Oliver, Sholebroke, 500 gs. Pearl Necklace, roan, calved March 6, 1869, by Wild Boy (25447),damPearlPowder by Ninth Grand Duke (19879).— Col. Sanderson, Penrith, 47 gs. Lady Eleanora, red, calved March 15, 1869, by Wild Boy (25447), dam Lady Elvira by Lord Oxford (20214).— J. White, Australia, 66 gs. Waterloo 38th, red, calved March 12, 1869, by Earl of Eglin- ton (23832), dam Waterloo 32nd by Ninth Grand Duke (19879).— M. H. Cochrane, Canada, 300 gs. Waterloo 39th, roan, calved March 18, 1869, by Earl of Eg- linton (23832), dam Waterloo 18th by Bosquet (14183).— Lord Skelmersdale, 150 gs. Amy Gwynne, white, calved March 26, 1SG9, by Earl of Eg- linton (23832), dam Clara Gwynne by Prince Patrick (18633).— J. Malcolm, f 6 gs. False Fanny, roan, calved March 27, 1869, by Edgar (19680), dam Ellen by Pruice of Glo'ster (13517).— J. P. Foster, Killhow, -40 gs. Elfin Deans, roan, calved April 24, 1869, by Earl of Eglinton (23832), dam Effy Deans by Edgar (19680).— T. Dalzell, Cumberland, 65 gs. Edie Deans, roan, calved October 31, 1869, by Earl of Eglin- ton (23832), dam Jenny Deans by Great Mogul (14651).— T. O. Hay. New Zealand, 61 gs. Waterloo 40th, white, calved September 17, 1869, by Edgar (19680), dam Waterloo 31st by Third Grand Duke (16182). Rev. P. Graham, Lancashire, 360 gs. Mary Gwynne, red and white, calved February 28, 1870, by Wild Boy (25447), dam Clara Gwynne by Prince Patrick (18633).— T. O. Hay, New Zealand, 56 gs. Lady Emma, red, calved March 16, 1870, by Wild Boy (25447), dam Lady Elvira by Lord Oxford (20214).— Earl of Dunmore, 45 gs. Fille d'Edgar, roan, calved Blarch 8, 1870, by Edgar (19680), dam Ellen by Prince of Glo'ster (13517).— J. P. Foster, 86 gs. Wild Eyes Duchess 2nd, red and white, calved Marcli 16, 1870, by Earl of Eglinton (23832), dam Wild Eyes Duchess by 9th Grand Duke (19879).— Earl of Dunmore, 120 gs. Emma's First, red and white, calved March 17, 1870, by Game Boy (26215), dam Young Emma by Mac Turk (14872).— R. Hetherington, 53 gs. Lady of Nunwick, red, calved March 18, 1870, by Earl of Eglinton (23832), dam Lady Emma Oxford by 8th Duke of Oxford (15939).— W. Tborapson, Tebay, 45 gs. Princess Victoria, roan, calved March 29, 1870, by Earl of Eglinton (23832), dam Princess Alexandra lot 6 by 8th Duke of Oxford (15939).— J. Malcolm, Carlisle, 53 gs. Tufty Deans, wliite. calved April 3, 1870, by Earl of Eglin- ton (23832), dam Elfy Deans lot 14 by Edgar (1968U).— C. W. Wilson, Kendal, 30 gs. Duclicss Emma 2nd, roan, calved April 3, 1870, by Garaeboy (26315, dam Duchess Emma lot 11 by 9th Grand Duke (19879).— W. Thompson, Penrith, 41 gs. BULLS. Edgar (19680), roan, calved December 22, 1862, by Prince Patrick (18633), dam Young Emma lot 4 by Mac Turk (14872).— H.Thompson, Penrith, 110 gs. Earl of Eglinton (23832), roan, calved April 10, 1866, by Tenth Grand Duke (21848), dam Lady Elvira lot 7, by Lord Oxford (20214).— R. B. Brockbank, Carlisle, 61 gs. Wild Boy (25147), red and white, calved April 20, 1866, by Edgar (1UG80), dam Wild Eyes 19th by Lablache (16353). — M. Lambert, Northumberland, 50 gs. Lord of Nunwick (26702), roan, calved September 16, 1867, by Edgar (19680), dam Waterloo 31st by 3rd Grand Duke (16182).— Jacob Wilson, Northumberland, 205 gs. General VViUiams (24028), roan, calved September 3, 1866, by Wallace (231G0), dam Dora Gwynne by Prince Patrick (18633).— J. Collins, Penrith, 35 gs. Waterloo B y (27762), red, calved December 9, 1868, by Earl of Eglinton (23833), dam Waterloo 21st by Cherry Duke 2nd (14265).— Sir H. Vane, Bart., 89 gs. Great Salkeld, red and white, calved March 17, 1869, by Wild Boy (25447), dam Lady Emma Oxford lot 5, by 8th Duke of Oxford (15939).— Rev. 0. James, Penrith, 32 gs. IVeweU's Eglinton, roan, calved March 18, 1869, by Earl of EgUntou (23832), dam Fleda's Farewell by 9th Grand Duke (19879). — Captain Thompson, Carlisle, 55 gs. Prince James, roan, calved March 24, 1869, by Earl of Eglin- ton (23832), dam Princess Alexandra by 8th Duke of Ox- ford (15939).— J. Nicholson, Penrith, 40 gs. Salkeld Dykes, red and little white, calved March 28, 1869, by Wild Boy (25447), dam Young Emmaby McTurk (14872). — J. White, Australia, 130 gs. Falstaff, red and white, calved October 20, 1869, by Wild Boy (25447), dam Flower by British Prince (19354). — Parker, Bootle, 39 gs, Eden Lacey, red, calved March 13, 1870, by Lord of Nunwick (26702), dam Fair Fanny by Wallace (23166).— J. Lan- caster, Penrith, 21 gs. Game Laws, roan, calved April 8, 1870, by Lord of Nunwick (26702), dam Annie Gwynne by Wallace (23166).— T. Bowstead, Eden Hall, 34 gs. Fitz-Edgar, roan, calved March 5, 1870, by Edgar (19680), dam Fleda's Farewell by 9th Grand Duke (19879).— G. H. Head, 51 gs. Pearl Seeker, red and white, calved March 7, 1870, got by Game Boy (26215), dam Pearl Brooch by WaUace (23166). — Scott, 25 gs. Waterloo Commander, roan, calved March 16, 1870, by Game Boy (26215), dam Waterloo 22nd by Kildonan (20051).— A. Graham, 35 gs. Summary, 45 cows £106 10s. 4d £4,793 5s, 16 bulls £66 83.3d £1,062 12s, 61 averaged £96. £5,855 17s. In 1855, 38 cows averaged £44 18s., 18 bulls £33 15s. 6d., and the general average for 56 head was £41 Gs. 6d., amount- ing to £3,314 43. 284 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. THE NEWBOURN HALL SUFFOLK SALE. Ou Wednesday, Sept. 21, Mr. Wolton's Suffolk horses were sold by auction by Messrs. Biddell and Blencowe, and Mr. Bond (a joint firm on this occasion), and the sale of Suifolk cows followed on the next day. Of late years, no one has done more to keep up the celebrity which Messrs. Crisp, Catlin, and Barthropp gave the Suffolk horse than Mr. Samuel "Wolton, of Newbourn Hall. Indeed, we may safely say, with animals of their own breeding not • one of these noted exhibitors has been more successful than Mr. Wolton, for of all the prizes which have been placed to his credit scarcely one has been won by an animal not bred at Newbourn Hall — a fact reflecting no little credit to the judgment displayed, and adJing a pleasant flavour of satisfaction not always attending success. In our chronicles of noted Sales, it more often falls to our task to append an obituary sketch of the late proprie- tor. On the present occasion we omit the notice — for the excellent reason that the good old man is still in the flesh, hale and hearty, and if one may judge by a pleasant word, a quiet mind and a look of contentment, we may add, happy also. But Mr. Wolton is a very old man — nineti/ next March ; and in the zenith of his fame as a breeder, with sons in the prime of manhood to carry on what he has established, he wisely retires from busi- ness. The history of the Newbourn Hall horse-stock dates a long way back — according to the opening address of the ofliciating auctioneer, Mr. William Biddell, something like a hundred years. Points of history, dates, and figures culled from introductory speeches at agricultural sales are at best put forth as subject to cor- rection, lu the present case we believe the fact to be rather under, than over stated, for in our sketch of the rise and progress of the Newbourn horses we may go back almost to the middle of the last century. In those days there lived at the Hall a certain Mr. Higham, who bred and patronised, as eveiy fa.'-mer in the district did at that time, pure Suffolk horses. In course of time there fell into the hands of a young man in the neighbourhood, a Mr. Wolton, one of Mr. Higham's daughters, and a few years later all the old man's horses also — the lady by marriage, the animals by valuation. These were the parental ancestor's of the present occupier of Newbourn Hall. In 1781 Mr. Iligham died, the son-in-law took the farm, and that same year was borne that honourable specimen of an Englishman known by the present genera- tion of Suffolk farmers as " old Sam Wolton of New- bourn Hall." The auctioneer told his audience that Mr. Wolton's father was " great in horses," and if you ask Mr. Wolton what old Highham's were said to be like, he will tell you " As good as mine''' — a character those who were present on Wednesday may regard as rather a high one, in as much as we learn that in the said valua- tion the first four Avere put down at £100 the team ; but price is not always a correct measure of merit, and if their shoulders were a bit short and straight, their crests low, and their feet flat, they were, no doubt, good in their day. The autioneer's remark rests on a more tangible p roof. That John Wolton was " great in horses" may be gathered from the fact that when the old man died, and the present Mr. Wolton took the farm, he bid 80 gs. each for the first four led into the ring, was beaten off for all, and had to start his stud with other animals from the same sale, at £50 to £G0 a-piece. This was in 1812, a time when farmers were flush of funds and cofl'ers that overflowed with guineas ; the produce of £7 a quarter wheat and half-a-crown a pound wool being kept in bounds by late hours, port wine, and much company. That money was plentiful, or Suffolk horses in great repute, one other or both, may be gathered from the prices recorded at this and other sales, at one of which — Sir Robert Harland's, at Bourne Hall, Wherstead — the four best mares made 440 gs., and the foals 40 each. From this time Mr. Wolton has scrupulously kept to the pure stock. " If you have a breed, have a breed," is one of his standing maxims, and no one has kept to this more persistently. It was not, however, till about twenty years back that Mr. Wolton began to show in public. His first essay was for the sum of £3, for which a certain grand old gelding. Proctor by name, walked some twelve miles to Wick market, met two on the same errand, and brought home the coveted Red Rosette, a nest egg for the stable, not much in itself, but the fore-runner to a host of good things, which in the aggregate must have amounted to a handsome sum. This was not all. Side by side with Proctor stood one of old Mr. Catlin's entries, beaten hollow ; and in proportion as the joy of Butley over a victory, so was the depression of defeat ; for at the dinner which followed, Newbourne vexed Butley in no measured terms in chaff and toast to the last glass in the bottle. In 1850 the county show was at Ipswich, held then in September, and here we find Mr. Wolton first with a foal as big as a yearling, and good looking to boot, as withal pronounced by the judges as the best of fifteen shown. A son of Catlin's Duke out of Smiler, he was for years afterwards travelled in West Suffollk, to the incalculable benefit of the breed in that district. In 1851, at Woodbridge, Proctor turns up again, placing another "three pounds" to Newbourne. Doughty by Catlin's old Boxer adds £3 more to the same account, and her foal gets first prize, and better still, is there and then sold to the Duke of Grafton for 40 gs. In 1852, Proctor walks another 30 miles or so for the £3 at Framlingham, and gets it too, while another of the Newbourne mares takes second prize in a class of ten. At this time Mr. Wolton's name as a breeder was be- coming pretty widely known. His stable was filled with good mares, and his pastures were dotted over with as promising a lot of young things as one would wish to see ; but a sorry year was 1853 for the Newbourne Hall horses. To raise a stable of good animals of one's own breeding is a work of patience, of many years, often of a lifetime. One mare won't breed, another slips her foal, a third never breeds a filly, and the filly foal of a fourth dies at a week old. Then, again, what trouble and disappointment come at a later stage ! Unsoundness, ac- cident, and a hundred unforeseen difficulties come between the breeder and a team of good animals of his own rearing, and in many a case what seems a promising start ends in utter failure. From 1812 to 1853— more than forty years — Mr. Wolton had patiently stuck to his breed of Suffolk horses, and at that time sure enough he had a stable any man might be proud to own, A man's flock is liable to lameness, to the rot, to fearful losses in the lambing season ; a herd of the best Shorthorns may be destroyed in a few weeks by pleuro-pneumonia, rin- derpest, or what not, and the best breed of pigs may all go wrong in a few months ; but in a general way a stable of horses is subject to no such ravages. Still there are exceptions to every rule, and of all the visitations to which flock, herd, or stud was ever subject, nothing came with such destructive devastation as an unknown, THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 285 incurable, mysterious malady brought upon Mr. Wolton's horses in the year 1853. In that year iu a few mouths he flayed, young aud old, foarleeii ! In one week he lost six such mares as it takes a life time to breed. The best veterinary advice was called in, the most scientific in the profession came and gave advice ; but the most assiduous attention on the living, the strictest examination of the dead failed to arrest this frightful disease. Such a calamity would have damped the spirit and reduced to despair many a man who could bear a good deal, too. But Mr. Wolton is not one given to despair; he doesn't look as if he were. Out of the remnant of that splendid collection he set to and raised something better than ever ; and although for some years after this occurrence his name was scantily seen in the catalogues of the day, he soon made a mark in theprize-list that he has never ceased to maintain. Using the best blood of the day and occasionally infusing a fresh strain through a mare from another stable, he made amends by his perseverance for the injury Fortune, in one of her sternest modes, inflicted. The " Brightwell Hall mare," a purchase at a long figure many years ago, was a prolific source of good auimals. This was a wide, short-legged, active mare, of no very great size, but of true Suttblk stamp, though with a great deal of white about her legs, a point which at all times was but a venial sin in the Hall stable ; for when Old Warrior was bought from Mr. Crisp, to infuse a fresh strain of blood about twelve years ago, he startled the Newbourn horsemen not a little by making his appearance in one if not two white stockings. With this animal he was particularly fortu- nate, the white leg made but little mark on the well-bred whole-colours he was put to, and his wide-fronted, thick- backed progeny gave great satisfaction both at Newbourn and Kesgrave, where he was also extensively used by Mr. Woltou's son. The white stockings did, however, occa- sionally make their appearance, and the thick-short neck and faulty hind legs were there as well. Catlin's old Duke left the grand old prize winner. Moggy, as his best representative, and the cross with Barthropp's Hero on to the Brightwell Hall blood resulted in a succession of winners. Abbey, a two years old mare, bought at Mr. Catlin's sale for 125 gs., paid her way as the fo- reigners took one of her colts at a long figure, and another of her progeny, a three years old War- rior filly, made 76 guineas at the sale on Wednesday. The stallion Monarch, used lately in the place of his sire Warrior, was out of the old Moggy mare, and has been in the best place at several competitions in the county and neighbouring shows. His stock are now two years old, and what is ever a great point in a sire they are all of a stamp, and that not a very bad one. He is sire of Mr. Wilson's two years old, which took all the honours at Walden and Harleston this year. As a general rule they have a little bit too much daylight below — a fault Monarch himself is not quite free of ; but both sire aud progeny show plenty of quality, size, and good colour. Neither Emperor (Chester nor Harwich) nor Canterbury Pilgrim seemed to have been used, though the old iMoggy was sent to Mr. Biddell's Abbot, a son of the Pilgrim, and a right good colt was the result, albeit he inherits the colour of the old mare — her worst fault, and perhaps his own too. The stable as submitted to the public on Wednesday consisted of 48 head, including 8 stallions, 3 mares with foals at foot, 16 mares in foal, 4 geldings, and 5 fillies, the whole of which were open to the purchaser who was inclined to give most money. There was one exception — the old Moggy mare was to be bought in at any price, and presented to the son who takes the farm. The whole of the animals off'ered were in beautiful Qoudition, but not over-fat ; and, on looking round. we came to the conclusion that they were a particularly sound collection of farm-horses. Several were bought by the sous ; but they were buying as others were buying, and as the auctioneer annouuced the size of Jlr. Wolton's family precluded his favouring any branch of it by allowing them to pick the animals over, the pub- lic seemed well satisfied to enter into competition with them. To enumerate the company by name we should have to give the entire list of all those who have come be- fore the public iu the county of Sufl'olk as breeders, buyers, or exhibitors of horses — few, indeed, connected with the trade were absent ; but of foreign com- missoners there was a sad want. Indeed the compe- tition was confined to one or two agents of land- lords, one or two large proprietors who were there iu person, and tenant-farmers who bought as something more than fancy investments, though the prices they gave approached to fancy prices. The highest prices for the mares ran thus : 105,105, 100, 90, 76 guineas, or just £100 each for the five best mares ; the best ten averaging a little under 80 each, and the whole stud, including stal- lions, foals, &c., making an average of rather over £51 each. Colonel Wilson, a West Sufl'olk landed proprietor, who is forming a stud with great judgment, bought three : Lot 113, by Warrior, out of the Abbey mare, a thick-set, short necked three-year-old — a very good mare, 76 gs. ; Lot 130, an eleven years old mare by Barthropp's Hero, from the Brightwell Hall stock, a winner of several prizes, 50 gs. ; and Lot 143, a two-year-old filly by War- rioi", out of Leicester Violet by Canterbury Pilgrim, 90 gs. Lot 111, a six-years-old mare in foal to Monarch, an animal whose action rouud the ring was a little feeling, was knocked down to Mr. Cordy for 100 gs. A Mr. Collins secured two very splendid mares. No. 113, a winner at Oxford in July, at 105 gs., three years old, by Warrior and in foal to Magnum- Bouum ; and 114, a six- years-old mare, by Warrior, out of the Abbey mare, a fre- quent winner, at the same price. Lot 115 made 57g3., the buyer being Mr. Capon — perhaps the best bargain of dny. Mr. Horace Wolton secured the next lot at 60 gs., another Warrior, aud winner of two first and one second prizes. Mr. Samuel Wolton, juu., bought the foal from the old Moggy mare commended at the Sudbury show, a well- grown promising colt, for 38 gs. He also took Monarch, the six-years-old stallion, for 90 gs., as well as Heir- Ap- parent, one of his sons, a year old, at 94 gs., a very good colt which we shall no doubt hear of again. Peer of the Realm, a son of Biddell's Abbot and the old Moggy mare, a large dark-coloured two-years-old colt, shown several times this year, was sold to Mr. Emsou for 66 gs., perhaps the cheapest stallion of the day. Altogether the sale might be considered satisfactory, but the absence of the foreign buyers reduced the average considerably ; and so far Mr. Wolton was very unfortunate. The French and Germans have always been large purchasers of Sufl'olk horses, but this year they are otherwise engaged, or only want ani- mals for guns or starving garrisons — and Wednesday's prices were too high for either. We must here re- mark that neither vendors nor auctioneers bestowed any trouble on pedigree tables, as few of the mares had any- thing given beyond sire and dam, and not always as much. Surely, after such years of trouble, the buyers should have been fui'uished with the lines of blood the pur- chases embraced ! The sale of blood red cattle was on Thursday. Mr. Wolton's herd is justly-celebrated, and really the display they made was quite creditable. The prices ranged up to 35 gs., the best being bought by Mr. Taylor, of Harles- ton, in Norfolk. Mr. Wolton's sons, Mr. Clarke and Mr. Stubbs — all gentlemen iu the eastern district. Mr. King, from Ashley Hall, Cambridge, Mr. Nockwold, Bramtree, Mr, Collins, aud Mr, Loft also secured several 286 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. lots. The ten highest prices averaged about £33 each; but, as with the horses, so with the herd — pedigree seemed to be a matter either totally disregarded or not deemed worth the trouble of printing. Mr. Wolton is succeeded at Newbourne by his younger son Horace, on whom of late years the management of the stud, both at home and in the show-field, has en- tirely devolved, and the herd was almost of his own selec- tion. He has secm^ed enough both of horses and red cattle to start well on his own account, and all wish him God speed in his endeavours to follow in the footsteps of his father. Mr. Samuel Wolton, the elder son, gives up the Kesgrave farm to take the large occupation of Butley Abbey, from whence the late Mr. Crisp and Mr. Catlin before him sent forth their renowned Suffolks to victory. He takes with him from Kesgrave a fine stud of mares, and with his selections from his father's stable should, and we doubt not will, do great things in the showyard, and keep up the character Butley Abbey has acquired through his predecessors. IXWORTH FARMERS' CLUB. At the first meeting for the season, Mr. W. Manfield in the chair. Mr. W. Matthew, Knettishall, read a paper on "The growth of beet-root and sainfoin in conuection with the four-course system of farming," as follows : I thought I could not do better than choose the subject I have done, and among the many reasons for doing so is that experience should teach us know- ledge, and now that we have had the experience of three dry summers, with a great deal of sun, I feel it would be a good thing for us to put together our thoughts upon the matter, and decide what is the best thing to be done to meet such wants as we have felt in such seasons as these, and try to hit upon some plan that will leave us less dependent in future upon our artificial grasses, clovers, &c., and tend to secure a good plant of beet-root, for upon these two crops for spring and summer keep, I think we who farm light and mixed soils are now very dependent. Another reason I might give is, I think, we as farmers require a system that will render our farms more self-supporting, or in other words, lessen some of those heavy items of expenditure for cake, artificial manure, labour, &c., more particularly as the sources from which we draw these supplies are beginning to fail ; for instance, guano £5 per ton more than it was at one time, cake from £2 to £3 per ton more than we used to get it at, and the quality of neither any the better for the extra price. Another reason I could give is, that we should do well to ask ourselves. Is there no plan by which we can increase the quantity of our stock upon our farms without materially aiiuinishiug the quantity of corn ? 1 will thus divide my subject into three heads : 1st — These dry summer, what are our wants ? how best supplied ? 2nd — The different sources of manure or its equivalent that we have at hand upon our farms. 3rd — Increasing our supply of green food. Any suggestion to be of practical value to the farmers of Suffolk must be made to fit in with the four-course system, for nearly all of us are compelled by our agreement to farm according to its rule, and this, I must say, I think one of the evils of farming — for when a man hires a farm, his landlord in a great measure farms it for him — this must necessarily check that spirit of enterprise, without which no business can succeed, nor can anything new be tried and brought out ; but but I do not wish it to be thought I am condemning the four- course system, it has stood the test of ages, and wlien other system have failed it has been found to succeed ; but I think the failures of those who have tried to depart from it have arisen, not so much because it would not answer ever to do so, but because they left a system and took to farming without any system at all. 1st. — Then, these dry summers, what are our wants ? How best supplied ? Taking a retro- spective view, the first difliculty we had to encounter in the pring of 1868 was the difficulty of obtaining a plant of beet- root. The months of April, May, and June being so hot and dry, that none of us could get a plant but those who were for- tunate to have their land cultivated in the Autumn, and the seed drilled by the middle of April. The next difficulty of that year was, what were we to give our stock, and how to fill our stackyard. From want of rain the crop of clover was very short, also the mixed grasses. The only fields that did well were those planted with sainfoin. Then the season ended by our discovering immediately after harvest that all our young layers were dead, and we must either have gone without sheep the next season or been at the expense of drilling them over again. I will now describe what I tried myself, and the re- sults. Upon one field of 40 acres I drilled 2 pecks per acre of common rye-grass, 2 pecks per acre of Italian rye-grass, ^ peck of trefoil, :j peck of white clover, ^ peck of lib grass. The result of this was, it came up well just after the first shower, but the drought and sun again set in, and the trefoil and suck- ling all died off, but the rye-grass and rib-grass kept alive, and although it produced but little food in the early part of the following spring, it made good feed in the summer, and my sheep and lambs settled upon it better than any other field. I also tried a mixture of Italian grass, rib grass, and tares : 1 bushel of winter tares per acre, 3 pecks of Italian grass per acre, j peck rib grass per acre. This mixture did well, and produced a capital piece of early feed with the tares and grass, and the rib grass and rye grass made some after-feed, and pro- duced a good fiag for the succeeding crop of wheat. I cannot say I prefer rye grass as a preparation for wheat, but upon our light lands it is better than nothing at all, for upon this field I had not sufficient rye grass to finish the field by three acres. I therefore drilled it with flie tares without the rye grass, and the wheat crop was this year at least one coomb per acre more where the rye fcrass was than where there was nothing at aU. On another field I sowed one peck per acre of trifolium ; this I mowed for hay, had a far crop, and my horses were very fond of the stover, but the wheat this year was very light after it. The best crop afcain on my farm was the sainfoin ; indeed the only crop that did not suffer from the drought. Looking back to the year 1869, the plant of clover and young seeds after harvest were so good that we all thought this summer there would be no lack of feed, but what has been the case ? The drought and sun have again been too severe for our layers of one year's growth, and keep for stock has not been so abundant as it was last year, with only the half plant of layers that were lelt us. Tares, also, were a partial crop, and we have again had the same difficulty in obtaining a plant of beet root, and only in those fields that had the autumn tillage is there a plant. But the sainfoins of two and three years old have again done well, therefore proving that plant able to stand the severest drought, and now we have again lost our young layers, all but the sainfoin. I have again drilled over 60 acres as follows : Half bushel per acre of Schroederii brome grass, half bushel of Italian peas per acre, quarter peck rib grass per acre, 3 pecks of red suckling. I have not used any trefoil or white clover, my previous experience being that it was useless. I also intend drilling this week one field with tares. 1 bushel per acre, and f bushel Italian grass. And as I have now 70 acres of sainfoin, of very good plant, I feel less dependent upon the success of this late feeding than I should otherwise have done ; and I will now ask you to follow me as I describe ray system of growing beetroot and sainfoin upon my farm ; and I hope you will give me your opinion of its merits, and offer such remarks as may strike you as to its general adaptation to this neighbourhood. I will suppose then, in the first place, I have 500 acres of arable land in my occupation, and I think it right to grow 20 acres of beetroot in each year, the plan I pur- sue is, I take beetroot after barley — i.e., not laying down 20 acres of the barley shift with smaU seeds. As soon as wheat sowing is completed, I plough in the barley stubble a good deep earth — say 9 inches ; then as soon as the land has been acted upon by the weather, I harrow and ridge up, about the uew yearj or earlier if I can ; then ia March or April, a<3 the THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. ^Bi weather permits, I manure with— say 14 loads per acre of farmyard muck, ^ of a ton per acre of rape cake, and 3 cwt. of salt, drilling the seed not later than the middle of April. This beetroot will be followed by wheat. In the succeeding spring T drill in the wheat sainfoin, rather over one coomb per acre ; this sainfoin I intend to lay three years, to be succeeded by wheat, in course with the remainder of that shift, thus making the beetroot and sainfoin fit in with the four-course system. Perliaps some will say I am losing sight of one of the lieads of my subject, in making use of such a heavy dress- ing of manure for beetroot ; but I would go further, if rape cake could be bought at £5 per ton, I would use half a ton per acre, and taking iuto consideration that this field is to have no more manure for four years, I think you will say the dressing is not excessive. The course will be : 1st, Beetroot after barley, instead of layer ; 2nd, Wheat after beet- root, iu course ; 3rd, Sainfoiu, after wheat instead of turnips ; 4th, Sainfoin, instead of barley ; 5th, Sainfoin, instead of clover, &c. ; 6th, Wheat after sainfoin, in course. I should, there- upon, have 20 acres iu each year to lay down with sainfoin, and 20 acres of three-year-old sainfoin to come up for wheat iu each year ; and, if I succeeded in getting a plant of sain- foin, I should always have 60 acres of sainfoin, of three diffe- rent ages, growing on my farm. Again, taking beetroot after barley, you save the autumn tillage of the land. The land after barley is in a very difi'ereut state, and does not rec[nire so much labour to bring it into a good tilth as after wheat ; the preparation for wheat being to get the land together as much as you can, the preparation for beetroot being to leave the land as light as you can. Again, taking beetroot after barley ena- bles you to clean the land well before laying it down with sainfoin, which is to lay three years, and upon this will your success maiuly depend ; and, as practice is better than theory, I have succeeded in obtaining a full plaut of beetroot during the last three years grown in this way. I have heard some say, " A penny earned is as good as a penny saved," but I am inclined to think that the penny saved is the best, inasmuch as the saving a penny incurs no risk, when the earning a penny must. And when the labour and seed question is tested in connection with this plan of growing beetroot and sainfoin with the ordinary four-course, you will find a great saving will be effected. What will then be the value of these crops upon this 120 acres of land so treated against 110 acres under the four-course ? The next thing I should like to introduce for our consideration is the different sources of manure we have at aand upon our farms, or its equivalent : 1st, Comes the manure from stock ; 2nd, Rest is equivalent to manure ; 3rd, Shade is ditto, ditto ; 4th, Tillage to heavy land is ditto ; 5th, Succession of crops is ditto. We all of us know that stock can be kept upon our farms with- out limit, if we put our hands in our pockets for pur- chased food — but will it pay ? Yes, half way. One-half from the pocket, one-half from the green crops of the farm ; there- fore if we want to increase our manure supply from this source, we must increase our green crops to make it profitable. Rest to land is equivalent to manure. When laud is laid down to herbage, the future vegetation which it produces tends, by its decomposition, to renovate the productive power of the soil. Laud in this state is said to be in rest, therefore will not the three years' sainfoin be a source of manure? Shade is also equivalent to manure. We are all of us aware that a crop of clover mown for hay is a better preparation for wheat, than if the land is fed bare by sheep during the summer months, more particularly upon hght land; also upon heavy land a stout crop of beans is considered a better preparation for wheat than a poor thin crop of beaus ; also a good thick plant of mustard is better than a light one, as a preparatory crop ; also upon our lands when we feed our clovers with sheep we find it bet- ter, as a rule, to apply the dressing of farmyard manure that we intend for the wheat crop before harvest. Does not this prove that the land shaded from the sun is better than if ex- posed to its influence ? Therefore, may we not safely infer that shade is equivalent to manure ? Tillage to heavy land is equivalent to manure. We all know that a well-cultivated field of heavy land, without manure, would produce a better crop than a field of ill-cultivated land with manure. Succes- sion of crops a source of manure. All plants grown and car- ried off the ground must necessarily tend to exhaust the soil ; but plants which are grown and suffered to decay, or consumed by animals upon the laud, do not exhaust the soil. Some crops prepare the land for crops of a different kind, taking out of them certain propensities and leaving certaia deposits behind, thereby rendering the field more kind for a succeeding crop of some other species. For instance, we all of us know in practice that a crop of clover without manure is a better preparation for wheat than a pea stubble with any fair amount of manure. The purchase of artificial manure to restore the fertility of our soil is a very easy way of getting over the difficulty ; but is it not very desirable that we should ask ourselves Have we not some undeveloped sources of manure at home that it would be worth our while to look up and bring out ? and would it not well repay us to give this question of succession of crops our best attention? The 3rd head of my subject — The keeping more stock : To keep in view profit, as I before mentioned, we must find one half of the keep from the green crops of the farm. Will not the having 60 acres of sainfoin increase my food for stock, whether it is cut for hay, cut for soihng during the summer, in the yards, or whether it is feed upon the land for sheep ? I have found sainfoin for horses and cattle iu the yards during the summer months surpass any other green food, and for chaff during the winter for horses, cattle and sheep, there is nothing equal to it — it is both food and physic. Will not having the sainfoin from 60 acres of land, all taken off this 60 acres and consumed upon the rest of the farm, enable me to keep more stock, and addin- the other half of cake or corn, make the rest of tlie land grow more corn ? Will not the 60 acres of land requiring no manure for the time it is in sainfoin, enable you to manure more heavily the other arable lands of the farm ? Will not these 20-acre pieces of land that have been treated in this way, when it comes to be laid down with clover, be more kind for a plant, cut more hay, or carry more stock, and therefore grow more wheat ? Will not growing beet-root in the way I have mentioned enable us better to cultivate the fallow shift ? I have mostly found this portion of the fallow the worst cultivated of any part of the arable land. Will it not also enable us to sow more swedes upon our light lands, increasing the quantity of food for grazing stock ? Will not the putting these things fairly toge- ther compensate for the loss of twenty acres of barley P And will not the having these sixty acres in sainfoin of three dif- ferent ages be the best means of providing against such dry summers as we have been having, and also prove no loss in a season when we have plenty of rain ? To arrive at a proper conclusion, I will name what I have liad a field of IG acres of sainfoin produce these last three consecutive years : 1868^ first crop of hay, 33 waggon loads ; second crop fed by lambs. 1869 — first crop of hay, 35 waggon loads ; second crap, 80 sacks of seed. 1870 — first crop of hay, 33 waggon loads; second crop seed, estimated 56 coombs. And here 1 may add I have now the option of taking it up for wheat or letting it lie another year, which I intend to do, in consequence of my young seeds having failed. I shall be following out one of the rules (if not aU of them) of a great and successful merchant, who had three rules by which he exercised his judgment and conducted his business, viz. : " Take an option whenever you can. Cut short your losses. Let your profits run on." I have not attempted to show how to make farming a paying occupation or a profitable investment for money ; that will depend entirely upon the business-like habits and judgment of the man ; but I trust I have introduced such a subject for this evening's discussion as will bring out your practical sug- gestions, and such will, I fear not, prove a mutual benefit to us all. Mr. FisoN asked how the system of growing sainfoin would act on heavy land. Would it not depend upon the cleanness of the land? Mr. Peto said it must depend upon the character of the land. Mr. Matthew said if he had heavy land he should try it, although he should not be so confident of success. Mr. FisoN said he had tried it, and it had succeeded, but it was a favourable piece of land. Mr. Peto said with regard to sainfoin on heavy land he could perhaps give some information. On a visit to Sussex two years since, he called on a friend farming heavy land, and to his astouisliment, on a chalk subsoil he saw as good a plant of sainfoin as he had on his own farm. But it was useless to grow it on a stiff land unless it had a chalky subsoil. Sain- foin was suitable to the kind of land Mr, Matthew was farming, 288 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. By sowing a certain quantity of tares and rye-grass they got feed for tlio cattle where they would not otherwise get it. But it then became a question as to a wheat crop. He had found a difficulty in producing a crop of wheat after two such crops together. He (Mr. Peto) saved a piece of sainfoin for two years and had a nice piece of wheat after it. He re- gretted ploughing up the sainfoin this year, but there was great difficulty in getting sufficient hay and feed. The Chairman said a friend of his planted some sainfoin on a heavy land \> itii clay subsoil, and last year he had a good crop and this year a better one. If the soil was dry sainfoin would grow, but he questioned whether it would grow if there was no chalk. As to the four-course system if it allowed one crop to be grown in succession for two or three years it was a very great improvement upon the old four-course system. Mr. Matthew said if he could grow three green crops, and show that it did not injure the land, no one could get damages from him. If a tenant grew three crops of sainfoin he would not be strictly following the lease, but he would defy anyone to make him pay damages. Mr. Taylor asked the depth roots of sainfoin would run in three years. Mr. Matthew said he could not tell. Wheat went down some distance, and no doubt sainfoin went down quite as far. Mr. FisoN said he once traced the roots of some wheat in fuU vigour nearly 20 feet into the ground. It is a gravelly soil. Mr. Peto said that was contrary to what was generally believed, as it was said wheat stopped when it came to gravel. Mr. FisoN said he thought, after what had been said, that they might venture to grow sainfoin on heavy land. Mr. Matthew said the stronger the clay the more likely would they be to get a plant, but it was his impression they would not get quantity. Mr. Harrison said it was his opinion that sainfoin would not do on heavy land. Mr. Matthew said at Riddlesworth, where he managed a farm for Mr. Thornhill, he had a different system of growing sainfoin. The land was farmed on the five-course system, three shifts of green crop and two of corn, but he deviated in this way — he kept one shift always down in sainfoin, which he let lay for five years. Mr. Harrison said Mr. Matthew had treated the subject so ably that there was little left to say. He (Mr. Harrison) should di;iuur from the system at Riddlesworth, as in the second round, which w.^s now begun, he believed the plant would fail. He did not think it was safe to let the land rest less than 13 years. Mr. Matthew said the land at Riddlesworth had 20 years rest from clover. The Chairman said they must not overlook the other part of the question — that of growing beet in connection with the four-course system. Mr. Sturgeon said he found the best way of growing beet on his heavy land was to cultivate it by steam. He had a good plant on the land that was steam-cultivated, and on some other laud that was not so cultivated he had not a plant. He also put on ten loads of farm-yard manure and quarter of a ton per acre of artificial manure. He had some land that would not grow beet or sainfoin any season. Mr. Matthew asked what the steam cultivation cost per acre? Mr. Sturgeon said he cultivated the land twice, and it cost 25s. per acre, including coal. Mr. EisoN said he had ten acres prepared for beet, ma- nured with ten loads of farm-yard manure, two cwt. salt, and a ton of guano. It was after rye, and he had a splendid crop. Mr. Driscoll said he had found the artificial manure better than the farm-yard manure for beet. Mr. Gates said Mr. Matthew's system of growing sainfoin seemed to be a means of losing money less than by growing wheat at 22s. a coomb. He had been trying sainfoin on the flat, and he did not think it would answer. He got eight small loads off' ten acres. Mr. Peto said he agreed with Mr. Sturgeon as to the steam cultivation. If a man had that kind of land and the capital, he could not employ his capital better than in ploughing up the land 13 inches deep. He did not agree that it was right to put any kind of manure on light or mixed soil land before Christmas. Where he had folded lands he put his ewes and sheep on to the turnips and such crops, and put them on to layers to fold. On a good mixed soil and clay land they could apply the manure any time they pleased. Mr. PisoN, speaking theoretically, thought a man would be more sure of a crop if what could be spared of farmyard manure were put on the land early in the autumn. Mr. Peto said he spoke from experience. He had ploughed his land up nine inches deep for beet, and in February he should plough it back, and then in March he should bout it up and put the manure on about a fortnight before be put the seed in. Mr. Goldsmith said he had grown sainfoin 40 years, and at first he found it successful. He asked to be allowed to farm 100 acres of his land on the five-course system, but he was glad to get it back again. He heard a gentleman say that sainfoin should lay one year, and he tried it for eight years, but he found it grew less every year. He grew better wheat after sainfoin than any other layer. He believed if he had taken sainfoin with beet, he should have done better. He believed sainfoin would grow on chalk that was thoroughly dry, and he knew instances of chalk land that was cold not growing sainfoin. With regard to beet he thought the early cultivation was the best. 'When he ploughed his manure in the autumn, he always had the best beet. If a man had heavy land, and wanted a crop of beet, he must put his hand into his pocket. Mr. Witt was of opinion that they should grow as much sainfoin as the land would reasonably grow. As to mangold he could grow better from artificial than from farm-yard manure, and he had tried both ; and his barley was quite as good after the one as the other. Mr. Matthew said he should like to know the effect of rape-cake for beet-root. The French, who grow sugar-beet, used it largely, and that had increased the price. Mr. Goldsmith said he had got more per acre off the land on which be had put rape-cake than he had off other land. The Chairman, in summing up the discussion, said tliat beet and sainfoin were too expensive crops, and especially the former. The fewer acres of beet they grow the better, and their aim should be to grew the greatest quantity of roots on the smallest quantity of land. With regard to sainfoin he could say very little. He had tried it, although with partial success, but intended to grow it again, and should go between the system advocated by Mr. Matthew and that advocated by Mr. Goldsmith. He (Mr. Manfield) should first grow a root crop, to be followed by barley, to be followed by sainfoin, to stand again, and this he should follow by wheat. After wheat he should put barley, and thus miss a second wheat crop. Sainfoin produced more stover and more money per acre than any other green crop of the clover tribe they could grow. Mr. Matthevif had spoken of ryegrass, but that would be the last thing that he (the Chairman) would grow if he could help it. Mr. Matthew, in replying, said he quite agreed with letting the sainfoin lay only two years if a man could not keep his land clean ; but if he was going to take two fallow crops as they came round, he should let it lay three or four years. To secure a crop of sainfoin to lay three years the land should be in the best condition. A vote of thanks to Mr. Matthew for his paper was agreed to. THE NEW MARKETS AT DONCASTER.— The foun- dation stone of the new Corn Exchange and the south east wing of the market-house was laid by the Mayor, Mr. A. J. Smith, in the presence of a large concourse of people, on Thursday afternoon. The market improvements of Doncaster are amongst the most important works which the Corporation have undertaken. These extensions will not only supply a great want as a corn exchange, but will add another archi- tectural ornament to the town. Besides this, tlie inhabitants will also have a spacious hall, which may be used for public meetings, assemblies, concerts, and their like, and will afford accommodation to a greater number of persons than any plaCB at present existingj THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. THE DISTRIBUTION OF STOCK AND CROP ON A FARM. HY THK NORTHERN FARMER. It will be coiiceJcJ by most men interested in or cou- neeted with .agriculture that the inau who makes fewest changes has, in the long run, the greatest chance of suc- cess, and is most likely to attain a competency for his declining years. By this we do not mean or allude to in any way the man of stubborn spirit, or possibly dull intellect, who sees no necessity for change, but is perfectly satisfied with old modes of farming, breeds of cattle, and implements of old style merely because they are old and did very well for those who came before him. Such men, unless highly favoured by fertility of soil or other fortui- tous circumstance which gives them an advantage over others in the same business, must go down, aud every succeeding year finds their numbers lessened and their ])laces taken by men who by having been better educated and possessing more tact, see the necessity of availing themselves of all the advantages and labour-saving appli- ances which a progressive age has placed within their reach. The class we particularly refer to are those who are coustantly changing their mode of farming to meet, as they suppose, the exigencies of the times, selling off their dairy stock to get into sheep, or breaking up permanent pasture, and doing away in a great measure with live stock for the purpose of growing an increased quantity of corn because the price of that commodity is temporarily good. Some men at almost regularly recurring intervals have an auction at their farms, the public notice of which invariably states that in consequence of a change in their system of farming, a portion or the whole of the present stock aud many of the implements are no longer required, aud will be disposed of by public sale. Such a line of conduct pursued by a farmer, we look upon as highly dangerous to his present interests and future well-doing, and he must have more than an ordinary share of luck if he benefits in the long run by the repeated changes which his stock and style has undergone. Suppose, for instance, the case of a man breaking up a portion of permanent pasture for the purpose of growing moi"e corn than he has been in the habit of doing, merely because that article for the time being bears a relatively higher value than it had done for some years past, and displacing a portion of his live stock to enable him to do so. The probability is that by the time he has the corn ready for sale, a reaction has taken pkce, shippers having had their attention attracted to the very thing that in- duced him to break up his land, grain-ships crowd into every ])ort, and the markets everywhere are speedily lowered and equalized. So quickly is this now done, and such a short period is permitted to elapse after the mar- kets have risen so much in these islands as to afford a margin of profit, that it has become nearly an impossi- bility to catch a paying price with a specially grown crop. In like ainner loss is frequently experienced with live stock, when, after a year or two of good prices for certain descriptions, a farmer is induced to alter his mode of management so as to have all, or nearly all, his animals of one sort, and ready for sale at the period of the year his recent experience led him to expect prices would be high. This mistake seems to be easier and most fre- quently made with fat cattle and in sheep breeding, and from the fact of numbers simultaneously following the same course and adopting the same line of argument in making their arrangements, the markets are almost sure to be glutted at the very season they were previously scarce, aud as sales must in general be forced, the profits are scarcely perceptible, even should actual loss be avoided. A mode of farming which combines regularity in the quantity of both white aud green crops grown each year, sustaining an easily-ascertained and regular number of stock both summer and winter, must obviously be a much safer system for a farmer to follow than that which attempts a change in one or more of its departments every other year. When a system is followed with unvarying regularity for a succession of years, the man who carries it out has an opportunity of learning his business thoroughly, lie finds out the best market for his produce, or may even succeed in making a local mar- ket for some portion of it ; he can calculate almost the exact amount of food, and balance his animals accord- ingly. The quantity of manure made is as nearly as possible proportioned to the breadth of land required to be gone over ; and his having something of everything does away in a great measure with the danger of heavy loss. A rotation of crops, based on sound principles, and embracing as far as possible all the elements of good husbandry, is assuredly the best safeguard for both the owner aud cultivator of the soil, the interests of both being protected, and their prosperity ensured just in pro- portion to the stringency with which its conditions are enforced. We seldom hear a farmer speak of extending by a year the rotation which he is bound to follow, the extension consisting in taking a second corn-crop in suc- cession, without much doubting the propriety of the course which he jiroposes carrying out, as unless the land is very good indeed, the hay-crop, which succeeds as well as the subsequent grazing, is impoverished in an exact ratio to the weight of the crop so taken. The pasture will be noticeably deficient in succulence ; slow to make a start in spring; growth easily cheeked by dry weather in summer ; and, as an unfailing consequence, the field will be unable to keep the number of stock, which under more favourable circumstances it might easily have sus- tained. Even when again broken up, the scourging crop will show by a feebler vegetation, neither corn nor straw being up to the mark ; aud the soil will not recover its full vigour and strength until it has got a liberal dressing of farm-yard manure. We altogether disbelieve in the renewing influence which stock exert on pastur:!-land which has been laid down in poor condition, although it is an idea by which many men are beguiled, and induced to crop severely in the expectation that when in grass the stock, particularly sheep, will make it all right. Careful consideration ought to make it apparent to all interested in the matter that before the animals can improve the herbage, they must be fed themselves ; and if the field has nothing under the surface from which the roots of the grasses can derive nourishmeut, it is vain to expect a vigorous or abundant growth. Hence, but a small num- ber can be kept on such land, and those probably barely able to keep themselves in store condition ; the cash return for the season is almost nil ; and the pasture has not visibly altered for the better. In the course of another year the improved grasses begin to die out for want of nourishment ; moss spreads itself like a carpet ; the herbage becomes coarse and sour, indicated by its 290 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. being rejected by the cattle, aud left in large tufts all over the field ; and the improvement which was calcu- lated on so hopefully ends in disappointment and loss. The extended introduction of portable mauures has often tempted men to take advantage of their land, with the view, it may be, of getting over a temporary difficulty by 80 doing; and corn has been taken after turnips grown with guano and phosphates, and the land laid down in ordinary course, without getting a particle of dung, and the roots drawn from the field on which they were grown, and consumed elsewhere ; or probably sold off the farm altogether. Lessening the live-stock on a farm, with the view of growing both green and white crops nearly altogether, with the assistance of artificials, is about the most suicidal policy a farmer could contrive to follow. At first it is rather attractive, and off'ers some advantages ; one of the most apparent being the saving of labour in the collection, carting, and application of manure. A couple of horses may be dispensed with, and probably a few hands, less or more, according to the size of the occupation, and for a time the expenditure is sensibly diminished. On a farm in good heart this course may be followed for a year or two to tide over a difficulty; and if done judiciously, may possibly reinstate the far- mer in his former position of independence, and enable him to keep a full stock of cattle for the manufacture o. the indispensable article, dung. To persist in using con- centrated manures solely, can only have one ending, and that is ruin. Objecting so strongly to that mode of farming, which to distinguish it from a fixed system of husbandry may be styled erratic or occasional, we necessarily admire the forethought and wisdom displayed in those leases which, under liberal covenants to the tenant, yet bind him down to follow a certain fixed rotation, which observation and experience has fully demonstrated to be most suitable to the peculiarities and character of the soil which he has undertaken to cultivate. To have permission to alter the arrangements of the lease ; particularly with regard to introducing another corn-crop, we look upon as being but a very doubtful privelege ; more likely to injure than benefit the lessee ; the immediate monelary return being eventually swal- lowed up in restoring the laud to its original condition. It takes a very clear-headed and talented man to manage a farm on which the business is conducted irregularly, the deterioration of the soil, the changing character of the seasons, and the fickleness of the produce markets, all combining to render it an impossibility to calculate with any kind of precision what product will succeed best ; and, moreover, bring the largest amount of money for the coming season. There can scarcely be an error committed in growing too great an extent of green-crop ; yet, a large breadth is too frequently avoided, probably on account of the cultivation being elaborate and expensive, and the return not quite so quick as is the case with corn, unless sold direct off the farm — a mode of disposing of them which is counted such very bad farming as to deter any one (rom attempting it, unless under circumstances peculiarly exceptional. Now a well-manured green-crop, forced into rapid and succulent growth by a well pre- pared soil, is in the end the cheapest and best paying crop a man can grow, as its characteristics are essentially restorative. During the earlier stages of its growth the land is cleaned and stirred, and thus re- ceives all the beneficial effects of atmospheric influence which it could have had if under a plain fallow. The more these crops are forced, and the greater the success achieved in their cultivation, the less do they take from the soil by the absorption of its mannrial constituents. It requires no scientific knowledge on the part of the practical farmer, who has been at all observant of the processes going oa year after jmv under his immediate i observation, to show him that all plants having large leaves act beneficially on the soil. Experience shows him that when the surface of the ground is covered with this kind of vegetation it is warmed, and weeds are destroyed by the shade. Moreover, by means of the largely ex- panded surface spread out to the atmosphere in the shape of leaves, the crop is enabled to absorb much of the nourishment which it requires from the air itself, becom- ing less and less exhaustive of the soil as the leaves are developed. Again, the roots of the turnip and mangold being taken up before they have made any attempt to perfect their seeds, a fruitful source of exhaustion is at once avoided, and the soil retains the manure but little altered in its character for the support of succeeding crops. We know of no rotation capable of being so universally adopted on light and medium land as the four-course, modified or extended as local circumstance or climatic infiuence may render suitable or obligatory. It embraces all the elements of good husbandry ; its very foundation being the thorough cleansing of the land from weeds, and the restorative and exhausting crops being so equally balanced, there is no danger of deterioration, if the rules of good husbandry are carefully attended to. To keep up the large supply of manure which is yearly required, a heavy stock must be constantly kept, so that every thing in the shape of green crop, clover, and cultivated grasses can be consumed on the farm, and converted into this invaluable fertilizer. By carrying out this system, the idea with which we started, and which forms the heading of this paper, viz., the equal " distribution of stock and ci'op on a farm," becomes realized. The breadth of roots grown each season even on a small occupation being con- siderable, a correspondingly large number of animals can be carried through the winter, and thus a continuous sys- tem of reproduction becomes inaugurated and sustained. In exact proportion to the success attained in one season will be the power to prepare and collect abundant mate- rial for the sustenance of the succeeding crop, and lay a solid foundation on which to rear a well-earned and sub- stantial prosperity. It is singular that the four-course system can scarcely be profitably carried out in its integrity outside the county in which it originated. This more especially applies to growing wheat after clover, and, although repeatedly tried in the sister countries, invariably proves so unsuccessful that it has to be given up. We saw it ourselves persevered in for several years by as clever, patient, and enthusiastic a man as one could well wish to meet ; and he had reluc- tantly to give the matter up. He could not conceive that what did so well for him in Norfolk should not do else- where ; but, although he succeeded splendidly with clover, the produce of a statute acre of wheat could not be forced over eighteen bushels, and that amount was reached only in a very favourable season. Where wheat will not succeed as the opening crop, oats must be substi- tuted, barley being still continued as the laying-down crop, although on good land wheat is frequently taken in- stead. The temptation at this stage of the course is very great to take the second corn crop, and the arguments in favour of doing so which present themselves to a man's mind are peculiarly seductive. If heavy expense has been gone to in preparing for the root crop, and the land con- sequently in good condition, it appears but a trifling matter to take wheat first and then barley, the latter being of superior quality, and a better crop than it would have been, if taken immediately after the roots, and besides being so much safer to lay down with than wheat. The second corn crop may possibly not be so injurious when followed by one year's clover, but when sown down for one year's hay and one or more year's pasture, it tells su.rprisingly ; nnd, again, on the opening crop its effects THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 291 are extremely noticeable. By sowing mixed grasses and clovers, and pasturing for a season, the four-course be- comes extended to a five or six -course, as the case may be, and in this way becomes extremely convenient on the thinner soils, rendering the work less laborious and re- cruiting the land by a short period of rest. This proves of immense advantage to tlie green crops, all the varieties being extremely shy growers on land long worked and loose of texture, but delighting in fresh land newly broken up, even although so coarse and lumpy as to appear al- most unfitted for the reception of their small seeds. By extending the rotation, a better opportunity is afforded for holding over a stock of breeding ewes and a larger stock of cattle for the summer than could other- wise be managed. When a dairy stock is kept and the calves reared, the young cattle can be held over more conveniently, coming in handy to tie up for stall-feeding, and the farmer becomes in a great measure independent of the markets, useful stores running so high in the autumn fairs when in such general demand, that the obtain- ing of anything like a fair profit on their keep for the winter is becoming every season more problematical. By so arranging the crop and stock of an arable farm as to have both summer and winter food in abundant supply for all the animals reared, selling nothing until so well finished as to be incapable of improvement, all the profit that can be extracted from them is secured to the breeder. Another very important advantage which accrues to the farmer when in a position to dispense with the pur- chase of extra stock is the immunity from contagious disease which he enjoys. He may not always escape, the approach of distemper of any kind being so insidious as to frequently bafiie all arrangements for its exclusion however carefully made, but his chances of doing so are infioitely greater than wheu animals that have travelled long distances are periodically introduced to his pastures or stalls. Many men have been crippled in their resources for years ; nay, brought to ruin's verge by the introduction of one diseased animal, no notice being taken of the danger until numbers had been contaminated and the mischief irreparable. Carefully bred cattle, well-fed from their birth, are more uniform in their character and general outline than those usually picked up at markets and fairs, and being inured to both climate and soil, escape those checks, frequently severe in their nature, which bought cattle too often experience, and which are altogether unavoidable if they have been reared in a more sheltered district than that to which they have been brought, or on better land. The same argument applies equally well to sheep, as if a breeding stock is kept its owner has an opportunity of studying and improving on every point where he imagines there is a deficiency — wool, mutton^ and milking property all coming under his iutelligent supervision, and gradually worked up to a useful standard, becoming distinquislied in a few years by uniformity of type, possessing a fair share of every quality that constitutes a good sheep. Above all things he can improve his own position and the character of his flock by judicious crossing with a view to enlarging the milking capacity of the ewes,. as, how- ever Avell bred, if they are poor nurses maturity is de- layed, and under the most favourable conditions the number erf puny lambs is out of all proportion to those marketable, or really worth holding over as likely to turn out paying store stock. Bought sheep very frequently prove troublesome, if from a district or farm where it was not usual to feed with roots in winter, as they will starve almost before they can be induced to touch a turnip. The sheep bred on an ai'able farm being used to roots during their first autumn and winter, will subsist wholly on them at any future period, if by severe ■jyeathev they are excluded from being able to pick up a living on the pastures. Cutaneous disease may never be known by a man from youth to age who breeds his own stock ; whereas if he makes frequent purchases he can scarcely avoid its occasional introduction by any amount of care, forethought, or experience. The loss from this cause alone is dreadfully severe, and the annoyance beyond expression, when it becomes established in a large flock — years sometimes elapsing before it is thoroughly eradicated. The ever-present difficulty with the arable farmer is the keeping up of a regular supply of fertilizing matter with which to nourish the crops and recoup the soil for the continual drain upon its permanent resources. It is the husbandman's interest to take as much out of it as possi- ble ; yet, while he does so, he cannot aftbrd to transgress the rules of good husbandry, or at best but negligently attend to them, as, if he does so, the earth will in a very short»time refuse to yield a profitable increase. Manure- can only be made on the farm by keeping a large number of well-fed animals, and even with the very utmost that can be done in that way the quantity will be short, unless purchased food, either bulky or concentrated, is brought to the farm and consumed there. When favourably situated for procuring bulky manures at moderate cost, the farmer may grow whatever crops he may think likely to pay him best; but when from re- moteness of situation such a supply is denied him, he must of necessity give a preference to those which, by being consumed at home, leave a considerable residuum for the nourishment of the soil. Potatoes, when they escape disease, pay remarkably well, and most men like to have a few acres of the earliest varieties for sale, the amount of money made by them being large, and the return immediate. Now this crop, although classed as ameliorating or restorative, is only partially so, inasmuch as although it requires to be well manured, and gives an opportunity for cleaning and stirring the soil, and thus forms an excellent prepara- tion for a paying crop, it yet robs the land thus far, that being sold off the farm, it returns nothing in the shape of manurial constituents for the sustenance of future crops. No one knowing the importance of the potato to the rent-paying farmer would think for a moment of recom- mending a reduction in the breadth grown for the reason above stated; but keeping that line of argument in view, he may with great propriety recommend the purchase of all the manure required for the potato crop, so that the roots may have the advantage of the home-made dung, and a full breadth grown without having to resort too ex- tensively to portable fertilizers. Potatoes do well on the manure from large towns, and this should be trusted to in every case where it can be procured at all economically, whether by road, water, or rail. Five, ten, or twenty acres managed this way every year according to size of occupation, is of immense benefit to the man who car- ries it out, as he can by the use of this extraneous manure grow a crop which pays all expenses, heavy though they may be, and leaves a good profit, besides benefiting the land through every crop in the rotation. In this paper much stress has been laid on the necessity of keeping a heavy stock coustantly on the farm ; yet some care must be exercised to provide a proportionate amount of food, and to have it for every season, otherwise, instead of profit, the year's transactions will end in loss. The farmer, who is over-stocked, is always in trouble ; ia spring he must stock the pastures too early for the want of house-food, and in autumn he must permit the cattle to remain in the fields until, through exposure to bad weather and insufliciency of food, they become greatly reduced in condition. If to avoid this he begins early on his store of roots and hay, he is run out probably in Marohj the very season wheu the lengthening day aad the 292 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. chilly cutting winds cause increased consumption, and a struggle of some kind must be made to hold them over on purchased food until something can be picked up ou the pastures. The full supply of food tells on every animal, but of course most noticeably on those whose produce is being daily turned into cash. The widely-distended bag of a well-fed cow as she comes from the pastures to be milked, and the sense of relief which she unmistakably shows when the process is completed, is both a source of gratification and profit, and is in wide contrast to the limp half-empty apptarance of the udder, when the cows are on bare pastures, and have to roam about con- tinually in quest of food. No amount of care or good ma- nagement on the part of mistress or maid can make up for this oversight on the part of the master ; and when, ou making up the year's receipts, he finds the amount to be little over half what it reasonably might have been, he can only blame himself for his short-s'ghtedness in keep- ing more cattle than the food he had provided was able to sustain. Breeding ewes tell also very forcibly by the return which they give, whether they have been liberally fed or not, any deficiency in food telling at once on the milk, and the lamb in consequence ceases to grow, and becomes stunted and profitless. A flock of sheep do grandly when on a good range, and give no trouble, the lambs thriving so rapidly as to be almost seen growing ; and the ewe herself grows a good sound marketable fleece, besides being nearly always in prime condition, a very short period elapsing after the lambs have been with- drawn, when she herself is fit for the butcher. A fixed course which recognizes the true principles of successful husbandry, the restorative and exhaustive crops being equally distributed, and the wants of the live-stock well provided for, will, if patiently persevered in, seldom fail in placing the man who carries it out in a position of independence and comfort. When a farm possesses a mo- I derately good soil, and is not over-rented, the tenant is i encouraged to improve, and a very few yeirs' care, atten- 1 tion, and judicious outlay effects a vast difference on its j appearance and capabilities ; fences are improved, peren- nial weeds eradicated, and the increasing bulk of the 1 crops indicate with cousiderable exactness the degree of progress n'hich has been made. The grass assumes a more healthful and brilliant hue ; the sward becomes thicker, and feeds more cattle than it could previously, and to better purpose ; and as the " face" and stamina of j the farm improves, so in direct proportion does the farmer's present condition and future prospects. THE GREAT EXHIBITIONS OF IMPLEMENTS. At the closing Council Meeting for the season on the first Wednesday in August it was resolved that " The Implement Committee of the Royal Agricultural Society of England be requested to consider and report in No- vember whether any or what restrictions should in future be imposed on the exhibition of duplicate implements, especially by agents, and on the exhibition of miscellaneous articles." Again, in the Special Appendix or Report on the Taunton Meeting of the Bath and West of England Society, as just issued, the pamphlet opens after this fashion : " In order to keep the show within reasonable dimensions, duplicates of every description should be forbidden, that is when the maker is present. Agents should be absent. la many cases we found the same implements on different stands. The miscellaneous department, by which we refer to the immense collection of articles not in the remotest degree agricultural in their bearings, requires compression and centralization. They appeared here, there, and everywhere. We would go further than this, and suggest that exhibitors of similar kinds of machinery should, as far as practicable, be col- lected together. It has been done with reference to the seedsmen with the best effect. Why not in other depart- ments ? The coach-builders made a great display. What a comfort to an intending purchaser if he could have com- pared the merits of inventions at adjoining stands instead of having toconsnltthe catalogueandrun fromoneend ofthe show to the otlier ! How interesting and convenient if all makers of reaping and mowing machinery could be put nigh one another!" The agricultural authority of T/ie Times, we believe, claims credit for having advanced something similar on the overwhelming extent of the implement section of our leading meetings; hut, consi- dering the terrible muddle he made of the stock show at Oxford, he should surely have gone a little further, and have recommended that there should be no " dupli- cates" of cattle or sheep, as more especially not of Devons, nor of Herefords. Plainly put, of course the resolution of the Royal Society and the first suggestion of the West of England Society go directly to destroy the agency busi- ness. The Royal Society aims at exhibition restrictions " especially by agents ;" and the West of England Society says, " When the maker is present agents should be absent." If carried out, this step will not only materially change the character of the show but still more clearly revolutionise the trade. Many of these agents have stands of their own at the great and smaller gatherings of the year, and many of the makers prefer that orders should be executed through the local agents. How often have we heard the head of a firm refer a customer to Mr. This or That, "in your own neighbourhood," as the man to supply him with a prize plough or a reaping machine ! But henceforth the agent is to be " absent." We do not suppose that it is proposed to go quite so far as to banish him bodily from the show ground, but he is to be denied the great benefit of this greatest of all advertisements, and to confine his operations henceforth to the market-place and the farmers' ordinary. There is, perhaps, no other business which depends so much on, or which has de- veloped itself so signally through the means of efficient agency as the manufacture of agricultural machinery ; and the proposed reform raises a question that would certainly look to be rather a delicate if not a dangerous one to deal with. As regards " the miscellaneous articles" the course is clearer. Every body is coming to see " the opportunity," insured by the attendance at a Royal Society's show ; and, unless some very resolute restriction be adopted here, we shall, no doubt, very soon have grand pianos, patent tooth-picks and soda- water manufactories distracting one's attention from the more orthodox display of chaif-cutters, steam-engines, or haymakers. We do not know how far the Implement Paper in the West of England Appendix has the authority of the Council; as without this it can naturally have little or no weight. But taking for granted that the opinions here propounded have at least been " passed" by the Journal Committee, we may give a little more attention to the contemplated alterations in the exhibition of implements. The writer certainly goes " further," when he advises that similar kinds of machinery should as far as practicable be " collected together ;" but, although appa- rently offered as such, this is by no means a new idea. THE FAKMER'S MAGAZINE. 2&8 We have seen it adopted at meetings of the Highland Society, and with the most thorough failure and general dissatisfiictiou. An exhibitor, whose expenses are heavy enongh already, will have to multiply his staff, while the arrangement of his stand will be destroyed, and the com- plete really "Royal" look of the grouud lost to us for ever. Nothing, as we well remember, presented a more poverty-struck appearance than that row of ploughs at Edinburgh, where " the intending purchaser could com- pare the merit of inventious, " with the show-men jostling each other like cheap-jacks at a country fair. Palpably there is only one legitimate way of " collecting similar kinds of machinery, " and of " comparing their merits," and that is of course by public and properly organized trials. But then the West of England Society iu its wisdom has discarded any proper system of trials ; anybody goes to work or not, as pretty much when and where he pleases, and as a natural con- sequence nobody seetns to care much about what little is done in this way. The writer of the report says that at Taunton " steam cultivating machinery was conspicuous by its absence. Surely it might be regarded as an evi- dence of the firm root it has taken, that makers can afford to be absent." AVas ever there such an absurdity proffered in the shape of an argument or reasonable de- duction ! lie might as well say that the steam-engine or the drill has taken such firm root that makers can afford to be absent ! The true cause, no doubt, is that it does not pay to exhibit the steam-plough at the West of Eng- land shows. The field trials command but little interest, and these have often been so faraway that few people ever thought of visiting them. "When, however, the Iloyal Society next year offers its thousand pounds premium will " steam cultivating machinery be conspicuous by its absence ?" or can " the makers aHord to be absent ?" In our report of the meeting we said that "the trials" were never so tame as at Taun- ton ; while we suggested, as we suggest still, that the Council should offer, say a hundred pounds in premiums for novelties on the stands or in the fields, when a new spirit would be infused into these proceed- ings ; for, as their own reporter now puts it, " the de- cision arrived at does guide the mass, otherwise we should not find exhibitors so intensely eager for success." Who of late years ever saw an implemi'iit exhibitor intensely eager at a West of England Show ? Colonel Luttrell writes like a master of his subject on the horses ; Mr. Hole concludes his notice of the l)evons by " regretting the absence from the list of exhibitors such as Messrs. t^uartley. Turner, Mogridge, Passmore, and others, as no question the show Devons from this or some other cause are much below their average excellence, despite that wondrous talc of the T'uiics, which declared them at Oxford to " have never been better !" Mr. Savidgc, the Shorthorn judge, says Royal Butterfly 20th "quite surpassed" Mandarin, and "won point for point," a decision we protested against at the time, as at the Stroud show the other day ilandarin "quite surpassed" Butterfly, and " won point for point," whatever that may happen to mean. Then ^Ir. Henry Eookes, as the sheep steward, "has every confidence in asserting that the judges went through their ai'duous duties in a manner which could not fail to give satisfaction to all possessing a practical knowledge of the breeding and management of sheep." As regards the Southdowns, on which Mr. Fookes is especially well qualified to speak, we reported precisely the reverse of this. The judging did not give satisfaction ; and as one of the judges at Oxford, Mr. Fookes did everything he could to upset or correct the Southdown judges at Taunton ! Would Mr. Fookes, in the face of all this, be good enough to tell us to whether of the two we are to look for "practical know- ledge," "breeding and management," and so forth? There never was a more direct contradiction than these two sets of awards convey, and one or the other must be wrong. Either Mr. Fookes judges better than he writes, or vice versa ; and it would really be interesting to know in which province we are to regard him as the better authority ? So far, precisely as he writes up the Taunton udges does he write down himself. THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE POOR LAWS. A conference of the counties of Hants and Berks was recently held at Basingstoke, Mr. W. W. B. Beach, M.P., iu the chair. Four subjects were set down for discussion at this meeting, viz.: 1. " The training of pauper children ;" 2. "Vagrancy;" 3. "Out-door relief;" 4. "Internal management of work- houses." The Chairman, in opening the conference, said they were all much indebted to Mr. W. Portal for tlie great trouble he had taken in this matter, but he knew full well the great difficulties which arose in administering the Poor Laws, aud he had therefore been justified iu calling tiiose more parti- cularly interested in their removal together to consider what measures might be taken for producing some amelioration of the present Poor Law system. No doubt the difficulties which existed resulted very much from a difference in the several modes of administering relief by the various Boards of Guardians, and tliose gentlemen were perfectly justified in judging in each case brought before thera ; but tliey, perhaps, had not always the same opportunity of judging as the members of another board raiglit have. Different cases were brought before different boards, and tlie different members of a board must hold their particular opinions as to the mode of dealing with cases. But it was desirable, if ])ossihle, that some homogeneous arrangement should be fifected by which boards of guardians throughout the country might act in harmony with one another. The present Poor Law system I had now been worked for a considerable time, and it was a great improvement on the system which had previously existed. Pauperism in extent had been greatly reduced, and an im- provement had been etfectei iu the mode of carrying out relief; yet, from various causes operating at the present day, we were, to a certain extent, relapsing into that system which existed prior to the passing of the present Poor Laws. There was no doubt that the great evils which were prevalent in former times in administering those laws resulted from relief being given in aid of wages. This euco\iraged men to rely on eleemosynary relief; but it should be their object to give assistance in such a manner as to encourage a man to rely upon himself. He should never apply for aid unless abso- lutely in need; but he (the Chairman) feared there was now a great disposition on the part of a labouring man to think that upon every petty occasion he was justified in applying for assistance. He did not possess that spirit of independence which years ago would have led him to shrink from doing so. A great proof of this was to be found in the great, the alarming extent, to which out-door relief existed at the present time. The proportion of such relief in England and Ireland, although tlie analogy did not quite hold good, differed materially. In Ireland out-door relief was scarcely in excess of indoor, whilst in England it was immensely in excess of it. Of course out-door relief should be given in certain cases — wiiere, for example, a man was incapacitated temporarily from labour in consequence of accident ; but it should always be awarded with great discretion, and only where a man was totally unable to support himself and his family. To medical 294 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. relief he should be entitled at such times, and more should not be given unless he was totally unable to gain support for himself and those dependent upon him. Vnrious opinions were entertained as to the modes in which the many evils which had arisen should be dealt with and checked, and by which a better system might be brought about ; but these suggestions involved such a large number of subjects that he should not be justified in trespassing upon their attention by bringing them forward at the commencement of that im- portant discussion. Tliere were a great many professional tramps wandering about the country, and it should be as much as possible the object of those engaged in administering relief to the poor, whilst affording temporary aid in work- houses to those passing by, to check the system of professional tramping. Voice : Professional vagrancy does not exist to anything like the extent generally believed. Mr. W. Portal, before reading his paper, made a few pre- liminary remarks on the course of the proceedings arranged for the day, intimating that papers would first be read by gen- tlemen on four subjects, which would afterwards be discussed. The reasons which had induced others and himself to invite those present to that conference were that in other parts of England meetings of the kmd had been held, and had been attended with beneficial results. They had present amongst them Mr. T. B. Baker, a gentleman who had taken great inte- rest in the subject, and who had the management of a confer- ence of this character. He (Mr. Portal) had the pleasure of at- tending one of these at Malvern, not long ago, and he thought it would be desirable to introduce them into this neighbourhood. It appeared to him it would be well that the people of this coun- ty should have an opportunity to discuss the different modes of administering the poor laws, for it was astonishing to find the difference that prevailed in Union A, Union B, and Union C, and none of them, he thought, were so well versed in poor- law matters, however great their experience might have been, that they could learn nothing from each other during these discussions. They had that day some fifty or sixty gentlemen representing 38 unions— 26 in Hampshire and 12 in Berkshire, and it would be a question for decision presently whether it would be advisable hereafter to hold these meetings periodi- cally— alternately at Basingstoke and Reading. He had ven- tured to take the lead on the present occasion, and (if they would permit him) he would now read the paper he had pre- pared : Training of Pauper Children — Upon tlie training of the children of paupers no:" depends in a very great measure the amount of pauperism for the future. " Once pauper, aye for ever pauper !" may apply with but few exceptions to the adult, but inasmuch as the vast majority of pauper chil- dren are so from no fault of iheir own, hut from circumstances over which they have no control, and for which they at least are not responsible, we shall all, I think, agree that we are hound, as individuals, and as a nation also, to spare no pains or means to rescue them while young from their unenviable position, to foster in them a spirit of self-reliance and thrift, and to fit them for taking their places in the world as indus- trious, honest, respectable, and respected men and women. Let me remind you at the outset, however, that " pauper" children are not a very hopeful material to work upon, or are they altogether capable of being compared with the ordinary run of children of national or other schools. Many are weak and diseased, born of diseased parents, weak in body, still weaker in mind ; yet all are equally children of the state, and all must be efficiently tended and cared for. They are, in truth, destitute. No one else will have them, no one else will take care of them. Some are born in the workhouse, and re- main there until able to earn their own living, while others are in for much shorter periods, and liable to be removed at any time by their parents. Such are the materials we have to deal with, and they at once suggest difficulties. There are several ways allowed by the legislature to boards of guardians for the training of children, and for facility of discussion by this conference, I divide them into four general heads : 1, Children, out to School ; 2, Children taught in the Workhouses ; 3, Children sent to District Schools ; 4, Children Boarded out. 1— There is the very small workhouse, where the children being so tew in number that it is not deemed desirable to have a separate school, and these in the workhouse go, as if they lived in their parents' cottages, every morning to the national school in the village or town adjoining, taking their mid-day meal with them, with their slate and their books, and leading very nearly the same kind of life as their poor but freer neigh- bours. I believe that children thus taught, and mixing early in life with their equals and their betters, joining in their games, exposed to the same weather, and liable to the same temptations, are found to be capable at the accustomed age to fill with credit the places allotted to them, and, presuming al- ways that there is a good master and matron in the work- house to look after them while in the house, instances of per- manent or hereditary pauperism are under such treatment seldom to be met with. The objection commonly raised to this system is that the children are away out of sight of the master and matron during so many hours of the day. They cannot, therefore, be wholly responsible for the conduct and behaviour of the children, and that such going out of and coming into the workhouse gives facilities for bringing into the house much that is objectionable and to be avoided. It has also been said that, by the village or other school chil- dren these poor friendless ones from the workhouse are re- garded as "speckled" birds, looked down upon by them as inferiors, not admitted into their little coteries, not nermitted to share their games and pleasure, and that this has a depres- sing effect on them. How far this is so many gentlemen here can doubtless inform us. 2. — We come now to mention the school in the workhouse. The usual type, however, of a workhouse school, conducted either as in the smaller work- houses by one teacher only for boys and girls, or, as in the larger workhouses, by a master lor the boys and a mistress for the girls, is the system most commonly in use in country unions, and under which system the majority of pauper cliildren are brought up. I will not describe the routine pur- sued at schools of this type, because they are well known to all here, and i must be very brief. Whatever may be the shortcomings of these schools, I do not think they can be said to have failed. Although 20, 15, or even 10 years ago, much fault may have been found with these schools, I have yet to learn that pauper children trained in them become paupers when adults, whether female or male, or that the present in- mates of the workhouses of this country contain any apprecia- ble proportion of those who as children received the full benefit of training in them ; on the contrary, I believe that if a return were called for by the Poor Law Board, showing the number of children who have received full benefit from workhouse training a very large proportion of them will be found to be dispauperised, and no difficulty whatever is found in procuring situations, especially for the girls. Some of these schools, however, are, we must all allow, unsatisfactory. And yet the discipline is found to be good, perhaps too good. The chil- dren often look drilled and disciplined to an extent that verges on the ridiculous or the painful. The punctuality and regu- larity is not to be excelled in a regiment or in a man of war. They watch every twinkle of their master's eye, and every frown on his brow, and they smile only when he smiles, and that is seldom or never — in their presence, at least. They are walked out once or twice a week during very fine weather ; they mustn't get their clothes wet, much less their feet ; but as for games, they scarcely know any, and if they did, there seems an absence of spirit and boyish energy and pluck about them which we all delight to witness in other playgrounds and cricket fields. In school hours they for the most part are taught to read, write, and sum well ; the schools are periodi- cally inspected, are generally pronounced to be in a creditable condition and the masters and mistresses " efficient," or at all events " competent" ; and very many children are made fair scholars, and are good, trustworthy, well-meaning boys and girls, but many of them are not able to battle with the world into which they must soon enter, and are unable, in short, to get their own living. Though many of these schools have also an industrial teacher, and the boys are frequently taught both tailoring and slioemaking, I believe that the instances are ex- tremely rare of this kind of training being turned to any reaUy good purpose in after life, and but very few are competent shoe- makers or tailors from this instruction. The outdoor work, too, in the garden or in the field (as the case may be) to which these boys are taken generally (in fine weather, at any rate) in the afternoons, seems somehow or other to lack reality about it : they dig unlike other boys, they walk, they talk, they run unhke other boys. If you watch the whole proceeding you cannot help bearing away with you the impression that tliese boys are not working lor their own living. There is an artifi.cial appear- THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 295 ance about the whole work. It does not look like business, there is too much routine about it, and when farmers and others come to the house and ask for a boy to enter his employ on the farm, or in his house as a servant, you liear very shortly that the poor boy is more trouble than he's worth, that he's as green as grass, and that it requires tlie temper of a Job to put up with him. And the same may probably be said of the same workhouse as regards the bringing up of girls, in that, though they liave been taught needlework, washing, cooking, cleaning, &c., they are unfit for service when tliey come to be free, and tliey are glad to go to such an " Industrial Home" as tliat established by the kind Miss Twining and others, to fit tiiem for service, domestic or otiierwise. When all this is true of a workliouse school, to what cause are we to attribute it P So far trom believing it to be due to any niggardly or parsimonious feeling on the part of tlic guardians (a body of men who receive a large share of abuse, and of whom many hard things are most unjustly spoken, but said, I am inclined to believe, in ignorance), it is due, I believe, to tlie very oppo- site cause. The life of children in a workhouse is too artificial, too unlike the real, hard, stern, struggling life which they must engage in when they leave it. Instead of too little being done for them, too little is done by them ; they have not to " rough" it as the poor labourer's child has to rough it. Everything is not found for the labourer's child as is found for these children. They are not thrown enough upon their own resoarces — everything is done for them. They are waked in the morning : tliey are bathed so many times a week in most workhouses, hot and cold water laid on. If they should be poorly the doctor calls every day, or mostly so. Their food is regularly supplied; three hot meat dinners every week and one cold meat one, and three hot soup dinners. Some are taught knitting, others netting, some shoemaking, others tailoring. A cow or two is often kept, so that they may have good wholesome milk, instead of contract sky-blue. Their clothes are far sunerior to those of the ordinary labourer's child, and so, indeed, is their diet, and so is their bed and their bedding. Large pieces of land are bought or rented as much for the purpose of training the children in husbandry as for the purposes of profit. If the training of these children is in some ot these workhouses not sufficient to enable them to rely upon their own energies in after life, the remedy must be found, I think, mainly in more judgment, more discretion, more interest, more common sense, first in tlie master and matron, and next in the teachers and instructors. The constant bickerings and squabblings between the officers in most large workhouses is well known to all connected with the administration of the poor law, and this militates very sadly against the welfare of the youth. If either officer is seen to digress in the least from the strict letter of the consoli- dated order of the Poor-law Board (though from the very best motives and with the best intentions) he runs the risk of being reported on the following board day. Each one is too often jealous of the other, and the children may suffer in conse- quence, and that many children do suffer in consequence is to be gathered from the tact that, wliile all these workhouses are governed by the same general laws, and under the control of the same Poor-law Board and of poor- law inspectors, you will find in workhouse A the training of the children does not lead to their being dispauperized, while in workliouse B scarcely a single instance is to be met with of failure, but active, honest, and thrifty young men and women are the result of the training they have therein received. The secret of success is this. Obtain a master and matron who have their heart in the work — good kind Christian people, but who do not come to the situa- tion altogetlier for the sake of the salary that goes with it, but who will look after the orphan, the friendless, and the (other- wise) destitute child as if it were their own ; who pride them- selves on the number of children that they have been in great measure the means of sending out into the world ready and strong enough to grapple with the world's trials and difiiculties, with good common sense and a supply of what we call "nousd ;" who teach the children to look to them not as their master but as their friend ; who invite them to write to them occasionally when they leave the workhouse, and to tell them of their suc- cess or failure, as the case may be ; who invite them, when on leave or holiday, to come and spend a day or two with them, even though it is at a workhouse (in the so-called " vicious" and " contaminating" atmospliere, of which, I think, there has b»en much exaggeration) ; who will advise them as to their clubs or their savings' banks ; who will entwine themselves into their confidence, and who will (like the Great Master) never leave or forsake them. I have known several such masters, several such matrons, thank God; and not only so, but I know several such now in the active fulfilment of their duties. Witli such a master as this over the workliouse, and over large workhouses, I should like to see many gentlemen, laity or clergy, presiding, and there would be no such need surely of endeavouring to persuade Boards of Guardians to incur still further expenditure for the formation of the (3rd) district schools into which all the available children of several neighbouring workhouses would be consuliclafed. Into a de- scription of these I need not go. 1 know well that many of our workhouse school inspectors as well as poor-law inspectors advocate the establishment of district schools, such as Fiiriiham and Hartley Wintiicy District School, and Reading and Woking- ham District School ; or as Central London District School with 1,100, or the South Metropolitan District School with 1,000 children. For the children of London or of other large cities these schools are a necessity. The requiremenis for earth, air, and water, for space, all demand it. Their health generally makes it an absolute necessity to remove them from tlie city. The results, too, of the training in these schools, as shown in the last report of Mr. C. Tufnell to the Poor-law Board, are of a very encouraging character. Some years ago I was a strong advocate for district schools, but time and expe- rience have led me to feel the necessity of closing the " capital account" for more buildiugs and consequent in- crease of " establishment charges," and of developing the means that we already have within our reach. I tiiink also that the advantage to the children of having them near to those who are most likely to have " sympathy" for them and to find places for them, near to those who, perhaps, knew their fathers or their mothers, and thus keep up rather than sever parochial ties and ties of friendship between them and their more prosperous neighbours, is great. There is much good in these district schools, nor can I doubt such high authorities as my friend Mr. Carleton Tufnell and others concerning them, but, to my mind, large masses of children are productive of much evil, and when 1 know that in reformatory schools and in industrial schools it has been generally held, not only by the managers, but also by the Government inspectors, that no more than fifty should be collected under one or the same roof, in order that as much of the house and the faniil} influence between the boys and the teachers as is practicable should be kept up, I cannot recommend the guardians of the poor (but who are also guardians of the public local-rates) to incur an expense which is by no means a necessity. It must also be borne in mind that you can only send your orphans and friend- less and deserted children to these schools. You must always still have a certain number of children in the workhouse, namely, the " ins and outs" as they have been called — those who come in for a very short period of time, and who are liable to be taken out at any minute by their parents ; and others who cannot go to a district school. There remains (4th and last) the boarding-out system as practised in Scotland for many years past, in Bath under the able supervision of Col. Grant ; at Warwick, in the Thornbury Union ; at Chorlton, Caistor, Horncastle, and a few other unions. The nearest examples to us are to be found at Chnstchurch and Ringwood on one side of us, and Eton on the other. In England, how- ever, this system of farming out, or " boarding out," as it is now called (orphan and other children with foster-parents), has not yet had sufficient trial to enable ns to form a decided opinion upon it. There seems much to recom- mend in it, but unless thoroughly well looked after, and closely and continuously watched, with a searching sys- tem of frequent inspection — no second-hand contracts, no under-letting — it is open to frightful abuses. The reports of Mr. Bowyer, of the eastern and midland district, and of Mr. Wodehouse, of the northern district, and Mr. Browne, of the western district, in the last annual report ot the Poor Law Board, all touch upon this new method, and there is a very full report of the Poor Law inspector, Mr. Henley, entering minutely into the boarding out as carried out in Scotland, as well as in certain unions in England. With regard to the system as carried out at Eton, Mr. Henley states that the training, both moral and physical, is successful, and the children thus reared are likely to be absorbed into the popu- lation, and not to become paupers. The cost at Eton seems 296 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. to be about 3s. to 4s. a week, exclusive of 20s. to 30s. for outfit. At Christcliurch it has only been tried a few months, but at Riugwood for a much longer period. Tiiis much is certain about it, and the same may be said of all the four methods of training pauper children — that in each of the four systems to which I have called your attention tliere is much good to be found when efficiently, honestly, and sensibly worked. It is advantageous to have more than one plan as our universal type. Let me now offer one or two practical suggestions. We, as guardians, want rather more freedom and discretion afforded us in the matter of educating our pauper children than the Poor Law Board at present allows us. Our children, trained in workhouses, though with better clothing and better food than can be ob- tained by those of the ordinary agricultural labourer, generally appear to suffer from want of that liberty and space which are so essential to their healthy development of body and mind. It would be well to break down these barriers, and give us permission to put out, eitiier on loan or hire, as day-workers either on a farm or else- where, those who are preparing for their first situations in life, allowing them to come home to the workhouse as their natural, and, indeed, only refuge. Again, as children, in the small workhouses go out to the neighbouring village or national school, so let the ordinary labourer send his child (if he should live near, and wish to do so) to the school in the workliouse, on payment of the ordinary fee. Again, let the weak-minded and idiotic cliildren, not the strong and healthy, be removed into an asylum tor juvenile idiots, the building of which should be at the national, and not at local cost. Also, let the schoolinaster's salary depend more on the results of his training than on the number per head committed to Ins care, which militates unfairly against small houses. Again, let us have reliable returns, as far as they can be ascertained, of the success that has in after years attended the training of the children under each of these systems. I hold one that has been fairly kept for the last 20 years in a small union, and the result shows that a small workhouse can be a ^oor/ training school. Of the training of out-door pauper children I have only to wish that the order of the Poor Law Board were made more stringent upon us than it is, that no out-relief be given to the children of out-door paupers unless they attend some school, if practicable, and tlmt school fees be made a^«wyjpart of the relief. After all, the gentlemen Boards of Guar- dians may do much, and the oflicers both in and out of the liouse may do much, but the co-operation of others, the ladies and gentlemen who hai c the time and the will and the sfim- pathi/ to assist in the great work of befriending and benefiting and assisting our poorest children is most urgently needed. I believe that the present Poor Law has sadly dried up many springs of charity amongst the rich, and loosened the bonds of parental and filial affection amongst the poor ; but let us hope that such meetings as this will call public attention to some of the wants of our poor orphan and destitute children ; and whether by committees of visitors in the workhouses, or district visitors for our villages as well as towns, kind Chris- tian friends will be forthcoming, who will co-operate with the Poor Law Guardians and others in improving the condition and brightening the future of our pauper children. The Rev. Mr. 1'ole remarked that in their union (Kings- clere) the proportion was two-thirds State children, or children deserted by their parents. In the matter of training, the re- .sults in that union, which was a small one, were not unsatis- factory, and the proportion of those who came back to the house after leaving was very small — not, on an average once a year. Many of them did very well in after-life, and the girls were especially fortunate in that respect. Frequent applica- tions came from Heading for girls for domestic service. He thought the training had better be left in the hands of the guardians than to district schoole ; and they would do much better in keeping their union school children as much as possible to themselves. He did not think the boarding-out system adapted to their purposes. Mr. Tailor observed that, prior to discussing so important a question, it would have been better if the paper just read could have been printed, so that each might have made hira- .self perfectly acquainted with its contents. Mr. Portal did not appear friendly to district schools ; but he (Mr. Taylor), as a Guardian of Reading Union, and having known the work of a district scliooJ for sixteen or seventeen years, and having seen tliat children educated in it had received a sound educa- tion at an economical rate, and had afterwards been well placed out in life, rarely appearing again as paupers — he wished to state his views, and to show that, though there were diffi- culties connected with district schools, the cost of maintaining and educating these children had not been excessive. Mr. Portal spoke of the cost of Eton children being about 3s. or 4s. a week, exclusive of the 20s. or 30s. for outfit. At the school he (Mr. Taylor) referred to it had only been 2s. 4d., and 7d. a week for clothing. The boys left at an early age for agricultural service, and the girls for domestic employments. Some of them got on in life afterwards as well as those children who had never been in a union. Mr. TuFNELL said there was such an opposition to district schools in the country that he despaired of ever seeing them generally adopted ; but, so far as his experience went, the re- sults obtained in district schools could never be equalled in workhouse schools. Their object was to prevent hereditary pauperism as it once existed, and he believed the district schools about London had stopped it entirely. The great dif- ficulty in all schools was to know in what industry boys should be employed. In these district schools they had tried every possible one, and experience had shown it to he that which none of them would ever have imagined without such expe- rience. It had been found that the employment best adapted for pauper children was music. These children were sent into the army, and he never knew of a single instance in which a boy sent out as a musician ever returned. He was ac- quainted, too, with several clergymen who were pauper boys in some of these schools, and there were others in the army doing well as non-commissioned officers, and one was now expecting to get his commission. These observations applied more par- ticularly to orphan children, and this showed that the best way of dealing with young paupers was to send them from their own parishes, aud so remove them probably from the influence of degraded parents. If he could have his own way he would send every boy from his own parish. There was a great diffi- culty with respect to the training of girls, who sometimes failed in industry, sometimes in morality. This demoraliza- tion was caused by mixing together, and he showed more par- ticularly how it was brought about. He recommended the plan of a half industrial, half intellectual training. He thought there was no reason for limiting tlie number of non-criminal children assembling together for school purposes, but others should be restricted in number. A parent could at all times remove a child from the guardian's care. He should like to make them responsible in. loco parentis. Mr. Makx observed that children were sent out fiora the Alresford Union as agricultural labourers at the age of twelve years. Would Mr. Tufnell inform the meeting at what age the generality of boys left the district schools referred to ? Mr. Tufnell admitted that the boys left the London district schools somewhat late, but a London boy of fourteen was not larger in growth than a country boy at twelve. They were weaker, and were half-starved before they entered. One oountry pauper child was equal in strength to two or three Londoners. Mr. ScLATEU was strongly of opinion that district schools were much more adapted for towns than for country unions. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and others present, could not control the strong opinions and prejudices of Boards of Guardians, and tlierefore he thought it was almost useless to discuss the quesUon. He agreed almost entirely with the paper read by Mr. Portal, but lie thouglit one point had been pressed rather too far. He appeared to think that pauper children, when out in place in the world, were rather looked down upon. That feeling no doubt prevailed many years ago, aud it had been strongly painted by Mr. Charles Dickens ; but, in his opinion, the feeling was now a thing of the past. Mr. Bkouackir asked Mr. Tufnell if a band could be organised in a small union. Mr. Tuf:nell replied that it could not, and that was another advantage of district schools. Sir Nelson Rycroft enumerated several instances of boys who had left the Sevenoaks Union, in Kent, for various em- ployments, and wlio had been tolerably successful in after life. Tailors and shoemakers did not appear to have enjoyed an equal amount of success. Mr. Portal produced written documents, one from Mr. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 297 Hoare, of the Bradford .Union, and one from Mr. Best. Ou the subject of music, the first named gentleman spoke ap- provingly; but Mr. Best feared that it was likely to induce boys to lead a vagrant life, lie recommended agricultural labour for boys, and that girls should be employed in laundry and domestic work. Mr. Palmer, referring to Mr. Portal's remarks with respect to those children who were often weak in body and mind, and who were not the best sample of children to ojierate upon, alluded to the school at Wargrave, and said he did not believe that any private school in England could produce sucli a re- port as to health as could l)e furnished with respect to that school. With one sliglit exception, tiiere had been only one epedemie in ~0 years. One advantage of district schools con- sisted in the removal of children from the evil influences in whicJi they might have been brought up. In those schools, too, the children were surrounded by social influences which it would be impossible to obtain in a workhouse. At Wargrave, people in the neighbourhood froijuently invited them out, and they mixed with tlie residents of the village. When tiiey left school they departed much with the same feelings as those enter- tained hy children leaving a boarding school, and if they wished to surround children with social influences, and to destroy that workliouse feeling, the best institution possible at present was the district school. The farming-out was another plan, but it was questionable whether or not it was a good one ; for (as Mr. Portal had remarked) it would require a great deal of supervision to keep things from going wrong. Mr. PoKT.VL said he had been careful to show that under each system by which they took the charge of children they would find something good, but none was perfect. Yet, con- sidering the conditions under which we live, the high rates, &c., he thought this was not the time to encumber themselves with large expenses for educational purposes when probably they had ample means for educating the children. He had been somewhat misunderstood with respect to district schools. He would hesitate to provide them in those districts which did not possess them — not that he positively objected to them- With regard to orphans, the theory was that these children were the children of the State, and they could not do too much for them. Mr. Portal concluded by moving the follow- ing resolution — " That, though great ditficulties exist in esta- blishing district schools in agricultural districts, yet, where practicable they deserve encouragement ; and that idiotic and weak-minded children should be removed from all schools to central asylums." The resolution having been seconded, Mr. Davis said he should like to have had a statistical account of the percentage of results ; for it was only by such statistics that they could arrive at any substantial conclusion. Mr. Portal had remarked on the condition of workhouse boys, but this was to be attributed to their circninstauces early in life. They wtre often born in sin, of diseased parents, the outcasts of society, and, he believed, if they took all things into consideration, that the present system was by no means a bad one. Mr. ScLATER asked Mr. Portal whether, when he suggested that idiots and weak-minded children sliould be sent to an asylum, he meant to include all children of that kind ? Some of these were in the work'.iouse for a short time only, and he thought the latter portion of the resolution should be con- fined to those children never likely to be removed from the workhouse. Mr. Portal, replying to Mr. Davis, said he had rather a weakness for statistics, but he had not provided them ou this occasion, because persons were not able to retain them in their memory. In all well worked schools he believed it would be found that at last 75 per cent, turned out well, and were dispauperised in after life. With regard to the last portion of the resolution, he apprehended that there could scarcely be a doubt that these idiots and weak-minded children were a great drag on the masters. Tiiey were miserable and unhappy, but at Earlswood tlicy were cheerful and contented. He was willing to withdraw that portion of the resolution. Several Voices : " No, no." The Chairman put the resolution to the meeting, and it was carried intact, no further dissent being shown, and the meet- ing then proceeded with the reading and discussion of other papers set down in the list . VAGRANCY.— ITS CAUSES AND PRE- VENTION. Mr. T. B. L. Baker (Ilardwicke Court) then read the following paper: I am much honoured by being asked to write, for your consideration, a ten minutes' paper on " Vagrancy : its causes and prevention." But to do so I must be very brief. If, therefore, I give my opinion ([iitintiim vdleal, briefly and decidedly, I trust that my doiug so may be imputed not, to want of courtesy, but to want of time. Tlie causes and the character of vagrancy are so differently stated by writers of great experience in dilferent parts of England that I can only come rather unwillingly to the con- clusion that we have, not one set of vagrants travelling througout the whole country, but several distinct species, each keeping to their own district. In Gloucestershire and the neighbouring counties we find nothing of the highly amusing and poetical vagrants described by Mr. Doyle, in Cheshire, nor of the burglars or organised robbers described by Mr. Dunne, in Cumberland. But, in truth, all our accounts of the class appear sadly liable either to error or misconstruction. Eveu our statistical returns have been sadly misunderstood. Many readers of the judicial statistics took alarm at the returns there given, and believed that the ratepayers had to maintain an aver- age of 33,000 vagrants, and could not understand the Poor Law Board describing them as only 6,000. The return, indeed, of 32,000, which was intended to include tramps with vagrnnts, has been found on examination so unsatisfactory that it will be omitted for the future. This want of information as to the numbers and character of the class we have to deal with is greatly to be regretted, and I fear we shall not get a satisfac- tory solution of how to prevent them till we get a more accu- rate knowledge of their numbers and habits. This, I think, may be acquired by one of the modes of prevention which I propose, if it be ever fairly carried out. The causes of va- grancy in my part of the country, I think, are easily stated. A man falls out of work either from slackness of trade, which causes not only the most idle or the most drunken, but also the oldest and weakest of the gang to be discharged, or even at times of full work an idle, or careless, or stupid man will be occasionally turned off. These usually try, in the first place, to get employment in the same town, but if they fail, and find their Jmoney and credit exhausted, they set out to seek it else- where. For a time they may seek for it honestly and dili- gently, but those who fail in getting employment quickly — sleeping in filthy vagrant wards as, alas ! most of them are — insufficiently fed — wet through by day and with small means of drying by night — become contaminated in body and mind, and, finding from their companions the advantages of begging, gra- dually join the ranks of the older mendicants with whom they are obliged to associate. It has been asserted by some that most of the vagrants are the sons of vagrants born and bred to the trade, but I think this is sufficiently disproved by the fact that in July, 1858, there were only 2,069 vagrants in England and Wales, as shown by the Poor Law return, while in 1867 there were 5,24:8. And it is clearly impossible tliat the odd 3,179 could have been born and bred in the time. If I am right in these causes they ought to be some guide to us in find- ing a .system of prevention. It has been commonly said, that if we could prevent the public from indiscriminate alms-giving beggars would cease, but few even pretend to tell us how the public are to be so prevented ; yet unless we can at least greatly diminish the alms-giving we shall do no good. I believe, however, that this is quite feasible if we care- fully consult the public feeling. We must, in the first place, take tiie utmost care, and let the public sec that great care is taken, that no man, good or bad, shall be allowed to starve — that the workhouse shall give an ample security that every person who comes to it without food or money shall be quite secure of food and siiclter. It this be carefully done many will cease to give to those of whom they know nothing, and the number will increase year hy year. But if all vagrants are to be lodged and fed means must be taken to avoid this kindness becoming a temptation to idleness, without at the same time using a degree of harshness which will incline the public to pity and assist them. 1 think we may fairly assume that there are some vagrants, probably few in number, who travel entirely for the purpose of going direct to some place where they hope to find work or return to their parish — that 298 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. these few are anxious to make tlieir way tliither at their best speed, and that these generally deserve to be helped on the way. We may also assume that there are others, probably by far the major part, whose object is merely to live idly from day to day, and these, all will agree, ought to be sternly re- pressed ; but neither the charitable public nor the relieving- officers can tell with any certainty whether a vagrant belongs to one class or the other. A system has been suggested of giving to every man a ticket certifying where he slept on the previous night, and to what point he professed to be going. If he then kept to his true line, and walked a fair day's journey in proportion to his strength, he should be relieved from any task-work and fairly treated. If he brought no such evi- dence he should be compelled after each night to perform a task, the severity of which should be increased till it was found sufficient to deter the idler. This would exactly meet the difficulty, the public would have confidence that the lionest traveller would be relieved without hardship, and they would not object to hardship being enforced on the idler. On the other hand, the walking a full steady day's journey day after day would entirely destroy the charm of an easy vagabond life. It would also have the important advantage that it would enable us to know the course of our vagrants. But this system has failed, and has had to be given up for the pre- sent, not as I believe from any weakness in itself, but simply from the difficulty of getting it properly carried out. To deal with such an evil as vagrancy it is necessary to have a nearly unanimous action over a large extent of countiy. It is neces- sary also to make the labour, where it is inflicted, real and severe ; but, after we had got three counties to adopt a far higher degree of uniformity than had previously been arrived at, I found that out of 37 unions 24 gave from 12 to 18 ounces of bread, and 13 gave from 8 to notliing ; 8 required four hours of labour, and 9 gave none at all ; 6 had baths, and 32 had none. From such a want of uniformity the system naturally failed. I endeavoured to get permission from the Poor Law Board that, where this system was established, and where all honest travellers were altogether relieved from labour, those who could not show that they were travelling straight might he called on for a sis hours' task instead of four ; but, failing to obtain either uniform action or a power of enforcing labour, the plan had to be abandoned. I cannot but believe, however, that in due time the care of vagrants must be altogether made over to the police, and the expense paid out of the county rate, as was suggested in ISfifi by her Majesty's Poor Law Inspec- tors, Sir John Walsham and Mr. Corbett, and urged in Parlia- ment by Sir Michael Beach, then secretary to the Poor Law Board. When this is done uniformity of action will be secured ; and the ticket system will, I think, work well. But, though we have been unable to get that united action which alone can enable us to cope with such an evil as vagrancy from the different boards of guardians, we and several other counties have obtained some degree of unity of action from the magistrates. At the Trinity Quarter Sessions, 1869, our magistrates agreed to adopt the system which had been found to work well in Cumberland (described in a Parliamentary paper, " Vagrancy, Cumberland and West- moreland," printed April 22, 1869), and had been more recently tried with good success in several other counties, viz. : that of the magistrates in quarter sessions recommending to their brethren throughout the county that every person proved to have begged of any one should be sent to prison. As soon as this resolution was passed the police exerted them- selves vigorously, a large number of beggars were sent to prison, generally for ten days each, and the effect has been that the vagrants properly so called (that is to say those who sleep in the vagrant wards of workhouses) have diminished by about one-fifth. But the far larger number of tramps who used to pass my lodge on the road from Bristol to Birming- ham have diminished by more than half, and the nuisance to the poor dwellers by the road-side is greatly abated. This system has been adopted by ten counties entirely, and by six others partially, before last October, and in all with similar good results. This last plan is simple and easily carried out. It is also sound and unobjectionable in principle wherever the rule is carefully maintained of securing tlie absolute neces- saries of life to all who are destitute. So long as this is known by the public to be done, they will more and more support us by withholding their misplaced charity. Yet, I believe that we can only hope for a real suppression of vagrancy by the first plan of tickets where the whole care of this class is placed in the hands of the police. There is a third system to which I liad not intended to revert, because I thought that the scheme of a neighbouring county would have been so well-known to you as to have needed no remarks of mine. But, however well-known to you, I must mention the scheme of my friend Captain Amyatt Browne, chief-constabje of Dorset, of providing by private subscription a supplej mentary assistance to all travellers, which, I understand, has had the effect, which might have been expected, of inducing the public to withhold their alms from people of whom they know nothing. This again is a sound principle. It has the slight disadvantage of depending on voluntary subscription, and being, therefore, somewhat less reliable than a rate sup- port, and it is less punitive than I would wish towards the professional tramp ; but it is good and independent, and would continue to work well with either, or both the others. For- give my asking your consideration of one other small matter. Many gentlemen, who have not gone closely into the statistics, imagine tliat the cost of vagrancy is a heavy item in the poor- rates. This is not so, and our object in repressing vagrants, is not the cost of the rates, but the rescuing men from a vicious life. If the most liberal allowance of food, fuel, soap, &c. that is given at any union were made universal through- out the country, the cost would then amount to about one four- hundredth part of the total rate, so that a farmer who would pay twenty pounds of poor-rate, while the most liberal allowance was made to vagrants, would pay £19 19s. if all aid 10 vagrants were refused. Mr. W. Portal said he believed he should express the general feeling of the meeting if he thanked Mr. Baker for coming from so great a distance as Gloucester that day in order to attend the conference, and thus lielp them to inau- gurate their first meeting. The subject of vagrancy was one of extreme importance, especially in Hampshire at the present moment, for the Earl of Carnarvon had given notice that, at the next sessions of the county magistrates, he should be pre- pared to bring some notion on vagrancy, more or less definite, before the Court, with the view of putting a stop to its great increase in the county. This increase was shown in the returns from all the unions. A great many gentlemen had most kindly forwarded to him (Mr. Portal) every half year a half-yearly statement of the condition of their unions. It was much to be desired that they should all be better informed on the following points : Population and area, which were generally omitted from their half-yearly abstracts, but wliich would be found very useful ; and, also, not only the number of pounds, shillings, and pence expended, but the number of persons relieved during the past half-year, and the correspon- iug number for the previous half-year. Furnished with these facts, those at a distance would be much better able to judge by the returns, and when they met at that conference to com- pare notes for mutual advantage. He regretted its necessity, but he thought they would be obliged to revert to the system of handing over vagrants to the police. Some of the vagrants had acknowledged that they had never done a day's work in their lives, and declared that they never intended to do so. Mr. Taylor referred to the efforts which had been made to check vagrancy in Berkshire. It was arranged that tramps should receive tickets through the inspector of police in the district, under the supposition that if they presented them- selves before the police their number would be reduced, and thus be the means of effecting the object in view. With respect, however, to Reading, the results had not been in accordance with the wishes and expectations of the committee, who devised the scheme. After a time the number of tramps increased considerably ; yet, in addition to the necessity of obtaining these tickets, a certain amount of labour was im- posed, and he believed the plan was fairly carried out. Mr. Whitcombe, speaking of the Portsea Union, said that in 1850 the number of tramps admitted was upwards of 5,000 but the numbers progressed, till, in 1862, they had increased to 15,155. The Guardians, finding that they increased so rapidly, co-operated with the Watch Committee of the Council, and from that time the inspector of police was paid a small salary. He gave tickets to these tramps, without which they could not obtain a night's lodging. The consequence was that, twelve months afterwards, the number was reduced to 4,735, and, in the year ending Lady-day last, the number relieved during the year had been reduced to 3,994. The THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 299 Guardians, therefore, could bear testimony to tlie advantages resulting from such a system being carried out. They had a population of nearly 100,000, and the vagrants were alv^ays treated to a bath. Sir BI. II. Beach said, he had taken the greatest interest in tills subject, and he thought statistics, from the different methods adopted by the various authorities who compiled them, were very fallacious things ; but tiie statistics ol the Poor Law Board respecting vagrants were taken on one particular night, and compared with those taken on that particular night again another year. The whole number of vagrants found in the casual wards on the 1st of July, 1867, only amounted to 3,85-t, but on the 1st Jan. in the following year the number was 4,357, and in July reached 6,033. On the 1st Jan. 1869, it decreased to 5,346, and in July to 5,104, while in .Jan. 1870, the figures were reduced to 4,147 only. This, he thought, did not show vagrancy to be a great and growing evil. The main reason in favour of the local administration of the Poor Laws — namely, that the guardians were acquainted with the circumstances of applicants — was not one that applied to these vagrants. They belonged to all parts of the country, and were largely composed of the criminal or idle class. For this reason he considered their care and manage- ment should be put into the hands of the police, but if this were done it was obvious that it would be necessary to alter the area to bear the costs. The good result of tliis he showed from an actual test taken in London. He did not wonder at the statement of Mr. Taylor respecting Reading as to the increase of vagrants after police supervision. In Gloucestershire the authorities fitted up certain cells in a dis- used prison for the reception of vagrants, and this plan secured the advantages of the separate system, for if vagrants liked anything it was herdiug together. A superintendent policeman was appointed manager of the wards, who had 2s. a week for his trouble, and the result of effective management was curious. At first, however, the superintendent, being new to the business, the number of tramps increased, but subsequently they decreased considerably. He would remind them that it was not fair to take the effects of a system from an isolated instance, and whatever system was taken it should be uniform throughout the country. They would then know what the results were likely to be. If Mr. Baker's system could be carried out it would be of the greatest importance, as securing relief to any one travelling in a bond fide way in search of work. In any case he would have sufficient to keep him from starva- tion, and it would have this important result — that when the pubhc knew that no man nped starve they would button up their pockets, and he thought that would be dealing effectu- ally with vagrants. Mr. Goschen had conceived that it would be possible to confine habitual vagrants for 48 hours ; but he (the speaker) feared this proposition would be a dangerous one to adopt ; for it would do away with the benefit of the public knowing that any man might receive relief when utterly destitute. Although vagrancy was diminishing, the question appeared to him to be one of great importance, and nothing could tend better to a solution of the difficulty than conferences of that character, where they could meet and take counsel together. Mr. B. Baker said the best method of employing vagrants was where there was a ' well at the bottom of the garden, and a large tank on a rise at the back of the house, to set all vagrants to carry 80 buckets of water in the morning before they left. That was work anybody could perform — it required no skill. Stone-breaking might he done in some places, gar dening in others ; but there certainly was a difficulty in pro- viding profitable employment. The Rev. Mr. Pole observed that the working man never objected to work. It was the professional tramp. Sir M. H. Beacu said it was not correct to say pauper labour could not be made profitable. He had known a clear profit, though small, on each vagrant who had come into the union. Mr. Marx said at Alresford it was found that flint-crushing was not unprofitable. An able-bodied man was required to crush a bushel of flints before he received his breakfast. The Rev. Mr. Pole remarked upon the destruction of clothing by tramps, and inquired as to the best remedy. They did not regard punishment, and he did not think they were sent to prison for more than 31 days. Mr. Lees alluded to the increase in the number of vagrants in Hampshire, hoping that the discussion would result in an expression of opinion by the meeting that they should be handed over to the pohce. The Chairman suggested the passing of a resolution, pro- viding not only that vagrants should be placed under the superintendence of the police, but that there should be some interchange of communication between tlie police of various counties to act in concert togetiier. Sucli an expression of public opinion would sliow what the feeling of the country was, and if his suggestion met with approval he would embody it in a resolution. Mr. Baker in reply, said that the employment of a police relief officer in Essex had produced an extraordinary effect at first. Since it had been established it brouglit the number of vagrants down in two or three unions from 33,000 to some- thing like 1,200, in the course of a few years. Then it was a new thing, but siuce tiiat it liad been tried all over the country and had become like a scarecrow, which at first kept birds off, but subsequently did not frighten them. With re- gard to the question of what they were to do with vagrants who tore up ttieir clothes he would remark tliat two years ago he visited one of their workhouses in Gloucestershire (Thorn- bury), where he stayed all night. During the night a man had torn up his clothes, and next morning he was invited to see the man let out. He was first made to pick oakum, and then a sack was procured. The officers cut a hole in the bottom of the sack, two at the side, and then put him in the sack, with his arms thrust through the two holes at the side, in which condition he was sent out. That was a perfect cure. It made a very strong impression, and since that there had never been a case of clothes tearing in tlie Thornbury union. The Chairman then proposed a resolution to the effect that all vagrants should be olaced under the superintendence of the police, and that the Chief Constables of various counties should interchange communications for the purpose of acting in concert, so that the destitute miglit be relieved, the habi- tual vagrant puuished, and that the necessary cost be defrayed by the borough or county rate, which was caeried unanimously. OUT-DOOR RELIEF. Mr. Marx read the following paper. Having been re- quested to place before the meeting some remarks on out- relief, a subject wliich will, I hope, provoke a useful discussion to-day, I uenture to request your patience whilst saying a few words on pauperism generally, and on the direction in winch we must look if we desire to find a remedy for it. The changes which occurred iu the use and holding of land chiefly during the reigns of Henry VII. and Henry VIII. converted the peasantry from cultivators into labourers. Under that great change England might still have remained free from piiuperism but for later errors. Judging from the history of Holland and England, the present painful and disgraceful state of pauperism in which we find ourselves was the result of extravagant ex- penditure on foreign war, and consequent debt, wliich led to the substitution of indirect taxation on the necessaries of life for direct taxation upon land, tiien almost synonymous with property. Thus the source of pauperism was the shifting of taxation from the land of the rich to the labour of the poor — from the shoulders of those who had property to tiie backs of those who had none. We all know that want and distress are inevitable, but it is otherwise with pauperism, which is a disease of man's creation, and, once called into being by a bad system of laws and taxes, it spreads gradually and continually like an infectious disease. Although the current belief amongst us is that poor laws, hke ours, lessen poverty and prevent starvation, they probably multiply both. The poverty and misery permanently existing iu our great cities is without example in any prosperous country, and the inefhciency of the poor laws in lime of severe pressure, as for instance during the cotton famine in Lancashire, or during the last winter in London, is indisputable. In fact, the resource which should be reserved for an extreme case, viz., the payina; of public money for the support of the poor, now only avails under ordinary circumstances, and we have to return to the natural remedy, namely, private charity, in any great crisis. There is rearon to believe that more people die of want and its conse- 800 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. quences in London with a poor law and three millions of inhabitants than in Italy with twenty millions and no poor law. It is remarkable that those who live where there is a legal and compulsory rate lor the support of the poor cannot behevethat any well-governed country can get on witliout such a system, whilst those wlio live where there is no such provision are at a loss to understand how it can be necessary, in Scotland, where a law for compulsory assessment has long existed, although as late as 1815 it appears to have been enforced only in some exceptional parishes in which the voluntary system had been allowed to fail, the English system is now thoroughly established ; but yet cases of death from want are as likely to occur as under the old state of things, when a dole of meal was given only to the poorest out of the money collected in the kirk. The consequences of the com- pulsory system are so fatal to piivate charity that the mere proposal to adopt it caused the weekly collections for the poor to fall olf considerably ; and, as poor laws had come to be regarded as the proof of civilisation, even tlie success of Dr. Chalmers in Edinburgh failed to convince the Scotch of the value and efficiency of their ancient habit of supporting the poor by local collections and unpaid administrations. One difference between a country with poor laws and another with- out is — that in the former there are one or more paid relieving officers in a district, whereas in the latter every man and every woman is an unpaid and self-appointed relieving officer. Of late years many taxes have been taken off the necessaries of life, and the peasant is no longer bound down to the limits of his parish. These changes, combined with the enormous expansion of commerce brought about by the gold discoveries, and the immense amount ot labour which has been employed in making our railways, have caused the evils ot pauperism to be less apparent, and to grow upon us less quickly ; but communism now rampant in Russia, powerful in France, and growing in Germany, will come upon us, either by gradual steps or by sudden revolution, unless we give up palUatives, and seek in earnest to rid ourselves of the disease of pauperism. To effect this we have to understand its causes, and to investi- gate the condition of countries where it does not exist. We may then be induced to revise our land laws and the system of government and taxation which have prevailed since the Great Revolution two centuries ago. Having said thus much on a somewhat distasteful and unpopular subject, I turn to the c?se more immediately before us. Can we prevent the present law of out-relief from increasing the distress which it was designed to prevent ? I fear not. It is impossible to affirm that the present law, aided as it has been by circumstances alluded to before, viz., the discovery of gold and the formation of railways, and also by improved schools, allotments of land, and an increased number of benefit societies, has raised tlie agricultural labourer to a condition of wholesome independence and manly self trust. The legislation of 1834 swept away many abuses, and saved the owners and occupiers of land from ruin ; but, in spite of it, and many subsequent acts, and all the orders, counter-orders, and ex- ceptions of tlie Poor Law Board, the peasant is as ready as ever to draw what he still calls "parish pay," and often objects to join a benefit club on the ground that " it would only save the parish." At the same time, an increasing number of artisans, of small tradesmen, and of other persons who have friends able to maintain them, are constantly trying to obtain out-relief. Many who are above the con- dition of those who depend on their daily labour for their daily bread have no shame in asking for out rehef, little hesitation in obtaining it when it is not a necessity, and no thought that the rates are extracted from people as poor, and often poorer, than themselves. All will admit that much of the money spent in out-relief really acts as a rate in aid of wages, and keeps down the latter to its lowest point, thus deeply injuring the agricultural labourers, particularly tlie good and prudent, and indirectly injuring those who employ them, for the men work short hours in Hampshire, and, except when at task work, give inferior labour for inferior wages. Artisans, who are better able to take care of them- selves, have not suffered in the same proportion. They have succeeded, by trades combinations and emigration, in keeping their wages at a high figure, although they are at the present moment suffering seriously from want of employment — a want which would be partially removed if they would accept lower earnings. A vast number of them provide for illness and old age by saving or by benefit clubs ; but many of them trust tb the poor law, and come for out-relief in case of sickness, either immediately or after a few weeks, The evils of out- relief in destroying the self-reliance of the pauperised classes, and of underniining that of the class just above them, was to have been averted by the workhouse test. This test, however, has failed, and is almost in abeyance, as the exceptions allowed by the I'oor Law Board are acted upon and the general order is not. Boards of guardians are naturally reluctant, where the option is left to them, to take a step which may force people into the union house against their will, and break up the home of a family. They also shrink from the greater cost of keeping a family in the union house. I am sorry to say that the amount of money raised by benefit clubs in agricultural districts, although much increased, is still insignificant as compared with the sura spent in out-relief. As it may be useful to compare the out-relief given in different unions, I subjoin a table of that given at Alresford : 1. A sick man with a family receives about the ordinary amount of wages, chiefly in money and partly in bread. 3. An able-bodied widow with children receives for each child one shilling and a gallon of bread weekly. 3. An old couple receives 5s. 6d. 4. An old person receives 3s. 5. A lying-in woman whose husband is at work, if there are five or more children, receives 2s. 6d. or 3s. a week for four weeks. G. The sick have a nurse found them when necessary, and meat, wine, porter, &c., when recommended by the doctor. 7. The funeral of a grown person costs the parish from 238. to 27s. ; that of a child less. 8. An order for medical attendance is given when applied for, except in the case of persons earning more than ordinary wages. The earnings of the agricultural labourer aversge about 14s. a week, but, with the exception of carters and shepherds, who are supposed to be better off, we take their earnings at the ordinary rate of day-pay, say 10s. m considering their means of supporting a sick wife or child. If a man belongs to a benefit club, we treat him as if he had half his club allowance, considering the othsr half as a means of supply- ing him with sick comforts, and so more quickly restoring him to health. The cases with w hich we have the most diffi- culty are those of : 1. Men partially disabled who apply for out- rehef, and for permission at the same time to earn what they can. 2. Children of able-bodied men in full work for whom meat, milk, &c., is recommended by the doctor. 3. Artizans and others temporarily iU, whose ordinary earn- ings are from 18s. to 30s. a week. 4. Widows with children occupying a house rented at £8 or £10 a year, and carrying on some business which they say does not enable them to support their children. 5. Persons unable to work, but having friends able or legally bound to support them. If the responsibility of supporting the last class could be made to fall in the first instance on the relatives, and on the union only when these have proved their inability, a large amount of out-relief would be struck off the books. At pre- sent the relatives frequently escape their liability. Another improvement in the law would be to make relief to persons not living in the union illegal, except in the cases of schools and public institutions. The idea of charity still clings to out- relief, which in all the above cases is often given where it would be better systematically to refuse it. If the labourer could be taught to depend upon himself, and not on the rates, he would receive better wages, out of which he would be able to put by for sickness and old age, as he now puts by for fuel, rent, and clothing. It is quite clear that distress is by no means in proportion to the largeness or smallncss of the earnings, but rather to the want of care and thrift on the part of the receiver. Whilst the families of the armourers of Sutton Coldfield, who earn £1 a day, form a very distressed population, as the men work about three days a week, and often leave a wife and family to be reheved by charity, or by a loan from a neighbour, most of those who are present know of highly credible instances amongst the agricultural labourers, where, notwithstanding a heavy family and small earnings, the home is kept neat, and the club money regularly paid up. lu THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE, 301 consiJeriug the question of out-relief I corainend tlic follow- in": figures, takcu from tlie Poor Law Reports for 1868-G'J ami 18G9-70, to the atteutiou of the mectiug : ludoor-Kelief Out- Relief. Walbingliam (Norfolk)... 1SG3 £775 £9,203 1869 925 9,153 Atfham (Shronsliire) 18G8 1,515 G77 1869 1,513 659 Having been in the habit of considering that under ordinary circumstances a union was, in so far, fairty well managed where the out-relief amounted to three times as much as the indoor, I am quite at a loss to understand these figures. In the Walsingliam Union the out-relief is nearly twelve times as niucli as the indoor, and at Atcluim it comes to little more than onc-tliird. This contrast must be owing to exceptional circumstances or to exceptional management, and in either case it ouitht to throw some light on I'oor Law Administra- tion. I will conclude by asking for suggestions from those present in respect to the administration of out-relief, and by placing before the meeting two questions : 1. Is it desirable that, after a fixed date, out-relief should be given in goods only ? 2. Is it desirable that, after a fixed date, outrelief should be abolished, except in cases of urgent and immediate necessity. 1 was anxious to have obtained full information about the workinpr of the Irish Poor Law, where only a small portion of out-relief is given, but have tailed to do so from want of time. It must be understood iu respect to the above ques- tions that any large change iu the law of out-relief must not affect persons at the time receiving permanent out- relief. Mr. J. B. Yo^•GE (Otterbourne) read the following paper : In a minute of tiie Poor Law Board, bearing date November 20, 1869, we find, " One of the most recognised principles in our Poor Law is that relief should be given only to the actually destitute, and not in aid of wages." And in the order prohibiting out-door relief we find that every able-bodied person requiring relief shall be relieved wholly in the work- house, to which follow certain exceptions. The chief difliculty of proper administration by the guardians lies in the excep- tions under which comes by far the largest portion of the expenditure, being for the year ending Lady-day, 18G9, £3,677,379, against £1,54.6,680 for in-maintenance. The cases to which out-relief is allowable may eouvenieutly be divided into four classes, namely, to the aged and infirm, to widows with families, to the head of the family with all dependent on him on acount of his own illness, to the head of the family on account of the sickness of a member of it de- pendent on him, including medical relief. With regard to the aged who have become incapable of maintaining themselves any longer, I think great consideration should be given to the wishes of the persons themselves, and also, but in a somewhat less degree, to those who are infirm from sickness iu compara- tive youth. Some have no great objection to come into the poorhouse, while others have the greatest aversion to the restraints necessary for the well-being of any number of persons brought together. The guardians should ascertain that the person is really incapable of earning a maintenance, and that there is no near relation of sufiicient ability to pro- vide for him ; under these conditions such an amount of out- relief as is found to be necessary in the locality should be granted. Indeed the opinion of the Legislature is clearly enough expressed in the provision that two justices may direct that relief shall be given to any adult person who shall froir age or infirmity be wholly unable to work, without requiring that any such person shall reside in any workhouse. Next we may consider the case of widows with young families, and these also are entitled to great consideration. Jf the widow be a person of anything but very bad character, so as to make it desirable to remove the children from her inlluence in any manner practicable, the general value of home bringing up above that in the workhouse would point to the advisability of grauting out-relief. But it is to be considered that the widow, if in health, ought to lie capable of maintaining herself by her own exertions, and therefore any out-relief must be granted in respect of the children only. This is ordinarily done on the general rough scale of a shilling and a gallon of bread per week for each child of tender years, and if the widow. from skill in trade or any circumstances, can do more than maintain herself, she must as far as possible support her children. There will at times occur a case in which a widow may apply for relief, being in the receipt of a pension from a friendly society. Tlie principles of action applicable to thii liave been so fully laid down in a letter contained iu the last report of the Poor Law Board as to give a clear guidance. They point out that an income arising from such a source can no more be overlooked than if it came from any other source whatever. And I would further observe that inasmuch as it is the bounden duty of any parent to maintain her children to the utmost of her power, such income from a friendly society could not be considered as applicable exclusively to the widow, whatever might be altempted to be set up of that kind, but must be employed iu addition to her own labour, as far as it will go, for the maintenance of her chih.ren. The great thing to be borne in mind by the administrators of relief to the poor, as well as by possible recipients, is tiiat nothing but destitution gives any person a title to be maintained at the expense of their neighbours ; that the poor-rate is not a fund to be drawn on, and to get as much out ot as possible, but that it is the duty of every person to make provision and to use the utmost of their power to avoid being driven to make any call on others. These two classes are comparatively easy to deal with, except in a point common to both, and that is whether )iuardians should grant relief to persons legally charge- able to their union, hut not resident within it. A few cases will occur when this may be desirable, but they are very rare, and should be discouraged as much as possible from the much greater difliculty of proper superin- tendence, and allowances should not exceed the sum found sufficient for similar cases within the union granting relief. From the impossibility of exercising the necessary vigilance by the officers of the union directly interested, these cases are more liable than most to degenerate into relief iu aid of wages, with its terrible evils. With regard to all out relief, and especially with regard to the classes of persons now to follow, it must be considered tliat, if any persons in higher rank were assured that in case of illness to themselves or any member of their family, medical advice would be provided gratis — that, in the case of those making an income by their own personal exertion, sustenance in their own rank would be provided in case of any cessation of employment, would it not be a great inducement to spend all at the moment, and not to attempt any provision for the future ? And yet this is precisely what a system of relief unwisely administered offers to persons who have to live a life of toil and care at the best, while we all know instances that show how much is in the power of those who have the will to help themselves and keep from need of relief. There are instances of men who can earn in half a week an ample provision, yet spend all in drink, and are ia destitution till pay day comes again. Should such a man fall ill, is his a case for gautiug the relaxation of out relief? It is true that there is a power of advancing relief by way of loan, but what slender chance is there of getting anything back from such a man P He might never be reclaimed, and probably would not be, but the example should be given that a man in need of medical or other aid from his own reckless- ness in making no provision for the future when able to do so, should not be relieved anywhere but in the workhouse, 1 draw a somewhat extreme case, but there are an infinite num- ber of gradations. It is not right for a man in regular em- ployment, with a moderate family, to be calling on the reliev- ing oflttcer the first moment he falls ill to supply necessaries. And yet where is the line to be drawn? It seems imp08»ible to require such a man to break up his cottage home and bring bis whole family immediately into tlie workhouse when befalls ill. In practice it cannot be done. Indeed, it appears politic to be rather liberal of relief in cases where the bread winner is sick, in order to restore him as quickly as possible. The broad conditions of out-relief are laid down for us, but within them lies the duty of the guardians in discriminating and using the workhouse test in such a way as to prevent the feeling that there is a sort of right to out-door relief in all cases that come within these conditions. And here I may mention how diflicult it often is to arrive at a real estimate of a man's ability. Take the artizan wlio gets a pound a week in a town, and a labourer whose nominal wages appear in the relieving officer's book as twelve shillings a week, wlien, perhaps, he is in reality the best off of the two. The townsman, probably, has 302 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. much more rent io pay, lias no garden, no means of making much by task-work, no thatching, hoeing, or harvest ; while the labourer very likely averages in money over IBs. a week for the year, besides advantages, and the comparative condi- tion of the tvro men is not such as the first glance would sug- gest. I think in the country that out-relief must generally he given when applied for when the head of the family is dis- abled by sickness, but not if a man was in receipt of rather exceptionally large wages for himself, and sous at home, or of ability to help, or if the family were light — that he should then be expected to have some provision by him, and not to ask for out-relief unless his disability continue some space of time. In towns especially there must be other elements of consideration. If the habitation be likely to retard recovery from over- crowding, or unhealthy situation, it might be better to take a man into the workhouse, even family and all, for his more speedy cure. An intelligent relieving officer may here afford most valuable assistance by making observations on the cleanliness and accommodations cf the home. If a home be worth having, and show signs of care, it is always a pity and discouragement to break it up. I now come to the class of re- lief given for the illness of some member of the family — the wifeor child, and generally consisting of medical attendance with or without the addition of nourishment. There is reason to be- lieve that the practice of different unions has been dissimilar, and might with advantage be brought nearer together. la some places the attendance of the doctor is granted with the utmost freedom, and mischief must arise from this practice making almost the whole population paupers. The duty of providing medical attendance for a member of the family lies first on the head of it, and he has no more claim to be relieved from that duty at the expense of others than from any other. Such cases as men in regular work, with not more than two children, should generally not he allowed the attendance of the union doctor. A long-continued course of illness might cause such a drain as to produce a necessity of applying for relief at last. In tliat ease a voucher should be produced to show that exertion had been made, such as a receipted doctor's bill, or satisfactory evidence that a great expense had been paid, not only incurred. I may also point out that there is an amount of injustice towards the medical officers in throwing on them a large amount of attendance on persons who should not really be considered paupers, and that in two ways : First, by throwing more ou ihem than they contracted for ; and, secondly, by de- priving them of the reasonable payments that they should receive. And the scale generally adopted by medical men in their dealings with the poor is not such as to be beyond their means. Such a case as that mentioned above is not one of real destitution, and really a man who should neglect to provide medical attendance would render himself liable for the conse- quences of sucli neglect ; and if the doctor attended a child on an order given by the relieving officer, I suppose that the father would be as much liable to punishment foi allowing a member of his family to become chargeable as if he had neglected to find food. But, as this would be too harsh a method to employ in practice, the alternative must be adopted of saying, " If you like to come into the house all your wants will be provided for, but we cannot relieve you out of it." It will be observed that I am endeavouring to propose for discussiou some points that may assist in ascertaining whether a person comes within the line of being rightly consi- dered so far destitute and unable to provide what is requisite as to be entitled to receive it, and advocating the offer of in- door relief in many cases as a test, and that my opinion is that the general practice has become too easy. Take, again, the case of a domestic servant coming home ill from a good place. Guardians would hardly be justified in treating such a person as one who could have made no provision. On the contrary, there has been opportunity of laying-by against a bad time, and, if nothing has been done, such a person ought not to ex- pect out-relief. There are other causes that should also be considered, such as the nature of the habitation, the ability of relatives to perform nursing efficiently, and the nature of the disorder ; these are sufficiently obvious. Two other points I can only touch on, to show that what is commonly called the doctor's order for meat or other subsistence is nothing but his certicate that he considers such diet desirable, and that on the guardians lies the duty of decision who is to provide this. It should be far from a matter of course to allow it as relief. Also, ja case of funerals, that no assistance should ever be giyen un- less the funerals have been conducted in the most inexpensive manner — no expending private means on ornaments, and coming on the rates for necessaries. I have lately heard of a parish, in another county, where the relieving officer gives 2s. 6d. or 3s. as a matter of course on a death. Complaints are universal of the increase of expenditure for relief within the last few years. May not a large portion be attributed to the laxity of guardians in allowing out-relief too freely, and thus engender- ing a spirit of running to the relieving officer for every trouble, instead of exertion to get on without assistance P It has been observed that in proportion as the amount of out-relief is smaller as regards the sura expended on in-maintenance, so will the pauperism of the inhabitants of the union he found to be less, and the population hold a more independent spirit. The Rev. J. G. Joice thought it was a matter of extreme importance that every one connected with the working of unions should ascertain whether it was possible to have an un- derstood scale of wages at which relief should be granted. Mr. W. Portal said this subject seemed enough to make everyone less diffident than himself quail, but Fome one must speak to ascertain the solution of the question, if it were pos- sible to solve it. He feared that in Hampshire they were ^0 powerless to provide a remedy for the evil. The fact was that pauperism was still increasing, and the number of applicants for relief in regard to the per centage of the population was assuming a most gigantic phase. He would refer to Atcham, the chairman of which Union (Sir B. Leighton) he knew: and who was supposed to be the model chairman of England, and no one had paid more attention to the subject. He had been chairman ever since the year 1836 or 1837, and he (Mr. Portal) attended a meeting at Malvern at which Sir Baldwin Leighton presided. He must confess that Sir Baldwin did not carry the -g meeting with him, for he laid down rules which others and ' himself (the speaker) thought in practice would work very hard; but his accounts showed the most astonishing results. The whole of the outdoor relief did not come to more than a-third of the indoor relief. He asked Sir Baldwin certain questions which he thought would be posers. He asked him one with respect to the militia, namely, when that body was called out what amount of relief should be given to the men's families P Sir Baldwin expressed extreme surpise that any gentleman calling himself a guardian of the poor should put such a ques- tion. They knew so well in his locality that they would never get relief and that it was never even applied for. Mr. Marx had made a proposition with which he could not agree at all — that ~t non-resident relief should be made illegal, tor he thought it would be mosthardthat guardians should refusetogive relief un- less they had the people under their control. He (Mr. Portal) did not suppose he should carry the meeting with him. He knew that the practices of boards differed very much, but he could not regard this proposition as kind, liberal, or Christian. Take the case of a poor person, perhaps eighty or ninety years old, who wished to go and live with her daughter, yet because she lived in the next union the guardians should say they would give her no relief. He should be glad to abolish the law of settlement. Where the tree fell, there let it lie, but he should be very sorry to see aged people prevented from living with their children in different parts of the country. Another pro- position was to get rid of all relief except by goods. In Tip- perary the system of out-relief was extremely simple, for they liad nothing like our permanent list. They never gave relief for more than one week at a time, and every case therefore had to come before the board once a week. In England the permanent lists were revised sometimes once a quarter — very seldom once a month, and much improvement might be effected in that practice. A case came before him last week, in which it would have been much better for the family to enter the house, but they did not seem to understand that it would be so. The guardians wished it, but the family said they would not enter it. How should guardians deal with such cases? He had had a long experience, but confessed he could not tell. A man would say that he and his wife would rather starve than enter a, workhouse, and although the guardians would have public opinion to back them (and that was very valuable), still the thing went on, and the guardians continued to give such a mo- dicum of relief as prevented starvation. The present per cent- age in the North of Hampshire and Berkshire was very large, the number of persons receiving out-door relief being about 12 to 13 per cent, of the population. In Atcham it wtW about one and a-half per cent. THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 305 Mr. Sciater: Perhaps they have more work in that union. Mr. W. Portal continued : Sir Bnldwin Lrigliton tlioup;ht he could put himself in competition with nny other ch.iirnian of a union as to the number of Post-oflioe Savings' Bank books (some forty or fifty) wbieli he held bolonginK to the people around bim. A domestic servant ou<;'bt to save money ; but when she came home, and a doctor's certificate was placed before the cruardians, and she applied for out-door relief, it seemed hard that a person like that should be ordered into the house. A domestic servant .Oionld not be destitute, or a burden on the rates, or kent by hei relatives. It w.as extraordinary, too, bow wonderfully well tlie poor population thought they knew the state of the poor law. Adults imagined that, if over sixteen, they, if ill, could not be refused out-relief. He knew several instances in which efforts had been made to dis- cover friends who were able to support their poor relatives, and with good results. They would say. perhaps, that certain relatives were employed in such a business, but they never heard from them, and it was impossible to get any support from them. He thought boards of guardians might take means to discover those who were liable by law to support their relatives, and thus prevent many people from becoming paupers. He considered that it would be better for many of the poor sick people to he taken to the workhouse ; and be wished he could persuade medical gentlemen to change their mixtures to a more simple diet than wine, brandy, &c. He thought of all cases that came b-^fore them the most painful and the most diflicult to deal with were those which he was sorry to say were more frequent this June than in any pre- vious June of which he had had experience, and were likely to be more prevalent next autumn and winter — the case of those who did not want money, hut work ; the men who came and told the guardians that they wanted not relief, but only work. He had felt deeply such applications. As chairman, he had told a man before now that be must strike out into the country and get work, and he had been so foolish as to listen to his advice. He had gone forth, tramped the country for six weeks or two months, walked hundreds of miles, could get no work, and all he bad done was to wear out his shoes. As in the metropolitan districts they had power given tlieraby law to provide district works, so he thought they might now and for the next winter have the same privilege accorded to the country. He did not know how they were to meet the. case, though he did not wish to " croak " or be despondent. At their last meeting of the Basingstoke board, they had the case of a man not being able to get a day's work. These men were not, of course, the cream of society, but they must live, and, if they could not obtain work under the present condi- tion of things, they would be in danger of starvation. Mr. ScLATER wished to say a word on behalf of the rate- payers with regard to out-relief. He perceived that the general feeling of the meeting was against out-door relief, but some- thing must be done for the sick and destitute. Let them take the case of a sick man with an average number of young children — say four, which with his wife and himself would make six in family. He was not, probably, the member of any clnb, and found himself, perhaps, unable to support himself and those dependent upon liim during a temporary illness. The guardians refuse hira relief, and the whole family enter the workhouse. The expense would be a gninea a week to the ratepayers, whereas it was (juite certain less than half that sum would suffice given as put-relief. He should like to know whether the ratepayers were prepared to submit to that im- mense augmentation of expense, for it would certainly happen if people who required temporary relief were taken into the house.' Mr. R. A. Davis, as a guardian, expressed himself in favour of out door relief, considering that the wages of an agricul- tural labourer were insufficient to enable him to save money as a resource in old age, and, after devoting their whole life to a special purpose, it would be very hard to say to such people " You must go into the workhouse." In his opinion there must be some means of giving employment, or people must be better paid, to enable them " to provide for a rainy day." Put the wages at 12s. a week for a Hampshire agricultural labourer, how was it possible for a man with a family to provide for the future ? The subject of medical relief frequently came before the board at Basingstoke, and he always upheld the orders of the medical man, for he thought, as an educated, professional jnsji, he was callecl in, and should be the hest judge of what was necessary to restore the sick to health. If the medical man prescribed certain things, he did not think they were justified in interfering in the matter, thus setting their opinions against his medical knowledge. The Rev. J. H. Stkwart agreed with Mr. Davis when he said that the wages of any agricultural labourer were insuffi- cient to meet all the wants tliat other classes of society were expected to meet. The Poor-Laws, he understood, were founded on two principles — Christianity and necessity. It bad struck him, as a guardian, that one of the practical diffi- culties in dealing witli cases of out-door relief arose from sick- ness, old age, and infirmity — in giving that relief which they were allowed to dole out by the law. The principal difficulty was in the theory that every person should be perfectly destitute before entitled to relief, but he questioned whether the per- sons relieved now were utterly destitute. All possessed some- thing. It was very rare that a person came before them who was a friendless being without anything in the world. Many who came before them had the means of paying into a sick club, friends in a position able to help, and when they could relieve they knew the amount was not sufficient to maintain these persons. The sum given was not sufficient without other sources of income to keep them. The fact was that they gave these people less because they were conscious tliey had other sources of income ; but this fact was not recognized by the law. That they belonged to benefit clubs was thoroughly recognized, in w^hich case, perhaps, certain deductions were made. The guardians must at certain times ignore the letter of the law. That was a difficulty which at often struck him, but the solution of which he was not able to offer. Sir Nelson Rycroft said that where a militiaman was called out, he would at the end of the month receive about £2 for his bounty. In addition to this he received articles worth about 13s. 6d., but the board of guardians had no power to put a stop on that money. On his return, however, if the hoard chose to take that man before the magistrates, and prosecute bim for leaving his family chargeable to the parish, they would be perfectly justified in so doing. Sir M. H. Beach thought this suggestion did not quite hit the nail on the head. In the North Gloucestershire Militia they found the following plan the best : The colonel and other officers persuaded the men to send money home to their families, and this was easily done, for they could say, " We shall not allow you to re-enter again at the close of your ser- vice unless you send money home to your family." As to prosecuting the men, he was afraid guardians would not be able to get much out of them. He bad listened with great attention to the remarks of Mr. W. Portal, with whom on one or two points he could not agree. He said that relief should be given in cases of destitution only, and that it should be given in accordance with Christianity. Now he (Sir M. Beach) would venture to say that the Poor Law and Chris- tianity had nothing to do with one another. The real fact was that out-relief should be given only in cases of destitu- tion. It was a legal and moral fact that boards of guardians had not only the right, but were compelled to inquire into the circumstances of the applicant. If he were a member of a benefit society, if he had property of his own, or any possible source of income, the guardians had the power of determining how much relief it was necessary to give in order to pre- serve the family from destitution. Mr. Portal spoke of kindness and liberality, but he (the speaker) considered these were connected simply with private charity, not with the law of poor relief; and, injustice to the ratepayers and every one concerned, he though it would be a great pitty if kind- ness and liberality should enter into the matter at all. With regard to non-resident relief, it might be hard that guardians should refuse to administer relief to the persons named, but the line must be drawu somewhere. And what was their protection ? Tlie relieving officer ; and how was he to make satisfactory inquiries beyond the bounds of his charge ? These cases, however, were so few in number that they should not be allowed to outweigh the rule that no relief should be given unless due inquiry be made. He looked with great dread and distrust on any system of public works. They were burdened enough with rates, without adding anything to increase them, and establishing public works throughout the country would be to add to the rates. The Rev. J. G. Joyce observed that the highest guide was true Christianity, and the intention of the law in this respect 304 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. was clearly sliowu in providing that the master of a uuion should read prayers daily to the inmates. Mr. HuKLEY said that iu Reading they did not relieve the family of a militiaman, except in very unusual cases. He recommended the unions of Hampshire to discontinue the practice. Mr. B. W. Carter asked if, after the medical officer had once given an order, there was any power of revising that order. Mr. W. POUTA.L said such order had been revised in many instances. Mr. Cave remarked that the medical order was taken only as a recommendation, and the guardians discussed the ques- tion. They did not doubt it should be carried ont, but the question with the guardians was : Who was to pay for it ? Mr. Lewis thought it would be most injudicious to obstruct the action of the medical officer in the application of remedies, and it would not contribute in any way to the economy or welfare of the country. The extra nourishment and stimu- lants ordered were not given without consideration of the necessities of each ease, and the absence of either might prove very prejudicial to the progress of the patient. Several speakers added corroborative testimony to the fact of the order of tiie medical officer having been " revised." It appeared that the relieving officer had the power of stopping its execution if the applicant was not considered "destitute." Mr. Westlake spoke of the various difficulties which a man had to contend with who could not get work, and said if guardians could give such a one only a shilling a day, it would prevent his becoming quite pauperised. Mr. W. Portal quoted " Glen's Consolidated Orders of the Poor-Law Board," to show that the medical officer had not power to order — simply to recommend — such and such nourish- ments and stimulants ; but Sir M. H. Beach said that the notes in that work had not the authority of the Poor-Law Board. Mr. B. Baker pointed out how beneficial the steps taken by Sir Baldwin Leighton had been in the interests of the poor population around him. One method which he took for benefiting the poor was the fencing off a piece of land that he might keep a cow, or it was arranged so that it was allowed to run with a farmer's cow in the neighbourhood. But nobody was allowed to keep such an animal before he had deposited a good sum in the savings bauk. Mr. Baker quoted from a pamphlet which he had published on " The Poor," in which he advised that an Act should be passed authorising boards of guardians or their relieving officers to detain any who had claimed relief, and to take them, if necessary, before the petty session ; and if they cannot show either that they from weak- ness or ill-health have never had an opportunity of laying by some money, or that when in good work they have laid by something, but from recent ill-health have been obliged to spend it, the magistrates may order them to be detained in the workhouse, and kept to such hard labour as their health and strength will admit of, not exceeding six mouths, after the ill- ness which has caused them to apply shall have passed away. They might laugh at his proposition ; lie had heard many per- sons laugii at it at first, but they had often come round to his opinion subsequently. Mr. Marx, in his reply, said Sir Baldwin Leighton had certainly done great good in his district. He had raised a people from a state of pauperism to one of manly indepen- dence. In his (Mr. Marx's) own small way he had tried in vain the same thing. Twenty years ago he started to help a uuion which was then improperly managed. The poor rates were sometimes as much as (is. and Cs. Gd. in the pound. He represented that they should be reduced — a thing they seemed to think impossible ; but since then they had been reduced to 3s. 6d., 3s., and 2s. 6d. No man could he employed in a more Christian work than that of trying to raise the character of the labourers around him. He thought Mr. Portal's ideas of finding work by means of district public works was thoroughly wiong, and hoped it would never be entertained, for he believed he was utterly wrong. He was sorry to differ from him, but he always did so in the most friendly way, for he was one of his best friends. Mr. C. Tlenell referred to the greatly improved state of the Scilly Isles under their present owner. Pauperism was at the first period of the ownership very common, and the first thing done was to establish good schools and make education compulsory. The main cause of the improvement was due to these measures, and pauperism he found, when he visited the isles some nine or ten years ago, had been nearly banished. Mr. Yonge spoke of the extreme danger of allowing out- door relief in order to save in-door relief, believing it to be one of the greatest dangers they could possibly fall into. He thought they must follow not only the letter, but the spirit of the Poor Laws iu their daily practice. With regard to what had been said as to Christianity in connection with the Poor Laws, the apparently contradictory expressions might be recon- ciled. Christianity, in the sense of liberal dealing, which the first speaker appeared to mean, was quite foreign to the Poor Law, as had been pointed out. In the sense of the presenta- tion of the means of religion to all inmates, as expressed by another speaker, it was most necessary. But he would add, in a sense with the first speaker, that no one could hope to approach to the proper performance of functions connected with the matter in hand without endeavouring to find his guidance in Christian charity, which would inculcate the most strict performance of these duties of trust to all, Mr. W. Portal, who had succeeded to the chair, then put the following resolution, which was unanimoHsly agreed to : " That out-door relief requires to be administered with great care and discrimination, and in conformity with the spirit of the Poor Law ; and that out-relief should not be given when the parents, grand-parents, or children of the applicants can give adequate support." RATIONAL CULTIVATION. At the quarterly meeting of the Victorian Agricultural So- ciety, Mr. Josiah Mitchell, of the Experimental Earm, read the following paper: In the first place, then, the growth of the same crop year after year on the same land, " wheat afterwheat," for instance ; the production of successive grain crops with Ottt any manure, and with only an occasional bare fallow when the land becomes foul ; burning straw instead of con- ■verting it into manure by the aid of stock, and restoring it again to the land ; the laying down of land to grass after it has been exhaused by the growth of grain — these are some of our practices that are not rational because opposed to the laws of nature — rotation and restitution — which govern the growth of plants and the continued fertility of the soil. Rotation, I liave said, is a law of nature that governs the growth of plants; it compels change of soil or situation. No plant will thrive continuously on the same spot. This applies as well to oak and pine forests as it does to wheat, oats, or any of our cul- tivated crops. The necessity for rotation or change of crop is caused, partly by exhaustion in the soil of elements essential for the healthy growth of the plant, and partly in consequence of the excretory matter thrown off by the roots, rendering the soil unfit for its further growth. Yet one plant by its death and decay from these causes makes the most suitable prepara- tion for the healthy growth of some other plant belonging to a different order. In this way, the great globe we inhabit has been converted out of barren rocks into the thing of beauty we now see it, and become fitted for the sustenance of man. It is upon this law that the modern practice of British agri- culture is founded, and no system of cultivation can be deemed rational if it does not embrace some rotation of crops. I need only instance the well-known success of wheat grown after peas, beans, or clover, to illustrate the advantages ol rotation. At one time it was supposed that by attention to a proper ro- tation of crops — one crop preparing the ground for another— the farmer could go on producing crops without any manure to the end of time. Increased knowledge has dispelled that illusion. We now know that in conjunction with rotation we must also have restitution, or compensation, if we would main- tain the fertility of the soil, and avoid barrenness. Restitu- tion and rotation should be the watchword, the creed, not merely as a matter of faith, but the everyday practice of all who desire to cultivate rationally. We cannot go on plough- ing and sowing, reaping and mowing, taking all away, and giv- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. )or, ing nothiug back to replace tlic miueral substances removed from the land. We cannot, I say, long continue tliis system of robbery, even with some sort of rotation, without being brought face to face in the long run with one of these two al- ternatives, restitution or Ijarreuess. The time, of course, will vary with the quality of the soil, but the end must come. How little this inexorable law of restitution seems to be understood, or if undrstood, how much we, by pursuing our present exhaus- tive practice, seem to disregard it ! Yet it is no light matter, but one fraught with serious consequences to any community where a system of spoliation is carried on, instead of rational cultiva- tion. The other day I met with the following statement bear- ing on this subject, iu the leading columns of one of our daily journals, in an article commenting on mining leases. In making a comparison between the charge for a mining lease and the cost of agricultural land, the writer proceeds to say : " Agricultural land rightly passes at a small charge from the Government into the permanent possession of the cultivator, because by the labour of him and his successors, it will con- tinue for generations without number to yield the prime ne- cessities of life, food, and raiment to the inhabitants of the state, because, in fact, cultivation makes of it the commissa- riat, without which the state could not exist." Now, this holds good ouly where rational cultivation is carried on ; un- der an exhaustive system there is absolutely no difference be- tween agriculture and mining. The miner works out his claim, and the farmer works out his farm. The former ab- stracts the " metallic treasure," wealth's representative, and the latter abstracts by means of his crops, thereat worth of any nation, the fertility or producing power of the soil, there- by destroying " the commissariat without which the state can- not exist." This is a startling fact ; yet our state looks on with indifference at a condition of things that must, in the course of a few years, seriously affect its own existence. Nay, not only does the state look with indifference on the present system of spoliation without making any attempt to introduce a more rational one, but it actually, by " settling the people" on too small portions of land, renders an exhaustive practice compulsory on the part of the poor settler. With the frightful example of America before our eyes, and none of her vast re- sources in the shape of rich agricultural land at our back, we fail to profit by the lesson. There, in America, such is the distance grain has to be transported over country rendered more or less barren by spoliation, that unless the price of wheat rules a: from 55s. to GOs. a quarter in Britain, it will not pay the farmer in the " far west," where the work of de- struction is still going on, to harvest his crops ; and they are allowed to shed on the fields. Nearer home, we read of an exodus of farmers from already exhausted districts ot South Australia, coming to Victoria to take the benefit of our recent Laud Bill, and of course, to pursue the same system here that has led to the necessity of their leaving South Australia. But to come home within our own colony, we are told by the Hamilton, Spectator of farmers in the Western district, who, having exhausted their own freeholds, are now renting land on short lease at a high rent for the purpose, no doubt, of carry- ing on the same exliaustive practice. Meantime they have laid their own farms down to grass, to recover the lost fertility. Delusive hope ! If it be the mineral constituents of which the soil has been exhaused, there is but one way of restoration, and that is by restitution. However, " the convenience of the ar- rangement," it is said, " is quite mutual, for the landowner will get a far higher return by letting his land for 15s. to 203. per acre, than he would by keeping a couple of sheep to the acre, and the tenants will be able to make larger annual gains." From this it would appear that the American system, when " the settler subdues a piece of laud, flogs it to death and aban- dons the carcase, and then repeats the operation on a new sub- ject," a system that has been condemned by thinking men in all countries, is in full force among us ; indeed, some, it would appear, have already managed to compass the death ot the first victim, and are seriously setting to at the second. With our " limited area of good agricultural land," this is surely an unwise course to pursue, and must be attended by disastrous results. But then " the landowner gets a far higher return, and the tenant larger annual gains." Here we have the true secret — an insane desire to convert the fer- tility of the soil, at all hazards, into hard cash — to sell the birthright of mankind for a few pieces of glittering ore I Curious anomaly of human law this ; we will not allow a poor miserable wretch to destroy his own miserable life, but we make no attempt to prevent tlie destruction of Lliat \\\w\\ maintains life. With lettiugs like that iu the Western dis- trict, and the Governineut selections of 80 acre lots, how can we expect any attention to be paid to the natural laws of re- stitution and rotation, or any attempt at rational cultivation ? Having pointed out some of our farm practice which I con- ceive is not rational, and endeavoured to show you why I think so, I shall now pass on to the question. What is rational culti- vation ? " The object of farming is gain. Wiiether an agri- culturist grows bread to strengthen man, wine to gladden liis heart, oil to make him of cheerful countenance, or opium to poison him ; whether his barley be made into wholesome ale or deleterious gin, he has but one concern — does the cultivation pay ?" This being the case, and the object gain, the system tlKit enables the farmer to obtain the largest quantity of healthy produce at the smallest cost, and realise the greatest amount of profit, but — pray, you mark this well — " without perma- nently lessening the fertility of the soil"— any system that will fulfil these conditions may be pronounced a rational system of cultivation. The fertility contained in the soil is the farnier's capital ; when he sells Ids crop, he sells part of this capital. If he does not restore to his land, iu the shape of manures, the fertilising substances taken away in tiie crop sold, his land will be permanently so much poorer. He is then living partly on capital, instead of on interest alone. This is an erroneous and too common practice. By following it the capital origin- ally contained in the soil is year by year diminished and the farmer, with diminishing crops of grain, as a matter of course, obtains less and less of interest, not only, mark you, on the capital in the soil, but also on the capital he employs to work his farm. True, the farmer may by this unwise course of practice, when his land is in its vigin freshness, manage to save money, but such savings cannot all be regarded as legitimate profit because he has simply been transferring part of his capital out of the soil into some bank. Should he farm the same land long enough, his bank account will dwindle away again, for " the spoliation of land leads topoverty." Now, by following the opposite, that is, the rational course, and restor- ing again to the soil annually, in the shape of manures, those elements of fertility carried aivay in the crops sold off the farm, the farmer will retain his capital in the soil intact, and will always obtain undiminished interest on both the capital in the soil and that employed in working the farm. Does some one inquire — will this rational system, this constant manuring, will it pay ? Well, all I can say in reply to such a question is, if it won't we have no business with the land. Why disturb the squatter? Why destroy his rational and profitable employment of the land in the production of wool and tallow, if we take it only to persue an exhaustive system that must in the long run end iu rendering it useless for culti- vation, and unfit even for the production of wool and tallow ? The fact is, if we, as farmers, are to continue to cultivate we must cultivate rationally. It is a case of " Hobson's choice, that or none." We must also make it pay, for that is one of the conditions. How, then, are we to set about it ? It is not ray intention to attempt to lay down any course of cropping. Every one must decide this matter for himself according to circumstances, climatic conditions, and local requirements. In one part of the colony it may be dairy stock iu conjunction with grain growing; in another, sheep ; in a third, the pur- chase of pliosphatic manures, aud the ploughing in of an occasional crop of green manure. So that it becomes simply impossible to point out any specific course whereby to attain the desired end. But this I may say, that whatever system may be adopted it must be based on the laws of restitution and rotation. In colonial agriculture generally the natural ten- dency seems to be to begin at the wrong end. Instead of starting from grass and the depasturing of stock, the production of grain is made the starting point. By the continued pro- duction of grain alone, the land becomes exhausted, and thereby unable to produce grass except of the most worthless and innutritious description. Now^ the rational course would be to start from grass as a basis, and, in conjunction with this through green crops, stock, and manure, advance to grain ; then, in the course of any rotation back again to grass. The laying down of cultivated land to grass, alter a course of cropping, may be likened to putting it to bed ; of course, the more comfortable we make it the better it will rest, and con- signing it for a time to " nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep," which, if I may be allowed a slight liberty with poetic dic- tion-^ THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Swiftly on dewy pinion flies from fields Of woe, too often cropp'd with golden grain, And lights on slopes unruiBed by a plough. The bare fallow is like poking up the fire to make it burn away all the faster. But a green crop put inwi th plenty of good muck, and fed off on the land is the true " roast beef of old Eng- land," and will be followed by plenty of bread and cheese and beer. As I have said before, if we take care of the grass the grain will take care of itself. To do this we must taks care of the muck, and to get muck we must have stock of some sort. By means of stock the farmer can collect together part of the capital contained in the soil of his grass land, and apply it to his arable land for the time being. By thus concentrat- ing his fertile capital, he will secure a larger and more certain return for his outlay on the labour of cultivation. In this way the fertility of the farm will be made to rotate on the farm itself, along with the rotation of crops, and if restitution is made for loss suffered by produce sold, this system may be carried on to the end of time. The first step, however, to- wards the initiation of such a course of practice is the sub- division of farms into fields; the nest, keeping stock and taking care of the muck ; after that rotation of crops, and last, but most important of all, restitution. Under pi-esect circumstances, as regards population and cost of labour, not less than three-fourths of a farm should be under grass, " bush grass" of course in the first instance. The larger the farm the larger should be the proportion of grass land. That a system of rational cultivation will not pay in this colony I deny. The truth in this matter is not left without witnesses. For, although an exhaustive practice is the prevailing one, and tenant farmers can hardly be expected to follow any other, yet I know several farmers who cultivate their own freeholds on a rational system, and who make it pay too. It is also a cheering sign of the times that many are now impressed with the necessity of some change, and anxious to adopt a more enduring system. Spoliation it has been found will not continue to pay ; and this brings me to the third part of my subject .n which I promised to notice some things which I think would tend to promote rational cultivation. First on the list of things that would tend to promote rational agriculture, I •will venture to mention Farmers' Clubs, such as this Society has had the honour of introducing to the colony, or, as they might be called, farmers' schools for grown up pupils, " Where each by turn is teacher and is taught." They are the most readily available and practicable means of agricultural educa- tion that we have at hand. These Clubs and the national shows of the Royal and flighland Societies have done more to advance British agriculture to its present position of high excel- lence than anything else. They have taught the British farmer to think, and to express his thoughts. I can assure you, although you may not think it, I read with far more interest and profit the papers and discussions of some of those Farmers' Clubs in the old country than I do even the Parlia- mentary debates in our own. Through these Clubs, and the agency of the press in diffusing the knowledge gleaned at their meetings, and by that strength which such union gives, the British farmer is fast becoming a power in the state. In- stead of being considered a mere cipher, and told how he was to vote at elections, he will ere long dictate to his landlords how they must vote in Parliament on such questions as thft " Game Laws" and " Tenant Right." Now, if Farmers' Clubs can effect such revolutions as they have done, in the practice, in the social and intellectual position, and in the political influence of the farmer at home, why should they not produce the same results in this country ? Here we are quietly, for the want of some such union, allowing one of the curses of England, the game-laws, to be fastened upon us, and never bestowing a thought upon" Tenant Rright." Farmers' Clubs are a far greater nec3ssity as a means of collecting and diffusing information in a new country like this than in an old one. Here we have a climate so widely different from that of the old country that we have as it were to begin afresh, and elaborate a practice in accordance with climatic and local re- quirements. Nothing can aid us more in doing this, and in devising some course of rational cultivation, than periodical meetings of farmers, to " reason together" on questions affect- ing their interests and the progress of their art. By such xneans many valuable facts derived from practical experience. Mid that would otherwise be lost, will be collected and recorded. *t u from I'armex*' Clubs that some scheme for the edacation of young farmers should emanate, and the neglect of theilf education, as I have already pointed out, may be attended with injurious consequences to the state. The formation of these clubs should be a simple matter ; all that is requisite is fixed times for meeting, a sensible chairman, active secretary, and the apostle Paul's definition of charity, slightly modified, as rules for the guidance of members. I hope soon to see them flourishing in every district in the colony, and I feel sure their establishment will be attended by good results to farmers themselves, and to the community at large. Another thing that, in ray opinion, would promote rational cultivation is a law of " Tenant Right." This may perhaps sound strange in a new country where every one is supposed to sit under his own vine and fig-tree. Still it is nevertheless a fact that we have a large and an increasing class of tenant farmers amongst us. The conditions here are very similar to those which in Ireland have led to such a complication of interests betweea landlord and tenant, paralysed industry and energy, and re- tarded the progress of rational agriculture in that country. We too have our absentee landlords, and tenants have in most instances to make all their own improvements. The sooner we have some legal enactment that will secure to the tenant- at-will, in the event of having to leave his farm, just compen- sation for permanent improvements made by him on the farm, and for unexhausted improvements in the soil, the sooner we have some Tenant Right of this sort the better, as such a bill would materially tend to promote rational cultivation by ten- ant farmers. Our meat-preserving companies, too, inasmuch as they will tend to maintain a higher standard of value of stock of all sorts, and the praiseworthy — I might say patriotic — efforts ol Mr. Matthew M'Caw to induce farmers to manu- facture cheese and cure butter and bacon in such a way as will secure for them a European market, may be justly regarded as tending materially to aid and promote a rational system of cultivation. But above and beyond all things, I would urge upon the attention of cultivators the duty of reverence and respect for the laws of nature ordained by an aU-wise Creator, without which permanent success in cultivation is simply un- attainable. The more we study and examine those laws the greater will be our reverence and respect, and as we obtain clearer views of the wisdom, beauty, and harmony of creation, the stronger will our convictions become that they cannot be outraged, infringed, or disregarded with impunity. Science expounds those laws. If, in the course of my remarks, I may seem to iterate and reiterate certain things, it is because I wish them to be remembered and thought about. The subject, I need hardly say, is far from being exhausted, and I only regard the few thoughts I have thrown together in this paper as a peg upon which you will hang more valuable information ; and I will conclude with the following quotation, which may be carefully studied by statesmen as well as farmers : " Thus, my friends," says the profound Goethe, " if we survey the most populous provinces and kingdoms of the firm earth, we observe on all sides that wherever an available soil appears it is culti- vated, planted, shaped, beautified, and in the same proportion coveted, taken into possession, fortified, and defended. Hereby we bring home to our conceptions the high worth of property in land, and are obliged to consider it as the first and best acquirement that can be allotted to man ; and if, on closer inspection, we find parental and filial love, the union of countrymen and townsmen, and therefore the universal feeling of patriotism, founded immediately on this same interest in the soil, we cannot but regard that seizing and retaining of space, in the great or the small scale, as a thing more important and venerable. Yes, nature herself has so ordered it. A man born on the glebe comes by habit to belong to it ; the two grow together, and the fairest ties are spun from their union. Who is there, then, that would spitefully disturb this founda- tion-stone of all existence ; that would blindly deny the worth and dignity of such precious and peculiar gifts of Heaven? And yet w,e may assert th?.t if what man possesses is of great worth, what he does and accomplishes must be of still greater. In a wide view of things, therefore, we must look on property in land as one small part of the possessions that have been given us. Of these the greatest and most precious part con- sists especially in what is moveable, and in what is gained by moving life." The " moveable" and " moving life" of the soil is its fertility, and statesmen, as well as farmers will do well to prevent the ignorant or wantan destruction of thi? " foftuda* tiou stone of all existence." THE FABMER'S MAGAZINE, 50? FIELDS AND FOLDS AT HOME AND ABROAD. Every popula proverb o" saying has its converse, and if that be quoted " A rolling stone gathers no moss," in proof of the advantages of remaining at home as the best way to increase in wealth, if not in wisdom, we may on the other hand quote the saying that " The rolling snow- ball gathers as it goes," in proof of the advantages of now and then, at least, moving out of the groove in which we ordinarily go, and seeing what other people do, and what lesson other places can teach us ; and, in truth, a very cursory view of the matter will go far to show the many advantages that do arise from widening the sphere of our observation and extending the range of our experience. And it is just because that it is moss that a quiet, stay-at- home stone does gather, that far-seeing men maintain that movement is necessary in order to gain or gather something better than moss. It is attention and constant rubbing that polishes the gem, and to rub out is in any case better than to rust out. The merchant is ever on the look out for new markets, and there is no reason why — every reason why they should — farmers should not look out for "fresh fields and pastures new." It is this very principle which underlies the system we, as a farm- ing community, have inaugurated and carried so success- fully out of having shows. These bring together, from all quarters, great gatherings of farmers, who come in contact with each other, getting and giving new ideas, and having brought before them the evidences of progress which are being made in every department of farming ; and there can be no doubt whatever of the vast advan- tages which arise from the becoming acquainted with modes of working and the different appliances brought thereby into requisition which have in some districts tended to raise their practice so high above others ; and in a way as marked, although doubtless in a different way, at least in some of its varied aspects, are the advantages of travel both in our own country and in the best known and most advanced districts of countries other than our own. It has been the privilege of the present writer to see many famous districts, both in the old world and the new ; and it appears to him to be so likely a thing that what has interested him so much will in some small measure interest the readers of this Journal, that he purposes from time to time to present in its pages some records of his rambles, some traces of his travels, which have now spread through a long series of years and over a wide extent of country. Not only as being likely to possess greater features of novelty, but as being perhaps more appropriate to the season in which we write, we purpose taking our readers with us over a journey in various districts of Holland — a country than which none possesses so interesting a his- tory, none stands so high in the annals of patient, perse- vering industry, none which has had such natural difficulties to encounter, and in which these difficulties have been so successfully overcome. It is a country, moreover — and this is more to the point for the purposes of a paper such as this — in which there is much that is of great agricultural interest, and from which lessons of great practical value, at least of considerable practical suggestiveness may be gathered. Another point renders a paper or two on this interesting country peculiarly appropriate this year, for Holland may be said to be, amidst the disturbances and disorders of war, the only country on the Continent which may be comfortably visited, at least the only one which is within easy reach of any of our ports, Rotterdam, the chief port of Holland, at least tha one most cheaply and quickly reached, may be got to by one of three routes : direct by steamer, from Lon- don, Leith, or Hull ; or by rail from London to Har- wich, thence by steam ; or by steamer to Antwerp by Harwich, or from Loudon, Leith, or Hull, and from Antwerp by Jloerdyke aud Dort (Dortricht). Ths last route is peculiarly interesting, inasmuch as it en- ables the traveller to take the very interesting towa of Antwerp on his way, and enable him further to see the fine old town of Dordt, as well as something of the Lower Rhine. Of these threeways of reaching Rotterdam the direct steamer one is, to our mind, the best ; it ia certainly the most comfortable, always supposing; that one is not of tender stomach. To the sea-sick tra- veller, or who is likely to be on the waves which Britannia is said to rule, and which yellow pluck had such reason to know had ruled so " plaguily uneven," the best way is by rail to Harwich, from which a short sea-passage takes him to Rotterdam or to Antwerp. This route is cheap, but we wish we could say that our experience would enable us to aver that it is convenient — convenient in the sense of finding things well managed on board the boat we cannot say it is. ^We, at all events, have found ourselves so uncom- fortably attended to while at sea, that we have vowed the last time we went would literally be the last. The only way to make it at all comfortable is to go down to Harwich by an early train, secure a comfortable berth, and defy the crushing crowd of tourists who go down by the last, or " boat train," to find con- fusion reigning around in the boat when they arrive, and berths allotted to those only who are importunate with the steward, or have the pluck to take a berth and keep it nolens volens. Unhappy he who is bashful and quiet : he has no chance of getting any of the good things. All this discomfort might be and could be avoided by good administration on board the boat, but if it exists as a rule, all we can say is that we must have been under the " rule of the exception " when it did not exist. Other- wise this route is a good one ; it is certainly cheap, and, as before said, it has the advantage, to some, of reducing the area of sea-sickness to a minimum. Whichever of the routes the traveller takes, he should certainly arrange to take Antwerp either in going or returning. It is a charming old city, full of much that is worth seeing, and surrounded by a charming country, at least one which abounds in much that is interesting to farmers. From it various short excursions can be made to districts in which much caa be seen. We purpose taking our readers first direct to Rotterdam, thence through the most interesting districta of Holland, and back to " dear Old England" by way of Antwerp. If our readers will have but a tithe of the interest in what we say that we, on the occasion of several visits to Holland, saw, such trouble as we may have in the saying of it will be well repaid. And here a word or two may be said as to a very popular notion of a tour through Holland, and that is, that it is very uninteresting. Thus at the outset we can only say on this point, that we never found it so. Doubt- less, compared with other parts of the Continent, it is flat, and the aspect of the country is not that which raises such feelings of wonder or pleasure as the finer and bolder scenery of Switzerland, or the charming features of the Rhine, the Meuse, or the Moselle, But uninteresting it 308 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. cannot be said to be ; certainly not in the higher sense of displaying evidences of that patient industry to which we have already alluded. And eveu from the picturesque point of view and from that which the lion-hunting and sight-seeing portion of English tourists think so much of, Holland as a country in which to spend one's holidays is not to be despised ; indeed an observant traveller — and it is to readers of this class we alone address ourselves — it is one greatly to be thought of. The lawns are in them- selves quaint, and possess many objects of interest, and it is not possible we conceive for any thinking mind to visit them without having feelings stirred and emotions aroused which do men good, and make them think about things of higher and holier import than inane connection with the routine of mere money-making or the excitement of seeing sights which may tickle the fancy, but can- not possibly please the taste more. Our readers who have an acquaintance with the fascinating volume of Motley, where he recites the history of the Netherlands, will understand what we mean in the direction of thought and observation ; and those of our readers who have an artistic taste and have enjoyed the examples of one of the best of the schools of painting will understand what we mean in another. Holland, therefore, we maintain is not the undulating country some hold it to be : it is rich in historical and artistic associations, and rich also in those with which our readers are more peculiarly and particu- larly connected. Much however depends upon the way in which the " tour" is done, to quote the cant phrase of hurrying tourists who think more of the mere getting over of ground than of what is to be seen and observed in it ; to take train and hurry through the country is not the way to see it, not assuredly the way to see it so that you can " observe." The work must be gone leisurely about, and infinitely better is it to see one district well and thoroughly than to hurry through or over many and see none of them in this the only true way. We shall endeavour in the best fashion we are capable of doing, to take our readers in the way we did it, in which our object was to see as much as possible, and to economize time — not in the way some think they economize it by saving it, but by wisely distributing it. That and that alone is true economy, resulting in the maximum of work obtained with the minimum of time employed. FARM PHOTOGRAPHS. Scarcely less awful to look upon than a "ship on fire " is a stack-yard in flames. As a spectacle each is equally grand and painful to witness. We have seen the mansion gutted, and the manufactory destroyed by fire ; but, irre- spective of the question of life involved, the sight was not accompanied with that painful impression that attended the scene of a conflagration of farm produce and premises. Under every variety of circumstances it has been our lot to see this sad spectacle, and on many occasions we have been at hand when the destroying element has been let loose, and till it completed its work. Once it was au immense hay-rick ; at another time a detached wheat-stack; and, again, a row of barley-stacks that were consumed. On another occasion a noble old barn, capable when it was built of holding all the wheat grown in the township, fell a victim. The roof was oak, and the spars reached from the ridge nearly to the ground. One end was filled with straw, the centre was occupied by machinery and grain in the straw, and the other end was full of uuthrashed oats. The flames were first seen at the straw end, near a loophole in the gable. The fire had commenced at the top of the " mow " or stack, and when we saw it a few minutes afterwards it was blazing up to the slates. The hard old oak smoked and charred for a short time, but at last burst forth into violent flames ; the spikelets of fire running like quicksilver from spar to spar — now to the ridge, and now down to the wall-plates. Now the principal timbers became red, and the flame sprang from one to the other in great tongues reaching almost across the building, and hundreds of small lines or forks of flame ran along the laths under the slates, and in five minutes reached the opposite end of the long roof. So that, long before the straw heap where the fire began was consumed, the whole roof was in a mass of flames, which burst out of the doors and windows as though seek- ing outside for fresh food for its insatiate appetite. Meantime the sparks lighted the scattered straw on the thrashing floor, and the flame ran like a twisting firework along the bottom floor, and the whole of the machinery in the middle, the grain in the chaff", and the uuthrashed oats, were burning at the top and the bottom ; and the enemy lapped round and over its ancient victim so greedily that in twenty minutes the ropf fell in, and the flames were confined to the lower floor, where the mingled timbers, straw, grain, and chaff smouldered and burnt, occa- sionally during the night breaking out into a blaze. And the fine old fabric stood out in the clear moonlight of the early morning a mass of gable and wall, naked and blackened. It was a grim ruin, without a vestige of the framework of the structure or of the internal machinery visible ; the thick main beams of the roof, the iron skeletons of the machines, and the inorganic debris re- sulting from the fire forming a confused mass — a caput mortuum, without shape, beauty, or utility. On another occasion a friend of ours, on reaching home from church at noon, took a turn round his garden before dinner, and saw the smoke curling over the roof of his barn. The stackyard was on the other side of the barn ; and in an instant he saw the flames peeping out of the sheaf- window, and the smoke pouring through the tiles. He was quickly there, and found a large stack on fire at the bottom, and the flames winding round it like a snake, and throwing out its tongue, and seizing upon stack after stack. A gallop of three miles brought the news ; and after a few minutes on one that had often gone well, but never at a better pace, across country, we were in the yard, and found that in one half-hour the barn and its contents, comprising 100 sacks of wheat, thrashing machinery, and straw, were every inch on fire. By great exertions, con- nection between stables on one side and the cow-sheds and granaries, containing beans, oats, and other property, on the other side, was cut oif, and the progress of the flame at each end arrested. On the west side of the barn the tale was difi^erent — seventeen stacks of wheat, barley, and oats, one or two of clover and straw, several laden waggons and carts, ladders, poles, and other implements, and every combustible in the yard — even the hedges, gates, and quickset hedges — were in full flame. Like so many mighty furnaces, as we see them in the Black Country, the stacks burnt and blazed, the flames now rising perpendicularly, and now twisting rapidly round, as the current of air changed in force or direction. The sheaves being tightly packed, as the flames enclosed the external surface of the stacks, and prevented a full supply of the oxygen and the atmosphere, the violence of the flame appeared to diminish, and the red fire had to eat THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 309 its way into the solid mass, the stacks at such times looking like so many mighty cones of red-hot iron. A sudden gust of wind occasionally sent np showers of sparks that made the clear sky appear for a few moments studded with myriads of stars. And then the llamc burst forth again, and the work of consumption by the devour- ing element progressed at a quicker rate. The only use of the fire-engines was to prevent the spread of the lire, and to save the buildings and the house. The quantity of water used on the burning masses seemed simply to prolong tlie period of burning and to intensify the heat ; and it was morning — quite day — before the flames shrank within the heaps of ashes, which still were red under the surface. In one day, the year's produce of many hands and much anxiety, the food of many hundreds of mouths, had disappeared, a few bushels of ashes in each ease being the sole remains of the noble stack that on the day previous, thatched, trimmed, and finished according to the best rule of farming art, reared its tall head in the proud company of its fellows. Nothing in the whole scene, however, impressed us more painfully than the remains of several carts, which were consumed. Quite new, gaily painted, and laden with sheaves, decorated with green boughs and ribbons, they had formed part of the rural pageant and procession and gladness and joy which a few days before had marked the successful finish of the harvest and the bringing home of the last sheaf. Now, there was the place where they had stood, but of themselves there was nothing really to see but the iron-work of each cart. OtF this the fire had licked the paint, and it lay twisted and reddened by the heat in each case exactly in the position on the ground cor- respondmg with the part of the vehicle to which it had be- longed. The wheels had, as it were, suddenly collapsed, and the rim was laid on the ground, with the nave in the centre of the circle in its true position. The axle also Avas laid across from wheel to wheel, and every other piece of iron — the hooks in the shafts, the fastenings of the tail-board, every bolt and every nail — was present on the ground in its true relative position, as if the cart iind its contents had melted away and the iron had remained. So it was, and the mighty solvent was fire. Shakespeare or Sterne might have moralized on the theme — the skull of Yorick and the dead ass are not more striking subjects — but we can ouly photograph our me- mory of the scene and the transcript of it is, consequently, very imperfect. Now we have seen the fire burst out of a hundred win- dows, and the cotton and oil blaze, and the maehiaery glow with red heat, till roof, floor, gable, and wall fell with loud crash into one mass of smouldering wood, iron, and brick ; but upon however gigantic a scale this scene might be, we never felt the same horror and melancholy feeling associated with it, as with the farm fire we have pictured — when, after the momentary admiration of the glorious grandeur of the spectacle, the sudden chill and pain supervened, and admiration and sorrow alternated. Reason also gave her judgment upon the two scenes. In the mill the substance destroyed merely represented capital, and cash could replace everything ; but in the farm produce destroyed are not only lost human food which it may be difficult to replace from foreign sources by the aid of money, but we lost a part of the annual gift of God, which constitutes the wealth of the nation, and had so much less capital to buy imports with, as a substitute for the destroyed produce. Nor can we when this occurs, possibly, by the agency of all the capital and labour in the world, grow another crop in the same year. We have had o»ir promised seedtime and harvest, and we have reaped the anticipated results, but we have failed to preserve them ! That is the case. It has been destroyed, and the nation is poorer by the amount and the supply of food less by the same. Imagine the consequences if every stack in the kingdom were so destroyed, and the argument will require no further illustration. Now we have, as we have said, drawn this scene from our memory, and photographed it for a purpose. The particulars and facts alluded to illustrate a subject which we are anxious to bring before the farming public, and which is pertinent to the season, and certainly important to the farmer at any time. This subject is a method which we find is becoming more and more adopted on the large farms iu Yorkshire, and which we have occasionally met with in other districts, of diminishing risk of, and the loss from, accidental fires upon farms. I'nder the present circumstances of drought, when every substance is dry and hot, and vegetable matter catches fire easily, every precaution is absolutely neces- sary. In 1848 extensive aieas of grass were set on fire by the railway engines. Hedges and woods were also consumed. In France, during the present summer, ex- tensive forests have been destroyed, armies of soldiers being required to arrest the progress of the flames. Several fine woods have been consumed iu England, and upon many farms hedges have been set on fire by the resting labourer's lucifcr-match after it has lighted his pipe. As a case in point we may name that, upon the farm where the tire took place, to which we have previously alluded, a few weeks ago a fiae thorn hedge was found blazing, and was for a great length entirely consumed. The wind fortunately drove the sparks towards a turnip- field : had the hedge burnt the opposite way the loss of standing and sheaf corn in the field might have been serious. While, then, the dryness of the season should make us alive to every precaution now, at all times and seasons due and proper care should be taken ; and therefore the practice of stacking the grain in three or four difi'erent places at safe distances from each other, and from the premises, is one that we photograph immediately as worthy of being set before the notice of the agricultural community. It may be too late to be made use of iu many instances during this harvest, but it is a lesson of the season, which should be listened to, and made use of on the first favourable opportunity. The practice of concentrating the whole year's produce in one stackyard is now almost universal. Upon moderate- sized and small farms it is practised without an excep- tion. The neat workmanship of the full rickyard gives certainly more than an imaginary respectability to the farmhouse, but the cost of the embellishment is too great. In these cases the stacks are generally close behind tlie barn and stables. The haystack often stands in the row, and the straw-stacks are as near the doors of the stable and the cow-sheds as may be. And here, early and late, the labourer, the ploughman, and the boy have to pass and repass. That they use lucifers and candles we know ; and that an accident, while human nature is fallible, may occur, cannot be denied ; and especially while smoking is so universal a habit. When a fire occurs under such circumstances the loss is seldom partial. In fact the risk of disaster, and the conse- quences when it does occur are both augmented by the practice, which would be "more honouredin the breaehthan in the observance," and which may be obviated so easily. The prevalent and dangerous practice has no advantage of convenience or cost in its favour. Indeed, where the farm is wide and the crops distant, it interferes with harvest labour to bring it together, and it might be itacked more readily and at less cost at a short distance from the field. In such case it has eventually to be carted home, but labour is not so expensive at thrashing-time as it is in harvest. Moreover, when the crop is brought to the premises in harvest, it has to be removed to some 310 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. convemeut place to be thrashed, or it is thrashed where it is in stack, and the straw removed afterwards — a most costly process. So far as economy is concerned, it may as well, therefore, be stacked in any convenient isolated locality as at the farm steading ; for an extra cart will at any time bring the grain to the machine as fast as is required when the stack is at some distance ; and it requires two such carts to do the work when the stack is hi the yard. Horses being no cost, an extra cart only involves an extra boy to drive. And this charge, belong- ing to the outfield stacking system, which we recommend, is more than counterbalanced by the less cost at harvest of stacking in or near the field rather than carting it home. There can, therefore, be no practical objection to the system of storing corn which we advocate, so far as expense and inconvenience are concerned ; and as regards the greater freedom from accidental fire, and the certainty of diminished loss accruing should such a casualty occur, the advantage is at once patent and indisputable. When the year's crop is divided, in case fire should occur, there must be a valuable salvage. The same farm fire to which we have previously alluded furnishes us with a fact bearing on this point, which bears conclusively on the question. In the year in which the serious fire occurred, the corn crop of the farm was stacked in three different places at considerable distances from each other, there being 17 Btacks in each lot. The loss that occurred amounted to £1,400, and was nearly covered by insurance. Had the prevalent system, which we now condemn, been adopted, and the 51 stacks placed together, the whole would have been consumed, and the loss threefold. We saw the three rickyards the other day, felt the good sense of that mode of securing the crop, photographed from our memory the picture of what occurred a few years ago, and transcribed the lesson for the benefit of the public interested in farm praitice. To small as well as large farms the mode advocated commends itself, and our picture applies. When all is lost nothing remains ; an axiom upon which the impolicy of putting all our eggs in one basket is based. A correspondent of the Mark Lane Exjpress calls attention to the sudden change made by the insurance offices in London on the mode of insuring farming stock and produce : " Notices have been issued that, on and after June 24 last, the ' Average clause policy' system is to be introduced into insurances on farming stock. A special condition provides that ' If the sum insured on agricultural produce, either separately or in one amount with other property, shall at the breaking out of a fire be less than three-fourths of the value of all the property insured in that amount, then the company shall be liable only for such a proportion of the loss sustained as the sum so insured shall bear to the total value of all the property to which the sum applies.' " WORSLEY AND SWINTON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. This Society, which includes the district comprised within a radius of eight miles from Worsley Courthouse, held its fifth annual exhibition in the Park. The weather was all that could be desired, and although the district can scarcely be designated as one purely devoted to agriculture, yet, judged [rum the success experienced last week, it promises to rank high among district gatherings. The horned cattle were not a numerous show. JBest bull of any breed above three years old, Henry Niekl, The Grange, Worsley, for Blair Athol, an aged bull; and for the best bull, not exceeding three years old, Hugh Higson, of Pendleton. Best bull of any breed, not exceeding two years, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House, Mid- dleton ; Thomas Statter.jun., Stand Hall, second. Best bull, not exceeding one year, Nathaniel Rothwell, Great Lever, Bol- ton ; Thomas Statter again taking second place. Silas Dom- ing, of Little Wardley, Worsley, was first for the best cow for dairy purposes, in milk or in calf ; and for the best lot of milch cows, Nathaniel Bothwell received the first and second prize. Best pair of two years old heifers, Hugh Higson, of Pendleton; Henry Neild, of Worsley, second. Best pair of year old heifers, Thomas Statter, jun. Best lot of calves under one year old, bred by tenant-farmers, Thomas Stone, of Old Hall Farm, Worsley ; Thomas Stone was also fortunate enough to take the same place for the best heifer calf. C. W. Brierley took first prizes in three successive competitions, viz., best fat or barren cow, best cow or heifer of any breed in milk or in calf, and best one-year-old heifer, Hugh Higson, New Hall Farm, Pendleton, taking second in the two latter classes. Horses were a more numerous exhibition. There were 135 entries in the various classes Best district stallion, Thomas Stanbank, Sinderland, Dunham Massey, for a six years old ; Samuel Nor- bury, Cheadle, first prize, for the best thoroughbred stallion. Best roadster stallion, C. Lund, of the Castle Hotel, Preston. The hunters entered for the leaping trials numbered six. For the best hunters to carry 14 stone, the Society's silver cup was awarded to Downsiiire, from the stables of William Murray, of Broughton Mews, Manchester ; the horse, a clever grey geld- ing, sis years old, and born in Ireland, was established first favourite after clearing the first fence, and skimmed the re- mainder admirably ; WiUiam Thompson, of Lower Broughton, second; and Thomas Statter, jun., third. W. Murray was again successful in the competition for hunters. A seven years old brown mare. Brunette, also said to be born in Ireland, received the first award and the Society's silver cup, as the best animal for carrying 12 stone ; Joseph Walker, i3roomhurst, Eccles, second. Best roadster, Charles L. Clare, Higher Broughton ; William Hampson, of Yew Bank Mews, Lower Broughton, se- cond. Best cob, Joshua Fielden, Lostock Grange, Bolton. Best pair of draught horses, C. W. Brierley. Best brood mare, T. Statter, jun. Best roadster brood mare, James Higson, Thomas-street, Manchester. Best pair of horses, suitable for agricultural purposes, H. Neild. Best mare or gelding, for the same purpose, C. W. Brierley. Best filly, J. Hampson, Vicar Hall Farm. Best mare or gelding used this year in the Duke of Lancaster's Yeomanry at permanent drill, and also ge- nerally employed for agricultural purposes, W. Isaac Challinor, Worsley ; Joseph Gregory, Walkden, second. Best two years old gelding, suitable for agricultural purposes, Tinaothy Booth, Middle Hulton ; and in the same class for one year-old, Robert Barker, of Breightmet, near Bolton, was similarly placed. William Murray, of Broughton, added another to his list of prizes, by taking the first for ponies not exceeding 13^ hands high. Ponies not exceeding 12^ hands, Howarth Ashton, Poiefield Hall, Prestwich. The following awards were also made by the judges : Draught foal, T. Statter, jun. ; half-bred foal, Peter Nightingale, Worsley, Very few sheep were shown. The first and second awards for the best long-woolled ram fell to H. Neild, of the Grange; the same gentleman also receiving the first premiums for the best three long-woolled ewes, short-wooUed ewes, and short- wooUed ram. In the latter competition Mr. Neild took both first and second awards. Thomas Stone, of the Old Hall Farm, received the award for the best pen of lambs. Pigs were a better show, but Peter Eden, Salford, who exhibited in sis of the classes, took first and second prizes in aU. Best cottagers' breeding sow, W. Richardson, of Moorside, Swinton ; for store pigs, W. Barlow, ot Partington, Swinton ; for the Berkshire breed, Henry Boddington, of Monton House, Eccles. THE FAEMER'S MAQAZINE. Sll AIREDALE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT BINGLEY. The total entries of exliibitora were rather under those of the previous year, there being 651 in 1869, and only 628 this year. In the horned cattle department there was a marked decrease, owing to the spreadingof the foot-and-mouth disease, the dread of which prevented many who would otherwise have been exliibitors from sending their animals to the show. The following is the prize list : CATTLE. Short-horned bull. — Eirst prize, E. D. A. Marriuer, Worth- ville, Keigbley ; second, G. Dibb, Wild Grove, Tyersal. Short-liorned cow or heifer, any age. — First prize, J. H. Hutchinson, Manor House, Catterick ; second, E. D. A. Mar- riuer. (Open to tenant farmers, chiefly dependent on their farms for a living.) Short-horned bull, above twelve months old. — First prize, M. Lamb, Caley Farm, Otley ; second, J. Robershaw, Grange, AUertou. Short-horned bull calf, under twelve months old. — First prize, J. H. Hutchinson; second, T. Hird, Small House, Skipton. Short-horned cow or heifer, above two years old. — First prize, T. Hird ; second, J. Robertshaw. Short-horned heifer, under two years old. — First prize, J. Renton, Farnley, Otley ; second, J. Renton. Short-horned heifer calf, under twelve months old. — First prize, J. H. Hutchinson ; second, J. Atkinson, Bingley. Cow, for dairy purposes. — First prize. Miss M. E C. Bent- ley ; second, J. Simms, Cottingley Moor, Bingley. HORSES. Hunter. — First prize, J. B. Booth, Killerby Hall, Cat- terick ; second, H. Crossley, Broomfield, Halifax ; third, J. Robson, Old Malton, Malton. Leaper. — First prize, L. B. Morris, Thornton-in-Craven ; second, W. Sugden, Haworth ; third, H. Butler, Bingley. Roadster stallion. — First prize, P. Kirby, North Drifiield ; second, J. and H. Cockshott, Cringles, Silsden. Draught stallion. — First prize, J. Forshaw; second, T. Greenwood, Calverley Bridge. Horse or mare in single harness. — First prize. Fox & Whit- ley, Allerton ; second, J. Smith, Piccadilly, Bradford. Nag or roadster. — First prize, T. Clarkson, Melbourne Street, Leeds J second, E. Charlesworth, Roley Villa, Brad- ford. Cob, under fifteen hands. — First prize, W. White, Armthorpe, Doncaster ; second, H. Crossley, Broomfield, Halifax. Roadster brood mare. — First prize, J. Clark, Beeston, Leeds ; second, J. White, Whetley Hall, Bradford. Roadster gelding or filly, three years old. — First prize, B. Baxter, Elslack ; second, fl. Green, Glusburn. Roadster, gelding or filly, two years old. — First prize, D. Newsome, Whack House, Yeadon ; second, T. Speight, Scholes, Cleckheaton ; third, W. Tillotson, Howden Park. Roadster, gelding or filly, one year old. — First prize, G. Newsome, Carlton Grange, Dewsbury ; second, John Fraukland, Wilsden Hill ; third, A. Blakey, Addingham. Draught brood mare. — First prize, E. and W. Pawson, Burley-iu-Wharfdale; second, T. Greenwood, Calverley Bridge. Draught gelding or tilly, three years old. — First prize, W. Clough, Cottingly ; second, Mrs. Dennison, Heaton Royds. Draught gelding or filly, two years old. — First prize, J. Moore, Cottingley ; second, W. Hartley, Gledhow, Leeds. Draught gelding or filly, one year old. — First prize, E. Haley; second, J. Snowdon, Cottingley. Draught mare or gelding. — Prize. J. Clarke, Beeston, Leeds. Mare or gelding for general purposes. — First prize, Glover, Son and Co., Bradford ; second, I. Freer, Ovenden. Pony, above 122 hands and not exceeding 14 hands. — First prize, J. Gresham, Far Headingley ; second, W. White, Armthorpe, Doncaster. Pony, under 12^ hands.— first prize (equal), J. Arnold, Bradford, and J. G. Hey, Cleckheaton ; second (equal), J, Anderton, Springfield, Bingley, and £. Mikesi Toller LanCi Bradford. Pony leaper, above 12^ hands and not exceeding 14 hands. —First prize, J. W. Townend, Newsam Green, Temple New- sam ; second* S. Proctor, Bradford ; third, W. Lamb, Roch- dale. Pony leaper, under 12^ hands— First prize, T. Sunderland, HaUfax ; second, R. W. Hall, Eccleshall ; third, J. G. Hey. SHEEP. LEICESTER OK LONG-WOOLLED. Ram, any age. — First and second prizes, J. H. Hutchinson. Ram lamb. — First and second prizes, J. H. Hutchinson. Pen of three ewes, any age. — First and second prizes, J. H. Hutchinson. Pen of three ewe lambs.— First prize, J. H. Hutchinson j second, M. Lamb. LONKS. Ram, any age. — First prize, J. M. Green, Keighley ; second, J. Hoyle, ClifFe Green, Keighley. Ram lamb. — First prize, B. Dobson, Craiglands, Hkley ; second, M. Hanson, High Utley, Keighley. Pen of three ewes, any age. — First prize, J. G. Bridge, Edge Coates, Rawtenstall ; second, C. Sedgwick, Riddlesden Hall, Keighley. Pen of three ewe lambs. — First prize, J. M. Green ; second, J. G. Bridge, Rawtenstall. Ewe lamb. — First and second prizes, J. M. Green. CROSS-BRED SHEEP. Pen of three ewes, any age, first cross from lonks. — First prize, C. Sedgwick ; second, J. Midgley, Meadow Field, Keighley. Pen of three ewe lambs, first cross from lonks. — First prize, J. Gill, Howden Park, Silsden ; second, B. Baxter, Elslack. PIGS. Boar, large breed. — Erst and second prizes, W. Lister, Armley. Boar, middle breed. — First prize, J. E. Fox, Great Horton ; second, C. Roberts, Wakefield. Boar, small breed. — Prize, W. Hatton, Addingham. Sow, large breed. — First prize, W. Lister, Armley; second, G. Andrews, Tuxford, Newark. Sow, middle breed. — First prize, W. Greetham, Legrams Lane, Bradford ; second, J. Knight, Bogs, Allerton. Sow, small breed. — First and second prizes, W^ Hatton. Store pig, under nine months old. — First prize, F. Bramfit, Manor Street, Leeds ; second, J. Bullock, Bradford. Fat pig, under twelve months old. — Prize, M. Walton, Halifax. Labouring Men's Premiums : Store pig, under nine months old. — First prize, J. Mitchell, Saltaire : second, W. Midgley, Fell Lane, Keighley; third, D. Keighly, Exleigh Head, Keighley. Fat pig, under twelve months old. — First prize, J. Sugdeu« Fell Lane, Keighley; second, J. Reeday, Keighley; third, W. Dracup, Saltaire. THE PRESERVATION OF EGGS.— The Journal dt Tharmacie de Chhnie contains an account of some experiments by M. H. Violette, on the best method of preserving eggs, a subject of much importance in France. Many methods had been tried ; continued immersions in lime-water or salt-water ; exclusion of air by water, sawdust, etc., and even varnishing has been tried, but respectively condemned. The simplicity of the method adopted on many farms, namely, that of closing the pores of the shell with grease or oil, had however, at- tracted the attention of the autlior, who draws the following conclusions from a series of experiments on this method ; Vegetable oils, more especially linseed, simply rubbed on the egg hinders any alteration for a sufficiently extensive period, and presents a very simple and efficacious method of preserva- tion, eclipsing any methods hitherto recommended or practised. 31^ THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. WORCESTERSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT KIDDERMINSTER. The Worcestershire agriculturists are following the example of their neighbours in Warvviclishire and Gloucestershire, and instead of alwajs holding their annual show in connection with their society in one locality, they have resolved to make it migratory. This year is the first time they have tried the experiment, aud they liavc had every encouragement so far iu their scheme. There were 284 entries in all — viz., 76 of cattle, 67 of sheep, 32 of pigs, 53 of horses, 6 of wool, 7 of barley, and 38 of implements, &c. From these, however, a slight percentage has to be taken off for withdrawals. There were 79 exhibitors of live stock, wool, and barley, and 37 of implements. Tlie show of Herefords may be set down as good but few. The Shorthorns were also very fair. Amongst the sheep the Leicesters were not largely exhibited, and made but a poor competition. The shearling rams in the next class (long- woolled, not being Leicesters) were particularly good. The rams of any age were also good. Theaves and ewes in this class were less meritorious. The Shropshire sheep were excel- lent, and many of the best breeders competed. The judges were : Cattle. — H. Haywood, Hereford ; T. JSIorris, Gloucester ; J. K. Eowler, Alesbury. Sheep and Pigs. — g! A. May, Tamwortli ; C. Hobbs, Cricklade. Cart Horses. — J. Manning, Orlingbury, near AA'elliug- borough. Horses (Hunters, Hacks, and Ponies).— T. Haywood, Hereford. Wool.— J. Naylor, Kidderminster. Barley.— R. Woodward, Arley Castle. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. herefords. Bulls above two years old. — First prize, T. Rogers, Coxall, Brampton Bryan ; second, J. Twinberrow, jun., Suckley, Worcester, Monarch (3260). Bulls above one aud under iwo years old. — First prize, R. Tanner, Frodesley, Salop (Ponsonby) (2-i08) ; second, J. S. Walker, Knightwick, Worcester. Cows in milk or in calf. — First prize, R. Tanner (Queen) ; second, J. Smith, Shelsley Walsh, AVorcester. Two-year-old heifers, in milk or in calf. — First prize, R. Tanner ; second, P. Turner, Leen, Pembridge, Leominster. Yearling heifers. — First prize, R. Tanner ; second, P. Tur- ner; third, J. S. Walker. Three dairy cows of any breed, iu milk. — First prize, Earl Beauchamp, Madresfield Court, Malvern (Miss Valen- tine) ; second, E. Beauchamp (Worcester 2nd). shorthorns. A special prize of £25, for the best bull in Sliorthoru classes. — Lord Sudeley (Mandarin). Bulls above two years old. — First prize. Lord Sudeley, of Toddington, Winchcomb (Mandarin) ; second, G. Game, Churchill Heath (Royal Butterfly 20th) (25007). Bulls above one and under two years old. — Firct Prize, S. and J. Perry, Acton Pigott, Cawdover, Salop (Duke of Lan- caster) ; second, Thomas Game and Son, Broadmoor, Northleach (RoUa) ; third, James Webb, Fladbury, Pershore (Saturnus). Cows in milk or in calf. — First prize, George Game (Pride of the Heath) ; second, Jacob Dove, Hambrook House, Ham- brook, Gloucestershire, (Garland). Two year old heifers in milk or in calf. — First prize, James Webb (BeUa) (24829); second, Thomas Game and Son (Nonpariel) ; third, Jacob Dove. Yearling heifers.— First prize, Henry All80pp,Hindlip Hall, Worcester ; second, Jacob Dove ; third, Thomas Game and Son (Pattern). Three dairy cows of any breed, in milk. — First and second prizes. Earl Beauchamp (Miss Valetine and Worcester 2nd). SHEEP. leicesters. Five breeding ewes, having liad lambs in 1870, and suckled them up to June 1st. — First and second prizes, T. Harris, Stoney Lane,Bromsgrove. Five theaves. — First and second prizes, T. Harris. Shearling ram. — First and second prizes, G. Turner, jun., Alexton Hall, Uppingham. Ram of any age. — First prize, G. Turner, jun. ; second T. Harris, Stoney Lane, near Bromsgrove. LONG-WOOLLED, NOT BEING LEICESTERS. Five breeding ewes, having had lambs in 1870, and suckled them up to June 1st. — First prize, J. Webb, Fladbury, Pershore. Five theaves. — First prize, W. Smith, Bibury, near Fair- Fairford ; second, T. Beale Browne, Salperton Park, Andovers- ford. Shearling rams. — First prize, W. Smith ; second, T. Beale Browne. Ram of any age. — First and second prizes, T. Beale Browne. SHROPSHIRES. Five breeding ewes, having had lambs in 1870, and suckled them up to June 1st. — First prize, C. R. Keeling, Yew Tree Farm, Penkridge ; second, W. C. Firraston, Rock- ingham Hall, Hagley, Stourbridge ; third, W. Baker, Moor Barns, Atherstone. Five theaves. — First prize, W. C. I'irmstone; second C. R. Keeling : third, W. Baker. Shearling rams. — First prize, Sarah Beach, The Hat- tons, Brewood, Penkridge; second, C. Randell, Chadbury, Evesham. Rams of any age. — First prize, Sarah Beach; second W. Baker. CROSS-BRED. Five breeding ewes, having had lambs in 1870, and suckled them up to June 1st. — First aud second prizes, J. Webb. Five theaves. — First prize, J. Webb. PIGS. Boar pigs of any age. — First and second prizes, J. Wheeler, Long Compton ; third, R. E. Duckering, Kirton-Lindsey. Sow with pigs, the age of the pigs not to exceed 4 months. — First prize, J. Wheeler ; second, R. E. Duckering ; third, M. Walker, Stockley Park, Burton-on-Trent. Two hilts, above four and under twelve months old. — First prize, R. E. Duckering ; second, H. AUsopp, Hindlip Hall, Worcester ; third, J. Wheeler. HORSES. Stallion cart horse for agricultural purposes. — First prize, W. Wynn, Cranhill Leys, Grafton, Alcester ; second, W. Dukes, Cefn Cock, Llanarth, near Raglan. Pair of cart geldings or mares (or gelding and mare), above four years old, which have been regularly worked. — First prize, S. Davis, Woolashill, Pershore ; second, R. Woodward, Arley Castle, near Bewdley. Cart mare and foal. — First prize. Lord Sudeley ; second, R. Woodward. Cart filly or gelding, two and under three years old. — First prize, J. Thayers, Crickley-hill, Gloucester ; second, S. Davis, Woolashill, Pershore. Thoroughbred stallions, that have served mares regularly in the county of Worcester during the season of 1870. — First prize, Earl of Coventry, Oroome Court, Kempsey, Worcester ; second, H. Cowley, Blakeshill Farm, Hinton, near Evesham. Hunters ec^ual to 14 stone (open to all England).— First THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 313 prize, E. W. ILiywooJ, Silliiis, llcdditcli ; second, W. Stephen- son, Cottinghaui, Hull, Yorkshire. Hunters, irrespective of weight (open to ull England). — First prize, C. Cook, Taddington, Winelicomb ; second, T. Tayler, Manor House, Turkdeau, near Northlcacli. Ilunters that have been ridden in the past season with hounds.— First prize, Earl Coventry ; second, W. Colinan, Walton House, Tewkesbury. Hunters, tlie property ot tenant farmers resident in Worces- tershire, and been ridden by themselves in the past season with the Worcestershire hounds. — First prize, N. Smith, Hartley, Worcester ; second, E. Bayliss, Hownings, Hanbury, near Droitwieh. Hunting mares or geldings, under five years old. — First prize, W. Stephenson ; second, J. G. Watkins, Woodfield, Droitwieh. Hack not exceeding fifteen hands.— First prize, C. Cook, Taddington, Winchcomb. Weight-carrying cob, not exceeding fifteen hands.— First prize, J. Hillman, Kidderminster. Pony, above twelve and under fourteen hands. — First prize, J. G. iioraston, Sutton, Kidderminster. ikood Mare for producing hunters.— First prize, D. Rox- burgh, Little Witley, Worcester. WOOL. Tod of wool of the clip of 1870, shorn from long-woolled sheep. — First and second prizes, T. Harris, Stoncy Lane, near Broinsgrove. Tod of wool, of the clip of 1870, shorn from short-wooUed sheep. — First prize, R. Hickman, Cotheridge, near Worcester ; second, H. Allsopp, Hindlip Hall, Worcester, BARLEY. Sample of barley grown in the county of Worcester in the year 1870. — Prize, G. McCann, Court Farm, Malvern. THE KEIGHLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. At the twenty-eigUtli annual meeting of the Kcighley Agricultural Society the Shorthorns were fairly repre- sented ; jMr. Richard Strattou, of Burderop, Swindon, Wilts, carried oS the first prize for bulls with James the F'irst. He is a prize-taker, well known in the West of England. For bulls above one year old Mr. Statter, of Whitefield, Manchester, was first, with one which has been a prize-taker at Preston, Blackpool, Burnley, Rossendale, Penistouc, and other shows. There were seven entries in the class of bull calves ; the lirst premium being secured by Captain Tennaut, of Scarcroft, Leeds. Captain Tennant was also successful in shorthorn cows iu calf or milk — with White Rose, which has taken a first prize and a cup at Thirsk, and was also a prize-taker at the Yorkshire show. The classes of cows in the department of gentlemen's premiums were throughout good, the class of dairy cows being perhaps the strongest. The grand competition iu this department, however, was the £50 prize for the best three Shorthorns. Mr. Strattou eventually came off victor with the bull already referred to, and a two-year-old and one- year-old heifer, which were also prize-takers in their classes. Mr. Statter was awarded a second prize of £10, and Captain Tennant a third of £5. The show of horses was not only large, but good. There were ten entries in the three classes of stallions, and several of the horses shown were prize-takers. The classes of draught geldings and fillies were but poorly represented, but there were a great many entries, and some very good horseflesh in the hunter aud hack classes ; while the draught horses were creditable. There were fewer entries of sheep than last year. Judges. — Shorthorns : The Rev. M. C. Wood, Poulton- le-Fylde ; W. Sandy, Holme Pierpoint, Notts ; H. W. Beauford, Bedford. Horses : T. Gibbon, Burnfoot-on-Esk ; L. Hodgson, High- thorn House, Easingwold, J. Smith, Humberston, Borough- bridge. Sheep : G. W. Langdale, Park House, Leconfleld ; W. Robson; Great Ouseburn, York. Lonk Sheep : G. Browne, Troutbeck, Windermere. Pigs : J. Dixon, Bradford ; J. Calshaw, Towneley, Burnley. Crops : H. Ambler, Watkinson Hall ; J. Renton, Farnley, Otley. Butter: W. Peacock, Malham. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. (open to the united kingdom.) Shorthorn bull above two years 'old. — First prize, R. Stratton, Burderop, Swindon, Wilts ; second, T. Statter, jun.' Standhill, Whitefield, Manchester. Bull above one year old. — F'irst prize, T. Statter, jun. ; second, A. Hathorn, Smeathalls. Bull calf under twelve months old. — F'irst prize. Captain R. Tennant, Scarcroft Lodge, Leeds ; second, T. H. Hutchinson, Catterick. Shorthorn cow in milk or calf. — First prize, Captain R. Tennant ; second, T. Herd, Small House, Skipton. Heifer under three years old. — First prize, R. Stratton ; second, Captain R. Tennant. Heifer under two years old. — First prize, R. Strattou ; second, T. H. Hutchinson. Heifer calf under twelve months old. — First prize, E. D. A. Marriner, Keighley ; second, T. Statter, jun. Dairy cow.— First prize, II. Crossley, Watkinson Hall, Halifax ; second. Miss Bentley, Allerton. Alderney or Guernsey cow or heifer, — First prize, E. Holmes, Keighley. Best three Shorthorns.— First prize, R. Stratton ; second, T. Statter, jun. ; third. Captain R. Tennant. Shorthorn bull above two years old. — Prize, E. D. A. Marriner. Bull under two years old. — First prize, S. Newall, Skiptou ; second, B. Baxter, Elslack Hall. Bull calf under twelve months old. — First prize, B. Baxter ; second, T. Hird. Shorthorn cow in milk or calf. — First prize, T. Hiid ; second, Miss M. E. C. Bentley. Heifer under three years old. — First aud second nrize, T. Hird. Heifer under two years old. — First prize, T. Hird ; second, L. Robertshaw, Springfield, Allerton. Heifer calf under twelve months old. — First prize, E. D. A. Marriner ; second, B. Baxter. HORSES. (open to the united kingdom.) Coaching stallion. — First prize. Captain Sutclitfe, Sutton House , second, Parkinson Fort, Wilsdeu. Roadster stallion. — First prize, H. R. W. Hart, Dunnington Lodge, York ; second, J. & H. Cockshott, Cringles, Silsden. Draught stallion. — First prize, J. Forshaw, Builey-in- Wharfedale; second, T. Greenwood, Calverley Bridge. Two years old draught gelding or filly. — Prize, J . Moore, Cottingley. One year old draught gelding or filly. — First prize, E. Haley, Allerton ; second, E. Briggs, Wilsden. Three years old roadster gelding or filly. — First prize, J. White, Bradford ; second, R. Baines, Keighley. Two years old roadster gelding or filly. — First prize, T. Speight, Scholes, Cleckheaton ; second, D. Newsom, Yeadon. One year old roadster gelding or filly. — F'irst prize, J. Duckett, West Morton ; second, J. Ogden, Laycock. 314 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Draught brood mare.— first prize T. Statter, jun. ; second, E. & W. Pawson, Burley-in-Wharfedale. Eoadster brood mare. — First prize, J. White ; second, W. H. Davis, Gargrave. Draught horse or mare.— First prize, J. Clarke, Beeston ; second, H. Glover, Son & Co., Bradford. Nag or roadster. — First prize, li. Mason, Bankfield, Cot- ting] ey ; second, E. Charlesworth, Roley Villa, Bradford. Cob, not to exceed 16 hands. — First prize, H. Crossley, Broomfield, Halifax ; second, A. Hauxwell, Thirsk. Pony under 13^ hands. — First prize, A. Hauxwell ; second, J. Maude, Leeds. Lady's horse or mare. — First prize. Captain Smith, Chel- tenham ; second, Adam Dugdale, Rose Hill, Burnley. Horse or mare in single harness. — First prize, J. White ; •econd, F. W. Waller, Bradford. Best hunter.— First prize, S. J. Welfitt, Tathwell Hall, Louth ; second, J. B. Booth, Killerby Hall, Catterick. Leaper. — First prize, H. Johnson, Spofforth; second, W. M. Darley, Thome ; third, Captain Smith. SHEEP. (0?EN TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.) Leicester or any other longwoolled ram, two-shear or aged. —First and second prize, T. H. Hutchinson, Catterick. Leicester or any other longwoolled ram, one-shear. — First and second prize, T. H. Hutchinson. Leicester or other longwoolled tup lamb. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, G. Greaves, Poole, Otley. Pen of three Leicester or any other longwoolled ewes, two- shear. — First and second prize, T. H. Hutchinson. Pen of three Leicester or any other longwoolled ewes, one- shear. — Prize, T. H. Hutchinson, Pen of three Leicester or any other longwoolled ewe lambs. —First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, M. Lamb, Caley Farm. Leicester or any other longwoolled ewe lamb. — First prize, M. Lamb; second, W. Lajcock, Woodville. LONKS, (open to the united kingdom.) Ram, two-shear or aged. — First prize, J. Hoyle, Laycock ; second, J. Smith, Keighley. Ram, one-shear. — First prize, J. M. Green; second, J. Smith, Hainworth, Tup iamb. — First prize, B. Dobson, Craiglands, Hkley ; se- cond, M. Hanson, High Utley. Pen of tliree ewes, two-shear or aged. — First prize, J. M. Green, Black Hill ; second, J. B. Sidgwick, Riddlesden Hall. Pen of three ewes, one-shear. — First prize, J. B. Sidgwick ; second, J. Craven, Park House, Steeton. Pen of three ewe lambs.— First prize, J. M. Green ; second, J. Smith. Ewe lamb. — ^First and second prizes, J. M. Green. Pen of three ewe lambs, first cross from Lonk ewes. — First prize, B. Baxter, Elslack Hall ; second, J. Gill, Howden Park, Silsden. Ewe lamb, first cross from Lonk ewes.— First prize, J. M. Green ; second, J. Gill, PIGS, (open to the united kingdom.) Best pig. — Prize, P. Eden, Salford. Boar, large breed. — First prize, P. Eden ; second, W. Lister, Armley, Boar, small breed,— First prize, P, Eden ; second, W. Hat- ton, Addingham. Boar, middle breed. — First prize, J. E, Fox, Great Horton ; second, C. Roberts, Wakefield. Boar, large breed, under nine months. — First prize, J. Pal- mer, Thorlby ; second, T. Trees, Skipton. Boar, small breed, under nine mouths. — First prize, J. Swire, Morton ; second, J. Reeday, Keighley. Boar, middle breed, under nine months. — First prize, J. Cawood, Keighley ; second, W. Birtwhistle, Bradley. Breeding sow, large breed. — First prize, P. Eden ; second, R. E. Duckering, Northorp, Kirton Kindsey. Breeding sow, small breed. — First prize, W. Hatton ; se- cond, R. E, Duckering. Breeding sow, middle breed. — ^First prize, W, Greetham, Horton ; second, R. E. Duckering. Gilt, large breed, under nine months, for breeding. — ^First prize, P, Eden ; second, T. Slater, Keighley. Gilt, small breed, under nine months, lor breeding. — First prize, J. Hudson, Yeadon ; second, J. B. Sidgwick. Gilt, middle breed, under nine months, for breeding. — Prize, J. B. Sidgwick, Pig of any class, in best condition. — Prize, W. Hatton, ROOTS. Six swede turnips. — First prize, J, Riley, Junction Cross Hills ; second, T. Brigg, Guard House. Six yellow turnips. — First prize, J, Kidd, Sutton ; second, R, Petty. Six white turnips. — Prize, A. Wilkinson, Morton Banks. Six Scotch cabbages. — First prize, J. Riley; second, T. Brigg. BUTTER. Two pounds of batter, lib. in roll, and lib. in print. — First prize, B. Smith, Kildwick Grange ; second, T.Blakey, Siladen, CRAVEN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT SKIPTON. In one respect the exhibition was characterised by a decline. None of the great breeders of Shorthorns were represented, although some of them had entered, but this was not attributable to any mismanagement or insufiiciency of awards, but to the simple fact that those possessed of very valuable stock were frightened off the ground by supposed danger from the foot- and-mouth disease. There were only two bulls in the aged class. Captain Tennant secured the first honour, and was successful in most of the classes in which he competed, and was awarded the 20-guinea cup for the best collection of Shorthorns. Amongst the horses the stallions were good and brood mares, two-year-old geldings, cobs and ponies, were brought forward in fair numbers. Judges — Shorthorns : George Drewry, Holker ; Thomas Atherton, Speke, near Liverpool, Horses : Wm, Owen, Norris Green, West Derby ; John Bromley, Lancaster, Pigs : Stephen Barrett, Harewood ; Joseph Culshaw, Towneley, Burnley, Roots, Buxter, Cheese, and Oat- CAis ; Joseph Culshaw. PRIZE LIST, CATTLE, shorthorns. (Open to the United Kingdom). BuU, two years old and upwards. — First prize, Captain Ten- nant, Scarcroft Lodge ; second, E. D. A. Marriner, Keighley, Yearling bull. — Prize, A. Hathorn, Ferrybridge. Bull calf, under twelve mouths old. — First prize. Captain Tennant ; second, A. Bell, Burnley, Cow in-calf or milk, of any age. — Fir.it prize. Captain Tennant ; second, T. Hird, Skipton, Two years old heifer, — First prize, G, Hargreaves, Shipley ; second, W. Gomersall, Otterburn. Yearling heifer.— First prize, Captaiu Tennant ; second, W. Bissett, Malham Tarn, Heifer calf, under twelve months old,— Prize, £, D. A. Marriner. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 315 Collection of four Shorthorns.— Prize, Captaiu Tennant. (Open to Tenant Farmers in the District only). Bull, two years old and upwards. — First prize, John Farrer, Thornyhohne, near Burnley ; second, Micah Lamb, Cayley Farm, Otley. Yearling bull. — First prize, Benj. Baxter, Elslack Hall, Skipton ; second, Samuel Newall, Eastby. Bull calf, under twelve mouths old. — First prize, Benjamin Baxter ; second, John Rentou, Farnley, Otley. Cow, in calf or milk, of any age. — First prize, Alex. Bell, Pendle Forest, Burnley ; second, Thomas Hird, Smallhouse, Skipton. Three years old heifer, in calf or milk. — First prize, John Farrer ; second, Thomas llird. Two years old heifer, in calf or milk. — First prize, J . Farrer, second, A. Bell. Yearling heifer. — First prize, John Farrer ; second, John Renton. Heifer calf, under twelve months old. — First prize, Benj. Baxter ; second, John Farrer. Collection of Shorthorns, not less than three, the property of the exhibitor. — Silver cup, John Farrer. CATTLE or ANY BREED. Calving cow or heifer. — First and second prizes, Thos. Hird. Two ^fat Highland heifers. — First prize, J. Harrison ; se- cond, W. Butler, Carlton Biggin. Fat cow. — First and second prizes, J. Inglehy, Clapham. Fat heifer. — First prize, J. Heyworth, Eastby ; second, W. Goraersall, Otterburn. Two store bullocks. — First and second prizes, R. and G. Hey, Beamsley, Skipton. HORSES. (Open to the United Kingdom). Thoroughbred stallion.— First prize, J. H. Wright, North Rigton ; second, T. Greenwood, Calverley Bridge. Roadster stallion. — First prize, J. Gill, Howden Park, Sils- den ; second, T. AVharton, Skipton. Draught stallion. — Prize, T. Greenwood. Brood mare for hunters. — First prize, J. Clarke, Beeston ; second, W. Thompson, Rawdon. Brood mare for roadsters. — First prize, J. Clarke ; second, T. Walker, Crookrise, Skipton. Three years old gelding for hunters. —First prize, Wm. Roberts, Thornyholme, Burnley ; second, G. Foster, Burley- in-Wharfedale. Three years old gelding for roadsters. — W. Duckworth, Add- ingham ; second, B. Baxter. Three years old gelding or filly for draught. — First and second prizes, J. and R. Bennett, Cawder, Skipton. Three years old filly for hunters. — First prize, H. Green, Kildwick ; second, W. Foster, Stainforth, Settle. Three years old filly for roadsters. — First prize, H. Green; second, J. Wells, Keighley. Three years old gelding for hunters. — First prize, W* Roberts, Burnley ; second, H. Morphet, Wigglesworth Hall. Two years old gelding for roadsters. — First prize, S. Wat- kinson, Gargrave ; second, W. H. Davis, Gargrave, Two years old gelding or filly for draught. — First prize, T. Porter, Clithero ; second, J. Moore, Cottingley. Two years old filly for hunters. — First prize, J. Marken- dale, Gargrave ; second, S. Watkinson. Two years old filly for roadsters. — First prize, T. Walker, Skipton ; second, A. Bowness, Rylstone. One year old colt or gelding for hunters. — First prize, J. W. Yeadon, Fewstone ; second, S. Watkinson. One year old colt or gelding for roadsters. — First prize, S. Watkinson ; second, J. and U. Cockshott, Cringles. One year old colt or filly for draught. — First prize, J. Jack- son, Fewstone ; second, W. Butler, Carlton Biggin. One year old filly for hunters. — First prize, G. Foster, Burley- in-Wharfdale ; second J. Roberts, Leeds. One year old filly for roadsters. — First prize, J. A. Blakey, Addingliam ; second, W. Paley, Draughton. Mare or gelding for roadsters, of any age. — First prize, Captain Dewliurst, Clithero; second, W. Roberts. Cob under 15 hands high, equal to carry 15 stones. — First prize, H. Crossley, Halifax ; second, J. Holroyd, Burnley. Pony under 13 hands high. — First prize, J. Gresham, Leeds; second, Ann Sutcliffe, Burnley, Hunters, of any age.— First prize, H. Crossley ; second, J. B. Booth, Catterick. Leaper, of any age.— First prize, L. B. Morris, Thornton ; second. Captain Le Gendre N. Starkie, Burnley. Pony leaper, not exceeding ISJ- hands. — First prize, R. L. Hattersley, Keighley ; second, W. Wilkinson, Skipton. SHEEP. (Open to the United Kingdom). Long-woolled ram of any age. — First prize, W. Thompson, East Wit'on ; second, J. and W. Pinder, Waddington. Short- wooUed ram of any age. — First prize, J. Coulthurst, Gargrave ; second, Jowett, 131ack Hill. LONG WOOLS. (Open to Local Competition). Ram of any age, — First prize, W. Varley, Airton ; second, J. Simpson, Spolforth Park. Shearling ram. — First prize, W. Raper, Clint, Ripley ; se- cond, J. Simpson. Tup lamb. — First prize, J. Hartley, Bawmier ; second, J. Simpson. Pen of five shearling gimmers. — Prize, J. Simpson. Pen of five gimmer lambs. — First prize, A. Bentley, Rumley Bridge; second, J. Hartley. MOUNTAIN (Scotch breed). (Open to Local Competition). Blackfaced ram. — First and second piizes, T. Greenwood, Eastby. Shearling ram. — First prize, J. Young, Hazlewood ; second, T. Greenwood. Tup lamb. — First prize, S. Hudson, Broadsliaw ; second, J. Young. Pen of five ewes. — First and second prizes, S. Newall, Eastby. Pen of five shearling gimmers. — First prize, S. Hudson ; second, W. Bisset, Malham Tarn. Pen of five gimmer lambs. — First prize, S. Hudson ; second, S. NewaU. Depastured in land the rateable value of which shall not exceed 3s. per acre, for a period of three months next previous to the show. Pen of five two-shear ewes, Scotch breed.— First prize, T. Young, Barden ; second, T. Greenwood. Pen of five wethers, Scotch breed. — First and second prize*, J. Metcalfe, Darnbrook. LONK. (Open to Local Competition). Ram. — First prize, J. Hoyle, Cliffe Green ; second, T. Seed, Bashall Town. Shearling ram. — First prize, J. M. Green, Black Hill; second, W. Riley, Oakworth. Tup lamb. — First prize, B. Dohson, Craiglends ; second, M. Hanson, High Utley. Pen of five ewes. — First prize, J. M. Green ; second, J. B. Sidgwick, Ryddlesden Hall. Pen of five shearling gimmers. — First prize, J. B. Sidg- wick ; second, W, Butler, Carlton, Biggin. Pen of five gimmer lambs. — First prize, J. M. Green ; se- cond, J. Barker, Brunthwaite, HALF-BREDS. (Open to Local Competition). Pen of five blackfaced Scotch ewes. — First prize, H. Nutter, Skipton ; second, W. Lawson, Beamsley. Pen of five blackfaced shearling gimmers. — First prize, H. Nutter ; second, T. Wellock, Toft Gate. Pen of five blackfaced gimmer lambs. — First prize, A. Robinson, East Scale Park ; second, W. Carlisle, Bordley Hall. Pen of five blackfaced Scotch lambs, depastured upon land the rateable value of which shall not exceed 3s. per acre, for three months next previous to the show. — I'irst prize, T. WeUock ; second, T. Young. Pen of five shearling gimmers, Cheviot. — First and second prizes, W. Wilkinson. Pen of five gimmer lambs, Cheviot. — First and second prizes, J. ]Markendale, Banknewton Hall. Pen of five ewes, Lonk. — First prize, G, Demaine, Draugh- ton ; second, H. iNutter. Pen of five ewes, Lonk, two-shear.— First prize, G. Ce- Haine ; second, H. Nutter. 316 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Pen of live Lonk shearling gimraers. — First prize, J. Midg- ley, Steetou ; second, J. Gill, llowdeu Park. Pen of five Lonk gimraer lambs. — First prize, J. Gill ; second, B. Baxter, Elslack Hall. PIGS. (Open to the United Kingdom). Boar of the large breed. — First prize, W. Lister, Armley ; second, J. Palmer, Thorleby. Boar of the middle breed. — First prize, J. E. Fox, Great Horton ; second, S. Appleby, Armley. Boar of the small breed. — First prize, W. Hatton, A.ddiDg- ham ; second, J. Sagar, Lister Hills. Sow of the large breed. — First prize, W. Lister ; second, W. Hatton. Sow of the middle breed. — First prize, W. Parker, Brad- ford ; second, R. Barrett, Crossliills. Sow of the small breed. — First and second prizes, W. Hatton. Boar of the large breed, under nine mouths old. — First prize, J, Palmer ; second, C. Trees, Skipton. Boai of tlie middle breed, under nine months. — First prize, \V. Lister ; second, W. Birtwhistle. Boar, small breed, under nine months old. — First prize, F. Bramfitt, Sheepscar ; second, J. Reeday, Keighley. Gilt of the large breed, uader nine months old, for breed- ing.— First prize, J. Reeday ; second, W. Parker. Gilt of the middle breed, under nine months old, for breed- ing.— W. Birtwhistle ; second, J. Reeday. Gilt of the small breed, under nine months old, for breed- ing.— Prize, F. Bramfitt. Store pig, under twelve months old. — First and second prizes, S. Newall, Eastby. Premiums for Labourers only (open to Local Competition). Store pig, above nine months old. — First prize, T. Trees ; second, J. Reeday. Store pig, under nine months old. — First prize, J. Reeday ; second, D. Keighley, Exley Head. Gilt of the large breed, under nine months old. — First prize, M. Hindle, Keighley ; second, J. Slater, Keighley. Gilt, of the middle breed, under nine months old. — First prize, J. Slater ; second, W. Birtwhistle. Gilt of the small breed, under nine months old. — First prize, W. Birtwhistle ; second, T. Trees. Sow of the large breed. — First prize, T. Walton, Keighley ; second, H. Binns, Keighley. Sow of the middle breed. — First prize, H. Binns ; second, T. Walton. Sow of the small breed. — Prize, S. Wilson, iarnhill. The annual dinner of the Society was held in the evening, at the Devonshire Arms, and was attended by a company numbering upn'ards of 100. Tlie Duke of Devonshire presided. ROCHDALE AGRICULTURAL SHOW. The fifteenth annual show of the Whitworth and Rochdale Agricultural Society was held on the 24th August. The show surpassed those of previous years. The entries numbered 2,096, wliereas last year the number was 1,131, showing an increase of 965. One new feature worthy of notice is that instead of only £10 being offered for " the best beast on the ground," two £10 prizes have been given ; one for " the best male beast," and the other for " the best female beast," and the change has given general satisfaction. The entries of hunters for general competition were numerous. For the first time prizes were offered to cottagers for the best pigs, and this had the desired effect of drawing a fine muster. Judges : Horned Cattle : J. Brewer, Whitehjuse, Port- field, Whalley ; B. Baxter, Elslack Hall, near Skipton. Horses : W. S. Atkinson, Barrowby Hall, Woodlesford, Yorkshire ; T. Metcalf, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire; Captain Skipworth, Horsham, Brigg, Lincolusliire ; T. Dodds, Warren Cottage, Wakefield. Sheep : W. Parker, Ridge, near Hebden Bridge ; L. Crossley, Cliviger Lathe, near Burnley. Pigs : W. Gamon, Hoole Cottage, Dee Mills, Chester ; T. Atherton, Chaple House, Speke, near Liverpool. PRIZE-LIST. HORNED CATTLE. Bull of any breed. — The challenge cup, value £10, R. Hurst, Rochdale. Best male beast on the ground, the condition being that the animal should not compete for this prize at any future show of the Society. — A piece of place, T. Statter. Best female beast, under similar condition as above. — A piece of plate, C. W. Brierley, Rhodes House. Bull calf, under twelve months old. — T. Statter. Cow in calf or in milk. — J. Walton. Heifer, not exceeding three years old. — J. Farrar, Thorny- holme, Burnley. Heifer, not exceeding two years old. — C. W. Brierley. Heifer calf, under twelve months old. — J. Farrar. Two cows, in calf or in milk (open to cattle dealers only). — J. Coates, Rochdale. Fat ox, or cow, or heifer (open to butchers and dealers). — C. W. Brierley. Fat calf.— T. Statter. TENANT TA-RMEKS' PREIIIUIIS. Bull of any breed. — C. W. Brierley. Cow, in calf or in milk. — C. W. Brierley. Heifer, not exceeding three years old. — C. W. Brierley. Heifer, not exceeding two years old. — C. W. Brierley. Heifer calf, not exceeding twelve months old. — J. Walton. Two cows, in calf or in milk. — C. W. Brierley. Heifer, not exceeding three years old. — W. Kershaw, Alder- bank, Wardle. Heifer, not exceeding two years old. — R. Fitton, Castleton, Rochdale. Cow, in calf or in milk. — J. A. Mason, Moorhouse, Miln- row. Heifer, not exceeeding three years old. — J. Bentley, Kit Booth, near Rochdale. Heifer, not exceeding two years old. — J. A. Mason. Heifer calf, under twelve months old. — T. AValker, Hindle Pasture, Healey. HORSES. Best horse. — C. W. Brierley. Horse under 16 hands. — Brierley Brothers, Rochdale. Pair of horses belonging to one party or firm. — C. W. Brierley. Pair of horses, under 16 hands. — T. Statter. String of four horses (open to horse dealers and others). — The Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of Rochdale Water- works. AGRICULTUKAL HORSES. Best horse. — C. W. Brierley. Brood mare, together with foal. — T. Statter. Three-year-old gelding or fiUy. — J. Willoughby Holt, Wood Road, near Bury. Three-year-old gelding or fiUy, adapted for saddle or harness. — J. L. Becker, Foxdenton. Two-year-old gelding or filly. — W. Roberts, Thorneyholme, near Burnley. One-year-old colt or filly. — R. Kay, Chamberhouse. Foal, adapted for saddle or harness. — J. F. Crowther, Mir- field, Yorkshire. Mare or gelding, not exceeding 15 hands, adapted for har- ness.— H. Crossley, Broomfield, Halifax. SHEEP. LONK OR SPECKLE-FACED BREED. Best tup. — J . G. Bridge, Edge Cote, Rawstenstall. Tup hogg. — J. M. Green, Black Hill, Keighley. Tup lamb. — J. Pickup, Newchurch. Three ewes. — J. G. Bridge. Three ewe lambs. — J. G. Bridge. Ewe lamb. — J. M. Green. Three wethers. — T. Statter. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 317 Finest woolled tup. — J. Bancroft, Sliuttleworth, near Bury. Finest woolled three ewes. — J. Bancroft. Any other breed of sheep. — J. and W. I'inder, near Black- burn. Three ewes. — G. Storey, Burnley. Three tup lambs. — J. Pickup, Turnhill, near llawstenstall. Three ewe lambs. — G. Storey. Fat sheep. — B. Truman, Bluepits. Best tup within the parish of Rochdale. — S. Jackson, Whitworth. Tup hogg. — S. Jackson. Tup lamb. — S. Jackson. Three ewes and three ewe hoggs. — S. Jackson. Three ewe lambs. — J. llill, Cowclough, near llochdale. Ewe lamb. — J. Parker. Tliree wethers. — T. Ilowartli. Three wether lambs. — T. Ilowartli. Flock of twelve sheep, bred within the parish of Rochdale. — J. Parker. The President of the Society (Mr. A. II. Royds) enter- tained the committee and a large circle of private friends at dinner, at his residence, Greenhill. THE BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND SOCIETY, AND SOUTHERN COUNTIES ASSOCIATION. The meeting of the Council of this Society was held on August 30 at the White Lion Hotel, Bristol, under the presi- dency of the Earl of Cork and Orrery. There was also pre- sent Sir J. T. B. Duckworth, Bart., the Hon. and Rev. J. Townshend Boscawen ; Messrs. H. G. Andrews, R. Brem- ridge, Clement Bush, R. H. Bush, Thomas Danger, J. Daw, E. S. Drewe, A. F. Milton Druce, C. Edwards, Jonathan Gray, John Gray, A. Grenfell, J. D. Handcock, J. H. HoUey, J. Lush, H. A. F. Luttrell (Col.), R. Neville Grenville, M.P., R. Stratton, J. C. Moore Stevens, R. J. Spiers, W. Thomp- son, H. Williams, H. Spackman (Official Superintendent), and J. Goodwin (Secretary and Editor). GUILDFORD MEETING, 1871. The following is a complete list of the Committees and Stewards for the ensuing year : Publication Committee. — Thomas Dyke Acland, IM.P. (Chairman), Hon. and Rev. S. Best, F. W. Dymond, Colonel Luttrell, G. S. Poole, Lord Portman, Herbert Williams. Finance and Contracts Committee. — H. Williams (Chairman), J. C. Ramsden, Clement Bush, Charles Edwards. Stock Prize-sheet Committee. — Col. Luttrell (Chair- man), Thomas Danger, J. T. Davy, A. F. M. Druce, T. Duck- ham, M. Farrant, Henry Fookes, C, Gordon, John Gray, James Hole, T. Hussey, J. Webb King, Col. Lennard, II. Middleton, E. F. Mills, W. lligden, J. S. Turner. Implement Regulations Committee. — J. E. Knollys (Chairman), Col. Deedes, Mark Farrant, W. Froude, John Gray, Jonathan Gray, A. Grenfell, H. P. Jones, Col. Lennard. Judges' Selection Committee. — Col. Luttrell (Chair- man), H. Fookes, John Gray, C. Gordon, Thomas Hussey, Col. Lennard, W. Wippell. Railway Arrangements Committee. — W.Adair Bruce (Chairman), Col. Brent, Sir J. T. B. Duckworth, C. Gordon, Jonatlian Gray, C. Lennard, Sir M. Lopes, Bart., M.P., S. Pitman, J. C. Ramsdeu, R. J. Spiers ; with power to add to their number. Disqualifying Committee. — John Gray (Chairman), the Stewards of Stock, the Stewards of Horses. Arts and Manufactures Committee. — E. S. Drewe (Chairman), T. D. AclanJ, M.P. (Vice-Chairman), Hon. and Rev. S. Best, Col. Brent, J. Daw, R. R. M. Daw, Sir J.T. B. Duckworth, Bart., Jonathan Gray, lit. Hon. Sir S. H. North- cote, Bart., C.B., M.P., R. King Meade King, J. E. Knollys, Rev. T. Phillpotts, S. Pitman, W. R. Scott, P. P. Smith, R. J. Spiers, J. W. Walroad, E. W. Williams. Place of Meeting in 1872. — As the Society's Annual Meetings are now held alternately in the Eastern and Western Districts, and as the meeting of 1872 would in due course be held in the Western District (including tlie county of Dorset, &c.), it was resolved to defer the consideration of the place of meeting until the October meeting of Council. The following communications from Sir J. C. Jervoise, Bart., were read : "Idsworth, Ilorndean, August 21, 1870. "I have lately received the /y//;vWofthe Bath and West of England Society, 1870. At p. 42 I read that Professor Brown, the Society's Veterinary Inspector, states that persons coming from infected stocks are, perhaps, the cause of more outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease than the actual and direct contact of healthy a ith diseased animals. " This is so contrary to my own experience that I am most desirous of bringing the question to demonstration, and with this object I siiall be glad to place, for the space of one twelve- month (from September 1st, 1870), twelve out of thirteen Irish steers, purchased in June last, to be infected by Professor Brown, or any member of the Veterinary College he may select, in the way and in the manner referred to by Professor Brown, ' otherwise than by actual and direct contacts The visits to be paid at incervals not more frequent than 14 days. In case of tiis success I shall be ready to pay the sum of one hundred pounds. " I shall not be bound to the number of twelve cattle against all casualties. I name twelve out of thirteen because one of the number has been a good deal shaken by a severe attack after his journey from Ireland. (Signed) " J. Clakke Jervoise. " To the Secretary. " P.S. I request you will be be so good as to place my pro- posal before tlie Association. The state of affairs in Dorset- shire narrated in the Times of August 19, where the highway from Whitchurch Canonicorum to Bridport is stopped with a view to lessening the danger of contagion to animals passing thereon, with the sanction of Mr. Arthur Helps, will, I trust, justify this communication." " August 22, 1S70. " Sir, — Referring to my proposal of yesterday, I beg leave to suggest that ' member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' should be interpreted as any Veterinary Inspector appointed under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act ; and that in lieu of fortnightly experiments in infection, no subsequent attempt shall be made till within 21 days after the period allowed for the incubation of the disease ; and in order to avoid tlie errors which may arise from accident or coinci- dence being mistaken for consequence, it shall be necessary for the whole or the majority of the beasts submitted to the ex- periment to be infected during the course of the twelvemonth dating from September 1st, or, if preferred, October 1st, 1870. "The cattle will, as a matter of course, not be subjected to any exceptional treatment or habit. " To remove anxiety on the score of public danger, I beg leave to call to mind the experiments in vaccinating sheep in- stituted by the Privy Council in the year 1862. I do not know in what locality these experiments were conducted, but I believe they were unattended with evil consequences, and I trust that the experiment proposed will be equally harmless. (Signed) " J. Clarke Jervoise. " To the Secretary." The reading of the letters was followed by an animated dis- cussion, and it was ultimately resolved, " That the Council thank Sir J. Clarke Jervoise, Bart., for the communication he has made, but after giving it the fullest consideration the Council feel themselves unable to undertake tlie duty suggested in relation to the proposed experiments." New Members. — G. H. Farrant, Salisbury ; J. Hutson, East Brent, Weston-super-mare ; Rev. W. St. Aubyn Basset, West Buckland, Barnstaple; J. Ellis, Guildford. THE FARMER'S MAaAZINE, SALE OF MESSRS. MITCHELL'S SHORTHORNS, AT ALLOA, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 35th. By John Thornton. The sale of this herd has for a considerable time been the subject of conversation among many of the admirers of the Booth blood of Shorthorns. Although the bro- thers Mitchell had not been so happy in their selection of highly fashionable female tribes, yet the known judgment of Mr. Andrew in purchasing good animals of sound lineage, and putting Mr. Booth's bulls upon them, drew together a company of breeders, but not a large assembly of the people, as harvest, which is now on in Scotland, kept many farmers away ; this may have had its effect on the average of the bulls, which were not so excellent as the cows and heifers, and made £36 each against £56 for the females. There were, however, several noblemen and breeders pre- sent, amongst whom we noticed the Earl of Dunmore, Lord Kellie, Mr. T. C. Booth, Mr. Meadows (Ireland), Mr. Smith, Whittingham, Mr. Nicolmilne. Mr. L. C. Chrisp, Mr. Deans from Dalkeith, Mr. Jenkins, Sec. R.i.S.E., Mr. Russell, Mr. A. Campbell, Mr. Easton, Mr. Young from Kier, Mr. Husband, Messrs. Beveridge, Messrs. Cruickshank, Mr. C. Lyall, Mr. J. Bowstead, Mr. Tod, and other noted breeders, besides those whose names are given as purchasers. The cattle had been reared, as Mr. Aadrew Mitchell said in returning thanks for his health, at great inconvenience on three farms : one at Alloa, another at Clackmanan, and a third on one of the islands in the Forth ; so that, as the stock had to be brought up to Alloa on the morning of sale, several ap- peared rather lame and foot-sore. The cows were in- spected in the buildings in the town where they were certainly seen to much disadvantage, as one gentleman remarked, " he had rarely seen better animals in worse boxes." As a whole, they were really fine animals, pos- sessing great dq)th of fore-quarter, fine chests and bo- soms, broad loins and arched ribs, but often short and coarse hind-quarters; the heads were excellent. The heifers were shown in a field close by, and were a nice even lot, with plenty of substance ; some of the calves too were very taking. It often happens that ill-luck precedes a sale. Baron Booth, the first buH and a very noted animal, formerly owned and used by Mr. Barclay, at Keavil; had fallen lame on his hind-legs, and could not be brought out. Malvolio, the second bull, had more beauty than good temper ; he was really a very hand- some animal out of the noted prize cow Misletoe ; but a few weeks before the sale he had rushed from the herds- man and hit his head with such force against a wall that he injured his spine, and was nearly hopeless ; this also pulled down the bull average ; most of the others were mere calves. Three young bulls of Lord Dunmore's were also shown in nice condition ; but the competition, more especially at this season, was not keen for them. The luncheon took place iu the town hall of Alloa, Lord Dunmore in the chair, and soon after one o'clock, Mr. Thornton began the business of the day, in a field opposite Mar's Hill. The majority of the pedegrees traced back to a cow called RoUa, bred by Gen. Simson, and got by Chas. Col- ling's North Star ; this tribe is one of the oldest Scotch pedigrees, and had many very fine animals as its representatives ; indeed, Lucy, lot 23, was as beautiful an animal as is often seen. The best tribe was, however, tke Belle, bred frgga Barbelle by Cavdigau (12536), 9, ' purchase of Mr. John Wood's, Stanwick Park Sale, 1862, and the five of this tribe averaged £92 each. Blue Bell, the Smithfield prize cow, calved a white calf in April last, and has since won the challenge cup at Stirling as the best cow in-milk, made the top price, and goes to Mr. Cochrane, Canada : her heifer had a peculiar formation of the lower jaw, but was otherwise a fine animal, and went cheap at 59 gs. Cherry Queen, bred from the fashionable Cherry tribe, was a stylish-looking cow, with fine fore- hand, ribs, and loin ; she made the same price as Blue y Bell, after some sharp competition with Lord Dunmore, Her calf, a very promising young bull of five months, went for 81 gs., and goes into Staffordshire. The heifer of the G Wynne tribe was of a rich fine colour, and the prettiest of the heifers. Mr. Hay, from New Zealand opposed Sir William Stirling Maxwell and Mr. Pole Gell for her up to 120gs., but she joined her dam and goes into Derbyshire. Pride, of Mr. Chrisp's stock, was considered by several the best and sweetest looking coav, and there was much f competition for her, but for the other cows the biddings seemed good up to about 30 gs., but as languid afterwards as they were slow in being put up. Mr. Bethune was the largest buyer, and it was said purchased several for Sii" David Baird. Mr. Arklay also got some cheap useful cows that go near to Dundee, whilst Mr. Godsman took two of the best into Aberdeenshire. The sheep were not high in condition, but of good character ; they were, how- ever, too early in the market, and although the shearlings were all sold, the prices were not high, and the ewes were J not sold. Subjoined is a list of the prices and buyers' J names. cows AND HEIFERS. Cameron Lass, roan, calved Feb. 4, 1860, by Prince Arthu' (13497), dam Miss Haig ; A. Bethune, Blebo, 31 gs. Lady of the Lake, red and white, calved Aug. 10, 1860, by Prince Arthur, dam Sonsie ; A. Bethune, 33 gs. Comely 3rd, roan, calved May 31, 1862, by First Fruits (16048), dam Comely 2nd ; R. Arklay, Ethiebeaton, 29 gs. Pauline, roan, calved June 8, 1862, by Highthorn (13028), dam Young Polly ; G. Wylie, Arndean, by Dollar, 40 gs. Luna, white, calved June 10, 1862, by First Fruits, dam Luck- now ; R. Arklay, 32 gs. Blue Bell, roan, calved Feb. 4, 1863, by Knight Errant (18154), dam Barbelle ; M. H. Cochrane, Compton, Canada, 160 gs. Sonsie, roan, calved Jan. 23, 1864, by Arthur Gwynne (19244), dam Lady of the Lake ; — Godsman, Aberdeen, 33 gs. Maid of Lochty, white, calved Jan. 25, 1864, by Arthur Gwynne, dam Maid of Orr ; — Godsman, 40 gs. Bella, white, calved March 1864, by Arthur Gwynne, dam Barbelle ; R. Mowbray, Cambus, 54 gs. Amazon, roan, calved March 20, 1864, by Arthur Gwynne, dam Miss Haig ; — Gordon, Cluny, 34 gs. Cherry Queen, calved April 27, 1865, by Warrior (23178), dam Cherry ; S. Bolden, Springfield, near Lancaster, 160 gs. Guerilla, roan, calved May 7, 1864, by First Fruits, dam Non- pareil ; J. Young, Alloa, 28 gs. Lady of the Isle, roan, calved Jan. 1, 1866, by Sir Samuel (15302), dam Lady Laura ; A. Bethune, 35 gs. Sarah Gwynne, red, calved Feb. 13, 1866, by Sir Samuel, dam Susan Gwynne ; H. Chandos, Pole Gell, 46 gs. Beatrice, red and white, calved April 15, 1866, by Sir Samuel, dam Amazon ; R. Binnie, Seton Mains, Haddingtonshire, 33 gs. Samuel's Farewell, roan, calved April 33, 1866, by Sir Samuel, d^Bi Pauline ; ■■ JoUy, York, 50 gs, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 31^ Lucinda, white, calved July 23, 1866, by Brigade Major (31313), dam Luna ; R. Arklay, 27 gs. Belle, roan, calved Aug. 15, 1866, by Red Friar (24913), dam Bella ; Sir W. Stirling-Maxwell, JBart., 60 gs. Pride, white, calved Nov. 34., 1866, by Brigade Major, dam Pearl V ; Sir W. Stirlinpc-Maxwell, 80 gs. Bessie Bell, red, calved Feb. 23, 1867, by Lord Eagle (22149), dam Blue Bell ; A. Bethune, 59 gs. Sonsie 3nd, roan, calved Feb. 25, 1867, by Lord Eagle, dam Lady of the Lake ; — M'Queen, Diver's Well, Alloa, 33 gs. Alice, red and white, calved March 26, 1867, by Lord Eagle, dam Amazon ; J. Younpr, 24 gs. Lucy, roan, calved June 17, 1867, by Red Friar, dam Luua ; — Hay, Pigeon Bay, New Zealand, 130 gs. Gipsy Girl, white, calved April 15, 1868, hy The Sutler (33061), dam Guerilla; H.Scott, Brotherton, Kincardine, 39 gs. Beauty, red and white, calved July 18, 1868, by The Sutler, dam Amazon ; — Hay, 35 gs. Comely 5th, red, calved Aug. 4, 1868, hy The Sutler, dam Comely 3rd ; — Philips, Haybridge, England, 60 gs. Soldier's Daughter, roan, calved Aug. 25, 1868, by The Sutler, dam Beatrice ; G. Hope, Fentonbarns, Haddingtonshire, 33ers. Sally Gwynne, roan, calved Nov. 15, 1868, by Islesman (26444), dam Sarah Gwynne ; H. C. Pole-Gell, 125 gs. Lizzie, white, calved Dec. 7, 1868, by Islesman, dam Lady of the Lake ; T. Jolly, 36 gs. Miss Blithe, red and whit*, calved Feb. 28, 1869, by Lord Blithe (23162), dam Queen of the Isles; H. Cochrane, 100 es. Maid of the Forth, white, calved March 16, 1869, by Lord Blithe, dam Maid of Lochty ; H. C. Pole-Gell, 62 gs. Moss Rose 2nd, roan, calved April, 1869, by Lord Blithe, dam Moss Rose ; H. Scott, 30 gs. Blithe Belle, roan, calved May 6, 1869, by Lord Blithe, dam BeUe ; — Hay, 105 gs. Countess, roan, calved Nov. 9, 1869, by Islesmau, dam Beatrice • A. Bethune, 36 gs. Lady Samuel, roan, calved May 8, 1870, by Malvolio (24519), dam Samuel's Farewell ; T. Jollv, 23 gs. Sonsie III., roan, calved May 9, 1870, by Islesman, dam Lady of the Lake ; A. Bethune, 34 gs. BULLS. Island Chief, white, calved July 18, 1868, by The Sutler, dam Cameron Lass ; D. Forrester, Woodcock Hall, Linlithgow, 36 gs. Red Rover, red, calved April 11, 1869, by Malvolio, dam Samuel's Farewell ; R. Mowbray, 37 Ks. Master Blithe, red and white, calved July 14, 1869, by Lord Blithe, dam Lady of the Lake ; A. Bethune, 41 gs. Baron Forth, roan, calved Aug. 9, 1869, by Malvolio, dam Comely ; J. M'Queen, 16 gs. Lord Kellie, roan, calved Sept. 10, 1869, by Malvolio, dam Cameron Lass ; Capt. Armstrong, 30 gs. Lord Mar, roan, calved Sept., 1869, by Malvolio, dam Luna ; — Cheape, 31 gs. Lord Burleigh, roan, calved Jan. 11, 1870, by Gondolier (36377), dam Lucy ; R. Binnie, 43 gs. Samuel Gwynne, roan, calved Feb. 7, 1870, by Malvolio, dam Sarah Gwynne ; R. Melounge, 39 gs. Cherry Prince, roan, calved March 20, 1870, by Islesman, dam Cherry Queen ; J. N. Philips, 81 gs. Waterman, white, calved May 9, 1870, by Islesman, dam Moss Rose ; — Peat, Manor, Stirling, 15 gs. Watchman, white, calved Aug. 30, 1869, by Malvolio, dam Amazon ; D. M'Clane, 20 gs. 36 Cows SUMMARY : £ s. d. 56 15 9 .... & s. d. .... 3,044 7 0 11 Bulls 86 1 8 .... 396 18 0 47 Average £51 18 10 Jl2,441 5 0 BADMINTON FARMERS' CLUB. Judges : Hunting Stock : Col. Kingscote, C.B., M.P., Kingscote-park : F. B. Jones, V.S., Cheltenham; F. Sherboru, Bedfont, Mid- dlesex. Cart Horses, Sheep, Pigs, and Roots : D. Holbrow, Bagpath ; Francis Pinchin, Hat Farm, Box. Cattle : Francis Burnet, Kingscote ; Levi Curnock, Shep- herdine, Thornhury ; Saul P. Savage, the Leys Farm, Wotton-under-Edge. Cheese : W. Wright, Small-street, Bristol. The following is the prize-list : Horses. — Brood mare and foal for liunting purposes : W. White, Greyhound Inn, Tetbury. Yearling colt or filly for hunting purposes : W.Dean, Ararat-farm, Wotton-under-Edge. Two-year-old gelding or filly for hunting purposes : Capt. Blathwayt, Dyrham, Chipping Soubury. Hunter, mare, or gelding above three years old : J.Powney, Lansdown. Road- ster, mare, or gelding above three years old ; Capt. Blathwayt, Dyrham, Chipping Sodbury. Brood mare and foal for agri- cultural purposes : C. Beaven, Shipton Moyne. Two-year- old gelding or filly for agricultural purposes : J. Millard, Lea, Malraesbury; 3nd, G. Anstee, Hinton-farm, Chipping Sodbury. Cattle. — Bull above two year.s old, R. H. Gould, Didraar- ton. Bull above one year and under two years old, D. F. Long, 0!dbury-on-the-Hill. Bull calf above three and under 13 months old, John Cornock. Cow above four years old, in- milk or in-calf, John Thompson, Badminton. Cow above three and under four years old, in-milk or in-calf, John Thomp- son. Heifer above two and under three years old, John Thompson. Heifer above one and under two years old, John Thompson. Heifer calf above three and under 12 months old, John Thompson. Cows above three years old, in-milk or in-calf, first prize John Cornock, HiUsley ; second, Robert H. Gould ; third, John Cornock. Pair of heifers above two and under three years old, first prize, D. F. Long, Oldbury-on- the-Hill ; second, James Gonlter, Acton Turville ; third, D. F. I^oug, 'Sm of beifen ^bove o&e and nadei two ye»M old. first prize, James Coulter ; second, J. C. Hatherell, Oldbury- on-the-Hill ; third, John Neems, Wick. Heifer calf above three and under 13 months old, John Cornock. Sheep. — Pen of eight long-woolled wether lambs, D. F. Lonpf, Oldbury-on-the-Hill. Pen of long-woolled Chilver lambs, D. F. Long. Short-woolled ram of any age, R. H. Gould, Did-narton. Pen of eicht cross bred ewes, Joseph Bennett, Newhouse-farm ; 2nd, Samuel Witchell, Sopworth. Pen of eight cross-bred Chilver lambs, Joseph Bennett. Pigs. — Sow above twelve months old, James Coulter, Actou Turville. Roots. — Selection of mangold-wurtzel swedes, and com- mon turnips, twelve specimens of each sort, R. II. Gould, Did- marton. Twelve specimens of any variety of mangold wurt- zel, Mrs. Mary Witchell, Stoke Gifford. Twelve specimens of any variety of Swedish turnips, Wm. Minett, Acton Turville. Twelve specimens of any variety of common turnips, J. M. Williams, Dunkirk. Cheese. — Best cwt. of thick cheese, Theos. Coulter, Acton Turville. Best cwt. of thin cheese, John Cornock, Hillsley. MORE EXPORTATIONS.-It seems this year that most of our best cattle and sheep are leaving the country. The European left Liverpool last month for Quebec, having on board Mr. Cochrane's purchases from Mr. Booth, including the 1,500 gs. cow Lady Grateful ; also the prize-cow Blue Bell, and Miss BUthe from the Alloa sale, as well as Baddow Rose, the first-prize heifer at the Essex county show. Mr. J. S. Thomson, of Whitby, Canada West, also had a yearling bull and four heifers from the Sittyton herd on the same vessel. And besides these Shorthorns there were also several prize-sheep, including Mr. Marshall and Mr. Cartwright's Lincoln tups, and three of Mr. Wiley's prize-pen of Leicaster gimraers from the Yorkshire show : these were really very beautiful sheep and go out to Mr. Wallbridge. Mr. Stone, of Guelph, also sent out several Cots^old rama recently bought at the Sloster- .S20 THE FARMER'S ^lAGAZINB. FERMENTATION A lecture on this subject was delivered by Professor A. W. AViLLiAMSON, P.R.S, at a meeting of the Society of Arts. I have sometimes wished, when building castles in the air, that I coidd, after a few hundred years, come back and see the state of science at that time. I am convinced that those who will look back, from such a period as a few hundred years hence, at the present state of our knowledge of Nature, in any one depart- ment, will be surprised at its smallness ; iu fact, even now, when we work at all earnestly at any one part of the field of Nature, we cannot refrain from feeling how little is our know- ledge compared with our ignorance. But, if that is generally the case, I think it is peculiarly the case in those studies in which life is concerned ; and the phenomena of fermentation have that peculiarity that they consist of processes in which vital organisms are concerned, and in which there is every reason to believe that vital organisms, or living beings, take an active and leading part. I need not say that, for that reason, the explanations which we have, even of the simplest and best known of the phenomena of fermentation, are, as yet, mere sketches of tlie reality. It is, however, not the less useful or the less important to know them for that reason. When we chemists are classifying substances, we adopt a principle of classification which 1 think is almost in- evitable, but it may be as well that I should mention what it is. We put the simple things togetlier, and the complex or difficult things together, and then we try to put between them, in as regular an order as possible, the intermediate links of the chain by wiiich they can be connected ; and 1 believe that our best — I might almost say our only explanations consist in thus arranging, in a natural order, the facts which we have to consider, aud then viewing them, and stating what we see, in the clearest and least ambiguous terms. Now, the term " organic,"|as rpplied to a certain class of chemical substances, might be replaced — by the term " complex." The substances which we are in the habit of including under the term organic are peculiarly complex ; in fact, they are the most complex with which we have to do. The phenomena of fermentation relate mainly to them, and consist principally of a process of change — the breaking-up of those organic bodies into rather less complex substances than themselves — a process of partial analysis. Of course, when I say that, I gave what I conceive to be a characteristic idea of the general method, and I must not be supposed to asseri- tliat all processes of fermentation are analytical. Amongst the characteristics which, I think, are particularly useful and interesting, as serving to distinguish organic from inorganic, complex from simple substances, is their different behaviour under heat. I have found it exceed- ingly interesting and instructive to bear in mind the fact that while simple aud inorganic compounds, as we generally call them, are sometimes destroyed and resolved into other com- pounds by the action of a high temperature, yet many of them .are not. Amongst inorganic substances we find some which are broken up or changed by exposure to a high temperature, but there are others which can stand even tlie highest tem- perature without undergoing any permanent change — that is to say, they return, on cooling, to the same state in which they were before the heat was applied. With organic sub- stances that is not the case. All organic bodies are broken up into minute particles, and assume new arrangements, when they are heated to a sufficiently high temperature ; and that is, I think, a distinction which is of considerable theo- retical as well as, perhaps, of some practical import- ance. The processes of breaking up which are effected by heat upon organic bodies are, in the very great majority of cases, diiferent from those which are eifected by the action of these wonderful little organisms, the ferments ; and it is a peculiarity of the action of the ferments that they effect the breaking-up — the analysis — of complex organic substances, and form products which, for the most part, we have obtained from those materials by no other process. Amongst the pro- cesses of fermentation there is one which, from its pre- eminent importance, and from the fact we have had occasion to study it more fully than any other, ought to be first men- tioned. I allude to the process of fermentation by which alcohol is formed artificially. I may say, indeed, it is the only process by which alcohol is ever made. It is a process which consists in breaking up some kind of sugar — for sugar is a word which, although popularly restricted to one particular substance, which is extracted sometimes from the sugar-cane and sometimes from beet-root, is used by chemists in a more general sense, serving to characterise a family of bodies which have much in common with one another, being for the most part all of them sweet, and containing the same elements, but in slightly different proportions. They all possess many pro- perties which are of some importance. These different kinds of sugar are broken up by the action of ferment into alcohol, aud also into another product, carbonic acid gas, which has been long known, and for a long time the process of alcoholic fermentation was supposed to consist simply in a separation of sugar into these two products, alcohol on the oue hand and carbonic acid on the other. A more careful examination of the products has shown, however, that these two never appear alone. I believe I may safely say, from the researches of Pasteur and others, that no case of the formation of alcohol by fermentation has been known to occur in which several other products have not been formed simultaneously with these two. With regard to the difference of properties of these two bodies there are one or two points of some little interest, especially this one, that whereas alcohol is an emi- nently combustible substance, and is well known to have pro- perties of that kind, being frequently used as fuel ; on the other hand, carbonic acid, the other chief product, is com- pletely burnt — it is a substance incapable of undergoing any chemical change whatever analogous to combustion. Alcohol is a substance which I need not show you, although in its pure state it is not very common ; but I will, in order to remind those of you wlio may be less familiar with its leading pro- perties, make a little carbonic acid by a short process. I will put a little muriatic acid upon some white marble, and the apparent ebullition which you see takes place is known to you all as due to the liberation of carbonic acid. You might imagine the thing to be ferraeutiug, only that the process in that case would be less rapid. Now, if I plunge this little burning paper gradually into the jar containing the carbonic acid, it will burn more and more faintly, and get extinguished when it enters the gas ; it is totally impossible to set fire to the gas. And there is oue other fact that we may notice at the same time — the great specific gravity which characterises this gas. I will show you that, in this way. I will go through the motion of pouring from this jar containing it into another smaller jar, and no doubt the heavy carbonic acid will pass from the jar in which I first collected it into the lower one, where we shall find it by means of the taper as before. You see that, on lowering the lighted taper into this small jar, it is extinguished as it was before. I will show you the test by which we usually discover the presence of carbonic acid. I have here some water containing lime in solution — some lime water — and I will pour it into the large beaker glass, in which there is probably still some carbonic acid left. You see the solution immediately becomes turbid, or, as we express it, a precipitate is formed by the combination of the carbonic acid with the lime water. A compound is formed, which is nearly insoluble in the water, called carbonate, which goes down as a precipitate. In addition to alcohol and carbonic acid, I ought to mention another kind of alcohol, which occurs to a considerable extent in some distilleries where raw grain or potato starch is used. This substance imparts to the product a very unpleasant odour, and some unwholesome qualities. It is known by the name of fousel oil. It does not mix with water, and if I were to pour some of it on water, it would float, without dissolving to any considerable extent. There are some other products which are even more interesting and important ; two especially I ought to mention. One is the clear substance which you see in this bottle, and which you might imagine to be oil. It is a fluid largely made now, and known by the name of glycerine, but in chemical language I should say that this was an alcohol. It is a substance which, by tasting, you might mistake for sugar, for it possesses a sweet taste resembling sugar ; but, to chemists, it is a kind of alcohol, and its appearance during fermentation together with ordinary alcohol is no doubt due to a process of the normal kind. Another product which I might compare to the car- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 821 Ionic add which I just now sliowed you, is this beautiful crystaliiue acid substance, which has been long known by the name of succinic acid. It got that name from the fact that it was originally prepared from amber. By subjecting the amber to dry distillation, succinic acid, among other products, is formed. Glycerine and succinic acid, as well as common alcohol and carbonic acid, are always formed when any kind of sugar is made to decompose by the process which is termed alcoholic fermentation, and it is seldom that tiiere are not other — and probably in smaller quantities several other — pro- ducts formed besides those four. In lact, the dill'erent kinds of spirit which are obtained by the process of fernientatiou and subspciuent distillation — I mean those kinds of spirits to which no artificial flavouring material is added (gin is a gene- ral name given to certain spirits which are flavoured by arti- ficial means), such as brandy, rum, and others — owe their dis- tinctive peculiarities to the presence of small quantities of volatile substances which are formed during the process of fermentation, regarding which a good deal has been ob- served, and several important facts have been collected. There is another process of fermentation which I must mention, for it is important from its frequent occurrence, and that is a process by which another kind of sugar usually, but sometimes common sugar, is transformed. The substance which jnost naturally undergoes this fermentation is milk- sugar. These hard lumps in this bottle, which, if you were to take out and taste, you would not imagine to be sugar, are made by the crystallization of the solid substance in whey. The whey is evaporated carefully to a small bulk, and this substance which results is known by the name of milk-sugar. When a solution of this is mixed with cheese, which is the best ferment for the purpose, it gradually turns acid. I dare say it is known to all of you ihat milk itself, which contains this body, and cheese, or rather caseine dissolved with it, to- gether with the fatty globules of milk, when exposed to the air, turns acid. That acidity is due to a change which takes place in the sugar. The sugar disappears gradually, and is transformed into an acid substance, of which I have a little bottle here. It is a strong acid , and here in another bottle are a few of its salts — a lime salt and a zinc salt, which is a very beautiful and characteristic compound. I shall have oc- casion hereafter to show you a large bottle which is now at work, in which I dissolved, not this particular kind of sugar, but the ordinary sugar. I put with it a quantity of calcic carbonate, and some old, lean cheese, with a considerable quantity of water. The mixture was kept at a temperature above blood-heat for some considerable time ; and a compound of lactic acid is being formed. That is a process analogous in its general features to the fermentation which forms alcohol ; but it is a change of sugar, in which no alcohol is formed. Sometimes there is a trace of alcohol, but there is not neces- sarily any, and no carbonic acid is formed ; but instead of those products, the elements of the sugar break up into dilfer- ent groups, and arrange themselves in another manner. That is really the nature of the process, as far as our most careful experiments have gone ; and the acid which we make in that way, which is lactic acid, or acid of milk, is really sugar, of which the elements are arranged in a ditt'ereut way, so as to acquire acid properties. The third process, which I must mention from its remarkable products, is one which perhaps in some respects ought rather to be compared with putrefac- tion, for it is a process which has many of the most important characteristics of fermentation. In order to deal with the question of fermentation generally, it is necessary to allude to some varieties of such chemical changes which are usually classed under the term putrefaction. As a general rule, I thiuk the characteristic of processes of putrefaction is mainly the unpleasant nature of the products which are formed. It is not long since a distinguished chemist, in speaking of alco- holic ffrmeutatiou, said that it is leally a putrefactive jiro- cess ; and in its intimate nature it is, as far as we know, a process much like the truly putrefactive processes, and differ- ent from the processes of eremocausis, or oxidation. This other process to which I allude consists in forming the acid substance which I have here, and which I will not open, be- cause it is not a very pleasant body. It is a subitance ttliich is known, although I believe not very commonly, in butter. The peculiar rancid odour which butter acquires when it is kept too long, especially in warm weather, is due to a traus- formatioa of some of its materials into this particular acid, which Chevrcul, a very distinguished French chemist, separated from butter ; and he named it, from that circumstance, butyric acid. If we leave some of this product of the last fermentation — some of this lactate of lime, the lime salt of lactic acid — under the same conditions in wliicli it was formed, that is, if we leave it in the same vessel iii which it had been formed from the milk of sugar, and leave cheese with it, and keep the mixture warm, the lac- tate will gradually decompose, and carbonic acid will be given off together with hydrogen gas, and at the same time we find that the lactic acid will be decomposed, and in place of it we get this butyric acid, and generally some valerianic acid, and a little acetic acid. Amongst the processes which really are analogous to fermentation in tlieir nature, but which dirt'er in one particular, I must mention one other, the process of form- ing vinegar, or acetic acid. This, large bottle contains vine- gar in a form which most of you, 1 dare say, have not seen. These fine white crystals are the pure substance which, mixed with water in an impure state, are generally known by the trivial name of venegar. We call that acetic acid, or hydric acetate. The formation of this body from alcohol represents a variety of fermentation, which is of considerable importance and of frequent occurrence. Everybody who has noticed the process which takes place when animal or vegetable matter is left to itself in contact with air, especially in moist localities, must have observed that there is a gradual disappearance of the organic matter. For instance, if you leave a piece of wood in a moist place, under certain conditions of very frequent oc- currence which are favourable to this process, the wood gradu- ally gets soft, and becomes transformed into a brown substance, and if you leave it long enough — in this country, several years generally would be needed for this purpose — it gradually disap- pears. If you were to put a piece of that decomposing wood into a closed glass vessel, and examine the air above it, you would find that the wood was really burning. I am using the word combustion in the ordinary chemical sense — I mean by that word that the oxygen of the air which you have enclosed with the wood is being taken up by the wood, and the products of combustion, carbonic acid and water, are being formed from the substance of the wood. One great class of the processes of fermentation is of that kind. Tliey consist not in a mere breaking up of the materials already contained in the organic substance, but a change of their arrangements, which is due, more or less, to the absorption of oxygen, and this formation of acetic acid, or vinegar, is a case of that kind. In fact, if we were to leave some ordinary fer- mented wort in an open vessel, so that the alcohol were left there in the mixture in which it had been formed, we should find that the alcohol would gradually disappear and give place to an acid substance. The process is well known to wine- makers and to brewers, and their art consists, among other things, in the avoidance of this process of the oxydation of their alcohol. While the acetic acid is being formed, oxygen from the air is taken up, and in that respect this process of acetic fermentation differs from the other three processes of fermentation which I have described. When you make alcohol and carbonic acid from sugar, the air takes no part in the pre cess ; when you make lactic acid from the sugar, the air is not wanted ; and when you make butyric acid from lactic acid, then again the air may be completely excluded, and the pro- cess will go on without it. But when you make acetic acid from alcohol, you must of necessity allow the free and con- tinuous access of air, and the air gives up some of its oygeu to this fermenting alcohol to transform it into acetic acid and water by a true process of fermentation. Now, the question arises whether this formation of acetic acid ought to be classed, as I am at present classing it, amongst the processes of fer- mentation. If it is due lo the absorption of oxygen, you might naturally inquire whether one ouglit not to place it amongst the common processes of combustion, and it is right that 1 should state that by some authorities it is at present so classed. My reason, however, for stating what I have done, that it is a ))rocess of fermentation is this, that it is usually effected by the action of a peculiar organism called the vinegar- plant, au organism which I shall have occasion to siiow you lierealtcr, which does exert in that particular process the func- tion of taking up oxygen from tlie air, and of inducing the alcohol to combine with it. Theie are ra*uy other processes by which we could get it, but the actual process by which we do get it is a proces? in Mhieh this vital organism, the vinegar- 322 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. plaut, is the agent of its formation. It might be made by mere processes of combustion, but it is made by a process of fermentation. There is one single feature in the first and best known of these processes — the alcoholic fermentation — which you will notice when I tell you something of the way in which the processes of fermentation present themselves, even without very great care on the part of the observer. If, for instance, you were to express the juice of some sweet fruit — say grapes — and if you were to leave that expressed juice in contact with the air for a little time, having first squeezed it through some suitable cloth or filter so as to have it clear, of course there would be no solid particles in it when you put it aside ; but, if you leave that in a tolerably warm place in contact with the air, you would find that little solid particles would appear iu this juice, that they increase in number, and that in propor- tion as they increase in number, and as the quantity of tliera becomes greater, so does the process of effervescence — the evolution of gas from the grape juice — become more and more rapid. These little solid particles, which are not present at first in the grape juice, but which gradually make their appearance when it is exposed to the air, are what we com- monly call, in the ordinary case of alcoholic fermentation iu this country, yeast — either beer yeast or wine yeast — it is the same organism in each case. The peculiarity of the process is this, that these substances — this yeast — which seems to make the sugar into those products which I enumerated to you, does not disappear while doing the work, but is produced by the very process. The more active the production of these yeast cells, and the more speedy the growth of these yeast cells, the more effective and rapid is the process of fermentation, and no fer- mentention of the kind which I am speaking of at present — the alcoholic fermentation — has ever been known to take place in the absence of these organisms. That circumstance I just mention briefly at present, but the fact that these yeast cells appear whenever the process is going on — and the more they grow the more rapid is the fermentation — has led people to suppose at first, and to believe afterwards, that these yeast cells were the agents of the transformation, the active sub- stances which decomposed the sugar in contact with the water, and induced the transformation which we noticed. Now, the very fact that one ot the two substances which are reacting upon one another chemically (because the changes are chemical in their fundamental nature), should not disappear, but should rather increase by the process, is entirely anomalous — it is entirely at variance with the simplest and best known facts of chemistry, so much so that if it were not estabUshed upon incontrovertible evidence, I believe that most chemists would be inclined to disbelieve it, and say it cannot be, it is a mistake. If you tell me, as a chemist, that this yeast is transforming sugar by its action on the sugar, and that instead of being consumed the yeast is actually increased in quantity by doing that work, I should say it is nonsense — it cannot be, because in all the cases of chemical action which I know best, nothing of the kind occurs, but the very opposite. When one substance acts upon another, each one disappears in the pro- cess, and is transformed into a product having other properties. I need hardly give you illustrations of that ; but one or two simple cases may not be useless, as serving to fix clearly this important circumstance in your minds. I will take at first one of a particularly elemementary and simple kind — a process of combustion. I will take a little strip of metal — magnesium wire, and will hold it for a short time in the flame of a spirit lamp, so as to raise it to a sufficiently high temperature. The light you see emitted is due to the combustion of the oxygen in the air with the metal magnesium, which I hold in my hand. This is one of the simplest possible cases of chemical action. The metal has disappeared. The strip of wire is gone, and oxygen from the air disappeared also. At the same time a white powder was formed. I dare say you did not notice it, but here is a quan- tity of the same substance in a bottle. It consists of oxygen from the air combined with the metal magnesium, and the point is this, that all the magnesium which took part in that process disappeared and went to form this white powder, and all the oxygen which took part in the process also disappeared. The two united together, each disappeared as such and went to form this new product. And, moreover, we can tell, from an examination of the proportions in which the substances combine, exactly what weight of oxygen would disappear for f very part by weight of magnesium. If you burn, for instance, three grammes or three pounds of magnesium, you would require exactly two grammes or two pounds of oxygen. For instance, three pounds weight of magnesium would combine with two pounds weight of oxygen, and the product of the two together would be five pounds in weight. I may show you the same thing with soda, not the substance which is com- monly called by that name, which is a carbonate of that base. I have here a little pure soda solution in a bottle. I will pour some into a beaker glass, and I will show you one pro- perty which characterises it, viz., that of changing the colour of this red paper into blue. Now, I will pour some of this acid body, the oil of vitriol, into another beaker-glass. If I put the paper which has been discoloured into this pure acid, it would be dissolved ; but I will dilute some of it with water, and then you will see that paper, which has been rendered blue by the agency I have just used, is brought back again to red by the agency of this acid. Now, it I mix the acid with the soda, we shall have audible evidence of violent action going on. I will not go on with the process, b'ut I have purposely taken the two substances in presence of very little water, in order to show you that the heat evolved makes the liquid boil with great violence. I could have avoided that by adding water in the first place, but I wished to show you the vigour with which they unite together. If I were to go on adding acid to the soda little by little, feeling my way until I had just completed the action, I should have got some water formed, and some of the beautiful salt which I have here, a body which is neither soda nor acid ; it is a salt called Glauber salt, or sodic sulphate, and aU my materials would have disappeared in the process. If I use them in proper proportions, all the acid and soda would dis- appear, and go to form these two other products, I might dissolve some of this sulphate in water, and might put red paper or blue into it, and it would not affect either of them ; it is perfectly neutral iu that respect. The proportions by weight in which this combination takes place is this. If I add 40 parts by weight of soda, and 49 of oil of vitriol in a state of purity, I should have as the result 18 parts by weight of water, and 71 of sodic sulphate ; and if I add together the weight of my materials and the weight of my products, I get the same — 89. Nothing disappears in the process ; all the acid and all the base which takes part iu it is employed. Each particle which took part in the process disappeared as such, and it passed over into another form. I will mention one other case, because it is somewhat more complex. 1 may take the case which I was showing you just now, the white marble and hydric cliloride, or muriatic acid, whicli I used for making the carbonic acid gas. In that case I used two materials — car- bonate of lime, as it is commonly called, and hydrochloric acid. We get three products ; on the one hand is a salt, which is commonly called chloride of calcium — a solid substance used for drying gases, as it has a great affinity for water ; another is water ; and the third, as I showed you, carbonic acid gas. There, again, we have precisely the same thing. All the marble and all the hydric chloride which takes part in the formation of those three products disappeared as such, and they resolved themselves into other compounds possessing different properties ; but the weight of the products is equal to the weight of the materials. That rule holds good throughout all ordinary cases of chemical action. On the other hand, iu fer- mentation it is not so ; one of the active substances is formed, and the more active the fermentation, the more does it grow. In fact, if you want to get yeast, you must go to a place where tne breaking up of sugar into alcohol and carbonic acid is going on ; or if it is in the south, you must go to where wine is being made, you go to a wine-maker and get the yeast from him. The only way of getting yeast is from that process of fermentation which sets in spontaneously under the conditions I named to you. I ought, however, in justice to the wonderful process I alluded to, give you two or three other particulars regarding it. I showed that sugar is broken up by the ferment into these products, but no case is known of pure sugar — and when I say pure sugar, I mean sugar in the purest form in which we have it— being decomposed by yeast. If you were to put some ready-made yeast — thriving, growing yeast — into a solution of chemically pure sugar, some of your yeast would decompose, some of it would resolve itself into other products, and other parts of it would be absorbing those products which are pre- sent in the liquid, and whenever the process is to be carried ou THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 323 advantageously and rapidly, it is customary to add some sac- cliariue liquid — some other substauee capable of nourishing the yeast. When I want good fermentation I do not take water to dissolve my sugar, and put yeast into it, but I boil gome of this malt, which is one of the best materials for this purpose, in witer, and take a decoction of malt, or decoction of yeast, and put the sugar into it. In such a liquid there are several bodies which we know ; and I may safely say that there arc a great many others which we do not know, and there is no doubt that their presence is of considerable import- ance to the chemical change which takes place. Tliere are substances which I shall presently have occasion to show you and to speak of, formed by the germination of the grain, by the formation of the malt, which are related somewliat to this body which I Jiave here. Tnis was some pure wheat Hour — every kind of flour would not do — and it is supposed that some people mix other materials with flour. It was kneaded up with water, pressed together, and, whilst the pressure was being continued water was allowed to trickle over it. I have in another bottle some of the water that trickled over ii. There is a white substance deposited from this water, which is commonly known and much used by the name of starch, and starch is, in its chemical composition, first cousin to sugar ; it is a substance wliich passes over very readily into a kind of sugar by a process I shall presently have occasion to allude to. But the little ball of flour while being kneaded had the starch washed away from it, and I have left, as the result, a substance which is generally known by the name of gluten. If I were to describe it in chemical language, I should say it is something like flesh, or the muscular fibre of animals, for, in chemical composition, it approaches very nearly to that. When barley is malted, and kept in a warm place for some time, the grains begin to germinate and decompose, and some bodies are formed from this gluten, which is partially broken up. The malt contains also some sugar made from that starch — grape sugar, as we usually call it. If we had only those extreme cases I really do not know what we should do. If we had in our science one set of bodies which ap- peared so constantly to act at variance with the general laws whicli the others obey, I think we could not call chemistry a science. I have taken two or three examples to show you the definite proportions which we find to regulate the ordinary process of combination. I might have taken thousands, but the point is that this law does not appear to apply at all to these chemical changes which we call fermentation. One of the active substances in fermentation is being formed, it is increasing, not disappearing at all, and the contradiction is so strong and manifest that the only way out of the difliculty will be to do something of the kind which I was speaking of some time ago — that is to say, see if we cannot get some intermediate facts which will serve to connect the extreme ones ; to see if we cannot get at first something between the two classes, and then try to get some further links between them. There are processes of chemical change, I will not call them processes of fermentation, for I do not know whether they are, but which are analogous to it, and some of them are very interesting and very beautiful. I have here a substance called amygdalin, made from bitter almonds ; it is a bitter tasting substance, and consists of foui elements which it is not necessary that I should name. In this other bottle i have a paste formed of sweet almonds, which have been crushed with a pestle and mortar, and I will put some of it into the warm distilled water in this flask. Into the mixture I will put some of this amygdalin ; if I were to leave it witli- out that addition there would be very little change ; the sub- stance would gradually subside, but there would be no product given off in the way you will presently see. A.fter letting it stand for a few minutes I will pour some of the mixture into an open vessel, and we shall be able, without difliculty, to perceive a fragrant smell, which is due to the presence of a liquid of which I have a quantity here, a substance known by the name of oil of bitter almonds. If we were to perform the same experiment on a large scale, and macerate some of this amygdalin with almond paste, put them togetiier with warm water, distil the mixture, and collect what comes over, we should find that water would pass over, and with it would be a few drops of oil of bitter almonds, and tlie amygdalin would be decomposed in the process. There is in the sweet almond paste a substance which I cannot describe in better terma than by comparing it to that gluten which I showed yon just now. It is very similar to it in its composition, and by the contact of this, the synaptase, as it is called, with the amygdalin, the elements of the amygdalin are broken up into several products ; one of them is the oil of bitter almonds, another is prussic acid, which generally accompanies the oil, the third is a variety of sugar of the kind which is called grape-sugar, and there is probably also some formic acid. Here we have the breaking-up of a complex body, amygdalin, into several simpler bodies by the action of the body called synaptase ; but there is not in the process, so far as I know, any living organism at work. There is a substance which is somewhat similar to these living arganisms, but there is no organised structure, so far as our knowledge goes at present. Take another experiment. I have here something which is not a lliinc mange, although it looks something like it ; it was made by boiling potato-starch with water. We let it cool, and then turned it out ; some was put into a flask with two or three ounces of crushed malt. It was warmed to a tem- perature of GO degs. centigrade for about an hour ; there was no boiling. The substance was then squeezed through a cloth to keep back the husks of_ the malt, and here is the liquid which ran through. It is perfectly liquid, and its consistency is entirely different from that of starch, from which it was made ; it is quite sweet to the taste, and there is a large quantity of sugar in it. There is also another body which we class with the sugars ; that is, there is in this liquid a good deal of a kind of gum, wliich we call dextrine, which would easily pass into sugar. The starch, when it was being converted by the action of the malt into those soluble bodies, did not, so far as we know, break up into simpler substances ; the process was of a different kind. It assimilated the water ; the starch combined with the water, and at the same time divided itself, some of it forming one and some the other product. Here, also, there was not, as far as my knowledge goes, any ferment or any organised cells in the liquid. If they were present it was an accident, and was not essential to the change which took place. I am the more confident in saying that no ferment was there present, for we can get, and we very often do get, precisely the same formation of starch without any malt at all. If, instead of warming some of that starch with the infusion of malt, I had mixed it with a little — about five per cent. — of that strong sulphuric acid, and had heated it, it would have been dissolved almost like sugar in water. In fact, there are now in Germany, and also in England, manufactories in which starch is converted, by the action of dilute sulphuric acid, into grape sugar, and tlie same change which we get by organic substances — thatis the point — we also get by the action of this mineral acid. Another change of the same kind I may mention, especially as the subject of it is in itself interesting. I have here a sub- stance which people have been accused of making for the pur- pose of adulterating quinine. It is made from willow bark, and is believed to possess febi'ifuge properties, so that there was some little excuse for what I have mentioned. This sub- stance is called salicine, and when heated with dilute sulphuric acid, in the same way as the starch when so heated was con- verted into sugar and dextrine, tliis salicine breaks up in away which I might compare with that in which some bodies are broken up by fermentation. Another case of the same kind is afforded by tannin, a substance extracted from gall nuts, and which is present in oak and many other barks. It is used for combining with gelatine, which is the principal constituent in hides, to form leather. If we dissolve this tannin in water, and leave it in an open vessel, it will get mouldy ; aud if you examined it after some time you would find none of it left. It would all disappear, just like sugar in the process of fermenta- tion, and in place of it yon would find, in that particular pro- cess, a body which you might easily crystallise out from the liquid, and wliich I have here ; it is called gallic acid. It is a body resembliug tannin in some respects; for instance, in the property of forming, in combination with iron, a dark sub- stance, which is used in suspension in water for writing ink. But it will not do to form leather in combination with gela- tine. If you left the tannin in an open vessel, it would decompose, and there would be left gallic acid, and some other material which was formed at the same time would have dis- appeared. By boiling tannin with dilute acid, we get the process performed more regularly. Upon boiling some tannin . with dilute sulphuric acid, you would find that water would be takeu up by if, the tnnniu would combine with water, and it 324 THE FARMEB'S MAGAZINfi. would break up into sugar and gallic acid, the process being exactly like that which I mentioned in the case of salicine. There is a most direct analogy between the process of breaking up with sulphuric acid effects upon tannin and that of fermen- tation. I ought to say, when telling you of the decomposi- tion of the tannin, that it is effected by little animal organisms present in the liquid, and it appears that they are the agents of the transformation. Then there are some other processes of considerable importance, from their occurrence in the animal economy — processes which, I believe, must be classed between those experiments which I showed you a little while ago, and the process of fermentation— I mean processes which occur in the operation of digestion. I have here a gelatinous solid, which contains a substance called pepsine, which was made by dissolving the inner lining of a pig's stomach in diluted hy- drochloric acid at about blood heat. The inner lining of the stomach of that and similar animals is dissolved gradually, and that solution possesses the property of dissolving muscular fibre, white of egg, and other similar substances ; it is, in fact, artificial gastric juice, and it would, for instance, dissolve that lump of gluten which I showed you just now — which looked something like indiarubber — and when this pepsine dissolves albumen by digestion, for the process is doubtless of the same kind as that which occurs in the animal economy, it does so by breaking up into bodies which are no doubt simpler than itself, bodies which we do not know accurately and fully. They are called peptones, for it is common enough to give names to bodies, even before one knows them well. I do not know whether it is a good plan, but it is customany. These bodies are a good deal similar to those which are present in malt, and in such like mixtures which have undergone vital changes. Then I will give you one or two other cases of similar processes. Here is a singularly beautiful acid, called hippuric acid, which decomposes with very great readiness if left in the liquids in which it is originally found. When that organic mixture is exposed to the air it undergoes a process of putrefaction. The general appearances which take place in the liquid while the substance is decom- posing would certainly be described by anybody as a putre- factive process, and there is formed by its decomposition some of this other beautiful acid, called benzoic acid, because it was originally obtained from the fragrant gum benzoin. At the same time there are other products given off which decompose. Now we cau by mineral substances effect the same decompo- sition of that hippuric acid. A German chemist, to whom we owe many researches iu these matters, showed some years ago, that if jou boiled hippuric zni with dilute sulphuric acid, it takes up water, and breaks up into benzoic acid, and this crys- talline substance called blycocol, or sugar of ghie. It got that name from the circumstance that it was obtained originally from glue by decomposing action, and it has a sweet taste. It has no analogy to sugar in its nature, but it has that superficial re- semblance that it is rather sweet. This hippuric acid affords another case of a body which is broken up either by putrefac- tion or by the action of dilute sulphuric acid. It affords a strong argument, and other cases I have adduced afford, like it, an argument that the action of these organic substances re- sembles the action of sulphuric acid. If we get the same change in several cases by the action of an organic body as by the action of a mineral body, the fact certainly goes some way towards showing that the two substances must be, in their mode of action, generally alike. There is another case, that of urea, which in contact with water forms a carbonate. That may be done by either class of re- agent. There are, however, some chemical processes even simpler than these, and for that reason they are better known to us, which really may be studied with advantage side by side with tliose I have mentioned, and they will, I think, afford us, on further consideration, a key to the explanation cf these processes. I will only mention two. One is a process which is well known in its general features, and it is a process of break- ing up truly analogous to those I have mentioned, but a per- fectly simple breaking up of alcohol into two substances, both of them well known now, one being water, and the other ether. It is a process which consists in dividing the elements of alcohol in such a way as to get nothing formed but these two products, though side by side with this change there are some secondary changes which do not belong to the process. This change is effected solely by the action of oil of vitriol or sulphuric acid. It has been long known, and it was a subject of wonder for some time that, if sulphuric acid is mixed with alcohol and heated, you cau distil off some alcohol from the mixture iu the form of these two products ; then you may add some more alcohol, and if you distil that off, it is also broken up into ether and water ; then you may add some more again, and you may go on adding alcohol to that original quantity of sulphuric acid, and it will decompose each succes- sive portion into these two products. There is no limit known to the extent to which sulphuric acid will effect that change. You perceive, therefore, that this, iu its general features, is a process analogous to those which we were considering at first. 1 may illustrate that by an experiment. First, I will show you how we discover the presence of sulphuric acid. The com- mon test is, to add some salt of baryta — this which I have here is a chloride — to the sulphate, when we get at once a precipit- ate sulphate of baryta. The sulphuric acid, in making the ether, passes over into a compound that does not possess this property. I have some of it here. It is a clear liquid, and on mixing it with the same re-agent I used just now you see tfiat it will not form the precipitate. I put some of the same baric chloride into it, but, as you see, the liquid remains clear. But I can bring back my sulphuric acid to its original state. Mr. Taylor, my assistant, was heating some of it jvst now, and it has been standing so long that it has returiied to its original state already. It has returned from the state in which it does not precipitate baryta to the state in which it does. There is in the process a successive departure of the sulphuric acid from its ordinary state, and a return to that original state ; it is a kind of circle or cycle. The substance passes over into a compound which does not precipitate baryta, and then it returns again to its original form, and that is the key to the anomaly. When the sulphuric acid has effected the decomposition of one portion of alcohol into ether and water, it comes back again to sulphuric acid, becomes exactly what it was in the beginning, and is able to recommence precisely the same combination. I will give you another example of it. I have here a substance used iu one of the commonest manufactures, that of oil of vitriol, iu which the same operation occurs. I have there a substance at work called nitric oxide. It is converting a quantity of sulphurous into sulphuric aicd. In principle it would so convert an infi- nite quantity, but in practice it is limited by convenience. It acts by carrying oxygeu from the air to one portion of sulphurous acid and then to another, and thus it goes on, and effects successive oxidations of a great number of particles of sulphurous acid, forming sulphuric acid from them, and it does that in virtue of a process perfectly analogous to that which I just now mentioned. The gas, after one operation, returns to the same state in which it was in the beginning of the first operation ; it is a cyclical process. I have here some of the nitric oxide combined with oxygen, and when in that state it has the red colour which you see iu the flask. If we blow a little sulphurous acid into it, the red colour will disappear as the nitrous acid gives up the oxygen, the nitric oxide itself being a colourless compound, but in combination with oxygen it is red. As the sulphurous acid passes into it, the nitric oxide parts with the oxygen and becomes colourless, but on again blowing in a little oxygen it returns to its former red colour. This shows you that there are processes of simple, normal chemical action, somewhat analogous to those fer- mentive properties which I formerly described. Each one of these processes takes place iu perfectly definite proportions, the peculiarity being that one material which takes part in them returns at the end of one operation to the same state in whicli it was at the beginning of the operation, so that the processes are cyclical, and this re-agent is able, by acting suc- cessively on a large quantity of particles, to repeat its action very irequently upon them, and beyond what would appear to be its definite combining proportion. You see this red com- pound of nitric oxide and oxygen has lost a great deal of its red colour. I will not wait until it is completely bleached, but will blow iu a little oxygen, when we shall get a return to the origin.al deep red colour. This is the ordinary process by which sulphuric acid is made on a large scale in lead chambers. The sulphurous acid is allowed to remain a considerable time in the chamber, and is passed on from oue to another, as it is acted on by the nitric oxide, which passes through the suc- cessive stages of its action by a process which I sliould be glad to name cyclical, as I shall have occasion again to revert to a similar process of the same name. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 325 AGRICULTURE IN BRITISH INDIA. From the Fens of Lincolnshire to the rice fields of Bengal, or from the Welsh and ('otswold Hills to the Himalaya Mountains, is a wide sj)ace to range over even in imagination ; but since the Anglo-Saxon race has taken " to increase and multii)ly," and has spread over the globe — here with a group of colonists and there by a military settlement — regions however remote jiossess for all of us an interest and to some adventurous spirits a fas- cination which cannot be found in the homesteads of Fug- land. Tlic government of races that have risen to splendour and civilization and then fallen to decay has devolved upon the shoulders of the descendants of Clive and Warren Hastings ; and how they have fulfilled their destiny can best be chronicled by the administration formed for that purpose. Where many talents are given, much is required; and in what manner these responsible duties have been fulfilled we are in a position to ascertain more accurately than hitherto. The last report upon the moral and material progress of India furnishes much excellent matter for consideration, and not a little satis- faction in the knowledge that our rulers are equal to the task of governing an Empire, over which the Queen now reigns, iu place of the Company of Merchants formerly trading to the East. From the wide range of subjects contained in this statement, a few selected fiicts bearing upon the agricul- tural prospects of that country may not be unwelcome to our readers, amongst whom there must be some who hope to find a larger field for their enterprise than is contained in the narrow limits of the British Isles. The opening of the Suez Canal, and another great event of the year, the completion of the telegraphic communication, has brought us within speaking distance ; the junction, too, of the Great Indian Peninsular and the East Indian Rail- says, whereby the whole breadth of tne Peninsula is spanned, makes the time occupied in reaching Calcutta from London no greater than it took twenty years ago to travel from one end of India to the other. A notable in- crease has occurred in the receipts from and in the number of letters and newspapers, which have never been so numerous since the year following upon the mutiny. The more rapid transmission of the mails under the recent postal regulations, whereby Bombay is made the point of arrival and departure, has been the cause of greater speed and efficiency, although complaints are made about the enhanced charges. The drougliL, however, cast a dark shadow over the land ; and great as were the sufferings of the people, they were much lessened by the liberality of the authorities. From neighbouring states many of the famine-stricken poured into British territories in search of food, aggravating the burden already felt there. In the Central Provinces, although less severe, the drought was universal : those which suffered most were the north-western, and in the Punjaub, the districts lying south of the Sutlej. In Madras and the Lower Provinces the causes for anxiety on this account were but slight. It is not therefore a matter of surprise that the finances suffered, when the large sum of £10,578,160 was expended during the years IS6S-69 upon public works to give employment to the destitute. Otherwise, the prospects under British rule are decidedly better than at any former period. The principal sources of revenue ai'e derived from the land, customs, opium, and salt ; the latter is the only tax which bears alike upon all, and certain cliangcs arc in contemplation to lessen its severity upon the poorer classes and to simplify the mode of its col- lection. The cotton cultivation, to which great attention has been given since the failure of our supplies during the American wai-, has suffered to a certain extent from natural causes. The acreage under culture was some- what less than the previous year, and the estimate of the yields followed in like manner. The figures were — for Madras 1,466,372 in 1867-68,1,365,720 in 1868-6'J; for the Bombay Precidency in 1868-69 2,165,731 acres, against 2,181,173 acres in 1876-68. In the north- western Provinces there was a falling off of 1,300,000 to 800,000 acres. Experiments during the year with foreign seeds have met with uncertain success, partly owing again to the unfavourable season, and in future it is intended that all such will be made by the Govern- ment, since it would be impolitic to place doubtful de- scriptions in the hands of the ryot, whose bred deponds upon his land. There are strong advocates for the estab- lishment of public cotton markets at all important stations, as a means for bringing the European merchant into direct contact with the cultivator, and of freeing the latter from the bondage of the Native middle-men and brokers. Tea cultivation, which is another important feature originated iu a discovery made in Assam in the year 1830 ; and since that time, by the aid of the Government and the enterprise of private companies and individuals although the results have not always been fiuaccit-lly profitable, yet, upon the whole, success has attended the operations. The returns of the planters are not entirely reliable, but the out-turn for the Assam district is stated to have been 9,491,600;bs., or about 2,000,0001bs. more than 1867-68. At Kangra, where the plantations are placed on the lower slopes of the snowy range of the Himalayas, at an elevation of 2,500 to 5,000 feet above the sea, there is another experiment going on in tea-planting. The Government have disposed of nearly all their gardens at their station at Kumaon, since the cultivation has taken root and fallen into the heads of a responsible body of proprietors : and here there apparently exists a good opening for enter- prising persons. The teas are chiefly gathered and sold for the Central Asia market, the transit charges being too heavy to admit of a profit in the London market. Of the quantities of teas exported during the year from Cal- cutta there can be no doubt, since the Customs give the total at 11,434.000 lbs., against 8,789,344 lbs. in 1867- 68, showing an increase of 2,644,656 lbs. We have an interesting description of the mode of life which is passed by the inhabitants of the hills. It ap- pears to be the custom of these people to remain in their villages until the season commences in May, and then the whole countryside moves up, every man to his patch of land on some lofty eminence. Allhough the clearing of a space of dense jungle is no doubt very severe labour, yet the surroundings render the work pleasurable, compared with the toilsome and dirty work of the tillers of the plain. On the one hand, the hill man labours in the shade of the jungle he is cutting ; he is in a lofty spot where every breeze reaches and refreshes him ; his spirits are enlivened by the beautiful prospect stretching out before him. He is surrounded by his comrades; the scent of the wild thyme and the buzzing of the forest bee are about him ; the young men and maidens sing to their 326 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. work, and the laugh and joke go round as they sit at their midday meal beneath the shade of some great mossy forest tree. The management of these extensive forests, which spread over different portions of India, has occupied the attention of the Government, and a staff of experienced officials is being prepared for that especial pui'pose. By the system at present adopted, a certain number of young men intended for this branch of service are an- nually selected and sent for a two-years' course of train- ing in the forest schools of Prance and Germany, In the north-west Provinces we find the education of children has not been neglected. The number of schools of all kinds was 8,462, the pupils 197,812, and this out of a popula- tion of about 30 millions. Notwithstanding the famine, the attendance advanced, and the best results are expected from these village schools in spreading a sound education among the agricultm\il classes. In the central Provinces the great bulk of the popula- tion live by agricultural pursuits, and the custom still prevails throughout the country of making the village proprietor the keystone of the system of social economy. On him the greater number, if not the whole, of his tenants depend for their seed grain, and for the means of subsistence until harvest time, n'hile the artiza'ns and village servants depend in their turn on the cultivators, 80 that unless the proprietors have stores or credit, the whole community suffers. The total area of this province is 50,865,133 acres, of which 21,032,695 acres are bar- ren and 29,832,440 are cultivatable. About one-half of the latter is under the plough. Food grain it appears occupy 79 per cent, of the land, cotton 5, oilseed 7, and other seeds the remaining 9 per cent. The average rice crop is about 5741bs. per acre. Much cannot be said for the success of the experimental sheep and cattle breeding. The Punjaub and the feudatory States in political re- lation occupy a space or 200,000 square mQes, so that we we have an area of nearly half as large again as Prance, and still unappropriated waste land at the disposal of the Government, amounting to about 13,000 square miles. The forest tracts are chieily in the interior of the Hima- layas, but it is only in localities overlooking rivers, into which the logs when cut are thrown, to be carried by the stream to the plains, that they can be turned to practical account. The agricultural are to the non-agricultural classes as nine to eight. Owing to the scanty rainfall there was a decrease of 475,920 acres in spring cultiva- tion, and of 1,619,041 in autumn crop. From the same causes there was a great loss of cattle during the year, amounting to 450,000. There are about 150,000 camels in this province. The rhea or China grass, a plant which has been introduced from Assam, thrives luxuriantly. It possesses a valuable fibre, for which there Is an unlimited demand, but owing to the want of suitable machinery for detaching the fibre from the stem, the development of this important trade is delayed. A reward of £5,000 has been offered by the Secretary of State to the inventor whose ingenuity most completely supplies the want. It was in this region of the feudatory states that the famine raged most severely ; the scarcity of grain, great as it was, was trifling, compared with that of forage. It is believed that three-fourths of the cattle have died, or have been sold out of the country in consequence. In British Burmah the principal crop is rice, of which there were 1,667,262 acres, or about 15,000 acres less than in 1867-68. Notwithstanding the murrain, the number of cows and bullocks increased from 388,190 to 419,887, the prices of skilled labour vary from 4s. to Is. 4d. a-day, unskilled fi'om Is. to Is. 6d. Mysore, which has an area about equal to the European kingdom of Bavaria, has an extent of land under culture estimated at3, 353, 799 acres,of which 2,198,476 are taken up bvr%j and other food grains, 836,632 by rice, and 108,741 by coffee. The mulberry is cultivated on 1,700 acres ; but the manufacture of silk, which is said to have been introduced by Tippoo Sultan, has been seriously affected by the disease of the worm. Two exhibitions were held during the year, with the ob- ject of introducing improved methods of flower and fruit culture, and the accounts received of their success are most encouraging. We cannot altogether omit to mention the trigonome- trical and topographical surveys. These were conducted by seven parties, and nearly all the ground traversed possessed hitherto no reliable maps, the tracts, in some cases, having been rarely visited by Europeans. Summing up the work accomplished by the latter department, it appears that during the last quarter of a century the enormous extent of nearly 600,000 square miles has been surveyed, an area about five times larger than the British islands; and what may be well imagined, the journals of the oSicers engaged contain much valuable information on the geography, ethnology, &c. of the localities surveyed by them. Supplies of coal for the railways, and fresh water for certain stations have been among the fruitfid results of their explorations. The chief operations of the botanical department consisted in the propagation of the chinchona plant, there being now 2,596,176 plants belonging to the Government on the Neilgherry hills ; besides 178,605, which have been distributed to private individuals. This and much other information that we have not space to reproduce, make one of the most interesting and creditable volumes that has issued from the ofl[icial printing press, and were it not for the fatal blue cover, it might find a place in our circulating libraries. DOCTORS DIFFER. Although the country is getting habituated to the cry of Wolf! which is so continually being raised, there is no doubt a good deal of what may be termed second-rate disease about. Previous to the visitation of the Rinder- pest very little would have been heard of such a complaint as the Foot-and-Mouth ; but since then we have become more keenly alive to the disorders of stock, and there are now very few " cases" but that are taken up. In fact, from the appearance of the Cattle Plague the veterinary profession may be said to have been gradually educating itself in this way, as to have discovered how there might be even something more to study than the anatomy of the horse or the distempers of the Jog. It would look, however, from what is just at present transpiring, that I this branch of the business is not as yet in a very satis- factory condition, even if the leading principles of the art are as clearly laid down as they might be. Thus, in the September number of The Veterinarian a con- tributor speaks to "the many instances of defective observation : Many cases of a catarrhal nature were con- demned on farms dm'ing the prevalence of the Cattle Plague as the disease itself." Then, again, as to " the so-called ' dropping after calving', loin-fallen, milk fever and the di'op, in cattle-breeding districts jn-actitioners frequently attend ^these cases. In one locality we have heard of a most unprecedented series of cures bemg made, and forthwith lost no time in making close in- quiries. The practitioner, in a certain instance THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 327 uo way chary of his Information, allowed us to visit some cases, and afforded all particulars required, but we dis- covered his nosology included parturient apoplexy, metro- peritonitis, and the ordinary nervous debility, or loin- fallen as one affection. Some died he admitted, but many recovered. ' When the brain keeps all right,' he said, ' the cow soon gets well.' " Further still, and it may be very useful to extend these examples, as offered, be it re- membered, on the authority of a member of the profes- sion : — " On the subject of contagious maladies our opi- nions are not at all in unison. The writer was called a short time ago by a large agriculturist to pronounce upon the nature of disease among a valuable herd of cattle. The owner had been informed he had to deal with epizootic pleuro-pneumonia and was much alarmed. Four affected animals were put under treatment, and recovered without the disease spreading any farther, or the use of disin- fectants of any kind. In an action for damages sustained by a farmer, it was said, by the conveyance of contagion from an adjoining farm, a witness gave the particulars of cases of sporadic pleuro-pneumonia, conscientiously be- lieving he had treated the contagious form ; and three others stated in the witness-box that in their belief con- tagion could remain dormant for three months and even longer, and preserve all its fatal properties, but when asked by counsel could give no proof in evidence." All this shows a rather loose state of things, empha- tically pointed as these diflerences are in another direction. On the subject of contagious diseases opinions are not at all in unison, either in or out of the profession. Thus, in the special appendix to the Journal of the Bath and West of England Society, the veterinary inspector writing on the sanitary condition of the stock at Taunton says " every precaution was taken to prevent the entrance of infected animals into the yard ; but no provision could be made to exclude persons coming from infected stocks, and to this indirect cause of inspection perhaps even more outbreaks are due, than to the actual and direct contact of healthy with diseased animals." Whereupon Sir J. Clarke Jervoise straightway writes to the Council, as wiU be seen from a report in another part of this day's paper, to say : " This is so contrary to my own experience, that I am most desirous of bringing the question to demonstration; and, with this object, I shall be glad to place for the space of one twelvemonth (from September the 1st, 1870) twelve out of thirteen Irish steers, pur- chased in June last, to be infected by Professor Brown, or any member of the Veterinary College he may select, in the way and in the manner referred to by Professor Brown, otherwise than by actual and direct contact. The visits to be paid at intervals, not more frequent than 14 days. In case of his success I shall be ready to pay the sum of one hundred pounds." Nothing coidd possibly sound fairer than this, as nothing would promise to be attended with more uselul results than the thorough test of such a theory as is here propagated. According to the showing of its own members and its own Journal, nothing can be more lamen- table than the uncertainty or more determined ignorance existing amongst veterinarians as to the diseases of cattle. And yet, strange as it may souud, the Council of an Agricultural Society " feels itself unable to undertake the duty suggested," although it would be well to know why it shirks so appropriate an office — particularly if it have any confidence in the dicta of its own Professor. Failing such support it is only to be hoped that Mr. Brown him- self will be ready to back his own opinions, even if the profession be not already committed to these views. In a leader, and consequently coming with all the greater weight, in the new number of The Veterinarian it is de- clared that " some of the affections are not in the ordinary sense of the word contagious ; a healthy animal might be placed in contact with a diseased one without danger, and a diseased beast might be placed in the midst of a healthy herd in a healthy locality without any risk being Incurred of spreading the disease ; but on the other hand, animals from a healthy district cannot with impunity be brought into the neighbourhood of the diseased and be placed under the inlluencc of the conditions which favour the development of the malady." This reads very much in unison with the opinion advanced in the West of England Journal against the spread of infection from "the actual and direct contact of healthy with diseased animals ; " and with this, notwith- standing anything the experience of Sir J. Clarke Jervoise may tell to the contrary, the veterinary profession Is identified, for The Veterinarian Is " edited by Professor SImonds, assisted by Professors Brown, Tuson, and Var- nell." Of course we all know the increased liability of strangers to take disease, but can it be safely propounded that animals will catch infection sooner from herdsmen than they will from other beasts? Professor Brown answers that they will, and Sir J. Clarke Jervoise that they will do nothing of the kind ; while surely the question Is worth bringing to an Issue ! Again, The Veterinaiian maintains that '' a diseased beast may be placed In a healthy herd in a healthy locality without any risk being Incurred ! " If this be correct, what can be the use of our preventions and cordons, and so forth ? Yon may take the animal to the disease, but you cannot take the disease to the animal! The passage Is not quite so clearly put as It might be; as, indeed, these learned essays rarely read very plainly, but let us have the names of these stay-at-home disorders by all manner of means, and let us hear further that some body is prepared to accept the challenge of Sir J. Clarke Jervoise. Such an experiment might save a deal of idle talk hereafter. INOCaLATION FOR PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.— Mr. Bruce points to Belgium and Holland in support of inocula- tion. The latest reference which has come under our observa- tion as regards Belgium, appeared in the pamphlet lately issued by Mr. Howard, M.P., on " European Farming and Peasantry." Mr. Howard states that when inoculation was performed during summer in Belgium, the tails of the animals operated upon drooped off, and when inoculation was performed in cool weather, such a result seldom occurred. We could give numerous extracts from Mr. Bruce's report for New South Wales of the opinions of owners of stock condemnatory of inoculation, for it is the recorded opinion of not a few of these owners that it was neither a cure nor a preventive, and that in some herds the number of deaths from inoculation was apparently greater than the number who died from pleuro- pneumonia. But as the belief in the efficacy of inoculation lias recently extended in the United Kingdom, and has been lately practised in Ireland, we submit, for the consideration of the believers in inoculation, the following facts : 1st, There is no instance of inoculation with the virus obtained from a diseased animal proving a cure or preventive for the same malady as is the case by vaccinating the human subject with the virus of the cow-pox. The disease known as small-pox in man is prevented, but cow-pox and small-pox are distinct diseases, although they are somewhat analogous. What would be thought of the mental state of the veterinarian who would advocate inoculation with the virus of foot-and-mouth disease as a preventive of that irruptive fever, or the inoculation of healthy cattle with the virus obtained from the lungs of an animal affected with the cattle plague ! The truth appears to us to be that inoculation of healthy animals by the virus obtained from tlic lungs of an animal affected with pleuro- pneumonia, can only act in the same manner as a seton does by producing a counter irritation in the system for the time being. Those who practice inoculation by inserting a tape in the tale of an animal which has been steeped in liquid obtained from the lungs of a diseased animal, which has either died of the disease or been slaughtered, wheu known to have been affected, are quilty of an act of cruelty wliich should render them liable to be prosecuted under Mr. Martin's Act.— Norili British Agriculturist. THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. THE LABOUR MARKET IN AUSTRALIA. Oil the debate on tlic vote for iinmigration purposes, which took place in tlie Legislative Assembly, Melbourne, The Attorney-General, Mr. MicitiE, said, notwilhstandiug the lateness of the hour, he would fulfil his promise of giving the House facts, to which, if the hon. and learned member for Brighton could, he should adapt his theories. There was no lack of these facts. He remembered, for instance, twenty-two or twenty-three years ago, when the wages of skilled labour were from -is. to 5s. per day. What were they now ? At the period of his retrospect tlie inhabitants of this colony were under 200,000 ; and what was the number now ? According to the hon. and learned member's argument, each subsequent influx of population should have cut down the wages of la- bour ; but had it done so ? No, it had not ; and what then became of the hon. and learned member's theory? What were the very newest lights of the hon. and learned member in comparison with all this ? What had the new blood been doing, if such arguments were held ? It seemed that directly the hou. and learned member came in contact with the Chamber of Commerce and the merchants lie lost his head. If state aid to immigration brought about these results, what was the force of an argument which contended tliat it should not bring about those results? According to the hon. and learned member, the wages of carpenters, now from 93. to 10s. per day, should be reduced to 4s. or 5s. per day. Mr. LoNGMORE : Go back fourteen years only. Mr. MiciiiE might go back fourteen months, and what would be the difference? And as for the lion, member for Kipon and Hampden, why should he speak, when the regula- tions proposed were a mere bagatelle, in the way of intro- ducing labour, to those which he when in office agreed to. If these rcgulatious were indefensible, what was to be said for those of the government of which the hon. member was a member, and which would have facilitated the introduction of a vastly larger population ? The hon. member might say tliat he was not aware of those regulations ; but could tliat excuse hold on a subject of this vast importance ? If the hon. member objected to new blood now, why did he not before ? But, whether he was new, old, or middle blood, it was per- fectly clear that the legitimate operation of these regulations would have been to pour a flood of population into this co- lony, to which the stream to be expected under the present regulations would have been a mere rivulet. But, coming to higher and fairer game, he reminded the hon. and learned member for Brighton that, whatever theory he might profess to entertain, he must adjust liis theory so as to make it con- sistent with facts. How did he (Mr. Iliginbotham) account for the facts that he had witnessed in actual operation in this colony ? In tlie curious ope- rations of society, where at once all the members of the body politic, skilled and unskilled, workednotmerely competitively but harmoniously together, harmoniously for the general pros- perity or the particular prosperity, in the limited view which the lion, gentleman had taken of the s..bjrct, each of them was indispensable to the interests of all, and a!I 'o each ; and as the various interests worked together, and as all wc-e neces- sary customers to everybody else at the same time that they were supplying the wants of everybody else, so all prospered and advanced in their prosperity together. The rates of wages steadily rose as they increased the population — (" No, no," from Mr. Vale) — excluding occasional and periodical fluctuations, to which every civilized community was subject. Would it be pretended that the normal operation of the prin- ciple was affected by the circumstance that there happened to be at the present moment a comparatively peculiar depression atBallarat? A great portion of the capital legitimately em- ployed at Ballarat has been transferred to Pleasant Creek and other places. A member of his own profession had within the last twelve months paid away £1,000 in tails without re- ceiving a shilling in the way of dividends. His experience was the experience of scores of others ; and the consequence was that a great deal of capital legitimately acquired at Balla- rat during the twelve months had been dissipated in various transactions, and the consequence of so much capital being recklessly and unprofitably passed away was that there was less demand for labour. But nobody who had read tlie ele- ments of political economy would he surprised at that. Periodical fluctuations in wages in old and new communities were comparatively trifling, and did not interrupt material progress in long views of things, or the normal and necessary operation of the relation of capital and labour. Por that reason he was prepared to recognise these regulations ; and he defended them on the ground that they were precise enough, and at the same time elastic enough, to admit every form of labour, skilled and unskilled . He utterly repelled the insinua- tion that the hon. and learned member was unhandsome enough to make, that the policy of the Government was to introduce nothing but unskilled labour. Mr. HiGiNBOxnAM said that the objection he had made lay at the very root of the system of State aid to immigration, which had existed from the commencement of responsible government down to the present time. He blamed the Go- vernment for not stating why they maintained a policy which encouraged the immigration ol all classes except one. Mr. MiciiiE : The hon. and learned member said that the Government dare not bring out skilled labour. He (Mr. Michie) said they dared and would bring it out, and the regu- lations were large enough to do it. Mr. LoNGMORE interjected a remark to the effect that the hon. and learned member was expressing views which would obtain for him his dismissal from Ballarat. Mr. MiCiiiE said his dismissal from Ballarat would not break his heart. Rather than make a speecli as the hon. member had at the Belvidere, denouncing immigration at one time, and at another time be prepared to father such a system of immigration as the hon. member had fathered, he would prefer to be hunted out of every political arena in the colony. What did state aid to immigration mean ? (Mr. Higin- BOxnAM : £68,000.) Whence derived ? (Mr. E. Cope : Out of the pockets of the working men.) He maintained that it came from the proceeds of the Crown lands ; and if the hon. member interrupting him said that the land was the people's, he replied that the people who were here, ten, twenty, and thirty years ago — before the hon. member came out — said the same thing. The cries raised now were the same as those raised a quarter of a century ago. If the people of that day had said, " Oh, the countryjbelongs to us." (Mr. E. CoFE : " It did not.") That was exactly what he wanted to bring about. If the country did not belong to them, it did not belong to us who were here now. He denied that state aid to immigration was state aid in the sense in which we ordi- narily used that expression — as, for instance, slati aid to religion. When the hon. member talked about the unwhole- some and objectionable spirit of pandering to the commercial desire to import persons into the colony to have more people to trade with, and connected that desire with tlie expression " state aid," he (Mr. Michie) requested him to give fair play to *his unmistakable fact. The sea so far separated us from the large centres of population as to constitute a sort of wall of China around us. In his more candid and dispassionate moments the hon. and learned member would allow the force of the argument that if physically and efTectually separated from more numerously populated communities, we should, as a necessary and inevitable result, unless artificial plans were employed, be altogether prevented from adding to our popu- lation from without ; we should remain utterly insulated, as absolutely enclosed by the seas as the great wall of China might enclose a city. How under these circumstances was there to be an addition to our population from without by the natural operation of competition ? When the hon. and learned member gravely said, " Oh, why do this injustice to the working classes ? wait for the legitimate operation of the demand and supply of labour," he took up a position which was practically almost as absurd as was the reply made by Lord Ellenborough to John Home Tooke, when he said : " The laws of England are open ahke to the rich and to the THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 329 poors" " Yes," said Home Tooke, "and so is tlic London Tavern." Lord Ellenborough was right, but Jolin llorne Tooke was more right. Of course there was not a pauper in London who could not, if he had tlie money in his pocket, have partaken of a handsome champagne dinner in the London Tavern, but without that its doors would be as much closed against Iiim as if lie were in Kamtschatka. Such would he the elTect of the hon. and learned member's scheme, if carried out. With- out assistance of some kind the colony would be virtually closed against the working classes of the mother country, and even against the poor scholars and gentlemen whom we would also be glad to see arrive, if by honourable exertion of any kind they could contribute to the advantages enjoyed by the community at large. It was farcial to talk of the law of de- mand and supply being practicable under such circumstances. There might be an extraordinary demand, but if there were no means in existence to meet it, it might continue to be intense, while the supply would be ridiculously below it. Some people talked of inducing capitalists to come out here, but if the scheme proposed by the hon. and learned member were adopted, he (Mr. Michie) would advise people with money at home not to come out if they expected to do any good to tiiemselves. He would say let no man wlio wants the legitimate profits that capital expects come out to this country, because there is a general confederacy against capital and the legitimate effect of it, championed by the hon. aud learned member for Brighton, by which capitalists will only be cast under the feet of labour. (" No ! no !") That was tlie inevitable opeiation of the prin- ciple he advocated. No one could say that at the present mo- ment the working classes were under the feet of capital. Let them take up a file of the Arrjus a short lime before the mail left and read the rate of wages there, and they would find Mr. LoNGMORE : A fiction invented for political pur- poses. Mr. MiciiiE : The hon. member might designate it a fiction, but he (Mr. Michie) had personally found it a fact, as no doubt had a great many others who had occasion to build or add to their houses of late. So far from those returns being fictitious, it would on inquiry, he thought, be found correct that there was quite lately a strike among some operatives at St. Kilda because their wages were not raised either to 9s. or 10s. a day. If the Government scheme were refused, and that of the hon. and learned member for Brighton adopted, the result would be that before long both skilled aud unskilled labour would be crying out for the very regulations which were uow opposed, in order that their legitimate operation might bring out capitalists, for of course unless there were capital to employ labour the labourer must suffer. The one required to be in proportion to the other. So long as under the regulations capital and labour were not brought out in dispropoclion to each other the results would be beneficial, and the more intelli- gent of the working classes knew and acknowledged it, and were as prepared to defend the regulations submitted as any member of the Government. The regulations were elastic and were effi- cacious for the introduction of skilled as well as unskilled labour. Li fact, the most wholesome, the most beneficial, the most secure, and the most virtuous form of immigration that could possibly be devised was family-assisted immigration, and it got reasonably and philosophically over the difficulties which sepa- rated us from the large centres of population. If they could secure such a class of immigration by devoting a portion of the proceeds of the sale of their Crown lands, for he denied that the resources for such a purpose necessarily came from, taxation, they would be quite justified in doing so. The Crown lands belonged to the empire. Before they were surrendered to this country tiiey were Crown lands of the empire, and not the property of this colony, nor of any community on this side the world, and he asked would it be either rational or just, after having received those lands, to say in effect, " We close this territory henceforth against you all" ? for without the as- sistance provided by fhe regulations, scarcely any labourer would come to the country. [An Hon. Mejiher : Nonsense.] The hon. and learned member for Brighton did not say it was nonsense. He knew that by reason of the proximity of the United States and the Canadian dominion, the large stream of population must flow to those countries unless this colony offered advantages such as it was proposed to offer. The pro- posal of the hon. and learned member amounted virtually to a proposition to impose a property qualification upon immigrants. Those who were rich enough might come, but others stop must away. While tens of thousands went to the United States,immi- gration here was almost stopped. Was that to be perpetual ? Without the addition of population, new blood, or whatever it might be called, they could not make progress. That was in- dispensable if ever they expected to grow into a great country, worthy of being called a nation, and able to keep up its arma- ments, and hold its own against any community in the world. Without population it was ridiculous for the lion, and learned member to throw himself into a warlike attitude, and abuse Rogers or any other obnoxious character on the other side of the world, with a population contemptible as compared with the power with which he was contending. All other things being equal, population was a large and most material element of power and respect in any nation, and it was because he desired by every legitimate means to advance the respect, power, in- fluence, and prosperity of this country, that he certainly felt the necessity of supporting, regardless of what might be the per- sonal consequences to himself, the regulations that liad been submitted that night. WHEAT GROWING IN AMERICA. There are few practices in American farming in which there is more loss than in the careless, imperfect manner of putting in wheat. It is very probable that more than half of the land sown in the United States produces crops that range from 10 bushels per acre down to i.uthing, where only good manage- ment and good culture were needed to average from 20 to 30 bushels per acre. In growing winter wheat some of the main causes of and reasons for I'lese ' 'ht yields are sowing on badly-prepared land, either after spring crops or on an old grass sod, and on land too much run to produce good crops of wheat — land that in some cases is too much exhausted to grow good wheat with good cultivation, but that more generally fails to grow paying crops for want of good cultivation and good management. I believe that few of our good wheat lands are so badly run that a suitable rotation of crops, frequent seeding to clover, and a well-worked summer fallow, will not produce heavy crops of wheat ; while as a general rule good land that has had this kind of management for some years will grow very fair wheat after well-managed spring crops. That so much land fails to grow paying crops of wheat when sown after spring crops, where but little attention is given to the rotation, and the wheat is sown late on badly-prepared land, is not surprising. It is true, rich new lands have grown good wheat in this way, but it would not be expected to see them continue to do so after they have been a long time in cultiva- tion. But in sections where wheat appears to be gradually failing under bad cultivation, good farming and fine cultiva- tion may stiU grow good crops. A large part of wheat farming is on soils of this character and condition, and a large share of the failures and light crops are owing to sowing such lands after spring crops, where the land is not well managed, suitably prepared, or properly manured. A far too common practice is to break up an old sod, plant to corn, potatoes, and beans two or three years ; sow to oats, barley, or some other spring crop a year or two more ; and, after the land is thus pretty well run out with spring crops, sow to wheat and seed down. Now this is a very bad system, or rather way of farming, for there is no system about it. To thus reduce the soil with spring crops, and then expect to grow good wheat with the scant preparation usually given in such cases, is taxing the soil severely. In the first place an old, and in a sense exhausted, June grass and timothy sod, with most likely a good sprinkling of wire grass, is not a good, genial condition of the land to start with ; it is far inferior to a good, clean clover sod. This old sod, with the scant cultivation, and very little, often no hoeing given to crops now-a-days, will seldom be well sub- 330 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. dued; but the wire grass (Poa compressa) roots, like those of the Canada thistle and quack grass, will grow as well one end up as the other, and other weeds will largely work in. So the spring crops are none too clean at first, and gradually get worse as the land is kept under the same general management, until the last crops are quite foul and poor. A good summer fallow is needed to subdue such land, as it wiU be much more difficult than when the sod was first broken up ; and no one shoidd expect to grow good wheat by the usual practice of merely turning under the stubble, smoothing down with the harrow, and sowing and harrowing in. This course is still worse from being usually done rather late. Such farmers are not generally any too well along with their work ; while it is a very common practice to sow the summer fallows, or rather well prepared fields first, and leave until the last such fields as are least prepared to grow wheat with such treatment. Another bad practice is to plough up old sod, harrow down the furrow, and sow wheat immediately. Timothy and June grass being also cereals of a similar nature to wheat, exhaust the soil in much the same manner ; thus leaving it in a rather bad con- dition for wheat. Besides the wheat plant is a delicate feeder that, unlike corn and peas which do well on a fresh sod, must have the manure, sod, or other plant food well rotted and pre- pared to be fairly available ; while an old, dry sod, ploughed under in dry weather, is a long time in rotting, bo an old 8od, freshly ploughed under, makes a bad preparation for wheat. A good clover sod is a good deal better, as that, in- stead of exhausting the soil, furnishes additional supplies of the very elements most needed by wheat. A clean clover sod also rots much sooner than the old grass sod above described, and much sooner brings the soil into condition to give the wheat a good start. But even with clover it is much better to break up three or four weeks before seeding, as it is better to have any sod pretty well rotted when the wheat is sown. It is true that very good wheat is in many cases grown after spring crops. On rich, clean land a clover sod may be planted to corn, the uext spring sown to barley or peas, and be put into wheat the same fall. If a good clover stubble is turned under, and a light dressing of manure is given before sowing the wheat, good crops should be grown in this course. But a better way is to grow a crop of clover between the barley and wheat. Clover takes well with barley, and can thus be grown between two exhausiug grain crops to the very best advantage. But there is a good deal of barley and other stubble that is not seeded, and that if the land is clean and well prepared, has a light dressing of manure, and is sown in good season, will grow good wheat, and good clover if seeded with the wheat. Of course it will be best to sow such land to wheat this fall. But where the most of these important requisites of good farming are wanting, where the land is not well sub- dued, reasonably sure of a good crop of wheat, and of good crop of clover if seeded with the wheat, it will in most cases be best to leave it and make a thorough summer follow the next season. For where land is to grow wheat and two or three crops of grass from one preparation, it pays to do it well, as a smaU deficiency three or four times repeated in as many crops will much more than oflFset the cost of the extra cultivation needed. In preparing land for wheat it should be made fine and mellow, not light and huify, but rather well worked down together. It cannot be too well and too finely cultivated and comminuted, but may be too loose and open. The latter is sometimes the case with stubbles that have been very dry and have then gone through a softening process that farmers call " slaking," leaving the soil very light and open when ploughed. When a heavy stubble is ploughed under on laud in this condition, it makes it still worse, so that unless there is considerable rain it is quite difiicult to work the soil down and make a good seed-bed for wheat. Cross-ploughing a fallow where the sod is not thoroughly rotted will sometimes make the land quite loose ; in such cases it is often best to omit the ploughing, and make a good seed-bed with the harrow and cultivator or gang-plough. Where stubble or other land is too loose it should be well worked down with the harrow and roller. The plough, gang-plough, and cultivator all have a tendency to make the land more loose ; but a good harrow and roller make it fine and mellow, and work it well together. Land in the latter condition is much less likely to heave with frost than when it is light and huffy. — American Co. Gentleman. THE AGRICULTURAL RETURNS OF AUSTRALIA FOR THE YEAR 1869-70. The usual tables of statistics for the year ending the 31st of IMarch last were published in the Government Gazette of the 20th of May. The returns for shires and road districts, which embrace the whole area of cultivation, were furnished by tlie local councils, and special agents collected all other statistics. Nearly the whole compilations have been performed by the staff of the Registrar-General, and it is believed that superior accuracy has been attained. The returns are considered to be highly satisfactory. The meaning of this is, that as compared with recent years there is satisfactory progress, and that the crop is a good one. At we do not wisli to take advantage of bad seasons in order to make comparisons favourable to our argument, we propose to show, by a comparison of the whole succession of seasons, how far this colony has benefited by the liberal land policy adopted in 1862. From Mr. Archer's tables we have compiled a table showing the two principal crops, wheat and oats, and the total culti- vation compared with population in the illiberal or anti- settlement period — that is previous to 1862 — and the figures for an equal period after 1863. From this table some very curious facts appear. The increase per cent, in the respective periods were as fol- ^°^^ • 1st period— 2nd period — 1854 to 1862. 1862 to 1870. Inc. per cent. Inc. per cent. Total acres occupied ... 277 ... 228 Acres cultivated ... 1,166 ... 89 Acres wheat 3,507 ... 46 Acres oats 3,671 .,. 59 Population 77 ... 29 To these we may add the respective per-centages of progress in the produce of wheat. In the first period the increase was from 154,202 bushels to 3,607,727 bushels, or 2240 per cent. In the second period the increase was from 3,607)727 bushels to 5,697,050, or 57 per cent. The simple explanation of the above astounding results is — that so long as there was a remunerative local market for the produce, settlement and production proceeded at a railway pace, in spite of alleged illiberal land laws ; but the moment the production reached a surplus, for which no market was available, progress was arrested, and must have been arrested, at whatever price the lands were sold. Thus liberal legisla- tion was necessarily from the first abortive. The cultivation of wheat declined for years after the Duffy Act was passed, and the cultivation of oats has been at a standstill for seven years. The theory was that by cheap land not only would cultiva- tion be promoted, but emigration would be stimulated, and population be immensely increased. The comparison proves this theory to be false and delusive. We have all along as- serted that for cultivation the first necessity of progress was a permanently remunerative market for the produce, and that the only attractions for immigration were — first, cheap passage- money ; and, second, an assurance of higher rates of wages. Cheap land by itself to the masses was never an attraction. As regards cultivation, the tables are exceedingly instructive. For ten years past the liberal politicians have been literally liounding on our population to seize upon the lands. Pastoral occupations were a sign and a type of barbarism, and the pas- toral occupiers must be driven across the Murray. Have the population responded P Have the happy homes been estab- lished, and the farm substituted for station? It is true THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 331 that since 1S63 between four and five millions of acres of the best agricultural lands have been taken from the pastoral tenants, and all but given away to persons professing to be agriculturists ; but of these lands what proportion has been cultivated may be estimated when we find thiit in 1863 the amount of cultivation was four acres to five persons, while now it is no more than eight acres to seven persons ; the propor- tion in each case remaining about one acre to each inhabitant. The Leader has of late in a most emphatic manner denounced the proposal of cultivation in this colony for the production of a surplus for export as a delusion and a snare. In one of its publications it shows in the clearest manner that the two com- petitors for possession of the world's markets for cereals are America and Russia. Tlie Leader points out that even America will not be able to compete with Russia ; and that Australia can compete with neither. With an emphasis which reminds us of the fox when he could not get the grapes, the Leader consoles its readers with the aphorism tliat a country which grows wheat for export is always poor. But we imagine that the Jjcader has learned this rather late in the day, after all the mischief has been done, and that the l)usiness of the Jjeader is not to pronounce aphorisms, but to point out to its readers what other crop they can grow, and where they can find a remunerative market for any sort of surplus produce. Tlie unfortunate dupes cannot feed their families or recover their lost capital with an apliorism.— J/eMoK/-«« Economisl. MANCHESTER AND LIVERPOOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT WIGAN. Considering how, to a great extent, if not almost exclusively, the town and the immediate neighbour- hood is devoted to manufacturing and mining pursuits, it might have been thought that an agricultural show would possess but few attractions for such a place as Wigan ; but the very opposite has been the resu.lt, and there are few towns in Lancashire which could give the Society a more hearty welcome or more liberal support than has been accorded by the inhabitants of this town and district in connection with the present show. The show of implements and machinery in motion took place on the Monday. Wednesday was the most important day, but both days were marred by the unfavourable weather. The arrangements on the show-ground during both days were very satisfactory, and considerable credit is due to the new secretary, Mr. lligby, for the manner in which he discharged his duties. The show of cattle was altogether one of the finest that has ever been brought together in connection with the Society. The show of shorthorns was numerous, and the class included some capital specimens of the breed of cattle, but the quality on the whole was unequal. The show of horses, like that of cattle, vfas very good, and several local exhibitors were highly successful. There were 173 entries, the number included in the classes limited to members resident in the Society's district — the whole of south Lanca- sliire and Cheshire, within a radius of 35 miles from War- rington market-gate— being ¥i. The brood mares for breeding horses for draught purposes constituted an exhibition seldom met with. There were 16 classes in the competition for sheep. Any deficiencies, so far as regarded stock from the neighbourhood of Wigan, or Lancashire generally, were more than made up by breeders from a distance. This was particu- larly observable in the Leicester class. The principal prizes offered for pigs were nearly all, with the exception of those for the black or Berkshire breed, given to Mr. Peter Eden, of Salford. The following were the Judges : Cattle.— G. Drury, Holker Grange, Newton-in-Cartmel ; B. Baxter, Elslock Hall, Skipton ; W. H. Hawdon, Walker- field, Staindrop. Horses (Light). — G. Clay, Wem, Shropshire ; AVm. Foster, juu., Burradon, Morpeth, Northumberland. Draught horses : J. Bromley, Lancaster ; T. Gibbons, Burufoot, near Carlisle. SuEEr. — R. II. Masfen, Pendeford, Wolverhampton; F. Spencer, Claybrook, Lutterworth. Pigs. — R. H. Watson, Bolton Park, Wigton, Cumberland ; T. Dodds, Mount Pleasant, Wakefield. Cheese and Buttee. — G. Jennison, Belle Vue, Manchester; R. Pedley, Crewe. Grain, Roots, and Seeds. — Mr, Roth well. Croft, Warring- ton ; Mr. Hornby, Minshull Vernon, Middlewich. Implements, — J. Wlialley, MiU Green, Bold, Warrington ; J. J, Rowley, Rowthorne, Chesterfield. PRIZE LIST. HORSES, (Competition limited to members resident in the Society's district). Brood mares for breeding horses for draught purposes. — First, second, and third prizes, T. Staffer, jun., Stand Hall, Whitfield, Manchester. Brood mares, for breeding roadsters or carriage horses. — First prize. The Earl of Crawford and Balcarres ; second, W. Taylor, Billinge Higher End, Wigan ; third, Thomas Staffer, juu. Pair of draught horses. — First prize, Chas. Wm. Brierley, Rhodes House, Middleton, Manchester ; second, H. B. H. Blundell, Deysbrook, West Derby, Liverpool ; third, William- son Brothers, Ramsdell Hall, Lawton, Cheshire. Pair of agricultural horses, the property of tenant farmers. — First prize, C. W. Brierley ; second, S. Lees, Preston Brook, Cheshire ; third, T. Staffer, jun. Three years old colt (gelding or filly), cart breed. — First prize, W. Darbyshire, Morris Brook, Warrington ; second, T, Staffer, jun. Two years old colt (gelding or filly), cart breed.— First prize, J. Hampson, AVrightington, Wigan ; second, T. Har- greaves, Oakhurst, Wigan. One year old colt (gelding or filly).— Prize, T. Staffer, jun. Weaned foal (horse or filly), cart breed. — First prize, Catherine Waterworth, UphoUand ; second, T. Staffer, jun. Two years old colt (gelding or filly), half-bred. — First prize, The Earl of Crawford and Balcarres ; second, J, Prescott, Dalton Grange, OrnKkirk. One year old colt (gelding or filly), half-bred, — First prize. Dr. M'Gregor, Acton, Weaverham, Cheshire ; second. The Earl of Crawford and Balcarres. (Open for Competition to the United Kingdom). Mare or gelding for draught purposes, four years old and upwards. — First prize, C. W. Brierley, Middleton ; second, Pearson and Knowles, Ince Hall Colliery, Wigan. Three years old colt (gelding or filly), draught breed. — ■ First prize, WilUamson Brothers, Lawton, Cheshire ; second, Geo. Woods, Sefton Hall Farm, Liverpool. Two years old colt (gelding or filly), draught breed. — First prize, P. Martin, The Street, near Chorley ; second, Thomas Staffer. One year old colt (gelding or filly), draught breed. — First prize, T. Staffer ; second, P. Martin. Three years old colt (gelding or filly), half-bred. — First prize, H. Inman, Stretford, Manchester ; second, P. Wright, Middlewich. Two years old colt (gelding or filly), half-bred. — First prize, R. Barton, Birkenhead; second, T. Shortrede, Winstanley, Wigan. One year old colt (gelding or filly), half-bred. — First prize, J. Wriglit, Middlewich ; second, A. C. Smethurst, The Limes, Wigan. Weaned foal (horse or filly), half-bred. — First and second prizes. The Earl of Crawford and Balcarres. Brood mares for breeding hunters. — First prize, N, Ellison,. 332 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. St. Helens ; second, E. L. Wright, Hindley Hall, Wigan ; third, T. Statter. Roadster (mare or gelding), above li hands 2 inches and under 15 hands 2 inches. — first prize, T. Statter; second, H. S. Woodcock, The Elms, Wigan ; third, T. Heald, Greenfield House, Billmge, Wigan. Cobs (mares or geldings), above 13 hands 2 inches and under 14 hands 2 inches. — First prize, J. Fielden, Lostock Grange, Westhoughton ; second, P. Martin, The Street, ntar Chorley ; third, W. Woods, Wigan. Ponies (mares or geldings), above 12 hands 2 inches and nnder 13 hands 2 inches. — First prize, T. Statter, jun.; second, T. Rigby, Darnhall Farm; third, J. Brookwell, Wallgate, Wigan. Ponies (mares or geldings), under 12 hands 2 inches. — First prize, H. Ashton, Polefield Hall, Prestwich ; second, J. C. Rogerson, Manchester ; third, The Earl of Crawford, and Balcarres. Stallions, thorough- bred I for getting weight-carrying hunters. Prize, Sir R. T. Gerard, Bart., Garswood. Stallions, for getting horses for carrying or road purposes. — First prize, Lund and Redman ; second, Dr. M'Gregor. Stallions for getting horses.— F'irst prize, W. Shaw; second, A. Cook ; third, B. G. D. Cook. Colts (entire), for draught purposes, foaled in 1868. — First prize, W. Barron ; second, Pearson and Knowles. Carriage horses (gelding), above four years old. — Prize, E. L. Wright. Ladies' hackneys (mares or geldings). — First prize, R. and W. Barton ; second, M. Banks, HUNTERS. Hunters up to 14 stone and upwards. Extra prizes to the best leaper over hurdles and water. — First prize, T. Statter jun. ; second, E. L. Wright ; third, R. A. Butcher. Leapers. — First prize, R. A. Butcher ; second, E. L. Wright. Hunters up to 12 stone and upwards. E.\tra prizes to the best leaper over hurdles and water. — First prize, A. Cross; second, E. L. Wright; third, B. Good- all. Leapers. — E. L. Wright; second, Mrs. H. Johnson. SHORTHORNS. (Open for competition to the United Kingdom.) Bulls above two years old. — First prize, C. W. Brierly, Rhodes House, Middlelcin, Manchester (Bolivar) ; second, A. Ciough Smethurst, The Limes, Wigan ; third, P. Martin, The Street, Chorley. Bulls above one but under two years old. — First prize, W. W. Slye, Beaumont Grange, Halton ; second, T. Statter, jun.. Stand Hall, Whitfield, Manchester; third, P. Martin, Chorley. Bull calves above sis but under twelve months old. — Prize, N. Eckersley, Standish Hall, Wigan. Cows above three years old, in milk or in calf. — First prize, T. Atherton, Chapel House, Speke, Garston ; second. Lord Skelmersdale, Lathom House ; third, the Rev. L. C. Wood, Singleton Lodge, Kirkhaiu. Heifers above one but under two years old. — First and se- cond prize, T. Statter, jun., Whitefield, Manchester. Heifer calves above si-x but under twelve montlis old. — First prize, T. Atherton ; second, T. Statter ; third, J. Wal- ton, HornclifFe Quarries, Rawtenstall. OTHER BREEDS OF CATTLE. Ayrshire cow or heifer, above two years old, iu-milk or calf. — First prize, Tlie Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, Haigh Hall ; second, T. Statter. Welsh cow or heifer, above two years old, in-m'lk or calf. — Prize, T. Statter. Kerry cow or heifer, above two years old, in milk or calf. — First prize. Rev. J. C. Macdona, Hilbre House, West Kirby ; second, H. Inman, Rose Bank, Stretford. Highly com- mended : Rev. J. C. Macdona. French or Channel Island cow or heifer, above two years old, in milk or calf. — First prize, T. Stretch, Vine Cottage, Ormskirk; second, T. Statter. Highly commended : T. Short- rede, Park House, Winstanley, Wigan. French or Channel Islands bull.— The Society's silver medal, H.S. Woodcock, The Elms, Wigan . CATTLE, (Competition limited to members resident in the Society's district.) Bulls of any breed belonging to landlords, that are allowed to serve cows of their tenants gratis. — The Society's silver medal, the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, Haigh Hall. There were other local prizes. SHEEP. (Open for competition to the United Kingdom). LEICESTERS. Shearling rams. — First and second prize, E. Riley, Kipling Cotes Farm, Beverley. Rams of any other age. — F'lrst prize, E. Riley ; second, T. H. Hutchinson, Catterick, York. Ram lambs (Leicesters).— First and second prize, T. H. Hutchinson. Three shearling ewes. — First prize, E. Riley ; second, T. II. Hutchinson. Three ewes of any age, having reared lambs in 1869. — First and second prize, T. H. Hutchinson. Three ewe lambs. — First and second prize, T. H. Hutchinson. SHROPSHIRE DOWNS, Shearling rams. — First prize, Sarah Beach, The Hattons, Brewood,Penkridge; second, J. Coxon,Freeford Farm, Lichfield. Rams of any other age. — First prize, Sarah Beach ; second, T. Johnson, The Hermitage. Ram lambs, — First and second prize, Sarah Beach. Three shearling ewes. — First prize, C. R. Keeling, Yew-tree House, Penkridge; second, T. Nock, Sutton Maddock, Shifnal, Three ewes of any age, having reared lambs in 1869.— First prize, J. Coxon, Freeford Farm, Lichfield ; second, C. R. Keeling. Three ewe lambs. — First prize, Sarah Beach ; second, J. Coxon. 01' ANY OTHER KIND. Shearling rams. — First prize, S. Jackson, Cock Hall, Whit- worth, Rochdale ; second, L. Duckworth, Sheep Hay, Rama- bottom, Lancashire. Rams of any other age. — First prize, S. Jackson ; second, R. Shortreed. Three shearling ewes. — First prize, W. Midgeley, Salisbury Old Hall, Ribchester, Preston; second, R. Shortreed. Three ewes of any age, having reared lambs in 1869. — First and second prize, S. Ashton, Timperley. PIGS. WHITE BREED. (Open for competition to the United Kingdom. Boars of the large breed, of any age. — First and second prize, P. Eden, Cross-lanes, Salford, Manchester ; third, R. E. Duckering, Northope, Kirton Lindsey. Boars of the middle-sized breed, of any age. — First prize, R. E. Duckering ; second and third, P. Eden. Boars of the small breed, of any age. — First prize, P. Eden ; second, W. Hatton, Addingham, Leeds ; third, H.Nield, The Grange, Worsley, Manchester. Sows of the large breed, of any age. — First prize, P. Eden ; second, R. E. Duckering ; third, J. Birch, Sefton, Maghull. Sows of the middle-sized breed of any age. — First and se- cond prize, P. Eden ; third, R. E. Duckering. Sows of the small breed, of any age. — First prize, P. Eden ; second and third, W. Hatton, Addingham, Leeds. BLACK OR BERKSHIRE BREED. Boars of any age. — First prize, M. Walton, Halifax ; second and third, H. N. Abbinett, George Hotel, Liverpool. Sows of any age. — R. Duckering ; second, M. Walton ; third, H. N. Abbinett. EXTRA PRIZES. Competition limited to residents within a radius of seven miles from the borough of Wigan. Best boar of the large breed. — Prize, the Earl of Craw- ford and Balcarres. Best boar of the small breed. — Prize, T. Comber, Redcliffe, Newton-le- Willows. Extra stock pig. — Prize, T. Comber. GRAIN AND ROOT CROPS. Grown in 1870. (Open for competition to the United Kingdom.) GRAIN. White wlioa^, not less than 2 bushels. — First priee, J. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 333 Comes, New Farm, Hurlstone, Nantwich ; second, J. K. Fowler ; third, Richard Beckett. Ked or yellow wheat. — First prize, F. Lythal, The Spittal Farm, Banbury ; second, T. Bigby, Darnhall Farm ; tliird, J. Comes. White oats (any variety.) — First and second prize, \V. Birch, Stand Farm, Aintree ; third, F. Lythal. Yellow oats (any variety.) — Prize, H. Nield. Black oats. — First prize, F. Lythal ; .second, Henry Nield ; third, Samuel Allen. Barley (any variety.) — First and second prize, J. Cart- wright, Speke, near Liverpool, Beans (any variety.) — First prize, F. Lythal ; second, J. K. Fowler, ROOTS, Six roots of Swedish turnips, any kind. — First prize, J. Cross, Gidlow House, Wigan ; second, the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres ; third, R. Birch, Orrell, Liverpool. Six roots of any kind of turnips. — First and second prize, the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres. Six roots long red mangel wurzel. — First prize, J. Birch; second, J. Whitwoith, Measham, Atherstone ; third, J. Birch. Six roots long red mangel wurzel, — Prize, J, Cornes, Hurlestone, Nantwich. Six roots any kind globe mangel wurzel. — First prize, J. Whittvorth, Atherstone ; second, J. Birch. Round potatoes (any variety.) — First prize, H. Neild, Worsley, Mancheater ; second, R. and W. Barton, Leigii ; third, J. Cartwriglit, Speke, Liverpool, Flat potatoes (any variety.) — First prize, J. Rowlinson, Warrington ; second, J. Gaskell, Asliton ; third, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. CHEESE. (Open for competition to the United Kingdom.) Four cheeses above oOlbs. weight each, made on exliibitor's farm. — First prize, G. Willis, Winsford ; second, G. Prescott, Middlewich. Four cheeses less than 501bs. each, made on exhibitor's flirm. — First prize, J. Wood, Over, Cheshire ; second, T, Fiucliett, Tarporley. Four cheeses made iu Lancashire on e.xhibitor's farm, not less than 201bs. each. — Prize, H. Wood, Croft, Warrington, BUTTER. Six half-pounds made by exhibitor. — First prize, Henry Neild, Worsley, Manchester ; second, the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres ; third, S. Davies, Middlewich ; fourth, E. Turner, Heywood. Six half-pounds butter made within seven miles of the bo- rough of Wigan. — First prize, Jane Gibson, Haigh, Wigan; second, the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres ; third, R, Taylor, Aspull, Wigan, IMPLEMENTS, Agricultural machinery in motion. — First prize, Picksley, Sims, and Co., Bedford Foundry, Leigh ; second, J, and H. Keyworth, Liverpool, Collection of farm implements and tools. — First prize, J. and H. Keyworth ; second, Picksley, Sims, and Co. Dairy vessels and utensils, best assortment. — First prize, John Gidman, King-street, Knutsford ; second, W, and F. Richmond, Colne, Articles of domestic use, best assortment. — First prize, Wm. Bennett, Liverpool ; second, A. Lj'on, 33, Windmill-street, Finsbury, Loudon. Stands of carts, waggons, and drays for farm and town pur- poses.— Prize, Henry Hayes and Son. Waggon for farming purposes. — Prize, H. Bracewell. Two-iiorse cart for general farm purposes. — Prize, H. Bracewell. Best one-horse cart for farm purposes. — Prize, Henry Hayes and Son. Stable and cow-house fittings, — Prize, Musgrove Brothers, Belfast. Two-horse cart for agricultural purposes suited to the dis- trict, with harvest gear, &c., weight not exceeding 10 cwt., wheel tyres not less than 5 inciies wide. — First prize, H. Brace- well ; second, A. Brown, Cottage Farm, Haigh, Wigan. Ploughs. — Double furrow. — First prize, J. Higson, Man- chester (Howard, maker) ; second, T. Corbett, Slirewsbury ; commended, Ransomes, Sims, and Head, Ipswich, and J. and H. Keyworth, Liverpool. Swing plough. — Prize, D. Ilarkes, Mere, Knutsford. Wheel plough. — Prize, T. Corbett. Cultivator for two or more horses. — Prize, J. Higson. Link chain harrows. — Prize, T. Corbett. Combined mowers and reapers. — First prize, Picksley, Sims, and Co., of Bedford, Leigh ; second, A. C. Bamlett, of Thirsk, One-horse reapers and mowers. — Prize, Picksley, Sims, & Co, Potato diggers. — A first prize of £G,and a silver medal, had been offered by the society, for improved horse potato diggers, but tliere were only two competitors — Mr. Henry Neild, the Grange, AVorsley, Manchester, and Mr. James Higson, 30, Thomas-street, Manchester. The judpes considering that there was not sufficient improvement on last year's implements to show any merit, refused the medal, and divided the first prize between the competitors. Mr. Bamlett has refused to accept the second prize awarded to him for combined reapers and mowers, and forwarded us a letter, which he has addressed to Mr. Rigby, the secretary of the society, in which he says : " I was induced to compete at your trials by it being represented to me, by your local secretary, that I might expect a thorough and impartial trial, and that the judges would not he local men. He also very courteously showed me over the trial ground ; one portion of the meadow was of a very rough nature, having deep furrows in it, which would test a mowing machine more severely than any trial I have hitherto been at in Lancashire ; the other portion of the meadow was nearly level. Now what are the facts of the case? The judges, instead of being strangers, two of them had (this season) acted as judges, viz., at Bartle and at Blackpool, in which they gave their decisions in favour of one particular machine. Was it likely they would wish to reverse their own previous decisions ? Now what I have most to complain of is, the judges not testing the machines both on the rough as well as on the smooth ground. Tiiey were requested jointly by myself and Mr. Kearsley to do so, and we received evasive answers, which partly led us to expect they would. Had they given us a straight-forward answer, telling us they did not intend testing the machines on the rough ground, we would have withdrawn from the trial, as we knew that our machines would have shown to a much greater advan- tage on the rough ground." RICHMONDSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT LEYBIJRN. This is a very young Society, having only been in existence a few years. It was founded to give an impetus to the pur- suits of farming in the district of Richmond, and so much was its influence and usefulness lelt that last year the com- mittee agreed to extend the sphere of the Society's opera- tions by embracing the towns of Bedale and Leyburn, both of which places had previously had their agricultural Asso- ciations. Instead, therefore, of having shows at each of these towns, and thereby making the district in effect " a house divided against itself," it was resolved to amalgamate the three towns, and to have one show for the whole. The entries on this occasion were G5 in excess of those twelve months ago. Two new features were introduced into the show this year, namely, a display of poultry and an exhibition of agricultural produce, including chesse, butter, turnips, potatoes, and onions. The two classes of [Shorthorn bulls were all pedigree animals, descended from the purest blood. A silver cup, given by Lord Bolton, for the best animal in the cattle classes, was awarded to Messrs. Willis and Son's Windsor Fitzwindsor, The sheep department was of a very good characier. We may mention the classes for shearling rams and tup lambs for crossing with black-faced ewes, the 834 THE FAEMEE'S MAGAZINE. former numbering twenty and the latter seventeen prize ani- mals. The pigs were not so numerous as sheep. The hoars of tlie large and small breeds were destrving of praise, and the eighteen animals, sows of any age, of the small breed, constituted a formidable competition in that class, the success- ful exliibitors being Mr. Greaves, of Clotherholme, and Mr. Chapman, of Seamer. The section of horses was one of con- siderable interest, and this department is always the source of attraction. The classes generally were well filled, that for hunting brood mares being well represented, as well as the classes for two years old geldings or fiUies and colts or filly foals. The coaching horses were no less commendable, the several classes in the aggregate comprising thirty-six animals, whilst the roadsters might be said to be their powerful rivals, as they numbered forty-two, the five classes into which tbey were divided being in every respect worthy of the Society. The following were the Judges : Cattle, Leicester Sheep, and Pigs. — Geo. Atkinson, Manor Farm, Seaham ; and John Unthank, Nethercales, Penrith. Horses. — Hunters and Hacks : A. L. Maynard, Skinning- grove, Eedcar ; and Henry Lambert, Middleton "Wold, Severley. Coaching and Farm Horses : N. Clarke, Beamish Park, Pence Houses: and Robert Wade, Little Burdon, Darlington. Long-wool and Cross-bred Sueep. — Robert Wilson, Skiveden, Skipton; and John B. Beckwith, Winterburn, Skipton. Implements. — Thos. Scott, Grantley, Ripon, and Broom Close, Boroughbridge ; and Richard Kay, Eorcett Valley, Darlington. PRIZE LIST, CATTLE. Shorthorn bull, two years old or upwards. — First prize, T. Willis and Son, Manor House, Carperby ; second, J. Barker, Middleham. Shorthorn bull, not exceeding two years old. — First prize, W._ Linton, Sheriff Hutton, York; second, J. Outhwaite, Bainesse, Catterick. Bull calf. — First and second prizes, T. Willis and Son. Shorthorn cow or heifer, in calf or milk, three years old or upwards.— First prize, H. T. Robinson, The Cliff, Leyburn ; second, W. Linton. Shorthorn heifer, two years old, in calf or milk. — First prize, J. Outhwaite ; second, T. Willis and Son, Yearling Shorthorn heifer. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson, Manor House, Catteritl' ; second, T. Willis and Son. Heifer calf. — First prize, J. Outhwaite ; second, T. H. Hutchinson. Cow, in calf or milk, for dairy purposes, not being eligible to be entered in the herd-book. — First prize, H. T. Robinson ; second, T. H. Hutchinson. Two-years-old heifer, not being eligible to be entered in the herd-book. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, F. Dods- worth, Harinby, Leyburn. Yearling heifer, not being eligible to be entered in the herd- book.— First prize, T. Willis and Son ; second, T. R. King, Wynbury-Holme, Leyburn. Heifer calf, not being eligible to be entered in the herd-book. — First prize, T. R. King ; second, T. H. Hutchinson, Cow, in calf or milk, for dairy purposes, the property of a cottager. — First prize, W. Busby ; second, J. Tomlin. Best animal (bull, cow, or heifer) in the show-yard. — Prize, Willis and Son. SHEEP. Best Leicester ram, two-shear or upwards. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, G. T. Carter, Mill Close, Bedale. Shearling Leicester ram. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, G. T. Carter. Leicester tup lamb. — T. H. Hutchinson ; second, T. H. Hutchinson. Three Leicester ewes, each having reared a lamb this season. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson : second, T. H. Hutchinson. Three shearling Leicester gimmers. — First prize, T. H. Hutchinson ; second, G. T. Carter. Long-woolled ram, not being Leicesters, two-she Lpjccsler ; second, Sir 1'. ile JM. Grey Kj^crton, Oiiltim Pitrk. VKGETABI-ES AND SKEDS. Eor the best sample of white wiieat. — i'rize, T. H. Hodson, Edlestoii Earin, Nantvvich. For the best sample of yellow or red wheat. — Prize, T. Rigby, Over. Best sample of oats, any variety. — Prize, J. Robinson, Lee Green llall, Middlewich. Best sample of barley, any variety. — Prize, T. 11 llodson. Best sample of beans, any variety. — I'rize, S. Davis, Eards- wiok Hall. Best six roots of turnips. — Prize, Colonel Ciiolmondcley. Best six roots of mangolds. — Prize, T. Balmcr, Tattcuhall Lanes. Best sample of potatoes, of any kind. — Prize, J. Wright, Church Minshull. IMPLEMENTS. £10 given at tlie disciTtion of the judges fur the best in- vidual iiuplemeiits slidwn a( the d liferent stands : Kiclimond and Chandler, Salford, Maiiehesler, .11 10s., for ohatf cutter ; T. Bostock, Bursleni, £1 10s., for Howard's self acting rake ; Hancock and Foden, Sandbach, £1 for Ransoraes and Sims' plough and four-horse engine ; D. llarkes. Mere, £1 for double-furrow jilough ; G. Lewis, llassall, Sandbach, 10s. for a mill ; Messrs. Keyworth, 35, Tarleton-street, Liverpool, 10s. for double turnip scarifier, also £1 for sheep rack and corn crusher. WOOL. Best three fleeces of short wool. — Prize, T. Fincliett, Rushton. Best three fleeces of long wool. — First and second prizes, R. Richardson, Sandbach. EAST CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT MACCLESFIELD. At the first annual exhibition of the East Cheshire Agri- cultural Society, the weather seriously marred the success of the show, a violent storm of wind and rain prevailing during the day. The Society has on'y been in existence a short time, and in its formation amalgamates a number of small local exhibitions in the division of the county in which it is esta- blished. A sum of £500 was ofi'ered in prizes, but this amount seemed to fail in securing an exhibition of stock at all eom- mensurate with the district. There were 2G7 premiums oifered, but in a great number of instances, partly on account of the weather and partly owing to the fact of the great county show at Sandbach, which opened on Thursday, there was no competition. The samples of mangold wurtzel entered for competition in the class for the large red description were of extraordinary size and fulness. John M'Luckie, Batley, received the first award out of competitors from Bollington, Edgeley, Eaton, and Hand- forth. For swede turnips Mr. Newcombe, Bollington, was first. The staple cheese and butter created an interest in the show-ground only exhibited at a Cheshire show, and the first prize was awarded to Mr. Robert Hyam, Snelsou, the second to Margaret Wood, 'dairymaid to Mr. E. Herford, Rorrishall. Four first premi\ims, awarded for cheese, were distributed as follows : Best specimen, not less than three shown, each 501b. weight, Solomon Etchells, Batley ; under 501b. and not less than 301b. in weight, William Weatherby, Siddington ; fur best three cheese, not less than 501b., made in the present year, George Jackson, Old Witbington ; best three cheeses, under 501b., made in the present year, Peter Robinson, Rainow. In the awards for grain, J. Faulkner, Offerton, received first premium for four bushels of new white wheat grown this year ; and S. Ridgway, Upton Hall, for red wheat. A better show of cattle might reasouably have bean expected in such a district. Including the open competition, and those confined to tenant farmers within the district, there were only 5-1 animals entered, and in many competitions the stock were of such a description, and the entries so few, that the judges withheld the awards. In the class for tenant farmers resident within the district the first prize for the best bull under three years was given to John Chetham, Norbury ; Thomas I*«or- bury, Mettram St. Andrew, second. For bulls under two years old, first Joseph Andertou, Gawsworth ; second, J. Jackson, Ilandforth. The other awards were for bull calf, Allan Carswell, Batley ; cow in-milk or in-calf, John Leather, Higher Bent House, Cheadle-Hulme ; barren cow, John Chetham ; cow or heifer, Captain T. W. Sykcs, Cheadle ; heifer in-calf or in-milk under three years, John Chetham ; heifer under two years old, John Chetham. In the general competition, James Golden, Clay House Hall, Altrinchatn, received the first for aged bull ; Daniel Ashbrook, Reddish, near Stockport, for the best cow ; W. J. Legh, M.P., Lyme Park, two-year-old heifer ; the same gentleman for the best year-old heifer ; best year-old bull, W. Jackson, Lyme, Hand- ley ; James Robinson, Rainow, for cows of any age in-milk or in-calf ; Samuel Barlow, Rainow, for the best call. The horses as a class were not an exceptional show, those used fur agricultural purposes predominating in point of number, although by no means numerous ior such a district. Best brood mare, J.F\ D'Arcy Wright; best three-year-old gelding or filly, John Millward, Sutton ; and the other chief awards were as follows — Two-year-old gelding or filly, W. C. Brocklehurst, M.P. ; roadster marc, Richardson Andrew, Prestbury Hall ; cob under 15 hands, H. S. Aspinwall, Macclesfield; pony, mare or gelding, James Dalziel, Batley. In the class for tenant farmers the awards were : Pair of horses for agricultural purposes, Thomas and Samuel Nor- bury, Chelford ; mare or gelding, for agricultural purposes, S. Worthington, Woodford ; brood mare for similar purposes J. and J. llarason Poyuton ; three-year-old gelding, S. Worth- ington ; two-year-old ditto, F. Philips, Wilraslow ; year-old, gelding or filly, W. Shaw, Gawsworth ; weaning foal, J. and J. Hamson. In the general competition the premium for the best stallion was awarded to Thomas Standbank, Dunham, Massey , and for hunter mare, W. C. Brocklehurst, M.P. J. C. Rogerson, Manchester, took the premium for a pony not over 13 hands ; Sykes and Co., Edgeley, for mare for draught purposes ; and the Stoneclough Colliery Co., Lancaster, for the best pair of draught horses. The prizes for sheep and pigs were by no means closely contested. There were 30 entries in the former, and in the latter about 25. Nathan Gotham, Norbury Hall, received the award for loug-woolled ram ; John Willott, Rainow, for tup lamb, pen of five long-woolled ewes, pen ol ewe lambs, and pen of fat ewes ; AV. J. Legh, M.P., for short-woolled ram and shearling ram ; the Rev. J. Thorncroft, for tup lamb : John Wright, Walker's Heath, Gawsworth, for best pen of five year olds of the long-woolled breed ; Enoch Clayton, Bosley, for pen of fat wethers ; and J. F. D'Aicy Wright, Mottrani Hall, for pen of short-woolled ewes and ewe lambs. For pigs Mrs. T. Mottershead, Sutton, received the first award for boars of the large breed ; W. D. B. Davenport, M.P., for boars of the middle breed ; Richardson Andrew, Prestbury Hall, for breeding sow of the large breed ; J. Oliver, Ivy Lane, Macclesfield, for the best fat pig; and C. Bullock, Macclesfield, in the class for cottagers. The principal premiums for implements were awarded as follows : Best stand of implements, Samuel Holland, Maccles- field ; best stand of implements manufactured by the exhi- bitor, D. llarkes. Mere, Knutsford. Medals were awarded to J. Sinclair, London and Manchester, for chemical fire engine, and to Norton, Stockport, for patent filter. At the annual dinner of the society, held in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, the chair was occupied by Mr. W. C. Brocklehurst, M.P. UB THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. GLAMORGAl^'SHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT COWBRIDGE. The Agricultural Society of the county returned to its native place, after journeying in successive years to Car- diff and Neath. It originated in the Vale of Glamorgan near a century back. It held its meetings annually at Cowbridge for many following years, and after a short experience of mi- gratory movement, successfully introduced three years ago, it has paid " the garden of Wales" another visit, and has proved by the result that " there is no place like home." There were a hundred more entries than in any previous year. It is somewhat singular and certainly unusual, that the show was almost entirely confined to the county. There were no English competitors for any of the prizes, nor any entries sent in by farmers outside the limits of the county of Gla- morgan. There was a slight falling off in the number of sheep, which may be accounted for by the badness of the season ; but this was made up by the increase in the horses and cattle. There was a fine exhibition of Herefords, and the Shorthorn and cross-breed show was large. Some of the beasts, and particularly the buUs, were very fine, of good proportions, with plenty of flesh. Horses made the best display, and were, on the whole, good. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. HEKEFOKDS. Best two cows, above three years old, in calf or in milk, and their offspring under twelve months old. — First prize, W. S. Powell, Eglwysnuuyd, Taibach ; second, W. S. Powell. Best cow, above three years old, iu calf or in milk. — First prize, W. S. Powell ; second, W. S. Powell, Best bull. — First prize, L. and H. Thomas, Tydraw, Cow- bridge. Best yearling bull. — Prize, W. S. Powell. Best two-year-old heifer, in calf or in milk, for breeding purposes. — First and second prizes, W. S. Powell. Best yearling heifer for breeding purposes. — First prize, T. Thomas, St. Hilary, CoT'bridge ; second, W. S. Powell. SHOKTHORNS. Best two cows, above three years old, in calf or in milk, and their offspring under twelve months old. — First prize, J. Garsed, Tlie Moorlands, Lantwit Major (Blanche) ; second, D. Owen, Ash Hall, Cowbridge (Fancy). Best cow, above three years old, in calf or in milk. — First prize, T. Dalton, Cardiff; second, A. Watts, Coity. Best bull. — First prize, D. Owen ; second, J. H, Harding, Cardiff. Best yearling bull. — Prize, A. Watts. Best two-year-old heifer, in calf or in milk, for breeding purposes. — First prize, J. M. Harding, Hill Earm, Swansea (Queen of the Ocean) ; second, J. M. Harding (Emblem). Best yearling lieifer, for breeding purposes. — First prize, D. Owen ; second, J. Bruce Pryce, the Duffryn, St. Nicholas. OTHER rUKE OR CROSS-BREEDS. Best two milking cows, three years old. — First prize, W. Prichard, Bryntirion, Bridgend ; second, A. Watts. Best milking cow, above three years old. — First prize, J. Thomas, Lisworney. Best pair of yearling steers. — Prize, W. S. Powell. Best bull calf, of any pure breed. — First prize, T. Thomas ; second, W. S. Powell. Best heifer calf of any pure breed. — First prize, J. Williams, liantrithyd (Fancy) ; second, T. Thomas. Best bull, cow in calf or in milk, and their offspring under twelve months old, of any pure breed. — First prize, Major T. PictoD Tubervill, Ewenny Abbey, Bridgend ; second, W. S. Powell. EXTRA STOCK. Highly oommende*, J. "VTilliamB, Liantrithyd. SHEEP. LONG-TVOOL. Best yearling ram. — First prize, C. Spencer, Gileston, near Cowbridge ; second, W. Donne, Monkton, near Bridgend. Best ram lamb. — First prize, J. Williams, Caercady, Cow- bridge; second, W. Donne. Best five ewe lambs, for breeding purposes. — First prize, T. Thomas ; second, J . Williams. Best five wether lambs. — Prize, J. Williams. Best five ewes exceeding three years old that have bred the preceding year. — First prize, J. Williams. SHORT-WOOL. Best yearling ram. — First prize, Morgan Bees, Garth Farm, Swansea. Best ram lamb. — First prize, M. Bees. Best five ewe lambs for breeding purposes. — First prize, M. Bees; second, J. B. Pryce. Best five ewes, exceeding three years old, that have bred the preceding season. — Prize, M. Bees. CROSS-BRED. Best yearling ram. — First prize, J. Williams, Red Farm, PenUine. Best five yearling ewes. — ^First prize, Howell Harrys, Crofta, Ystradowen. Best pen of four breeding ewes and one ram, of Welsh mountain breed. — Prize, H. Harrys. Best pen of five mountain wethers bred in the coimty.— Prize, H. Harrys. Best pen of five yearling ewes of any pure breed. — First prize, J. Williams (long- wool) ; second, C. Spencer (long- wool). Best aged ram of any breed. — Prize, J. Williams (long- wool). WOOL. For the best ten long-wool fleeces, the clip of 1870, from sheep bred by the exhibitor in the county of Glomorgan.— Prize, C. Spencer. Best ten short-wool or cross-bred fleeces, the clip of 1870. —Prize, W. S. Powell. PIGS. Best sow, with pigs or in furrow, of any large breed. — Prize, J. Thomas, East Field House, Cowbridge. Best sow with pigs or in farrow, of any small breed. — Prize, W. Harding, Cowbridge Mills. Best boar of any large breed. — Prize, J. B. Pryce. Best boar of any small breed. — Prize, T. B. Rees, Llandaff. Best boar under a year old. — Prizci T. V. Reece, Llandaff. Best pair of sows under a year old. — Prize, E. Thomas, Goldsland, Wenvoe. HORSES. Best cart staUion, which shall cover in the county during the season of 1871.— Prize, T. Earl, St. Mary HiU, Bridgend. Best mare and foal for the general purposes of husbandry. — Prize, R. Thomas, Aberavon, near Taibach. Best two-year-old gelding or mare for the general purposes of husbandry. — Prize, A. Watts. Best yearling colt or fiUy, for the general purposes of hus- bandry.— Prize, R. Thomas, Upper Court, Taibach. HUNTERS. Thoroughbred stallion, calculated to produce weight-carrying hunters, to cover in the county for the season of 1871 at £10. — First prize, D. Earl, Cross Inn, Wliitchurch, near Cardiff (Loyola, by Surplice, dam Latitude by Langar). Highly commended : D. Earl. Brood mare, calculated to produce weight-carrying hunters, and covered by a thoroughbred horse for a weight-carrying hunter.— Prize, M, Williams, Aberpergwm. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 84? Two-year-old gelding or ware, got by a tlioroughbred horse, for a weight-carrying hunter. — Prize, L. and H. Thomas, Ty- draw, near Cowbridge. Yearling colt or filly, got by a thoroughbred horse for a weight-carrying hunter. — Prize, L. Jenkins, Tynycaia, St. Mary-hill. llackney gelding or mare, between 14 and 15 hands high. — Prize, W. Davis, The Meadows, Bridgend (Matchless). Cob between 13 and li hands high. — Prize, Captain J. S. Ballard, The Verlands, Cowbridge. Pony not exceeding 13 hands high. — Prize, Major T, Picton Turbervill. Pair of cart-horses, for the general purposes of husbandry. —First prize, 11. Williams, Parknewydd, Pyle ; second, D. Owen, Ash Hall, Cowbridge. Four-year-old hunter, up to at least 12 stone with hounds, the property of the exhibitor, who must be a tenant farmer in the county of Glamorgan, occuping 50 acres or upwards of land, open to non-subscribers £10 10s. — Prize, C. Spencer. Weight-carrying hunter got by a thoroughbred horse, up to at least 14 stone with hounds. — First prize, Captain J. S. Ballard ; second. Captain J. S. Ballard. Light-weight hunter, got by a thoroughbred horse. — Fir.st prize, Rev. C. Stacey, Whitcliurch, near Cardiff; second, J. Davies, Ely Mills, Cardiff. Four-year-old cult or filly, for harness purposes, not under 15^ hands high, bred in the county of Glamorgan.— Prize, J. Williams, Red Farm. DAIRY PRODUCE. Best lot of cheese not less than 1 cwt. — First prize, T. Cul- verwell, Llwynhelig, Cowbridge ; second, T. Culverwell ; third, J. Williams. Best lot of fresh butter in pounds, not less than ten. — First prize, J, David, Stemb ridge, near Cowbridge ; second, J. Jones, Old Beaupre, Cowbridge ; third, J. David. Best cwt. of thin cheese, made in the county of Glamorgan. —Prize, T. Culverwell. FRODSHAM CENTRAL FARMERS' CLUB. The Frodsham Central Farmers' Club may be looked upon as the resuscitation of the Daresbury and Frodsham Farmers' Club, which, hke many agricultural societies, collapsed when the cattle plague appeared. But the new Society h;is considerably ex- tended the area of its operations, and bids fair to achieve much greater success than the old one could have ever hoped for. Proof of that was now given, but, as was the case last year, the success was not so great as was anticipated, as one very neces- sary element, fine weatlier, was again wanting. The show, as a whole, was unquestionably in advance of the last, and, despite the weather, may be looked upon as a suc- cess. The entries, excepting those of sheep and roots and corn, were in excess of last year, and the competition was consequently keener. The cheese was very good and pretty ripe ; a lot of uncoloured was but poor, while the best was that take ing the Marquis of Chobnondeley's prize, given lo cheese made in a dairy where Sunday labour is entirely dispensed with. Of the butter we defer to the judges as to the first and second best, but the remainder had that fault common to Cheshire, too much salt. Some of the stock was very good, but this does not apply to all the classes, as it will be seen there was only a few young things shown. Of horses there was a fair show. The judges were : R. Broady, Manchester. J. Griffiths, Hawarden. - Dickenson, Tjpholland. G. Jackson, Tatteuhall. Hugh Doran, Stretford. J. Lowe, Prescot. - Dutton, Stanthorne. T. Rigby, Over. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. Best bull of any breed most suitable for dairy purposes under four years old. — First prize, J= W. Antrobus, Stockham ; second, T. Moreton. Best bull under two years old. — First prize, W. Darbyshire, Grappenhall ; second, J. Hewitt, Norton. Best pair of dairy cows, any breed. — First prize, W. Wil- kinson, Dutton ; second, J. Hewitt. Best pair of heifers under three years old.— First prize, W. Wilkinson ; second, J. Hewitt. Best pair of heifers under two years old. — First prize, J. Hewitt; second (divided), P. Priestuer, Peel Hall. Best pair of heifer calves. — Prize, J. Hewitt. Best bull of any age. — Prize, J. Percival, Godscroft. Best Bull under two years old. — Prize, S. Allen, Onston. Best dairy cow of any breed. — First prize, J.Swinton, Run- corn ; second, J. Weir, Lower Walton. Best heifer under three years old. — First prize, J. Weir ; second, J. Reynolds, Frodsham. Best heifer under two years old. — First prize, J. Highfield, Frandley House, Seven Oaks; second, T. Ditchfield, Run- corn. Best pair of heifer calves.— First prize, W. Burgess, Stock- bam ; second, J . Wright, Helsby. Best bull most suitable for dairy purposes under four years old. — First and second prizes. J. Hewitt. Best pair of dairy cows. — First and second prizes, J. Parr, Hatton. Best pair of heifers under three years old. — First prize, J. Higson ; second. J. Hewitt. Best pair of heifers under two years old. — Prize, J. Hewitt. HORSES. Best stallion of the cart or waggon kind. — ^Prize, P. Lea- ther, Stretton. Best team of cart horses with or without gears. — S. Lees, Newton-by-Daresbury ; second, T. Johnson, Runcorn. Best agricultural horse, mare, or gelding. — First prize, J. Pover, Elton Hall ; second, P. Leather, Stretton. Best brood mare of the cart breed. — First prize, S. Mort, Frodsham ; second, S. Littler, Trafford. Best gelding or filly under three years old. — First prize, J. Pover, Elton Hall ; second, M, llavenscroft, Kingsley. Best gelding or filly under two years old. — Prize, S. Mort. Best weaning colt. — First prize, T. Ditchfield, Runcorn ; second, R. Nicholson, Chester. HUNTERS. Best brood mare suitable for breeding hunters.— Prize, J. Higson, Frodsham. Best hunter of any age up to 14 stone. — First prize (silver cup), J. H.Hayes. Frodsham ; second, W.R, Weaver, Chester. Best hunter of any age, light weight.— First prize (silver cup). R. Ashton, Five Crosses ; second, T. Lowe, Old Pale. Best three or four-year-old gelding or filly best adapted for making a hunter. — Prize, J. Cossins, Blue Cap Cottage, San- diway. PIGS. Best boar of any breed most suitable for fanners' purposes. — First prize, W. Darbyshire, Grappenhall ; second, A. Lock- wood, Chester. Best breeding sow suitable for farmers' purposes, — First prize, J. Hewitt, Norton ; second, A Stretch, Riley Bank. For the best fat pig belonging to any cottager in the dis- trict.— First and second prizes, T. Berriugton, Overton; third, R. Trelfall, Frodsham ; fourth, T. Woodward, Overton. SHEEP. lo:ng-woolled. Best long-wooUed ram of any age most suitable for the dis- trict.— First prize, J. Cheers, Barrow; second, J. Parr, Hatton. Best shearling ram, as above. — First and second prizes, J. Cheers. Best tup lamb of any age. — First prize, J. Sheen, Eddis- bury ; second, J. Cheers. Best pen of three ewes of any age. — First and second prizes, J. Cheers. Best pen of three shearling ewes. — First prize, J. Parr, Hat- ton ; second, J. Cheers. Best three ewe lambs.— First prize, J. Parr; second, J.Cheers, 318 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. SltORT-VOOLLEl). Best sliort-woolled ram of any age. — rri^e, T. Johnson, Hermitage. Best shearling ram. — First prize, T. Johnson ; second, J. Lloyd, Trafford. Best tup lamb. — First prize, S. Allen, Onston ; second, T. Johnson. Best pen of three ewes. — First prize, T, Johnson : second, G. Lloyd. Best pen of three shearling ewes. — Prize, T. Johnson. Best three ewe lambs. — Prize, T. Johnson. CHEESE (Prizes open to the county of Chester ) Best three cheeses where Sunday labour is entirely dis- pensed with. — Prize, AV. Reece, Ashton Hall Chester. Best three cheeses. — First prize, J. Robinson, Ernslow Grange; second, J. Pover. Best three cheeses. — First prize, T. Golborne, Willington ; second, J. Drinkwater, Seven Oaks. BUTTER. For the best basket of butter (six 1 lb. prints). — First prize, J. Parry, Bridge End Farm ; second, J. Andrews, Frodsham ; third, T. Booth, Wheatwood-cottage, near Tarporley ; fourth, T. Horton, Frodsham. ROOTS. Best six roots of common turnips. — Prize, J. Higson, Frodsham. Best ,six roots of Swedish turnips. — Prize, J. Higson. Best six roots of mangold-wurtzel. — Prize, J. Higson. Best three Scotch cabbages. — Prize, W. Weir, Norton. SEED CORN. Best sample of white seed wheat. — Prize, T. Wright, Wood- houses. Best sample of yellow or red wheat. — Prize, J. Wright, Helsby. Best sample of white seed oats. — Prize, J. Swinton, Run- corn. Best sample of yellow seed oats. — Prize, E. Dodd, Moulds- worth. Best sample of black seed oats. — Prize, J. H. Hayes, Frodsham. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. Selection of agricultural implements suitable for use in the district. — First prize, J. and H. Keyworth and Co., Chester : second, W. Watkin and Son, Halton ; third, J. W. Rothwell, Frodsham. ROYAL AND CENTRAL BUCKS AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. MEETING AT AYLESBURY. The ploiighiug took place on the farm of Mr. T. W. Morris, of Bedgrove, about a mile from the town, where some exceed- ingly good work was done. The stock show was no* so large as on some other occasions. JUDGES. Ploughing.— E. Freeman, Chilton ; J. H. Guy, Whit- church. Horses.— J. Manning, Orlingbury ; J. K. Elliott, Heathen- cote, Towcester. Cattle. — M. Savidge, Sarsden Lodge Farm, Chipping Norton ; C. Howard, Biddenham, Bedford. SiiEEF.— M. Druce, Burghfield, Reading ; A. Smith, Soraerton, Bicester. Butter. — A. J. P. Stevens, Metropolitan Meat Market, London. Root Crops and Roots in the Snow Yard. — J. Treadwell, Winchendon ; C. Elliott, Hulcott ; E. Denchfield, Burston. Poultry.— E. Hewitt, Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birming- ham. PRIZE LIST. HORSES. Geldings, three years old and upwards. — First prize, £5, and second, £2, Z. W.'Stilgoe, Adderbury, Bambury. Geldings, under three years, for tenant farmers only. — First prize, £5, and second, £2, J. Hughes, Waddon Hill, Stone. Mares, three years old and upwards. — First prize, £5 5s., W. Rose ; second, £2, J. P. Terry, Putlowes, Aylesbury. Mare and foal (the foal dropped in 1870), for tenant farmers only.— First prize, £5 5s., E. M. M.Lucas; second, £2, J. and E. Denchfield. Mares under three years, for tenant farmers onlv, — Prize, €5 5s., J. and E. Denchfield. Horses or mares for hunting purposes, for tenant farmers only.— First prize, £7 7s., G. A. Lepper, Aylesbury ; second, £3 3s., F. W. Thorpe, Berry field. Nag geldings and mares, for riding and general purposes. — First prize, £5 os., J. Hughes; second, £2, II. Gurney,jun., Aylesbury. Best yearling nag colt.— Prize, silver cup, E. Cliff, Weedon. CATTLE. Bulls, any breed, two years old and upwards. — First prize, £5 5s., J. Upson, Riveuhall, Witliam> Essex ; second, £2, W. S. Jessop, Dorton Camp. Bulls under two years.— First prize, £5 5s., J. A. Mumford, Chilton Park Farm ; second, £2, J. K. Fowler. Cows, in milk or in calf. — First prize, £5 5s., C. A. Barnes, Chorley Wood, Rickmansworth ; second, £2, J. A. Momford. Three cows, in milk or in calf, for tenant farmers only.^ First prize, £10 10s., and second, £5 5s., J. and E. Denchfield. Heifers, in milk or in calf, under three and over two years. —First prize, £5 5s., and second, £3, J. A. Mumford. Heifers, in pairs, under two years. — First prize, £5 5s., J. and E. Denchfield; second, £2,G. Underwood, Little Gadsden. Fat cows. — First prize, £5 5s., T. L. Senior, Broughton ; second, £2, J. A. Mumford. Best animal exhibited in the classes of horned stock. — Prize, £5 58., J. Upson. SHEEP. Rams, any breed. — First prize, £5 5s., J. Longland, Gren- don ; second, £2, Lord Chesham. Five store ewe lambs, for breeding purposes. — First prize, £5 5s., Lord Chesham ; second, £2, T. Kiugsley, Boarscraft, Tring. Five fat ewes, any breed or age. — First prize, £5 5s., J. Treadwell, Winchendon ; second, £2, Lord Chesham. Five fat wethers. — First prize, £5 5s, Lord Chesham; second, £2, Z. W. Stilgoe, Adderbury. Five loDg-woolled ewes, intended for breeding purposes. — Prize, £5 5s., J. Godwin, Troy Farm, Bicester. Five Down or cross-bred ewes, intended lor breeding pur- poses.— First prize, £5 5s., J. Treadwell ; second, £2, R. Fowler. Five Shropshire ewes, intended for breeding purposes. — First prize, £5 5s., R. Fowler ; second, £2, E. Baylis, Hogstone. Five theaves, any breed, intended for breeding purposes. — First prize, £5 5s., Lord Chesham ; second, £2, J. 'I'readwell. Best pen of breeding ewes or theaves in the yard. — Prize, £5 5s., Lord Chesham. Best pen of fat sheep. — Prize, £3, Lord Chesham. PIGS. Boars, any breed. — First prize, £3 3s., J. Wheeler, Long Compton ; second, £2, E. C. Clarke, Haddenham. Sows, any breed, either in pig or with litter, for tenant farmers only. — First prize, £5 os., J. and E. Denchfield ; second, £2, J. Treadwell. Three fat pigs. — First prize, £3 3s., W. Cooper, Winchen- don ; second, £2, C. Elliott, Hulcott. PLOUGHING. For ploughing half an acre of land in four hour8.--First prize, £2, to the ploughman of A. Tindal, Aylesbury ; second THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 349 prize, £1, to the ploughmau of Messrs. Ransomes, Sims, and Ilcail, Ipswich. BUTTER. For l:211js. of hutter, in 21b. lumps. — First prize, £3, J. V. Perkins ; second, £2, T. Matthews, Waddesdon ; third, £1, A. Roads, Rowsham. ROOTS. For the best crop of mangold wurtzel of not less than five acres, the whole of the maiig-olds on the farm to be taken into consideration, for tenant farmers only. — Prize, £10 10s., E. Freeman, Chilton, Thame. For the best crop of swedes of not less than six acres, the whole of the swedes on the farm to be taken into considcra- lion, for tenant farmers only. — Prize, £10 10s., T. Clarke, lillesborougli, Triiif^. For the best collection of roots. — First prize, £5 5s., J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury ; second, J. and E. DenchfielJ, Burston. For the best 25 mangolds, taken from a piece of not less than two acres. — First prize, £2, E. M. Lucas, Rowsham ; second, £1, R. Fowler. For the best 12 purple-topped swedes, (uutriramed), taken from a piece of not less than two acres. — First prize, £1, T. Clarke ; second, 10s., J. II. Guy, Whitchurch. LEICESTERS AND OTHER LONGWOOLS. Scene. — An office in Dublin. Oammon. — Now tell me, Mr. Sheepshanks, what I am seri- ously about to ask you. How many pure breeds of long-wooUed sheep does England now really produce ? Shefjj. — Two : The Uorsets and other Horns excepted. Gam. — Is that all P Sheep. — I believe so. Gam. — And what are they ? Sheep. — Leiceaters and Cotswolds. Gam. — You amaze me; first in regard to Leicesters, your opinion is that there is only one kind of thorough-bred ? Sheep. — Most asiuredly the Leicester is as unmistakable as the Arabian horse. Any other Leicester partakes rather of the Arabian Nights, or if you will, of that figure in rhetoric under which your profession is recognised. Gam. — You believe then that Border Leicester, Yorkshire Leicester, uud Improved Leicester Sheep. — Are mere terms of huxteriug clap-trap ; heard for the first time, and soon — if she disapproves being laughed at — ■ to be heard for the last time in Ireland. Gam. — Are you acquainted with the soil and climate of this country, Mr. Sheepshanks ? Sheep. — Partly. Gam. — And what do you think of them ? Sheep. — Why, that the southern and western provinces are both equal to any in the three kingdoms for the production of wool and mutton. Gam. — You think, then, that what the eloquent and refined Carlisle termed the " weeping skies" Sheep. — Will do no harm whatever to the sheep they weep on, if you only put, as we do, something inside 'em. (Ji(/«.— Good. My next inquiry will be : Are you ac- quainted with our native breeds of sheep ? Sheep. — I am. Gam. — ^Tell me your belief in them. Sheep. — I believe in the wise arrangements of Providence, and in the instincts of ages thus far : that every spot of earth upon which we find a race of animals showing healthy consti- tutions, and a high quality of food, that upon that race should its future dynasty be founded. Gam. — Then you would not attempt the pure breeding of either of the two distinctions you refer to in Ireland ? Sheep. — Most certainly not. Gam. — And which would you prefer to cross with P Sheep. — You dou't ask that question seriously, do you ? Gam. — Why not seriously ? Sheep. — Because the whole shexp-breeding community have already answered it. Gam. — I understand ; but do you say that you liave only two distinct breeds of long-woolled sheep in Great Britain ? Sheep. — No : I did not say that. Gam. — What then did you say ? Sheep. — I said we had only two pure breeds. Gam. — How about the Lincoln ? Sheep — The Lincoln has a distinction, and a high one, but he cannot be said to be pure, inasmuch as he owes it all to what Mr. Partner calls the visits of the Leicester, 0am. — Is that a fact ? Sheep. — Yes. You may lay all Ireland upon it, and throw Connaught in for luek ; and, what is more, yoii may make tlie same bet upon every improved breed of long wools in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Gam. — That is, indeed, saying a gre.at deal for the Leices- ter, but how do you account, under it, for the enormous higli rates obtained lor the Lincoln sires? Sheep. — Where the first judges of England, and from all parts of England, are the handicappers, I have great faith in figures, and the weight they have, by general consent, put upon the Lincoln arises, I opine, from two causes : first, it appears to have been a cross peculiarly happy in its results, and then, again, it has been so skilfully and carefully managed by the Lincoln breeders, that they have succeeded in impart- ing shape and touch, which tticy had not, without destroying that which they had, and were always for wool and size, and which now give them a position above all other cross-breed?. Gam. — What is your opinion, Mr. Sheepshanks, of the Cotswold, as a general sire ? Sheep. — He is a noble specimen of his race, but he has not been successful as a sire out of liis own class and district. Gam. — I think I understood you to say that you would not recommend pure breeding, or close breeding, even of Leicesters in Ireland P Sheep. — No, nor of any other foreign importation. G«/«.— Why ? Sheep. — Because it has been tried in almost every country, and in almost every couiitry it has failed. Gam. — Do you say so ? Sheep. — Yes ; and, in the case of the Leicester, failed to a degree that alone gives the lie to these impudent pretensions of the Border gentleman. Gam. — How P Slteep. — How P Why, in every case where the pure breeding of the Leicester has been attempted, and a fertile genius, and an equally fertile soil and climnte, brought to assist the art, he has, iu spite of all, grown gradually less ; but if this northern story is to be accepted, he has there, in his purity, grown more strong and large. Gfl/>j.— What nature, then, do you assign to this Border Leicester? Sheep.— Ci\\ him, if you please, by the name that he is known on his own side the Channel. Gam. — And what is that ? Sheep. — The Border sheep. Gam. — Well, then, this Border sheep ? Sheep. — If he has any nationality at all, he is a Cheviot. Gam. — And how does that appear ? Sheep. — Because his grandmother, witli the fifty G.'s before her, was a Cheviot, and if he disowns that respectable old lady in short petticoats, he is a snob. Gam. — You amuse me. Sheep. — Do I ? You have plenty of amusement in Ireland, if it amuses you to find an animal who forgets who his grand- mother was. Gum. — Good, ^Ir. Sheepshanks, very good. I like your humour. Let me now inquire of you about Leicester No. 3, brought here as Yorkshire Leicesters. Sheep. — Y^orkshire, Mr. Gammon, stands very high iu its eminence as a sheep-breeding county, and in it are Leicester breeders of the first position, at the head of which, I believe, 8S0 THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINB. itands Mr. Borton, the winner of so many prizes at the Royal Society of England. There are also in it some good men, who carry out the plan of the Lincoln breeders on the reverse principle. Gam. — That is, by adopting a Lincoln ? Sheep. — Precisely. Ga7n. — And with what results P Sheep. — The same happy ones that have succeded the re- verse cross ; they keep what they always had from the dam— shape and touch, and get what they had not — wool and size. They seem, in fact, two families made for each other. Gam. — At any rate, from your observations I gather that there is really little difference between a Lincoln and a York- shire Leicester. Sheep. — Very little in some of the families, but I must not omit stating that all are not Yorkshire Leicesters which are bred in Yorkshire, and sheep have been quacked upou the breeders of this country as Leicesters and Yorkshire Leicesters, wliose dams had no distinction whatever, and whose sires were third-rate Cotswolds. Gam. — Is it possible P Sheep. — I'll vouch for it. Yorkshire is still Yorkshire, and to deal with her you must be " Yorkshire too." Gam. — But liow can men of moderate judgment, or we will say with no judgment, escape these quackeries, as you call them, and avoid buying a bad animal? Sheep. — Just as I avoid buying a bad hat. I know nothing of the hat, but I take care to know something of the hatter. Gam. — Very good. A sound maxim to be sure. Sheep. — The chief opportunity for these quacks arises out of the absence of that registry of animals which the herd- book furnishes in the case of shorthorns. You have no pedigrees of sheep, and, therefore, you should as in all such cases look to the breeding character of the men, and never act without that caution. Gam. — But is this easy to get at ? Sheep. — Nothing easier, for, like the shorthorn productions, the best blood is in comparatively few hands, and it would be easy to obtain the names of all of them, and coniine yourselves to those and their next of kin. This plan would in fact be the foundation of a sheep herd-book. Gitm. — And how would you commence a unity of action to carry out a plan of this kind ? Sheep. — By the formation of a Society somewhat resembling the Turf Club, and confining your purchases of sires to its members, who, to establish a character for their flocks, should produce their pedigree, and pay a heavy penalty for a false one, or be dismissed the club. Gam. — And do you think such a Society would take in Ireland P Sheep. — Not a doubt about it, if it was established on a sound foundation, and tied together with something more sub- stantial and something more useful than " red tape." Gam. — Very good. And now about Leicester No. 4, the Improved Leicester. Sheep. — "Improved" is a word in which there is great virtue, and may be made to mean anything or nothing. If there is any such animal at all, he is to be found in the lot last described, and you may give the title if you like to the Border sheep, it you prove by experience that his connexion with the Cheviot justifies it. It is a term hard to dispute when claimed by sportsmen for the cross of a greyhound with a bull-dog. Gam. — Then, if I understand you, Mr. Sheepshanks, the sheep known as the English Leicester — — Sheep. — Is the only true Leicester. Gam. — The Border P Sheep. — A Cheviot bred in and in to the Leicester. Gam. — The Lincoln P Sheep. — Still a Lincoln improved by the Leicester. Gam. — The Yorkshire Leicester? Sheep. — Still a Leicester enlarged by a Lincoln. —From a Pamphlet by Mr. Franoia Page, of Thvrles, on " The Quackeries of Sheep-breeders," SALE OF THE REV. T. STANIFORTH'S SHORTHORNS. AT STOURS FARM, WINDERMERE. On. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 1870, by John Thoenxon. Notwithstanding a very wet day a large company of between four and five hundred people assembled at this the second of the Stours draft sale. A luncheon in the barn preceded the business, Captain Gundy occupying the chair. After the Royal and usual toasts the company adjourned to the ring, situated in a fine grass field on the edge of the lake. The stock were brought out in a highly creditable manner by Mr. Robert Smith, the farm steward, whose own family history can be traced to Jacob Smith's bull (308), that is said to have been owned by his grandfatlier. The cattle were truthfully called drafts ; but, as Mr. Thornton remarked on opening the sale, tlie best might be picked from some herds and be found no better than those he would bring before them. Claribel, bred by Mr. Carr, and a pure Booth cow, had caused many inquiries, but her slip in 1868 had resulted in barrenness, and she had never been in season for a year ; as a fat beast she was worth three or four pounds more than the 29 gs. Culshaw gave for her. Wliat the Towueley pastures may do remains to be seen ; but the purchase of a pure Booth cow, after the Bates combina- tions and the Oxford dynasty at Towneley, is quite reminis- cent of old times when Jeweller and Jasper flourished. Frede- rick's Pride, a purchase by Mr. Drewy at Towneley, in '64, was in full health and breeding, being far advanced in calf to Peer of the Realm. There was comparatively Uttle competition for her, and she returns at 63 gs. to her old home at 18 gs. cheaper, and five years older, than she left it. Graceful was of the Studley and Parnley Medora tribe, and several were of the same strain, although a plain beast, she was a regular breeder and a great milker. Mr. Meadows, who had been wandering in the Lake- district, takes her to Ireland at 39 gs. Ringlet was a fine cow, and out of a grand-daughter of Mr. S. Owen's Ruby, that gave thirty quarts a-day. Mr. Swarbreck, after biddings from Tarious quarters, got her at 65 gs., aad ^so bouglit two other good lots. Lady Grace at 56 gs., and Graiety at 53 gs. Music and Musical (47 gs.) were of the Gwynne tribe, and from a purchase at Holker. Music was a fine roan cow with plenty of hair, and, after frequent " penuys" from the county men, she fell to Mr. Drewry for the Duke of Devonshire at 70 gs. Mr. R. Jefferson got a cheap cow, down calving to Mr. Booth's High Sheriff, in Swiss at 40 gs., and it was rumoured that next year will see a fine lot to be brought into the ring at Preston Hows. Sprightly, an advanced yearling, very level and full of hair, took Mr. Henry Smith's fancy, late of Drax, and he bought her at 38 gs. for the Ushaw College, Durham. The first bull, Double Foggathorpe, seemed to want more middle and substance, but he had been among the heifers, which accounted for his lean state. A local man [took him at 33 gs. The next. Sunshine, was of a rich colour and great depth, and a young bull of some promise. Mr. Smith ako bought him for Ushaw College at 40 gs. At the conclusion of the sale of the Shorthorns Mr. Kirkby sold the Cumberland heifers, which showed much breeding and quality, and the trade was very good for them. The com- pany inspected the cows of the herd, and also High Sheriff, from Warlaby, a young creamy-white buU of great elegance and quality, but the wet day was much against their appear- ance. Summary. 31 cows averaged 43 14 0 equal to 917 14 0 4 bulls „ 35 3 6 „ 140 14 0 25 „ £42 6 8 „ £1,058 _ 8 0 The Cumberland heifers, several of which were in calf, sold well at prices varying from 14 to 19 guineas each, the 30 averaging Just over £17. THE PARMER'S MAGAZINE. Ui SHEEP SALES AND LETTINGS. THE PANTON RAMS.— The varied and well-defined merits of Mr. H. Budding's sheep attracted a large and iu- flueutial company, which included the principal ram breeders of the county. The auctioneer was Mr. Calthrop, and the following is the result of the sale ; SHEARLINGS. — LET. £ s. £ s. Mi- J. L. Needham, Hut- Mr. Borman, Swallow... 10 10 toft 30 0 „ Coates 10 10 Mr Ealand, Skelling- „ Bett, Alvingham ... 0 10 thorpe 16 0 „ Coates 8 0 Mr Kemp, Baumber ... 17 0 ,, Swallow 9 0 „ Clarke, Ashby 33 0 ,, Coates 9 0 SOLD. „ Bojaiton 27 0 Mr Frankish, Kirming- „ Frearson, Benni- ton 9 10 worth 11 0 Mr Holiday 20 0 Mr. Epton, Langtou ... 11 0 ,, Thompson 16 0 „ Tateson 12 10 „ Howard, Temple „ Searby, Sti-ubby ... 10 0 Bruer 12 10 ,, Frankish 9 10 Mr Love 11 0 „ Richardson 10 0 ,, Garflt 20 0 ,, Ashton 8 0 „ Everard 13 0 „ Ashton 10 10 „ Hargr.ive, Nor- „ Sharpley, Althorpe 13 10 manb3' 15 10 „ Crom, Flamboro' ... 11 0 Mr Brocklesby 1.5 0 ,, Pears, Hackthorne 12 0 ,, G. Walker, Bigsby 13 0 „ Nelson, Wyham ... 9 0 „ Foster 13 0 „ McVicar 10 10 „ Walker, Bigsby .. 13 0 „ Hewitt 6 10 ,, Bramloy 16 0 „ Adams 7 0 ,, Swallow 11 10 „ Turner 7 0 „ Borman, Swallow.. 11 10 ,, Borman 12 0 ,, Mc Vicar 14 0 „ Borman 9 10 „ Williams, Ashby .. n 10 „ Bett 11 0 ,, Clarke 11 0 „ Dudding, Saxby ... 6 10 „ Epton 10 0 „ Coates 10 0 ,, Empson 10 10 ,, Mason 9 0 ,, Dawson 12 0 ,, Thompson 7 0 ,, Swallow 10 0 ,, Roberts 9 0 ,j Mackinder 12 10 „ Searby 8 10 ,, Nelson, Wyham .. 12 10 „ Frankish 8 0 ij Ashton 10 10 ,, Dudding 7 0 ,j Nelson, Wyham .. 10 0 TWO SHKAES. — LET J, Hewett, Ludford .. 9 10 Mr. Boynton ' 18 0 ,j Borman, Swallow.. 9 10 „ Kemp, Thurlby .. 51 0 „ Nelson, Wyham .. 10 0 „ Garflt, Scothern .. 32 0 ji Mc Vicar 10 10 „ J. L. Needham, J, Adams, Ludford .. 10 10 Huttoft 35 0 ,, Tateson 13 0 Mr. Williams, Carlton it Lacey, Panton 10 0 le-Moorland 21 0 Ashton 9 10 Mr. Smith 12 0 ,, Mackinder 12 10 ,, Stevenson 8 0 ,, Coates 8 0 „ Coates 8 10 „ Kemp, Thurlby .. 23 0 „ Stevenson 8 10 >, Frudd, Dorrington 10 10 ,, Brocklesby 10 10 THE BISCATHORPE LINCOLNS.— At the letting at Mr- Thomas Kirkham's ram show, there was a very large attendance of ram breeders and sheep farmers from all partsof England, and several foreign breeders. Sixty shearling rams were let by auction, and averaged £13 7s. 6d. each. The highest price — £42 — was given to Mr. H. Mackinder, of Laugton. The two- shear rams (33 in number) were let at prices ranging from £7 to £40, Mr. Needham, of Huttoft, giving the latter price ; the average of these pens was £11 9s. 8d. The three-shear and upwards realized prices varymg from £5 10s. to £28, producing a net average of £8 2s. 9d. There were several Yorksliire breeders at the letting. One hundred and twenty rams were let, and the breeder has sustained the reputation of previous years, this being his 30th season. MR. C. R. KEELING'SSHROPSHIRES.— The Yew Tree flock, though not of long standing, was originally founded on an admixture of animals obtained from Mr. W. Masfeu, of Norton Canes, and the Shipley and Harley flocks. There was a numerous company assembled, Mr. Horley pre- siding at the luncheon, and competition for the rams was brisk. Prices ranged from 5^ to 50 gs., the latter sum being paid by Mr. Evans for the hire of Royalty, a son of Cardinal from a Competition ewe. No. 2 was reserved for showing at Kid- derminster and Walsall, but realized 14 gs. for the season to Mr. Fellows. A very useful two-shear, bred by Mr. AV. Masfen, went cheaply at 11 gs. ; as also another two-shear, wliich Mr. B, H, Masfen obtaijied at 15 gs. The ewes ranged from lOOs, for one pen down to 50s. ; another pen making 90s. ; a third 758. The general average for the rams would be about 13 gs. each. Mr. Preecc, of Shrewsbury, conducted the sale. THE PENDEFORD SALE OF SHROPSHIRES.— 59 shearling rams, bred by Mr. R. H. Masfen, six stock rams, and 80 shearling and stock ewes were submitted for competition by Mr. W. G. Preece. Lot 1 made IG gs., to Mr. Robinson ; lot 3 was bought by Col. Lane for 25 gs. ; lot 5 made 36 gs., to Mr. Chetwynd ; lot 0 made 30 gs., the buyer being Mr. Waynara ; lot 11 was let at 25 gs. to Mr. Pilgrim ; lots 12, 13, 27, each realized 25 gs. ; lot 25 made 22 gs. ; the other shearlings ranging down to 5^ gs. Only one out of the 59 was unsold. The average was nearly £10 each, while the older rams averaged £13 13s. each. The ewes, which were in good condition, made from 45s. to 82s. 6d. THE SHREWSBURY SALE.— A large Shropshire sale of 100 rams and 250 ewes, was held by Messrs. Lythall and Clarke, of Birmingham. The first lot were 15 shearling rams from Mr. J. L. Meire, of Eyton. The higliost price realized was 15 gs., the lot averaging £5 15s. 6d. Nest came 20 shearlings and a four-shear from Mr. H. Matthews, of Montfort. One of these made £17 17s., another £13 13s., and the rest from £11 lis. to £5 15s. 6d., the average being £8 5s. 6d. Messrs. Morris, of Gare, had 14 shearling and two old sheep. These made an average of £6 13s. Mr. W. Yates' 10 shearlings made the average of £10 2s. 6d., one of them being let at £18 18s. Lord Willoughhy de Broke's 10 averaged £8 10s., the highest price being £11 lis. Mr. Sheldon, of Brailes House, had eight, which made £7 lOs. each ; and five from the Coalbrookdale Iron Company were sold at 5^ gs. each. The sale of the ewes was, considering the want of keep this season, very good, the whole of the lots being disposed of. Mr. Matthews' 13 pens ranged from 47s. 6d. to 60s. ; Messrs. Morris' 18 pens from 44s. to 50s. ; Mr. W. Yates' from 46s. to 50s.; Mr. Williams' from 49s to 54s.; and Mr. Chilwell's 44s. SALE OF RAMS AT FORRES.— At the sale of Leicester and other rams, under the auspices of the Forres and Northern Fat Cattle Club, there was a large attendance of farmers and agriculturists of Moray, and the adjoining counties. The follow- ing were the lowest and the bight sums realised for each lot, and the average : Mr. Harris's 25 Leicester shearlings went at prices ranging from 60s. to 12 guineas, and averaged 97s. Mr. Ferguson's eleven Oxford Down lambs fetched from 35s. to 70s., and averaged 46s. Mr. Sutherland's four shearlings sold from 60s. to 80s., and averaged over 72s. Mr. Hunter's twenty shearlings went trom 55s. to £6, and averaged over 80s. The principal purchasers were : Mr. Thomas Murdoch, Forres ; Mr. Brown, Lmkwood ; Mr. Colvie, Earlsmill ; Mr. Walker, Altyre; Mr. ColHe, Elgin; Mr. Grant, Glen-Grant; Mr. M'Pherson, Kerrow; and Mr. M'Pherson, Muirtown. THE BIDDENHAM RAM SALE.— The annual sale of Oxfords from the flock of Mr. Charles Howard, at Biddenham, near Bedford, was deferred to a later period than usual, and some doubts were entertained as to its success, but the well-known quality of the flock and the high reputation of the breeder always secure a good attendance at these pleasant gatherings at the old manor of Biddenham. On this occasion, notwith- standing that the season has been adverse to breeders and dis- couraging to farmers, a good company assembled, many of the buyers coming from distant counties ; but it was remarked that the usual visitors from the continent were absent, and it is pro- bable there was also a deficiency of those foreign commissions which give so useful a stimulus to sales of tliis kind. After the visitors had made an inspection of the flock, they were invited to a handsome luncheon provided in a large tent in the garden, the chair being taken by Colonel llifrgins. The customary toasts having been given Mr. James Howard pro- posed the health of the breeders of sheep, and commented on the remark of the late Lord Leicester, that the introduction of the swede turnip and the improvement in the breed of sheep had added many millions to the wealth of this nation. It might be justly claimed by the breeders of England that they had been beuefactora to their countrymen. Every maji S52 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. who liaJ iravelleJ much in other couutries could bear testi- mony to tlie great superiority of the English over the conti- nental sheep ; a superiority of which the English breeders miglit well be proud. Mr. Wallis, in responding, agreed with Mr. Howard that the English slieep contrasted most favourably with tlie foreign ; but the breeders of this coun- try could not boast of any great pecuniary success this year : he hoped, however, that the sale to-day would show a reaction. Mr. TuEADWELL, who was also called upon to respond, said that notwithstanding the difficulties of the present year, the farmers of Elngland had reason to be satisfied witli the profits to themselves as well as the honour of having added to the wealth of the nation generally, as had been stated ; and for his part he thouc?ht that they could afford a bad season now and then. This sentiment was applauded, but some of the listeners gravely shook their heads, and took another sip of Mr. C. Howard's good wine. The health of the Chairman was proposed by Mr. Trethewy, who eulogised the gallant Colon(!l as a leading public man of the county, one of the promoters of the well-known middle class school, one who had greatly assisted in securing railway communication between this county and Northamptonshire, and one who was always foremost in the Oakley Hunt. The Chairman, after expressing the gratification he felt in meeting the agriculturists of this country, said it was peculiarly pleasing to him to know that the interests of this class were as prosperous as had been suggested by Mr. Treadwell. With reference to the middle-class school which has been es- tablished in this county mainly for the advantage of farmers' sons, it gave him, as a director, great pleasure to be able to announce that it now contained 300 boys, the full number expected. In giving the next toast, the health of their esteemed friend the host, he said it would be difficult to find a more eminent agriculturist in any county than Mr. Howard, as he had all those qualifications which that im- portant business demanded — industry, intelligence, and enthu- siasm ; and it was such men as he who not only added to the wealth but also to the character of their country. The sheep now submitted had been deservedly eulogised by all who saw them ; but he did not know how much the breeding of such first-class animals had turned to the advantage of the breeders. The toast having been duly honoured, Mr. Charles Howard responded, and very cordially ex- pressed a welcome to all present. He, like every other man connected with the business of breeding animals, had for his object the reahzation of some reward for his own exertions ; but, he added humourously in reply to the remark of the Chairman, it was not for him at that moment to tell them how much he had realized (laughter). He might say generally, however, that he was well satisfied ; but there were some seasons when men in his position were periiaps a benefit to the neighbourhood yet had not succeeded in securing a corresponding benefit for themselves. On tlie whole, liowever, it was a great satisfaction to him to know that he had the credit of breeding a class of animals which would do some good wherever they went. After some brief remarks from Mr. Strafford, tlie company ad- journed to the paddock where Mr. Strafford commented on the high qualities of the Biddeuham fiock, and sub- mitted to competition 43 fine Oxfordshire Down shearling rams, together with some two-shear, three-shear, and four- shear ramSi At first the biddings were given slowly and cau- tiously, and a few lots were witharawn. At the invitation and suggestion of the auctioneer calls were made for cer- tain lots, and after an active competition over one fine shearling, which eventually went at nineteen guineas to Mr. Milton Druce, the tone of the sale improved. Thirty-five of these sheep were knocked down to purchasers, twelve others remaining unsold. Amongst the lots brought into the ring there were some remarkably fine animals which at any other season would have commanded a high figure ; and it was remarked by several connoisseurs, who have known the flock well, that the shearlings on this occasion looked bigger and better than any previously produced here. Notwithstand- ing all the disadvantages of this extraordinary season, the 35 animals sold realized an average of 9/. Is. Gd. SALE OP PURE-BRED SHEEP AT ABERDEEN.— Mr. J. Duncan, live-stock agent, Aberdeen, disposed of a number of very superior Leicester sheep, the pro- perty of Mr. Thompson, of f itmeden, and Mr. Fortesque, of Kiugcausie. Two of the shearling rams got the first and second prizes at the recent Royal Northern Agricultural So- ciety Show at Aberdeen, and brought high prices. The first one was sold to Mr. Garland, Cairnton, Kincardineshire, for 20 gs.,and the second one to Mr. Thomson, Clayhills, for ^69 5s. The first-prize aged tup at Aberdeen, three shear, was bought by Mr. Harris, Earnliill, Forres, for £9 12s. 6d ; 26 ewe lambs brought from 22s. to 30s. each; 8 gimmers, from 44s. to 71s. each; 20 cast ewes, from 34s. to 46s. a-head; 9 tup lambs, from 20s. to 48s. ; 12 shearling tups from £3 7s. 6d. to £21 ; 3 three-shear tups, from £6 5s. to £9 12s. 6d. Kiugcausie sheep sold readily, and were good after tups, bred by Lord Polworth and Mr. Brown, of Watton, and had for dams ewes bred by Mr. Torr of Aylesby, and Mr. Sandy. They were all shearling tups, and brought from £2s 6s. to £5 2s. 6d. each. The bidding was brisk, and the sale a good one. SALE OF THE SUTTON MADDOCK SHROPSHIRE FLOCK. — The sale of rams, ram-lambs, and ewes, the pro- perty of Mr. Henry Smith, was held at New House, Sutton Maddock. Lord Chesham presided at the luncheon, and the agents for the Duke of Sutherland, Earl of Dart- mouth, Earl of Bradford, Lord Combermere, Lord VVil- loughby de Broke, Lord Boyne, Mr. W. 0. Foster, M.P., and Captain Oliver attended, and were amongst the principal pur- chasers. The first ram, Lattiiner, a four-shear, was bought by Lord Chesliani, at 34 gs. , others making 32, 20, 17, 10, 15, 14, down to 5^gs. Of the fifty-nine offered, upwards of fifty were sold, at an average of slightly over £11 each. The ram- larabs were small and in very low condition ; making only from 35s. to 65s. each. But it must be stated that they were the worst end of a lot of upwards of 100. The ewes were very superior, and commanded high figures. Captain Oliver secured the Royal Agricultural Society Oxford show theaves at lG8s. each. Lord chesliam took four pens at 115s., 85s., 80s., and 80s. per head; Lord Bradford two pens at 120s. and 115s.; Mr. Morgan Jones one at 90s. ; Mr. Robert Smith several good lots at 80s., 70s., 62s. 6d., down to 47s. 6d., the lowest price given ; Mr. NichoU one pen at 85s. ; Mr. Keeling one pen at 80s. ; Messrs. Webb and Sons and Mr. W. O. Foster one pen each at 62s. 6d. The whole 120 averaged nearly £4 each. Messrs. Lythall and Clarke, of Birmingham, conducted the sale. THE HUTTOFT LINCOLN RAMS.— At theeighth annual sliowat Mr.St.Peter Robinson's farm the resultswere — Shear- lings : No. 1, Mr. R. Brooks, £6 15s. ; 2, Mr. Bring, Claxby, £0 15s.; 3,Mr.Higgins,£0;4,Mr.Glossop,Anderby,£7; 5,Mr. North, South Thoresby, £20 ; 6, Mr. Bancroft, South Soraer- cotes,£21 ; 7, Mr. Uolden, Revesby, £14 ; 8, Mr. Williams, Hatcliff"e, £10 ; 9, Mr. North, £11 ; 10, Mr. Kirkham, Markby, £17 ; 11, Mr. J. Hill, Strubby, £7 : 12, Mr. Dring, £8 ; 13, Mr. Hill, ^11 10s. ; 14, Mr. Foster, Scremby, £8 10s. ; 15, Mr. R. Williams. £8 5s. ; 16, Mr. Mackinder, Hanby, £8 10s. ; 17, Mr. Dring, Scremby, £10; 18, Mr. Higgins,jun., £7 10s. ; 19, Mr. Rinder, Skendleby, £5 6s. ; 20, Mr. Hill, Huttoft, £13 10s. ; 21, Mr. T. C. Johnson, Tothby, £6 15 ; 22, Mr. T. C. Johnson, £5 15s.; 23, Mr. Merrikin, Grain- thorpe, £8 10s.; 24, Mr. Crow, £7 10s. ; 25, Mr. Higgins. jun., £7 15s.; 26, Mr. Crow, £8 ; 27, Mr. T. C. Johnson, £6 lOs. ; 28, Mr. Rinder, £6 5s. ; 29, Mr. Higgins, £7 5s.— Two-Shears : 30, Mr. George Cartwright, Well, £7; 31, Mr. J. Nelson, Wyliam, £10 10s. ; 32, Mr. Higgins, £10 10s.; 33, Mr. W.Wells, Withern, £10 10s. ; 34, Mr. J. W. Ban- croft, £8 5s. ; 35, Mr. Higgins, £5 15s. ; 36, Mr. Higgins, £9 10s. ; 37, Jlr. R. Brooks, £8 ; 38, Mr. Glossop, £7 10s. ; 39, Mr. G. Cartwrigh.^ £6 15s. ; 40, Mr. Bycroft, South Reston,£0 15s.— Three-Shears : 41, Mr. Wallis Wells, £8; 42, Mr. William Chatterton, Hallington, £20; 43, Mr. Parkes, Swaby, £10 10s. ; 44, Mr. Geo. Holden, Revesby, £10 10s. ; 45, Mr. North, £9 ; 40, Mr. Mason, Huttoft Bank, £7 ; 47, Mr. Mackinder, Hanby, £5 lOs. ; 48, Mr. G. Cartwright, £5 10s.; 49, Mr. John Budibent, Anderby, £10; 50, Mr. T. Young, £11 ; 51, Mr. S. Abrahams, Wainfleet,£6 10s. ; 52, Mr. G. Cartwright, £6 ; 53, Mr. Wm. Hay, South Reston, £6 ; 54, Mr. Wallis Wells, £5 5s.; 55, Mr. Chatter- ton, £10. THE WOOTTON DALE LINCOLN RAMS.— This flock was placed under the hammer of Mr. Calthrop, when the following prices were realized : Lot 1, £28, Mr. R. Wright, Nocton Heath; 2, J88, Mr. Cordeaux, Great THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 353 Coates, Grimsbv ; 3, £13, Mr. J. Beaulah, Scawby ; 4, £17 10s., Mr. W. Nainby, Barnoldby-le-Beck ; 5, £7, Mr. F. R. Marshall, Elsham ; 6, £7, Mr. Jackson, Ulceby ; 7, £7, Mr. i: 11. Marshall ; 8, £6 10s., Mr. J. Dexter, Ulceby ; 9, £12, Mr. Rt. Walker, Somerby, Brigff ; 10, £10, Mr. R. H. Pearson, Stalliagboro', Ulceby, 11, £10 lOs., Mr. J. Uanby, Hibald- stow, Brigg ; 12, £8, Mr. \V. Marris'a exors., Limber ; 13, £13, Mr. Bygott, Barton ; 14, £10 10s., Mr. Sharpe, West Halton, Brigg ; 15, £10, Mr. J. Campbell's exors., Gokewell, Brigg ; 16, £9 10s., Mr. East, Hibaldstow ; 17, £15, Mr. Champion, Lincoln; 18, £19 lOs., Mr. J. Bygott; 19, £19, Mr. R. Walker; 20, £2.3, Mr. J. Beaulah; 21, £10 lOs., Mr.R. H. Pearson; 22, £13, Mr. J. Sharpe; 23, £9 10s., Mr. W.Dunn, Warlaby, Brigg; 2-1, £11 10s., Messrs. E. and R. Erapsou, Bonby, Barton ; 25, £1G, Mr. G. Nelson, Great Limber ; 26, £12, Mr. Hill, Poolethorne, Brigg ; 27, £15. Mr. Sharpe ; 28, £8, Mr. W. Brooks, East llalton ; 29, £10, Mr. Ingham, York- shire; 30, £11 10s., Mr. Sharpe; 31, £12 10s., Mr. Nainby ; 32, £11, Mr. F. Pearson, Ulceby ; 33, £10, Mr. Sargeant, Thornton Curtis ; 34, £8, Mr. J. Campbell's exors. ; 35, £8 10s., Mr. J. Beaulah ; 36, £14 10s., Mr. Pease, Brougiiton Vale, Brigg; 37, £10, Mr. R. Raven, Little Limber Grange ; 38, £8 10s., Mr. W. Marris's exors. ; 39, £9, Mr. F. R. Marshall ; 40, £12 10s., Mr. G. Houghton, South KiUinghoIme ; 41, £8 10s., Mr. Brooks ; 42, £1 0, Mr. J. West, Melton Ross, Ulceby ; 43, £10 10s., Mr. W. Brooks, East Halton ; 44, £9, Mr. F. R. Marshall ; 45, £10 10s., Mr. W. Brooks ; 46, £12, Mr. J. Sharpe; 47, £9, Mr. J. Campbell's exors.; 43, £10, Mr. E. Abraham, Barnetby-le- Wold ; 49, £10, Mr. Jackson, Ulceby ; 50, £8 10s., Mr. Beaulah ; 51 , £8, Mr. R. Brooks, Doncaster ; 52, £9, Mr. F.R.Marshall; 53, £8 10s., Mr. W. Brooks ; 54, £8 10s., Mr. F. R. Marshall; 55, £10 10s., Mr. W. Smith, Kirmington, Ulceby. The average was £11 4s. each lot. THE EAST KEAL LINCOLN RAMS.— The flock the property of Mr. J.Skinn, of East Keal,were let by Mr.E.Raney. The company was by far the largest with which Mr. Skinn has ever been honoured. With the exception of a few shearlings the sheep were all let by the hammer at prices varying from £4 to £11 5s., at which sum an aged sheep was taken by Mr. Moore. HALTON HOLGATE LINCOLN RAMS.— At the let of Mr. J. H. Vessey's flock of Lincolnshire longwool sheep, numbering nearly 200, after an inspection, the sheep were taken by private arrangement, only 20 remaining unlet at the close. Some of the rams went for fi-ora £30 to £40 each ; but farmers requiring rams for general service were accommodated with suitable animals at from £8 to £11 each. THE OWERSBY RAMS.— The flock of the late Mr. John Davey averaged as follows : Shearlings £15 Is. 9d., two-shears £12 19s. 7d., three-shears and upwards £12 5s. 6^d. ; gross average £14 Os. 4^-d. One hundred and fifty ewes and gim- mers were afterwards sold in lots often each. The ewes were knocked known at from 74s. to 80s. each, and the gimmers at 70s. to 74s. each ; the whole being bought by Mr. Edward Davy, of Thoresway, and they will remain on the farm with the exception of one lot of gimmers, which were bought at 74s. by Mr. BeU, agent for Mr. Bankes Stanhope. THE ASHBY RAMS.— These rams, the property of Mr. Clarke, sold as follows : The sale commenced with the shear- lings. The first was knocked off at 12 gs., and the sale went on prosperously to nearly the end of the yearlings, when a smart shower drove the company from the ring side, and slightly depreciated the prices of the few last lots. The prime yearlings were — No. 6, sold to Mr. Johnson, of Wellingore, for 25 gs. ; No. 30 sold to Mr. Woolhouse for 31 gs. ; and No. 20 bought by Mr. Patterson for 25 gs. ; Mr. Trotter bought No. 32 (a very handsome sheep) for 20 gs. ; and Mr. James Hutchinson got No. 44 very cheap at 14 gs. The prices made for the two-shea;s were very satisfactory ; No. 70 making 20 gs., and No. 80 25 gs. The two old sheep (99 and 100) were perfect models of symmetry, and went to Mr. Cappe and Mr. Harston respectively for 20 gs. and 14 gs. The average was ^glO 18s. 6d. each, which, all things con- sidered, may be regarded as satisfactory to the breeder, and certainly to the purchasers. Mr. Wm. Baker's second annual sale of Shropshire rams and ewes, was held at Moor Barns, Atherstone, A few rams had been bred and sold privately for several years until 1867, when Mr. Baker determined to try the test of the show yard, and with such success that, since then, no fewer than seventy-three prizes have been obtained by the flock. This fact, no doubt, much increased the attendance, which included several gentlemen from North Wales, Lincoln- sliire, Nurthamptoushire, and most of tlie midland counties. Six two-shear rams, including the winner at Wakefield, averaged £14 3s. 6d., one being let ; and iliirty-otie siiearlmgs, (all sold but two), made £9 6s. each ; four of these were let, one for the latter part of the season only. The ewes were of good size, and included two or three from the Montford flock. The competition was brisk, at from 528. to 75s. per head ; the average of the seventy being 59s. 9d. No ram went higher than seventeen guineas, the sum paid by Mr. Timmis for Sparkenhoe, by Viceroy ;" a like figure being given by Mr. Shaw for Blenheim, by Superior. The otlier principal buyers were Messrs. Bate, Flint ; Battams, Northampton ; Marris, Lincoln; Maxwell, Northampton; Dormer, Grundy, Vergette, Sanders, Wykes, Webb, Abel Bentley, Lee, Pegg, Felthouse, Princip. Powers, Drakely, Arnold, Wood, and Adams, &c. Messrs. Lythall and Clarke, conducted the sale. A sale of Hampshire Down sheep, belonging to the execu- tors of the late Mr. G. 1). Cockerara, was held by Mr. J. Waters, at Niton Farm. The average of all ages of ewes was 33s. per head, the two-teeth ewes realising 41s. (Mr. Olding), 34s. 333. 30s., to 28s., the average of this age being 32s. 5d. per head. Four-teeth ewes brought 45s. (Mr. Crook), 35s. 34s. to 29s., averaging 34s. 8d. Tlie six-teeth ewes sold at 45s. (Mr. Sloper), 38s., 37s., to 30s., and averaged 36s. Full- mouthed ewes ranged from 34s. (Mr. Moore) to 20s., and averaged 29s. 9d. per head. The Cliilver lambs brought 39s. (Mr. Moore), 35s., 29s., the cull lot realising 14s., and the average being 27s. Wether lambs brought 31s. and 26s., and the cull lot 12s. per head. The cart horses all aged ranged from 37 gs., 33 gs., 31 gs. 28^ gs., &c., down to 14 gs. It rained hard during the sale, but the result was considered satisfactory. At Compton Farm, Enford, Mr. J. Waters, submitted for sale by auction the breeding flock of the late Mr. James Martin, which consisted of about 1,100 ewes and lambs, including 220 two-teeth ewes, 230 four-teeth ewes, 206 sis- teeth ewes, 180 fuU-mouth ewes, 280 chilver lambs, and eight rams. The following were the average prices realised : Two- teeth ewes, highest, 47s., Mr. Chisman ; lowest, 35s. ; average 38s. 3d. per head. Four-teeth ewes, highest, 60s. Mr. Moore ; lowest 37s, ; average 44s. 6d. per head. Six-tee.th ewes, highest 51s., Mr. Ferris ; lowest, 34s. ; average, 39s. 8d. Full- mouth ewes, highest, 50s., Mr. Wadman ; lowest, 34s. ; average, 38s. Id. per head. Chilver lambs, highest, 52s., Mr. Carpenter ; lowest, 23s. ; average, 30s. lOd. per head. The cart horses realised 51gs.,43gs., 39gs.,38 gs., 36^gs., 32|gs., 30 gs.. Sec, &c., the whole (21) having averaged £28 15s. 6d. each. THE ULCEBY GRANGE RAMS.— There were sub- mitted 49 Lincolns, descended from well-selected sires, and dams from the flocks of Mr. Marshall of Branston, Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Mackinder of Laugton Grange, Mr. Kirkham of Bisca- thorpe, Messrs. Dudding of Panton, Mr. Needham, and Mr. Topham. The 49 rams, all shearlings, were offered by Jfr. Caithrop, and realized the following prices, viz. : Lot 1, Mr. Thomas Edlington, Brumby, £6 ; 2, Mr. John Brooks, Woot- ton, £8 10s. ; 3, Mr. Beaumont, Faldingworth, £6 10s. ; 4, Mr. Leonaid, Patrington, £8 10s.; Mr. Brady Nicholson, Leeds, £12; 6, ditto, £12; 7, Mr. Nicholson, Willoughton, £14 10s. ; 8, Mr. Wm. Maw, Walk House, £12 10s. ; 9, Mr. W. Youhill, Laceby, £6 10s. ; 10, Mr. Jordesson, Bishop Burton, £6 5s. ; 11, Mr. John Brooks, £6 ; 12, Mr. George Cartwright, Kirmington, £6 10s. ; 13, Mr. F. Hookham, Thornton, £6 ; 14, Mr. Musgrave, Owersby, £11 10s. ; 15, ditto, £15 10s. ; 16, Mr. Atkin, £10; 17, Mr. Wood, Snar- ford, £6 ; 18, Mr. Nicholson, £6 10s. ; 19, Mr. Smith, Hull, £5 lOs. ; 20, Mr. Thos. RoUett, Northorpe, £7; 21, Mr. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross, £7 10s. ; 22, Mr. Leonard, £13 15s. ; 23, do., £13 15s. ; 24, Mr. Brady Nicholson, £17 ; 25, Jonas Webb, £10; 26, Mr. Geo. Bland Herring, Redbourne, £8 5s.; 27, Mr. Smith, £7; 28, Mr. Morris, Faldingworth, £7; 29, Mr. Jordesson, £6 10s. ; 30, Mr. Thos. Rollett, £8 ; 31, Mr. John Brooks, £11 10s.; 32, ditto, £8 10s.; 33, Mr. Smith, £7; 34, Mr. Beaumont. £7; 35, Mr. George Cartwright, £8; 36, Mr. Smith, £6 10s. ; 37, ditto, £6 ; 38, Mr. John Brooks, £6; 39, Mr. Gorge Gurflell, Brumby, £9 15s. ; 40, Mr. John Ste- B B 354 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. phenson, « The Beeches," £13 5s. ; 41, Mr. Abra- ham, Scartho', £9 10s. ; 42, Mr. Nicholson, Willoughton, £7 10s. • 43, Mr. John Brooks, £7 15s. ; 44, Mr. Wm. Hudson, Kirmington, £13 ; 45, Mr. Jonas Webb, £7 10s. ; 46, Mr. Smith, £6 10s. ; 47, Mr. W. J. Prankish, Kirraington, £8 5s. ; 48, Mr. Smith, £7 ; 49, ditto, £6 10s. Total, £429 15s. THE WEST WILLOUGHBY HAMS.— Mr. W. Wood offered for sale by auction sixty rams, bred by Mr. Rudkin. Annexed are the prices : No. 1, Mrs. Smart, Ropsley, £9 15s. ; a, Mr. Newton, Ancaster, £8 ; 8, Mr. Palmer, Wil- loughby, £6 ; 4, Mr. Widdowson, Swaton, £5 10s. ; 5, Mr. Ward, Sudbrook, £6 5s. ; 6, Mr. Dolby, Foston, £12 5s. ; 7, Mr. Snodin, Branston, £6 ; 8, Mr. Ward, Ancaster, £6 15s. ; 9, Mrs. Hoyes, Hanby, £6 ; 10, Mrs. Sardeson, Sappertou, £6 ; 11, Mr. Sardeson, Haydor, £9 10s. ; 12, Mr. Ward, Sud- brook, £7 5s. ; 13, Mr. Slight, Willoughby, £15 ; 14, Mr. Andrews, Somerby, £5 5s. ; 15, passed ; 1(5, Mr. Widdowson, £6 ; 17, Mr. Slight, Wilsford Heath, £6 15s. ; 18, Mr. Rud- kin, Hanby, £9 15s.; 19, Mr. Robert, £14 ; 20, passed; 21, Mr. Sardeson, Howell, £10 ; 22, Mr. Snodin, £15 ; 23, Mr. Brothwell, Braceby, £13 ; 24, Mr. Thomas Miuta, Easton, £7 ; 25, Mr. Bull, Boothby, £15 ; 26, Mr. Thomas Minta, £5 5s.; 27, Mr. Boyall, Grantham, £8 10s.; 28, Mr. Brackenbury, Londonthorpe, £8 10s. ; 29, Mr. Casswell, Falkingham, £5 5s. ; 30, Mr. Wadeson, Norraanton, £9 10s. ; 31, Mr. Nixon, Kelby, £5 5s. ; 32, Mr. Lord, Hough, £7 ; 33, Mr. Thomas Minta, £6 5s. ; 34, Mr. Robinson, Sedge- brook Mill, £6 5s. ; 35, Mr. Thomas Minta, ^"8 5s. ; 36, Sir Thomas Whichcote, Aswarby, £13 ; 37, Mr. Blankley, Han- beck. £9 5s. ; 38, Mr. Hed worth, Oasby, £7 15s.; 39, Mr. Castle, Grantham, £6 10s. ; 40, Mr. Andrews, Somerby, £6 15s. ; 41, Mr. Sardeson, Howell, £5 5s. ; 42, Mrs. Sardeson, Sapperton, £5 10s. ; 43, passed ; 44, Mr. Parkinson, Wils- ford, £5 5s. ; 45, Mr. Robinson, Haceby, £7 10s. ; 46, Mr. Castle, £5 10s. ; 47, Mr. Ward, Sudbrook, £5 5s. ; 48, passed ; 49, passed ; 50, Mr. Robinson, Sedgebrook, £5 5s.; 51, Mr. BuU, Cranwell, £7 10s.; 52, Mr. Bull, Boothby, £5 15s. ; 53, Mr. Sardeson, Haydor, £5 5s. ; 54, Mr. Snodin, £9 10s.; 55, Mrs. Hoyes, £5 5s.; 56, Mr. J. Hardy, Grantham, £5 15s. ; 57, Mr. Brackenbury, £5 5s.; 58, Mr. Casswell, £5 5s.; 59, passed; 60, Mr. Hoyes, Allington, £6 lOs. ; making an average of £7 13s. 7id. THE CULVERTHORPE RAMS.— The twenty-sixth an- nual sale took place at the residence of Mr. G. King, Culver- thorpe Hall, Mr. Law of Sleaford, being tlie auctioneer. The following were the the prices made : No. 1, Mr. Pick- worth, Kirkby Laythorpe, £12 12s. ; 2, Mr. Wm. Thompson, Grantham, £8 18s. 6d. ; 3, Sir Thomas Whichcote, Aswarby Hall, £15 4s. 6d.; 4, Mr. Draper Mackinder, Sempringham, £8 8s. ; 5, Mr. Vinceut, Bottesford, £11 lis. ; 6, Mr. Harris, Rauceby, £7 17s. 6d. ; 7, Mr. Sharp, Sleaford, £8 18s. 6d. ; 8, Mr. Cooper, Swineshead, £21 ; 9, Mr. Ward, Ancaster, £6 16s. 6d. ; 10, Mr. Lynn, Lentou, £13 2s. ; 11, Mr. King, Laneham, Retford, £8 8s. ; 12, Mr. W. Birkett, Silk Wil- loughby, £7 7s.; 13, Mr. Bowett, Rockley, Retford, £6, 16s. 6d. ; 14, Mr. Avery, Welby, £9 9s.; 15, Mr. Green, Knipton, £10 10s. ; 16, Mr. Bacon, Rippingale, £8 8s. ; 17, Mr. Hill, Ropsley, £8 8s.; 18, Mr. Richardson, Digby, £10 10s. : 19, Mr. Welborn, Woolsthorpe, £6 16s. 6d. ; 20, Mr. Cooper, Swineshead, £17 6s. 6d. ; 21, Mr. Roberts, Somerby £10 10s. ; 22, Mr. Hind, Stroxton, £5 15s. 6d. ; 23, Mr. Pilkingtou, Brauucewell, £13 2s. 6d.; 24, Mr. Harrison, Ashby-de-la-Launde, £10 10s.; 25, Mr. Searson, Bulby, £9 19s. 6d. ; 26, Mr. Read, Great Hale, £7 17s. 6d. ; 27, Mr. C. Sanderson, Dembleby, £7 7s. ; 28, Mr. Sharp, Sleaford, £8 18s 6d. ; 29, Mr. Blankley, Hanbeck, £9 9s. ; 30, Mr. Rig-gall, Threekinghara, £9 Qs. ; 31, Mr. Bacon, P.ippingale, £10 10s. ; 32, Mr. Frances Leasingham, £8 18s. 6d.; 33, Mr. Wadsley, Swaton, £6 6s. ; 34, Mr. Bacon, £5 5s. ; 35, Mr. Lynn, £7 7s. ; 36, Mr. Pope, Kirkby Underwood, £5 15s. 6d. ; 37, Mr. Robinson, Haceby, £6 6s. ; 38, Mr. Creasev, Rusking- ton, £6 6s. ; 39, Mr. Mackinder, Sempringham, £5 15s. &i. ; 40, Mr. Pheasant, Threekinghara, £5 15s. 6d. ; 41, Mr. Brack- enbury, Horbling, £6 6s. ; 42, Miss Amos, Grantham, £5 15s. 6d. ; 43, Mr. Hardy, Jericho Lodge, £5 15s. 6d. ; 44, passed ; 45, Mr. Pickworth, Kirkby Laythorpe, £8 18s. 6d. ; 46, Mr. Mackinder, Sempringham Fen, £5 15s. 6d. Nos. 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, and 53 were passed. The average for the forty-five sold is £8 18s. SJd. A number of breeding ewes were advertised for sale, but only three pens were offered, which realised 44s., 48s., and 46s. 6d. PETERBOROUGH RAM FAIR.— This annual fair was held in the Recreation-ground. There were 497 rams penned, being 23 more than last year, the number then being 474. The foiioulr^ is an account of the rams sold : Messrs. Mason and Son sold 50 auun.,!: ^"-p.d by Mr. T. Caswell, of Pointon ; the highest prices obtained being £17 17s. for one sold to Mr. J. Byron, of Kirkby Green ; £15 15s. for one sold to Mr. Moss, of Whisby ; £15 15s. for one sold to Mr. Clarke, of Bythely ; and £16 16s. for one sold to Mr. Staplee, of Oxney. This flock averaged £10 5s. per sheep. Messrs. Mason also sold 30 longwool shearlings, the property of Mr. Byron, of Kirkby Green, who we understand has obtained three medals and 13 first and second prizes during the last 12 months. The highest price obtained was for two animals sold to the Hon. G. W. Fitzwilliam — viz., £16 16s. and £15 15s. ; the average was £9 17s. Mr. J. Wilders, of Croxton Kerrial, showed 25 shear- lings, with very good backs and skins. The highest price ob- tained was £17 ; the average being £10 18s. Mr. W. Mann sold 40 fine rams, the property of Mr. T. Cartwriglit, of Dun- ston Pillar, the highest price obtained being £22 for a sheep sold to Mr. Gilbert ; average £11 12s. Mr. J. Fox sold six prize sheep (O.xford), the property of Mr. Gunnell, one of which was sold to Mr. Rudkin, of Willoughby for 39 gs. The same auctioneer also sold 47 animals, the property of Mr. W. Kirkham, of Markby Priory, the highest price obtained being £11 10s. Messrs. Briggs sold 48 animals, the property of Mr. J. R. Kirkham, of Audleby Villa, tlie highest price being £44 given by Mr. Breeverton ; average £14. Messrs. Shouler and Son sold 30, the property of Mr. Hack, of Biickminster ; the highest prices were — Mr. Foster £22, Mr. Sharpe £18, Mr. Saunders £14 ; average £10. Mr. Lumby sold 50, the property of Mr. J. H. Caswell, of Laughton ; highest prices — Mr. Rook, of Weldon, £26, Mr. Wallis £23, and Mr. Lumpkin £22 ; average £11 lOs. Mr. E. Law sold 17 animals, the property of Mr. Garner, of Willoughby Heath ; the highest price being £9 10s., and the average £7 5s. Mr. Law also sold 34, the property of Mr. Woolhouse ; the highest price being £10 10s., and the average £8 15s. Messrs. Lawrence and Carter sold 50 shearlings, the property of Mr. S. E. Dean, of Dowsby ; the highest prices being — £31 given by Mr. S. Middleton, £17 10s. by Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Seward £16, and Mr. S. Middleton £16 ; the average being £12 10s. There was a very good attendance of buyers and others, and the arrangements for the ground, which were carried out under the superintendence of Mr. J . Ruddle, the surveyor, to the Improvement Commissioners, gave general satisfaction. — The disgraceful way in which some of the rams were oiled, and colourwashed, says a correspondent of the Lincoln 3Iercnry calls for the interference of the agricultural shows. How long will buyers allow themselves to be deceived by such practice ! SLEAFORD NEW RAM FAIR.— The CranweU rams, 33 in number, the property of Mr. Sardeson, were sold by auction by Mr. Law at an average of £8 10s. each ; the Kirkby Lay- thorpe rams, 22 in number, the property of Mr. Taylor, were sold by the same auctioneer at an average of £7 each. Several other lots were also disposed of at satis-factory prices. THE AYLESBY RAM SHOW.— Last year the average price paid for the use of each ram was £15 ; however, the average did not now exceed £14, the highest prices ranging from £30 to £35, while none let for less than £10. SALE OF THE PATCHAM SOUTHDOWN FLOCK.— The flock of the late Mr. Wilham Tanner, Patcham, was submitted to public competition by Mr. Drawbridge, by the direction of the executors. The sale took place on Standean farm, in a secluded valley among the Southdown- hills between Brighton and Hassocks-gate. The attendance was rather thin, owing probably to the inaccessibility of the situa- tion, but among those present were several flockmasters from the western part of the county. Of full-mouthed ewes there were four lots of .five, and twelve lots of ten. The lots of five were sold at 60s. to Mr. Hart, Beddingham, 50s. to Mr. T. Bushby and Mr. Hayward, Gloucester, and 46s. to Mr. Ste- venson, steward to Mr. F. H. Farrer, Abinger-haU, Dorking. The lots of ten were bought by Mr. Burnett, steward to Col. Kingscote, at 47s. ; Mr, Arkcoll, Eastbourne, 465. ; Mr, Ste- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 355 venson three lots at Us. and 40s. ; Mr. Claxton, Svvaffham, six lots at 43s., 40s., 39s., 37s., and 36s. ; and Mr. Cordy, at 34s. One lot of Broken-mouthed ewes was bought at 33s. by Messrs. Brown. Of six-tooth ewes there w'ere four lots of five, eleven lots of ten, and one lot of sixteen. The lots of five were bought by Mr. iox, Westhoatly, at 5is. and 58s. ; and Mr. Hayward, at 53s. and 50s. Tlie lots of ten were bought by Mr. Bannister ; ten lots, at 40s., 43s., 40s., and 3'Js. ; by Mr. ArkcoU, at 44 ; Mr. Claxton, two lots, at 4Cs. and 41s. ; Mr. Burnett, 42s. ; and Mr. M'Naughten, 38s. The latter also bought tlie lot of sixteen at 3Gs. Of the four-tooth ewes there were four lots of five, fourteen of ten, and one of twelve. The fives were bought by Mr. Hart, at 50s. ; Mr. Fox, at 473. ; Mr. Bushby, at 49s. ; and Mr. Deuduey, at 44s. Tiie others were bought by Mr. ArkcoU, at 50s. ; Mr. Bushby, at 48s. ; Mr. Bannister, four lots, at 4Gs. and 4r4s. ; Mr. James Kent, 47s. ; Mr. Ilaward, at 4Ss. ; Mr. M'Naughten, three lots, at 463., 44s., and 42s. ; Mr. Claxton, 46s. ; Mr. S. Beard, two lots, 47s. ; and IMr. Deudney, 40s. Of two-tooth ewes there were four lots of five, and twenty lots often. The former were bought by ]Mr. E. Blakcr, two lots, at 60s., and Mr. Claxton, two lots, at 5Gs. and 50s, The tens were purchased by Mr. Claxton, three lots, at 59s., 4Ss., and 47s. ; Mr. Gibson, two lots, 49s., 47s., and 45s. ; Mr. Bannister, live lots, at 50s. 46s,, 45s., 44s., and 42s. ; ]\Ir. Stevenson, 45s. ; Mr. llayward, at 47s. and 41s. ; Mr. ArkcoU 46s. ; Mr. Hampton, three lots, at 45s. and 443. ; Mr. Beard, 45s. ; Mr. M'Naughten, 44s. Of ewe lambs there were seven lots often, five lots of twenty, and one of eighteen. The tens were bought by Mr. Russell, at 34s.; Mr. Burnett, at 37s.; Mr. ArkcoU, two lots, 31s. and 30s,; Mr. Hammond, 2Ss. and 27s. ; Messrs. Brown, 26s. The twen- ties were bougiit by Mr. Brown, at 25s. ; Mr. llussell, 23s. ; Mr. Hayward, 23s. ; Mr. ArkcoU, 22s. ; Mr. Russell, two lots, 22s. and 20s. Full-mouthed ewes ranged between 34s. and 60s. a-head and averaged 43s. ; tlie six-tooth ranged between 36s. and 53s., and averaged 43s. 3d. The four-tooth ranged from 40s. to 50s., and averaged 46s. ; tlie two-tootli from 42s. to 60s., averaging 47s, 6d. ; and the lambs from 20s. to 30s., averaging 27s. Rams : Three years old, by a ram of Mr. Hart's, Bed- dingham, Mr. Walters, £3 10s. ; two years old, by ditto, Mr. Blaker, £5 10s. ; ditto by Mr. lligden's son of Webb, No. 21, Mr. J. Farncombe, £14 14s. ; ditto, Mr. Bannister, £4 14s. 6d. ; ditto, flock sheep, Mr. Beard, £8 18s. 6d. ; one-year-old, by Mr. Hart's ram, Mr. Blaker, £21 ; ditto, by Mr. Brown's ram, of Patehara, Mr. Chandler, £4 5s. ; ditto, Mr. Chandler, £4 10s. ; one-year-old, by Mr. Brown's ram, of Pateham, W. Farneorabe, £3 5s. ; ditto. Lord Chichester, £8 8s. ; ditto, by Mr. Hart's ram, £4 14s. 6d. Ram lambs : i3y No. 1 ram, dam half Heasman, £3 3s., Mr. J. S. Turner; ditto, dam half Rigden, £1 17s. 6d., Mr. Deudney ; ditto, dam half AVaters, £1 10s., Mr. Kniglit ; liy Mr. Boy's ram, dam half Brown, £2 5s., Mr. Chandler; ditto, £1 16s., Mr. J. Farneombe; half Brown, £2, Mr. Case ; ditto, £1 15s., Mr. ArkcoU ; ditto, dam half Waters, £1 15s., Mr. Botting ; ditto, £1 10s., Mr. Knight ; ditto, £1 15s., Mr. Knight ; flock sheep, £2, Mr. Deudney. The prices for ewes were generally good, but for choice pens not so high as might have been expected for a flock of such repute. The bidding for rams was very languid, and except for a few of the best the prices "/ere very low. The dairy cows ranged from 14 to 28 gs. THE BIRLING SOUTHDOWNS— Tlie flock of Mr. John Gorringe, ofBirUng, was submitted to pubUc auction by Messrs. Southerden and Morris, of Hailshain and Lewes. The sale was in eousefiuenee of Mr. Gorringe leaving his down farm for the lowlands. The sheep, not having been " made up" for sale, and having subsisted upon the produce of the land as they picked it up for themselves, were not in very high condition ; but, notwithstanding, very fair prices were made. Of ewes there were 78 lots, of ten, consisting of 15 lots of full-mouthed, 20 lots of six-tooth, 20 lots of four-tooth, and 22 lots of tegs. The ewe lambs numbered 250, the rams and ram lambs 16. For the sheep the following prices were made : Ten full- mouthed ewes, Mr. Stenning, Godstone, 37s. ; ten ditto, Mr. Stenning, 39s. ; ten ditto, Mr. S. Stevenson, steward to tlie Queen's Physician, Abinger HaU, Dorking, 38s. ; ten ditto, Mr. Stenning, 38s. ; ten ditto, Mr. Mannington, Langliton, 333. ; ten ditto, Mr. Bradford, Wannoek, 33s. ; ten ditto, Mr. Stevenson, u4s, ; ten ditto, Mr. Mannington, 34s. ; ten ditto, Mr, T. ArkcoU. 343. 6d, ; ten ditto, Mr, Stevenson, 85. ; ten ditto, Mr. T, Jenaer, Heathfield, 348, ; ten ditto, Mr, Stevenson, 333. ; ten ditto, Mr. Man- nington, 343. ; ten ditto, Mr. N. Breton, 34s. Six- tootli : Sold to Messrs. Bradford at 45s. ; W. Ashby, 45s. ; D. Aylwiu (^Maresfield), seven lots at 41s., 41s. Gd., 41s., 40s. Bannister (Cuckfield), who has taken Westdean Farm, bought six lots at 40s., 393., 38s. W. Ver- raU (Itford), 42s. Honeyman (Sir J. Duke), 4l3., 37s. 6d. T. ArkcoU (Eastbourne), 423. Od. F. Tuppen (Westliam), 43s. F'our-tooth Sheep: W. VerraU (Itford), 5l3. James Kent (Southease), 45s. T. ArkcoU, 44s. 6d. Bannister (nine lots at), 41.S., 40s., 39s., 38s., 37s. Tuppen, 41s. Joseph Gorringe (Eastbourne), two lots at 403. Homewood (East- bourne), 40s. Groom (Folkicu;lon), 42s. Brown (AUiag- ton), 383., 37s. Two-tootli Sheep: Messrs. W. Vcrrall, 50s., 48s., 44s., and 40s. Joseph Gorringe, 503. W. P. Ashby, 48s. Bannister, 46s., 45s. 6d., 43s., 42s. 6d., 41s., 403., 39s., and 38s. Tuppen, 44s. R. Brown, 40s. and 383. Aylwin, 38s. Stevenson, 38s. Noakes, 41s. Ewe-lambs : Messrs. Burnett, 33s. Messrs. Brown, 29s., 28s., 37s., 263., 25s., 24s., 23s. Stevenson, 26s., 25s., 24s., 23s., and 31s. Noakes, 39s. Rams : No. 1, P. Gorringe, £3 15s. No. 3, P. Gor- ringe, £5 53. No. 3, Tuppen, £5 5s. No. 4, Stevenson, £3 13s. 6d. No. 5, ditto, £4 4s. Ram-lambs : No. 1, Joseph Gorringe, £3 10s. No. 3, ditto, £1 17s. 6d. No. 3, Steven- son, £2 13s. 6d. No. 4, Joseph Gorringe, £3 12s. 6d. No. 5, ditto, £3 3s. No. 6, Stevenson, £3 2s. No. 7, Joseph Gorringe, £2 3s. No. 8, Mr. Osborne, £3 lOs. LINCOLN SHEEP.— The ram sales in the Lincoln cattle market were not so well attended as they have been for the last few years, and the prices made showed a considerable falling oft'; attributable probably in some measure to the large num- ber of rams disposed of at the homes of the breeders. The following is a summary of the business done : Mr. Cropper's rams (sold by Messrs. Tateson and Richardson) : Lot 1, Mr. Johnson, £7 10s. ; 3, Mr. Gaunt, £6 5s. ; 5, Mr. Frierson, £8 5s. Mr. Rudgard's rams (sold by ditto) : Lot 3, Mrs. Jack- sou, Heighiugton, £5 5s. ; 5, Mr. Godfrov, Fillingham, £6 15s. ; 6, Mr. Ashton, Waddington, £8 10s' ; 7, Mr. AUcoek, Nottingham, £4 15s. ; 8, ditto, £4 5s. ; 9, Mr. Barratt, £4 10s. ; 10, Mr. Hayward, Waddington, £5 ; 11, Mr. Vickers, Nettleham, £4 5s. ; 12, Mr. Barratt, £4 15s. ; 13, Mr. Spratt, Owersby, £4 10s. ; 14, Mr. Cottingham, Snarford, £5 5s. 15, Mr. Cartwright, TattershaU, £5 ; 16, Mr. HoweU, £4 10s. ; 17, Mr. Young, Clixby, £7 5s. ; 18, Mr. Wilson, Saxilby, £7 5s. Mr. R. Toynbe, Red HaU (sold by ditto) : Lot 1, ram, Mr. E. Davy, £16 16s. ; 2, ditto, Mr. E. Davy, £14 14s. ; 1, 3 gimmers, Rev. Mr. O'Grady, Derbyshire, £6 each ; 3, 4 ditto, Mr. Irving, Doncaster, £5 10s. ; 3, 3 ditto, ditto, £5 5s. ; 4, 4 ewes, Mr. Frudd, Doningtou, £4 17s. 6d. ; 5, 4 ditto, Mr. Irving, £3 10s. ; 6, ditto, ditto, £3 7s. 6d. ; 7, ditto, ditto, £3 17s. 6d. ; 8, ditto, Mr. Johnson, £3 7s. 6d. ; 9, ditto, Mr. MarshaU, £3 3s. 6d. ; 10, ditto, Mr. Hardy, £3 2s. 6d. ; 11 ditto, Mr. Clarke, £3 18s. ; 12, 6 gimmers. Rev. Mr. O'Grady, £6 5s. ; 13, 6, ditto, ditto, £5 5s. ; 14, ditto, Mr. Irving, £3 4s. Several lambs from the same flock sold at from 36s. to 48s. each. Mr. Ealand, Potterhanworth, 80 superior gimmers, with good fleeces, sold by Tateson and Co. at from 483. to 64s. each. The Nocton Heath Rams (sold by Mr. Law) : 41 ram were shown by Mr. 11. Wright, of Nocton Heath. Unfortu- nately, however, there was such a glut of rams on offer that many really excellent animals were disposed of at nominal prices. Lot 9, a shearling, was purchased by Mr. Black, from. Scotland, for 19 gs. ; Mr. Holmes, of Nettleham, secured lot 10, a shearling, for 25 gs. ; Mr. T. Trotter, SkeUingtliorpe, pnrehased lot 11 for 10 gs. ; lot 12, a shearling, fell to the bid of Mr. W. Cartwright for 31 gs. ; Mr. Markham secured lot 30 for 14.J gs. ; and Mr. Grebby became the possessor of lots 27 and 28 for lOj and 13^ gs. respectively. The 40 sheep sold reaUzed £387 9s., beiug an average of £9 13s. 8d. each. The Ingleby rams (auctioneers Messrs. Briggs) : Last year Mr. Paddison, of Ingleby, whose sheep have lor several seasons been bred with the greatest care, obtained the highest aferage in the fair, and although the rams shown by him were fuUy up to the mark, the prices realized were considerably lower than Mr. Paddison had a right to anticipate. The 23 rams only realized £175, being an average of a little under £8 each. The Timberland rams : Twenty-one shearUngs and two aged sheep from the old' and well-known flock of Mr. Gilliatt, of Timberland, were nest offered. Lot 7 (a very fine shearling) v?as knocked down to Mr. Wilders for £31, Mr, Topham se- B B 8 356 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. cured lot 8 for £13, Mr. Holder lot 9 for £14 10s., Mr. Hornby lot 10 for £12, Mr. P. Brown lot 11 (a remark- ably handsome animal) for £20, Mr. Stainton lot 15 for £15, and Mr. Clarke lot 23 (a three shear ram) for £20. The 23 sheep made £251 10s., being an average of £10 18s. 8d. THE TATHWELL RAMS.— The whole of the stock of rams and sheep belonging to Mr. W. Chaplin, of Tath- well, were offered unreservedly by auction, by Messrs. Briggs and Son,. The following lots were then put up first at £5 each— Shearlings : 1, Mr. W. Martin, £9 10s. ; 2, Mr. Mar. shall, £17 10s.; 3, Mr. Meredith, £7 10s.; 4, Mr. Needham i£13; 5,Mr.Clark,£10 10s.; 6, Mr. J. lies, £9 10s.; 7, Mr T. Young, Covenham, £10 ; 8, a noble animal, bought by Mr, Vessey, £40 ; 9, Mr. Thos. Eve, £10 10s. ; 10, Mr. W, Mason, £9 ; 11, Mr. Marshall, Riseholme, £11 ; 12, Mr, Turner, £26 ; 13, Mr. Cartwright, Blankney, £27 ; 14, Mr, Sowerby, £10; 15, Kev. T. Livesey, £9 10s. ; 16, Mr. Hun dleby, £8 ; 17, Mr. Dawson, Roxby, £16 10s. ; 18, Mr. Rob son, £10 10s. ; 19, Mr. J. Byron, £10 ; 20, Mr. Meredith £12 ; 21, Mr. Sowerby, £8 ; 22, Mr. RiggaU, Manby, £9 10s. 23, Mr. C. Robson, £12 10s. ; 24, Mr. Reed, Belchford £7 10s.; 25, Mr. PhiUips, £11 10s.; 26, Mr. Pears, £16 27, Mr. Mason, £9 10s. ; 28, Mr. T. Budding, £11 ; 29, Mr Young, £9 ; 30, Mr. Woodruffe, £7 ; 31, Mr. Brown, Maiden well, £9 ; 33, Mr. Wright, £7 10s. ; 33, Mr. Hesseltine, £15 34, Mr. T. Wingate, £23 ; 35, Mr. Brown, £9 ; 36,Mr.Exley £8 ; 37, Mr. Danby, £.1 10s. ; 38, Mr. Poster, Tetney, £8 39, Mr. Kemp, Swaby, £10 ; 40, Mr. C. Bell, £8 10s. ; 41 Mr. R. Martin, £7 10s. ; 42, Mr. W. Mason, £7 ; 43, Mr Chatterton, £11 ; 44, Mr. Needham, £11 ; 45, Mr. Roberts £8 ; 46, Mr. Burton, £8 ; 47, Mr. Wriglit, £7 ; 48, Mr. Win gate, £8 ; 49, Mr.D. G. Briggs, £9 ; 50,Mr. W.S.Welfitt, £11 51, Mr. C. Bell, £8 ; 52, Mr. Parr, £6. Two-shears : 53, Mr Livesey, £6 10s. ; 54, Mr. J. Robinson, £6 10s.; 55, Mr. Erap- son, £12 ; 56, Mr. Trolove, £6 ; 57, Mr. Poster, £7 ; 58, Mr C. Briggs, £6 10s. ; 59, Mr. Robson, Pulletby, £6 ; 60, Mr R. Martin, £5 10s. ; 61, Mr. Hesseltine, £11 ; 63, Mr. Rob son, £6 ; 65, Mr. Parr, £5 10s. ; 66, Mr. Danby, £11 10s. 67, ditto, £15 ; 68, Mr. Reast, £7 10s. ; 69, Mr. R. Mason £6 10s.; 70, Mr. Casswell, £6 ; 71, Mr. Wingate, £7 10s. 73, Mr. W. Byron, £6 10s. ; 73, Mr. Phillips, £6 ; 74 Mr. Martin, £6 ; 75, Mr. Byron, £10 ; 76, Mr. Empson! £13 ; 77, Mr. Oliver, £5 10s. ; 78, Mr. T. Eve, £6 ; 79, Mr Turner, £16. Three-shear : 80, Mr. Young, £6 10s. Pour- Bhear : 81, Mr. Martin, £6. Six-shear : 83, Mr. Turner, £11 A large lot of ram lambs were next disposed of, at prices ranging from £2 3s. to nearly £5 each, THE BRANSTON RAMO.— Instead of disposing of his sheep at home, as usual, Mr. Marshall this year determined to send them to Lincoln, and 48 were offered by auction by Messrs. Briggs. A shearling was secured by Mr. Christian for £13 10s., a wonderful sheep fell to the bid of Mr. Irving for £33, Mr. Horner purchased a lot for £13 10s., Mr. Mitton a lot for £12 10s., and Mr. Marshall (Scampton) a lot for £18. Amongst tlie two-shears were three remarkable rams — the first was bouglit in at 30 gs. for Mr. Wallbridge, an American gentleman, who has this year purchased a large amount of prize stock in this country ; the second was secured by Mr. Hinds for £33 10s. ; the third was knocked down to Mr. Harrison for £23. The 48 sheep realized £477 10s., being an average of nearly £10 each. After the announce- ment of the sale Mr. Marshall sold 20 rams and gimmers to Messrs. EeUs and Douglas, who reside near the Palls of Niagara, at fancy prices, and he has sold this season to foreign customers 75 rams and 24 ewes and gimmers for £1,091. THE NOCTON RISE RAMS.— Mr. Calthrop offered about 20 very good shearling rams, the property of Mr. J. E. Howard, of Nocton Rise, but as they did not reach the value placed upon them, only six were sold by auction, these realized 41 gs. Others, however, were sold by private contract. THE BUSLINGTHORPE RAMS.— Twelve shearling rams, the property of Mr. Odling, of Buslingthorpe, were offered by Messrs. Walter and Pavill, but owing to the market being overstocked the prices made were very low. The owner, however, was determined to get out of them at any price, and the 12 realized £51 5s. 6d., several being bought by Notting- ham butchers. CADEBY HALL RAMS.— The annual sale of rams be- longing to Mr. John Walesby Kirkham was held on the 15th Sept. Messrs. Briggs offered thirty-four longwool shearlings, entirely descended from the famous old Hagnaby and Bisca- thorpe flocks. The prices realised were, here as elsewhere, below those of previous years, and no doubt the bad crops of corn last year, the dry season of this year, the depreciation in the price of wool, and general monetary depression in the agri- cultural world, have all a tendency to lower the ram market. The first ram was bought by Mr. Bingham, of Thormanby,for £10 10s. ; No. 2, Mr. Isaac, of Grainsby, £23 ; No. 3, £30 ; Mr. Stephenson, of Walmsgate ; No. 5, £15 10s, Mr. Merri- kin ; No. 6, Mr. J. Coatsworth, £15. Mr. Sowerby, of With- call, purchased nine choice rams, and the whole was sold at an average of £10 10s. each. Previous to the sale a sumptuous luncheon was well served in a marquee erected on the lawn in front of the old hall. THE BEAUMONTCOTE RAMS.— The remaining por- tion of this flock of Lincolnshire rams was offered for sale in the sheep market paddock, where there was a tole- rably large attendance of farmers and others interested in the breeding of longwoolled sheep. Mr. Calthrop was the auc- tioneer. The principal purchasers were Mr. John Brankley, Barrow-on-Humber ; Mr. Purlow Sergeant, Go-thill ; Mr. Jos. Burkill, Northlands House, Winterton ; Mr. Samuel Robinson, cattle salesman, Barrow; John Perriby, Esq., Wootton Hall, Ulceby ; Mr. Jos. Sergeant, Thornton Curtis ; Mr. Predk. Coopland, Walcott ; Mr. Sergeant, Barrow ; Robert Taylor, Esq., Barton New Hall ; and Thomas Bennett, Esq., Sasby Villa. The average price realised was £7 10s. per head. Mr. Hesseltine, we understand, realised a larger average at Caistor fair. MR. J. J. CLARK'S RAMS.— Mr. J. J. Clark, of Welton-le-Wold, penned 26 shearling rams, which were sold by Messrs. Briggs, and realized £369, the average being about £10 7s., exclusive of commission, being £1 a-head more than anything in the fair. We hear that at Caistor, on Saturday, Mr. Clark was also at the top of the tree. The following is a list : Mr. Dawber, £7 5s. ; Mr. Garniss, £7 10s. ; Mr. Bingham, £11 ; ditto, £11 ; Mr. Hart, £26; Mr. Garniss, £10; Mr. Peacock, £12; ditto, £16 ; Mr. OUver, £11 ; Mr. CasweU, £13 ; Mr. Hew- son, £8 ; Mr. Harrison, £11 ; Mr. Sowerby, £9 ; Mr. Hew- son, £9; Mr. Young, £11 10s.; Mr. Harrison, £10 10s.; Mr. Dixon, £7 5s. ; Mr. Pieldsend, £7 ; Mr. Carratt, £8 ; Mr. Pieldsend, £4 ; Mr. Rannard, £13 ; Mr. Sowerby, £8 10s. ; Mr. Powler, £10 ; Mr. Bowman, £8 10s. ; Mr. Bagley, £8 ; Mr. Ashton, £6. THE SCOTHORNE RAMS.— Two rams belonging to Mr. A. Garnt (part of the celebrated flock of the late Mr. Battersby) were sold at £5 10s. and £5 5s. respectively. Messrs. Tateson and Richardson had a large number of stock on offer. Three rams from the flock of Mr. Cropper, of Minting, were sold for £7 10s., £6 5s., and £8 5s. respectively. THE REDHALL FLOCK.— This noted flock, the property of Mr. R. Toynbee, included the animals which took prizes at the shows at Lincoln in 1869, and at Sleaford this year. The following were the prices made : Ram, Mr. E. Davy, £16 16s. > ram, ditto, £14 14s. ; three gimmers, Rev. T. O'Grady, Der- byshire, £6 ; four ditto, Mr. Irving, Doncaster, £5 10s. ; three ditto, ditto, £5 5s. ; four ewes, Mr. Prudd, Dorrington, £4 17s. 6d. ; four ditto, Mr. Irving, £3 10s. ; four ditto, ditto, £3 7s. 6d. ; four ditto, ditto, £3 17s. 6d. ; four ditto, Mr. Johnson, £3 7s. 6d. ; four ditto, Mr. Marshall, £3 3s. 6d. ; four ditto, Mr. Hardy, £3 2s. 6d. ; four ditto, Mr. Clarke, £3 18s. ; six gim- mers, Rev. T. O'Grady, £6 5s. ; six ditto, ditto, £5 5s. ; six ditto, Mr. Irving, £3 4s, per head. The eighteen she-lambs from the same flock sold at from 30s. to 36s. per head. THE POTTERHAN WORTH PLOCK.— Pour gimmers, Mr. Rippon, £3 18s. ; five ditto, Mr. Surfleet, £3 19s. ; four ditto, Mr. Johnson, £3 ; five ditto, Mr. Surfleet, £3 19s. ; five ditto, ditto, £3; five ditto, Mr. Rippon, £3 19s.; five ditto, ditto, £3 17s. ; five ditto, ditto, £3 18s. ; eight ditto, ditto, £3 10s. ; eight ditto, ditto, £2 14s. ; eight ditto, ditto, £3 12s. ; eight ditto, ditto, £3 12s. ; eight ditto, ditto, £2 lis. 6d. THE AUBURN PLOCK.— Ten gimmers, Mr. Codd, £2 Is. ; ten ditto, Mr. Riley, £2 ; ten ditto, Mr. Hardy, £1 17s. 6d.; ten ditto, Mr. Hunt, £1 15s. ; eight ditto, ditto, £1 14s. THE MARTIN RAMS.— Twenty-three sheep were announced as the last sale in Lincoln, Mr. Gilliatt having taken a farm in Yorkshire. The average of the flock was £10 18s. 8d. The following were the prices obtained: Mr. THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. 35? Nelson, £7 ; Mr. Holder, £11 ; Mr. Conington, £8 ; Mr. Melbourne, £5 10s. ; Mr. Grubb, £7 lOs. ; Mr. Fetch, £11 ; Mr. Wilder, £21; Mr.Topham,£12 ; Mr. Holder, £14 10s.; Mr. Horuby, £12 ; Mr. P. Brown, £20 ; Mr. Couplaud, £9 10s.; Mr. Holder, £12; Mr. Stephenson, i'll 10s.: Mr. Stainton, £15; Mr. Preston, £d 10s.; Mr. Melbourne, £10; Mr. Snow, £7; Mr. Coppiu, £5 10s.; Mr. Nelson, £7; Mr. Holder, £7 10s, Three-shears: Mr. Holder, £7 10s. ; Mr. Clarke, £20. THE NETTLEHAM RAJMS.— From this flock, which be- longs to Mr. Wm. Rudgard, of Neltleham, 15 were sold for £81 16s., being an average of £5 9s. per head. The prices were as follows; Mrs. Jackson, Ileighington, £5 5s. ; Mr. Godfrey, Fillingham, £6 15s. ; Mr. Ashton, Waddington, £8 10s. ; Mr. Alcock, Nottingham, £-i 15s. ; ditto, £4. 5s. ; Mr. Barratt, £4 10s.; Mr. Hay ward, Waddington, £5 ; Mr. Vickers, Ncttleham, £4 5s. ; Mr. Barratt, £4 15s. ; Jlr. Spratt, Owersby, £4 10s. ; Mr. Cottingham, Snarford, £5 5s. ; Mr. Cartwright, Tattershall, £5 ; Mr. Howell, £4 10s. Two- shears : Mr. Young, Glaxby, £7 5s. ; Mr, J. Wilson, Sasilby, £7 5s, Mk. MAY'S SHROPSHIRE RAMS.— After an interval of two years Mr. G. A. May again determined to hold his annual ram sale at home ; and a very business- like company responded to his invitation to attend at Elford Park, near Taraworth. The rams were of great size, carried heavy fleeces, and, although not exactly adapted for ram breeding purposes, were remarkably well suited for im- proving the stamina of a black-faced flock, or for crossing. One ram was let to Mr. Madan at 7 guineas, and one sold to Mr. W. Baker at 30 guineas; others making 14, 12, 11, and 10, down to 5| guineas. The whole were disposed of at an average of £8 6s. The neighbourhood of Tamworth and Lichfield has suffered especially from the dry weather, and, consequently, few local men were buyers of store ewes, several good pens being taken by local butchers, and twenty-five pur- chased for an Irish nobleman. The average realised was slightly over 50s. The principal purchasers were Sir A. Walsh, Messrs. Baker, Bradburne, Coxon, Eaux, Capell (Nots), Young (Mansfield), Harris, Bennett, Roberts, Kendall, Wood, Briggs, Singleton, Hopkins, Sale, Earp, Glover, Hodgson, and Oldacre. Messrs. Lythall and Clarke, of Birmingham, con- ducted the sale. TaE BINGLEY HALL SALE.— An extensive sale of Shropshire rams and ewes, consisting of about 140 rams and 500 ewes and lambs, consigned from various noted flochmasters in the midlands, was held in Bingley Hall, Birmingham. A fair demand was obtained for both rams and ewes, but prices were under those of former years. Mr. E. Lytball's lot of fifteen made from 8 to 13 guineas each, the average being over £10. The Earl of Warwick took the best shearling at the higher figure. Mr. Yates's sixteen made from 5^ to 10 guineas, Mr. Nock's 6|^ to 10 guineas, and Lord WiUoughby de Broke's 6 guineas each. Mrs. Beach's lot included the first prize aged and shearling rams at Wellington, Wigan, and Kidderminster, which were let for the season at 20 and 19 guineas respectively to Messrs. Canning and Tolfree ; others selling at 21, 15, and 12 guineas. Lord Sudeley's No. 1 was bought for the Marquis of Exeter at 10 guineas, and another by Colonel Dyott, M.P., at the same figure; the average being nearly ±'8. Mr. Sheldorv made slightly less for a lot of seven. Mr. C. Stubbs sent a few sheep, one of wliich was bought by the Earl of Aylesford at 24 guineas, a second by Sir John Whitvvorth, Bart., at 10 guineas, and a third by Mr. Thomp- son at 12 guineas. Mr. Tidy made 15 guineas for a two- shear, but the other lots do not call for special remark. Mr. Uruce's Oxford Down rams made about £8 each, two or three being unsold. The ewes met a better trade than at the August sale, the recent rains having improved the appearance of the turnips. The 500 averaged over 50s. each, tiie highest prices paid being 80s, for two pens of Mrs. Beach's, 81s. for a pen of Mr. Tidy's, 7O3. for a pen of Mr. Lort's, and 76s. and 70s. for otliers. The principal buyers of ewes were Sir J. Allan Walsh, Bart., Mr. E. Greaves, M.P., Captain Hatherall, Mr. Bate (Flint), Messrs. Solomon Ashton, Lort, Sidwell, Horton, Hawkes, Lane, Mason, Hood, Wright, Dodds, Pearman, Ben- nett, and Woodbridge. Fifty lambs, from Sir G. Jenkinson, Bart., M.P., averaged 35s, 6d, each. Messrs. Lythall and Clarke were the auctioneers engaged. SALE OF SHROPSHIRE SHEEP AT BRLDGNORTU, — An extensive sale of sheep took place at Messrs, Nock and Wilson's Auction Mart, Bridgenorth, when about 550 ewes and about 100 rams were sold. Among others, purchases for Lord Boyne, Lord Forester, the Earl of Dartmouth, were made. The following arc some of the names of the breeders of Shropshire, together witli numbers of sheep sent, and the average amount made: Mrs. Wadlow, 30 rams, averaging from £5 15s. 6d. to 11 guineas ; Mr. Wadlow, of Acton Round, five Rams, averaging £5 15s. 6d. ; Mr. Pitt, of Posen- hall, 15 rams, from £5 Us. to 8 guineas ; Mr. T. Instone, 14 rams, from £6 to 17 guineas, making one of the best averages of the season ; Mr. Thomas Thursfleld, seven rams, from 5 guineas to 6 guineas ; Mr. Wadlow's ewes fetched an average price of from 46s. to 55s. each ; Mr. Instone's averaged 56s. 6d. ; Mr. Massey's, from 45s. to 50s. ; Mr. T. Tiiursfield's, from 42s. to 45s. ; Mr. Pitt's, from 53s. to 56s, Strong store pigs went at from 51s. to 84s. ; cows and calves, £14 to £15 2s. 6d. ; barrens, from £9 to £13 10s. ; fat heifers, from £16 to £17, THE NORM ANTON HILL RAMS.— The annual letting of tliese rams took place at the residence of the owner, Mr. C. W. Minta, at Norraauton Hill. j\Ir. Spreckley, of Gran- tham, was the auctioneer. There was a large company of farmers and sheep-breeders. Considering the scarcity of grass- keeping, the animals were brought out in very good condition, and 64 rams were disposed of, making an average of 7 guineas, the highest price, £15, going to Mr. Thomas Garner ; the next, £'13 153., to Mr. F. Vincent, of Barrowby. SALE OF CHEVIOT RAMS AT BEATTOCK.— At the biennial sale of rams at Beattock bred by Mr. Carruthers, Kirkhill, and Mr. Johnstone, CapplegiU, a large attendance around the ring. There was dinner at the Beattock Hotel. About seventy gentlemen sat down, and were presided over by Mr. Stewart, Miltongill, Mr. Denham, Beattock, being croupier. The sale commenced at two o'clock, Mr. James Russell oSlciating as auctioneer. The stock of both breeders were in good condition. From the low price of wool, and deficiency of lambs, this season is not a very prosperous one for flockmasters, and the high prices of former sales were not anticipated ; but, nevertheless, prime animals brought ex- tremely high prices, but ordinary rams exceeded the value for butcher's purposes. The sale commenced with Mr. Carru- ther's lot about two o'clock. Three three-year-old rams sold at £4 15s. to £25, to Mr. Paterson, Howcleuch, and £10, the average £13 5s. At the previous sale the average of six rams was £Q 6s. Thirteen two-year-olds sold from £3 10s. to £23 — the latter bought by Mr. Hyslop, Clearins, and Mr. Dalg- leisli, Rennalburn, bought the last of the lot, Bismarck, at £20. The average was £8 2s. ; in 1868 the average was £5 19s. 6d. Forty-six one-year-old rams were sold at prices from £1 10s. to £12. Two rams bringing the latter figure were bought by Mr, Johnstone, Archbank, and Mr. Grierson, Mor- ton Mains. The average was £4 5s. 6d. The total proceeds of 62 lambs is £341 18s., and the average £5 133. 6d,, or 13s. 6d. higher than in 1868, THE CAPPLEGILL RAMS,— This sale proceeded im- mediately the last of Mr. Carruther's rams disappeared from the ring, and commenced with a five-year-old sheep, which brought £4 10s. Nine four-year-old rams were sold at prices from £2 6s. to £9 10s., the average of the lot being £4 10s. 9d, Ninety-three rams, of three years old, were sold at figures from £2 to £11, the latter a ram bred by Mr. Brydon, and bought by his son, Mr. James Brydon, jun., Dairy, The average of the lot was £4 15s, 6d, At the previous sale twenty-one rams averaged £4 16s. 8d. There were thirty-two rams, two years old, sold ; prices ranged from £3 2s, to £39, the latter figure being obtained for a splendid ram bought by Mr, Archd, Johnson, Archbank, The average was £5 4s. 4d.; the average for twenty-nine, in 1868, was £5 8s. 6d. There were thirty-six one-year-old rams sold, at prices from £1 16s. to £17, the purchaser of the latter being Mr. Brydon, Kinnil- head; Mr. Johnston, Kingledoors, bought one at £11. The average was £4 Is.; in 1868, the average of thirty-nine was £4 19s. The total proceeds of clipped rams was £461 8s. 6d., and the general average £4 12s. The sale concluded at half-past 5, and prices were, on the whole, considered good, the amount of both sales being £803 3s, 6d, 368 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. LORD FALMOUTH'S ANNUAL SALE OF CATTLE. —The annual sale of pure-bred North Devon cattle and Shropshire Down sheep took place at Trewonnal farm, in the parish of Lamorran, by Hiissey and Son, the auctioneers, of Exeter. Ewes averaged iGs. each, lambs 25s. to 27s. each, hogg rams (two very good) fetched £b 10s. and £6 2s. 6d. respectively, cow with calf £16, cow in calf £15, two-year-old heifer £10 17s., two-year-old steer £8 12s. 6d., yearling £6 Cs., a boar pig not twelve months old £7, a sow in farrow £6. Five bulls, some of which were only ten months old, brought £20 each, and one £25. THE ELMHAM HALL STOCK SALE.— The excellence of the Elmham Southdown and Norfolk red-polled cattle at- tracted a large gathering at Lord Sondes' fifth annual sale and letting. The stock offered for sale comprised 400 Southdown sheep, 17 blood red polled Norfolk heifers, and three bulls ; and twenty-five Southdown rams were to be let. An upset price was placed against each of the rams, and those only were brought into the ring that were called for by any customer who was prepared to give the price. Fifty shearling ewes were put up in lots of five each, which were disposed of at from £2 6s. to £3 19s., producing an average of £2 19s. per head. Sixty more shearlings, in lots of ten, made an average of £2 5s. 6d. ; sixty stock ewes, £2 6s. 4d. ; ninety ewe-lambs, 29s. 6d. ; and one hundred and forty wether-lambs, 26s. 6d. The rams for letting included the three-bhear ram, winner of the first prize and silver cup at the Harleston show, and highly commended at Oxford, which was secured for 26 guineas for Sir W. Throckmorton, one of Lord Sondes' rivals in Southdown breeding. Another animal, the first-prize shearling ram at Harleston, w-as knocked down to Mr. J. J. Colman's agent for 24 guineas. Mr. Clarke, of Southacre, secured a two-shear for 15 guineas ; and a shearling and a three-shear were hired for the Prince of Wales at 12 guineas each. The remainder of the rams were not called into the ring. The Norfolk polled cattle comprised 15 heifers, many of which were bought by Sir A. Macdonald, the prices varying from 12 to 26 guineas. There were only three bulls, one of which, a two-year-old, the first prize-winner at Attleboro' and Harleston, brought 26 guineas;. the other young animals only 9 and 4< guineas each respectively. HEMPTON GREEN FAIR.— There vras a large and ex- cellent show of rams, whose quality was quite an average ; and, contrary to expectation, they realised better prices than those obtained for the last few years. Among tJie rams offered for sale were a lot of forty Cotswolds from the Mar- ham Hall Farm. They realised an average of £10 10s. lid., the best commanding the sum of £15 10s. A lot of thirty shearling long-wool rams, bred from the West Dereham flock, the property of Mr. Thornton, averaged £9 Is. 2d., the higli- est price being £14 15s. An important feature in the busi- ness of the day was the sale by Mr. Robert Aylmer, who is declining ram-breeding, of the Westacre flock. This flock, which had descended from blood obtained from Messrs. Lane, Game, and Hugh Aylmer, consisted of seventy long-wooUed shearling rams and two hundred long-wooUed ewes. The sale was conducted by Messrs. Salter and Simpson. The rams averaged £8 4s. 6d., the highest bid being £14 10s., and the ewes averaged £3 12s. A lot of fifty long-woolled shearling rams, the property of Mr. P. J. Sharman, averaged £7 2s., and the highest bid was £11 5s. The next sale was that ot thirty-tliree Cotswold rams, the property of Mr. John Aylmer, which averaged £7 lis. lOd. Twelve Lincoln and half-bred sheep, the property of Mr. Butler, averaged about £4; twelve Oxford Downs (part lambs and part shearlings), the property of Mr. Applegate, averaged £5 Is. lOd. ; and eight Oxford Downs and a number of Down ewes averaged for the former £6 lis. Cd. (the property of Mr. T. Case). THE CAISTOR SALE OF SHORTHORNS.-At this sale the stock, having suffered from the dry summer, appeared to dis- advantage. This, coupled with a bad hay crop and little pro- spect of winter keep, resulted in bw prices. Nearly every cow and heifer had a calf at foot, and were only in milk. They went from 15gs. to 30gs. each, but several of the calves made as much as 15gs. each. One heifer made 32gs., and a white bull (Parados 7th) 36gs. There was a very large company ; but the competition was very languid, and the proceedings closed with au average of £20 lis. for cows, ealves, and young bulls. SALE OF MR. HARRIS' SHORTHORNS.— The entire herd of Shorthorns, of Mr. Thomas Harris, of Stoney Lane, Brorasgrove, has just been disposed of. Mr. Harris has acquired a well-earned reputation as a first-class agriculturist, and has frequently been selected to act as judge at the principal shows in England. Scotland, and Ireland. Although not prejudiced in favour of either Bates or Booth blood, he could appreciate a good animal of either strain ; the best evi- dence of his sound judgment being found in the fact that amongst the entire herd there was not an inferior-made animal. Sir George Jenkinson, Bart., M. P., presided at the luncheon over a company of 300. The company then ad- journed to the sale ring, where Mr. Lythall, of the firm of Lythall and Clarke, conducted the business. The 45 cows and heifers over 12 months old averaged 31/. 4s. 6d. ; the buUs over that age 29/. 8s. ; and the 17 young calves, some only a day or two old, 21/. Os. 9d. : the total being 1,786/. lis. 6d. The principal lots were Favourite, 51 gs. (Earl Beaucharap) ; Eleanor, 41 gs. (Mr. Rowbotham) ; Butterwort, prize heifer at Coventry, 55 gs. (Sir G. Jenkinson) ; Gertrude, the com- panion heifer, 45 gs. (Hon. Mr. Vernon) ; Lady Wilkinson, 41 gs. (Sir G. Jenkinson) ; Lavinia, 40 gs. (EarlBeauchamp); Lady Lavender, 41 gs. (Mr. F. Lythall) ; Lady Sarah, two years, 42 gs. (Mr. W. Price, M.P.) ; Lady Elizabeth, two years, 41 gs. (Mr. Z. Walker) ; Lady Blanche, 9 months, 30 gs. (Earl Beauchamp) ; Satellite, bull-calf, seven months, 30 gs. (Mr. Webb) ; Hogarth, bull-calf, three mouths, 22 gs. (Mr. Jerrard) ; Habnab, one day old, 13 gs. (Earl Beauchamp.) The sale was over in exactly three hours, the biddings being regulated by the glass. A GOOD PRICE.— Mr. F. Leney has just sold his Short- horn bull-calf, Duke of Geneva, to Sir C. Lampson, through the agency of Mr. Strafford, for 700 guineas. Grand Duke of Geneva, a roan, calved on January 30th, 1870, is by Grand Duke 15th (21852), out of Duchess Geneva 3rd, by Lord Oxford (22200). At the sale of the American Shorthorns at Windsor Duchess of Geneva was knocked down to Mr. Leney for 700 guineas, as he also purchased two others of the im- ported heifers at long prices — at least in those days. DEATHS OF PRIZE SHORTHORNS.— Mr. Booth's famous bull, Commander-in-Chief (21451), died from inflam- mation of the intestines ; and Lady Pigot's prize cow. Queen of Rosalea, from a broken blood-vessel, on returning from the Northumberland show. The Queen, as our reports have con- tinued to record, has had a very hard season of it, and perhaps no animal was ever exhibited so often. PROFESSOR GAMGEE AND HIS MEAT-PRESERV- ING PROCESS. — Touching the subject of meat preserving, other shipments of meat preserved under Professor Gamgee's process have been inspected in Melbourne during the past month. I regret that I can report no better of these than of the one of which I gave you an account in a former letter. Some cases, per Crusader, consigned by the Agent-General of Victoria to our Chief Secretary, were opened recently at the Custom-house in the presence of several mem- bers of the Intercolonial Conference, and of many others more or less interested in the subject. The shipment, consisting of two cases, a cask, and an iron cylinder, appeared to be most securely packed, and the admission of air to the contents seemed to be impossible. On the opening of the iron cylinder " the gas burst out with a hiss," as one of the reporters correctly described it, and the assembled noses had not long to wait for information as to the condition of the contents. So with the other cases. When the mutton was brought out the stench was scarcely endurable. The pork, although looking better to the eye, was no better on further trial. Tliere was no beef at all. The whole of the meat, with the tallow amounting to 5271b. weight, was at once sold to Bayldon and Graham, the tallow-makers, at Id. a lb. A second inspection of another shipment, per. Turkish Empire, to Messrs. J. White and Co., was made a few days back at the Spencer-street Railway sheds. Two cases were opened, one containing about 501b. weight of mutton in shoulders, legs, and saddles, and the other an entire sheep packed in oat husks. The meat was quite unfit for human food, and was sold for boiling-down puiposes at 2d. per lb. — Melbourne Correspondent of The Times, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 369 CALENDAR OF AGRICULTURE i'his mouth is the geneM season of sowing wheat ou clay fallows, ploughed with one furrow, on leys with a single ploughing, and ou the clover brush of a four years' course. The grass surfaces should be ploughed early and sown iu the latter part of the month in order to expose the land to the action of change for the purpose of pul- verization. Sow by hand the seed at the rate of two to three bushels to an acre, and cover with three single tines of harrowing ; draw the water-furrows without de- lay on wet soils, with the common or double mould-board plough, and make spade-cuts into the side ditches from the inside and ends of the headlands. Water furrowing will be very much superseded by the thorough draining 'Of clay lands. Sow wheats by the drill machine on all fine dry soils •that do not require furrowing or draining. The seeds are steeped in any corrosive liquid, as stale urine, solu- tions of vitriol and copperas, or even in salted waters ; the light grains arc skimmed off, and the wheat is en- crusted with a mixture of hot lime and dried for the hand and the drill. Shut up the sown fields for the winter by making secure the gates and the fences. Sow wheat on the lands that are suitable. Prepare by fallow- ing the green crop lands of next year to be planted with the early plants, as potatoes and mangold wurzel. One earth of the course, in a cross-ploughing, harrowing, and rolling, and another furrow to lay the soil open against sleeching and to receive and retain the winter's moisture, will much forward the fallowing process in the spring, with the advantage of less exposure of the land to the evaporation of moisture, a large benefit in the early and arid climates, iu which alone the autumn fallowing of lands can be performed. Raise the crops of potatoes from the ground in dry weather, and place the tubers in a longitudinal heap of six feet in width and four feet iu height on a dry site, and cover the ridged sides with loose straw beneath a stratum of drawn thatch, in thickness according to the severity of the climate in rains and dry colds. Grassy turf is a good covering, but is not very convenient, and a thick covering of earth very much encourages the sweating and sprouting of the tubers. A dry coolness is the best preservative of potatoes, obtained by a covering of straw in thatch, and when a severe snow and frost occurs the heaps are well protected by a loose covering of strawy dung from the stable door, as it is dry and light, and little affected by frost. The tubers are best dug from the ground by hand-fork of thi'ee prongs, which penetrate the ground into the openings for the percola- tion of air and moisture, which forms a large part of the advantage of digging ground over ploughing. On the other hand, the raising of the potatoes by the plough sledges the under soil by the soleplate of the implement, closing instead of opening the orifices of percolation. Hand-digging is also most convenient for the removal of any weeds and stones, which can be gathered by hand separately, and also of the haulm to the cattle yards for the bottom litter, and being indestructible will be ad- vantageously chopped or cut into short lengths. A per- manent site of potato heaps may be formed with gravels or dry earths, raised a little above the level ground, and a permanent roof made of flakes or hurdles, that are lined wiih straw and twiue, and divided into convenient pieces to be removed and replaced in the yearly requirement. Any thickness of loose straw may be placed )>etwixt the potatoes and the thatched roof to protect against severity of cold. Mangold wurzel, carrots, and parsnips are secured in the same way, the outsidcs of the heap being built with root end of the plant placed outwards, and the inside in a promiscuous position, to afford many openings for the transmission of air. The loots being juicy and succulent, require small heaps in position. The hand-sickle cuts tha roots and fibres from the bulb, and also the tops close from the crown, which are given to cattle in the yards or in the grass-fields, moderately at first, to prevent hov- ing of the animals. The animals of the farm will be arranged by the end of this month for the winter's accommodation, cattle in houses and yards, sheep in the fields, swine in a store- yard and fattening sties, poultry in a large yard and in separate houses for each class of animals, and the milch cows in a house and yard that are permanent for the special purpose, and are never changed. After all that has been spoken, written, and practised on the subject of wintering cattle, both in the fattening and lean condition, it is concluded, and the conclusion is iu accordance with a long experience of its validity, that the most advanta- geous arrangement places the " largest " fattening bullocks in two, three, or four together in a yard with a shelter-shed, with fresh water in a trough, fed by a ball- cock, moveable racks for hay and straws, with wooden cribs placed along the sides of the yard and under the shed, the bottoms perforated with holes for the escape of moisture and filth, and the animal may eat at pleasure in the open air or under cover. The second- sized beasts are in four, five, or six together, with an enlarged accom- modation in the yard and shed. Store animals in six to ten together, with the same plan of accommodation, en- larged to suit the number of beasts, classed by age and condition. The unruly horned breeds of Scotland re- quire a close confinement, and tied by the neck to stakes, but even these beasts are seen to thrive best in yaids, after a time settling their roving habits. Single boxes have been used for fattening animals, but with no advantage. The lair becomes very dirty, and the beast is deprived of the light, fresh air, and of the exercise that is necessary for the performance of the natural functions. Animals should be classed together by age, size, and colour, polled or 1 orned, and also by the seeming aptitude to fatten. Tht similarity and fitness of objects evinces an exactness of knowledge which is only obtained by exact measurements. On turnip farms that fatten any considerable number of beasts, the shelter-sheds standing back to back with a road between of 20 feet in width, wiU be provided with a railway and a waggon to fetch the turnips and other roots from the store-pits at the ends of the range of houses. The fresh condition of the roots must be used and of straw and hay in the racks in two days' use, and litter iu not many days' distance. A close and unceasing attention is essential on all these points. The roots for the fattening beasts are delivered from the waggon on the railway through spout-holes in the wall into the cribs in the shelter-shed, in order that the animals may be under cover in the most boisterous climates, as in Wales and the north of Scotland. In South Britain the open air may be preferable. By the end of the month the sheep flocks will he avmnsed in the winter management, the lambs of tbi' 360 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. year requiring the earliest provision on the first sown white turnips, that are now the green food of the farm and are tender foi the young teeth of the sheep. 'Confine the animals on a certain extent of the growing turnips for a few days' supply, with nets on stakes, flakes, or hurdles, aad move the fence as the meat is consumed to a fi-esh break of ground, and pick from the earth by a hand claw the whole of the roots that are left. In this way the whole fields are consumed, with the animals manuring the ground by being confined within a fold of two square yards to one sheep. lu stormy latitudes the animals require all the open ground to wander for lair and shelter, which are not obtained in the fold. The fattening flock are maintained in the same way, with a full allowance of the food. On the peachy loamy lands on which the best crops of turnips are grown, the wetness may render it necessary to carry the half of the turnip crop to a ley or stubble field, to be consumed in broadcast by the sheep, when the land is much improved for oats or a (allow crop. The turnips are also sliced by hand-cutter into troughs, with the tops in short lengths, and may be topped and rooted into covered heaps, that are dealt out as required. But it may be doubted if any preparation prevails over eating the roots fresh growing on the ground. The store flock betwixt the lamb and the fattening is treated in the same way, with a less allowance of food. On hill farms of sheep-growing that are not cultivated, the whole success depends on the quantity of winter food that is provided in hays from the meadow ground that are attached in some greater or less quantity by the sides of brooks in vallies. Being placed in ricks in convenient positions, the animals will gather around the place to receive an allowance throughout the winter from the end of this month. Place the breeding ewes with the tup, one to forty or fifty for six weeks, on a grass ley or stubble field, and they may get a supply of small turnips and tops to maintain a fresh condition of body, which much improves the salacity. The skill and judgment of the farmer will be sharply exercised in the formation of the breeding flock by rejecting the faulty animals in age, shape, and general appearance, from those of a robust vigour in the eye and action, lengthy closeness of wool, without being matted or too open to the skin. A squa e frame in a round carcase is a very chief consideration, and the nearest approaches to it must be carefully observed. The rams being painted on the brisket will mark the ewes as in the order of im- pregnation, and the right and left ears being pierced with a hole in the fore and back mark will distinguish the pro- geny of the same mark in the rams, and show the descent of the whole flock, and enable the breeding from proper consanguinities and nearness of kin. The rejected ani- mals for breeding are sold to yield another crop of lambs or fattened on the farm, always remembering to dispose of the animals while the mouth of teeth is able to fatten the carcase. The room thus vacated in the breeding flock is supplied by an equal number of ewe hoggs from the flock ef eighteen months. In order to preserve special uniformity in every class of animals, the old and young must not be mixed, but form separate divisions of old and younger breeders. This arrangement will be very advantageous on large farms. Dip sheep for a few minutes singly in a liquid of cor- rosive mixtures to kill vermin and remove impurities. The mountain sheep of stormy and northern climates are smeared with tar, with butter, and oil, and no chemical substitute has yet been found. Swine are placed in a store yard for young animals, and in sties of two pigs together for bacon hogs, on boarded floors or paved with timber blocks, warmed underneath by a pipe from the cooking-house and wormed into every floor of the piggery and poultry houses. The boar and brood sows are lodged in single apartments from which the weaned pigs are sent to the store yard, fed with roots, and amply littered and sheltered. The most forward are drawn as wanted into the fattening sties in which the food is given of meals and steamed roots mixed, with a meal daily of raw grains, as beans and barley in the last month of fattening to impart a white firmnass to the flesh. The season of fattening from this month will yield two casts of bacon hogs be- fore the season of curing must cease. Poultry are lodged in separate apartments for each kind of animals, with special purposes, and fed with light grains, and the meal as for pigs. The boarded floors of the houses are warmed underneath by the pipe as in the piggery, as the warmth will much conduce to the laying of eggs and the early hatching of chickens. Milch cows in the shed and yard of the special use will begin to get the green food as it comes into use along with hays and chaffs. Sow rye for a seed crop and for an early green food for ewes and lambs. Sow winter vetches for an early green food, in a thick seeding, with a small mixture of rye or winter beans, or barley, or a late cutting on clean lands of good quality. Sow winter beans and barley for seed crops. CALENDAR OF GARDENING. Kitchen Garden. Plautpeas and beans, with the chance of an early crop. Transplant and sow hardy lettuce, according to the direc- tions before given. Cape brocoli requires early care; and as each head is cut the stump and leaves ought to be removed, and when dry should be burned for tJie sake of the ashes. Spi'ing brocoli plants should now be sloped down, their heads to the north, and earth brought up nearly to the leaves, or if in trenches, the stems ought to be landed up. Beet-root and carrot are partially digged up, and stored in sand, for early use. Cauliflowers in frames or under glasses are to have an abundance of free air in dry weather, and at the end of the month remove some of the best plants to beds or ■warm borders, to be covered by hand lights ; place three or four in a spot, making the earth firm around the roots and stems ; cover tiU growth be established, and then give all the air possible in fine weather. Plant hearting cabbage and colewort, and finish as soon as possible. Sow some mazagan beans, and also small salads once more, of which the trouble is slight : the success may be uncertain, but the relish is very agreeable. Tie up some good plants of endive for blanching, and draw fine earth around the stems. Thin out winter spinach ; keep it clear from weeds, and make the ground clean. Hoe and earth brocoli, cabbage, borecole, and Brussels sprouts. Cut anon the decayed stems of mint, balm, thyme, and other sweet and aromatic herbs ; hoe the ground, and, if needful, add a little nice fresh earth to the spaces ; plant slips of the pot-herbs and divide mint. Asparagus beds should be brought into winter order, not waiting for the ripening of the seeds, A good method THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. 361 w the following : Cut to within two or three inches all the haulm, remove every week, then dig trenches on each side a foot deep, and spread the earth over the beds or rows, turn the haulm into these trenches, treading it even at the bottom, and sprinkle half a pound of salt over it in every trench of twenty to twenty-five feet in length ; finally, 1111 the trenches to the ground level with half decayed stubble, dung, and leaves. Sea-kale may be treated in the same manner ; the leaves of every vegetable ought to be returned to the soil, but deeply buried. Rhubard and artichokes arc mainly assisted in this way. the earth in the trenches soon becoming an admirable earth. These plants arc strong feeders, and require a powerful manure, as will be found in the contents of the tank, which must be in a condition of half decay, with a moistui'e without drojiping, at least not largely. liaise from the ground and lay iu store the potatoes of all kinds, of which the haulm is yellow in decay. Commence to excite asparagus if any is wintered in frames, and sea-kale also. Dig all kinds of land, and ridge-trench heavy soils. Incorporate manures, and keep all quarters clean. Fkuit Department. Trees and shrubs, deciduous and evergreen, are safely planted from the middle to the end of the month. To do the work effectually such ground ought to have a well drained bottom, and be trenched eighteen inches deep, according as the upper earth is deep or shallow ; lay dung over the soil that covers the roots, as top-dressings may be the best of all manurings. In that case no digging or trenching of the land is required, but always a most complete thorough drainage in all soils inclined to wetness. Raise the grassy turf on the upper stratum a few inches in depth, root-prune the young trees, and spread the shortened roots even and thinly on the ground over a thin layer of guano-mixture in five or six to one, and tread the earth firmly over it, fixing the tree, and cover the ground around it in a yard of extent with very moist half rotted farm-yard dung, or the vegetable con- tents of the liquid tank. Deep digging and horizontal covering may be eligible in all cases of fruit trees, large shrubs, and standard trees, that are planted to fill corners and to remain singly for beauty or otherwise ; for groups and clumps of trees the same treatments is recommended. Gather and store apples and keeping pears ; the latter require a warmer room than apples. Flower Garden. Plant auriculas in airy frames ; camellias and heaths in a dry, cool, and well ventilated green-house or pit ; succulent plants, as cactus and pelargoniums, in a house with a full southern aspect. Reduce water in any glass erections. Neatness in the open air departments and iu the shrubbery is what is now to be chiefly at- tended to. The winter aspect of a garden for pleasure, or for growing fruits and vegetables in conjunction, shows the cultivation of the ground and the crops that have been obtained by the total absence of ■needs, and the neat order of the grounds after cropping. Dig for the early spring sowings of the lighter plants, as peas and legumes, and rough trenched with dung in mixture to be planted with the stronger plants, as potatoes, beet, and other tap-roots. Winter manuring is preferable to the spring for succulent crops, with a deep preparation and a strength of aliment. The land lying in exposure during winter, will derive the benefit of the reciprocal action of atmospheric and terrestrial elements. AGRICULTURAL REPORTS. REVIEW OE THE CATTLE TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. Throughout the month a considerable increase of steadiness has been noticed in the cattle trade, and prices have ruled very high. The apparent determination of the French to resist all attempts at the spoliation of their territory, and to carry on the war to the bitter end, render the prospect of our receiving continuous supplies from the Continent somewhat uncertain. From this circumstance the total supplies at market have been less extensive. An Order has, at the same time been promul- gated, forbidding the removal of French and German cattle from the waterside, owing to tiie prevalence of disease in those countries ; and, in future, only Dutch and Spanish beasts will be allowed to pass the barriers. The quaUty of the stock has been very unequal, and really prime breeds have continued remarkably scarce. However, this is not a subject to be won- dered at, especially when tlie failure of tlie hay crop, and the great difficulty experienced in obtaining food for the cattle are.taken into consideration. Much anxiety is still felt as to the means of obtaining sufficient supplies of food during the winter months. The pastures and meadow lauds liave certainly im- proved to some extent, under the beneficial influence of the late rains, and the root crops are also turning out well, but the main staple is sadly deficient in quality, and there is therefore every probability of cheap meat during the winter season. At the present moment the best Scots and crosses are selling at 5s. lOd. to 6s. per 81bs. With sheep the market has been scantily supphed. The quality, as in the case of beasts, has been very indifferent ; nevertheless the trade has ruled firm. At one time the best breeds were making 6s. 2d., but the best Downs and half-breds are now selling at 5s. lOd. to 6s. per Slbs. Calves have commanded a fair amount of attention, at full quotations. The supplies have been moderate. In pigs, the business doing has not been important, and the fluctuations in values have been trifling. The total imports ot foreign stock in London, during the month have been as follows: Beasts 9,329 Head. Sheep and Lambs 31,661 Calves 2,109 Pigs 3,039 Comparison of Imports. Sept. Beasts. Sheep and Lambs. Calves. Pigs. 1869 13,745 47,341 3,385 4,587 1865 11,051 11,840 1,493 3,116 1867 11,082 34,572 779 4,500 1866 15,405 45,625 2,183 2,942 1865 12,553 69,792 3,192 9,434 1864 14,444 48,201 3,161 5,701 1863 11,923 50,780 3,213 2,691 1862 7,219 33,985 2,257 2,546 1861 6,759 36,236 2,323 3,214 1860 8,120 37,420 2,200 3,188 1859 6,966 49,141 1,744 1,895 1858 5,999 26,205 2,735 2,472 1857 7,346 24,288 1,953 2,067 1856 7,084 23,605 2,772 1,559 The arrivals of bullocks from our own grazing districts, as 362 THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. ■jrell as from Scotland and Ireland, thus compare with the three pre\ious years : Sept, Sept., Sept., Sept., From— _ _ 1870. 1869. 1868. 1867. Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire 8,550 11,4.50 12,750 7,550 Other parts of England 2,800 1,730 1,990 2,770 Scotland 315 3 360 11 Ireland 1,200 830 382 1,040 The total supplies of stock exhibited and disposed of at the Metropolitan Market during the month, have been as under : Beasts 23,115 Head. Sheep and Lambs 126,570 Calves 2,889 Pigs 1,115 Comparison of Supplies. Sept. Beasts. Sheep and Lambs. Calves. Pigs. 1869 28,255 156,680 4,142 705 1868 26,940 157,440 2,643 1,630 1867 75,290 127,510 1,565 2,979 1866 26,560 129,430 1,984 3,120 1865 27,040 151,440 3,324 3,287 1864 30,910 137,490 3,184 3,700 1863 27,710 131,100 2,458 2,657 1862 28,074 139,200 2,364 3,031 1861 26,950 142,990 2,260 3,626 1860 27,080 144,450 3,302 2,922 1859 24,560 145,430 1,891 2,771 1858 27,416 131,150 3,280 4,281 1857 23,734 117,715 2,220 2,535 1856 24,002 132,014 2,452 2,800 Beasts have sold at from 3s. 8d. to 6s., sheep 3s. lOd. to 6s. 2d., calves 33. 6d. to 6s., and pigs 4s. 4d. to 6s. per 8 lbs. to sink the offal. Comparison op Prices. Beasts from .. Sheep Calves Beasts from Sheep Calves ... Pigs ... Sept., 1869. s. d. s. d. 3 4 to 5 2 3 4 to 5 8 4 0 to 5 4 4 2 to 6 0 Sept., 1867. s. d. s. d. 3 2 to 5 3 3 4 to 5 2 4 0 to 5 8 3 6 to 4 4 Sept., 1868. s. d. s. d. 3 2 to 5 6 3 2 to 5 2 3 6 to 5 0 3 4 to 4 4 Sept., 1866. s. d. s. d. 3 6 to 5 6 4 8 to 6 4 4 4 to 5 6 4 0 to 5 2 The dead meat markets have been moderately supplied. The trade, has been firm, and full prices have been obtained. Beef from 3s. 4d. to 5s. 4d., mutton 3s. 8d. to 5s. 6d., veal 4s. 4d. to 5s. 4d., and pork 3s. 4d. to 5s. lOd. per 81bs. by the carcase. WEST SUSSEX. The harvest of 1870, a very short and inexpensive one, having been some time concluded, the thrashing-machine has been pretty freely used. There probably never was a greater difference of opinion as to the yield of the wheat crop. It is generally supposed that it will yield well according to the crop ot straw, but the latter is certainly short and deficient in hulk. During the winter a great deal of the growing wheat looked thin and weakly, and some of it did not come up well ; it appeared to be attacked by grub or wireworm, and although not done to any great extent in the aggregate in this division, a considerable number of acres were ploughed up, no*: being considered good enough to stand for a crop, and the land resown with barley or oats. Then came in one of the most trying springs ever known, with frosts and dry parching easterly and north-easterly winds prevailing for days and nights together. Th", furze and evergreens seemed scorched as if by fire ; but the wheat plant passed through all this better than could have been expected, and when the more genial weather did at last come it tillered oirt well, and showed good strong ears, and the blooming time was favourable ; and so tlie season continued up to harvest, To sum up, therefore, I think it may be fairly assumed that on good deep holding soils, well farmed, there will he a good crop ; hut considering the quantity of hill land and the wealden clay, besides a quantity of other land (not true wheat land), it appears to he the more prevailing opinion that in West Sussex the crop will not prove an average. Barley it is supposed will be a fair crop, hut the colour is not first-rate, hardly enough thrashing, however, has been done to fairly test this. Oats will be the worst crop grown in this division for years, and very deficient in straw. Early sown peas on suitable soils well farmed wiU turn out a fair crop. Beans are not much grown, they seemed very short in the haulm. The hay crop, both clover, seeds, and meadow grass, may be safely pro- nounced the worst crop grown in the memory of any farmer living ; and what is to be done during the next winter, par- ticularly should it turn out a severe and long one, can hardly be imagined. We have had some fine rains latterly, and the consequence is that some very good fields of mangel wurzel, swedes, and white turnips, are to be seen, but the failures are also sadly apparent. Fat stock, as might be expected, is hardening in price, and there will be a difiiculty among the graziers to keep the local markets supplied. — Sept, 22nd. AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE, FAIRS, &G. CAISTOR EAIR (Saturday, Sept. 17).— Good show of sheep and plenty of buyers ready to bid at recent prices ; but sellers holding out for an advance, sales in most instances were slow and tedious. Beasts very few, and quickly bought up. Bam sales. — The Wold Newton : 25 sold by Mr, Richardson, highest price, lot 19, 12^. 5s. ; average Tl. 3s. The Beaumont Cote : 25 sold by Mr. Calthrop, highest price, lot 8. 12/. ; average 11. 15s. The Kettlebythorpe : 21 sold by the same auctioneer, highest price, lot 14, 14/. 10s. ; ave- rage 6/. 10s. DMEFIELD FAIR AND RAM SHOW;.— The second of the harvest fairs is noted as a lamb fair, and more especially as the supply amounted to 9,000, most of which were lambs. At the commencement holders asked high prices, but eventu- ally sold at a reduction of 2s. to 3s. per head. Prices ranged from 22s. to 40s., the general average being 32s. to 37s. per head. There was a sprinkling of ewes, which sold at 38s. to 40s. per head- A few fat sheep went at 7i;d. to 8d. per lb. There was a moderate show of rams, which sold at £7 to £10 each. Horned cattle were scarce, and there was not a really fat beast offered. Year-olds £8, in-calving cows £18 to £20, heifers £14 to £16 per head. In the horse fair there was a moderate show of inferior animals, with a few draught horses, which sold at £27 to £30 each. DUNDEE LATTER FAIR.— This annual market, the last of the season, was held on Tuesday. The show of cattle, almost exclusively two year olds, was the largest seen for some time. There could not be much under 1,000 head on the ground. The show of fat was limited, few cattle fit for the shambles being offered. Milch cows were in demand, and the supply was good. Some sold by Mr. Liddle, Denny, were su- perior animals, and fetched high prices. The show of horses was less than usual, but what was wanting in quantity was more than compensated for in quality, and numbers of really good fann horses changed hands, the rates for which ranged from 20/. to 43/., sales being effected at the latter figure. Some superior animals, for which as high as 50/. was asked, re- mained unsold. There was not the usual quantity of light animals shown, so any sales made were at higher rates owing to the want of competition. DUNSE EWE TRYST.— The first ewe tryst in the Border district took place at Dunse, on Tuesday, and was well attended by farmers and dealers. There was a fair show of ewes, and lambs were a large show. For draft ewes there was a good demand at prices fiom 2s. to 3s. a-head above the figures ob- tained last year, and at the close all were sold off. For lambs there was not an active demand. Sales went on slowly, and at mid-day a number of the lots remained unsold. The prices asked in the morning had to be lessened somewhat before many sales took place. Among the prices obtained for draft ewes were the following : — Mr. Rutherford, Printonan, sold his three-parts bred ewes at 45s. a head. Mr. Fogo, East Reston, sold his lot to Colonel Hay at 38s. Mr. Gillespie, Simprin THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 363 Mains, sold his lots of three-parts at 42s. Mr. Eender sold the Mount Albyn lot of half-bred ewes at 393. Mr. Bertram, Blackerston, sold his lialf-bred ewes to Mr. Caw, Whitsome Hill, at 39s. Mr. Weatherhead, Wliiteburn, sold his half-bred ewes at 3Gs. The Greeulaw Dean lot of half-breds were sold at 36s. Mr. Cowe, Old Cambus, sold his half-bred ewes at 38s. Mr. Burton, Crumstanes, bought a lot of tliree-parts from a farmer near Dmise at 30s. Mr. Halliburton, Eildon, sold a lot of three-parts lambs at 30s. Mr. Piirves, Thornindykes, sold a lot three-parts at 20s. Mr. Mill, llyndeside, sold a lot of three-parts at 25s. 6d. Mr. Rae, sheep-agent, Lauder, sold the Earl of Lauderdale's lot of three-parts at 29s. fid., the Threepwood lot at 21s. 6d., and other lots at from 23s. to 27s. Messrs. Currie, dealers, Morebattle, sold a lot of half-breds at 193. Mr. Craw, Whitsome Hill, sold a lot at 21s. fid. Mr. Scott, St. Boswell's, sold a lot of half-breds at 17s. Mr. Outerson, Jordanlaw, sold a lot at 21s. Sale of Tups. — About eleven o'clock, a sale of Leicester rams took place in a field adjoining the Eughsh Chapel — Mr. Penny, Kelso, wielding the hammer. The demand was not brisk, but fair prices were obtained. Mr. Fender, Rulesmains, sold 68 rams, at an average f of £5 lis. 8d., the highest price being £11 10s. The lot of ; 8 rams, belonging to Mr. E.obertson, M.P. for the county averaged £4 14s. 6d. GLASTONBURY TOR FAIR (Sept. 19).— There was a large attendance at this fair, and the supply of cattle, sheep, lambs, and pigs was large. Beef realised from 12s. to 13s. per score, muton 72d. to 8d. per lb., pigs 10s. fid. per score. There was also a good supply of mares aud foals, and many of the latter changed hands at good prices. GLENISLA CATTLE AND SHEEP MARKET.— This large annual market for the sale of sheep and cattle was held ' to-day in the vicinity of the Kirktou of Glenisla. The attend- ance of farmers and cattle and sheep breeders was, as usual, large, while that of dealers was also numerous. The display of black Highland cattle was, as usual, large and superior, many of the animals being in good condition and ready for the butcher. The greater portion were two-year-old stots and queys, but there was also an excellent turn out of six-quarter- old beasts, which commanded considerable attention. At an early hour business began briskly, and to the close of the day. The sales began before eleven o'clock, and by two were nearly at a close. Prices were remunerative to exposers. For the best fat beef Os. 6d. to lis. per Dutch stone were the quota- tions. The best two-year-old stots, at two and rising three years, commanded from £16 5s. to £17 and £20. For the best queys of the same age the prices were from £12 10s. to to £15, for the best fat cows £14 to £24, farrow cows £13 to £19 10s. per head; for best six-quarter-old cattle £9 to £11 was freely given, aud at the close scarcely a lot of good cattle left the ground unsold. The show of sheep was not larger than last year, and though the animals were generally of good quality, there appeared to be but little demand, and as little desire to sell. Highland ewes sold from 14s. to 15s. per head, cross lambs 17s. to 20s. per head. A few lots changed hands at these rates. The best mutton sold at fid. to 8d. per lb. At the close a clearance was not nearly effected, though prices indicated a downward tendency. HAWICK TUP FAIR.— The weather was very fine ; and there was a large attendance of farmers in the district north and south of the Border line, besides buyers from various parts of the three kingdoms. The Cheviot stock is the prin- cipal feature of the market, which ranks among the foremost in the country for this class of sheep. The numbers on the ground were about the average. The market may generally be pronounced a good one for the best class of sheep ; but in- ferior beasts were a drug, and did not realise the expectations of exposers. All but a small portion were sold in the auction rings. The only transactions in private pens that we heard of were those of Mr. Grieve, Skelfhill, who sold rams at from £4 to £20. The whole business of the day was concluded about five o'clock. The show of Leicesters was larger than usual, the tempting prices of late years having induced many to enter the market. The consequence was a decline in prices from the rates of last year ; but, taking quality into ac- count, they were equal to those obtained at Kelso and Edin- burgh. This is more of a Cheviot than a Leicester district ; but some of our local breeders have through a long course of years brought sheep to the ground which will compare with any but the very highest-priced in the Kelso rings. LAMBERT'S CASTLE FAIR (Sept. 17) was tolerably well attended, but only about 600 sheep were penned, and trade was slow. Pigs plentiful and well sold. The horse foir was tolerably well supplied, and some business was done. Home wool 13d. to IS^d. LEWES GREAT SUEEP FAIR.— This old estabUshed fair was held on Wednesday last. The number of sheep and lambs penned was about 26,000, which, although somewhat less than in the two previous years — when the numbers were thirty-six and thirty-four thousand respectively — is rather over the average of the last twenty years. The cold spring was, of course, very unfavourable to lambing, and exercised a marked influence in the numbers reared, and this, coupled with the fact that many flockmasters were constrained by the severe effects of the drought to accept the low prices prevail- ing at the early fairs, led many to expect a khort supply and better prices. The result showed that although the supply was not below the average an improvement was certainly no- ticeable in prices. There was a large attendance of buyers, including many from distant counties. To the stagnation of trade and agricultural industry lu France and Germany may also be ascribed the fact that the choice rams and pens of ewes at the flock auction sales this season have not been so eagerly sought after, and consequently have not realised nearly so high prices as usual. Ewes ranged from 27s. to 46s. 6d, In lambs there was a wide range between 14s. and 31s. The highest price made by the large hill flockmasters was 2Ss. 6d. There was a splendid show of rams ; the trade was not very brisk, but a considerable number were disposed of at prices ranging between 8 and 20 guineas. Of cattle there were a few score head of black runts, and there were also some horses, but iu the trade there was no special feature worth notice. LOCKERBIE LAMB FAIR (Sept. 22).— The show of stock was much less than at the corresponding market of last year, but was fully as large as at the August fair. The num- ber would be about 24,000 head, and was composed of half- bred lambs, mostly seconds, Cheviot lambs, cross lambs, and a few lots of blackfaced lambs. Only two lots of draft ewes were on the hiU ; there were several lots of Cheviot wethers and gimmers. The stock was in good condition. About 2,200 lambs were sold by auction on Wednesday afternoon, and on that account fewer half-breds were shown to day. There was a large attendance of buyers from Wlgtonshire, with a good number from the south. The late abundant rains have greatly improved the turnip crop in Dumfriesshire and Galloway ; the young grasses aud clover are now available, the fields now being cleared of crop ; and in this district there is no lack of keep for stock. Business commenced briskly for the half-bred lambs, most of the best lots being picked up by Wigtonshire buyers early. After the better class of half-breds had been sold, the market grew less animated. There was a good demand for Cheviot wether lambs, and the tops were readily sold. Ewe lambs were rather slower to sell than wethers, but most of the lots went off. Crosses were not so much in request as half-breds, and the market was slow for that class in the morning, few sales being reported until near noon. After eleven o'clock there was a sbght lull in the market, but after mid-day business again got brisker, and by three o'clock a clearance viv^s nearly effected, except where a few lots were held by dealers. Half-bred Lambs were Is. 6d. to 2s. up since August, besides paying their keep ; Ctieviot lambs were 6d. to Is. 6d. higher after paying keep ; prices for half-bred lambs were from 26s. to 34s. 6d. ; Cheviot wether top lambs lis. to I6s., second wethers 8s. to lOs., mid-ewe lambs 12s. to 15s., thirds 8s. to 10s., crosses 14s. to 22s. The cattle were an average iu number, and included 322 Galloways, C3 Highlanders, 75 Ayrshires and crosses, 61 Irish, 12 Here- ford cattle ; in all, 522. Some excellent stocks were shown, but on the whole the show was scarcely an average in quality, some herds usually shown at this fair being previously sold privately. PARTNEY SEPTEMBER FAIR. — This extensively known and celebrated mart for sheep and beasts had its com- mencement for sheep ou Monday last. The number of sheep penned was not less than on former occasions. Good useful two or three-hear ewes, well-woolled, were in request for breeding purposes. Mr. Wright, Ashby, made 63s. 6d., a superior lot, abnost ready for the butcher ; the general run was from 40s. to 50s. Lambs made from 20s. to 39s., ac- cording to quality. 564 THE FAEMBR'S MAGAZINE. REVIEW OF THE CORN TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. The monfc of September has been most extraordinary, both in its political and commercial aspect, the suc- cess of Prussia in the war with France culminating in the complete investment of Paris, and the establishment of 650,000 Germans on the soil of France. Everybody was in hopes that peace would soou be the fruit of such de- cided victories, but it seems as far off as ever, and more human blood, it appears, must flow, and treasure be de- stroyed before these deadly foes will cease from strife. The very idea of war on such a scale, and so close to our own shores, in former times would have advanced rates fully 10s. per qr. ; but no, while home supplies of new have been free, foreign abundant, and stores accumulat- ing, the value of wheat has gone down further 2s. per qr., though the last London markets seems to have i-eached their lowest. The fact is, no speculation is afloat, none being confident of the issue of the present conflict, and therefore all have put a reserve upon their capital till better times shall induce them to use it freely. With the prospects of peace so distant, however, it is only reasonable to calculate on the efi'ects of a continued war ; and as re- spects France more especially, these are easily made. Already we have heard of a destruction of food near Paris, to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy, and should this policy of destruction apply through the length and breadth of the land, agriculture there must be forced to an involuntary rest, while the gathei'ings of the past year, already small enough, may be not only wasted, but wilfully destroyed. For who will till or sow, uncertain whether he or the enemy shall be the better for it ? The demand for oats has fallen off, and well it may, for how many of the French cavalry have fallen from their horses, and left the animals to be bought for a song by Belgium dealers ! and though peas were being shipped to the famishing armies, as more nutritious than other corn, this demand too has ceased, and we now are left to the wants of Belgium and Holland, whose supplies have hitherto been shut out by the French blockade. In the midst of all these things it is remarkable that Ger- many herself was so lately threatened by heavy rains, that the ports, blockaded, had they been free, would have sent us next to nothing, from the greater value at home ; and though these ports are now open, they are still above our range, and yet may remain so. America and Russia are the countries whence our chief supplies have come. Russia itself has lately become too high for new trans- actions, and though New York has been willing to meet English views, the last advices thence show an upward movement. So all we have to say is, that the signs of the times are much more favourable to an advance than otherwise. The last price noted for flour in Paris was 48s. 6d. per 2801bs. ; wheat not being quoted. White wheat of the week, New Zealand sort, was 54s., and the same was quoted at Amsterdam ; at Lyons wheat was 58s. ,redat Antwerp 58s. 6d.; Hambro' quotations were 54s. to 58s., at Petersburg 44s. c. f. and i., the same not being worth here over 42s. 6d. Stettin and Danzic rates were aiuch above our own, at the latter 50s. f. o. b. was the last price paid; free on board wheat at Milan was 48s., Bar- letta at Naples 46s. 8d., at Messina 54s. 6d., at Valla- dolid 51s., at Alezandria41s., at Valparaiso 52s. 6d. cost freight and insurance ; at Adelaide 42s. 6d., at Melbourne 40s. ; No. 2 at New York 42s. 9d. per 480 lbs. cost freight and insurance. The first Monday in Mark Lane commenced on a fair supply of English wheat, and very liberal arrivals from abroad. The trade opened dull, though the show of fresh samples from the near counties was but moderate, and sales could only be made at a decline of 2s. per qr., the bulk consisting chiefly of new samples. Business in foreign was very inactive, at fully Is. per qr. less money. Notwithstanding a moderate demand for Holland and Belgium, with fair arrivals off the coast, the demand for floating cargoes was limited. This week the London advices had their usual effect on the country markets. Every report was dull, and most were cheaper. Birming- ham, Bury St. Edmunds, Leeds, Maidstone, Newcastle, and Uppingham were severally Is. per qr. lower, but a reduction of Is. to 2s. per qr. was more general, and at a few places the fall was as much as 3s., as at Louth and Sleaford. Liverpool advices noted a decline of 4d. per cental on Tuesday, and a further reduction of 2d. on on Friday, equal to 2s. 6d. per qr. on the week. Edin- burgh was Is. to 2s. per qr. cheaper, and Glasgow 6d. to 9d. per boll down. Too little Irish wheat was offering at Dublin to lower prices, but foreign samples were in favour of buyers. On the second Monday there was a fair supply of English samples, and another heavy arrival of foreign. The show of fresh samples during the morning on the Esses and Kentish stands was limited, yet business kept dull at last week's currency. The large foreign supply, con- sisting mostly of American qualities, then were Is. per qr. ekeaper to sell, and other descriptions, had they been forced, were quite as much down. With lai'ge arrivals off the coasts, there was a better demand for floating cargoes at the previous week's quotations. This week was a quiet one in the country, with very little change of values. Some places experienced an improved demand ; among them were Boston, Gainsborough, Market Harborough, and Uppingham, while Wakefield and a few other markets noted an advance of Is., but Bury St, Edmunds was Is. lowei-, and others tended to decline. Liverpool, after losing 2d. per cental value on Tuesday, recovered on the following market. In Scotland prices were much the same as at Glasgow and Edinburgh. More firmness was evinced at Dublin, both in foreign and home grown samples. On the third week there were increased arrivals, both English and foreign, yet the better accounts from the country as well as a foreign inquiry disposed some factors to ask Is. more, which was occasionally paid, but eventually the market had a duller aspect and no general advance was quoted. The foreign trade found some clear- ance of inferior samples for export at full prices, but there was no improvement on the higher sorts. Floating cargoes went off quietly without change of values. Country advices this week were more decidedly improved. Spalding, Market Harborough, Rugbj^ Lynn, Stockton, Manchester, Hull, Leeds, Rotherham, Newark, and Salis- bury were all up Is. per qr. ; Sleaford, Melton Mowbray, Louth, Thirsk, Birmingham, and Newcastle were all up Is. to 2s., and Doncaster still more. At Glasgow and Edinburgh the improvement was Is. per qr., with a moderate sale. The Irish markets again evinced more firmness, with prices rather against buyers. On the fourth Monday there was a fair supply of English wheat, and a good arrival of foreign, in about THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 365 equal proportions between Russia and America. The moruing's show from the near counties was small, and as several of the country markets were dearer, and the de- mand for Holland and Belgium was moderately kept up, sales were made with greater facility at the full prices of the previous Monday. The foreign trade also had more life in it by a country demand as well as from the conti- nent, but sales were not free enough to establish a general advance. The arrivals in London during the four weeks were 49,567 qrs. English, 169,010 qrsr foreign, against 27,283 qrs. English, 154,532 qrs. foreign in 1869. The imports for four weeks into the kingdom to 17th September were 2,876,685 cwt. wheat, 372,910 cwt. Hour. The exports from London were 10,957 qrs. wheat, 47,512 cwt. llour. The Loudon averages commenced at 52s. 2d., and closed at 483. 2d. The general averages began at Sis. 3d. aud ended 463. 6d. The country flour trade has very little varied, but sales have been more or less free, as the state of the wheat trade was known. Norfolks have all along been quoted 35s., with the higher qualities up to 39s. Barrels have rather hardened iu value, the finest being worth about 26s. Town millers lowered the top price on the 19th to 47s., after it had stood at 50s. for a month. The last quotations from Paris for the eight marks was 48s. 2d., but our communications have been cut off, and pi-omise to remain so during this fearful war. The imports iuto Loudon for four weeks were 104,112 sacks English, 56,767 sacks 51,818 barrels foreign; against 70,593 sacks English, 14,939 sacks 64,059 barrels foreign for the same period last year. Without very heavy supplies of maize, we have had falling markets, the decline for two weeks having been 2s., and since theu prices were rather in buyers' favour ; but with the low values now realized, say 293. for yellow and 30s. to 31s. for white, we rather expect a revival than otherwise as the winter approaches. The imports iuto London for four weeks were 51,828 qrs. against 41,570 qrs. in 1869. Our supplies of malting barley have hitherto been very small, and few really fine samples have been among them. Such always have gone off at full rates, but the value of the bulk has seldom been over 38s. to 40s. When the season is fairly on we think it probable rather more will be paid for cttra sorts. Fortunately Scotland has again some fine, weighing 581bs. per bushel, which is likely always to command a sale. Even the best heavy foreign has lately rather improved ; aud, with only moderate supplies of grinding, the demand has increased, fair 501b. being worth fully 26s. per qr. ; but, while oats and maize keep low, there cannot be much advance. The imports into London for four weeks were 5,204 qrs. British, 18,951 qrs. foreign; against 7,871 qrs. British, 20,759 qrs. foreign in 1869. The malt trade has been dull all through the mouth, with prices declining, say Is. to 23. per qr., with more desire to sell old stocks, as the new samples hitherto have been good. Our supplies of foreign oats have again been large, and principally from Russia, the blockade of the Prussian ports cutting off arrivals thence ; but the French demand having greatly fallen off, there has been more than ordinary consumption could take off, and a consequent further decline in prices of Is. to 2s. per qr. This has brought rates down to a very moderate scale, 38Ib. Russian being worth only I83. 6s. to 193. 6d., according to condi- tion, and due 401b. 23s. per qr. ; but the higher the weight the more difficult are they to procure, and we cannot help t/iinking that, though the French blockade is now withdrawn, present prices will not encourage ship- ments from the Baltic ports. It is worthy of note al«o that, weight for weight, oats are now cheaper than hay, aud so it seems improbable that there will be much further decline. With this war prolonged, agriculture must suffer, uot only in France but Germany, and some future day we may see quite a reaction, as our own crop has been scanty. The imports into London for four weeks were 6,118 qrs. English, 95 qrs. Scotch, 316,912 qrs. foreign ; against 11,933 qrs. English, 1,200 qrs. Irish, 161,576 qrs. foreign in 1869. The exports this month were 30,647 qrs., against 199,730 qrs. iu the five weeks of August. Since the arrival of new beans at market, and the great fall in maize, this pulse has been dull and declining, say to the extent of Ss. per qr., during the four weeks. New ticks aud Mazagans are hardly worth more than 35s., old 38s. to 39s., Sicilian the same. The decline, however, on the fourth market ceased ; and, with a very deficient crop this year, we don't expect farmers at these prices will send up except very sparingly. The imports into London for four weeks were 2,219 qrs. English, 3,890 qrs. foreign ; against 1,645 qrs. English, 10,967 qrs. foreign in 1869. Peas have also cheapened, but not to the same extent ; but inferior white, of which there is plenty, have been very difficult to place, even at 343. ; while the better qualities have been worth fully 38s. Some shipments were lately made to France, but the demand has since fallen off. They can hardly be cheaper, but we see no chance of an immediate rise. The imports into London for four weeks were 1,993 qrs. English, 7,849 qrs. foreign; against 2,068 qrs. English, 4,162 qrs. foreign in 1869. Linseed has been steady all through the month, and cakes have sold well for the want of grass. But little new cloverseed has yet appeared ; old has been firm. New tares have declined to 10s. to lis. per bushel. CURRENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LANE. ShUHnsB per Quartei* WHEAT, new, Essex and Kent, white 49 to 51 .. .. red 45 47 Norfolk, Linclnsh., and Yorksh., red... 45 47 BARLEY 30 to 34 Chevalier (nominal) 36 42 Grinding 30 31 Distilling 35 33 MALT (nominal), Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk 61 69 Kingston, Ware,and town-made ,", 61 69 Brown ;;; 49 65 RYE 36 38 OATS, English, feed 21 to 28 Potato 25 32 Scotch, feed 00 00 Potato 00 00 Irish, feed, white 19 22 Fine 23 25 Ditto, black 19 21 Potato ." 24 29 BEANS, Mazagan ...37 40 Ticks 37 40 Harrow 40 44 Pigeon '. 44 48 PEAS, white, boilers.SS 39Maplo 41 to 42Grey,new 35 37 FLOUR, per sack of 2801bs.,TowTi, Households.nom. 43 47 Country,on shore 35 to 37 „ 38 39 Norfolk and Suffolk, on shore 33 35 FOREIGN GRAIN. ■m-TTT-i.m ■r^ . • -J -, SmiUiigs per Quarter. WHEAT, Dantzic, mixed 51 to 52 extra 56to58 Konigsberg 50 61 extra 62 51 Rostock 49 50 fine 61 63 Silesian, red 47 49 white.... 49 51 Pomera., Meckberg., and Uckermrk. ...red 49 51 Russian, bard, 41 to 42. ..St. Petersburg and Riga 43 48 Danish and Holstein, red 46 49 American 45 48 French, none Rhine and Belgium 00 00 Chilian, white 54... Californian 54 ... Australian 55 58 BARLEY, grinding 25 to 28. ...distilling and malting 31 36 OATS, Dutch, brewing aud Polands 21 to 28 feed 19 22 Danish and Swedish, feed 20 to 23.... Stralsund... 20 23 Canada 18 to 20, Riga 19 to 20, Arch. 19 to 20, P'sbg. 20 23 TARES, Spring, per qr small 00 00 large 00 00 BEANS, Friesland and Holstein 43 44 Konigsberg 39 to 42.. .Egyptian 38 40 PEAS, feeding and maple.. .33 35... fine boilers 37 38 INDIAN CORN, white 2S 31. ..yellow 28 29 FLOUR, per sack, Fr9nch..40 42.. .Spanish, p. sack 00 00 American, per brl 22 23...extraandd'ble. 24 26 IMPERIAL AVERAGES. For the week ended Sept. 17, 1870, Wheat 91,S1U qrs. 463. 6d. Barley 24,141| „ 36s. 4d. Oats „„„ 4,749| „ 23s. 8d. 366 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. COMPARATIVE AVERAGES. WHEAT. Years Qrs. s. d. Qrs. B. d. 1866. . 68,689J . .49 8 ll,477i . . 37 10 1867. . 5i,026| . . 62 11 8,038| .. . 40 7 1868. . 91,0751 . . 54 4 25,2651 . . 44 0 1869. . 57,5931 . . 50 5 5,391^ . . 38 3 1870.. . 91,811i . . 46 6 24,441| . . 36 4 BARLEY. OATS, Qrs. 2,284i 3,151i 4,005| 2,391J 4,749| s. d. AVERAGE S Fob the past Six Weeks : Aug. 13, 1870 , Aug. 20, 1870 Aug. 27, 1870 Sept. 3, 1870 , Sept. 10, 1870 Sept. 17, 1870 Aggregate of the above .. Wheat, s. d. 54 10 54 7 51 49 48 46 60 The same week in 1869 | 50 Barley. | s. d. 32 11 33 6 36 8 36 2 35 8 36 4 35 2 38 3 Oats. s. d. 28 0 25 10 24 6 25 9 23 10 23 9 25 3 25 5 FLUCTUATIONS in the AVERAGE PRICE of WHEAT. Sept.l7. Peice. Aug. 13. Aug. 20. Aug. 27. Sept. 3. Sept. 10. 54s. lOd. *.« 54s. 7d. ... 51s. 3d. ... ^ ... .„ 49s. Id. ... ••• ... ^ ^"^""i 48a. Id. ... ... ... *■ ""T"T- 46s. 6d. ' ... BRITISH SEEDS. MusTAHD, perbush., brown 13s. to 14s., white Os.tolOs. CANABY.per qr 62s. 66s. CLOVEBSBED,uew red 80s. 928. CoBiANDEE, per cwt 21s. 22s. Tabes, winter, new, per bushel 93. IO3. Teefoil, new 21s. 23s. Rtegeass, per qr 28a. 30s. Linseed, per qr., sowing 6Ss.to70s., crushing 57s. 62s. Linseed Cakes, per ton £11 15s. to £12 10s. Rapeseed, per qr 70s. 723. Rape Oakb, per ton £5 lOs. Od. to £6 os, Od. FOREIGN SEEDS. CoEiANDEB, per cwt 21s.to22s. Caeeaway ,, new 31s, 328. CtovEESEBD, red 54s. to61s white 68s, 72s. Hempseed, small 42s. to 43s. per qr. ...Dutch 463, 48s. Thepoil 21s. 22s. Ryeqbass, per qr 28s. 303. Linseed, per qr., Baltic 56s. to 61s. ..Bombay 61s. 62s, Linseed Cakes, per ton £11 15s. to £12 lOs. Rape Cake, per ton £5 lOs, Od. to £6 5s. Od, Rapjsseed, Dutch 68s, 70s. HOP MARKET. Weald of Kent £3 5 £3 15 £1 10 Mid and East Kents 4 0 5 5 7 0 Sussex 3 0 3 10 3 15 Earnham and Country ... 4 10 5 5 6 6 Olds 1 0 115 3 10 POTATO MARKETS. BOROUGH AND SPITALFIELDS. EnglishShaws 70s. to 80s. per ton. „ Regents 50s. to 100s. „ „ Rocks 403.10 60s. „ PRICES of BUTTER, CHEESE, HAMS, &c. BUTTER, per cwt. : s. s. Dorset 146 to 150 Friesland .130 134 Jersey .106 121 Fbesh, per doz. . . 14 19 BACON, per cwt : Wiltshire, green. . 74 78 Irish, f.o.b . 74 78 CHEESE, per cwt. : 8, s. Cheshire, new 64 to 84 Dble. Gloucester... 60 72 Cheddar, old 72 90 American 60 68 HAMS: York 108 112 Cumberland 102 112 Irish 106 114 POULTRY, &c., MARKETS.— Turkeys, 4s. to 7s. ; Geese, 4s. to 8s. ; Ducks, Is. Gd. to 3s. ; Surrey Fowls, 2s. 6d. to os. 6d. ; Susses ditto, 2s. to 3s. ; Boston and Essex, Is. 6d. to 3s. ; Irish, Is. to 2s. ; Rabbits, tame Is. to 2s. ; Pigeons, 4d. to 9d. ; Partridges, 6d. to Is. 6d. ; Hares, Is. 6d. to 3s. 6d. ; white Scotch, Is. 6d. Eggs, best, 10s. per 120. LONDON CHEESE MARKET, Sept. 22.— Since our last report there has been a moderate but steady demand for the best descriptions of Cheese. We have, however, found buyers more than usually diliicalt to please, especially in the question of flavour. The supply of really clean Cheese (mth quality) seems exceptionally small, and good prices can be made of this article (whether English or foreign) when ob- tained. Firm, sound, handsome lumps are wanted. Tender- edged, cracked, or soft, bulgy Cheese are avoided by nearly all buyers, even though offered at low prices. Inferior qualities of all kinds are at present almost unsaleable. Scotch Cheddar of prime quality and flavour are moderately saleable at about 68s. to 72s. Swedish ditto at about 64s. to 68s. American Cheese are in good supply, and rather slow demand at prices varying from about 52s. to 66s. Some of the priraest Factory Dairies show more or less the effects of heat. The arrivals reported since last Thursday are 37,097 boxes. — Cokderoy AND Co., Mill Lane, Tooley Street. CHICORY. LONDON, Satuedat, Sept. 24. There has been a moderate inquiry, at about late rates, Deliveeable feom Whabf in Bags, exclusive op Duty. Harlingen ...£11 Oto£ll 15 I Antwerp ....£ 0 0 to £0 0 Bruges 1110 12 5 I Hamburgh .. 0 0 0 0 BARK AND TANNING MATERIALS. LONDON, Saturday, Sept. 24. & B. £ s. English, per load of 45 cwt. delivered in London 13 lOtoU Coppice 0 0 Dutch, perton 5 0 Hambro' 5 0 Antwerp Ti-ee 5 0 Do. Coppice 5 0 French 0 0 Mimosa Chopped 8 0 Do. Ground 7 15 Do.LonK „._.„.„ 7 0 £ s. £ s. 6 0to7 0 9 0 10 0 13 0 17 0 0 14 10 Cork Tree, Barbary . Do. Sardinian Valonia, Smyrna Do. Camata 13 5 10 Do. Morea 9 0 11 Q 5 10 Terra Japonioa: — 5 10 Gambierinbales.,.-. 16 15 17 0 Ditto free cubes 19 0 21 0 Cutch, best Pegu ... 24 0 24 10 SlTiDiviDivi 11 0 13 10 9 OJMyrabolans 10 0 17 0 7 lOi-'Smnaoh, SicUy, p. cwt. 20 0 21 0 FLAX, &c. £ s. £ s. £ s. Hemp, Petersburgh Coir yarn... -.„....-.„. 29 10 clean, per ton 32 0 to 32 10 [ Jimlt Outshot.. Half-clean 29 0 Riga, Rhine 35 0 Manilla 53 0 East Indian, Sunn 15 0 Jute 12 0 Fibre 29 0 0 Flax, Riga 75 0 0, St. Petersburgh, 12 65 0 1 head B3 21 Ql 9head „. 44 21 10 1 Egyptian 0 ENGLISH WOOL MARKET. CUKEENT PeICES OP ENGLISH WoOL. Fleeces — Southdown hogs per lb. Half-bred ditto „ Kent fleeces „ Southdown ewes and wethers ... , , Leicester ditto „ SoKis — Clothing, picklock , Prime ,, Choice ,, Super ,, Combing, wether mat ,, Picklock ,, Common ,, Hog matching ,, Picklock matching „ Super ditto ,, PRICE CURRENT OF GUANO, &c. Peruvian Guano direct from the importers' stores, £14 perton. Bones, £7 Os. to £7 153. per ton. Animal Charcoal (70 per cent. Phosphate) £5 per ton. Coprolite, Cambridge, whole £3, ground £3 lOs. per ton. Suffolk, whole £2 lOs., ground £3. Nitrate of Soda, £15 15s. to £16 5s. per ton. Gypsum, £1 lOs. Superphosphates of Lime, £5 5s. to £S 5s. per ton. Sulphuric Acid, concentratsd 1"845 Id. per lb., brown 1"712 O^^d. Siilphateot Ammonia £16 Os. to £17 lOs. Salt (in London) 233. per ton. Blood Manure, £6 5s. to £7 10s. Dissolved Bones. £7 Os. per ton Linseed Cakes, best American brl. £12 Os. to £13 10s., bag £11 to £12 15s. English £0. Mai'seUles, £0 per ton. Cotton Seed Cake, £0 Os. to £0 Os. per ton. E. PuESEE, London Manure Company, 116, Fenchurch Street.E.C. Guano, Peruvian £13 17 6 to £0 0 0 Cotsd.Cake,decor£7 10 0 to£0 0 0 s. d. s. d. 1 0 tol 1 1 2 1 3 1 U 1 2 0 10 0 11 1 1 1 H 1 4 1 4i 1 %\ 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 0 1 04 1 24 1 -ik 1 OJ 1 1 0 11 0 \\\ 1 4 1 44 1 04 1 1 on 0 114 Bone Ash 5 15 0 Phosphate of Lime 0 12 Linseed Cake, per ton — Amer., thin, bgs.l 1 10 0 Linsd.Bomby,p.qr.2 19 0 Bapeseed.Guzerat 3 3 0 Cottonseed, Egypt. 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 0 0 14 G 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 Cloverseed, N.Am 0 0 0: red, new per cwt.O 0 0 iNiger 2 7 0 11 15 OjNitr.of Soda, p. ct.O 14 0 3 0 0, German Kaiult 0 0 0 3 4 0 TaUow, 1st P.Y.C. 2 5 0 coo! „ super.Norths 2 3 0 SAMUEL DOWNES and CO., General Brokers, No. 7, The Albany, Liverpool. Agricultural Chemical Works, Stowmarket, Suffolk. Prentice's Cereal Manure for Corn Crops „ _.„.„.„. per ton £8 0 0 Mangold Manure „ ...„.„._. ,, 8 0 0 Prentice's Turnip Manure „.„ „....„.>...„.„ ,, 6 10 0 Prentice's Superphosphate of Lime „ 6 0 0 Printed by Rogerson asd Tiixford, 265, Strand, London, W.C. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. OCTOBER, 1 870. :C O N T E N T S . Plate I. — LADY ANNEj a Prize Shorthorn Cow: The property of Mr. J. How, OF Brouhton, Huntingdon. Plate II.— GAMOS; a Thorough-bred Filly; The property of Mr. W. Graham. PAGE 273, 274 . 274 Descriptions op the Plates ...... The Clays of Cornwall. — By Cuthbert W. Johnson, F.R.S. Forbidden Fruit at the Autumn Shows ..... 277 The New Foreign Cattle Orders ...... 279 The Autumn Stock Sales ....... 280 Sale of Mr. C. R. Saunders' Herd of Shorthorns. By Mr. John Thornton . 281 The Newbourn Hall Suffork Sale ...... 284 Ixworth Farmers' Club ....... 28G The Distribution of Stock and Crop on a Farm. — By the Northern Farmer . 289 The Great Exhibitions of Implements ..... 292 The Administration of the Poor Laws ..... 293 VAGRA.NCY, — Its Causes and Prevention ..... 297 Out-door Relief ........ 299 Rational Cultivation ....... 304 Fields and Folds at Home and Abroad ..... 307 Farm Photographs ........ 308 worsley and swinton agricultural society ..... 310 Airedale Agricultural Society: Meeting at Bingley . . . 311 The Preservation of Eggs ....... 311 Worcestershire Agricultural Society: Meeting at KiddePvMInster . .312 The Keighley Agricultural Society ..... 313 Craven Agricultural Society : Meeting at Skipton . . . . 314 Rochdale Agricultural Show ...... 316 The Bath and West of England Society and Southern Counties Association 317 Sale of Messrs. Mitchell's Shorthorns, at Alloa. By Mr, John Thornton . 318 Badminton Farmers' Club ....... 319 Fermentation ........ 320 Agriculture in British India ...... 325 Doctors Differ , . . . . . . , . 326 Inoculation for Pleuro-pheumonia ...... 327 The Labour Market in Australia ...... 328 Wheat Growing in America ....... 329 The Agricultural Returns of Australia for the Year 1869-70 . . 330 Manchester and Liverpool Agricultural Society: Meeting at Wigan . 331 RiCHMONDSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SoCIETY: MEETING AT LeYBURN . . . 333 Cleveland Agriculturul Society : Meeting at Guisborough . . . 335 Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping-Norton Agricultural Society: Meeting at Chipping-Norton ....... 337 The Leicestershire Agricultural Society : Meeting at Hinckley . . 338 Northamptonshire Agricultural Society: Meeting at Wellingborough . 339 Warwickshire Agricultural Society: Meeting at Leamington . . 341 North Shropshire Agricultural Show: Meeting at Wellington . . 343 Cheshire Agricultural Society: Meeting at Sandbach . . . 344 East Cheshire Agricultural Society : Meeting at Macclesfield . . 345 Glamorganshire Agricultural Society : Meeting at Cowbridge . . 346 Frodsham Central Farmers' Club ...... 347 Royal and Central Bucks Agricultural Association: Meeting at Aylesbury . 348 Leicesters and other Longwools ...... 349 Sale of the Rev. T. Staniforth's Shorthorns. By Mr. John Thornton . 350 Sheep Sales and Lettings ....... 351 Professor Gamgee and jus Meat Preserving Process . . . 358 Calendar of Agriculture ....... 359 Calendar of Gardening ....... 360 Agricultural Reports . . . . . . . 361 Agricultural Intelligence ....... 362 Review of the Corn Trade during the past Month . . . , 364 Market Currencies, Impertai. Averages, &c. e o t i 365-6 Just Published, price 5b., uniform -with " SILK AND SCARLET," &o., SADDLE AND SIRLOIN; OR ENGLISH FARM AND SPORTING WORTHIES (NORTH), BY THE DRUID. LONDON: ROGERSON & TUXFORD, 265, STRAND. DR. J. COLLIS BROWNE'S CHLORODYNE. THE ORIGINAL AND ONLY GENUINE. CHLORODYNE is admittetl by the Profession to be the most wonderful and valuable remedy ever discovered. CHLORODYNE is the best remedy known for Coughs, Consumption, Bronchitis, Asthma. QHLORODYIME effectiially checks and arrests those too often fatal diseases — Diptheria, Fever, Croup, Ague. CHLORODYNE acts like a charm in Diarrhoea, and is the only specific in Cholera and Dysentery. CH^,QRODY(ME etfectually cuts sliort all attacks of Epilepsy, Hysteria, Palpitaiion and Spasms. CHLQRODYNE is the only palliative in Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Gout, Cancer, Toothache, Meningitis, &c. From LoED JTbancis CoNTifGHAM, Mount Charles, Donegal, 11th December, 1868. " Lord Francis Conyngham, who this time last year bought some of Dr. J. Collis Browne's Chlorodyne fi-om Mr. Davenport, and has found it a most wonderful medicine, would be glad to have half-a-dozen bottles sent at once to the above address." Earl Russell conamunicated to the College of Physicians that he received a dispatch from Her Majesty's Consul at Manilla, to the effect that Cholera has been raging fearfully, and that the ONLY remedy of any service was CHLORODYNE." —See Lancet, 1st December, 1864. CAUTION.— BEWARE of PIRACY and IMITATIONS. Caution. — Vice-Chancellor Sir "W. Page "Wood stated that Dr. J. Collis Bbowne was, vmdoubtedly, the Inventor of CHLORODYNE ; that the story of the Defendant, Pkeeman, was deliberately untrue, which, he regretted to say, had been sworn to. — See Times, I3th July, 1864. Sold in Bottles at Is. IJd., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., and lis. each. None is genuine without the words, "Dr. J. COLLIS BROWNE'S CHLORODYNE " on the Government Stamp. Overwhelming Medical Testimony accompanies each bottle. SoiiE Manufaciueee :— J. T. DAVENPORT, 33, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London. POPULAR MEDICAL WOEKS, PUBLISHED BY MANN, 39, CORNHILL, LONDON. Post Free, 12 Stamps ; Sealed Eu,ds, 16 Stamps. DR. CURTIS'S MEDICAL GUIDE TO MARRIAGE : a Practical Treatise on ITS Physical and Personal Obligations. With instructions to the Man-ied and Unmarried of both Sexes, for removing the special disqualifications and impediments which destroy the happiness of wedded life, founded on the result of a successful practice of 30 years. — By Dk. J. L. CURTIS, M.D., 15, Albemarle Street, Piccadilly, London, W. And, by the same Author, for 12 stamps ; sealed ends, 20. *j. MANHOOD : A MEDICAL ESSAY on the Causes and Cure of Premature DecLne IN Man ; the Treatment of Nervous Debility, Spermatori-hcea, Impotence, and those peculiar infirmities which result from youthful abuses, adult excesses, troj)ical climates, and other causes ; with Instructions for the Cure of Infection without Mercury, aild its Prevention by the Author's Prescription (his infallible Lotion). REVIEWS OF THE WORK. " Manhood. — This is truly a valuable work, and should be in the hands of young and old." — Sunday Times, 23rd March, 1858. " The book under review is one calculated to warn and instruct the erring, -without imparting one idea that can vitiate the mind not already tutored by the vices of which it treats." — Naval and Military Gazette, 1st February, 1856. " We feel no hesitation in saying that there is no member of society by whom the book wiU not be found use- ful, whether such person hold the relation of a Parent, Preceptor, or Clergyman." — Sun, Evening Paper. Manhood. — " Dr. Curtis has conferred a great boon by publishing this little work, in which is described the source of those diseases which produce decline in youth, or more frequently premature old age." — Daily Telegraph, March 27, 1856. Consultations daily, from 10 to 3 and 6 to 8. 15, Albemarle Street, Piccadilly^ London, W. INDON AND [ARDINGS FLEXIBLE ROOFING. REDUCED TO ONE PENNY PER SQUARE FOOT. EST tad CHEAPEST COVERING for HOUSES, SHEDS FARM and other BUILDINGS. &c. '^ b i ana ^^^^-^ f.^^ ^11 CUmates. and adopted by tbo English and Foroifm Govomments, Railway Companies, Metropolitan Boarcfof Works, &c. 'Awarded the Silver Medal, Anister- dam Exhibition, 1869, for its Cheapness and foupenoiity to Felt, although the price was then 50 per cent, higher thnn at wcsout. and is proved to bo a much more iDraWo,^Eafcfent. and Vveathcr-tight Roofing than Corrugated Iron, at One-third the cost, and can be most ^easily fixed by any unpractised person. Ploaso send for samples of present make. PRICE ONE PENNY per Square Foot, or 233. per RoU of 25 yards by 44 inches wide. DRESSING, 2s. 6d. per gal. ; ZINC NAILS, 5d. per lb. _^ SAMPLES AND TRADE TERMS FREE. HARDINffS COMPOTJNITgLYCERINE DIP. ITAINS NO POISON, AND IS DESTRUCTIVE TO INSECT LIFE ONLY. cerVaincureflsc^oiXep', who thrive and increase in weight after the use of this Dip. It also preserves the )f all ammals belonging to the homestead. ^ ononmnKtiona which always cause functional derange- Kg^r/^rk'n^o^*^acrt°h^^^^^ -'-^ - '^^ --« °^ ^ -"^-^^^ Useases which aiflict animal lile. . , „,„of ,iaariiv in TiVks Lice Maggots, and a sure 1 in Tins of 511.8. and 1011»s., at «•«: l»^VAii**?UemlSrs™ld*- Itos., 5011.S. and npwaiMls, at 5d. per 11». ; Jy "J^^Vf^lfl!' »«««» enrirowmongers, and others tlirongUoitt the HLingdom. . rii mT-NT TO QTT-pT?TrTF,NT FOR TWENTY-FIVE SHEEP. »le Manufacturer, aO^NicholasJ^ane^^ COUNTY BANKING COMPANY. ESTABLISHED 1836. qiTT^qPRIBED CAPITAL... £2.500,000, in 50,000 SHARJiifcS of £50 EACH. P^DUPCAHTAL...£1.0^^^^^^ RE SERYE FUND... £500,000. HANIEL ALEXANDER, Esq. tEINGHAM BERNARD, Esq. :.IP PATTON BLYTH, Esq. N WM. BURMESTER, Esq. P. P. BLYTH, Esq 1 5VILLIAM JARDINE, Esq DIRECTORS. THOIVDlS stock COWIE, Esq. EREDERICK PRANCIS, Esq. PREDERICK HARRISON, Esq. LORD ALPRED HERVEY. TRUSTEES. J. W. BURMESTER, Esq. | AUDITORS, I WILLIOI NORMAN, Esq. 1W1LLI&.M CHAMPION JONES, Esq. E. HARBORD LUSHINGTON, Esq. JAMES MORLEY, Esq, WILLIAM NICOL, Esq. W. CHAMPION JONES, Esq. I RICHARD H. SWAINE, Esq* GENERAL MA.NAGEK-WILLIAM McKEWAN, E^Q- „^^^ . ___-,„„,„^ ^T^NJ^Rfoin^ H.j.i^lSrS!S^c^tSVEsQ, TiSs^E?S?ir W. J. NORPOLK, E^Q- ^^^^^^^_^^^^^^^ 3^j,^^^S^ WILKINSON, & HARRIES. Seceitaky-P. CLAPPISON, Esq. TTT^AD OFFICE, 31, LOMBARD STREET. f iS AtLKclntdaTlnSa. and China, the United States, and elsewhere. -'if^^I^i^^^!t.^^'iPoZ'^r^^^^^ of English or Foreign Shares effected, and Dxtibekts. p!ci^ir^t.S>'°^S^X^fS^Slt^^^ the Bank for the receipt of Money from the Towns where the Com- '^OffiSof the Bank are bound not to ^^<^^<>'^Xc^onSu1S'' ''' ""wX McKEWAN. General Managed. THE ROYAL FARMERS' INSURANCE COMPAf 3, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. CAPITAL— Persons insured by tliis Company have the security of an extensive and wealthy propi as well as an ample Capital always applicable to the payment of claims without delay. LIFE DEPAETMENT.—BONUS— Insurers of the participating class will be entitled to foui of the profits. FIRE IDEPARTMENT,- 1st Class — Not Hazardous Is. 6d. per Cent. 2nd Class — Hazardous ' 28! 6d! 3rd Class — Doubly Hazardous ] .'.'.' 4s! 6d.' " BUILDINGS and MERCANTILE Property of every description in Public or Private Warehou Distillers, Steam Engines, Goods in Boats or Canals, Ships in Port or Harbour, &c. &c., are Insured i Office at moderate rates. SPECIAL RISKS.— At sucli rates as may be considered reasonable. NEW INSURANCES.— No charge made for Policy or Stamp. FARMING STOCK —5s. per cent., with liberty to use a Steam Thrashing Machine without charge. Nearly FIVE MILLIONS Insured in this Office. SEVEN YEARS' INSURANCES may be effected on payment of Six Years' Premium only. LIGHTNING and GAS.-Losses by Fii-e occasioned by Lightning, and Losses by Explosiop c when used for Lighting Buildings will be allowed for, RENT— The Loss on Eent while Buildings remain untenantable through fire may be provided a«f i HAIL DEPARTMENT.— (Ceops and Glass.) Policies to protect parties from Loss by the destruction of Growing Crops or Glass, by Hail, are gran Moderate Terms. * ^ LOSSES.— Prompt and liberal settlement. AGENTS WANTED. Apply to JOHN EEDDISH, Esq., Secretary and Actuor IMPORTANT TO FLOGKMASTERS. THOMAS BIGG, Agricultural and Yeterinary Uiiemist, by Appointment to His late Koyal Higliuess The Prince Consort, K.G., Leicester House, Great Dover Street, Borough, London, begs to call the attention of Farmers and Graziers to his valuable SHEEP and LA MR DIPPING COMPOSITION, wliich rec(uires no Boiling and may be used with Warm or Cold Water, for effectually destroying the Tick, Lice, and all other insects injm-ious to the Flock, preventing the alarming attacks of Ply and Shab and cleansing and purifying the Skin, thereby greatly im- proving the Wool, both in quantity and quaUty, and highlv contributing to the general health of the animal. Prepared only by Tlaonias Bigg, Chemist, &c., at his Manu- factory as above, and sold as tbllows, although any other quantity may be had, if required :— 4 lb. for 20 sheep, pri 61b 8 lb. 101b. 201b. 301b. 401b. 601b. 601b. 801b. 100 lb. 30 40 50 100 150 200 250 300 400 600 ice, jar included £0 0 (cask and measure included) 0 4 0 5 0 10 0 15 1 0 1 3 1 7 1 17 2 6 Should any Flockmaster prefer boUing the Composition, it will be equally effective. MOST IMPORTANT CERTIFICATE. From Mr. Heeepath, the celebrated Analytical Chemist — Bristol Laboratory, Old Park, January 18th, 1861. Su-,— I have submitted yoiu- Sheep Dipping Composition to analysis, and find that the ingredients are well blended and the mixture neutral. If it is used according to the dii-ections given, I feel satisfied, that while it effectually destroys vermiu it will not injure the hair roots (or "yolk") in the skm the fleece, or the carcase, I think it deserves the numerous testimomals published. I am. Sir, yours respectfully, m ,. „. William Herapath, Sen., F.O.S., &c.. &c.. . To Mr. Thomas Bigg, Professor of Chemistry. Leicester House, Great Dover-street, Borough, London. He would also especially call attention to his SPB" or LOTION, for the SCAB or SHAB, which will be a certam remedy for eradicating that loathsome and r disorder in Sheep, and which may be safely used cUmates, and at all seasons of the year, and to all descr of sheep, even ewes in lamb. Price FIVE SHILLINi gaUon— sufficient on an average for thirty Sheep (ace to the vu-ulence of the disease) ; also in wiue quart I Is. 3d. each. IMPORTANT TESTIMONIAL. " Scoulton, near Hingham, Norfolk, April 16th, Dear Sir,— In answer to yours of the 4th inst., would have been replied to before this had I been at h have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the efflc your invaluable ' Specific for the cure of Scab in Sheep. 600 sheep were all ch-essed in August last with 84 gaU the 'NoN-poisoNors Specific,' that was so highly i mended at the Lincoln Show, and by theu- own di-essi best attention being paid to the flock oy my shepherd dressing according to instmctions left ; but notwithsta the Scab continued getting worse. Being determined U the Scab cured if possible, I wi-ote to you for a supply o Specific, which I received the following day; and alt) the weather was most severe in February dming the dre your JSpEciFic proved itself an invahiable remedy, ; three weeks the Sheep were quite cured ; and I am haj say the young lambs are doing remarkably well at pr. In conclusion, I beUeve it to be the safest and best re now in use. " I remain, dear Sir, " For JOHN TINGET, Esq. To Mr. Thomas Bigg." <'R. RENN. i^" Flockmasters would do well to beware of sue) parations as " Non-poisonous Compositions :" it is necessary to appeal to their good common sense and ment to be thoroughly convinced that no "Non-poisor article can poison or destroy insect venniu, particularlj as the Tick, Lice, and Scab Parasites— creatures so tent of life. Such advertised preparations must be wholly uf or they ai'e not what they are represented to be.' DIPPING APPARATUS *14, ^5., ^, & £3 No. D, Vol. XXXVIII.] NOVEMBER, 1870. Third Series. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE, » AHD MONTHLY JOURNAL OV THE AaEICULTURAL INTEREST. TO THE FARMERS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. LONDON : PUBLISHED BYROGERSON AND TUXFORD, 265, STRAN). PRICE TWO SHILLINGS. ROGBBSON AND TUXFORD,] [PBINTBRS, 265, STRAND^ " By a thorough know- ledge of the natural laws which govern the opera- tions of digestion and nu- trition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well- selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our break- fast tables with a deli- cately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills,"— Civil Service Gaxette» GHATEFUL-COMFOItTING. EPPSS (BREAKFAST) COCOA. JAMES EPPS 4 Co., Homoeopathie Chemists. BIRMINGHAM. THE GREAT WESTERN HOTEL, (SNOW HILL STATION). .«Oneofthemostelegant,comfortablc,andeconomicalHotelsinthetbreelringdom3.»-7'/..^^^^^^^ IMPORTANT TO FLOCKMASTERS. THOMAS BIGG, Agricultural and Veterinary Chemist, by Appointment to His late Royal Highness The Prince Consort, K.G., Leicester House, Great Dover Street Borough, London, begs to call the attention ot Farmers and Graziers to his valuable SHEEP and LAMB mPPING COMPOSITION, which requires no Boiling, and mav be used with Warm or Cold Water, for effectually destrovinK the Tick, Lice, and all other insects mjunous to the Flock preventkig the alarmiug attacks of Fly and Shab, ^d «tog and lurifying the Skin thereby greatly nn- Droving the Wool, both in quantity and quahty, and highly contributing to the general health of the animal. Prepared only by Thomas Bigg, Chemist, &c., at his Manu- factoi^- as above, and sold as foUows, although any other quantity may be had, if required :— 4 lb. for 20 sheep, price, jar included £0 6 lb. 81b. 101b. 201b. 301b. 401b. 501b. 601b. 801b. 1001b. 40 60 100 150 200 250 300 400 500 (cask and measuxs included) 0 10 0 15 1 0 1 3 1 7 1 17 2 6 Should any Flockmaster prefer boiling the Composition, it will be equally effective. MOST IMPORTANT CERTIFICATE. Prom Mr. Heekpath, the celebrated Analytical Chemist :— Bristol Laboratory, Old Park, January 18th, 1861. Sir —I have submitted your Sheep Dipping Composition to analysis, and find that the ingredients are well blended, and the mixture neutral. If it is used according to the directions eiven I feel satisfied, that while it effectually destroys vermin, It will not injure the hair roots (or "yolk") in the skin, the fleece or the carcase. I think it deserves the numerous testimonials pubUshed. I am. Sir, yours respectfiniy, WitLiAM Hbeapate, Sen., F.C.S., &c., &c., To Mr. Thomas Bigg, Professor of Chemistry. Leicester House, Great Dover-street, Borough, London. He would also especially call attention to Ms SPECIFIC, or LOTION, for the SCAB or SHAB, which wiU be found a certain remedy for eradicating that loathsome and rmnoua disorder in Sheep, and which may be safely used in aU climates, and at all seasons of the year, and toaUdescriptions of sheep, even ewes in lamb. Price FIVE SHILLINGS per gallon— suflacient on an average for thirty Sheep (according to the virulence of the disease) ; also in wme quart bottles, is. 3d. each, j^p^jj^^^j^^ TESTIMONL^. " Scoulton, near Hiagham, Norfolk, April 16th, 1855. "Dear Sir,— In answer to yours ot the 4th inst., which would have been repUed to before this had I been at home, I have much pleasure in bearkig testimony to the efttcacy of your invaluable ' Specific for the cure of Scab m Sheep, ihe 600 sheep were all dressed in August last wiih 84 gaUons of the 'NoN-poisoNOTJS Specific," that was so highly recom- mended at the Lincobi Show, and by their own dresser, tiie best attention being paid to the flock oy my shepherd after dressing according to iinstructions left ; but notwithstandmg the Scab continued getting worse. Being detemuned to have the Scab cured if possible, I wrote to you for a supply of your Specific, which I received the foUowtng day; and although the weather was most severe in February during the dressmg, your Ppecimo proved itself an invaluable remedy, tor in three weeks the Sheep were quite cured ; and I am happy to say the young lambs are doing remarisably weU at present. In conclusion, I beheve it to be the safest and best remedy now in use. " I remain, dear Sir, "For JOHN TINGET, Esq., " To Mr. Thomas Bigg." "R- RBNNEY. i^g" Flockmasters would do well to beware of such pre- parations as "Non-poisonous Compositions:" it is only necessary to appeal to then- good common sense and judg- ment to be thoroughly convinced that no "Non-poisonous" article can poison or destroy insect vennin, particularly such as the Tick, Lice, and Scab Parasites— creatures so tenacious of life. Such advertised preparations must be whoUy useless, or they are not what they are represented to be. DIPPING APPARATUS £14. «6» ^. & £9. \ THE FARMER'S MATtAZINE. NO VEMBE R, 1870. CONTENTS. Plate L— A DORSET RAM : The property of Mr. Henry Mayo, of Cokers Frome, Dorchester. Plate II.-THE STAFF, PAGE Descriptions of the Plates ...... 367-368 368 371 372 376 378 380 381 383 386 What We Pour into the Sea. — By Cuthbert W. Johnson, F.R.S A National Rate ...... The Hereford Show and Fair .... The Growth of Sugar-Beet ..... Stock Management at Tillyfour .... Sale of Sir G. R. Phillips' Shorthorns . , The Whitehaven Farmers' Club .... Abortion in Cows ...... Lavenham Farmers' Club ..... Norton Farmers' Club and East Derbyshire Agricultural Society : Meeting at Chesterfield ...... Huntingdonshire Agricultural Society : Meeting at St. Neots Fields and Folds at Home and Abroad . . . • Penrith Agricultural Society ..... Wigton Agricultural Society ..... Greasley and Selstone Agricultural Society: Meeting at Moor Green The Derbyshire Agricultural Society : Meeting at Derby Ledbury Agricultural Show ..... Cumberland and Westmoreland Agricultural Society : Meeting at Brampton Staffordshire Agricultural Society: Meeting at Walsall West Teviotdale Agricultural Society . . . • The Flax Extension Association in Ireland The New Regulations for the Insurance of Farming Stock . Echoes from the Autumn Meetings . . . . • Midland Agricultural Society: Meeting at Alfreton The Central Chamber of Agriculture . . . • East Suffolk Chamber of Agriculture . . . • Farm Insurance Insurances on Farming Stock The Trial of Double-furrow Ploughs at Peterborough Testimonial to Mr. Allen Ransome Bakewell Farmers' Club Bedfordshire Agricultural Society The Ludlow Agricultural Society Hexham Farmers' Club The Use of the Central Chamber of Agriculturre . The Blandford Farmers' Club Athenry Farmers' Club : Agriculture and Science Sale of Messrs. Garne's Shorthorns, at Churchill Heath. Sale of Mr. Caless' Shorthorns. By Mr. H. Strafford Sales of Shorthorns. By Mr. John Thornton The Butley Abbey Sale. By Mr. R. Bond Sale of Shorthorns at Keithmore, N. B. Sheep Sales and Lettings .... Sale of Mr. Fawcett's Shorthorns, By Mr. John Thornton Mr. Sheldon's Shorthorn Bulls. By Mr. Strafford , Sale of Bull Calves from the Ballywalter Herd Great Cheese Show at Kilmarnock Agricultural Reports Agricultural Intelligence Calendar of Agriculture Calendar of Gardening Review of the Corn Trade during the past Month Market Currbnctes, Imperial Averages, &c. . Meeting at Biggleswade By Mr. Strafford 388 389 390 392 393 394 395 396 397 399 401 401 402 407 421 422 423 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 436 437 439 442 443 444 445 446 446 448 448 443 448 449 450 453 454 455 458 THE ROYAL FARMERS' INSURANCE COMPANY, 3, NORFOLK STEEET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. CAPITAL.— Persons insured by this Company liave the security of an extensive and wealthy proprietary as weU as an ample Capital always applicable to the payment of claims without delay. LIFE DEPARTMENT.— BONUS.— Insurers of the participating class will be entitled to four-fifths of the profits. FIRE DEPARTMENT — a St Class— Not Hazardous Is. 6d. per Cent. 2nd Class— Hazardous 2s. Gd. „ 3rd Class — Doubly Hazardous 4s. 6d. „ BUILDINGS and MERCANTILE Property of every description in Public or Private Warehouses.— Distillers, Steam Engines, Goods in Boats or Canals, Ships in Port or Harbour, &c. &c., are Insured in this Otfice at moderate rates. SPECIAL RISKS. — At such rates as may be considered reasonable, NEW INSURANCES.— No charge made for Policy or Stamp. FARMING STOCK.— 5s. per cent., with liberty to use a Steam Thrasliiug Machine without extra charge. Nearly FIVE MILLIONS Insured in this Office. SEVEN YEARS' INSURANCES may be effected on payment of Six Years' Premium only. LIGHTNING ^mtl GAS.— Losses by Fire occasioned by Lightning, and Losses by Explosion of Gas when used for Lighting Buildings will be allowed for. RENT.— The Loss on Rent while Buildings remain untenantable through fire may be provided against. HAIL DEPARTMENT.— (Crops and Glass.) Policies to protect parties from Loss by the destniction of Growing Crops or Glass, by Hail, are granted on Moderate Terms. LOSSES. — Prompt and liberal settlement. AGENTS WANTED. Apply to JOHN REDDISH, Esq., Secretary and Actuary. ^~ FOUNDED A.D. 1844. Empowered by Special Act of Parliament, 25 & 26, Vict., cap. 74. THE GREAT BRITAIN MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY, Chairman— LORD VISCOUNT NEWRY. SPECIAL ADVANTAGES TO ASSURERS. •The entire profits divided amongst the holders of participating policies. The profits applied first in extinguishing the premiums at a given date, and afterwards m making the policy r,avable during life : this important advantage being secured without the payment of any additional premium, payaoie aurmg i s s ANDREW FRANCIS, Secketaey. EUROPEAN ASSURANCE SOCIETY. EMPOWERED BY SPECIAL ACTS OF PARLIAMENT, FOR LIFE ASSURANCE, ANNUITIES, AND GUARANTEE OF FIDELITY IN SITUATIONS OF TRUST. Chief Office- IV, IVatei-loo l»Iace, Pall-mall, JLonrtoii. ANNUAL INCOME, £300,000. CAPITAL, subscribed by more than 1,600 Shareholders, nearly £800,000. Directors. Chairman— General Sir FREDERIC SMITH, K.H., F.R.S. The Rev. A. Alston, D.D. I A. R. Bristow, Esq. I Edmund Heeley, Esq. E. Hamilton Anson, Esq. | R. M. Carter, Esq., M.P. | Reginald Read, Esq., M.D. This Institution offers every advantage of the modern system of Life Assurance. The European is specially authorised by Parliament to guarantee the fidelity of Government oflicials. The New Prospectus contains the Table for complete Life Policies, which are not forfeited by the uoii, payment of the Renewal Premium. ,. ,• i 4-1, c • + ' Prospectuses, Forms of Proposal, and every information may be obtained on applicatien to the bociety s Agents, or at the Chief Office. HENRY B. PARMINTER, Manager. Jnet Published, price 5s., uniform with " SILK aND SCARLET " &C. SADDLE AND SIRLOIN ; OK ENGLISH FARM AND SPORTING WORTHIES (NORTH), BY THE DRUID. LONDON : ROGERSON & TUXFORD, 265, STRAND. DR. J. COLLIS BROWNE'S CHLORODYNE. THE ORIGINAL AND ONLY GENUINE. CHLORODYNE w admiUed by the Profession to be the most wonderful and valuable remedy ever discovered. CHLORODYNE is the best remedy known for Coughs, Consumption, Bronchitis, Asthma. CHLORODYIME effectually checks and arrests those too often fatal diseases— Diptheria, Fever, Croup, Ague. CHLORODYNE acts like a charm in DiaiThoea, and is the only specific in Cholei-a and Dysentery. CHLORODYNE effectually cuts short all attacks of Epilepsy, Hysteria, Palpitation and Spasms. CHLORODYNE is the only palliative in Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Gout, Cancer, Toothache, Meningitis, &c. From LoHD FR.iifcis Contngham, Mount Charles, Donegal, 11th December, 1868. " Lord Francis Conyngham, who this time last year bought some of Dr. J. Collis Browne's Chlorodyne from Mr. Davenport, and has found it a most wonderful medicine, would be glad to have half-a-dozen bottles sent at once to the above address." ' Earl Russell communicated to the College of Physicians that he received a dispatch from Her Majesty's Consul at Manilla, to the effect that Cholera has been raging fearfully, and that the ONLY remedy of any service was CHLORODYNE." —See Lancet, 1st December, 1864. CAUTION.— BEWARE of PIRACY and IMITATIONS. Caution. — Vice-Chancellor Sir W. Page AVood stated that Dr. J. Collis Browne was, undoubtedly, the Inventor of CHLORODYNE ; that the story of the Defendant, Freeman, was deliberately untrue, which, he regretted to say, had been Bworn to.— See Times, 13th July, 1864. Sold in Bottles at Is. lid., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., and lis. each. None is genuine without the words, "Dr. J. COLLIS BROWNE'S CHLORODYNE " on the Government Stamp. Overwhelming Medical Testimony accompanies each bottle. Sole Manufacturer :— J. T. DAVENPORT, 33, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbiiry, London. POPULAR MEDICAL WORKS, PUBLISHED BY MANN, 39, CORNHILL, LONDON. Post Free, 12 Stamps ; Sealed E'jds, 16 Stamps. DR. CURTIS'S MEDICAL GUIDE TO MARRIAGE : a Practical Treatise on ITS Physical and Personal Obligations. With instructions to the Married and Unmarried of both Sexes, for removing the special disqualifications and impediments which destroy the happiness of wedded life, founded on the result of a successful practice of 30 years. — By Dr. J. L. CURTIS, M.D., 15, Albejiaklb Street, Piccadilly, London, W. And, by the same Author, for 12 stamps ; sealed ends, 20. MANHOOD : A MEDICAL ESSAY on the Causes and Cure of Premature Decline in Man ; the Treatment of Nervous Debility, Spermatorrhoea, Impotence, and those pecitliar intii-mities which result from youthful abuses, adult excesses, tropical climates, and other causes ; with Instructions for the Cure of Infection without Mercury, and its Prevention by the Author's Prescription (his infallible Lotion). REVIEWS OF THE WORK. " Manhood. — This is truly a valuable work, and should be in the hands of young and old." — Sunday Times, 23rd March, 1858. " The book under review is one calculated to warn and instruct the en-ing, -without imparting one idea that can vitiate the mind not already tutored by the vices of which it treats." — Naval and Militari/ Gazette, 1st February, 1856. " We feel no hesitation in saying tliat there is no member of society by whom the book will not baffouud use- ful, whether such person hold the relation of a Parent, Preceptor, or Clergyman." — Sun, Evening Paper. Manhood. — " Dr. Curtis has conferred a great boon by publishing this little work, in which is described the som-ce of those diseases which produce decline in youth, or more frequently premature old age." — Daili/ Telegraph, March 27, 1856. Consultations daily, from 10 to 3 and 6 to 8. 15, Albemakle Sxeeet, Piccadilly^ London, W. ROGEBSON & TTTXFOBD'S AGRICULTURAL WORKS PRICE ONE SHILLING EACH, Neatly Bound in Foolscap Octa/vo, EACH VOLUME CONTAINING from 130 to 190 PAGES OF LETTEEPEESS, RICHAKDSOB'S EMAL HASD-BOOKS. KetD (SIB^itionB IRebtseti ant ©ttlaroctj WHEAT : ITS HISTORY, CHARAC- TERISTICS, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, and NUTRITIVE PROPERTIES. By "The Olu Norfolk Farmeb," Author of " Agriculture, Ancient and Modern," &c., &c. THE AGRICULTURIST'S WEATHER- GUIDE AND MANUAL OF METEOROLOGY. By Henry C. Creswick, Assistant Observer in the Magnetical and Meteorological Departmont of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, Autbo" "ftf several papers on Meteorology. FLAX : ITS CULTIVATION AND PRE- PARATION, and BEST MODE OP CON- VERSION. — By James Ward, Author of " The 'Vorld and ita Workshops," &o. T> URAL ARCHITECTURE : a SERIES -Li' OF DESIGNS FOR RURAL AND OTHER DWELLINGS. The Ground Plans, Elevations, and Specificationa by James Sanderson, Burgh Bngineere' Office, Liverpool. THE AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTOR: or, YOUNG FARMER'S CLASS BOOK.— By Edmund Murphy, A.B. DOMESTIC FOWL: THEIR NATURAL «...»F^'^°^^' BREEDING, AND GENERAL CivU Engineer,"D;;by MAJl^AGEMENT. ' s > j HORSES: THEIR VARIETIES, BREED- ING, AND MANAGEMENT.— Edited by M. M. MiLBURN. D OGS : THEIR ORIGIN AND VA- RIETIES. P IGS: THEIR ORIGIN AND VARIE- TIES. COWS AND DAIRY HUSBANDRY.— By M. M. MiLBURN, Author of "The Sheep," &c. The Dairy Department Revised by T. Horsfall, SHEEP AND SHEPHERDING : embrac- ing the History, Varieties, Rearing, Feeding, and General Management of Sheep ; with Treatises on Australian Sheep Farming, the Spanish and Saxon Merinos, &c. By M. M. Milbukn, Author of " The Cow," and various Agricultural Prize Essays. THE HIVE AND THE HONEY BEE. JESTS OF THE FARM. A New Editioa, By M. M. Milbuen, Author of " The Sheep,", Ac. LAND DRAINAGE, EMBANKMENT, AND IRRIGATION.— By James Donald, THE FLOWER GARDEN.— By Georgk Qlenny, P.L.S., Author of "Pioperties of FlowerB," &o. T SOILS AND MANURES, with INSTRUC- TIONS FOR THEIR IMPROVEMENT.— By John Donaldson, Government Land Drainage Sur- veyor. In the Press, in continuation of the same Series, HE IMPLEMENTS OF THE FARM. — By R. Scott Burn, O.E. THE POTATO: ITS HISTORY, CUL- TURE, AND NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.— By S: Copland. London: Houlston & Wright, 65» Paternoster Row ; Rogerson *' Tuxford, 246, Strand, W.C Dublin : J. McGlashan, Upper Sackville Street. And all Booksellers. ROGERSON & TUXFORD,] [PRINTERS, 249, STRAKIK ^.. 1 1 11 1 J 'f> ."%; ^ ^ ^ M 1 1 V V <*i, s«^. 5 ^'^ xsi ^VV, ■ ^-3 ^ ^ THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. NOVEMBER, 1870. PLATE I. A DORSET RAM. THE PROPERTY OF MR. HENRY MAYO, OF COKERS FROME, DORCHESTER. This ram, bred by Mr. Mayo, took the first prize of £20 as the best yearling ram ia the Somerset and Dorset horn class at the Taunton Meeting of the Bath and West of England Society and Southern Counties Association in June last ; and the first prize of £20 in the shearling class of Dorsets at the Oxford Meeting of the Royal Agricul- tural Society of England in July. These are the only two occasions on which he has been exhibited. At Taunton we said : " The strong point of the Taunton Meeting is no question the capital entry of Somerset and Dorset Horned sheep, where in every way some praise- worthy progress is observable. Indeed, those who know the breed best were by no means prepared for the extra- ordinary improvement shown in these sheep. So long as they managed to get a bit of fat on the loin and to have them ready early as house-lamb, little more was sought after. Now, however, they unite more size with more symmetry, set off as they are by those grand curling horns ; and at Oxford, if we may augur from this home-show, the Dorsets and Somersets will well maintain their right to that distinction as a breed which the Royal Society has at length accorded them in the arrangement of the classes. Noticeably enough, at Southampton last year, although as handy, there were not in all a dozen entries of these sheep, whereas at Taunton there were upwards of twenty shearling rams in competition, with numerous commenda- tions appended to the actual awards. Mr. Henry Mayo, who has given much attention to his flock, clearly under- stands not merely how to breed a sheep, but how to show him ; and his rams were very artistically turned out. Smart, however, as is the winning shearling, Mr. Herbert Earthing's second was almost equally good ; and in the smaller class of old rams, a sheep from Nether Stowey of fine character and size had a long way the best of it. There was a time when Mr. Danger was altogether too strong for his friends and neighbours, but his flock now in the hands of Mr. Bond cau reach no higher than OliS SJtKI£<.] seconds or commendations." Again, at Oxford, we said : " The Dorset men ofl'ered a very poor front for their special classes, there being in all only a dozen entries against thirty at Taunton. The same sheep were here pretty much in the same places, although it was dis- covered when too late to tutor the judges, that Mr. Mayo's otherwise big, useful shearling had black eyes instead of white, and that his horns were not nearly so well curled as they should have been. And here of course arises the question as to the judges duly appointed being quite up to this branch of their business ?" In the West of England Society's own report, pub- lished some time subsequently to either of our own, Mr. Henry Fookes, as a sheep Steward, says that at Taunton, " Of Somerset and Dorset horns there never on any previous occasion had been such an exhibition in England. In the yearling ram class, twenty -one entries, Mr. H. Mayo took the lead with a sheep of wonderful quality, with good back and loins, and of great girth, but not considered ' quite correct ' in his head and horns, in which latter qualities he was surpassed by Mr. Herbert Earthing's second prize animal, which lacked the fine touch of the premier ram." The judges of the Royal Show at Oxford report that " the Dorsets were few in number, but gene- rally good in quality ; the first prize ram and the first prize pen of ewes being especially meritorious." The judges of the horned sheep at Taunton were Messrs. F. Budd, Hatchwarren, Basingstoke, and Mr. H. Woods, Merton, Norfolk ; and at Oxford Messrs. W. B. Canning, Elston, Devizes ; R. J. Newtou, Campsfield, Woodstock ; and H. Thurnall, Royston, Herts — not one of whom, we believe, is a breeder of Dorsets ; so that if they did go wrong over the eyes and horns this is scarcely to be wondered at. The peculiar merit of the Dorset sheep is their drop- ping lambs as early as September, and these being fattened for the London market realize capital prices about Christ- G 0 [Vol,. LXVIU.— No. 6. 368 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. mas time. Mr. Tanner says : " The lambs are confined in small pens, five or six together, and, after being suckled in the morning, the ewes are turned away to a piece of sheltered grass, on which they have turnips and hay given to them. About the middle of the day the ewes are brought back again to their lambs for an hour, after which they are again turned out for the afternoon, and ou their return they remain with the lambs all night. Any ewes which have had their lambs sold are brought in between the meals and held whilst other lambs suck them, Thus, by keeping the ewes well fed and the building clean and healthy, the lambs thrive rapidly." The Dorsets have been very much improved of late, during which time Mr. Mayo's flock has been established — now about eleven years since. He does not consider the mutton is quite equal to the Southdown or Exmoor ; but he thinks it very superior to any of the longwools, and also to many of the Hampshires. No breed, of course, will lamb so early, and when crossed with a Sussex ram, the lambs, he says, are second to none, the quality being so good. PLATE II. THE STAFF, The Colonel is beating the other side of the hill, which would look to be a likely place for rabbits, if, as the tenant says, it don't carry much other kind of crop. The group smacks a more especially. good deal of Ansdell, the grey gan-on WHAT WE POUR INTO THE SEA. BY CUTHBERT W. JOHNSON, F.B.S. The amount of organic matters which are incessantly pouring into the sea, through our countless streams, we are not wont to regard with desirable attention. These finely separated organic substances are the richest portions of our soils. They may be usefully divided into two great classes : First, those matters which are conveyed to the sea in the streams of which they naturally form a portion, and, secondly, those substances which owe their presence to the operations of mankind. Over the first great class which inc'udes the foreign matters contained in surface drainage and springs, we have not much power to reduce the amount, although even there something con- siderable is to be accomplished. Thus, in our warping operations, and even in some of our water meads, where the bright spring-water is employed as soon as it issues from the earth, portions of the earthy and other matters of the water are abstracted by subsidence or by the grasses. It is not, however, so much what man abstracts from the drainage waters of the earth that is most worthy of our attention, but what he adds to, and thereby pol- lutes those streams, and thus impoverishes our soils with increased rapidity ; and, unfortunately, he does this, cer- tainly until very lately, with reckless indifference. Indeed, if this fouling of the waters did not create a nuisance — did not cause the waters to become offensive and even poison the fish, nothing would perhaps have been at- tempted by public authorities to stay the enormous im- poverishing drain upon our land to which I allude. When, however, courts of equity interposed, and constituted authorities began to awaken from their torpor, a new light began to dawn gradually upon those commissioners. An inquiry was by slow degrees commenced as to the value of the fertilising matters hitherto flowing by the rivers into the sea. Calculations were made, and it was then found that the money value of the sewage pouring into the great waters was more than equal to that of the various artificial fertilizers which great fleets were bearing to repair this vast loss. And yet how vast is the value of those fertilizers may be seen from the following short table of the weight and the declared value of a f^w sub- ftwces imported in t^e year 1869 ; Weight. Value, Bones ... 85,979 tons . . £600,019 Guano ... 210,010 tons . . 2,640,983 Cubic Petre ... 906,694 cwt. . 702,055 Oilcake ... 159,259 tons . . 1,361,580 If we inquire as to the value of the sewage conducted into our rivers, we have abundant evidence of its im- portance. To give one instance of the amount and value of the sewage conducted into the Thames by the high and middle level sewers of London (ilr, W. Hope, Society of Arts, March, 187(y ■• These were examined by Pro- fessor Way and Dr. Odling. Samples were taken every half-hour day and night, at the Wick Lane Station, for 203 days ; they were mixed together at regular intervals, and repeated analyses were made. The result was to show an average of about 8 grains of ammonia to the gallon of dry weather sewage, and the following table shows the quantities passing the station during that period, during dry weather only, from the 19th of March to the 7th October, 1865. The daily average being 27,431,000 gallons. Gallons. Mondays ... 27,877,000 Tuesdays ... 29,514,000 Wednesdays ... 30,187,000 Thursdays ... 29,487,000 Fridays ... 25,293,000 Saturdays ... 31,943,000 In rainy weather, during the same period, the average daily flow increased 38,288,000 gallons, the average for each day being Gallons. Sundays ... 19,259,000 Mondays ... 31,184,000 Tuesdays ... 34,230,000 Wednesdays ... 36,516,000 Thursdays ... 38,562,000 Fridays ... 40,124,000 Saturdays ... 33,134,000 Unfortunately, added Mr. Hope, there is considerable doubt a$ tQ the populatiQP represented by this flow, and THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 369 there are also one or two disturbing causes to be taken into account wliose magnitude cannot be defined; but this is certainly a higher per-centage of ammonia, and, therefore, a more favourable analysis than previous obser- vations led one to expect, and it must be remembered that, when the low level sewer is completed, an analysis of its contents may be expected to show a very percep- tibly higher per-centage of ammonia, owing to the denser population, and the great throng of business men of all classes in the lower parts of the metropolis during the day, many of whom represent a temporary addition to even the total population estimated for, as they reside beyond the metropolitan boundary altogether. Now, the estimated " dry weather " sewage of London north of the Thames is 120,000,000 tons per annum, while that por- tion of the rainfall which does not escape into the Thames and the Lee higher up by the " storm overflows," but reaches Barking, can hardly be less than another sixty to eighty millions of tons. It appears impossible, therefore, to place the manurial value of the stream with which, at a cost of £100,000 or £150,000 a-year, the Thames is polluted at Barking at less than £1,000,000 per annum, equal to about 8s. 8d. per head of the population. And this we may take as a pretty near approach to the unit of value iu estimating the yearly worth of the sewage of a given population. I have given this analysis of the contents of one sec- tion of the drainage matters of the metropolis, because that is the most populous of all our cities ; but the organic matters thus wasted are not the only impurities committed to the Thames. The towns on its upper portion, as far Oxford, and those like Banbury and Newbury, on its tributary streams, all send their sewage into our Queen of Rivers. It is moreover to be remembered that a very large number of our populous places follow the example of the citizens of London, and commit their sewage, either directly or by some river, into the sea. And, again, as I have befoi'e stated, there is an incessant flow of organic matter from the land in those waters which have not been contaminated by man, and which substances may com- monly be reduced in amount by passing the water over the soil. Let us here notice the result of some of those valuable chemical examinations upon which I have in another place recently dwelt. The warp water of the Trent, as it flowed on the land, was found by Herepath to hold in an imperial gallon 259 grains of foreign matters; after resting for some time, it then held as it flowed ofl' the soil only 49 grains {Jour. Roy. Ag. Soc, vol. xi., p. 100). The waters of the great rivers of the earth vary in the amout of their impurities, according to the season of the year — such as the water of the Nile, the Missis- sippi, and the Ganges. Mr. Everest found in a gallon of the water of the Ganges only four grains of insoluble matter in the first week in July, but 232 grains on the 8th of August. The mud deposited by the Ganges and the Nile is composed chiefly in 100 parts, after being dried, of — The Nile. The Ganges. Water 10.70 1.00 Organic matter 2.80 2.75 Oxide of iron 13.65 6.00 Silica 42.50 69.50 Carbonate of lime ... 3.85 8.50 Alumina 24.25 7,32 Magnesia 1.05 The water of the Thames, in certaiu states of the rainfaU, is as impure as any of these. After all its insoluble mat- ters have subsided, the Thames water contains, according to Dr. Letheby, about 23 grains of solid matters per gallon ; the water of the Lea, about 23 ; that of the Colne, 21.3 ; that of the Trent, 50.16. The Thames water im- purities were as follows ; Carbonate of lime., Sulphate of lime .. Sulphate of soda .. Commom salt Oxide of iron, &c, ., Silicic acid Organic matter .. 11.10 4.78 .48 1.88 .76 1.00 2.76 22.75 With such impurities contained in their waters, we need hardly feel surprised at the good eff'ects they produce when employed in irrigation, but we may reasonably conclude that much more will yet be accomplished in that way. The water of our lakes is far more pure, but still even they contain matters which are food of plants. The waters of Loch Katrine contain only about 2 grains of foreign matters in a gallon, that of the Bala Lake about 5 grains ; that of some of the Cumberland lakes only about 4 grains. Three of these waters were found by Professor Way to contain in grains per gallon : Haweswater. Ulleswater. Thirlmere. Cabonate of lime 0.90 ... 1.45 ... 0.75 „ magnesia... 0.36 ... 0.42 ... 0.29 soda 0.56 ... 0.40 ... 0.20 Chlorides of soda and potassium 0.40 ... 0.69 ... 0.77 Sulphate of soda ...0.90 ... 0.65 ... 0.78 Oxide of iron, silica, &c. 0.25 ... 0.20 ... 0.05 Organic matter 0.62 ... 0.35 ... 0.77 Total solid matter ... 3.99 ... 416 3.61 The same degree of purity appears to belong to the great lakes of the Old aud New World. In the American lakes, the greatest of all collections of fresh water, the same transparency is remarked. When the members of Boards of Health and other cor- porations began to be convinced that there is a great money value in the sewage of a town, they were soon en- tangled in another grave inquiry, into which they were compelled to enter by injunctions from Courts of Equity, viz., how best to remove from the sewage its most noxious and most fertilizing impurities, so as to render it admissi- ble into the adjoining stream. It was now that a bevy of schemers appeared, each provided with a better plan than any other yet known. Almost all those gentlemen rested their proposals upon the use of some chemical substances, which precipitated the grease and other mechanically-suspended impurities of sewage, but had hardly any effect upon its chemically- combined substances, but in almost every case added to these substances, and thus still left the sewage injurious to the fisheries of the stream. The result, therefore, of all this class of schemes, into which some unhappy cor- porations have entered, has been a mere waste of the ratepayers' money. They were the results of very im- perfect information, were not founded upon Dame Na- ture's suggestions, which are ever the wisest and most secure. Two of these great hints of her ladyship have, how- ever, been successfully adopted, and bid fair to be gene- rally employed in the deodorization of sewage, viz., Ist. The irrigation system, which, I take it, is by far the best in densely-populated districts ; and, 2ndly, the earth- closet made, adopted since the creation of the world, by every cat, which appears to be only suitable to small col- lections of houses, barracks, lunatic asylums, and su, h other public institutions, where the most systematic re- moval and renewal of the earth can be ensured. On a large scale the nuisance would be intolerable. It was in vain that the Parisians struggled on upon the system of a daily removal of the excreta, for which they provided separate receivers from those which held the other por- 370 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. tions of the house sewage. They for some time adhered to this jjlan, tempted by the considerable sums of money paid to the authorities of Paris by the con- tractors, who managed] the removal of these in the most careful manner, but they were compelled at last to aban- don the system. We are then to examine, 2ndly, the other mode, which appears to be the only one adapted to the wants of large towns. It is too frequently ill-understood what those re- quirements are. With most persons, the contents of the water-closet are alone regarded ; the liquids flowing from the sinks, the baths, the streets, and manufactories which are inadmissible into streams are deemed of no consequence, or if at all thought of, are to have, it is gravely suggested, special sewers, constructed for their use. Now it is cer- tain that by no known process can all the sewage of a large town be so well and so profitably provided for as by the irrigation of land — a mode which is not only to be depended upon in all seasons, but, far from being an expense, is profitable to the town. At Croydon, where I reside, we have two farms ii-ri- g^ted with sewage, both farms we chiefly rent at about £10 per acre — the one at Beddington (about 450 acres) is sublet for the present, and from which, therefore, the Board of Health derives little or no profit ; but the smaller farm at Norwood (about 36 acres), which is on the London basin clay has been in our own possession since Lady-day 1868. In that year our expenditure for labour was £114 189. ; the receipts for the grass, &c., £913 ISs. In the next year, 1869, the expenses for labour were £264 18s. 6d. ; the i-eceipts for the grass and other produce of the land £742 9s. At the Lodge Farm at Barking, which consists of 207 acres, of which 112| acres are under sewage, the balance in the year ending August 81, 1870, of the valuations and receipts was £1,232 Is. 5d. in favour of the occupiers. Upon the whole, therefore, we may fairly conclude with Mr. R. llawllnson, when at the meeting at the Society of Arts, after referring to some of the difficulties of the sewage utilization, he remai-ked that " There are two sides to the sewage shield, as to most others, but he believed, nevertheless, that in the proper application of this system there was a mine of wealth, by bringing com- mon sense to bear, and avoiding blunders which had already been committed. On the other hand, in many places it had become a sheer necessity to do something of this sort, in order to avoid poisoning the rivers, and would be more and more so every day. The man who could solidify sewage and make it a portable manure, could in- vent perpetual motion and square the circle. The most perfect chemical researches had yet failed to do more than take out one-seventh of the valuable properties of sewage in a solid form ; and taking a ton of sewage as being worth 17s. 6d., and treating it in any possible way — and he spoke from having been associated on the commission with some of the first chemists of the day — the result would be to take out solid matter to the value of 2s. 2d., and leave 15s. 4d. worth to go away with the effluent water, which might nevertheless appear perfectly pure and bright. On the other hand, when liquid sewage was passed through twenty inches of soil, it had but the barest trace of these valuable salts left in it. This, therefore, was the only true and profitable chemistry." The loss of organic matters by the drainage waters is not the only source of impoverishment to the soil. The addition of those foul waters to our rivers is destructive to their fish. And this is no trifling injm'y to our supply of food. I have on another occasion remarked : " lew persons indeed are now aware of the loss which has long been sustained by the owners of our rivers from the foul- ing of their waters. To give only a single instance — at the commencement of the present century the River Thames abounded with salmon, and those of the finest quality. ' Thames salmon' then bore a higher price than that obtained from most other streams, and so copious was once the supply, that in the olden time it was usual to insert a clause in the indentures of London appren- tices, that they should not be fed upon salmon more than a certain number of days in the month. Then came the time when the river water became impure. Not only was the population enormously increased, but the metro- polis became well sewered, and its vast net- work of drains poured their huge contents (by the authority of an Act of Parliament) into the river. Then gas works were made, and their ammonical water still further poisoned the stream. Against these impurities the salmon could not contend ; they gradually, and at length totally, dis- appeared from the waters of our queen of rivers. In other streams great damage has been caused to salmon and other fish, not only by the fouling of their waters, but by the interruption of the fish by dams, and the abolition of the ladders, or water-courses, which formerly facilitated the course of the fish fi-om the sea to their spawning grounds. Of late, howevei', considerable efforts have been made, and successfully too, to purify the waters and restock our rivers with salmon and other fish. Go- vernment Salmon Fishery', Inspectors have been appointed. Acts of Parliament have been passed to protect the fish, and breeding ponds established. There is, indeed, great reason to believe that both onr river and our sea fisheries may be rendered far more profitable and productive than at present, and that a much greater amount of fish may be produced, even in enclosed waters, than the reader would at present deem probable. It is true that we to some small extent recover from the sea by its fish what our streams convey into it. By the report of her Majesty's Commissioners to inquire into our Sea Fisheries, we learn tl'at the weight of what is known at Billingsgate as prime fish only daily consumed in our island is fully equal to 300 tons — by the term prime fish, merely including such fish as salmon, turbot, cod, soles, &c. And then again, to a smaller extent we procure from our rivers a much larger supply of fish than is commonly understood. For instance, the supply of salmon to the London market averages from 1,500 to 2,000 tons per annum. But after making every allow- ance for the fish we receive from our streams and from the sea, the amount recovered bears no comparison to the amount of organic matters we pour into them. The solid matters contained in the sewage of the metropolis alone, has been estimated to be equal to about 1,500 tons per day. These facts can hardly be too generally understood. They are such as all classes of the community are deeply interested in ; not only the owners of our river fisheries, or the agriculturist, as diminishing the produce of their waters, or their land, but to every one who regards the sanitary condition of his dwelling. It will indeed be self-evident to the reader that, by every improvement that can be profitably introduced into the utilization of our impure drainage waters, we strengthen the hands of those who are labouring to improve the health and the general comfort of their fellow creatures. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 371 A NATIONAL RATE. Notwithstanding that the war continues naturally enough to be the leading topic amongst all classes and at all assemblies, we are enabled to still take up our Echoes from the Autumn Meetings at some length, and, as it is to be hoped, not without some advantage. There has been, indeed, a deal of useful suggestive talk at these dinners, while the Farmers 'Clubs, like the Hexham, the Blandford, the Dorchester, the Winfrith, and others Eastern rather than "Westward, have been opening tlie after-harvest session with something beyond their average strength. Amongst much that is strictly practical a few semi-political questions, as they would yet seem to be considered by some, like the Game Abuse, Tenant Kight, the Education Bill, and Local Taxation, have often been touched upon, the course of action being generally pretty clear alike to the orator and his audience. If, however, there be a matter that nobody from the Government downwards has fairly grappled with or mastered it is, no doubt, that somewhat intricate business of Local Taxation. The further dis- cussion of this subject is nevertheless gradually develop- ing a proposition for which it is as well that the country should be prepared. Sir Massey Lopes suggests that the magistrates in Quarter Sessions assembled should " Si- multaneously petition the Legislature to relieve them of some of those burdens which are national rather than local in their objects, and which equally concern and in- terest every class in the community." And accordingly, in his own county of Devon a notice has been given to the effect : " That, inasmuch as very many of the charges at present paid by county rate {e. g., police, lunatic asylums, militia stores, gaols, vaccination, registration, &c.) are rendered necessary, not for the benefit of one particular class, but of the community at large, it is both just and politic that those chaiges should be more largely supplemented, if not altogether defrayed from the national exchequer ;" while for Lincolnshire the notice runs on to " the present poor-rate, inasmuch as it bears exclusively and unjustly on incomes arising from real property," although the remedy in this case is not quite so decidedly put. Nevertheless the ice is broken, the thin end of the wedge inserted, and at Shepton Mal- let only the other day Mr. Genge Andrews proceeded to drive it home after this fashion : " An asso- ciation had been established in London, with the present Lord Mayor, iSIr. Besley, at the head of it, for the read- justment of the poor-rate question, and lor a national poor-rate. So strongly did he feel with reference to the movement in London, that he had written to Mr. Besley to tell him he should be very glad to become a member of that association for the whole being cast upon a Common Fund — a national rate for England and Wales. For it was utterly impossible to regulate the operation of a tax levied on personal property for small area, such as a union ; and you could only properly apportion it for England and Wales." We here come to something really tangible at last, and the point now to ascertain is, how ready the country would be to adopt a system of national rating, or, to put it yet more plainly, a national poor- rate? Nothing, we believe, would be more impolitic or more unpalatable to the general body of farmers, as nothing would threaten to so certainly increase the ex- penses of a county or a district. Anything like a wholesome check would straightway be removed, as everybody would be spending somebody else's money. What could be the possible, or at least probable, good to arise from remodelling the management of the county finances if, as Sir Massey Lopes says, " these charges be defrayed from the national exchequer" ? That which one county saved the adjoining one might spend; and as ratepayers would feel tliey had little real interest or control, the expenditure might be left with the magis- trates as heretofore. The same argument applies, of course, with still more force, to the administration of the poor-rate. The establishment of unions freed the labourer from the fetters . of a parish settlement, but by no means discharged the district ' of its duty to itself. As, though, will be seen from^our Echoes Mr. Andrews was at once answered in a veyy good practical speech from a county magistrate, Mv.^ Clerk, who thus took up the proposition for national rating : " They were to pay out of the Consolidated Fund, they meant? Very well, who was to have the management of that fund ? They said, local bodies. He said, it would never woi-k ; they would never get anyone to put it in the hands of local boards. He thought there were a very large number of classes at present massed together under the poor- rate which might come on the Consolidated Fund with advantage ; but that was a very different thing from taking the relief of the poor and putting that on the Con- solidated Fund. The militia and the police, he thought, they might put on the Consolidated Fund — those were not poor-rate, they were county-rate. But what did they amount to in the end ? W^hy a mere nothing." But even the system, as it is, that is under union management, would look to be getting some- what lax. A London evening paper. The Pall Mall Gazette, has just quoted from ^Iv. SewcU Head's evidence on this very business of Local Taxation as to the administration of out-door relief: "It has an immense influence upon the habits of the poor, and if they could not so frequently run to the Board of Guardians on the most trivial occa- sions, and know that they would get our-door relief, they would be more provident than they are." And, again, before the same Parliamentary Committee, Captain Dash- wood, a tenant-farmer, a poor-law guardian, and a magis- trate of the county, replied, in answer to the question " With regard to out-door relief as administered now by the occupiers chiefly, do you think there is a tendency to administer the poor-law in the direction of relief in aid of wages, and is that tendency growing?" " Not directly, but indirectly ; a great deal of out-door relief must lower wages. A year ago, only, I heard the vice-chairman of a board of guardians say that he would rather have high rates than high wages." There is somethiug very sug- gestive in such evidence as this ; but if with union rating the management has become so careless or iudifterent, so ready to expend money in this way, what might we ex- pect under a system of national rating, where no one would feel any precise pressure, nor, consequently, any inducement to economise? "Taking all England, we are now spending about £3,700,000 a-year in out-door relief, mostly in money. This is 28 per cent, higher than it was eight or nine years ago." Of course the first aim should be to reduce our expenses, but is it likely, we repeat, that we should do so, under a system that would only give us the less encouragement to look after our own affairs ? The result, we believe, would be that there would be less in- quiry, less interest, and less activity amongst the rate- payers, and that the whole work would gradually come 372 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. imder Government direction. Our contemporary, how- ever, goes yet furtter, and interprets the declaration of the Oxfordshire vice-chairman in this way : " It means, when farm work is plentiful give the labourer pay just sufficient to keep body and soul together ; when farm work is slack or stopped, leave that function to the doles of the relieving officer. The English farmer, represented by this estimable vice-chairman, wants no bold peasantry to till his lands. The low-waged helot of the parish pay-table better suits his purpose." It must be borne in mind that a London Journal ventures tosayso much on the evidence of men like Mr. Sewell Read and Captain Dash- wood, or rather on the opinion quoted by one of them. It must be manifestly unjust to condemn a whole class on the word of such an exception as we take this same vice-chairman of guardians to be, but were we to throw the maintenance of the poor upon a general fund, his doctrine might find more followers than it does at present. A year or so since, in a dis- cussion at the Farmers' Club on Pauperism and Vagrancy, Mr. Cougreve, a clergyman, said, "What the country wanted was a national rate," and this was met with very general cries of No ! No ! while Mr. Trask, who read the opening paper, and who took the meeting very much with him, held it to be " of the highest importance that the area of taxation should not be extended beyond the area of ad- ministration." This sounds like very practical if not political economy ; while at a meeting of the same Club some years previously, Mr. Smythies said, under national rating there might, no doubt, arise " a dim consciousness that you were dipping your hands iu other people's pockets, and not in your own." This is a very graphic illustration of what might ensue ; and if we are to arrive at a proper adjustment of Local Taxation only by throwing everything on one common charge, it behoves us to consider very seriously what we might gain and what we might lose by a change of system that so far has found few practical men to give it their support. A National Rate is of course not a new notion to the farmer, but like the man at an awkward place with hounds, " the more he looks the less he likes it." THE HEREFORD SHOW AND FAIR. The untoward season and the shortness of keep have naturally done much to hasten the falling fortunes of Hereford, and whether for its annual show, its " perio- dical " sales, or its once famous fair, the gathering would now seem to be scarcely worth a visit from those either far or near. The comparatively few lots of half-starved steers pitched in the streets commanded but little cus- tom at any price, and, save half-a-dozen or so good beasts from Lawtou Bury, we neither saw nor heard of anything particular. Then, beyond the entry of young bulls, the show was more meagre than ever, while the elements declared against the "periodical" auctioneering on the second day, and many lots which were not bought in went often for what a butcher might be induced to offer. According to the advertisement, and the results, a dozen or so of "first-class cows," and another dozen of calves from herds of "great celebrity," reached to an average of 21| gs. for the dams and of 12 gs. for the pro- duce. Some of the bulls did better, although whether these were "on sale or return" we cannot undertake to say. A couple of yearlings from Mr. W. Tudge's herd, one of which had been commended iu his class, wei-e knocked down. Collegian at 56 gs., and Sir Edwin at 40 gs. ; while Mr. Thomas Rogers' best yearling. Student, was bought in at 90 gs., as a hundred was asked for him iu the yard. Another yearling, Mr. B. Rogers' Patentee, though merely commended by the judges, went up to 120 gs. at the hammer, the highest figure of the day ; whereas the third prize, Pearl Diver, reached to only 38 gs. by public appraisement, and was then bought in. Mr. Roberts' first prize old bull, King Tom, was knocked down for 95 gs. ; Mr. T. Edwards' Leominster 3rd, a Royal winner at Manchester and Oxford, for 42 gs. ; Tomboy, from the same herd, but bred by the late Mr. Monkhouse, for 41 gs., and the "VVintercott yearling Sir Robert, for 40 gs. Mr. Harding's two-year-old Count Fosco, another win- ner at Oxford, made but 35 gs., and Mr. Hill's Presi- dent, who was next best to Fosco, in July, 40 gs. The public, probably, saw more of the judging than it ever previously had any opportuuity of doing at Hereford, for the judges, of cattle, that is, were noticeably deliberate if not undecided in their movements, and it really looked at one time as if the placing of the yearlings would have to be adjourned. Their grave, not to say tedious con- sultations, only served to show how amusmgly primitive are the arrangements of this meeting. No attemjrt is made to map out a ring, although this might easily be effected, but the several classes are put into a corner or siding, here or thei'e, just as it happens, while the entries are brought out, without any visible numbers, but with merely a whisp of curl paper twisted into the head-stall, of which secret cypher the attendant herdsman generally knows no more than the inquiring stranger. And when a decision actually is arrived at no ribbon is handed over, no sign whatever is made for the information of the lookers- on, but the judges whisper results to the director, and in some half hour, whole hour, or couple of hours, as the case may be, the placards are put up. And this in Herefordshire is facetiously termed public judging — an admirable system, under which, to really understand what is going on, you have literally to take the bull by the horns. In the bull, cow, and offspring class, however. Sir Hungerford, wearing weU, fairly placed himself, as his fair companion is a small, mean cow, and beyond Mr. Edwards' lengthy good Tomboy there was not much to encounter. Mr. Drinkwater's were a terribly coarse lot, and we like Mr. Morris' Royal Stow only the less the more we see of him, as surely so indifferent an animal could never have had any pretensions to a place in good company. There were twenty-two year- lings entered from the herds of Mr. Richard Hill, Mr. Philip Turner, Mr. Benjamin Rogers, Mr. Thomas Rogers, Mr. Thomas Roberts, Mr. Tudge, the Reverend Archer Clive, Mr. Evans, of Swanstone, Mr. Taylor, of Showle, Mrs. Woolley, Mr. Rawlings, of Stoke, and Mr. Edwards, of Broadward. And as these were all, or nearly all, sent, the interest or the positive success of the meeting centred here. In fact, but for the yearlings, the Hereford- shire Society might have amalgamated with Worcester- shire and Gloucestershire, in which counties there are in every other respect much better meetings ; and as even the Hereford show does not now lead on to much business in the way of sales, it is a grave question whether it would not be all the better for the breeders of the white faces that they should go away from home occasionally. In plain truth, as at present conducted, the Herefordshire Agricultural Society is fast wearing out, as the very county THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 373 people do not seem to care much about it. According to The Midland Counties Herald of Thursday : " There no doubt exists a great deal of apathy with re- ference to the show, and this is particularly manifested with reference to the staple productions of the district, viz., cider, perry, and hops. Only three entries were made in the two classes for these beverages ; two of these coming from Mr. Apperley, the gentleman who kindly offered the second prizes, and who was awarded both the firsts offered by Lady Emily Foley. In hops, too, there was but little competition, and the prize was again secured by Mr. W. Taylor, of Thingehill." The same report says : " The few stands of implements do not call for special comment. No prizes were offered but the chaff-cutter of Messrs. Richmond and Chandler, the straw elevator of Mr. Lewins, the saddlery of Mr. Jones and Mr. Jennings, the liquid manure cart of Mr. James, and the plough of Mellard's Trent Foundry Company were favourably noticed by the judges." The Hereford Journal says : "The entries for the cider and perry, together with the money amount of the premiums oiiered, are and were simply a disgrace to the county ;" and again, " it is a pity that our Society is so poor that it could not afford to give a prize for miscellaneous implements." Beyond this we can only say that Messrs. Richmond and Chandler's representa- tive assured us that the charges were proportionately higher and the business less than at any meeting he attended, and that his firm would never be at the trouble or expense of sending again. We gather thus much and more of how few are the entries of sheep, how indifferent the horses, and how scarce the pigs, whilst the judges are pozing and re-pozing, viewing and re-viewing the yearling bulls. They do not look to work with much method, while the spectators hazard all sorts of surmises as to which they may be taking to and as to what that may be ! If the aim of the management were to keep the public as much as possible in the dark as to all that were going on, this was well seconded by the somewhat systemless system by which a decision seemed to be ar- rived at. However, to cut a very long story short, the best yearling was eventually pronounced to be Mr. Rogers' Student, a son of those two famous prize cattle, Battenhall and Silk, and himself the reserve and highly commended calf at the Royal Oxford Show in the summer. And a very clever, useful, and com- pact young buU Student is, not remarkably for mere size, but very true in his frame and taking in his appearance. As Mr. Yeomans, one of the judges, can- didly says of him in the Journal of the Society, " he bids fair some day to be placed in a higher position than at Oxford ;" and this promise has already been realized, as no question Student was one of the best young bulls at Hereford. But beyond this it would not be safe to follow the award, as there were probably half a dozen better animals in the class than the second prize, which has neither symmetry, style, nor quality in his favour. Mr. Turner, of The Leen, showed a very handsome taking young bull, out of the same cow as his two-year-old heifer, but this was merely com- mended, though sold as he stood for 70 gs. ; while the 120 gs. Patentee, as purchased at that figure by Mr. Tudge, did no better ! Again, Mrs. Wooley's highly commended entry, a wonderfully good growing calf, was surely better at most points than either the second or third prizes ; and, indeed, we have little faith in the line taken here being very closely followed hereafter. It was on the whole and all things considered a very good class, but the wretched arrangements, the want of numbers and the want of room, made anything like a proper examination of the several animals when out almost impossible. The two-year-old or yearling-oft" bulls were not so good, although Count Fosco and President, the second and third prizes at Oxford, now got no higher than commendations, but they are neither of them beasts of any remarkable merit, their main advantage as show stock being that they were some months older than any of their competitors. The best bull was no doubt Mr. Williams' first prize, also with some advantage in the way of age, but a thick, deep, wealthy animal, and altogether a fine specimen of the more modern Hereford. Still, however, the handsomest Hereford is Battenhall, wearing wonderfully well and preserving all his good looks at eight years old ; and Battenhall, as some people said, for the first time in his life was now placed second — to Mr. Roberts' King Tom, who should the rather be eal'ed King Dick, as he is as hump-backed as Richard the Third, although but for this eye-sore a very grand bull, particularly good to meet, and with plenty of quality, a very mountain of good meat. He rather oversized the neater and truer Battenhall, and the decision was more of a butcher's than a connoiseur's after all. The class of yearling heifers was deservedly commended, and no question thei-e was not a bad pair in the entry. In fact, the yearling bulls and yearling heifers may be said to have saved the show. But jNIr. Arkwright had a great pull here with three couple for the judges to choose from, and all of these high-bred and good looking. Indeed, the Hampton herd would have had it all to themselves but for Mr. Evans, of Swanstone, who sent in the only two yearling heifers he has, and with these took the se- cond prize. One of these was the best calf at Oxford, where we spoke of her as " perhaps the best of all the heifers, straight, clean, and handsome, without being over- done with mother's milk," as she is still fulfilling her promise, and growing into a sweet, if not very large ani- mal. Of course, with only another to pick it was diffi- cult to match her, and they were not much of a pair. The same thing occurred, though not with the same result, with the two-year-olds in couples, where Mr. Tanner had two as like as peas, and of a very nice useful sort, too ; while it was announced, perhaps, rather too loudly, considering the hole and corner where the judges were at work, that one of Mr. Philip Turner's was the handsomest animal in the yard, and that she was already sold to go to Australia. This, as we take it, is the sister to Leopold, and a lovely heifer she is, par- ticularly forward, if a trifle short in her quarters. But there was not much to cavil, and her companion was naturally not equal to her in merit. The judges, as a consequence, did not agree, and Mr. Walker being called in went at once for the Pembridge pair, as " only look at their heads," a grand point certainly. But if there be any virtue in pairs as pairs, as were we to judge cattle, as a houndsman might an entry in couples, then the Frodesley Ladies were far away the most " sorty." Mr. Evans' highly-bred steers have had nothing to eat, for they have no turnips at Swanstone, and are so about to grind down the apples to mix up with the cattle food, a fact that will probably cause no little surprise to the county correspondent of a contemporaiy. The Showle two-year- old steers were as good-looking and better done by, but of course the season told against any great display in this way ; and there were only one lot of breeding cows, from Frodesley, with two or three very sweet animals amongst them, although the judges would give no more than a second prize. The fat cow class included two very handsome animals, Mr. Rogers' Silk and Mr. Hill's Excelsior, but they were neither of them so fat as Sir Joseph Bailey's cow, which accordingly took the prize, although she is so terribly faulty and unsightly about her quarters that many judges would never have looked at her, insuch company atany rate. Therewerebut two fatsteersin the class, but the entry from The Leen is full of style and 374 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. quality, and uecds only to be a little riper to make his mark hereafter. There were seven classes of sheep, and in all eleven entries in the seven classes ! Still these sheep were al- most generally good, and the prizes deservedly awarded. Mr. Tanner showed some neat but hardy-looking Shrop- shires, Mr. Downing some very nice llyelands, Mr. Davies some stylish Cotswolds, and Mr. Jowitt some good specklefaced longwools, the particular breed of which was not so clear. Mr. Pulley also exhibited some Shropshires, as at Lower Eaton, close by, they grow Shorthorns and Alderneys, and anthing but White-faces. In the show proper there were seven pigs, the best of which was declared to be a plain hungry headed white boar from Moccas ; although amongst the extra stock Colonel Fielding entered half-a-dozen as good bacon pigs as we ever saw together. These are of the white, not over large breed, and so with quality rather than coarseness to back their many other good points in the way of length and depth, good collars, and kindly heads. So good were they that the judges might fairly have laid out all their extra money over the pen. The two prize " nags " were the main credit of the horse show. Mr. Bosley's chesnut three-year-old, by His Excellency, is a stylish powerful three-year-old filly, which should grow into a hunter ; while the varmint, but rather common looking old Mermaid, has won prizes over a country as well as in a show- ground. The best cart stallion was a light-bodied shelly grey, that was kept as closely covered in, and boxed up, as if he had been the light of the harem, or, a penny peep-show pig with two heads. In fact it is too much the fashion here to cover up the animals, bulls and all, as though they were hot-house plants rather than farm stock. The chief topic of conversation at the dinner was, naturally enough, the unsatisfactory condition into which the show has gradually drifted. Like Falstaff, though the means be small the waste is great, or at least, it wa» said, the expenses are heavy. If the Society will not amalgamate with others it would be manifestly impolitic to change the time of the meeting ; although its conduct requires thorough revision. As an exhibition to attract the public it is made the least rather than the most of. PRIZE LIST. Judges.— Cattle : F. Evans, Old Court, Bredwardine ; J. Moore, Ham Castle, Clifton-on-Teme, Worcester. Horses, Sheep, and Pigs : J. Walker, Knightwick, Worcester ; A. Dowle, Bernithon, Ross. The four judges acted together over extra stock, cider, and hops. CATTLE. Bull, cow, and offspring.— First prize, £10, J. H. Arkwright, Hampton Court, Leominster (Sir Hungerford and Lady Lei- cester) ; second, £5, T. Edwards, Wintercott, Leominster (Tomboy and heifer). Highly commended : J. Morris (Stow and Pleasant). Bull, calved on or after the 1st July, 1869. — First prize, £10, T. Rogers, Coxall, Brampton Bryan (Student) ; second, £5, T. Roberta, Lawton Bury, Pembridge (Kingcraft) ; third, £2, R. Hill, Orleton Court, Ludlow (Pearl Diver). Highly commended : Mrs. Caroline WoUey, Weston Court, Pembridge. Commended: P. Turner, Leen, Pembridge (Leopold) ; Benj. Rogers, The Grove, Staunton-on-Arrow (Patentee) ; W. Tudge, Adforton, Leintwardine (Sir Edwin). Bull, calved on or after the 1st of July, 1868.— First prize, £5, J. Williams, St. Mary's Kingsland ; second, £3, J. Hard- ing, Bicton, Shrewsbury (Noble Boy). Highly commended : T. Edwards (Sir Robert). Commended: J. Harding (Count Fosco) ; and R. Hill (President). Bull, calved previous to the 1st of July, 1868.— First prize, £5 T. Roberts (King Tom) ; second, £3, T. Rogers (Batten- hall). Highly commended: T. Edwards (Leominster 3rd). Pair of heifers, calved on or after Ist of July, 1869.— First prize, £5, J. H. Arkwright ; second, £3, H. R. Evans, jun., Swanstone Court, Leominster (Lady 0.s.ford and Gentle 5th). Highly commended : J. H. Arkwright. Commended : John Harding (Lizzie Jeffreys and Red Dahlia) ; J. H. Arkwright ; P. Turner ; and J. Williams. The Class Commended. Pair of heifers, calved on or after 1st of July, 1868. — First prize, £5, P. Turner (Butterfly and Venus) ; second, £3, R. Tanner, Frodesley (Lady Milton and Lady Frodesley). Highly commended : J. Morris, Town House, Madley (Chignon and Beautiful). Pair of steers, calved on or after 1st of July, 1869. — First prize, £5, J. Williams ; second, £3, J. Price, Court House, Pembridge. Pair of steers, calved on or after 1st of July, 1868. — First prize, £5, W. Taylor, Showle Court, Ledbury ; second, £3, J . Price. Lot of breeding cows or heifers, not under three years old, that have had a calf within six montlis. — Second prize, £5, R. Tanner, Frodesley, Dorrington, Salop (Queen, Marin, Liunett, Symmetry, and Spring Flower). Fat cow or heifer.— First prize, £5, Sir J. R. Bailey, M.P., Glanusk Park, Crickhowell (Lady Alice). Highly commended: T. Rogers (Silk) ; Rich. Hill, Orleton Court, Ludlow (Ex- celsior) . Fat ox or steer. — First prize, £5, P. Turner, The Leen, Pembridge. Commended : W. Dew, KivernoU, Much Dew- church (Charley). SHEEP. Pen of 20 Shropshire Downs, or short-woolled breeding ewes, under three years eight months old. — Prize, £5, R, Tan- ner Frodesley, Dorrington. Pen of 20 short-woolled whitefaced breeding ewes, under three years and eight months old. — Prize, £5, J. B. Downing, Holme Lacy, Hereford. Pen of 20 long-woolled breeding ewes, under three years and eight months old. — Prize, £5, J. Davies, Webton Court, Madley. Pen of five yearling wethers (long wool). — Prize, £5, T. Jowitt, The Old Weir, near Hereford. Pen of five yearling ewes (long wool). — Prize, £5, Thomas Jowitt. Wethers, short wool (cross-breeds not excluded). — Prize, £5, J. B. Downing. Ewes, short wool (cross-breeds not excluded). — Prize, £5, R. Tanner. PIGS. Boar, under two years old. — Prize, £3, Rev. Sir G. H. Cornewall, Bart., Moccas Court, Hereford. Commended : E. King, Westhide, Hereford. Breeding sow, in, or with pigs, of the large white breed. — Prize, £5, Lieut.-Colonel Feilden, Dulas Court, Hereford. HORSES. Cart stallion. — Prize, £5, M. J. Imms, Twyford, Callow, Hereford (Young Callow). Commended: J. James, Gwinllas, Llanbadarn-fynydd, Radnorshire (Invincible). Three years old colt, gelding, or filly, suitable for hunting purposes. — Prize, £5, J. Bosley, Lyde, Hereford. Nag mare with foal at foot. — Prize, £5, S. Smith, Wood- manton, Hereford (Mermaid). Cart mare with her foal at foot. — Prize, £5, J. Morris, Town House, Madley (Bounce). CIDER AND PERRY. Dozen of cider, made by the exhibitor, and from fruit grown on land in the exhibitor's occupation. — First prize, £3 10s., W. H. Apperley, Withington, Hereford ; second, £1, Wm. Taylor, Showle Court. Dozen of perry, made by the exhibitor, and from fruit grown on land in the exhibitor's occupation. — First prize, £2 10s., W. H. Apperley. HOPS. Sample of hops grown in the county of Hereford. — Prize, £5, W. Taylor, Showle Court, Ledbury. Highly commended: W. Taylor, Tliingehill Court, Hereford. EXTRA STOCK. First prize, £2, Lieutenant-Colonel Feiden, Dulas Court, Hereford (six bacon pigs) ; second, £1, H. Gibbons, Hampton Bishop, Hereford (bull, Grateful) ; third, 10s., J. Loveridge, Daffaluke, Ross (ram). THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. At ihe dinner, Mr. When Hoskyns, M.F., said that the dry season we had had this year — preceded, as it had been, by several seasons of extraordinary drouglit — had been some- thing hardly ever witnessed before in this country, lie thonglit lie could say, without any alFectation of modesty, thut he was one of the first who went into the subject of deep draining, lie had had the satisfaction of draining four fete deep, from 1,400 to 2,000 acres, in wliich a tile liad never been placed. He was then thought to be a most ventureonie man, as a tile had never been put deeper than three feet before. But if the seasons we had liad for the last four or five years were to continue, it would become a serious question to the agricul- turist how to obtain a supply of water. If we looked at the immense value of the turnip crop — at the loss to the country not to have that most useful and valuable crop, upon which so much depended — he thought he should not be considered as going further a field in a ventursome proposition than he was in placing the draining-tile lour feet deep, if he said he felt that the streams and rivers wliich we possess must be made to contribute to the support of that crop upon which we mainly depend. It would be no great feat for an engineer to raise water from that noble river which he had been passing by for eight miles from Mr. Stallard's house. It only required a little energy, perseverance, ingenuity, and love of agriculture to make our streams and rivers conducive to the prosperity of agriculture, while we should still have the pleasure which we now derive from them. If that were done, it would make a great change in our system of agriculture ; and he felt that something must be done if our turnip crop were to be con- tinued. He had been through the show, and although they could not congratulate themselves upon its being a large show, there were many excellent animals in the yard. Still, he must confess he should like to set his eyes upon some other animals than the Herefords. There might be some good reason for the existing conditions ; but he should certainly like to see a little more competition in kind as well as in quality. Mr. Greenly said : With regard to Mr. Biddulph's remarks as to the late time of the year at which the show was held, he knew that there were a great many gentlemen in the county, about the county, and some in that room, who were inclined to hold it at a different time, but he protested most firm'y against any alteration being made. As an old Here- fordshire farmer, and as a Herefordshire breeder, he said that if they knocked on the head Hereford October fair they would do more harm than anything that could be. He strongly urged them to keep the show in connection with the October fair. Winter was coming on, and they knew what they had to prepare for ; and he maintained that it was a very good time to hold the sliow. He had also to protest against a re- mark made by Mr. Hoskyns. Whatever we do, don't let us have any Shorthorn prizes offered in the Hereford showyard. The Royal Agricultural Society of England very properly has its Shorthorns, Guernseys, Jerseys, and other breeds ; but let us at Hereford give prices only to Hereford cattle, and keep the Shorthorns out of the county. Mr. John Bosley hoped the day was far distant when they should have an alteration in the time of holding the Hereford cattle show. The October fair and the October show were like the Siamese twins, having always been together, as he hoped they always would be. Then as to Hereford cattle. It was a pure local breed, and there was no county in England which could boast of any one breed similar to Herefordshire. He hoped, therefore, that the show would be confined to Here- fords. As long as he was a member of the society he should hold up his hand in favour of keeping the show exclusively to Herefords ; and, although he was not selfish, he must say he thought it was the duty of every Herefordshire man to support its breed of cattle. Mr. BiDDULPH said other counties had their fairs, hut they did not hold their cattle shows in conjunction with these fairs. He thought it was a mistaken notion to suppose that the success of the October fair depended upon tlie show ; if so, he was sorry that the show had not been a larger one. They had had a good show, but not a large one — not such a one as they could be proud of as a county sliow. He did not cast any reftection upon the county, but he thought that the show ought to be a much larger one. Mr. DUCKHA.M referred to the subject which had been mooted by Mr, Hoskyns, viz., the propriety of giving prizes to other than Hertford cattle. That, he said, was a subject which he had often heard touched upon before, and wliich had been dealt with in the press ; hut his opinion was simply this — looking at the small amount of prizes which the society was able to offer for tlie breed of cattle indigenous to the county it would be injudicious to alter its prize-sheet. Mr. W. H. Apperlky regretted tiiat better samples of the county beverages— cider and perry — were not more generally met with. Unless they went into a private house, there was scarcely any cider to be got above the class that was called " family cider." In his opinion the show was not such an one as the county of Hereford — a county furnishing almost every kind of produce which all other counties yielded— ought to have, but the great ditiicully which had to be contended against was want of funds. If the society had more funds, he believed that it could do much more; and his opinion was that if the resources of the counties, instead of being frittered away on small shows — some of which were dying, while there were others which were actually dead — were concentrated on one county show, the result would be very beneficial. When they saw that in four of the sheep classes there was in each only one exhibitor, he thought they must say that the society was not carried on in the way that it ought to be by Herefordshire men. The Rev. Berkeley Stanhope considered that the ex- penditure of the society was very large in proportion to the total amount which the society had to meet ; and, therefore, it could not perhaps be a matter of wonder that the prizes were so small. For instance, there had been about £100 expended in shedding. The Rev. A. Clive approved of the establishment of chambers of agriculture, but he hoped they would not go beyond the ob- ject for which they were formed. If they did so, and touched upon the general politics of the country, they would have a bad effect. If they confined themselves to discussions of the subjects which legitimately belonged to them, they were calculated to have a good effect ; but not otherwise. With regard to other breeds of stock, he was ready to acknowledge their excellence ; but he regarded the Hereford show as a local one, and thought they weuld make but a poor eeturn to the agriculturists of tlie county if they admitted other breeds of caitle than the Here- fords. The show had been but a small one, and in some re- spects it reminded him of a story which he had heard of that gallant soldier, the late Sir David Baird. When at a parish school in Scotland — one of those schools which were very good of their sort, and to which the middle and poorer classes sent their children indiscriminately— he had been rebuked by his mother for being at the bottom of the class ; and once when she asked, " Where have you been to-day ?" he replied, " Se- cond best." "And how many were there in the class?" "Just myself and one lassie," was the answer. And that, he thought, was a position in which some of the competitors had that day been placed. Mr. Akmitage was very anxious that nothing should be done to injure the October fair ; but he considered that while Herefcrdshire had so many beasts that it could not show them all in one day, the show was only a prelude to the fair, to the commercial prosperity of which he did not believe the show contributed one iota. He did not think that a beast had been sold out of the showyard that day. Certainly he could say for himself that when he had exhibited here, he had never sold a sheep or a pig in the show. His opinion was, therefore, that if the show were held at another time of the year, and in other towns of the county alternately, the commercial character of the fair would never be altered thereby. He was himself con- vinced that the show might be held in Ledbury, Ross, Leo- minster, and other towns, without the least injury being done to the October fair. Mr. DucKHAM said : There was an important point to which lie wished to refer, viz., the holding of the Royal show in 1873. In that year Hereford would come withinthe district selected for the holding the show ; but whether the county would take as much interest in endeavouring to get the show at Hereford as it did in 18G3, he could not attempt to say. The point, however, to which he wished to direct prominent notice was the mode of selecting a town adopted by the Royal Society. He did not approve of the practice of putting the towns in a given district into competition, and thus entailing upon each com- peting town a heavy expense as well as great labour and anxiety. As an instance, he referred to what had been done 376 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. here in 1863, when a subscription of £5,000 or £6,000 was guaranteed, and when theexpenses incurred involved a deduction of 5 per cent, upon all subscriptions of £5 and upwards. Yet, after all that expense, anxiety, and labour had been incurred, the show was held at Worcester. He gave a preference to the practice of the Bath and West of England Society, viz., the selection of a town and offering it conditions if it chose to accept them. THE GROWTH OF SUGAR-BEET. At a meeting of the Cirencester Chamber of Agriculture, Mr. W. J. Edmonds, the president in the chair. Professor Church, of the Royal Agricultural College, said that the possibility of cultivating sugar-beet was of great interest alike to the farmer, tlie sugar-manufacturer, the spirit-distiller, and the chemical manufacturer of potash both in England and Ireland. The new industry had assumed gigantic proportions in many parts of the Continent ; but the few attempts made to follow it in England had not as yet been considerably successful, though the renewed attempts of the last two or three years seemed likely to have better results. In 1869 there was in France alone a total weight of 300,000 tons of beet-sugar manufactured at £25 a ton ; thus the industry in France represented a value of 7i millions sterling. Then, in the manufacture there remained a certain amount of molasses, a sort of rough treacle, which might be made into spirits, and was also very acceptable to the palate of certain animals ; and the hundred thousand tons left from the quantity of sugar named would be worth half a million sterling. The Professor claimed that the, cultivation of beet had a greater interest lor Ireland than that of the potato once had, and that the one was likely to replace the other, and said that insurmountable difficulties as to the excise which no politician had yet been able to overcome made tobacco culture an impossible remedy for Ireland. He then said that it was only in 1747 that a Berlin apothecary tirst discovered that there was sugar in the beetroot exactly as iu the sugar-cane, and that he extracted from four-and-a-half to six parts of sugar from a hundred parts of beetroot. But the methods of chemical manipulation were then very poor ; no one knew how to separate the saline matters from the sugar in the root ; and the attempts at organised manufacture failed. In 1790 the experiment was renewed in Silesia with a very good strain of sugar-beet, and a larjit; jield was obtained, though the quality of the sugar was not first-rate. Then between 1795 and 1815 the European wars of Napoleon Bonaparte almost entirely prevented the re-establishment of this industry, until a very scientific minister of his established enormous manufactories for carrying it on ; and now the sugar-beet was grown from Austria to Sweden ; and the extent of district iu which it could be grown was enormous. The speaker admitted the extent to which the growth would use up land now devoted to cereals, but said that the same objection had been raised to the cultivation of sugar in the West Indies, especially in the parts where the sugar was turned into spirit, and observed that in England there would be counterbalancing advantages, naming particu- larly as one the constant employment afforded to the rural population throughout the winter months. " It will also," he said, " favour the development of many ingenious contrivances, employ a large amount of capital, facilitate enterprise, advance science, and offer altogether a new field for industry, science, and capital." The increase abroad, he said, had been enormous. France had increased the number of its manufactories from 29 in 1827 to 336 in 1860, and probably to 600 at the present time ; and there were also at least 500 distilleries for con- verting the sugar into spirit. On the whole Continent in 1869 there were 1,800 factories, producing more than 611,000 tons of sugar yearly ; and in the same year the sugar was imported into the United Kingdom as an ordinary commercial article to the extent of 55,000 tons, costing £1,600,000. Only about seven distilleries had as yet been established in England — four of them rear London, and one, Mr. Campbell's, at Buscot Park. Touching, then, upon the botany of the subject, the Professor said there were many varieties even of the sugar-beet, but that some of them differed but slightly the one from the other. One kind was the SUesian, with many varieties; another was the Imperial beet, a great favourite in France, and which would now probably be called the Bejmblican beet ; and there was a third kind grown to a large extent in Holland. It would be needful to make experiments during two or three years in order to ascertain what variety best suited the soil being used ; the soil must be in a very fine state of division and tilth, and must especially be free from stones. Professor Church here selected from the heap of roots and pulp and sugar in front of him a root which had had its tap diverted by a small stone and its sugar-producing properties thus destroyed to a great extent. This led him to contend for the need of a goodly shape to the root, and he showed in illustration one of the two or three hundred plants he has grown, and which he said he is saving for experiment. The root should have no neck, and should not be forked, seeing that the needful removal of the forks would cause bleeding and so forth, and thus waste much of the sugar. He also showed the evil of too large a proportion of leaf, holding up a root which, with a proportion of 100 of root to 200 of leaf, yielded only 8|- per cent, of sugar, while from another root in which the proportion was reversed to some extent was drawn 12 per cent, of sugar. He spoke of the crinkling of the leaf, and gave figures showing the gradually decreasing proportion of leaf to root in a plant he had been noticing for some weeks. He mentioned that the good average weight sought in the roots had gradually advanced from 1 lb, or \\ lb. to 2 lbs. or 2J lbs., though some had been grown as heavy as 5 lbs. ; and he said that when the root was good it should sink in water. The yield of roots per acre varied in different countries ; in Austria the average was ten tons, in Prussia fourteen, and in France twelve. In the latter country the scientific minister named could grow only eight tous to the acre ; later another man grew ten ; later still, a doctor produced sixteen ; and last year, an agriculturist in the Department of the Seine produced an average of thirty- eight tons alike on his own farm and on several others in the Commune. Another man also gave thirty-eight tons as his average, and a German authority of equal value returned a like average for the district in which his method of cultivation had been used. The Irish experiments yielded from sixteen to forty tons of roots per acre, and the sugar-beet contained sixteen per cent, of sugar; the sugar-cane didn't yield more than seventeen. In France the cost of growth was 22s. an acre more than that of wheat. Turning homeward, and answering the question, "Is the climate suited to the growth?" the Professor said, " We may conclude that nearly the whole of Ireland as well as of England is capable of growing beet containing a large proportion of sugar, but that the season of sowing and harvesting must be carefully watched. In accord- ance with the temperature and other conditions, you must know when to put in the seed, what sort of seed and manure to use, and so forth ; and then in nearly all parts of England and Ireland the crop may be grown. A moist climate and a moderate amount of sun — conditions which we can pretty well realise here — will suit the beetroot far better than a very dry, hot air, and a brilliant, powerful sun. It must not be sub- mitted to either very great cold or very serious drought ; either condition injures the growth of the plant and interferes with the percentage of sugar. The plant has been grown very nearly to the Artie circle — from the Atlantic to the Caspian Sea ; and one variety sprouts at a temperature of 44° Fahr. The root does not rot if exposed to the freezing point for a short time ; but if exposed lower than that point for any con- siderable period it becomes soft and rotten." It was contended that England was better suited to the culture than was Belgium, for the reason that the system of culture was better here than there ; and it was said also that the higher kind of culture needful in this department would tend to raise agri- culture generally. One point of culture insisted upon was that the roots should be so earthed up as that it should be im- possible to tell whether they were red or white without removing them, for the reason that when raised above the soil there was great resistance to the formation of the taproot and the plant would not develop itself regularly, and the result was a root forked and contracted and poor in sugar. Cut off THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE, 377 the top layer of an exposed root, and you would probably find only 5 per cent, of sugar ; the next layer would yield G^ per cent. ; and so the increase would advance to 10 or 18 percent, in a root the average yield of which was perhaps only 10 per cent. With regard to soil, neither pure chalk nor chalk mixed with a little marl or clay or sand answered ; it should not be a poor or simply a sandy soil. A mixed soil, not too easily dried, answered best, and a soil not too stiff was better than a soil with too large a proportion of granular matter in it ; and for sugar it was essential that the alkaline matter in the soil should not be too large, for the reason that this matter would interfere much \vith the rj^uality of the sugar ; for distillery purposes, however, the presence of the saliue matter was not of so much importance. On many soils the application of burnt lime conferred great benefit, and calcareous matter was also found to be very useful in still' soils otherwise well adapted to the growth of beet. Deep ploughing was considered a great requisite of success, and twice was better than once. For sugar, the manure needed to be put upon the laud in the autumn; for spirits it was needless to regard this point. The land must be ready for sowing about the middle of April. Taking the fair average yield, there would be twenty tons of beet and fifteen of leaves. These twenty tons of beet would remove from an acre of land 1801bs. of potash, 501bs of phosphoric acid, 321bs. of magnesia, 18 lbs. of sulphuric acid, and 67 lbs. of nitrogen. These substances, save the nitrogen, were solid, earthy, mineral matters, which the plant could not get except from the soil. Thirty-five bushels of wheat, 1621bs. to the bushel, would only take from the acre of land on whicli they grew 121bs. of potash and ISlbs. of phosphoric acid : thus the 35 bushels extracted only SOlbs. of solid, earthy, mineral mat- ter. But while the twenty tons of roots took away 3-i71bs., with their leaves they extracted SiOlbs. of mineral matters, and among these potash and phosphoric acid, two of the most valuable ingredients of the soil. Allusion was made to the consequent rise in the price of potash salts and of the mineral coming from Saxony which was really sulphate of potash; and growers were esliorted to restore potash to the land by using the large quantities of valuable refuse, bone-black, and so forth, resulting from the sugar manufacture. The lime- waste in the purification of the juice — the scum that resulted from the boiling down — the worn-out sacks used for pressing the pulp, and which, being made of wool, were rich in nitrogen when they had become thoroughly rotten — the waste from the furnaces and the scrapings of the roots — the still-liquor waste, containing three-fourths of the lost potash — the manure of the animals fed upon the pulp and the leaves, embodying the other fourth — aU these embraced elements of great value to the soil. As to the kiud of the manures needed, the Professor said that saline matters were bad if the purpose was sugar-making, but observed, " Distilleries will probably largely take the place of sugar manufactories — for a great many people who refuse a lolipop will accept a dram." As giving an idea of how much saline matter could mix with land a long distance from the sea, he told that during the past six months Bibs, had come from the Biistol Clianuel in the rain-water alone upon every acre of the Cotswolds, and that probably the whole year would yield from TOlbs. to SOlbs. per acre. Therefore, he said, there was no need for the artificial application of common salt. With reference to the seed, he said it was of great importance to have a good strain, and that the time for sowing ranged from the beginning of April to the beginning of May, that the seed should be soaked in water and then rolled in fine bone- black, and that wise distances between the rows and drills would be 18in. by 22in. He spoke of the difliculties resulting from not striking the due medium of distance, and showed examples of good effect among plants grown this year upon the College soil, whicli was not very deep and had not been manured — and then with only a few loads of farmyard manure — for four years. In this crop were found, in every lOOlbs. of beets, these per centages of sugar — on Aug. 10th 8-70, ditto 24th 9-20, Sept. 7th 9-77, ditto 21st lO'J'S, Oct. 5th ] 2'00 ; and it was said that in another fortnight there would probably be 131bs. or l-llbs. of sugar. He in- tended, he said, to carry the experiments to a conclusion, and to watch the effect of the frosts and what changes there were, and how far the sugar was developed and when it began to lessen. Professor Church referred to the beautiful instruments used in tiie manufacture upon the Continent — one, like a series of cheese-tasters placed side by side, for transplanting the beet- root, and another for earthing up any parts of the root exposed to the light. He said tliat the proportion of sugar varied even in plants growing side by side from 3'6 per cent, to 13o per cent, in every lUO parts of root. He himself didn't have a very good strain of seed last year, and his proportions were — Sept. 8th 5-8, Oct. 9th 7-6, Nov. 3rd 86, and Nov. 2'ith 10. The formation of the sugar might be tested by the growth of the leaves, seeing that undue vigour in that respect meant loss in the other, lint the easiest test was to take up a few roots and rasp tiiem upon a bread-grater, and find the specific gravity of the juice by seeing if it would float a bulb sold for the purpose : if the bulb marked 7 floated the juice was good — if not, it was poor. The specific gravity of llie juice was 1'07, but was sometimes higher. Anotliertest was as to the blackening of the root when a knife was passed through it: a good root generally turned pink when exposed to the air. The cifect of a root running to seed was very injurious, the flowers and buds benefiting at the expense of the sugar. The per-eentages of sugar in certain roots in different stages taken from Buscot and elsewhere were stated ; and then directions were given as to the preservation of the roots and the different rotations of crops with oats and potatoes and clover and so on. It was explained that tiie pulp mixed with other sub- stances formed an admirable food for dairy cows, and if ex- cluded from the air would keep for any length of time ; a bot- tleful was shown which was nine years old, and appeared to be as good as ever. A ton of pulp was equal to a ton-and-a-half of the roots from which it had been made. The hquor ex- pressed might be used either for sugar or alcohol ; but in any case the waste liquor might be used on the land again. The Professor concluded by further urging the return to the land of the different constituents drawn from it by the roots. Mr. Little, jun., gave figures he had obtained while in France. A ton of beetroot cost 20 frs. at the distillery door ; containing 7i per cent., it would yield 1651bs of sugar, which, at 6d. per lb., would fetch £i 2s. 6d. ; the cost of manufacture and materials was 9s. id., the duty £1 8s. 4d., and, with os. for wear and tear of machinery and interest of money, there would be a total of £2 2s. 8d., which, added to the 20 frs. of original cost, would make £3 ; on the other hand, 9s. for pulp and molasses, added to the market price of the sugar, would make £4 lis. 6d. ; and thus, taking the cost of production from the amount of sale, there wouIq be left a clear profit of 31s. 6d. upon every ton. In the distillery he saw produced from a ton of beetroot 14^ gallons of spirits, and discerned several inci- dental advantages connected with the manufacture in either department. Mr. E. Ruck said : In the last week in March, 1869, a letter was published in tlie Times pointing out the great advantage to be gained by growing beet in England, and in consequence Iwent to Lavenham, in Suffolk, in the first week in April to see works erected there by Mr. Duncan for the purpose of manufacturing sugar from beet ; and I found there a very extensive set of buildings and machinery. Mr. Duncan had been giving to the farmers for their roots £1 per ton on delivery ; the farmers had taken back the pulp at 13s. per ton ; and the crop averaged from 16 to 24 tons per acre. In the third week in April I went to France to examine their mode of manufacture, and inquire as to the profits derived from it. I found that a ton of beet would yield 20 gallons of spirit, and that the pulp would pay for the manufacture and the interest of the money employed' Douay was the great sugar market for France, and there were figures showing the great rise in the price of land near a manu- factory or distillery. Some land yielded thirtytonstotheacre.and the beet had been grown for fifteen years in succession. Thus the farmer and the manufact urer had alike £30 an acre, and the pulp paid all expenses. Tiie two chief sorts grown in France were the red beet and the white Silesian, the last-named yield- ing the greater per-centage of sugar ; and great care was needful in preventing coarseness in the plants by having them due distances apart and so on. The cost of a sugar manufac- tory, with spirit distillery attached, would be about £20,000 ; and such a place would consume 10,000 tons of beet in a year. But under one system a distiUery could be erected and pro- vided witii machinery at a cost of £1,600. In England, the Government duty on the spirit was 10s. per gallon, so that with an acre yielding 20 tons of beet, and these producing 400 gallons of spirit, the Government would receive £200 for each acre. It has been proved from analysis that no country has a soil or climate better adapted than ours to the growing of these roots 378 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. profitably; and I believe that the successive crops of beet are not injurious to the land. Wherever we went in France in the neighbourhood of a manufactory or a distillery we saw persons who had plenty of money in their pockets, though the I'arniers in such a neighbourhood are, as a rule, a very poor class ; and I saw therefore that this was a new and profitable industry very much needed. In answer to Mr. Smith, of Bibury, it was stated that a ton of pulp resulted from four tons of root. Mr. Smith said : Professor Church has told us that our land is suited to this culture ; but T don't think our climate is suflicient. It appears that the growth has been tried in several places in England, and has come to nothing ; and I think it we wait a little while we shall see Mr. Campbell's ex- periment come to the same end. Professor AVrightson objected to a mere expression of opinion such as that, and put it that if there was a satisfac- tory yield per acre the essentials of climate and soil must be present in England. The Pkincipal of the College asked Professor Church whether tlie returning of the pulp to the soil was not giving food for the future crop in a more available form than it could otherwise be obtained. The Professok answered that it was universally admitted that it paid the grower to give 12s. a ton for that forming the fourth part of that for which they had obtained 16s. a ton, and he read a printed opinion to this effect — " I give it as my opinion that beetroot pulp at 12s. a ton is unquestionably a cheap and valuable food which may be used as a good sub- stitute for roots." With regard to another point, the Profes- sor said, " I am certainly convinced that all the former failures in growing beet for sugar or spirit in this country have been owing to unfortunate mistakes in regard to the apparatus or the processes used, and not in any degree to the climate or the soil : I am certain that we should have as great a success in the growth of sugar in this country as in any part of Europe. The farmers may grow from twenty to thirty tons of sugar- beet per acre, and they can get 16s. a ton, and can obtain back the pulp at 12s. or 13s. a ton — and I take it that in using that pulp they not only provide food for animals, but also manure for the soil. The greater part of the potash needed is in the farmer's own hands, for the reason that potash salts are converted into manure, and can be purchased at a very cheap rate. The crude liquor will probably be re- turned to the farmer for nothing — and ihat contains four- fifths of the potash taken away. Until potash manufactories have been established in England, the waste liquor I have named will be of no use whatever ; and therefore arrange- ments should be made to carry it back to the land. But the whole subject demands very [careful thought, and I have avoided several points for want of time." Mr. Snowsell said that the profit suggested was only 3s. an acre. Mr. Ruck said. If I understand arithmetic growing 30 tons of beet on an acre, and selling them off at £1 a ton, would yield £30 an acre to go into the farmer's pocket ; and you might leave the pulp with the manufacturer if you choose — which, by the way, is what I should do. It was then decided to adjourn the discussion for a month. STOCK MANAGEMENT AT TILLYFOUR. In no other county of Scotland is the breeding and fattening of cattle so successfully carried out as in Aberdeenshire. Without cattle the present rents could not be paid, as the return obtained for fat cattle is the main source of agricul- tural wealth. The county at large is therefore deeply in- terested in stock mauagement. What applies to the county of Aberdeen applies within certain limits to nearly every county of ttie United Kingdom. Our attention has been frequently called within the last two or three months to the difficulties vfhich the owners of stock have experienced to keep their cattle in a progressing state. The difficulties of the present season are not, however, exceptional, as farmers have often had to contend with the perplexing problem, how to keep cattle which are being pre- pared for the fat market in a progressing state from the end of July to the beginning of October. Having this summer fre- quently seen the scarcity of food in pastures, and the almost entire absence of forage crops which could be used as a sub- stitute for, and an auxiliary to, the scanty and withered herbage in the pasture fields, we resolved to visit Aberdeenshire, in the expectation that we would see instances of how the problem has been satisfactorily solved — viz., the autumn keeping of cattle which were being prepared for the fat market ; and knowing the practical skill and energy displayed at Tillyfour in the management of cattle by Mr. William M'Combie, M.P., we visited him last week. Taking train from Edinburgh, and proceeding by Stirling and Perth to Aberdeen, we observed almost everywhere that the pastures were bare, affording little keep for cattle, beyond the withered stalks of the grasses which had formed seed. Between Perth and Aberdeen were seen well-stocked pastures, with cattle in a condition from lean to half fat, but in no in- stance did the herbage appear to be so abundant or so succu- lent as to advance condition. In many instances it appeared to us that the cattle must be getting older without advancing in condition ; or, speaking more correctly, they are losing con- dition acquired in the beginning of the grass season. It was after we had reached the station of Whitehouse, in the Vale of Alford, that we observed that although the herbage was comparatively browned by the summer drought, there was suffi- cient for the annimals to eat, but the grass was not of a de- scription calculated to fatten them. It was only after we inspected the stock on the three farms occupied by Mr. M'Combie, M.P., viz. : Tillyfour, Bridgend, and Dorsel, amounting to between 1,100 and 1,200 acres arable, that we found the problem satisfactorily solved, how feeding cattle could be kept with a profit during the latter part of the summer and the greater part of autumn without reducing their numbers until the turnip crop was matured. At Tillyfour we found forty-one polled cattle, aged from three to four years, comfortably housed, twenty being in straw-yards, and twenty-one tied up in byres. The cattle in the sheds are fed three times a day on a mixture of oats, peas, and tares. The forage is nearly ripe, and the cattle receive as much as they can eat without waste. In addition to the forage (oats, barley, and tares), they have a feed of good clover and hay, that is, four feeds a day of forage. The cattle tied up also receive forage three times a day along with turnips, but get no cake at the present time. Water is introduced into aU the sheds. The cattle in the sheds receive from two to three pounds of the best linseed cake a day. The cattle confined in byres are allowed as many turnips with the shaws attached as they can eat ; the variety is the Aberdeen Yellow -. the bulbs are already well grown, and promise to be a very full crop by October. The seed was sown in the latter part of May. The cattle in the sheds are expected to be ready for the Lon- don market in a month or six weeks from the present date, while the largest sized cattle confined in the byres are not to be despatched for London until the Christmas market. They wiU be allowed cake about the end of October until the time they leave for London " to give them their last dip." In a somewhat high and exposed field were grazing about thirty cattle, purchased in spring at from £20 to £24 per head. The pasture, second crop clover, was very good, but the cattle seemed as if they would have been the better of shelter. There is a shed in the field. On inquiry we learned that these animals will be removed in ten days to the feeding stalls. In another field, consisting of upwards of 100 acres of old pasture, a large number of cattle were grazing. The field had been at one time under the plough, but at a distant date. Observing some draining operations proceeding, we inferred that the field is to be broken up and put through a course of cropping. J udging from the herbage, we assumed that the land was superior, but the altitude is high, being between 700 and 800 feet above the level of the sea. The cattle in this field were neither so uniform nor so good as those we had THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 379 previously seen. A few of the cattle had been worked in the plough, but all were about three-parts fat, i. e., testing them by the Tillyfonr standard of fatness. We also observed two or three coloured cattle in this lot. Adjoining tliis field were 36 acres of Swedish turnips. Tlie field was without a blank, and so luxuriant were the leaves that the rows could not be distinguished. Surprised at the appearance of the field, we learned that it had been for a long period in grass. Broken up in 1867, it had produced two extraordinary crops of oats. The land received about eight cartloads of farmyard dung, and from 5 to 7 cwts. of dissolved bones per acre, previous to sowing the Swede seed. We have seldom seen in any season such a promising crop, and nowhere this autumn have we observed a field at all approaching this one on the farm of Tillyfonr, the result mainly, we believe, of the number of years the field has been grazed. In a field near the house, where a part of the breeding stock was kept, we found about thirty cows in milk, generally with calves at their feet. The cows are large, handsome, and generally in very high condition. Among them was the first- prize cow at the Great International Exhibition at Paris in 1856. She is now eighteen years old ; and, altiiougli fat, she shows the effects of advancing years. We learn that this year she lost her calf, but, with this exception, she has bred regu- larly since she was two years old. This cow, when in bloom, was one of the most perfect specimens of Polled Angus that ever was exhibited, and has never been beaten in any competi- tion, except by her daughter, " The Pride of Aberdeen," who was in the same field witli a splendid heifer-calf at her foot. Several other first-prize cows of the Highland Society were also in the field. In one of the byres was a three-year-old bhll of the Polled Angus. In open sheds were three yearling bulls. One of these is a remarkable animal for his size, and shows prominently the characteristics of the breed. On the farm of Dorsel we learned from the farm manager that he had 100 cattle on the farm — part under cover, and part in the field. A number of these cattle, however, were grazing on the adjoining farm of Astown. Of the 46 cattle under cover 24' were in open sheds, and the remainder tied up in byres. The cattle which are in open courts are expected to be despatched to London within the next six weeks. We learned they were purchased in spring at £22 10s., and that the price expected in London is from £30 to £35. The cattle tied up are not so finished, but are of larger sizes, and are intended for the Christmas market. They are not all pure Polled Angus ; some of the best have a strain of the Shorthorn. The feeding at Dorsel is the same as at Tillyfonr. In a well-sheltered grass field below the steading we found nearly 30 very good cattle, which under ordinary circumstances would have been considered fit enough for the market ; but we learned that they are to be tied up within the next ten days to be thoroughly finished for Lon- don. In a field adjoining were a number of heifer calves, and in a high-lying field were about from 15 to 20 yearling heifers which Mr. M'Combie had bred. The turnips — yellow and Swedish — on this farm are very superior to anything in the district. The extent under turnips is from 65 to 70 acres. On the farm of Bridgend we were shown a number of cattle, some of which were superior to anything we had seen housed at Tillyfonr or Dorsel. The first lot we examined, numbering about twenty, had been eight weeks in the house ; they were prime fat, altliough they had only been receiving from 21bs. to 31bs. of cake daily for tlie last six or seven weeks ; i)ut they were also receiving forage, a mixture of tares, oats, and peas all of which were nearly ripe. These cattle were purchased in April at £22 15s. per head, and should now be worth about £33 in the market. In a byre we examined a number of animals ; the aged cattle were of large sizes, and in good con- dition, but they will not be shown in London until the season is farther advanced. In the byre there are three black steers, aged two years, bred at TiUyfour, and should they continue to improve as they have done they may be entered for compe- tition for the great prizes offered for fat stock when they are matured. Standing next to these were four Shorthorned Angus cross-breds ; two of these are already in a condition suitable for competition, yet we learned that they iiave not re- ceived any cake or corn. In another part of the byre were two cows and one heifer, victims to the pernicious system of over-feeding for the showyard, and this over-feeding had been perpetrated to gain prizes offered for breeding animals. The two, aged four and five years, competed successfully at the Highland Societs's Show at Aberdeen in 1868. The heifer was first at the show of the Great Northern Agricultural Society the same year, and the first in Edinburgh at the High- land Society's Show (1869) as a two-year-old. These animals have been rendered unproductive, are being trained for compe- tition for prizes offered for fat animals. We were also shown an ox and a heifer, intended for exhibition at the forthcoming shows of fat stock at Birmingham and London. The Iieif'er obtained the first prize at the Highland Society's Show in Aberdeen in 1868 (in the class for two-year-old heifers). Since then she has not been exhibited, and having proved unfruitful, she is now being prepared for the fat shows. After many years Mr. M'Combie appears to have at last discovered, that the training of animals of his favourite breed — the Polled Angus — is ultimately productive of disappointment, and this year he has not been an exhibitor. In the adjoinining field to this farm were about 40 or 50 cattle grazing, which in a few days are to be under cover to be prepared for the Islington market, where they will probably be shown in the month of December. On the farm of Bridgend the turnips are splendid, and there appears to be a good prospect on all the farms, that there will be no want of turnips, whatever there may be of fodder, to prepare the cattle for the fat market. Mr. M'Combie expects that in the course of the next seven or eight months he will despatch to the London market between 300 to 400 fat cattle. The last two years the average price obtained has been from £35 to £36 a-head. It will be apparent to the reader, that Mr. M'Combie has successfully solved the problem how cattle for the fat market can be successfully kept on until the turnip crop is ready to be used for fattening. It is apparent that great care, founded on experience, is required to carry out the sys- tem followed on the farms occupied by Mr. M'Combie. As re- gards the general management, we may state that the cattle are turned out to graze on young grass from the 10th to the 15th of May, and a portion of that young grass is cleared of stock, by the 10th to the 15th of June, to be reserved for cut- ting. When the clover plants are abundant a very succulent cutting is available for feeding stock kept under cover. This second crop of clover, with the forage crop of tares, oats, and peas, and a few acres of yellow early- sown turnips, with a small allowance of cake, solves the problem how cattle are to be kept during summer and autumn in any year. During Mr. M'Combie's long experience as a feeder ot cattle, the present year has been, he stated, one of the most difficult to carry on his stock during the trying period from the month of July to the time when the turnips will be available. We may state further that Mr. M'Combie believes that profitable feeding depends in a great measure upon the proper selection of the animals to be fattened, and that cattle should not be parted with until they are fully matured for the shambles ; and to secure this, early housing, with proper feeding and proper care taken, is essential to secure that ripeness which obtains the highest prices in the Islington market. Mr. M'Combie does not believe in an indiscriminate use of cake or meal. He has found by experience that cake supplied be- yond six or eight weeks will seldom pay the feeder of cattle in Aberdeenshire. We may add further that the period of grazing cattle is being gradually shortened in Aberdeenshire, and thai; house-feeding is becoming more popular every day ; that at the present time, on Mr. M'Combie's farms, house- feeding extends to nearly nine months of the year. We be- lieve that the time is not distant when house-feeding will be much more generally practised, and that grazing on arable farms will be greatly curtailed. — The North Brilish Af/ricul- iurist. 380 THE FABMER'S MAGAZINE. SALE OF SIR G. R. PHILIPS' SHORTHORNS, AT WESTON PARK, SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR, ON OCTOBER 18th. BY MR. H. STRAFFORD. Successful auction sales rarely take place of draft stock ; and unless some choice young animals of fashionable blood tempt the public, few breeders will undertake a journey in the un- certain weather of mid-October days. Mr. Knlay Dun, who has the management of the Weston Herd, and is the very popular agent of Sir George, hit upon a happy project to gather togetlier a few of the best Shorthorn men, and we found tlie two-twenty train from Paddington conveying a dozen or more to Moreton-in-the Marsh or elsewhere. The last sale at Weston, three years ago, made only a third-rate average, but this took place just before the sale of Her Majesty's and Mr. Sheldon's imported American stock. When Sir Chas. Knigntley departed in peace at a ripe old age, " the small but select herd," as the old baronet loved to call it, remaining at Pawsley was put up, and Mr. I inlay Dun bought the two first, and by far the best two cows, Polytint and Lactea ; these, with Fawsley Garland and Eawsley from the Havering Park sale, and Sweetheart 2nd and Sorceress from Milcote formed the Knightley portion of the herd. Welcome by Col. Towneley's Squire, a purchase at Mr. Dudding's sale ten years since, had by this time eleven descendants ; and with the Gwyneth, a short -pedigree tribe from Sarsden, and some of the old Weston Patk cattle, the catalogue comprised forty- nine head. The entire Knightley portion was sure to attract ; the Welcomes were a venture, and with the sure company and the venturesome few, the other lots were pretty certain to go off. A bright morning was the beginning of good things, and by eleven o'clock there was a capital assembly looking very earnestly at the various lots in the hill iield just by Mr. Dun's ivy-covered house. No better place could have been chosen, as they showed to the utmost advantage. A pretty little hairy heifer, of Mr. J. A. James' breeding, was the first to attract the eye ; then a thick roan Welcome, called Winsome, and a broad, round-barrelled Gwyneth, called Genevieve. But the old cows hunsr to the hill top, and were really admirable, preserving, despite old age, very good flesh and remarkably line form, they were excellent models, especially Fawsley, Garland, and Lactea. The upright staggy horns of a thick short-legged lieiferwere also noticeable — this was Lactea Oxoniensis — and the rough red coat of a good-headed but flat-ribbed heifer turned out to be Polycherry. A few of the heifers and calves were shown in the houses as well as the bulls, and were chiefly surrounded by a local company. Mr. Clayden took the chair at the lunch, and delivered a speech on agriculture, to which Mr. J. K. Fowler replied, with some remarks on the compulsory slaughter of foreign cattle. It has often been asserted that the Shorthorn breed is a short-lived race, but the first lot, Sweetheart 2nd, was a living contradiction, as she walked gaily round the ring although she was within a couple of months of nineteen years old. Her countenance showed age, as well as a little heaviness in moving, but she was in good condition, and worth best part of the 20 gs. (Mr. Walton) she went for to kill. Fawsley Garland, fourteen years old, also by Earl of Dublin, had a remarkably sweet head and elegant form, with magnificent shoulders, three months gone, was however of little avail, and she made only 25 gs. from Mr. Bliss. Lot 3, Polytint, fourteen years old, calved in March last and served again in June, looked like breeding another calf, but she was lame and rather to pieces. Several were in, Mr. Thornton being the last bidder, but she fell to Mr. A. Winnall for 42 gs. Lactea 12 years, a very fine white cow, in good condition and on very short legs was also like breeding, Mr. J. C. Adkins bid and got her at 45 gs. Sorceress of the Sweetheart line, and down-calving, looked bad, having also a hip down ; many were bidding and Mr. Wright got her for Mr. Hardy, M.P., at 50 gs. Wallflower, the first of the Welcomes, could hardly be called a first-rate cow, nor were any of the family particularly good ; Mr. Stone bought this cow at 42 gs., and he must have been a " pearl of great price" that sleety after- noon—for it came on squally after diuuer'^as he took fifteen other lots besides, as weU as a nice, white Darlington bull of Mr. Sheldon's at 26 gs. Some of the lots were it was ru- moured for Canada but they hardly seemed of the quality to export, considering what fine stock has already gone out to that country. Captain Barclay of Surrey, took two of the best Wel- comes, Welcome 3rd, 5 years old at 40 gs.,and Winsome, 3 years, for 58gs. A verysweet heifercalf from Welcome 3rd went to Mr.. Brierley at 33 gs., and a long, fine calf from Willow made 30 gs. (J. H. Blundell), two guineas more than its three years old dain. To return to the Knightleys : Fawsley, a white, with a dark nose, by Third Duke of Thorndale from Fawsley Garland, went to Mr. Cutler for 62 gs. The spirit of the sale however rose with the entrance of Lactea Oxoniensis, for which 50 gs. was offered. " She ought to have been put up at a hun- dred" drew out a few more bids, and at last 100 was bid. Mr. Clayden then took up the running, but Messrs. Leney finished it at 200 gs. Genevieve, three years old, made 42 gs., and a succession of low prices followed. Lot 21 was not offered, and Furiosa (newly calved) made 32 gs., her roan heifer calf 6J gs. Polycherry, by the Cherry hull Third Duke of Geneva, a dark red, deficiently-girthed bull, from Penrhyn Castle, out of Polythorn by Fourth Duke of Thorndale, gd. Polytint, went speedily along, and in the final heat Mr. Sheldon, of BraUes, beat Messrs Leney and others at 205 gs. Her dam had been secured privately by Mr. Sartoris early last year at 200 gs. Lactine, one of the prettiest lots in the sale, by Third Duke of Geneva from Lactea, was a long sweet roan, of not the best quality. Mr. Clayden and Mr. Seldon were lioth in here, but the final " five" (175 gs.) was given by Mr. Thornton for Lord Feversham. The next lot, Polygeneva, 110 gs., joined Lactine and was not quite in condition for selling. The interest of the sale ceased here, nevertheless some of the calves capering in the ring sold well. Merimac, a white Knightley bull bred at Milcote, was some- what slack in the back, but good in many points ; three-year- olds the public do not fancy, so he went for 33 gs. The next also a white Grand Duke of Wateringbury, bred by Messrs. Leney, went for a guinea less to Mr. Canning, and the bulls generally sold low. Polytechnic, a deep roan calf, with a cloudy nose and scouring as weU, a son of Polytint, was also bought by Mr. Hutt for 39 gs. Six bulls bred by Mr. Sheldon at Brailes, were afterwards offered. They were not in tlie best of condition, nor could they be called a blooming lot, nevertlieless they sold well. Mr. George Game gave 67 gs. for Earl of Warwickshire 3rd, a nice roan, and Mr. C. Hobbs took Lord Hastings of the Fog- gathorpe tribe at 48 gs. The six averaged 42 gs. cows AND HEIFERS. Sweetheart 2nd, white, calved December 27, 1851 ; by Earl of Dublin (10178), out of Sweetheart by Accordion (5708). — Harris, Brailes, 21^. Fawsley Garland, roan, calved August 26, 1856 ; by Earl of Dublin (10178), out of Garland by Grey Friar (9172).— BHss, Edgcombe, 26/. 5s. Polytint, roan, calved October 30, 1856 ; by Earl of Dublin (10178), out of Cornbind by Janizary (8175).— A. B. Win- nall, Ledbury, 44/. 2*. Lactea, white, calved January 16, 1858; by Sarawak (15238), out of Cornbind by Janizary (8175). — J. C. Atkins, Mil- cote, 47/. 5*. Sorceress, roan, calved January 22, 1862 ; by Mocassin (18406), out of Syren by Amiens (14095).— Jolin Hardy, M.P., 52/. 10s. Wallflower, roan, calved January 28, 1863 ; by Rampant (20623), out of Welcome by The Squire (12217).— J. J. Stone, for exportation, 44/. 2^. Welcome 2nd, red, calved March 1, 1863 ; by Chanter (19423), out of Welcome by The Squire (12217).— J. J. Stone, 42/. Fawsley, wliite, cftlyecl Pecember 23, 1863; by Third Duke THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 381 of Thorndale (17749), out of Fawsley Garland by Earl of Dublin (10178).— T. G. Curther, Droitwich, 65/. 2*. Hyacinth, red, calved January 21, 1864 ; by Pan (18516), out of Honeysuckle by Washington (17213). — Walton, Burmington, 24/. 3*. Genoa, red, calved March 5, 1864 ; by Pan (18516), out of Gwyneth by Glo'ster's Grand Duke (12949).— J. H. Blun- dell, Luton, Bedfordshire, 31/. 10^. Rosalind, red, calved January 25, 1865 ; by Pan (18516), out of Rosamond by Wasliington (17213). — J. J. Stone, for exportation, 28/, 7*. Welcome 3rd, roan, calved November 28, 1865 ; by Stepping Stone (22978), out of Welcome 2nd by Chanter (19423).— Capt. Barclay, Leatherhead, 42/. Dinorah 2nd, red roan, calved March 31, 1866; by Barleycorn the loanger (21209), out of Dinorah by Rampant (20623). —J. J. Stone, 32/. 11*. Lactea Oxonensis, roan, calved January 27, 1867 ; by Imperial Oxford (18084), out of Lactea by Sarawak (15238).— F. Leney, Wateringbury, Kent, 210/. Winsome, roan, calved February 8, 1867 ; by Barleycorn the Younger (21209), out of Wallflower by Rampant (20623).— Capt. Barclay, Leatherhead, 60/. 18*. Genevieve, roan, calved February 11, 1867; by Barleycorn the Younger (21209), out of Guinevere by Rampant (20623). J. J. Stone, 44/. 2*. Dew, roan, calved April 21, 1867 ; by Barleycorn the Younger (21209), out of Dawn by Pan (185]6).—Walton, Bur- mington, 28/. 7*. Willow, roan, calved May 18, 1867 ; by Barleycorn the Younger (21209), out of Westeria by Stepping Stone (22978).— J. J. Stone, 29/. 8*. Fair One, red aud white, calved June 9, 1887 ; by Barleycorn the Younger (21209), out of Fairy by Pan (18516).— Walton, 23/. 2*. Filagree, roan, calved October 1, 1867 ; by Barleycorn the Younger (21209), out of Fatima by Washington (17213).— J. J. Stone, 25/. 4*. Bonne, red, calved February 2, 1868 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Barmaid by Rampant (20623).— Met with an accident and passed. Furiosa, red, calved February 10, 1868 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Fruitful by Pan (18516).— J. E. Shirley, Eatington, 33/. 12*. Blantyre, roan, calved May 6, 1868 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Blamange by Rampant (20623).— Capt. Barclay, 37/. 16*. Tasmania, roan, calved July 1, 1868 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Titania by Pan (18516).— J. J. Stone, 39/. 18*. Lurline, roan, calved July 7, 1868 ; by Lackey (24291), out oj Ladylike by Noble (14997).— J. J. Stone, 27/. 6*. Polycherry, red, calved September 27, 1868 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Polythorn by 4th Duke of Thorndale (17750).— J. H. Sheldon, Brailes, 215/. 5*. Gulnare, red, calved February 15, 1869 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Guinevere by Rampant (20623). — J. J.Stone, 27/. 6*. Lactine, roan, calved March 14, 1869 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Lactea by Sarawak (15238).— Earl of Feversliam, 183/. 15*. Polygeneva, red and a little white, calved March 29, 1869 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Polytint by Earl of Dublin (10178).— Earl of Feversham, 115/. 10*. Rosebud, roan, calved April 14, 1869 ; by Lackey (24291), out of Rosemary by Challenger (17521).— T. G. Curtler, 42/. Winning, red, calved December 12, 1869 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Winsome by Barleycorn the Younger (21209).— J. J. Stone, 29/. 8*. Dora, red, calved December 28, 1869 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Deborah by Barleycorn the Younger (21209) . —Died. Dinorah 3rd, red, calved January 11, 1870 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Dinorah 2nd by Barleycorn tlie Younger (21209).— J. J. Stone, 16/. 16*. Rosa, red, calved January 12, 1870 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592),out of Rosalind by Pan (18516)— J.J. Stone,13/.13*. Grassmere, red, calved February 16, 1870 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Guinevere by Rampant (20623).— J. J. Stone, 16 gs. Fair Maid, red and white, calved March 20, 1870 ; by Sir Rainald (25164), out of Fair One by Barleycorn the Younger (21209).— T. G. Curtler, 10/. 10*. Welcome 4th, rich roan, calved April 2, 1870; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Welcome 3rd by Stepping Stone (22978).— C. N. Brierley, Manchester, 34-/. 13*. Wallfruit, red, calved April 20, 1870 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of WaUflower by Rampant (20623).— J. J. Stone, 11/. 11*. Willow Twig, roan, calved May 18, 1870 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Willow by Barleycorn the Younger (21209).— Blundeli, Luton, Bedfordshire, 31/. 10*. Genoese, red, calved May 28, 1870 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Genoa by Pan (18516).— J. J. Stone, 8/. 8*. Extra heifer calf; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Furiosa.— J. E. Shirley, Eatington, 6/. 16*. Gd. BULLS. Merrimac (26897), white, calved October 28, 1867 ; by Pa- trician (24728), out of Maryland by Bull's Run (19368).— Hutt, 34/. 13*. Grand Duke of Wateringbury (26296), white, calved October 30, 18G8 ; by 15th Grand Duke (21852), out of Countess of Wateringbury by Lord Teuterden (22222). — Canning, Stratford-on-Avon, 33/. 12*. Glory, red, calved June 7, 1869 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Genoa by Pan (18516).— Wheeler, Shipston, 30/. 9*. Geraint, roan, calved June 13, 1869 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Gumevereby Rampant (20623).— Moore, 24/. 3*. Whist, red, calved June 13, 1869; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Welcome 2nd by Chanter (19423).— W. Aikell, Moreton, 26/. 5*. Hottentot, red, calved June 9, 1869 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Hyaciuth by Pan (18516).— Sir R. Bulkeley, Bangor, N.W., 42/. Polytechnic, roan, calved March 15, 1870; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Polytint by Earl of Dublin (1017S). —Hutt, 40/. 19*. Woerth, red and little white, calved July 20, 1870; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Welcome 2nd by Chanter (19423).— J. Taylor, Long Corapton, 13/. 13*. Harry, red and white, calved July 20, 1870 ; by 3rd Duke of Geneva (21592), out of Hyacinth by Pan (18516).— W. Dickens, Cherrington, 6/. 6*. Averages. £ s. d. £ s. d. 13 Fawsley and Charmers... 1,099 18 0 averaging 83 16 9 11 Welcomes 365 8 0 „ 33 4 4. 6 Gvvyneths 174 6 0 „ 29 1 0 18 Shorter Pedigree 446 15 6 „ 24 16 5 39 Females 1,824 7 6 46 15 6 9BuUs 252 0 0 28 0 0 THE WHITEHAVEN FARMERS' CLUB. At a meeting of this club Mr. John Williamson, of Low Walton, read the following paper on the Autumn Sowing of Wheat : You understand that I have not come to read an elaborate paper before you, but simply to introduce it for discussion, which I shall do very briefly. Frejiaration of ike Land : It ii the general if not the invariable practice in this locality to sow wheat after root crops, and in some cases after beans ; and during the period of their growth we expect that the land wiU be well tilled and cleaned by means of the grubber, the harrow, and the hoe ; so that after this crop is removed the land requires but little preparation for the wheat, the simple process of ploughing and harrowing sufficing. However, it sometimes happens, even with the greatest yigilance, that a 382 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. little couch grass will be found after the green crop is taken otf ; and in this case, as the plants are hut few, it is an ex- cellent plan to fork it out by hand labour. After the land is sown down, it is some time before such another opportunity comes of eradicating weeds ; and during the growth of sub- sequent crops these lew plants, that were perhaps looked upon as insignificant, are spreading their lateral suckers and ramifying over the whole field. In one of our eastern and midland counties the wheat crop in the rotation takes the place of our oat crop — that is, it is sown after clover. It is considered, I believe, that clover root forms suitable food for the wheat. I never adopted the practice, but I may say our worthy secretary has tried it and found it to answer. The land is rolled with a roller so constructed that it presses upon the furrow seams without rolling the whole surface, thus making a regular and firm seed-bed. With respect to plougiiing, where the land has been previously deeply tilled, I like to have a good strong furrow for wheat. The plants are then able to strike tlieir roots deep in the earth, and are less liable to be thrown out by spring frosts. All that I have to say of naked fallows for wheat is that on light land the practice is out of date, and mostly on heavy land. I don't know that it is unprofitable to pursue the practice on land of a stiff tenacious nature. Manuring : Although a great admirer of Jethro TuU, yet I don't believe in trying to grow wheat without manure on strong clay or deep loamy soils — what we commonly denomi- nate good wheat soils. Where a heavy covering of farm-yard dung has been applied to the preceding green crop, a crop ot wheat may be grown without any furher application of manure, but on sharp light soils, in my opinion, a better practice is either to grow the green crop with artificial manure alone, and apply a full dressing, say from ten to fifteen tons of farm-yard dung per acre, in the autumn ; or, otherwise, to give for the green crop what we would call half a manuring of farm-yard dung, and then, agaiu, in the autumn, give another dressiag for the wheat. In the case of strong soils the pro- perties of the manure can be retained, whereas porous soils require manuring at shorter intervals. A practice obtains, and one of which I quite approve, of leaving the turnip tops on the laud on which they are grown, and ploughing them in for the benefit of the succeeding crop. There is no doubt they afford a rich supply of carbonaceous food for the wheat crop. It is better to cart them away if the tops are blighted, or in- fested with caterpillars and such like. I think a good crop of spring wheat may be grown with light manures. 5 cwt. of bones, 2 cwt. of Peruvian gnano, and 1 of nitrate of soda, per acre, have yielded me a fair crop when both roots and tops were carted off. Time of SowiiKj : Our rotation is such that we cannot sow very early. To the farmer holding heavy land, which no doubt is a disadvantage in a wet climate, I would say, " Em- brace a fitting opportunity ; sow when you can without puddling the surface. The light land farmer may sow almost when he likes. Early sowing is advantageous ; less seed is required, and, other circumstances being the same, the crop will ripen sooner. I have found it to answer very well to sow any time between Martinmas and Christmas. In fact, I have seen it do better sometimes than when sown in October ; and we never feel apprehensive of wet, although the horses may be sinking to tlie fetlocks. This would not answer on stiff land ; the treading would poach the surface so that the water could not permeate. Selection of Seed : There is perhaps no part of this subject that is of more importance to us than the selection of good seed. A change is also desirable sometimes from a different climate and soil. The seed should possess the true characteristic qualities of the variety, and be free from seeds. There can be no doubt that tlie sowing of dirty samples is oftentimes a fruitful source of disseminating weeds. As in the animal kingdom the ailments of the sire are frequently transmitted to the offspring, so in the vegetable. If we sow sound seed we may expect good produce ; but if a poor thin sample be sown, perhaps already contaminated with disease, we cannot reasonably look for a good clean produce. With respect to the sorts of wheat, it would be difficult to say vchich is the best. There are a great variety of kinds in cultivation, both red and white, bearded and beardless. I will name a few : Chiddam ; this is an old and much esteemed variety. Hunter's wheat ; this is considered by some to be one of the best white wheats in cultivation. Then there are Hopetoun and Chevalier, &c. ; and amongst red kinds there are Spalding's Prolific, and Piper's and Lammas Blood-red, and a host besides. Quantity and quality, and suitability to climate considered, let each grow that kind which he finds to pay him the best. Quantity of Seed : In all cases the nature and condition of the soil, the chmate, and the season of the year materially affect the quantity of seed to be sown. I know there are those who cling pertinaciously to the usages of their ancestors, and who are unwilling to leave the beaten track in this matter of seeding. I feel extremely loath to disregard their advice or reject their practice, but I do think that in many cases there is more seed sown than is desirable. Although I don't believe in lavishly and indiscriminately sowing the seed, I would yet carefully abstain from following the advice of theorists who talk about sowiug and reaping a crop from an imperial peck to the acre. It won't do to sow less broadcast than from eight to ten pecks imperial per acre on light land. Method of Sowing : Tiiere are three modes of sowing, namely, by means of the drill, tiie dibbler, and broadcast sowing. With respect to sowing with the drill, I have not tried it ; therefore, I cannot speak from experience ; but my opinion is that eventually it will, in a great measure, supersede other methods, and for this reason, that it deposits the seed at a uniform deptli, and as a corollary, we look for it to come up and also to ripen uniformly. There is also a saving of seed. Another advantage that this system has over broadcast sowing is this, that the land can be more effectually cleaned in the spring. Although I do not use the drill, I may say that the system is successfully adopted in our own neighbourhood. Mr. John Carter, of St. Bees, adopts this method, and fully approves of it. With respect to dibbling, there is no doubt it is a true and perfect method of depositing the seed. I have used a hand dibbler, which answers very well for a small plot of ground ; but the method is so slow and tedious that it is quite impracticable to use it on a large scale. Whichever method is followed, the seed should not be put in more than about an inch in depth. I used to think, till experience taught me better, that by burying the seed pretty deep it would prevent the frost from throwing it out ; but I have tbund that a better plan is to cultivate deep and sow shallow. To whatever country it — the wheat plant — may be indigenous, it is extremely hardy. We often see it left in the earth for weeks together, and during that time — perhaps just after the tender germ has burst — subjected alternately to keen frosts and drenching rains without apparently suffering any injury, and unlike many other plants it seems to grow and thrive equally well in hot climates as in cold. This peculiar adaptatioa leads us to conclude that it was intended by an All-wise Providence to form the staple food of man. Btuc/i Bait and TVtre-worm : The wheat plant, like all others, is srbject to the attacks of many enemies. Perhaps the worst of all is, among vegetable parasites, what is commonly called black ball, and amongst insects the most destructive is wire- worm. With respect to the former of these, a very old and common practice obtains, as a preventive, of steeping the seed in chamber-ley, and afterwards of dusting it over with caustic lime. I have tried the plan for some years, and I must confess that I have no great faith in its efficacy. Some recommend a solution of sulphate of copper as being efficacious, but a friend told me tlie other day that he has tried this solution, and he is now having recourse to the old practice, as being the better of the two. With respect to wire-worm, the grub of the May beetle, I believe the best application that can be made to check its ravages is about 4 cwt. of salt to the acre, lu conclusion I will just refer to some experiments that were made a few years back by Professor Buckman, taken from the Royal Agricultural Society's Journal. They are instructive. He says : " T planted four plots of wheat in the following order. Firstly, much diseased wheat without pickle ; secondly, much diseased, treated with sulphate of copper ; thirdly, perfect picked seed without pickle ; fourthly, perfect picked seed, with sulphate of copper. The results were as follows : Plot 1, much of the seed germinated, but the crop was much blighted both in straw and grain, in fact scarcely a perfect ear of the latter ; plot 2, a very small quantity of the seed germi- nated, the few resulting ears were free from blight ; plot 3, germinated, with a good and clean crop ; plot 4, the same result as plot 3." From this it appears that the produce of the perfect picked seed without pickle was equal to the produce of the perfect picked seed which was pickled. At the same time the result shows the efficacy of sulphate of copper in destroying the germs of the disease, for in plot 2, which was diseased seed pickled, the few resulting ears were free from blight. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. ABORTION IN COWS. Report of tue CoMMissio:yER of the New York State Agricultural Society, AS Read before the Society on the 9th I'Eii., 1870. On June 2, 18G9, the commissioner had the honour to ad- dress a letter to your secretary, containing a proposition to continue the investigation of the subject of abortions among cows for another year, as follows : " New York, 69, West 45th St., June 2nd, 1869. Mr. T. L. Harison: Dear Sir — As you are aware, tiie in- vestigation into the subject of abortions among cows was not considered closed at the time of handing in my report in February last, and although certain views were therein ex- pressed as probably e.xerting a strongly unfavourable influence against the healthful performance of the process of gestation, it was still held tliat the information in tlie possession of tlie commissioner did not warrant an expression that these views had been established, however probable they might appear. In order that, if possible, a more decided expression may be allowed and those views confirmed, if correct, as also that measures calculated to arrest the disease may be advised ; or, what is perhaps more important, in order that no false impres- sions may be promulgated in a semi-official form, even in the guarded manner there given, if further inquiry should throw doubt upon their probability, I would respectfully suggest, through you, to the Agricultural Society, that the investiga- tion be continued during the coming season in certain dairy and cattle-raising districts in the Western States (where in- quiries, in 1867, showed that the disease had not appeared), to a sufficient extent to determine whether the same practices in breeding and milking, during pregnancy, prevail there to the degree found to exist in Herkimer county, where the dis- ease is so extensive. I make this suggestion with more free- dom, as the whole amount of the appropriation made by the Legislature last year was not exhausted by the commission, but a sufficient sum was then left unexpended to allow the in- vestigation here referred to to be made ; and I beg leave to state, in addition, that I shall make no charge for my own services, but that aU the available funds will be applied to gathering information, or used in the necessary expenses in- cident to the getting out of the report, so that as large a number of reports (of farms) shall be obtained as is possible. Very respectfully yours, W. H. Carmalt. In reply, the following letter was received, June 25, 1869 : Albany, June 24th, 1869. W. H. Carmalt, M.D., Commissioner, &.c. : Dear Sir — I have to inform you that at a meeting of the executive com- mittee of the New York State Agricultural Society, held this day, upon reading your letter of the 2nd instant, it was ordered : That the commissioner in charge of the abortion investigation have authority to expend such a sum, not exceed- ing five hundred dollars, as he may see fit, in the supple- mentary investigations proposed by him in his communication dated the second of June, instant. Yours respectfully, T. L. Harison, Secretary. In order to carry out the especial object above given, and to make the comparisons instituted perfectly fair, two points were necessary. 1st. That the dairy products of the districts com- pared should be the same, and if prepared by ihe same methods, the comparison would be still more accurate. 2ud. That the treatment of the cows, in all points relating to their care or breeding, should be thoroughly inquired into, and whatever differences found be fully considered. Tlie selection of a locality which would hold a fair comparison with the investi- gation last year was the subject of much care, and after as thorough an examination, from the means at the disposal of the commission, as possible, Geauga county, Ohio, was chosen as bearing the closest comparison, in the matter of dairy pro- ducts, with Herkimer county. New York. For, in the investi- gation of 1867, under Dr. Dalton's direction, the farmers' reports from the States of Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa, indicated that the so-called western reserve district in Ohio, was the most important dairy district in the west, and from an examination of the reports received from twenty-thee counties .n that State, togetlier with the report of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture for tlie same year, it was found that of about twenty millions of pounds of cheese made in that State, five millions, or twenty-five per cent, was made in Geauga county ; and further, that more than one-third of all the cheese factories in the State were in tliat couuty, fifty-two being reported in the State, of which nineteen were in that county. This made the comparison tolerably close for the Census Report of tlie State of New York for 1805 (two years before), indicated that Herkimer county was the largest cheese producing county therein, manufacturing about nineteen per cent, of all made iu'New York ; and we thus have, in each, the largest cheese producing county in their respective States, each also preparing its cheese, to a very great extent, by the raeaus of cheese factories. With regard to the second point above mentioned, the reports and letters received in 1867, by the commission, from about one hundred farmers in the twenty- three previously mentioned counties, situated in all parts of the State of Ohio, showed no evident difference, to account for the absence of the disease there as compared with New York, so far as was included in the points inquired into that year. In order, therefore, to determine if the points in the investigation of 1868, contained the elements by which to account for the disease, a blank form of report containing the same series of questions, similar in all respects to those used in 1868 (except as to dates), was furnished to inspectors ; who were instructed to pursue the investigation by personal inquiry and examination on the different farms, as had been practised for the two previ- ous years. It is unnecessary to enter into the details of their instructions ; they differ in no respect from those contained in the report of 1868, except in one particular, /. e., that as in 1868, the instructions were to inspect every farm ; in 1869, the following directions were substituted : " As the object of the inspection this year is to make an accurate comparison between the dairy farms, and the manner in which the dairy business is conducted, so far as relates to the care and treat- ment of the cows, you will please inspect those farms only on which butter and cheese (or milk) are made an article of sale, those farms on which cows are kept for the purpose of raising stock, only, not being considered to afford a proper comparison with the dairy farms of Herkimer county." In addition to the points embraced in the blank form, they were instructed to report, " How long has this farm been used for dairy pur- poses ?" " Has the disease of abortion ever prevailed thereon ?" " If so, when, how long did it continue, and when did it stop ?" The commission was so fortunate as to secure the services, as assistant inspector, for a part of the time, of Dr. Benjamin R. Swan, who had been in the service of the society, and in- inspected the towns of Newport and Fairfield last year. The experience then obtained, of tlie manner in which the cows of Herkimer couuty were cared for, made his observations all the more valuable here, and lie was furnished with a copy of the form of report used in 1867, in which the points more directly referable to thier care are contained, and was instructed to note any differences therein, as between the two districts ; thus establishing the accuracy, or otherwise, of the reports re- ceived, in 1867, from the farmers themselves, as also going over the whole ground with more care than any general direc- tions would have been likely to have secured. Dr. Swan began his term of service on August 13th, and finished on September 7th. He was succeeded by Mr. George A. Van- wagenen, who entered on duty September 20th, and finished on October 16th. Reports were received from these inspectors as follows, viz : Cows carry- Farms, ing calf to Abortion, full term. 50 ... 775 ... 1 44 ... 649 ... — 63 ... 1,042 ... — 65 ... 737 ... 1 From the town of Chester From the town of Chardon From the town of Munson From the town of Claridon Total 223 3,203 384 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. Of the abortions, one occurred in the sixth month of preg- nancy, the other in the ninth ; one took place in December, the other in March ; one was sired by a yearling bull, the other by a two-years-old ; both occurred in cows which had borne a calf at full term the previous year ; both cows had been on the respective farms upon which they then were for more than one year ; no history of injury was obtained in either case. The proportion of abortions to the whole num- ber of fuU term calves is too small, however, to consider these cases as otherwise than independent of influences at present affecting the cows generally, nor will they be again considered in this report, the district being assumed to be free from the disease. The investigation in Ohio being simply a continua- tion of that of last year, the points in the report then made will be taken up seriatim, and the two compared. 1st. As to the Ages or the Bulls Used. — In Herkimer In Geauga county. county. Per cent. Per cent. Cows served by yearling bulls ... 33 ... 49 Cows served by two-year-old hulls 65 ... 45 Cows served by " aged " bulls ... 3 ... 6 Showing, so far as the prevalence of abortions in Herkimer county is concerned, there can be no immediate influence against the use of yearling buUs, but arguing, so far as it goes, to an advantage in their favour. Your commissioner desires to be understood in this question ; he does not in either report assert, or intend to imply, that the age of the bull is likely to influence in one way or the other tlie probability of a cow once impreg- nated carrying her calf to term ; the fcEtus conceived by a young bull vi^ould be just as likely to live as that conceived by an older one ; the ovum, once having been impregnated by healthy material, is under care of the dam, to whom we must thereafter look for any stoppage in the natural process of ges- tation. The influence of the age of the hull must be looked for farther on— farther than it is practicable for this commis- sion to carry it — i.e., to the point of determining whether the cow whose sire was an immature buU carries her calves to term or habitually aborts ; but this is beyond any tangible information. 2nd. As to Excessive Service of the Bulls. — Average number of Cows. I^ Herkimer In Geauga ° county. county. BevTed by yearling bulls 20 ... 23 Served by two-yeiT-old bulls S2 ... 20 Served by " aged " bulls 41 ... 29 There is, therefore, no indication in this table that any unusual drain is inflicted on the bulls in the affected districts to cause this disease, confirming the observations of both previous years. 3rd. As to the Pegnancy. — No marked difference has, in either of the former investigations, been shown as to liability to abortions between first and subsequent pregnancies ; and it is worthy of remark here to find that about the same per- centage of the herds in each district are heifers ; in Herkimer county 9 per cent., in Geauga county 8 per cent. 4th. With Regard to Removals erom Parm to Parm. — By the investigation in Herkimer county it was found that there the per-centage of abortions among cows raised on the farm was less than among those brought on at any time during or since their first pregnancy, in the proportion of -046 to •07 ; and it was therefore inferred that, in a country where no abortions prevailed, the proportion of cows raised on the farm would be greater, but the investigation this year does not justify this inference. In Herkimer county 37 per cent, of the cows are raised on the farm reporting them ; in Geauga county but 30 per cent, are thus raised, and the conclusion drawn from the inspection of Herkimer county is not sustained by the statistics obtained in Geauga county; though justice to the farmers of Geauga county, who have, through JDr. Swan, entered their protest against the practice of frequent changes in their herds, requires that his remarks on this subject should be given. On Aug. 19th, soon after commencing his inspec- tion, he says : " The farmers are strongly prejudiced against cows from the West, preferring those that have been raised about here, and they seem to think that it is best to raise their own stock, and most of them raise two or three every year." On the 21st he states : " I find the herds more permanent here than in Newport ; the same cows remain on a farm till too old to be profitable, while iu Newport it was rare to have the same herd in December that was on the place in January." After having finished the inspection, his final report states : " Almost aU have tried the plan of ' deaconing ' all the calves and buying cows to replenish the dairy, but it has been given up ; all (P Com.) say it's much better to raise their own cows ; that cows brought in from the west and south never do well the first year ; and they find they can raise a calf about as cheaply as they can buy a cow, and then they know what they've got. I am told that, four or five years ago, it was almost universal to buy cows, and not raise calves ; but it was decided that it was a ruinous process and it's been stopped, and I do not remember one who has not from one to a dozen calves growing up ; the plan being, to raise the best calves, and sell the poorest cow, as the dairy increases in num- bers. In this way the herd is growing better, and it is these refuse cows that drovers take to New York." It is further re- spectfully submitted that the apparent discrepancy between the inspectors' reports and the farmers' statements is accounted for in the letter last quoted, where it says, " four or five years ago it was almost universal to buy cows, and not raise calves." May not the inspectors' reports be, to a large per cent., made from the cows thus bought P A further investigation of this point, relates to the condition of pregnancy, or otherwise, at the time or lemoval. Prom the facts presented from Her- kimer county, it appears that cows subjected to removal from one farm to another, during pregnancy,are more liable to abort than those removed non-pregnant, and who subsequently became so. No cows wese reported non-pregnant at the time of their removal, in the four towns inspected in Geauga county, but the proportion of yearly removals is less, being but 12 per cent., while Herkimer county reports 17 per cent, of yearly removals. An isolated fact bearing on this point may be mentioned. Dr. Swan writes : " I met to-day, at Mr. Lester Taylor's in Claridon, a Mr. Wilder, a dairy farmer from Cali- fornia. He keeps about three hundred cows, two hundred milking, the others coming on ; he makes butter entirely. * * * Last year he drove his cows down from one ranch on the mountain slope and through the valley to another ranch, and the next day a number aborted. Whether it was the journey, which was only seven or eight miles, and not unusual, or the change of feed, or strains, he could not teU." 5th. Period at which the Cows first began breed- ing.— The instructions to the inspectors were the same as last year and the importance of getting accurate replies was insisted upon ; all doubtful cases were rejected, and they report as follows", viz. : Of eight hundred and seventy-nine cows in Geauga county, which were raised on the farms reporting them (or were brought on as unimpregnated heifers), five hundred and fifty-five, or 62 per cent., first calved at under three years of age, while in Herkimer county, last year, 83 per cent, were comprised in the same class. In other words, the farmers of Herkimer county, where abortions prevail at the rate of six per cent, of all births, subject 21 per cent, more of their heifers to the process of gestation, at an earlier period, than is the habit with the farmers of Geauga county, where abor- tions do not prevail. The injurious tendency, in subjecting the heifers to this process, before arriving nearly at maturity, was insisted upon last year, and subsequent investigation has but served to confirm the views then expressed ; and, although the reports from Geauga county do not show that tht farmers there are free from the charge of too early breeding, yet the practice is not carried the extreme degree that it is in Her- kimer county. Among those who make a study of physiology, in either its scientific or its practical aspects, there is but one opinion as opposed to subjecting an animal to a process, making such great demands upon its nutritive powers, before arriving at nearly its full growth ; and it is a well known rule, that the too early or the excessive exercise of any function im- pairs, either permanently or tempararily, its complete develop- ment. And the following conclusions, bearing directly upon this point, are drawn from the statistics of 16,953 cases in the female population of Scotland. 1st. That the comparative fertility of the female population increases gradually from the commencement of the child-bearing period of life until about the age of thirty years is reached, and then it still more gradually declines. 2nd. The initial fecundity of woman gradually waxes to a climax, and then gradually wanes. 3rd. The climax of initial fecundity is probably about the age of twenty-five years. In the case under investigation, it is re- quisite that all parts of the organizatiou of a breeding heifer THE FAEMEB'S MAGAZINE. 385 should have their growth sufficiently advanced to enable them to bear the demand upoa their nutrition and future develop- ment, which gestation entails ; the influence of the latter being towards checking the growth of all the rest of the organization, to the hindrance, more or less remotely in the course of genera- tions, of the development of the reproductive process, and it can therefore only be necessary to show that a heifer has not arrived at her proper breeding period, at from one year to fifteen months of age, in order to prove that the disease com- plained of is a direct consequence of this practice. Yet this is the time at which, as has been shown in 1867, and again in 1868, 83 per cent, of the heifers of Herkimer county are first covered by the bull, and the reproductive process initiated. The fact of the presence of that portion of the reproductive pro- cess, comprised in the phenomenon of heat, or rat, is not suffi- cient authority for a breeder to immediately subject a young heifer to the labour of carrying on the remainder. Habits of domestication tend powerfully to stimulate this function to an early development and more active exercise ; but rules must not be assumed from exceptional cases, aud although in the investigation of this subject, as well as in his personal expe- rience as a farmer, your commissioner may luive met with cases of extreme precocity, more extended observations do not justify that these should be considered otherwise than ab- normal. One case is recorded where a heifer gave birth to a folly-developed calf when she (the dam) was but fifteen months and twelve days old. She must therefore have been impreg- nated at the age of six months, the sire being a calf, at the time of covering, of four months. Surely no one will assume from this case that it would be good or even allowable ma- nagement to set all calves to breeding as soon as they will allow intercourse ; yet this is the argument which the farmers, where abortions prevail so extensively, use, asserting that the artificial stimulation which habits of domestication invariably excite is the natural appetite. In a table relating to the pro- cess of reproduction in mammalia, including about fifty species. Prof. Dunglison gives, under the head of " Age ca- pable of engendering Young," that of a cow at two years. As the same table gives the human female to be capable of engendering young at fourteen years, it is evident that the compiler intended to make this the minimum age, at which the heifer coxild naturally conceive, for no one will claim that fourteen years is a proper child-bearing period in woman. Cuvier states, " The cow is gravid nine months, and can breed at eighteen" (months). Additional evidence would not be wanting on this point among strictly scientific authorities, but it is unnecessary. Theoretically, the practice is opposed to recognised physiological laws ; but to show that these laws are not in opposition to practical experience, a few extracts, among a large number to the same effect, from the writings of those engaged in active agricultural pursuits, may be of in- terest, as showing the plan which they have found to be the most advantageous. Keary on the Management of Cattle in Cheshire, a celebrated cheese district, in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society, says : " The age at which the heifers are first bulled varies in different herds, some breeders putting them to the bull at eighteen months old, while others prefer allowing them to run until they cnnphte their second year. Wright on Management of Breeding Cattle : " Heifers are usually put to hull at two years old — sometimes, but very rarely, before ; and this arrangement is found most conducive to the fruitfnlness of the animals." Bowick's Prize Essay on the Rearing of Calves : " If a cow brings her first calf when from two to three years old, which the majority probably do, though all will admit that it is too early, we should not care to milk her more than five or six months after calving." In how many instances is this latter precaution observed in these districts where abortions are so frequent ? Let the report of last year answer, page 33. And it was then further reported to this commission, many times, that the habit among the farmers was to force the heifers to as long a lactation as pos- sible, on the ground that if this process was prolonged to the extreme that her future periods of lactation would also in- crease— a proposition that no physiologist will admit, and which nearly every farmer who is capable, or rather who is in the habit, of putting the observations of two successive years together, will deny. Prize Essay on Management of Cattle, by Little, who is reporting the method adopted on one of the large estates in the north of England : " About fifty or sixty West Highland heifers, a year and a half old, are annually bought at the Falkirk Tryst, or Fair, in Scotland. They are brought home, * * * where they are wintered. * * * In May they are turned out to pasture, * * * and the Shorthorn bull is put amongst them in the beginning of Jnly. * This brings tliem to at least two years old before impregna- tion. Evershed on the Agriculture of Staffordshire, describing the manner of rearing young heifers : " The third winter, bein[/ then ln-calj\ they are fed," etc., etc. These extracts show the course pursued by English breeders. In France, Boussingault, whose position as a judicious rural economist is foremost, says : " The asre at which it is advisable to put heifers to bull depends a good deal on the way in which they have been kept and brought up, and also on their growth. Young animals of a good kind that have been well fed from their birth, and received all the care which contributes so powerfully to their development, will be ready to receive the bull wheu they are between a year and a-half and two years old. * * The rule, however, is not to allow the young female to be leapt until she is nearly at her full growth." It is, therefore, evident that from a year and a-half to two years is the minimum age at which it is practically economical, in its true sense, to allow a heifer to begiu the process of gestation. The observa- tions of the physiologist, and the experience of the practical breeder, who breeds for the best results to his herd, thus arrive as they always will, to the same conclusion. Gth. The Amount of Milk Obtai:^f.d tee Cow.-— This question, as afiecting the immediate result, is second in importance to none other presented ; and, as will be remem- bered, considerable emphasis was laid upon it last year, and the results obtained by the investigation this year are sufficiently confirmatory to fully warrant the views then taken. THE ATEEAGE YIELD OF MILK PER COW Pounds. In Geauga county, of 2,979 cows in 1863, was 2,858 In Herkimer county, of 11,908 cows on non- affected farms, in 1867, was 4,386 In the State of New York, of 1,195,481 cows by the census of 1865, was 3,571 By this it is seen that in Herkimer county the average yield is 35 per cent, greater than in Geauga county, and that the average yield of the latter is 10 per cent, more than the average quantity obtained in the wliole State of New York. As be- tween the counties of Herkimer and Geauga, this comparison must be taken as nearly accurate. The inspection was made in the same manner in both counties, in part in each by the same person, and, as was stated last year, inspectors were di- rected to make reference to the books of cheese factories when- ever desirable. It may also be here mentioned that both gentlemen expressed themselves under obligations to the pro- prietors of factories for the facilities afforded them in taking notes from their books. In the case of the State of New York, there are, of course, many districts in which the dairy is of a very subordinate consideration, and in which but little care is taken to collect the dairy-products. Very great differences exist between individual cows as well as between breeds, with regard to the amount of mUk which they will yield ; and if it could be shown that the cows of Herkimer county were a very superior race, better fed and better cared for than those in Geauga county, it might, with some propriety, be assumed that the above difference in the yield of milk is due to a natural difference between the local breeds. That, however, will not hold as between the cows of Herkimer county and those of the remainder of the State of New York (it is unnecessary to cite authorities on this point, it is a matter of too common observation) ; and, as between Geauga county and Herkimer county. Dr. Swan's evidence is clear, and directly opposed to the assumption of the superiority of the Herkimer county cows over those of Geauga county. This gentleman, as has already been stated, was a careful in- spector of the towns of Newport and Fairfield in Herkimer county, in 1868, and was, therefore, able to make a fair com- parison between the districts, and his instructions (before given) included observations on this point. He began inspect- ing August 18th, and writes: "I like the looks of the cows much better than in Newport." On the 21st : " I saw several herds yesterday, and was surprised at the excellence of the stock. The cows are large; the bulls at one and a-half to two years, are larger than two of the Newport Ijulls." On the 35th : " The more I see of the cows the more I am con- D 0 2 38G THR FARMER'S MAGAZINE. vinced of their superiority, as a race, over the Newport cows." A man said, to-day, " They ought to have good cows in New York, for they come here to buy." Another spoke up and «aid, " Yet, hut we only sell our poorest." Ou September 3rd, in reference to the manner in which tlu' dairies are kept uji, after describing whicli, he adds : " And it is these refuse cows that drovers take to New York, us you can't buy a. man's best cow here." And an examination of the returns in the reports of 1867, from all the States above mentioned, shows no dif fereuce or peculiarity in the breeds of cows. They are re- ported, in a large majority, as " natives," the remainder being " grades," in no marked difference of proportion between " Shorthorns," " Aiderneys," aud " Ayishires." As the evi- dence obtained by the commission, is opposed to the view that the cows of Herkimer county are of a superior quality, the question whicli would most naturally arise ne.\t, is whether the Herkimer county cows are lietter fed. lleports were made on this point from every farm inspected, in the three years during which this investigation has been pro- gressing, aud the result of a careful examination thereof is against this view. In the Report of last year it was shown (page 33) that the farmers of Herkimer county were in the habit of milking their cows to as late a period, during preg- nancy, as possible, and that this was the means by which the increased amount was obtained. The deleterious influence of this practice upon the progress of gestation was also con- sidered there, in some detail, to which it is only necessary to refer now. But do not farmers, in districts where abortions are unknown, pursue the same plan? It has been found im- practicable to obtain absolute statistics on this point. The exact date at which conception took place is oftentimes un- known, and no record as to the time at which milking ceased is taken ; but allowing farmers to state their views, those of Geauga county are found widely different from those in Her- kimer county given last year. Dr. Swan states, August 19 : " They (the farmers) all speak of the necessity of letting the cows rest, and think they get more out of a cow, iu the long run, by letting her run dry three months, than to milk close." August 25th : "The cheese factories here are not owned by the farmers in joint stock, as in Newport, but by an individual who buys the milk out-and-out from the farmers, so much per gallon. A farmer told me that Mr. Randall, one of the factory men here, was urging farmers to sow corn for fodder, and feed it, and milk through the winter, saying they did it in New York State. The farmer said he thought a cow wanted rest, and it would be better for the farmers to dry off for three months at least ; he thought they would be richer at the end of ten years than if they milked eleven months." In his final report, summing up the observations of his inspection, he says : " This country is the cheese district of the Western Re- serve. The country is rolling, in some places very hilly, much more forest than in Herkimer county. New York. Tlie soil has a large amount of clay. It is well watered, though not so well as Herkimer county ; there being much more bottom land and more sluggish streams, the clay lessens in amount, and the country is better watered as we go further south. The al- most universal custom is to let the cows run dry at least three months, all affirming that the cow needs rest, and that she comes out in the spring much better for it." It is, therefore, evident, from the facts actually presented, as well as from the observations of the inspectors, as thus shown in comparing these two extensive cheese-producing counties ; in one where abortions do not prevail, and in the other where they do, that the views expressed in the Report of last year are in their most essential points sustained ; one element, however, i.e., that of frequent removals, considered iu Herkimer county to be a somewhat frequent exciting cause of the disease, has been found to exist to a greater degree, in Geauga county ; but this is a minor point, and must be considered as one of the class of simply ex- citing causes, as distinguished from the predisposing or consti- tutional cause. The immediate exciting cause of an abortion may be one of many, all more or less accidental in their na- ture, but it became evident, as this investigation proceeded, that a disease, affecting so extensive a region of country, aris- ing, as this did, only after the dairy business had come, in the course of years, to be the principal interest of the district, and which gradually extended itself as that interest increased, that some general predisposing or constitutional influence or in- fluences were at the bottom, and that the various causes as- signed on all sides were but indications of a tendency to the disease, which must not be confounded with the main element. In the first year of the investigation the attention of the Com- mission was mainly directed to influences affecting individual cows, but noUiing positively pointing to a cause was arrived at, although immense progress was made in clearing away a mass of conflicting theories or opinions, which had previously presented themselves as important influences ; against every one of which, however, more negative facts could be brought to bear than could be presented in its support. Still, even at this early stage of the investigation, indications of the prac- tice of breeding prematurely were seen, but they could not then be classified in a manner to be made useful. In the following year the attempt was made to discover influences affecting farms, rather than cows ; but still no positive reason could be found to account for the comparative immunity of one farm over another in the affected districts. The more definite form in which the inquiry, with regard to the age at which the heifers were bred from, was put, developed, however, the im- portant fact of its very general early practice ; and the ia- creased average yield of milk, over that obtained from the cows throughout the State, who were of pre- cisely the same breeds and cared for in the same way in other respects, indicate an additional injurious influence upon the reproductive process, which would directly react upon an animal already subjected to the labour of premature gesta- tion found in both years to be exacted. It was then deter- mined that whatever tendencies were at work to give rise to the disease were those of a predisposing nature, affecting the whole practice of dairying as carried on in the various dis- tricts inspected, and that in order to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion the investigation must be carried to a comparison of districts. The result of this last comparison is now before you, and the explanation of the manner in which those in- fluences act, having been presented last year, it is unnecessary to enter upon them in more detail. And if, in the reports from time to time presented to your notice, but little reference has been made to many causes which have been advanced by authorities having every right to consideration, it has not been because they did not have value in the mind of your com- missioner, but because, after investigation, they were found to hold the secondary position of being simply exciting or acci- dental in their action as affecting individul cows, and not pre- disposing causes, influencing whole districts. W. H. CarmalTj M.D., Commissioner, &c. LAVENHAM FARMERS' CLUB. This club has held its first meeting for the autumn season, when the chair was taken by Mr. i\ P. Hitchcock. Mr. ViNCE read the following paper on " Cultivation ; or, how to draw the largest amount of value from the soil at the east expense." You will excuse me when I tell you I have prefaced my paper on cultivation with notes borrowed from history, and some remarks from better informed persons than myself. I trnst the heading of my paper will not mislead some of our young menibers to think ray object is to teach them to farm without capital, if so they will be disappointed. Cultivation is the art of tilling and managing land. The history of a nation celebrated for wealth and power is in every way intimately connected with cultivation ; the soil may be said to be the true riches of a country. In ancient, as well as in modern times, nations have increased in wealth, power, and importance, just in proportion as they cultivated the soil. Commerce and manufactures are, no doubt, powerful resources for multiply ing the wealth, and greatness of a nation ; but then, I think I may say they never have, nor ever can flourish until the cultivation of its soil has reached a certain degree of perfectign. In the earliest ages of the world|it is not THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 387 probable tliat man made himself mutli acquaialed with a cul- ture of the soil ; whilst the inhabitants of the earth were few and thinly scattered over its surface, hunting and Jishing, with the addition of fruit, iirc., afforded ample provisions ; but as mankind increased, they turned their attention to cultivation, to supply their wants with a more certain sub- sistence. Tiie first attempt at cultivation was, probably, by the use of the spade, which was evidently used prior to the plough. We read Adara himself was placed in the midst of a garden to keep and till it ; his sons, after the expulsion from Paradise, cultivated the ground ; and, in after-times, the rise and progress of cultivation appears to have improved, so as to supply the increasing wants of mankind. The Greeks were an ingenious and literary people, and were the first who taught the cultivation of the soil as a science. The Romans, as well, held agriculture in the highest estimation ; their senators and generals often worked at the plough when their services were not required elsewhere. In the present age the cultivation of the soil takes a prominent place in the history of a country, as institutions to stimulate production, and honours to encourage talent and discovery have long been and are oestowed amongst the nations in Europe. In Persia the husbandmen are yearly admitted to the presence of royalty, and in China the emperor performs once every year the task of holding the plough ; thus, by example, siiowiug that no man ought to be ashamed of being a farmer. In several countries of Europe the culti- vation of the soil is taught, as oue of the most useful branches of education ; and history tells us, when nations have become Exhausted by wars, governments have given encouragement to this science, as the only means of recruiting the permanent re- sources of the country ; and perhaps it would be well if our neighbours that have caused within the last few weeks so much bloodshed and misery should, after this, turn their attention to this humble employment. I think I may say an example of this may be found amongst the acts of our own Governments in days passed by. Sometimes in a state of comparative de- pression rather than one of prosperity may be looked to as favourable to permanent improvement. Necessity is said to be the mother of invention. The best cultivators have often been made from the poorest soils, whilst many farming such soils as require little more than mowing, ploughing, and sowing, manifest an indifference, and sometimes an aversion, to improve- ment. Now, gentlemen, if we take a glance at the ancient and modern practices of cultivation and implements of husbandry, some idea may be formed of the advancement of the science. I have said, no doubt cultivation was first commenced by spade husbandry ; there are some even now who would persuade us it can be done to some profit. Che- mical science has thrown much light upon the subject of soils and manures as well as the effect of atmospheric inlluences upon our soils, and the consequent necessity of deep and shal- low ploughing, according to the circumstances. Our fore- fathers commenced their instruction by recommending alternate fallows. I well remember one or two poor lieavy land farms, where the plan was adopted furthest from the homestead. The last half century has worked a revolution in grazing and farm- ing. Our martial neighbours can boast of tlieir Sniders, Chassepots, and needle-guns as engines of destruction : we can rejoice over our steam-d raining, i.team-ploughing, and steam-threshing engines, assisting us in developing the pro- ducts of the soil. The art of cultivation differs materially from any other art practised by man. Jlan can prepare and sow, whilst the bringing up and the bringing to maturity re- mains in the hands of an ever wise and indulgent Providence. We have known some foolish enough to wish for a wet harvest or a bloody war. We had the first in 1860. The last, I think we have had to perfection in 1870. Have we really received any benefit from either ? I fear not ; but I do think the last few years the seasons have been somewhat favourable for our operations in this neighbourhood, although, I fear, not for very light land occupations. That knowledge is power, is cer- tainly applicable to the business of the farm. Knowledge is a capital of the greatest value in the absence of more available advantages. There is no class who rely more on their owu skill than the farmers ; we must admit there are many of us who have not acquired a thorongli knowledge of our hiisi- ness. In these days of modern or rather model farming, we must always be acquiring fresh knowledge ; it cannot be said that the cultivation of our soils has yet been brought to that degree of perfection which it is capable of reaching. In a business point of view the inteniioii is to ubtaiu the greatest possible amount of produce from the soil, and the farmers object is to raise it at the least cost to afford him the greatest profit. In this a tenant may be assisted ma- terially by his landlord allowing useless pollard trees and fences to be removed, and suitable buildings and yards arranged for all grazing purposes. Half the rent of a farm may be lost for tlic want of proper accommodation. Good farm-yard manure, well-prepared, is the farmer's best friend. I am fully convinced, let what may be said to the contrary, that really good fanning cannot be maintained without good grazing. Our forefatiiers' chief wealth consisted m cattle, and our dependence must be, in a great measure, upon cattle also. How can we enrich the soil better than with good substantial manure P Mauut'acturers aud tiieir agents will dispute it, but sound practical farmers will not. I am convinced the more cattle we can keep the better it will be for us, directly or in- directly. Of course it requires discretion and judgment in buying and selling at the proper time The English nation is a large meat-consuming community ; for some years past, in spite of all the imports of foreign cattle, meat has realised a fair remunerative price. I remember saying to a sheep- grazing farmer in Hadleigli some 15 years since, " You keep a large flock of sheep, and feed them at a heavy expense." His answer was, '" AVe cant't make meat too fast w hen it will fetch 8s. per stone." As something above that price has been realised of late years. I think the same remark will apply now. I am not one of those who would say, " Sheep pay best, or beasts pay best" ; I would say, keep all you can fairly of each ; keep them well, and should they at the year's end not show so favourably upon your balance-sheet as you could wish, you will have the consolation of hoping for some better results from the manure heaps they have manufactured. Now, gentle- men, I have not recommended a small expenditure per acre to produce the largest amount of value from the soil at the least expense. Farming under the most economical principle possi- ble is expensive, and requires close application and good manage- ment. I think steam-power lias in some measure cheapened our labour, and also relieved the labourer from some of his most laborious work. Steam ploughing, I am convinced will become more general, and with much better results than were by many anticipated. Reaping and mowing machines, with their improvements, are more in favour, and have this year more than realised the anticipations of those that employed I hem, and will ultimately become as necessary an implement as the corn drill. I was very pleased this harvest in seeing one of Burgess and Key's two-horse reapers, with one man only to drive, laying the whole field in even sheaves in workman-like manner ready for tying. Thanks to science for these modern appliances. Wlieu we cau reconcile ourselves to the general use of them, I believe they will cheapen labour and assist to increase the value of our produce. You have already heard able papers from some of our most intelligent and practical members, upon the waste of force in farming operations, economy in the keep of farm horses, deep and fleet draining, ftc. I shall not enter upon these matters. The chief object of my paper is to enforce the necessity of breeding stock, &c. Good grazing in connection with our modern cultivation, as far as my owu experience goes, has been satisfactory, and I think there are many of our members who expend a large sum for stock and feeding stuff who will admit they have received a fair return for their outlay. We have heard £10 an acre as a fair outlay upon an occupation, aud many no doubt think they manage very well with that sum. I would not go so far as our friend Meclii, and say £20 would be much better, but I would urge upon our young members the necessity of breeding stock aud grazing as a means to increase their profits and im- prove the land ; always bearing in mind the producing man is the man for his country, and the mau who will uUimately re- ceive the best return upon his capital. The CiiAiiiMAN said Mr. Vince had referred to steam cul- tivation, and he would produce for their inspection some beet roots which he was told were the result of deep cultivation. Mr. Hitchcock theii placed upon the table four roots, two of extraordinary dimensions and two much smaller, and] also some of the subsoil, which, he said, was unmitigated' clay. The beet came from Mr. Campbell's, Busket Park, near Pariugdon, Berks, the large ones having been taken from the bottom of the field, where the soil was less tenacious, but all were grown upon pure clay. On the THE FAEMER'S MAaAZINE. same farm there were 1,300 acres of roots, as good as those he had produced. He (the Chairman) was at the farm on the previous day, and saw two engines of 30-horse power each, tearing up the land to the deptli of two feet. It was sugar-beet farming, and not a system that they could well follow. The beet was not for making sugar with, but to make spirits, therefore the distillery was more taken into con- sideration than the farm. Beet was also used to feed a great number of cattle and sheep, there being at the present time 1,500 bullocks and 5,000 sheep on the farm. The proprietor sold 50 fat bullocks, and from 300 to 400 sheep by auction every week. He (the Chairman) thought they must all thoroughly agree that deep cultivation was the thing for roots. Dr. White said the specimen of subsoil produced had plenty of carbonic acid in it. It was partly dolomite, which was a mixture of limestone and magnesia. The Chairmajj said he did not think there was any lime- stone in the soil, as they had in that neighbourhood to cart material for the roads a distance of 40 miles, whereas they might use limestone. The Secretary read a telegram he had received from Mr. Duncan, stating that he would give a prize of £10 to the grower of beet whose roots were the richest in sugar ; the roots to be tried to weigh not less than 21bs., and to be judged by density of juice in an average of 6 roots. It was agreed that the Secretary should write to Mr. Dun- can, thanking him for the offer, and ask him by what time the roots must be sent in. Dr. White said he had seen the steam plough at work on Mr. Hitchcock's land, but he thought there was a great loss of power in only having one grubber to two engines. Mr. VijNce said if any man could invent a means of two grubbers being worked at once with any state of efficiency he could soon get a patent. Mr. Hustler asked Mr. Vince's opinion upon the four course system of farming, Mr. ViNCE said as regards the shift of farming, the tenant farmer could not say much about that. Many of them were tied to the four-couse shift, although, perhaps, they would like to alter the course a little. He thought they were often not forward enough in preparing their lands for mangolds ; it ought to be done in the autumn. A person could not keep cattle unless he had roots for them. NORTON FARMERS' CLUB AND EAST DERBYSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. IHEETING AT CHESTERPIELD. At the twenty-eighth annual meeting of these united Societies the entries were fully as large as in former years, and consider- ing the want of herbage during the drought, which has kept animals in poor condition, the stock was fully an average. Amongst the cattle, the dairy cows were a very good class ; the heifers were rather poor ; but the stirks much better. The first cow-calf, and the iirst bull-calf were good. The sheep were a superior show. There were also some good pigs. The older draught horses were a good class. Only three hunters faced the hurdles. There was good competition for the prizes for butter and cheese. The roots, for the season, were good, the only poor class being the cabbages. PRIZE LIST. JUDGES. Horses : J. Robinson, Grove Horse Repository, Manchester ; T. Rodgers, Wath-upon-Dearne. Cattle and Sheep : W. Tomlinson, Bradley Pastures, Ash- borne ; P. Smith, Ashborne Grange. Pigs : J. Byrom, Penistone ; H. Jenkinson, Unstone. Dairy Produce : R. Wright, Chesterfield. Agricultural Produce : Messrs. Tomlinson and Smith. CATTLE. Bull. — First prize, £3, Mrs. Packman, Tupton Hall ; second, £1 10s., J. Pletcher, Eckington. Yearling bull, — Prize, £3, Mrs. Packman. Cows. — First prize, £2, and second, £1, Mrs, Packman ; third, 10s., J. Fox, Pleasley. A sweepstakes for pair of dairy cows in-milk or calf was awarded to Mr. Hopkinson, Woodthorpe, who showed against Mrs. Packman. Heifer. — First prize, £2, J. Fox; second, £1, S. Lowe, Tupton ; third, 10s., R. Crofts, Shtting Mill. Stirk.— First prize, £2, J. Fox; second, £1, G.Cox,Elmton Park ; third, 10s., M. Hopkinson. Wye calf. — First prize, £1, W. Fowler, Whittiagton ; second, 10s., W. J. Cawton, Park Hall. Bull calf.— Prizes, £1, Mrs. Packman, and £1, S. Lowe. SHEEP. Long-woolled shearling ram. — Prize, £3, M. Scorer, Scar- cliffe. Long-woolled above a shearling. — First prize, £3, and se- cond, £1 10s., R. W. Crawshaw, The Hagge. Of any breed. — Prize, £2, G. Sampson, jun., Beauchieff. Five breeding ewes.— First prize, £2, R. Croft ; second, £1, M. Scorer. Five theaves.— First prize, £2, M. Scorer ; second, £1, R. W. Crawshaw. Five theaves, Shropshires or Southdowus. — Prize, £3, J. Rooth, Stretton. Highly commended, G. Sampson. Five ewe lambs. — First prize, £2, R, Crofts ; second, £1, Mrs. Renshaw, Bank House, Staveley. PIGS. Boar of the large or middle breed. — First prize, J. B* Gregory, Ravensnest, Ashover ; second, C. B. Speight. Boar of the small breed. — Prize, C. B. Speight. Sow of the large or middle breed, in milk or in pig. — First prize, B. Hardy, Ashover ; second, J. B. Gregory. Gelt of the large or middle breed, in milk or in pig. — First prize, C. B. Speight ; second, E. Holland, Grassmoor. Sow or gelt of the small breed. — Prize, C. B. Speight. Store pig. — First prize, C. B. Speight ; second, C. Wright, Stonegravels. Cottagers' pig, the owner not to occupy more than half an acre of land. — First prize, W. Clayton, Chesterfield ; second, Conway, Chesterfield; third, G. Wilcockson, Chesterfield; fourth, W. Clayton. EXTRA STOCK, &C. Best pig, not exceeding six months old, fed on Littlewood's cattle spice, — Prize, timepiece value £5, J. Wright, Clay Cross, Best pig in showyard under 18 months, fed on Littlewood's cattle spice. — Prize, a silver cup, B. Hardy, Ashover. Best pig under one year old, fed on food seasoned with Simpson's cattle spice. — First prize, J. B. Gregory ; second, L. Mountney, Bakewell ; third, C. B. Speight. DAIRY PRODUCE, BUTTER. First prize, £1 Is., Mrs. T. 0. Hazard, The Herdings, Nor- ton ; second, 10s., Mrs. Blanksby, Hardwick Inn ; third, 6s., Mrs. Ewing, Tupton. CHEESE. Cream. — First prize, £1 Is., AV. J. Cawton ; second, 10s., Mrs. W. Whetton ; third, 5s., Mrs. T. 0. Hazard. Ordinary cheese. — First prize, £2, B. Hardy, Ashover; second of £1, M. Hopkinson. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE. Swedes. — ^Prize, G. Sampson. Common turnips. — Prize, J. Rooth. Mangolds. — Prize, R. W. Crawshaw. Cabbage.— Prize, W. Blanksby, HORSES, Hunter not lest than three years of age.— First prize, a silver cup and £5 5s., T. Berry, Sheffield ; second of £2 10s., T. Kirk, Oak Mount, Sheffield. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 389 Entire horse of the draught kind.— Prize, £5 5s.j W. Whetton, Sutton, Yearling nag. — First prize, £2, J. Bradbury, Tinstone Hall ; second, £1, J. Wilcockson, Brampton. Two-year-old gelding or filly, of the nag or riding kind. — First prize, £3, Mr. Hoyland, Wingfield ; second of £1, T. Heywood, Chesterfield. Three-year-old gelding or filly of the riding or nag kind. — rirst prize, £3, J. J. Crofts, Staveley ; second of £1, G. Wet- ton, Brimingtou. Roadster from 14< to 15t hands high. — First prize, £3 Ss., R. W. Crawshaw, The Hagge; second of £1 Is., S. Burkitt, Chesterfield. Harness horse, not under 15 hands. — First prize, £3 3s., W. Gaitskell, Duckmanton ; second of £1 Is., E. Goodwin, Ches- terfield. Brood mare of the nag kiad, with a foal at her foot.— Prize, £2, J. Rooth. Yearling gelding or filly of the cart kind.— First prize, £2, J. Wilcockson; second, £1 Is., J. Fletcher. Two-year-old gelding or filly of tlie cart kind. — Pirst prize, £2, i\Ir. Fletcher, Owl Cotes, Heath ; second of £1 Is., R. W. Crawshaw. Three-year-old carting colt or filly. — Pirst and second prizes, £2 2 and £1 la,. T. Ward, Intake. Highly commended : T. Marples. Brood cart mare, with foal at her foot. — Pirst prize, £3 3s., W. Rogers, Linacre ; second of £1 10s., J. Bradbury, Unstone Hall. Draught gelding or mare above three years old. — Pirst prize, £5, T. Ward ; second of £2, W. Lister, Greenliill Hall ; third of £1, R. W. Crawshaw. Pony, mare or gelding, under l^ hands. — First prize, £2, J. Martin, V.S., Chesterfield ; second of £1, W. Stamford, sur- geon, Tibshelf. Highly commanded : J. Ewing. HUNTINGDONSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT ST. NEOTS. For many years past the meeting of this Society have been migratory, and having been held alternately at St. Ives, Ram- sey, and Huntingdon, this year came round again to St. Neots. Of horses the supply was good, and some really fine animals were exhibited. Tlie same may be said of the breeding stock, Mr. Pawlett, Beeston, Bedfordshire, being always a great exhibitor. The show of sheep was small, not being nearly so large as at Huntingdon last year. Several classes did not fill. Pigs VFere indifi'erently represented ; there were only five classes, and the entries were by no means large. The poultry show was likewise small, and much below the average. PRIZE LIST. HORSES. Best stallion for agricultural purposes. — Pirst prize, £15, J. Flintham, Somersham ; second, £7, Mr. Battock, Heming- ford Abbots. Cart mare and foal. — First prize, a cup value £10, J. Warth, jun., Sutton, Isle of Ely ; second, £3, J, Fryer, Chatteris. Two-year-old cart gelding. — First prize, £4<, and second, £2, T. and S. Fyson, Warboys. Two-year'-old cart filly.— Prize, £4, Mr. Wilkinson, God- manchester. Cart foal.— Prize, £2 2s., R. H. Ekins, Wennington. Mare or gelding, above four and under five years old. — Prize, a cup value £35, Mr. Cheney, Gidding Grove. Mare or gelding, five years old. — Prize, £10, D. Cooper, Spaldwick. Mare and foal. — Prize, a cup value £10, J. Patterson, jun., Walesby. Mare or gelding, above four and under five years old, not exceeding 15 hands 1 inch. — Prize, a cup value £10, J. Warth, jun. Mare or gelding, above five years old. — Prize, a eup value £5, J. Topliam, Crown Farm, Great Staughton. Pony, not exceeding 13 hands high. — Prize, £2 2s., J. Warth, jun. EXTRA PRIZE. Mare or gelding, entered in either of the above classes, which shall jump in the best form. — Prize, a cup value £5, J. T. Blott, Basmeade. CATTLE. Bull, not under two years old. — First prize, £8, and second, £4, Mr. Pawlett, Beeston, Sandy, Beds. I3ull, under two years old. — First prize, £6, Mr. Pawlett ; second, £3, P. Brown, Houghton. Cow, of any age, having produced a calf within nine months. —First prize, £5, J. How, Broughton ; second, £3, P. Brown. Cow, of any age, in calf, or having produced a calf within nine months. — First prize, £5, P. Brown ; second, £3, B. H. Rowell, Oldhurst. Heifer, under three years old.— First prize, £4, J . How ; second, £2, C. Hall, St. Neots. Heifer, under two years old,— First prize, £3, J. How ; second, £1 10s., Mr. Pawlett. Steer, under three years old.— Prize, £5, Mr. Sisman, Buck- worth. Steer, under two years old.— First prize, £3, J. How ; second, £1 10s., Mr. Sisman. Pairof steers.— Prize, £4, Mr. Squire, Cross Hall, St. Neots. EXTRA PRIZE. Bull, to be kept in the district for 12 months,— Prize, a cup value 20 gs., Mr. Pawlett. SHEEP. LONG WOOLS. Pen of 5 theaves, under two years old.— First prize, £4, and second, £2, Mr. Cranfield, Buckden. Pen of five ewes. — First prize, £4, and second, £2, Mr. Cranfield. Pen of five wether lambs.— First prize, £4, and second, £2, Mr. Cranfield. Pen of five ewe lambs.— First prize, £4, and second, £2, Mr. Cranfield. Pen of five tup lambs.- First prize, £4, and second, £3, Mr. Cranfield. SHORT WOOLS OR MIXED BREEDS Pen of three wethers, under two years old. — First prize £4, and second, £2, T. Topham, Staploe. Pen of five wether lambs.— First prize, £4, J. Hall, Eynes- bury ; second, £2, R. Daintree, WooUey. Pen of five ewe lambs. — First prize £4, and second, £2, F. Street, Harrowden. PIGS. Boar, of the large breed.— First prize, £3, J . Pashler, Great Catworth ; second, £1 10s., Mr. Crawley, Waresley. Boar of the small breed.— First prize, £3, Mr. Deacon, Oundel ; second, £1 10s. to Mr. Squire. Breeding or suckling Sow, of the large breed.— First prize, £3, Mr. Pashler ; second £1 10s., Mr. Squire. Breeding or suckling sow, of the small breed. — First prize, £3, Mr. Deacon ; second, £1 10s., Mr. Squire. Pen of three yelts. — Prize, £3, Mr. Squire. ROOTS. 20 Swede turnips.— First prize, £1, Mr. Wood, Clapton ; second, 10s., G. Day, St. Neots. 20 Green, white, or red turnips.— Prize, 15s. Mr. Squire. 20 Globe mangels.— First prize, £1, P.Brown ; second, 10s., Mr. Sisman. 20 Long mangels.— First prize, £1, Mr. Sisman ; second, 10s., Mr. Looker, Wyton Manor. 20 Carrots. — Prize los., Mr. Ekins, Wennington. 20 Kohl Rabbi.— First prize, £1, Mr. Looker ; second, 10s., Mr. Sisman, 10 Caboages. — Prize, 15s., Mr. Sisman. 20 Roots exhibited in classes 3 or 4. — Special prize, a cup Talue 5 gs., Mr. Sisman. 390 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. FIELDS AND FOLDS AT HOME AND ABROAD. Rotterdam is a quaint old city, well worthy of a few hours' quiet survey ; and, as there is not much to be seen, those few hours will suffice to see all. The most charac- teristic view of the whole is to be had from a tower of the High Church, the peculiarities of the place being at once observable from this vantage post. Of these the chief is the intersection in all possible directions of the streets by the numerous canals, or rather the twining and twistings of the great canal, the ramifications of which are so diversified as to give altogether a peculiar feature to the city : the canals take in point of fact the place of the streets of other cities, the real streets forming compara- tively narrow strips on each side of the canal. The number of bridges is consequently very great ; and these, when viewed from a lower level, form a feature in many cases picturesque and in all peculiar. The houses are very high as a rule, and, being nearly all built on earth which can scarcely be charactersed as solid, many of them ai'c off the " plumb," and that in some cases to a degree which is somewhat alarming to an on-looker who has been accustomed to the straight, erect structures built on more solid soils. In many cases the houses are built quite close up to the sides of the canals, and look as if they would some day inevitably topple over and splash into the waters below. In many, we may perhaps say the majority, of the streets skirting the canals, trees are planted, which give the charm to a city which they alone can give. The view from the tower of the High Church gives on a clear day a very striking view of what may be called the exceedingly narrow limits within which are com- prised the towns and districts of this little kingdom; indeed a good eye may take in the whole of it, and that by no great exertion of its seeing capabilities. To the south is seen the lower reaches of the lordly river the Rhine, about which so much has been written and said, and in praise of which the songs of Germany abound — a river at this point which, as it " drags its slow length" along in quiet and placid, or sluggish, style, is the very antipodes of that noble phase which it presents for miles away, where it dashes over the rocks of Schaffhausen, or runs swiftly through the pass of the Lurlie, or washes the base of the vine-clad cliffs, the summits of which are capped by the ruins of the castles which make the upper Rhine such a charming river. But the lower Rhine, in its quiet placidity, is not a river by any means to be despised; its banks no doubt lack the features to which we have above alluded, but they possess charms to those fond of quiet rural scenery, abounding in much that is, if not pictu- turesque, at least that is very pleasing. We are aware that it is the fashion amongst the English tourists to pooh- pooh the ^ lower Rhine as a river all sailing upon which for sight-seeing is to be avoided, but on such fair ^acquaintance with it as frequent voyages upon it may reasonably be supposed to give, we can claim for it this — that it is at all events worth sailing down at least once. And if this is done by one of our readers on the strength of this statement, he will not be disposed to find fault with us for giving him the advice. All the more pleasure will it be if, to the interest which a true agri- culturist will take in seeing much that is suggestive of rural life of a character somewhat diverse from that met with in our own country, he adds that interest which an artistic taste will throw around scenery which will remind him many a time in the course of a day's sail of our charming pictures of the old masters. He will see many a production in real life of that which in their works he has long studied and admired. But to return to our view as obtained from the tower of the High Church of Rotterdam. Following the river up its banks, if banks they can be called, he will see the red piled , houses and the prominent steeples of Dortrechel (Dort), a venerable city, which with its old historical associations, and its fine buildings, and the beautiful sails which may be made on the borders of the river surround- ing it, is well worthy of a visit. Turning towards the north-west he will see the railway shooting out in a straight " bee line" right off to the queer old town of Delft — once famous for its crockery — and still famous for the church in which repose the remains of some of Holland's heroes and great men. Farther on the eye takes in the steeples of the still more famous town of the Hague, a charming toy town, which should be visited, not less for the art-treasures which are there to be met with, than for the pleasant trips which can be made in its vicinity. Amongst which may here be noted the watering place in the North Sea — the Baden-Baden of Holland, Further on you see the town of Leyden, famous for its university, and not less famous for its size and its heroic defence. Still further on the eye rests upon the buildings of Haarlem, famous for its huge organ, and still further on those of the regal town of Amsterdam ; still sweeping round, the eye next rests upon the quaint fine old town of Utrecht, and nearer Rotterdam that of Gouda, celebrated for its cheese. Within this circle lies nearly the whole of Holland, and its principal cities. The character of the country agriculturally may be seen at a glance, it is essentially meadow and pasture land, but such pastures ! It does the heart of a staunch old farmer good to see the grass amongst which the cows luxuriate ; it is suggestive of an endless flow of the finest milk, of supplies of the richest cream. But more of this and of cognate subjects as we proceed. The chief characteristics of the towns of Holland are cleanliness and quiet, not but what we have seen dirty slums even there, and smelt scents not by any means suggestive of the " Sabean odour from the spicy shore" of which the poet sings. But cleanliness is without doubt the rule, cleanliness which does not content itself with the condition of interior but concerns itself equally with the exterior of the houses. Nothing, indeed, so clearly contrasts with the state of too many of the streets of our towns and the slovenly state of too many of the houses, especially of the lower classes, than the way in which cleanliness " inside and out" is looked after, and undoubtedly secured throughout the whole of Holland. There is certainly no stint of water, and still more cer- tainly there is no stint in its use for cleaning purposes. The very streets are washed, and pavement scrubbed like parlour floors — the brass worksis of the most brOlant, the paints of the purest. Quietness of the towns, with the exception of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, which are in many respects quite noisy and bustling enough, is another characteristic which cannot fail to strike the observant traveller. It is a " silence which may be heard," and which imparts to all around a sleepiness which is very catching, but which to one coming from the never ending push and bustle of our towns has a charm of its own. To the man who has been over-wrought, as is too often the case with many of us, a positive benefit is to be de- rived from the strolls through the great streets of the majority of Dutch towns — the strain is taken off the THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 391 mind, and it is allowed to go to rest as one dreamily saunters along. There is quite enough of historical in- terest attached to nearly all the towns to impart an in- tellectual rest, to keep the mind alive without taxing it in any way. But the true " draught of nepenthe" is to be drunk, so to say, when one steals through the country on board one of the canal boats or trnckshuits which " run," we were going to say, borrowing a plirase from our own go-a-head vocabulary, but whicli we should rather say "creep" from town to town . We are quite aware that this mode of travelling is all too slow for the hurrying tourist to whom a railway is scarce quick enough, and to whom the object seems to be to get through or over a country as fast as possible, regardless of what he sees, or rather what he does not see. But to one who wishes to see the country in its true — which to our i-eaders means its agricultural — aspect, to see the iieoplc, the houses they live iu, the work they do, and what may be called the inner life of the villages, we would strongly recommend the tourist to devote at least two or three days to travel by canal boat. If the weather be fine, we know of no more delightful mode of conveyance ; there is just spurt enough of motion to give the notion that progress is being made, yet not enough to dispel the dreamy drowsiness which to the overworked man is so delightful, and which is so well calculated to aid nature's recuparative powers. And as the gardens of the better class of houses almost invariably stretch down towards the canal, charming views of the inner lives of wealthy Dutchmen are often obtained. Gardens laid out with the richest profusion of shrubs, trees, and of the flowers for which the Dutch ai"e so famous, are frequently passed ; nor are views of lower life wanting, as the canals pass through the centres of the villages, forming indeed the highway, so that views of quaint old houses are often obtained. And every now and then a stage iu the journey is reached at which the boat stops, and as these stoppages deserve the name they get — unlike the hurried minute or two we get at our halting places — the tourist has time enough to " liquor up" in some queer old smiddy of a drinking shop, in which more frequently than otherwise an " interior" view is ob- tained of house and housewife, which puts the artistically inclined traveller in mind of some rare old bits of Teniers. And last, although not least, in importance to the prudent man who wishes to get the maximum of pleasure or in- formation at the minimum of expense, a consideration worthy to be considered, and so considered by all who are not of the class who have " more money than wit" — the cost of conveyance by truckshuit is low, almost ridiculously low. Taking everything into consideration for those who wish really to see what is worthy to be seen. We pronounce the truckshuit as the best conveyance to take in Holland. We have travelled through the country in all ways, and we maintain that those who travel only by railway, do not, and cannot, see Holland as it is, and the Dutch people as they are. Another pleasant mode of travelling to see the country is what we would call a gig : this is generally provided with a hood, by no means a convenience to be despised when the sun is pouring down its fierce rays, and not less so when a heavy shower falls. This is not the only kind of conveyance to be had ; some indeed are so odd in build as to defy the powers of description of any maker of such vehicles as we have. Carriages can be hired at almost any village, and as the roads are generally good, a fair extent of road can be got over in a short time, with this great advantage, that you can pull up at any point, to examine closely what may strike you as worthy of examination, an advantage which the truckshuit does not afford you. The horses, IS a rule, sent out with those conveyances are not much 0 " crack on ;" but they manage to get famously along, levei'theless, opposite as they ai'e to the obese con- dition which is supposed to be the characteristic of thewell- built, broad-beamed Dutchman — a characteristic, by the way, we may name in passing, not so frequently met with in Holland as we would be led to infer from what has been written and said of them. In point of fact, we have seen greater numbers of " Dutch builds" in the human frame iu Paris and France, than we have seen iu Amster- dam and Holland, notwithstanding the popular notion of the " lean and lanky .lohuny ("rapuad." I'Vom what we have already said it will have been ob- served that the chief towns of Holland lie iu what Bob Cratchet called " a circle ; so that, setting out from llot- terdam, the traveller takes them all in, and can return to Rotterdam in the opposite direction from that in which he set out. Thus he may go from Rotterdam by way of Delft, taking thereafter the Hague, Leyden, Haarlem, and Amsterdam ; thence to Utrecht and Gouda ; and from Gouda back, if so he wills, to Rotterdam ; or he may go first to Gouda, and thence round by way of Utrecht to Amsterdam, reversing the order in which the other towns are named. For reasons, which may or may not be obvious, and which, after all, are of little moment, we purpose taking our readers in the last of the two named ways — namely, by Gouda — as the first point to be reached. Nearly the whole of the laud on both sides of the canal or railway from Rotterdam to Gouda is devoted to meadows and pastures, comparatively little being under cultivation, and that little devoted chiefly to rye and oats amongst the cereal crops, and colza and potatoes amongst the forage and root crops. The colza is growu chiefly for the seed, but is also used in its green state for forage purposes. It is usually sown in the month of July — if the crop is to be raised from transplanted plants — in a well-manured seed-bed. As soou as the stubbles are cleared the land is ploughed deeply, and the furrows — where the best cultivation is sought after — carefully laid up after with the spade. The plants are then trans- planted from the seed-bed, in rows at distances from each otlrer varying from twelve to sixteen inches, and at dis- tances iu the rows of twelve inches. If the season is early, and the plants have taken well, they are hoed before winter, the land being left as rough as possible ; they are then left, and early in the spring again hoed, and a good feed may be sometimes obtained from it if peculiarly luxuriant and the season is eai'ly ; it will after this shoot up rapidly and grow for seeding. If entirely used for forage, this will be done so early as to allow of the land being prepared for rye, oats, and potatoes. When in flower, the bright yellow appearance of the fields or patches of laud — more frequently these than those — upon which it grows presents a fine contrast to the surrounding green lauds, and give to the aspect or the country a cheer- ful look. When the crop is ready for harvesting, it is cut with the sickle, a long stubble being purposely left, upon which the cut crop is laid, and being thus well kept oft" the ground, it soon dries. W^hen it is thrashed, the chaff from the seeds makes an excellent substance for mashes, and so does the straw if cut up small into chaff, although it is generally used for littering. Colza is, how- ever, a much more important crop in the neighbouring country of Belgium, where, to be sure, the style of farming is very dift'erent, as we may hereafter see, from that car- ried out in Holland. There can be uo doubt of this, that on light lands we could, by cultivating rape more largely than we do, add greatly to our stock of feeding or forage plants. Where good colza is grown there must also be good farming, another point in its favour. The land all the way up to Gouda is largely composed of peaty or mossy soil, as evidenced in the peats which may be seen here and there laid on land to dry, and iu the dark sided pools of water ; although there are parts where saudy soil is S92 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. abundant. The laud is indeed, as a rule, of anything but a solid character ; so far from this, that if a building or any great weight is to be erected, the first operation is that of piling. We saw a station shed in course of erec- tion at Gouda, and the piling driven to secure the founda- tion showed the treacherous character of the soil, and the consequently costly character of the structure. Clover, generally the scarlet clover, is also cultivated as forage, for summer feeding. The winter forage consists almost entirely of hay, raised from the meadows. The crops are, as may be expected from what we have already said, gene- rally heavy, as may be seen from the large and well-filled sheds or covered stacks attached to small, or what appear to be small farm-houses. The meadows are liberally top-dressed with mauure, this being composed not only of farm dung, but of town refuse often carried a considerable distance in small boats, these being tracked along the water-ways or small canals, which are seen everywhere over the land. These are so numerous in the neighbourhood of Gouda, that the solid land lies between the canals in narrow patches ; and it is a curiously suggestive sight to see, when one looks across the country in the direction of the water-ways, the strips of alternating green contrasting with the water-ways, and stretching far away into the distance where they seem to merge one into another. Not that the distinction between water and grass-land is always very marked, for so covered are some of the water- ways with green weeds, and that so closely, that it is difficult to see at any, even a short distance, which strip is land and which is water — only this, that the cattle grazing indicates certainly the one which is solid. These water-ways are frequently used to transport the manure to the fields ; the boats are small, but their want of capacity is made up by the height to which the manure is piled up — so piled up, that many a time we looked out for a cap - size. The manure for top-dressing the meadows is laid liberally on the meadow land, and with scrupulous care spread over the surface, special attention apparently being given to the breaking up of the lumps and giving as uniform a dressing as possible to the surface of the land: This care is well repaid in the magnificent crops with which, as a rule, the farmers of Holland are blessed. The distribution of the manure is aided by wheelbarrows and sometimes by small oddly-shaped but handy four- wheeled waggons, in which the manure is taken from the boats and laid in heaps over the meadow. The cows are kept out in the pastures night and day in the summer time, the milking being done three times a- day. The " milk-maids" are a sight to see in the generally picturesque costumes in which they appear, and the scrupulous cleanliness of person and of dress ; the same remark may be made of the vessels used. These are often of brass, and are polished till they reflect the rays of the sun like burnished gold : if of wood, they are bound with metal, iron or brass, hoops, which are also kept scrupu- lously bright, and contrast finely with the white wood, which also tells of the " elbow grease" which has been expended in cleaning it. Like the peasantry of Belgium, that of Holland take an especial pride in their utensils : they are often very costly, and are cleaned and burnished till they shine again, and are always placed in the houses in such conspicuous positions as to indicate the value placed upon them ; they are the household gods and most devoutly worshipped. The milk is carried home in vessels suspended from the two ends of a pole which rests upon the shoulders of the milk-maid — a most convenient way of carrying. The cows, where supplies can be had, have distillery wash or dreg, this being given in large tubs, which are placed at convenient parts of the field. We have seen these frequently, especially on the other side of Rotterdam, in the neighbourhood of Schiedam, that place so celebrated for its fine distiUei'ies. The fields are by no means large, the strips of land in districts as at Gouda, where the water-ways are so numerous, indeed prevent this ; in other parts, as in the polder lands, the fields are larger, and the water-ways less numerous. There are no fences, the water-ways — or dykes, as they are called — forming the divisions. To admit of access from one strip to another, and as forming in fact the roadways to the farm, bridges or boarded foot- ways are thrown across the water-ways ; and to prevent the animal crossing, when it is desired they should be confined to one strip of pasture, part of the roadway is movable or hanged, so that it can be lifted up, or one or two of the centre boards are taken out, thus preventing the animals from crossing till the hinged part — draw- bridge fashion — is let down or the planks put in place. PENEITH AGEICULTURAL SOCIETY. Notwithstanding the glut of local shows at this season, that at Penrith not only " held its own," but exceev.'.ed in many respects tlie achievements of former years. In the cattle class there were sisy entries, including some of the best breed of which these eminently breeding counties can boast. The bulls were a grand specimen of what enterprise can effect backed by capital and judgment, and no diversity of opinion existed as to the discretion of the judges in awarding the pre- mier prizes. The aged Shorthorn bulls were a magnificent class. Mr. J. C. Bowstead, of Hackthorpe HaE, adding an- other to his well-earned laurels with his matchless Plag of Britain, a pure white, with splendid head, excellent fore- quarters, good gait, and elephantine but symmetrical propor- tions. The Emperor, for the two-year-olds, and Mr. Bow- stead's British Banner and Flag of Britain had but little to contend against, excepting Mr. Hogarth's Saint Julian, pro- mising a good future. Shorthorn cows and heifers were a very attractive show, three first prizes going to Sir G. Musgrave's celebrated herd. Mr. W. Lowth's premium of a ten-guinea cup was carried off by the first-prize bull above alluded to. Mr. Rickerby's Emperor, now for the first time shown, and for which a second prize was given in class 3, bids fair to hold a leading position at future shows. In the horse class there were 204f entries, and it was altogether a useful good show. The agricultural geldings were not very numerous, but good of their class. Light horses were very well represented, and the hunting fiUies were also much and deservedly admired. The sheep show was throughout a capital class, the Leices- ters more particularly. The blackfaced sheep were also good in their class — indeed, the judges expressed an opinion that they had never seen better shown. Where there was so much excellence, it is almost invidious to particularize, but special mention should be made of the draughts from the flocks of Mr. Irving, of Shap Abbey, whose royal sheep was again successful, and had other favours showered upon him. There was,',as usual several reversions of the decisions at other shows, and in no case more pointedly than in the award for the best border Leicester tup, which was given to Mr. J. 0, Bowstead, of Hackthorpe Hall, whereas the same tup was only third at Templesowerby, Col. Bigg's tup in the same class was second both here and at Templesowerby. The show of pigs was not large, but it included some very good speci- mens of porcine excellence. Some reputable dairies were re- presented, the redoubtable Mrs, Dobson, of Williams town, and Mrs. Davidson, of Greengill, dividinff the two honours, which included two pieces of plate presented by Mr. E. Tink- ler, churn manufacturer, Messrs. Stalker, R. Tinkler, and Armstrong, of Penrith, made a large display of agricultural THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. S93 impleraents ; and Mr. Proud, of Carlisle, showed a collection of light lasliionahly-constructed vehicles. There was a small show of roots, by Mr. Ingledew, of Sewborrews, Mr. Wright, of Carleton, and Mr. Clark, of Penrith, but no prizes were offered. As a whole, the show was considered a complete success, notwithstanding the hesitation on the part of some to run the risk of eucouutering the prevalent disease which has happily not displayed itself with excessive virulence in the immediate neighbourhood of Penrith. The following were the judges. — Shorthorn cattle, and pigs : Joseph Culshaw, Towneley Park, Burnley ; Thomas Atherton; Nichol Milue, fade side, Mekose. Leicester, border-Leicester, and long-wool sheep : R. W, Cresswell, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire ; Lambert, Elrington Hall, Hexham ; John Wood, Stanwick Park, Darlington. Hunting and harness liorses : Brumley, West Lancaster ; John Black- stock, Hayton Castle, Maryport. Agricultural horses : John Porster, Longtown ; James Steepraan, Roslin, Edinburgh. I31ackfaced sheep : William Noble, Beckford, Bampton ; Geo. Browne, Troutbeck. Butter : John Irving, Longmarton ; John Shields, Kirkbythside. Inspectors of green crops: George Smith, Cockermouth ; R. Hetherington, Park Hall, Silloth ; Peter Crosthwaite, Keswick. — Carlisle Journal, WIGTON AGEICULTURAL SOCIETY. JUDGES. Horses.— Saddle and harness horses : Mr. Hall, Sedgefield, Durham ; Mr. Fearon, Keekle House. Cart horses : Mr. T. Marshall, The Howes, Annan ; Mr. M. Teeuan, White Sands, Dumfries. Cattle. — Shorthorns: Mr. J. TJnthank, Netherscales, Pen- rith ; Mr. A. Haddon, Honeyburn, Hawick. Galloways : Mr. Kerr, Red Hall; Mr. J. Grierson, Brandedelys, by Crocketford. Shekp and Pigs. — Mr. J. Belleirving, Whitehall, Lockerbie ; J-L-. J. Mackenzie, Burnhill, Dumfries. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. SHORTHORNS. Bulls, calved previous to January 1st, 1868. — First prize, J. Todd, Mireside ; second, J. Barns, Barugh. Bulls, calved in 1868. — First prize, J, Scott, Little Crosth- waite ; second, J. P. Foster, Killhow. Bulls, calved in 1869. — First prize, J. C. Boustead, Hack- thorpe Hall ; second, J . Nelson, Rash. Bull calf, calved in 1870. — First prize, J, Lamb, Burrell Green; second, J. and J. Norman, Bridge Mill. Cows or heifers in calf or mUk, calved previous to 1868. — First prize, J. Todd; second, R. B. Hetherington, Park Head. Heifers, calved in 1868. — First prize, T. Dalzell, Hollins ; second, T. Dalzell. Heifers, calved in 1869. — First prize, J. Gunson, Sandwith, Whitehaven ; second, J. P. Foster. Pair of heifer calves, 1870.— Prize, J. Todd. Pair of steers, calved in 1869. — First prize, J. Cowen, Curthwaite ; second, J. Clark, Wampool. Cup, value 30 guineas, for the best Shorthorn bull of any age. — Prize, J. Lamb. Twenty guineas for the best Shorthorn cow or heifer of any age. — Prize, R. B. Hetherington. Shorthorn bulls above 12 months, and not exceeding 36 months old. — First prize, J. C. Boustead, Hackthorpe Hall ; second, J. Scott, Little Crosthwaite ; tliird, T. Donald, Sanden House. Boll of any age.— Prize, J. Fisher. GALLOWAYS. Bulls, calved previous to January 1st, 1868. — First prize, J. Fisher, The Knells ; second, J. Graham, Parcelstown. Bulls, calved in 1868. — First prize, R. Peat, Stone House, Seaville. Bulls, calved in 1869. — First prize, J. Johnson, The Green ; second, J. Thirwall, Whitrigglees. Bull calf, calved in 1870.— Prize, J. Fisher. Cows or heifers in calf or milk, calved previous to 1868.^ First prize, J. Graham ; second, J. Graham. Heifers, calved in 1868. — First prize, J . Graham j second, W. Harrison, Westfield House. Heifers, calved in 1869.— Prize, J. Graham. HORSES. SADDLE. Brood mares.— First prize, I. W. T. Fyler, Heffleton, Dorset- ihire ; second, T, Baxter, Brom&eld. One-year-old Ally.— First prize, T. Baxter ; second, G. Moore, Whitehall. Two year old filly, — First prize, W. F. Wilson, The Gale ; second, J. Robinson, Bowness. Three-year-old filly. — First prize, H. Railton, Snittlegarth ; second, G. Ruddick, Arkleby. One-year-old colt. — First prize, T. C. Thompson, Kirk- house ; second, T. J. Steel, Southerfield. Two-year-old colt. — First prize. Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Bart., Brayton Hall ; second, J. S. Steel, Laythes. Three-year-old colt. — First prize, L. Potts, Wigton ; second, G, T. Carr, Silloth. Brood mare, calculated to breed hunters, with foal at foot. —First prize, I. W. T. Fyler ; second, T. Baxter. HARNESS. Brood mare. — First prize, J. Jennings, Thornby ; second, T. Morton, Longburgh House. One-year-old filly.— First prize, J.Nicholson, The Bank; second, J. Jennings. Two-year-old fiUy. — First prize, S. Stamper, Waverton ; second, J. Bowley, Warthole Guards. Three-year-old filly. — First prize, C. and J. Armstrong, Carlisle ; second, J. Thirlwall, Whitrigglees. One-year-old colt. — First prize, G. H. Head, Rickerby ; se- cond, R. F. Irving, Torpenhow. Two-year-old colt. — First prize, T. Baxter ; second. Sir W. Lawson. Three-year-old colt. — First prize, R. H. Watson, Bolton Park ; second, T. Baxter. CART. Brood mares.— First prize, T. Bell, Townfoot, Brampton ; second, G. Little, Heads. One-year-old filly. — First prize, G. Little; second, W. Atkinson, Greenrigg ; commended, J. Williamson, Torpenhow. Two-year-old filly.— First prize, W. Little, Whitrigglees ; second, Mrs. Little, Bownes Hall. Three-year-old filly.— Prize, Mrs. R. Carruthers, Highfield Moor, near Carlisle. One-year-old colt.— First prize, G. H. Head, Rickerby; second, R. Barnes, Laythes. Two-year-old colt. — First prize, W. Atkinson ; second, Mrs. Little. Three-year-old colt.— First prize, S. Stamper, Waverton ; second, J. W. Black, Longburgh. Cart horse or mare from 3 to 8 years old, bond fide the property of a tenant farmer. — Prize, T. Bell, Townfoot Farm. Sweepstakes. Pair horse or mare. — Prize, R. and J. Little, Guards, Colt or filly foal for saddle.— Prize, H. Railton, Snittle- garth. Colt or filly foal for harness.— Prize, A. Hayton, Border Cottage. Cart colt foal. — Prize, J. Ostle, New Cowper. Cart filly foal.— Prize, R. Barnes, Laythes. Pony of any age, not exceeding 13 hands 3 inches high.— Prize, R. H. Watson, Bolton Park. Hackney, of any age.— First prize, H. Railton; second, R. Feddon, Thursby. Hunter.— First prize, R. H. Watson ; second, G. Holliday, Mawbray Hayrigg. 394 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. SHEEP. LEICESTERS. Tups of any age, to be approved stock getters, — First prize, J. Todd, Mireside ; second, J. Todd. Shearling tups. — First prize, J. Hetherington, Moorrow ; second, J. Todd. Three ewes that liave reared lambs this season — First prize, J. Todd ; second, W. Roper, Ling. Three gimmers. — Prize, J. Todd. BORDER- LEICESTi,RS. Border tups of auy age. — First prize, T. iJell, Whitehead Hill (Town Foot, Brampton) ; second, J. P. Forster, Killhow. Shearling border tups. — First prize, T. Bell ; second, J. P. Foster. Three pure border ewes. — First prize, J. P. Foster ; second, G. F. Statter, Broomhill. Three border gimmers. — First prize, J. P. Foster second, G. F. Statter. LONG WOOLS. Tups of any age. — First prize, W. Norman, Hall Bank ; second, W. Norman. Shearling tnps.— First prize, W. Norman; second, W. Norman. Three ewes that have reared lambs this season. — First prize, W. Norman ; second, W. Norman. Three gimmers. — First prize, W. Norman ; second, W, Norman. MOUNTAIN. Mountain tup. — First prize, A. Parker, Nether Row, Cald- beck ; second, A. Parker. Shearling tup. — First prize, A. Parker ; second, A. Parker. Five mountain ewes, having reared lambs this season.^ First prize, A. Parker ; second, A. Parker. Sweepstakes. Pair of giraraer lambs of any breed. — Prize, W. Roper. Tup lamb of any breed. — Prize, W. Norman. Ewe of any breed. — Prize, W. Norman. PIGS. Boar of the large breed. — First prize, J. Robinson, Wigton ; second, T. Hodgson, Longnewton. Boar of the small breed. — Prize, T. Hodgson. Sows in pig or mild of the large breed. — Prize, J. and J. Norman, Bridge Mill. Sow in pig or milk of the small breed. — Prize, R. B. Hetherington, Park Head. GREASLEY AND SELSTONE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT MOOR GREEN, The annual exliibition of the Greasley and Selstone Agri- cultural Society took place at Moor Green, and though it ^yas not quite so well attended as on many previous oc- casions, yet it excited considerable interest amongst the in- habitants of that locality which the Society embraces within the scope of its operations. Some very good cattle were ex- hibited ; but, owing to the drought for which this season has been so remarkable, and also to the foot-and-mouth disease having been so prevalent, they were neither so numerous nor of so fine a quality as in years gone by. The shew of roots, particularly of mangold wurtzel, was very creditable, everything considered, though the swedes have suffered very much from the insects with which they literally swarm. The judges were S. Field, of Farnsfield, W. Macheu, of Linby, R. Watson, of Scarrington, and W. Ladtkin, of Lutterworth. The following is a list of the the prizes awarded : — HORSES. Horse adapted for hunting purposes. — First prize, — Bald- ing, Bulwell Hall ; second, S. T. Jackson, Watnall. Cart mare with foal at her foot. — First prize, H. Allcock, Linby ; second, — Anuable, Watnall. Cart foal.— Prize, H. Allcock. Two-year-old cart gelding or filly. — First prize, E. Godber, Hucknall ; second. Barber, Walker, and Company. AGRICrLTURAL. Pair of horses adapted for agricultural purposes, that have ploughed at the match, to be shown in harness. — First prize, £. Godber ; second, J. Winson, Watnall ; third, — Braithwaite. HACKS. Hack or roadster. — First prize, S. T. Jackson ; second, J. Widdowson, Hucknall. BEASTS. Cow in milk, that has had a calf since April 1st, 1870. — First prize, H. Allcock ; second, J. C. Musters, Annesley. In-calf cow, stating the time of calving. — First prize, H. Allcock ; second, H. Allcock. Heifer under three years of age, calved or in calf. — First prize. Colonel Holden, Nuttall ; second, T. Edge, Strelley. Beast under two years old. — First prize, J. C. Musters ; se- cond, T. Edge. Beast under one year old. — First prize, T, Edge ; second, J . C. Musters. Bull two years old and upwards. — First prize, J. C. Mus- ters ; second, H. Allcock. Bull under two years old. — First prize, J. Widdowson ; se- cond, E. Godber, SHEEP, Three long-woolled ewes, having reared a lamb, and having again been or intended to be put to the ram, — First prize, H. AUcock ; second, II. Allcock. Three long-woolled theaves, having reared a lamb, and hav- ing again been or intended to be put to the ram. — First prize, — Annable ; second, — Annable. Five long-woolled ewes or wether Iambs. — First prize, H, Allcock ; second, H. Allcock. Long-woolled ram of any age above a shearling. — Prize, H. Allcock. Long-woolled ram lamb. — First prize, — Evans, Moor Green : second, — Evans. Short-wooUed ram of any age. — First prize, — Mellows, Papplewick ; second, — Mellows. Three short-woolled ewes, having reared a lamb, and hav- ing again been or intended to be put to the ram. — First prize, — Mellows ; second, — Mellows. Three short-woolled theaves. — First prize, — Mellows ; se- cond, — MeUows. Five short-woolled ewes or wether lambs. — First prize, — Mellows ; second. Rev. J. L. Prior. PIGS, Boar. — First prize, — Mellows ; second, — Musters. Breeding sow, pigged or in pig. — First prize, — Evans ; se- cond, J. C. Musters. Gilt, pigged or in pig. — First prize, J. Widdowson ; second, J, Widdowson. ROOTS. ! Crop of Swedish turnips, four acres and upwards, contiguous, — First prize, — Annable ; second, T. Day, Nuttall. Crop of Swedish turnips, one acre and under four. — First prize, H. Allcock ; second, J. Widdowson. Crop of mangold wurtzel, three acres and upwards. — First prize. Colonel Holden ; second, T. Day. Crop of mangold wurtzel, one acre and under three, — First prize, J. Widdowson ; second, H. Allcock. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 395 THE DERBYSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT DERlJV. The show was, on the whole, one of the best the Society has ever had. The classes were well filled, and some of the animals shown of high character. The dairy cows, shown in fours, in pairs, and in single animals, were very good, as were the Shorthorn bulls, the best of which would take a position at a Royal Show. The sheep were inferior, and Derbyshire farmers woidd do well to look to their short-wools. The pigs were not numerous, but with some good specimens amongst them ; and the horses, as a whole, as encouraging a show as the Society has yet had. Fifteen makers of cheese entered into com- petition, and some five or six of the lots were excellent in quality. The whole of the competing cheese was of the flat or thin variety. The show of wheat, both white and red, was very superior ; the barley very good, but the oats not of that first order of excellence, nor were the entries at all numerous. Not- withstanding the exceptional dryness of the season the exhibition of roots was remarkably good. The entry of implements was not considerable. Several makers who had iutimated their intention to be present did not put in an appearance, and with very few exceptions the specimens did not display features of novelty. ^Ir. Murray, of Elvaston, exhibited his models of a cheese factory working plant, for which a silver medal was awarded at the Walsall meeting of the Staffordshire Society last week, and again at this meeting. J. and G. Haywood, of Derby, sent a collection of implements by leading manufacturers ; W. and J. Ratcliff, of Derby, exhibited a large and varied collection of implements. Thompson and Upton, of Derby, showed, amongst other things, a new horse-gear works, in which all the wheels are enclosed in a cast-iron case, which has the advantage of keeping the works free from dirt ; Mellard's Trent Foundry Co. had a stand, the most noticeable article on which was the new patent revolving mould board plough — an American invention, which the patentees and licensees predict will effect a revolution in ploughing; and Bell Brothers, of Dean-street, Oxford-street, London, exhibited their washing machines. I The judges of farms report that— "After carefully I going over the several farms entered for comjietition, we ' award the first prize to Mr. Robert Sybray, of Alderwas- ley. His farm comprises 110 acres arable, and 113 acres of pasture, and does great credit to Mr. Sybray. The second prize we award to Mr. Matthew Walker, of Stock- ley Park, a farm of 110 acres arable, and 150 pasture; great credit, and if supplemented by a better class of pas- ture land, would make it a first-rate occupation." PRIZE LIST. JUDGES. Cattle : Mr. Murray, Elvaston ; Mr. Dicken, Mansfield. Agricultueajl Horses: Mr. G. Woolhouse, Wellingore; I Mr. Spencer, Lou^hboro'. I Hunters and Hacks: Mr. Corbet, Fanners' Club; Mr. Colton, Newark ; Mr. Bland, Newark. Sheep, Long-wool : Mr. T. TomUnson, Atlow ; Mr. J. Lynn, Stroxton. Short-wool and Pigs: Mr. Hall, Wilue; Mr. Coxon, Freeford. jRAiN AND Roots : Mr. G. Wheeldon ; Mr. Sybray. Dheese : Mr. S. W. Cox ; Mr. Etches. Butter : Mr. Barber. iVooL : Mr. T. Tomlinson ; Mr. J. Lynn. MPLEiiENTS : Mr. Bosworth ; Mr. Bullock ; Mr. Abeli TsTERiNAKY SuKGEON : Mr. CowHshaw, Derby. CATTLE. Four cows for dairy-purposes, belonging to members keep- ing more tlian 20 cows.— First prize, £10, and silver cup v.ilue 10 guineas, M. T. Ilopkinson, Woodthorpe ; second, £5, G.J.Mitchell, Newton Mount; third, £2, M. T. Ilopkin- son, Woodthorpe. Highly commended : J . Ilodgkinson, Allestree. Commended : T. C. Smith, Birdsgrove. Two cows for dairy-purposes, belonging to members not keeping more tlian 20 cows.— First prize, £5, E. Vale, Rose Hill, Litcliurch ; second, £3, W. Wortliington, Newton Park ; third, £3, E. Vale. Highly commended : Dr. Hitchman. Shorthorn cow, having calf. — First prize, £5, J. Fox, Pleasely ; second, £3, E. Vale ; third, £2, R. Ratcliffe, Walton Hall. Highly commended : J. Hodgkinson. Commended : W. S. Woodroffe, Normanton-on-Soar. Pair of heifers under three years old. — First prize, £5, R. Ratcliffe, Walton Hall ; second, £3, W. T. Cox, Spondon Hall ; third, G. J. Mitchell, Newton Mount. Highly com- mended : G. Thomas, Littleover. The class commended. Pair of in calf heifers, belonging to a tenant-farmer dairy- ing not less than 12 cows. — First prize, £3, M. T. Hopkiuson, Woodthorpe; second, £2, G. J. Mitchell; third, £1, J. Foster, Thulston. Highly commended : W. J. Matthews, Repton. Pair of stirks, under two years old, best adapted for dairy- purposes, belonging to a tenant-farmer. — First prize, £3, R. Ratcliffe; second, £2, G. J. Mitchell; third, £1, J. Fox. Highly commended : T. Yates, Sapperton. Shorthorn bull, two years old and upwards. — First prize, £5, and silver cup, Mrs. Packman, Tupton Hall; second, £3, T. Robinson, Burton-on-Trent. Highly commended: G. Bryer, Markeaton Park. Commended : T. Yates, Sapperton, and W. S. Woodroffe, Normanton-on-Soar. Yearling Shorthorn bull. — First prize, £5, and a silver cup, R. Blackwell, Tansley ; second, £3, J. Rose, The Ash ; third, £2, M. Walker, Stockley Park. Highly commended : J. Baynor, Markeaton. Bull calf not exceeding twelve months old. — First prize, £3, R. Ratcliffe, Walton ; second, £2, Mrs. Packman ; third, £1, J. Raynor. Four rearing calves. — First prize, £2, S. Robson, jun., Melbourne ; second, £1, H. Leeke, Holbrook. Fat ox or steer of any breed. — First prize, £5, F, Batcliff, Cliff House, Burton Cross ; second, £2, W. T. Cox. Highly commended : G. J. Mitchell. Commended : J. Evans, Alport. Fat cow or lieifer of any breed. — First prize, £6, and a silver cup value £5, W. T. Cox ; second, £4., W. T. Cox ; tliird, £2, J. Faulkner, Bretby. HORSES. Stallion for agricultural purposes, two years old and up- wards.—First prize, £5, J. Nix, Alfreton ; second, £8, J. Borrows, Stanley. Brood mare and foal for agricultural purposes. — First prize, £5, T. Travis ; second, £3, T. Orme, Hoon ; third, £2, R. Marples, Kedleston. Cart foal. — Prize, T. Orme, Hoon. Two year old gelding or filly for agricultural purposes. — First prize, £i, A. Tomlinson, Stenson ; second, £2, A. Tom- linson ; third, £1, E. Thacker, Ambastou. Highly commended : T. Bullock, Egginton. One-year-old gelding or filly for agricultural purposes. — First prize, £4, J. Vickers, Wellington; second, £2, J. E. Griffin, Thulston. Commended: J. E. Griffin ; F. Tomlinson, Southwood ; and J. Vickers, Wellington. Pair of horses for agricultural purposes. — First prize, £5, J. Rose, The Ash ; second, £3, W. Radford, Thulston ; tliird, £2, J. Hawkswortli, Barlow. Brood mare and foal best suited for bueeding hunters and hacks. — First prize, £5, W. Parker, Alvaston ; second, £3, T. H. Smith, Ambaston. Hack or haniess horse above four years. — First prize, £5, T. B. Worthingtou, Derby ; second, £2, H. Boden, Ednaston. 396 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Highly commended : T. Ward, Dalbury Lees. Commended : H. Boden, Ednaston. Gelding or filly, of the value of £50, not thoroughbred, above three and under four years of age. — First prize, £5, J. Pegge, Littleover ; second, £2 10s., M. Andinwood, Weston Grange. Gelding or filly above two and under three. — First prize, £3, G. J. JMitcliell ; second, £2, W. W. Woodward, Stanton- by-Bridge, Cob not exceeding 14 hands. — First prize, £3, the Earl of Harrington ; second, £3, H. Flower, Derby. Hunter, four years old and upwards, following the hounds hunting in Derbyshire. — First prize, £5, and a silver cup value £5, S. Robson, jun., Melbourne ; second, £5, G. Wheeldon, Derby; third, £2, A. Hubbersty, Brackenfield ; fourth, £1, T. H. Smith, Ambastou. The class commended . Extra. Stock. — Highly commended : The Midland Rail- way Company, for a dray horse. SHEEP. LONG-WOOLS. Five breeding ewes having had lambs in 1870. — First prize, £3, F. Dean, Kirk Ireton ; second, £2, S. Wade, Mickleover; third, £1, R. Johnson, Kirk Ireton. Five theaves. — First prize, ^£3, A. Bryer, Quarndon ; second, £2, R. Johnson, Kirk Ireton ; third, £1, J. Pegge, Littleover Five ewe lambs. — First prize, £2, C. MeUor, Atlow ; second, £1, W. Riley, Boulton. Ram of any age above a shearling. — First prize, £4, Fred. Dean, Kirk Ireton ; second, £2, R. Johnson, Kirk Ireton ; third, £1, R. Johnsoa. Shearling ram. — First prize, £4, R. Lee, Kniveton ; second, £2, R.Lee; third, £1, R. Johnson, Kirk Ireton. Highly commended : R. Johnson. Commended : F. Dean. SHOKT-WOOLS. Five breeding ewes having had lambs in 1869. — First prize, £3, W. Baker, Moor Barns ; second, £2, W. Baker ; third, £1, C. Smith, Kirk Langley. Highly commended : J. Rose, The Ash. Five theaves. — First prize, £3, W. Baker ; second, £2, J. Rose, The Ash ; third, £1, C. Smith, Kirk Langley. Five lambs. — First prize, £2, W. Baker ; second, £1, J. Rose. Commended : C. Smith. Ram of any age above a shearling. — Fust prize, £4, W. Baker; second, £2, W. Wood, Holly Bank; third, £1, J. Rose. Commended : C. Smith. Shearling ram. — First prize, £4, W. Baker; second, £3, W. Baker ; third, £1, T. Robinson, Burton. Lamb.— First prize, £2, W. Baker ; second, £1, C. Smith. T. Rose, The Ash, showed six rams in this class, which were highly commended. Pen of five fat wether sheep, of any breed, not exceeding 22 months old. — First prize, £3 3s., J. Rose; second, £2, W. Sale, Smisby. PIGS. LARGE BREED. Boar of any age. — First prize, £3, M. Walker, Stockley Park ; second, £1, J. B. Gregory, Ashover. Sow of any age. — First prize, £3, J. B. Gregory, Ashover; second, ^1, M. Walker. Highly commended: T. Yates, Sap- perton. Commended: M. Walker. Three breeding pigs of one litter, not exceeding 7 months old.— First prize, £2, M. Walker ; second, £1, M. Walker. The class highly commended. SMAXL BREED. Boar of any age.— First prize, £2, and second, £1, J. Poy- ser, Burton-on-Trent. Sow of any age. — First and second prizes, M. Walker. Highly commended : J. Gregory, Chellaston. Commended : J. Faulkner. Three breeding pigs of one litter, not exceeding seven months old. — First prize, 2, J. Gregory ; second, £1, G. J. Mitchell. Pig, the property of an agricultural labourer. — First prize, £3, J. Morley, Thulston ; second, £1, S. Bosworth, Chaddes- den; third, 10s., T. Bosworth, Bretby. Extra. — M. Walker, highly commended. ROOTS. Six roots of mangold wurtzel, to be taken from a crop of not less than two acres. — First prize, £1, J. Greatorex, Stret- ton ; second, 10s., W. Stretton, Brizlincole. Six swedes, to be taken from a crop of not less than two acres. — First prize, £1, J. NuttaU, Chaddesden ; second, 10s., W. Stretton. Six turnips, to be taken from a crop of not less than two acres. — First prize, £1, J. Falkner ; second, 10s., M. Andin- wood, jun. Six ox cabbages, to be taken from a crop of not less than one acre. — First prize, £1, J. Greatorex ; second, 10s., Wm. Stretton. CHEESE. Cheese of not less 'than 1 cwt. — First prize, £5, M. Walker, Stockley ; second, £3, J. Rose, The Ash ; third, £2, J. Car- rington, Croxden Abbey. Higlily commended : C. Bosworth, Dishley ;|S. Burchell, Cotton ; A. Bryer, Quarndon ; J. Harri- son, Brailsford. BfJTTER. Milk butter (not less than 61bs.) — First prize, £1, J. Wood, Spondon ; second, 10s., A.. M. Mundy, Shipley. Milk butter (not less than 61bs.), made by the daughter of a member. — First prize, T. Hancock, Dale Abbey ; second, 10s., J. Greatorex. WOOL. Three fleeces of long wool. — First prize, £3, R. Johnson, Kirk-Ireton ; second, £1, C. Bosworth, Dishley. Three fleeces of short wool. — First prize, £3, J. Rose ; se- cond, £1, G. J. Mitchell. GRAIN. Red wheat. — First prize, £1, J. Greatorex ; second, 10s., J. Pegge, Littleover. White wheat. — First prize, £1, J. Greatorex; second, lOs., J. Greatorex. Barley. — First prize, £1, J. Faulkner, Bretby ; second, lOs., G. J. MitcheU. Oats, — First prize, £1, and second, lOs., J. Greatorex. IMPLEMENTS. Selection of implements for agricultural purposes. — First prize, £3, and a silver medal, J. and G. Haywood, Derby, for Howard's new horse-rake, and Howard's improved double- furrow plough ; second, £3, and a silver medal, Ratcliff, Derby ; third, £1, and a silver medal, Thompson and Dpton. Highly commended for portable farm boilers, Bell, Brothers. LEDBURY AGRICULTURAL SHOW. Judges.— P. Turner, The Leen, Pembridge. J. Bennett, The Park, Ross. W. Price, The Vern, England's Gate. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. Two-year-old heifer of any breed, in calf or with a calf.— First prize, silver cup value £5 6s., J. V. Mutlow ; second, Mrs. Bishop, Pegs Farm. Pair of two-year-old heifers. — First prize, F. Ward, Patley j second, F. Ward. Six best yearling heifers or steers (of either sex),— -Firs ^ prize, silver cup value £5 5a,, J. V. Mutlow ; second, J. V, Mutlow. Best bull of any age. — Prize, £5, R. D. Cooke, HoDens. Aged bull. — First prize, J. Sparkman, Little^Marcle ; second, Rev. J. Hopton, Canon Froorae. Two-year-old bull.— First prize, M. E. Hiatt, Bosbury;, second, J. Sparkman. Yearling bull.— First prize, R. D. Cooke; second, J. V. Mutlow. Pair of two-year-old steers.— First prize, T. Edy, Frith j second, T. Edy. Pair of yearling steers.— First prize, J. Hickman, Majuw stone ; second, Mrs, Bishop. ~ THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 397 Yearling heifer. — First prize, J. Loveridge; secoad, F, Ward. Fat cow, heifer, or ox. — Prize, E. Pritchett. Cow or heifer in calf or with a calf. — First prize, R. D. Cooke ; second, Mr. Drinkwater, The Farm. Cow or heifer for dairy purposes, in calf or with calf, of any breed. — First prize, J. V. Mutlew ; second, W. Hartland, Preston Coui't. SHEEP. Earn. — First prize, T. Hartland, Bromesherrow ; second, J. Hickman. Yearling ram. — First prize, J. Hickman ; second, J. Hickman. Pen of five store ewes, lonp; wool, — First prize, C, Badham, Stonehouse ; second, C, Badham. Pen of five store ewes, short wool. — First prize, R. Mason, Hazle ; second, Mrs. Bishop. Pen of five yearling wethers. — First prize. Lady Emily Foley; second, R. Mason. Pen of five yearling ewes. — First prize, Lady Emily Foley ; second, F. Ward. Pen of five lambs, shorn. — Prize, W. Smith (Arnolds). Pen of five lambs, unshorn. — Prize, J. V. Mutlow. PIGS. Boar pig. — First , prize, J. V. Mutlow ; second, J. V. Mutlow. Breeding sow. — First prize, T. Edy ; second, J. V. Mutlow. Pen of five pigs under six months old. — Prize, J. Hickman. Pig shown by a farm labourer.— First prize, T. Jones, Preston ; second, T. Green. HORSES. Cart mare and foal. — Prize, G. Weston, Messington. Nag mare and foal.— Prize, J. Hickman. Three-year-old cart colt.— First prize, W. Smith (Arnolds): second, T. Hodges. Two-year-old cart colt.— First prize, T. Haywood, Hill Top : second. Rev. J. Hopton. Yearling cart colt.— First prize, J. V. Mutlow; second. Rev. J. Hopton. Three-year-old hackney colt.— First prize, J. Sparkman- second, Rev. W. G. Lyall, Castle Froome. Two-year-old hackney colt.— First prize. Major Peyton: second, C. Badham. Yearling hackney colt. — Prize, Rev. W. G. Lyall. EXTRA STOCK. To be divided at the discretion of the judges, £10 : To Mr. Pritchett, for four fat oxen, £2 ; J. Hickman, for eight heifers, £2 ; R. Mason, for six two-year-old steers, £1 10s. ; T. Hart- land, for six heifers, £1 ; R. Mason, for 20 store ewes, £1 R. Mason, for 20 yearling ewes, £1 ; T. Haywood, for two- year-old cart colt, 10s. ; R. Mason, for ten yearling wethers, 10s.; and J. Sparkman, for five pigs, 10s, CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT BRAMPTON. There was a good show of agricultural horses ; and the same may be said of light horses. Shorthorn cattle were not nume- rously represented, but Mr. Torr said the quality was good. There was a commendable entry of sheep and pigs. JUDGES. Saddle and Harness Horses. — N. Miln, Foldon Side ; J. Borthwick, Monkwray ; J. Wilson, Woodhorn Manor, Morpeth. Draught Horses. — B. Spraggon, Nafferton; D. Dobie, Tinwald Park. Shorthorns. — W, Torr, Aylesby Manor ; M. Stephenson, jun., Fourstones. Gaxloway Cattle. — R. Swan, The Brae, Dumfries ; R. Smith, Lady Land. Leicester Long- wool and Down Sheep. — Mr. Aitche- son, The Rock ; Mr. Borton, Barton House ; Mr. Sanday, jun.. Holme Pierrepoint, Cheviot and Blackfaced Sheep. — Mr. Archibald, Stowe ; Mr. Elliot, Hindhope. BtJTTEE. — Mr. Wood, CarUsle ; Mr. Beattie, Longtown. PRIZE LIST. HORSES. Mare with foal at her foot, for breeding hunters. — First prize, — Baxter, Bromfield ; second, A. Wannop, Geltside. Mare in foal, for breeding hunters. — First prize, T= Jeffer- son, Halltiatt, Scaleby, Cumberland ; second, T. Mark, Durdar House, Carlisle. Four-year-old gelding for hunting. — First prize, Messrs. Thompson, Kirkhouse, near Brampton ; second, W. Armstrong, Kendal. Four-year-old filly for hunting. — First prize, Messrs. Thomp- son ; second, G. Coulthard, Lanercost. Three-year-old gelding for hunting. — First prize, J. Brown, Howgill, near Lanercost ; second, J. Bell, Halton Lea House, near Haltwhistle. Three-year-old filly for hunting. — J. P. Law, Cross Hill, Irthington ; second, R. Brongh, Rye Close, Irthington. Two-year-old gelding for hunting. — First prize, J. S. Steel, Laithes, Kirkbride ; second, Messrs. Thompson. Two-year-old filly for hunting. — First prize, J, Milburn, Wragmire House, Carlisle ; second, J. Brown, One-year-old colt for hunting. — First prize, Messrs. Thomp- son ; second, T. Gibbons, Burnfoot. One-year-old filly for hunting. — Prize, Mr. Baxter, Broom- field. Mare with foal at her foot, for breeding carriage horses.— First prize, T. Morton, Longburgh House, Carlisle ; second, G. Hoadley, Wetheral Abbey. Mare in foal, for breeding carriage horses. — First prize, J. Fawcett, Scaleby Castle; second, H. N. Eraser, Hay Close, Penrith. Three-year-old gelding suitable for harness. — First prize, R. Stockbridge, West Cliff, CarHsle ; second, T. Jefferson. Three-year-old filly suitable for harness. — First prize, T. Morton, Longburgh House, Carlisle ; second, A. Harding, Kinnion Hills, Lanercost. Two-year-old gelding suitable for harness. — First prize, Mr. Baxter ; second. Rev. W. Dacre, Irthington. Two-year-old filly suitable for harness. — First prize, R. Brough. Rye House Close, Irthington ; second, J. Reay, Prior Rigg, Irthington. One-year-old colt suitable for harness. — First prize, J, Waugh, Mosspetteril, Haltwhistle ; second, W. Phillips, Smithsteads, Lanercost. Mare with foal at her foot, suitable for breeding agricultural horses. — First prize, T. Bell, Townfoot, Brampton ; second J. Dobinson, Throp, Gilsland ; third, J. Lamb, Burrell Green, Penrith. Mare in foal, for breeding agricultural horses. — First prize, H. N. Eraser ; second, J. Lancaster, Laversdale ; third, J. Lamb. Three-year-old gelding for agricultural purposes. — First prize, W. PhUlips ; second, T. Bell. Three-year-old iUy for agricultural purposes. — First prize, Mrs. Carruthers, High Field Moor, Irthington ; second, T. & J. Hodgson, Little Strickland HaU, near Penrith. Two-year-old gelding for agricultural purposes. — First prize, T. Milburn, Headswood, Irthington ; second, Mrs. Gibbons, Rosetrees, near Longtown. Two-year-old filly for agncultural purposes. — First prize, J. Fisher, Knells, near Carlisle ; second, J. Graham, Parcels- town, near Westlinton, Carlisle. One-year-old colt for agricultural purposes. — First prize, Mrs. Gibbons ; second, G. H. Head, Rickerby, Carlisle. 398 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. One-year-old iilly for agricultural purposes. — First prize, T. Gibbous ; second, J. Pigg, Cocklet Hill. Kirklington. Pony, not exceeding fourteen hands high. — First prize, J. Lamb ; second, J. Little, Whitehill, Scaleby. Pair of horses for agricultural purposes. — First prize, T. Gibbons ; second, R. & J. Little, Guards, near Gretna. Colt foal by a thoroughbred horse. — First prize, A. Wan- nop ; second. Rev. W. Dacre. Filly foal by a thoroughbred horse. — Second prize, T. Mor- ton. Foal for agricultural purposes.— Prize, J.Graham, Warwick Land, Nichol Forest. Hackney, rising five years old and upwards, not exceeding fifteen liands, and to be brought into the ring mounted. — First prize, J. Casson, Burgh-by-Sands, Carlisle ; second, B. Sprag- gon, William's Wyke. CATTLE. Shorthorn bull, three-year-old or upwards. — First prize, Messrs. Coulthard, Smith, and Bell, Brampton ; second, J. C. Bowstead, Hackthorpe Hall. Shorthorn bull, above two and under three years old. — First prize, A. Metcalfe, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen ; second, J. Crieighton, Scotby. Shorthorn bull above one and under two years old. — First prize, J. C. Bowstead ; second, J. Hogarth, Julian Bower, Kirkbythore. Shorthorn bull under one year old. — First prize, J. Lamb, Burrell Green, Penrith ; second, J. J. Hetherington, Middle Farm, Brampton ; third, J. Lamb. Shorthorn cow, which must have had a calf within the twelve mouths previous to tlie day of show, and must be in- calf or milk at the time of show. — First prize, R. B. Hether- ington, Park Head, Silloth ; second, W. Lambert, Elrington Hall, Haydou Bridge. Shorthorn cow or heifer, under four years old, which must have had a calf within the twelve months previous to the day of show. — Prize, A. Metcalfe, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen. Shorthorn heifer above two and under three years old. — First prize. Sir G. Musgrave, Bart., Eden Hall ; second, T. Dalzell, The Hollms, Whitehaven. Shorthorn heifer above one and under two years old. — First prize, A. Metcalfe, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen ; second, Sir G. Musgrave. Shorthorn heifer under one year old. — Prize, J. Smith, Coat Hill, Brampton. Shorthorn bull of any age. — First prize, Messrs. Coulthard, Smith, and Bell ; second, J. C. Bowstead. Shorthorn cow or heifer above three years old, which must have had a calf within twelve months previous to the day of show, and must be in-calf or milk at the time of show. — Prize, R. B. Hetherington, Park Head, Silloth. Shorthorn heifer above two and under three years old. — Prize, Sir G. Musgrave. Shorthorn heifer not exceeding two years old. — Prize, A. Metcalfe. Medal, A. Metcalfe. Society's Challenge Cup, A Metcalfe. GALLOWAYS. Bull above two years old. — First prize, J. Fisher, Knells, Carlisle ; second, J. Graham, Parcelstown, West Linton. Bull under two years old. — Prize, J. Johnstone, The Green, Longtown. Bull calf under twelve months old. — Prize, T. Watsou, Burn- foot, Haltwhistle. Cow in-calf or milk. — First prize, G. Lowes, Chesters, Halt- whistle ; second, J. Graham. Cow or heifer under four years old, which must have had a calf within twelve months previous to the day of show. — First and second prizes, G. Lowes. Heifer above two and under three years old. — First prize, J. Graham ; second, W. Armstrong, Tarn End, Milton. Heifer above one and under two years old. — First prize, J. Mounsey, Dovecot, Walton ; second, W. Armstrong. Cow or heifer above three years old. — Prize, G. Lowes, Chesters, Haltwhistle. CROSS-BREDS. Polled bullock above two years old.— First and second prizes, G. Lowes. Polled Heifer above two years old. — Prize, G. Lowes. Polled bullock under under two years old. — Prize, G, Lowes, Polled heifer uuder two years old. — First pri/.c, Messrs. Hyslop, Denton Hall, Brampton ; second, G. Lowes. SHEEP. Aged blue-faced Leicester tup. — First prize, J. Irving, Shap Abbey ; second, J. Hogarth, Julian Bower, Kirbythore. Shearling blue-faced Leicester tup. — First prize, Mrs . Winter, Low House, Haltwhistle ; second, W. Sisson, Temple- sowerby. Three blue-faced Leicester ewes which have reared lambs this year. — First prize, W. Sisson ; second, J. Todd, Mireside, Aspatria. Three blue-faced Leicester gimmer shearlings. — First prize, J. Todd ; second, T. Sisson. Border Leicester tup. — First prize, T. Bell, Townfoot, Brampton ; second, W. Lambert, Elrington Hall, Haydon Bridge. Border Leicester shearling tup. — First prize,G. G. Lee, Land Ends, Haydou Bridge ; second, T. Bell. Border Leicester ewes which have reared lambs this year. — First prize, J. Watson, Gelt Hall, Castlecarrock ; second, G. G. Lee. Pen of Border Leicester Gimmer shearlings. — First prize, J. Watson ; second, J. J. Hetherington, Middlefarm, Bramp- ton. Aged long-wool tup, not being a Leicester. — Jirst prize, W. Norman, Hall Bank, Aspatria ; second, J. Irving, Shap Abbey. Shearling long-wool tup, not being a Leicester. — First and second prizes, W. Norman. Three long-wool ewes, not being Leicesters, which have reared lambs this year. — First and second prizes, W. Norman. Three long-wool gimmer shearlings, not being Leicesters. — First and second prizes, W. Norman. Aged Down tup. — First prize, Capt. Thompson, Kirkhouse, Brampton; second, W. Parker, Carleton Hill, Penrith. She.irling Down tup. — First prize, Capt. Thompson ; se- cond, W. Parker. Pen of Down ewes which have reared lambs this season. — First prize, J. Carrick, Floshfield, Wigton ; second, W. Parker. Pen of Down gimmer shearlings. — First prize, J. Carrick, second, W. Parker. Aged black-faced tup. — First prize, H. Thompson, Laraperts, Gilsland ; second, F. Moscrop, Butterburn, Gilsland. Sliearling black-faced tup. — First prize, Messrs. Dodd, Hopehouse, Falstone ; second, F. Moscrop. Three black-faced ewes. — First prize, J. Irving, Shap Abbey ; second, H. Thompson, Lamperts, Gilsland. Three black-faced gimmers. — First prize, H. Thompson ; second, J. Irving. Aged Cheviot tup. — First prize, J. Johnstone, Capplegill, Motfat; second, J. Johnstone, Bodesbeck, Moffat. Shearling Cheviot tup. — First prize, J. Johnstone, Capple- gill; second, J. Johustoue, Bodesbeck. Three Cheviot ewes. — First and second prizes, J. Graham, WyHesyke, Gilsland. Three Cheviot gimmer shearlings. — First prize, J. A. John- stone, Archbank, Moffat ; second, J. Graham, PIGS. Boar of the large breed. — Prize, J. Hetherington, Crosby, Carlisle. Boar of the small breed. — Prize, R. and J. Little, Guards, Gretna. Sow pigs of the large breed, of any age, in-pig or milk. — Prize, J. C. Bowstead, Hackthorpe Hall, Penrith. Sow pig of the small breed, of any age, in-pig or milk. — First prize, G. Foster, Wetheral ; second, Rev. W. Dacre, Irthington, Brampton. Pig belonging to a cottager, labourer, or artisan. — First and second prizes, C. Bendle, Brampton ; third, J . Whitfield, Lillies House, Laversdale ; fourth, R. Carruthers, Laversdale, Irthington. BUTTER. Best basket (51bs.) — Miss Wannop, Brunstock; second, Mrs. Wannop, Wallhead, Crosby-ou-Eden ; third. Miss Dobin- son, Throp, Gilsland ; fourth, Mrs. Storey, Wallhead, Crosby- on-Eden. Best firkin of butter. — First prize, Mrs. Dobson, Solmaine, Walton ; second, Mrs. Graham, Red Hill. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 399 STAFFORDSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT WALSALL. The sliow of cattle was inferior to that of many former years, especially in the number of entries. The obvious reasons are — first, the exceptional dryness of the season ; and, secondly, the prevalence of the foot-and-mouth disease, which has had the effect in all parts of the country of deterring owners of valuable animals from incurring the risks attending gatherings of this description. At tlie same time there was a good proportion of really prize animals exhibited. With regard to the dairy stock, it may be stated tliat, with one exception, the whole of the six bulls exhibited were good animals ; but, so far as the pairs of dairy covins were concerned, it must be pointed out that only one pair were in true dairy condition, the remainder being so burdened with fat that the judges with- held the second prize. It is not at all uulikely that when exhibitors see that judges insist upon dairy cows being shown in their proper condition the competition in this class will be in- creased. There was not a single entry in the class of in-calf heifers in pairs not exceeding two years old, and only two in the next class of heifers under two years old, but these latter were all fine animals. In the class of fat cattle there were only five entries. The competition for the first prize was very close between the Shorthorn cow of the Marquis of Anglesey and Lord Hatherton's Hereford ox ; and the latter was the favourite with the public. In Leicester sheep only one class showed more than two entries, and therefore the competition was little more than nominal. The remaining specimens of the longwool breeds were respectable, but not remarkable in point of quality. The entries of Shropshire sheep were, as was to be expected from the greater favour with wliich the breed is regarded in the county, much more numerous. The show of pigs was one of the best ever made at the meet- ings of the Staffordshire Society; but still Mr. T. Walker carried nearly all before him. He secured a medal and no less than five out of eight first prizes, besides one or two minor distinctions. The show of horses for hunting and hackney purposes was not, taken as a whole, of the superior character one might have reasonably expected at a meeting of a Society which in- cludes within its district four good packs of foxhounds, and under whose auspices such handsome prizes are offered. The classes were somewhat differently arranged to last year. For weight-carrying hunters Lord Hatherton offered a prize of £20 and the Walsall Committee one of £10, and for tliese prizes there were five competitors. Both prizes were awarded to Mr. A. Harrison, of Edgbaston ; the first for his chesnut Hob Hoy, up to most weight, and the second to his brown horse Mulatto, which showed a deal more breed, style, and action, but was not quite upto the weight. The light-weight huuters were decidedly the best of the lot, the three noticed horses especially being very superior animals. The £25 offered by the gentlemen of Mr. Meynell Ingram's Hunt only attracted a moderate class ; and mares with foals at foot, suitable for breeding hunters, were below the mark with the exception of the first prize animal. There were only two entries in the class for mares in foal best suited for hackney purposes, and neither call for special remark. The hackneys, though a larger class, were not as a rule superior animals, and the same remark applies with even more force to the cobs, which were an indifferent lot. The horses for agricultural purposes were less meri- torious, and only attracted an entry of 32, all told. By far the best class was that for entire horses, in which some good animals were exhibited. Mr. M'Lean's handsome prize of £25 was taken by a fine, powerful animal. Crown Prince, belonging to Mr. Enston, Warwick, who came on accredited with honours from other meetings ; and Mr. J. Manning's Champion, also a very good horse, was second. The show of thick cheese was moderately good, but the quality was not by any means equal to that of the thm cheese exhibited. In this latter class there were 15 entries as against five only in the former. There was a very fair show of butter. The roots, considering the season, were remarkably good. There were some capital mangolds, and the quality of the swed^ turnips was surprising after tlie long drought of the pas* summer. The kohl rabi in Mr. Fleming's first prize collec- tion was exceedingly fiuo, Tlie potatoes also were very good. The show of grain was exceedingly good, the white wheat especially, the prizes offered for which excited the most com- petition, being of superior quality. Barley and oats ouly had three competitors each, but the prize samples were good as regards colour and size. JUDGES. SiiORTiiOBNS AND Fat Cattle. Savidge, Sarsden, Chip- ping Norton ; H. Lowe, Coraberford, Tamworth. SHROPsniRE Sheep and Pigs. — T. Mansell, Ercall, Well- ington ; J. Hardy, Kinver Hill, Stourbridge. Dairy Cows and Leicester Sheep. — F. Smitli, Ashborue Grange; — Stevenson, jun., Swepstone, Ashby-de-la-Zoucli. Horses. — Agricultural : — Wright, Hollingtun, Longford ; J. Ward, Kiddemore, Brewood. Hunters : W. T. Stanley, Leamington ; II. Corbet, Farmers' Club, London. Cheese.— S. W. Cox, Derby ; H. E. Emberlin, Leicester ; J.Daniel, Burton-on-Trent ; T. H. Smith, Clifton, Asli- borne. Implements. — J. J. Rowley, Rowtliorne, Chesterfield ; R. Craven, Uttoxeter ; — Brewster, Bulderton, Middle Salop ; W. Cower, Bryancote, Stafford. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE, shorthorns. Bulls. — First prize, £10, and the Society's silver medal. Rev. W. Sneyd, Keele Hall, Newcastle (Ironmaster) ; second, £5, S. Burchnall, Catton, Burton-on-Trent (Grand Duke of Essex). Highly commended, T. Hands, Cauley, Coventry (Lord Lavender). Yearling bull. — First prize, £10, and silver medal, W. Brad- burn, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton (White Satin) ; second, £5, W. Sneyd (Prince Patrick). Bull calf.— First prize, £5, W. Sneyd (Lord of the Manor) ; second, £2 10s., R. Ratcliff, Walton Hall, Burton-on-Trent. Cows.— Prize, £6, R. Ratcliff. In-calf heifers, in pairs, noi exceeding three years old. — First prize, £6, W. Sneyd ; second, M, T. Hands. Highly commended, R. Ratclilf. Heifers, in pairs, under two years old. — First prize, £3, R. Ratcliff; second, £3, T. Hands. Highly commended, C, Stubbs, Preston Hall, Penkridge. any breed adapted for dairy purposes. Bulls. — First prize, £10, and silver medal, W. Loverock, Horninglow, Burton-ou-1'rent (Duke of Sutherland) ; second, £5, T. Nash, Featherstone, Wolverhampton (Nimrod). Highly commended, T. Nash ("ith Duke of Claro) ; commended, J. Booth, Shenstone, Lichfield (Radford) . Cows, in pairs.— Prize, £10, T. C. Smith, Birdsgrove, Ash- bourne. Heifers, in pairs, under two years old.— First prize, £4, W. Bradburn (Ammonia and Moss Rose) ; second, £2, J. Brawn, Bosses, Shenstone, Lichfield. EAT cattle. First prize, silver cup, £10, the Marquis of Anglesey, Beau- desert, Rugeley (Shorthorn cow) ; second, £5, Lord Hatherton, Teddesley llall, Penkridge (Hereford ox). SHEEP. LEICESTER OR OTHER LONGWOOLS. Ram. — First prize, £5, R. Johnson, Kirkireton, Wirks- worth ; second, £3, R. Johnson. Shearling ram. — First prize, £5, and silver medal, R. John- son ; second, C. Melior, Allow, Ashbome. Highly com- mended, R. Johnson and C. Melior. Ram lamb. — First prize, £3, R. Johnson ; second, £2, R. Johnson. Highly commended, C. Melior. £ £ 400 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. Breeding ewes, pen of five.— Pirst prize, £3, R. JoIiesoe ; Becoud, A. Bryer, Quarndon, Derby. Shearling ewes, pen of iive. — First prize, £3, R. Jolmson ; second, A. Bryer. Ewe lambs, pen of five. — Prize, R. Johnson. SHROPSIIIIIES. Ram. — First prize, £5, W. Baker, Moorbarns, Atherstone ; second, W. Wood, Holly Bank, Burtou-on-Trent. Highly commended, the Earl of Bradford, Weston, Shifnal. Shearling ram. — First prize, £5, and silver medal, J. Coxon, Freeford, Lichfield ; second, C. Stubbs. Highly commended, W. Wood ; commended, W. Baker. Ram lamb. — First prize, £3, J. Stubbs, Weston, Stafford ; second, £3, W. Stubbs, Stockton, Stafford. Highly com- mended. Rev. E. Creswell, Seighford, Stafford. Breeding ewes, pen of five. — First prize, £5, J. H. Brad- hurne, Pipe-place, Lichfield ; second, £3, W. Baker. Highly commended, C. R. Keeling, Penkridge. Ewe lambs, pen of five. — First prize, £3, W. Baker ; second, £2, J. Coxon. Highly commended, C. Smith, Kirk Langley, Derby. PIGS. Boars of a large breed. — First prize, £3, M. Walker, Stock- ley, Auslow, Burton-on-Trent ; second, £2, H. Tomlinson, Biithford, Rugeley. Commended, T. Bantock, Merridale, Wolverhampton. Breeding sow of a large breed. — First prize, £3, M. Walker ; second, £2, H. Tomlinson, Rugeley. Highly commended, T. Bantock, Wolverhampton. Commended, M. Walker. Boar of a small breed. — First prize, £3 and silver medal, M. Walker ; second, £2, J. T. Poyser, Burton-on-Trent. Breeding sow of a small breed. — First prize, £3, and second, £2, M. Walker. Commended, Rev. W. Sneyd, Newcastle. ]3oar of the Berkshire breed. — First prize, £3 and silver medal, R. Wyatt, Stafford ; second, £2, Dr. J. D. Hewson, Stafford. Breeding sow of the Berkshire breed. — First prize, £3, the Earl of Bradford ; second, £2, Dr. J. D. Hewson. Highly commended, R. Wyatt. Pen of not less than three pigs, same litter, of a large breed, above three and under six months old. — First prize, £3, and second, £2, M. Walker. Pen of not less than three pigs, same litter, of the Berkshire breed, above three and under sis months old. — Prize, £3, the Earl of Bradford. HORSES. FOK A-GUICULTUEAL PURPOSES. Entire horses (open to the United Kingdom). — First prize, £25 and silver medal, W. Enston, Claverdon, Warwick (Crown Prince) ; second, £15, J. Manning, Orlinbury, Wellingborough (Champion). Highly commended, R. Orange, Bellington, Morpeth, Clydesdale (Conqueror). Mare and foal. — Prize, £8, R. Swale, Saredon, Wolverhamp- ton (Madam). Two-year-old gelding or filly. — First prize, £5, E. Tongue, Aidridg'e, Walsall (The Drummer) ; second, £3, W. Masfen, Norton Canes, Cannock, Stafford. Highly commended, W. S. Tavernor, Ubberley, Stoke-on-Trent (ijell). Yearling gelding or filly. — First prize, £5, J. Hawksworth, Barton Fields, Derby (Darling) ; second, £3, T. C. Ball, Prestwood, Ellastone, Ashborne. Highly commended, J. Hawksworth (Boss). FOR HUNTING PURPOSES. Hunting horse or mare, equal to 15 stone. — First prize, £20, A. Harrison, Metchley, Edgbaston (Rob Roy) ; second, £10, A. Harrison (Mulatto). Commended, H. Morris, St. Thomas, Stafford. Hunting horse or mare, equal to 12 stone. — First prize, £15, T. H. Walwyn, Doveridge, Uttoxeter (Princess) ; second, £5, B. Gilpin, Longford, Cannock. Highly commended, A. Har- rison (Sultan). Class 39. — First prize, £15, C. A.Pratt, Shenton, Nuneaton (Flirt) ; second, £10, C. Stubbs, Preston Hill, Penkridge (Sandon). Commended, J. S. Clay, Branstone, Burton-on- Trent. Mare with a foal at foot, suitable for breeding hunters. — First prize, £6, T. W. Gardom, Butterton Park, Newcastle (Brazenose) ; second, £i, the Stouetrough Colliery Company, Lawton, Cheshire (The Fawn). Mare in foal or with foal at foot, best suited for hackney or roadster purposes. — First prize, £6, Lord Hatherton (Fanny) ; second, £4, J. Coxon. Hackney mare or gelding, not exceeding 15 hands 2 inches. — First prize, £6, F. James, Aldridge, Walsall (Topsy) ; second, £4, F, James (Punch). EXTRA STOCK. Horses. — Medals to Lord Hatherton (harness horse), T. A. Negus, Lynn, Walsall (dray horse). Sheep. — Medals to C. Smith, Kirk Langley, Derby; J. Coxen ; R. M. Wright, Coppenhall, Staffordshire. Pigs.— Medal to M. Walker. Cxxiljlijbrj. Thick cheese.— First prize, £9, T. Woolf, Standon Hall, Eccleshall; second, £6, T. Simon, Ternhill, Market Drayton; third, £4, T. Ashcroft, Walford, Eccleshall ; fourth, £2 10s., C. Byrd, Littywood, Stafford. Thin cheese. — First prize, £9, M. Walker, Stockley, with special prize for best cheese in yard ; second, £6, J. Carring- ton, Croxton, Uttoxeter ; third, £4, J. Smith, Spon Farm, Alton, Cheadle ; 4th, £3 10s., J. Hawksworth, Barton Fields, Derby. Commended, W. Smith, Rangemoor, Burton-on- Trent ; H. TomUnson, Biithford, Rugeley ; Mrs. Ward, Gra- velly Bank, Uttoxeter. Thin cheese.— First prize, £10, M. Walker ; second, £5, S. Burchnall, Catton, Burton-on-Trent. Highly commended, J, Carrington ; Mrs. Ward ; J. Smith. Commended, J. Hawkes- worth, Barton, Derby ; W. T. Carrington. BUTTER. First prize, £3, F. H. Yates, Great Burr, Birmingham ; second, £2, W. Masfen ; third, £1, Mrs. Bond, Draycott, Chea- dle. Commended, J. T. Poyser, Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent ; The Stonetrough Colliery Co. ; J. Booth, Shenstone ; E. Row- ley, Norton Canes, Stafford. CORN. Wiite wheat.— First prize, £3, J. Greatorex, Stretton, Burton-on-Trent ; second, £1, R. H. Masfen, Pendeford, Wol- verhampton. Commended, J. Greatorex. Red wheat.— First prize, £2, J. Greatorex; second, £1, W. T. Carrington. Barley.— First prize, £2, J. Greatorex ; second, £1, R. H. Masfen. Oats.— First prize, £3, J. Greatorex ; second, £1,R. Masfen. AGRICULTURAL ROOTS, Ox cabbage. — Prize, £3, J. Greatorex. Late potatoes (any variety). — Prize, £3, W. W. Pearce, Measham, Atherstone. Highly commended, G. Fleming, Groundslow, Stone ; W. T. Carrington. Collection of roots (not less than three varieties). — Prize, £3, G. Fleming. Highly commended, J. Greatorex; T. Ban- tock, Merridale House, Wolverhampton. IMPLEMENTS. Silver medals to J. T. Mackall, Union-street, London, for general joiner ; J. Perkins, Yoxall, for plough with steel breast; T. Corbett, Shrewsbury, for single plough, and for double-action turnip-cutter ; Richmond and Chandler, Salford, for chaff-cutter ; G. Murray, Derby, for a model of working plant for cheese factory on American principle ; T. Bradford and Co., London and Manchester, for " vowel A" washing ma- chine ; Southwell and Co., Rugeley, for combined sheep- rack and trough ; Gower and Son, Market Drayton, for 12- feet broadcast machine for clover and ryegrass, with double box to keep the seeds separate ; Ball and Son, Northampton, for plough witir lever neck ; Lambert Brothers, Walsall, for stand of pumps, steam and water fittings, and wrought-iron tubes ; W. S. Underhill, Newport, Salop, for double plough, and for five-horse steam-engine ; Robey and Co. (Limited), for eight-horse single cylinder steam-engine ; S. Corbett and Son, Wellington, for root-pulper ; Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, for two-horse gear ; Mellard's Trent Foundry (Limited), Rugeley, for donble-roUer oil-cake breaker. Money prizes (30s., unless otherwise stated) : J. Barnes, Shenstone, Howard's patent iron plough, Ransome and Sims' iron plough. Ball and Son's nine-tined cultivator; J. Perkins, on expanding hoise-hoe ; T. Corbett, two-horse-gear and one- horse cart; J. Le Butt, Bury St. Edmunds, corn screen; G. Ball, Rugby, carts (3 prizes) ; Southwell and Co., improved plough, and double or Clieddar cheese-press; Gower and Son, coulter corn-bill ; Ball and Son, waggon (40s.) ; Mellard's Trent Foundry, horse-power gear, seven-tined cultivator, and patent churn. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE, 401 WEST TEYIOTDALE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The annual exhibition of this society took place in the Loch Park, Hawick. Tlie weather was fine, but the attendance was limited. The display of stock, though ineludinff first-class animals in some departments, was on the whole very meagre. In the class of cattle, the quality was good ; the prize Ayr- shire being as pretty a little animal as ever graced a show. In the class of Leicester sheep, some well-known prize-takers of former years did not put in an appear- ance, but Mr. Wilson, who has lately turned careful attention to this department, made up for the absence of many. In the Cheviot class, always the leading feature of this show, the competition was numerically below the average, bat the quality for the chief premiums was good. JUDGES. Cheviot Sheep.— Mr. Scott, Gilmanscluieh ; Mr. Elliot, Hartwoodmyres ; and Mr. Sliortreed, Attonburn. Cattle, Leicester Sheef, and Horses.— Mr. Amos, Earl- side ; Mr. Scott, Hawford ; and Mr. Swan, Bush. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. Shorthorn bull.— First prjze, Messrs. Ayres, Hallrule ; second, Mr. Amos, Earlside. Shorthorn milch cow, in regular milk at the time of the show.— First prize, Mr. Wilson, Midshields ; second, Mr. Turnbull, Burnfool. Ayrshire cow, calved after 1st January last, and in regular milk when shown.— First prize, Mr. Hadon, Honeyb'urn ; second, J. Henderson, hind, Honeyburn. Shorthorn quay, two years old, calved subsequent to 1st January, 1868.— First and second prizes, Mr. Turnbull. Shorthorn quey stirk, calved subsequent to 1st January, 1869. — First and second prizes, Mr. Turnbull. SHEEP. LEICESTERS. Best tup, of any age, shearling excepted, to be used within the district for the ensuing season.— First prize, Mr. Haddon • second, Mr. Selby, Hassendeanbank. Best pen of five giramers.— First prize, Mr. Wilson : second Mr. Selby. * Best pen of five ewes. — First prize, Mr. Wilson : second Mr. Selby. HALF-BREDS. Best pen of five ewes. — Prize, Mr. Wilson. Best pen of five gimmers. — Prize, Mr. Wilson. CHEVIOTS. Tup of any age, to be used in the district for the ensuing season. — First prize, Mr. Aitchison, Linhope ; second. Mr Grieve, Skelfliill. Two tups, two years old, to be used in district.— First prize, Mr. Grieve ; second, Mr. Aitchison. Two shearling tups, to be used in the district. — First, Mr. Oliver, Howpasley ; second, Mr. Turnbull, Falnash. Pen of five ewes, from the hill.— Prize, Mr. Paterson, Chapelhill. Pen of five ewes, without restriction. — Prize, Mr. Grieve. Pen of five gimmers or shearling ewes. — Prize, Mr. Oliver. Pen of five ewe-lambs, from the hill, lambed after llt'h April last, bred by competitor. — Prize, Mr. Grieve. HORSES. Mare for breeding draught horses, with foal at foot, bona fide the property and in the possession of any member of the Society from 1st January last.— First prize, Mr. Feuwick Northouse ; second, Mr. Paterson. ' Two-year-old draught colt or filly, belonging to a member of the Society, and having been his property for six months previous to the show.— First prize, Mr. Aitchison, Wiuninff- tonrigg; second, Mr. Forsyth, Ashybank. Drauglit mare or gelding, above three years old, belonging S*! t. exhibitor.-First pri^e, Mr. Wilson ; second, Mr. Blythe, Wlutriggs. THE FLAX EXTENSION ASSOCIATION IN IRELAND. The bi-raonthly meeting of the council of this association was held in Dublin, Mr. J. W. M'Master in the chair. The Secretary, Mr. Andrews, read the following report for September. At the last meeting of the council of this associa- tion, which was held in July, a very full and satisfactory report of the Irish flax crop was presented, and which, in accordance with the resolution then passed, was printed and extensively cir- culated. Subsequent reports received from farmers and acutch- mill owners corroborate the favourable statement then mada regarding tlie anticipated produce per acre ; but, owing to the hot weather which occurred when a large portion of the crop was on the grass, the quality has in some instances been in- jured. A circular, in consequence, was issued, recommending farmers to keep their flax in stack for some time before scutching it, with the object of remedying, to some extent, the injury which had been done. Early in the montli of August your secretary made a short tour through some of the flax dis.. tricts in the county of Donegal. The places visited were Stranorlar, Donegal, Mount Charles, Letterkenny, Rainelton, and Lifford. Owing to the favourable season, the flax crop was exceptionally good. In some localities the culture is not done with much oare, and the preparation of the fibre is in. difi'erent ; but this is likely to be remedied, as the farmers are becoming more willing to receive advice and guidance as to the management of their flax crop than formerly. On the 10th of last month the return of acreage under flax in Ireland was received from the Registrar-General, an abstract of which was promptly printed and circulated among the local, English, and Scotch trade. This return showed a decrease in the area ap- propriated to flax in every province except Munster, which exhibited a marked increase. The Munster flax markets, which were arranged by this association, have contributed to produce this result— having been attended during the past two seasons by buyers from northern spinning firms ; and it is hoped the same support will be rendered this season at the marke s already fixed, of which circulars have been issued. Delay has, in some instances, occurred in the erection of scutch niiUs to which aid was given by this association, arising from the diflicu ty of arranging for the sites. In one instance, owing to this cause, a contemplated mill had to be abandoned tor this season. New appHcations for assistance towards pro- posed scutch mills will be submitted this day for your consider- ation, and the necessity is pressing for scutching accommoda- tion in the districts where these mills are projected. Scutchers have been engaged and sent to the south and west, and further apphcations have been made, which are beins attended to. Jn every case the engagements have been made by the week. 1 lie introduction of skilled northern scutchers into these lo- calities is of paramount importance to flax growers. Tlie Bel- gian scutching machine, moved by hand-power, to which al- lusion was made in last report, has been tested, and found to clean flax admirably ; and, from the lightness of the handles, the quantity of tow made is now reduced to a minimum. With the application of horse power to maintain the requisite speed, this machine would be invaluable to flax farmers. A hand- breaker has also been received from Belgium, which would be of advantage in districts where hand-scutching is practised, and would be a great improvement on the mode by which flax 13 at present broken in these districts. From the simplicity of its construction it is inexpensive. It is intended shortly to issue query slips, with the view of obtaining the necessary in- formation, to arrive at an approximate of the average yield per acre, this season, of the flax crop in Ireland. Resolutions were passed confirming the several loans to scutch-mills alluded to in the report, and a cheque was signed in payment of grants to scutch-mills, sanctioned at the present meeting, and also at the meeting held on the 31st July last. E £ 2 402 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. THE NEW REGULATIONS FOR THE INSURANCE OF FARMING STOCK. [The following is a full report of tbe meeting, of which we have already given the chief points.] A meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture was held at Norwich, Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., the President, in the chair. The Chairjian called upon Mr. T. Brown to open the discussion. Mr. Brown said : Doubtless many of you have received a circular from the directors of the office in which you insure your property against fire — a circular that with kind, almost paternal care, instructs you as to the amount at which you must insure your property and how you shall insure it. Perhaps I had better read one of the circulars, but before doing so, T would notice the capricious manner in which they have been issued. Say there are four farmers in a village ; in one case three out of the four shall have received a circular ; in another two of the four shall have received one ; and in a third case but one of the four. I know an instance of three brothers, two living in one parish and the other in the parish adjoining; all insure in the same office, through the same agent ; one has received a circular and the other two have not. Again, some persons received the circular quite three weeks ago, others but a day or two since, and many others liave not received one at all. I will not trust myself to speak of the shortness of the notice, but will now read the precious document : " Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, Surrey-street, Norwich, loth August, 1870. " Dear Sir, — Tiie continuous bad results of farming stock business have led the Fire Insurance Offices to consider how far they may be obviated by increasing the amount of the in- surance to the value, and by ceasing the practice of grouping in one or two sums so many different objects of insurance. The result of the deliberation is, that the offices have all agreed only to renew their farming stock policies on the understanding that if a fire occurs, and it turns out that a farmer is not in- sured up to three-fourths of the then value of his agricidtitnil produce, the office will be only liable to make good such pro- portion of the damage as the sum insured bears to the full value. In your case if the amount you now insure proves equal to Lhiee-fourths of the entire value, the condition will not apply ; but if you consider the amount is below three- fourths, you will please yourself whether you increase your in- surance, or prefer a settlement (in the event of loss) under tlie above conditions of proportion. " In future you will find the notice duly incorporated in your receipt. " With regard to the insurance of different items of risk in one sum, the office has decided in all new policies to divide the insurance into three heads, viz. : " 1. Agricultural produce, inclusive of growing crops, also hops, seeds, roots, fruit, wool, cheese, cider, artficial and other food for cattle, and manures, grown on, or to be used upon the farm, but not including hops and grain undergoing any process of drying. " 2. Implements and utensils of luisbandry worked by hand or horse-power, only on the said farm, for which not more than £40 shall be paid for loss on any one article, unless especially mentioned. " 3. Live stock on the said farm, for which not more than £40 shall be paid for loss on any one animal, unless spe- cially mentioned. " No increase of rate is proposed by the offices, except un- der special circumstances. " I am, dear sir, yours truly " Samuel Btgnold, Secretary." Fearful that we should not quite understand the circular, they have been kind enough to explain it for us in a memorandum : " Every policy under which agricultural produce and farm- ings took are insured, will hereafter be subject to the following special condition : " If the sum insured on agricultural produce, either sepa- rately or in one amount with other property, shall, at the breaking out of a fire, be less than three-fourths of the value of all the property insured in that amount, then this Company shall be liable only for such a proportion of the loss sustained as the sum so insured shall bear to the total value of all the property to which such sum applies." Then they give us an illustration : " A farmer insures his agricultural produce and farming stock for £300, and at the breaking out of a fire the value of the property amounts to £400, the sum insured, therefore, being three-fourths the value of the property, the whole amount of loss up to £300 will be payable. " But if the value of the property be over £400, say £500, then the office will only pay such proportion of the loss as the sum insured bears to the value of the property, viz., three- fi ths ; and similarly in any other case where the sum insured is less than three-fourths the value of the property at the time of fire." That is to say, if a person insures for £1,000, the value of his property when a fire occurs being £3,000, should he sustain a loss of £600 the office will only pay £200. To further illus- trate the matter. We will suppose that the insured occupies a farm of 1,000 acres of average land. The value of his pro- perty when he insures will probably be about £8,000. To entitle him to recover from the insurance office the fuU amount of loss he may sustain by fire he must insure to the amount of three-fourths' of the value of such property — that is, £6,000. If he insures for £4,000, he will be entitled to but one-half his loss ; if for £2,000, he will be entitled to but one-fourth. I now proceed to analyse the £8,000. I will assume the value of the corn and hay crop to be £4,000 ; the value of the imple- ments and utensils of husbandry, exclusive of steam machinery, to be ^'600 ; and that of the live stock to be £3,400. Again, I will assume that the value of the sheep on such a farm amounts to £2,000. Now, the risk of loss from fire on sheep is next to nothing ; therefore that item of one-fourth may be fairly struck ofl'. The risk of loss from fire on the horses, cattle, and implements may be represented by £1,000 ; therefore the total risk by the ofiice would be £5,000. Now, if such be, as I believe it to be, a fair representation, are we to be told that to entitle such an insured person to recover the full amount of loss he may sustain by fire that he must insure for £6,000 ? Why the idea is preposterous ! I say that in the case which I have assumed an insurance of £2,000 is ample. And I will tell you why. I have shown that the risk of fire at the time of insurance only amounts to £5,000 ; before Christmas that risk will be reduced at least one-third — say to £3,000 ; by Lady-day it will be reduced three-fourths — say to £1,000; and by the 1st of June, just before the hay crop is secured, it will probably be reduced to £500. Therefore, an insurance of £2,000 would represent more than the average risk, and yet we are informed that to entitle such an insured person to re- cover the full amount of any loss he may sustain by fire he must insure for £6,000. Note the moderation of these di- rectors— they don't propose any increase of the rate of insur- ance ; they only say that in the case which I have assumed, and in which I think I have shown that an insurance of £2,000 is ample — that you must insure for £6,000, the amount of premium payable at the present rate being on £2,000, £5, and that on £6,000 being £15 — an increase of only 200 per cent ! I would ask who are these directors ? Are they gentle- men versed in the law, are they merchants, are they manufac- turers, are they brewers, are they persons conversant with agricultural affairs, or are they gods, that they thus issue their mandates ? I very much mistake you, gentlemen, if you will submit to, if you will not spurn, such arrogant dictation. But I am told, and that by an intelligent and much respected agent of an insurance office in this county, that these directors do not mean what they say, that they only mean tJieir circular to apply to agricultural produce — that is, to the hay and corn crop. I am afraid the dictum of this gentleman would not hold good in a court of law — but supposing liim to be correct in his reading, all I desire to say is that it is a pity these di- rectors did pot attend school long enough to enable them to THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 403 explaia their meeting. I well recollect these directors — these would-be dictators — issuing an instruction to their agents to the following effect : Tiiat steam ma- chinery must at the time of insurance be insured to its full value, and that such insurance must be reduced yearly twenty per cent., that is, if the value of such machinery was £300, it must fust be insured to that amount ; the second year the insurance was to be £34'0, the third year £180, tlio fourth £120, the fifth £60, and the fol- lowing year it would be uninsurable, although the machinary, if kept in good repair, might be nearly as valuable as when first insured. Now it strike* me that the instructions which many of us have received betr.ays the same degree of arrogance and incapacity as the circular to whicii I have just alluded. These directors say that the insurance on farming stock does not pay. If tlmt statement is correct, and I will assume that it is, although a short time since they gave us a bonus on such insurance — if such statement is correct, then I say their legi- timate course is either to increase tlie rate of such insurauces generally, or, what would be a far better course, to vary the rate according to the risk. Now the risk on a farm, say in West Norfolk, where the corn is stacked in the field on which it grows, is much less than where the whole coru crop is collected in a stackyard, as it is in some of the fen districts. Therefore, I say, according to the risk so let the insurance be. In tine, I say to these directors vary your rate of insurance, increase your rate if the present rate does not pay, but don't attempt to dictate to us liow much we shall insure, or how we shall insure it. Well, I have said that as this subject re- quired but little explanation, so it appeared to me that our course of action respecting it was plain and unmistakeable. That course I take to be, in the first instance, the appoint- ment of a committee. Should you agree with that course, and I believe you will, I presume the first step such committee would take would be to seek an interview with the directors of the Norwich Union Fire Oflice, they holding, I believe, the largest amount of insurances of farming stock of any office in the kingdom. If at such interview your committee should fail to convince these directors of the error of their ways, then I suppose your committee would counsel you to start an in- surance company of your own. Much as I dislike companies of any kind, in such a case I shall be prepared, and I hereby pledge myself to take a full proportion of shares according to my means. Mr. Brown concluded by moving the following reso- lution : " That a committee of five members be appointed to take such action in the matter of the new Fire Insurance Regu- lations as they may deem necessary." Mr. W. Elatt, who seconded the motion, said he con- sidered that Mr. Brown had exhausted the subject, and ex- pressed his concurrence in Mr. Brown's protest against the farmers being dictated to in the matter of how they should insure their produce, what amount they should put upon it, or anything of the kind. If the insurance on farming pro- duce did not pay the offices — of course no man took business unless it paid him, though farmers unfortunately did so some- times— let the rates be raised, for that was the fair way of proceeding. In West Norfolk, where he resided, corn was never found stacked anywhere but where it was grown, and if a man insured for three-fourths at the commencement of the harvest, or when his grain was stacked, it might be fair and proper to take an average, for the farmer would be fairly insured, and the offices ought to be satisfied. Farmers could not shut their eyes to the fact of this being a business tran- saction ; and if the offices said : " We won't have you," then as a matter of course they must attend to their own interest, and do the best they could. Mr. Flatt trusted that the directors ol the fire offices would yet see the error of their ways, retrace their steps, and so put the farmers into a fair position. Mr. C. E. BiGNOLD said that the directors of the Norwich Union Fire Oifi.ce would be the last persons to oppose Mr. Brovvn's resolution, because it was their wish to have an ami- cable understanding with the farmers, not only of Norfolk, but throughout the kingdom. While regretting that there was not one of the directors present to explain the matter, Mr. Bignold said he was certain that if tlie resolution were agreed to and a deputation of five gentlemen appointed to wait upon the directors of the Norwich Union Office, that that body would endeavour, as far as possible, to meet their views to the extent thev were able. But it must be remembered tliat the resolutions combined iu the circular were not those of the Norwicli Union Olhce alone — they were the resolutions of all the offices throughout the kingdom, founded on facts whicli Mr. Brown himself could not gainsay. A statement of ten years' working of all the fire offices in England showed for the first five years a bare profit, and for the last five years a positive loss, and that throughout the whole country. What course could the offices adopt except either raising the rate, and that largely, or to see that the farmers generally — he did not say those round about them — were insured more closely up to the value. It was proposed to raise tlie rate. That was carried with but two dissentients — two large offices— so it was felt that as the offices generally would not one and all raise the rate, that point must be dropped. The other point was then considered, and it was the most essential. Time was when farming stock was insured at Is. 6d. per cent. The rate then went up to 3s., 3s., and 4s. Ten years ago, in 1859, the rate was raised to 5s. In each case, it would be observed, the rate was raised because the previous rate had not paid. There must be something wrong, then, in the mode of conducting the business, and, in inserting the aveiagc clause, the offices were endeavouring, if they could, to place the business on a fairer basis. Mr. Brown had said that tlie office asked him to insure on the supposition that his stock was worth £8,000. Now Mr. Browu had made a great mistake iu his figures. If Mr. Brown's whole stock were worth £8,000, for the purpose of ascertaining 3-4ths the value on his agricultural produce, he must deduct £2,000 the value of his sheep, and £1,000 the value of his horses and implements, as on these he had the option of insuring any sum he liked, without the average clause being enforced — but with regard to the remaining £5,000 he must be covered up to 3-4th its value, unless he preferred his loss being settled under conditions of proportion. Mr. Brown himself has supplied an argument : he says, " I stack in the fields, and therefore I cannot lose more than £2,000 by any fire." But were the offices for a premium on £2,000 to undertake a risk in a half a dozen places ? that would be palpably unjust. Mr. Brown : I did not say so. Mr. BiGXOLD : You said it was so iu West Norfolk par- ticularly. All the offices asked was that gentlemen should insure up to such a fair value as would pay them. The direc- tors of the Norwich Union could show them — he did not feel justified in doing it — that the farming stock business had cost the proprietors during the last ten years £4,000 a year — £4,000 a year had they paid more thau they had received. It therefore stood to reason that something must be done, and what had been done he hoped was only fair and right. On reading the circular put before the Chamber he could not see how it said that farmers must insure 3-4ths on all their property, if it were divided. It said, "The result of the de- liberation is, that the offices have all agreed only to renew their farming stock policies on the understanding that if a fire occurs, and it turns out that a farmer is not insuied up to 3-4ths of the then value of his agricultural produce, the oflice will only be liable to make good such a proportion of the damage as the sum insured bears to the full value." How did Mr. Brown from that arrive at his conclusion ? Mr. Brown : I am not bound to find the English. Mr. Bignold -. But I have found the English. It does not say a word about implements and utensils in husbandry ; it says especially, "agricultural produce." I trust that objection is sufficiently explained. Mr. Bignold again said that, with regard to insurance on live stock, every farmer could do as he pleased in the amount he placed upon it. .Some gentlemen made a mistake in supposing that there was no risk upon live stock. Tliis year the Norwich Union must have paid 200 different claims for losses of live stock by lightning ; some- times the amounts were £50, £60, or £70, though the ma- jority of them were not of course more than i;20. On the whole, this fact showed that there was a certain amount of risk in live stock. Mr. Bignold regretted that Mr. Brown had to complain that insurers in his district had not received their circulars ; that was the fault of the agents to whom they had been sent to distribute, and then expressed his readiness to answer any qucstionss. Mr. R. England: The offices do uot require threp-fourtlis of the value of the live stock to be insured ? Mr. Bignold : Unless you insure it iu one sura witli your agricultural produce. m THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Mr. England : You are at liberty to insure in any amount you please on implements and live stock ? Mr. BiGKOLD : ifes ; any amount. Mr. EngLxVND : And you only ask for three-fourths of the value of farm produce, hay and corn ? MrBlGNOLD: Certainly. Mr. Ejjglakd : Erom some conversation I have heard I was sure there was some misapprehension on this subject ; and I am glad that Mr. Bignold lias been able to explain the matter to us, for I think he has withdrawn a great part of the objection which farmers had to it. Mr. R. Smith inquired whether " agricultural produce," including growing crops, was meant to embrace roots. Mr. Bignold said most undeniably they were produce. The Norwich and Sun Offices were far more liberal than any of the others in their payments for losses on growing crops. The Norwich Union certainly would not take root crops and young wheat iutoconsiderationat the insurance on three-fourths value, and it was optional for a farmer to strike out the words so that growing crops should not be covered. He considered it was rather hberal on the part of the offices than otherwise. Mr. Smith said while the words remained the insurance must naturally be held in a court of justice to include roots ; therefore they would come in as a proportion of the value of the produce of the farm. Unless " roots" are entirely struck out any office might say to the farmer that the insurance included the value of his roots as well as that of his corn. Mr. Bignold : Strike out the words. Mr. Bkown : That won't bind the other offices, Mr. Bignold : But it would bind ours. There are very few offices which pay for growing crops at all. Mr. Smith: Is artificial food for cattle intended to be included ? Mr. Bignold : I think decidedly that that is agricultural produce, and I do not see why you should not insure it up to a fair amount of value. Mr. Smith : I do not think you can find a single instance were danger arises upon a farm from artificial food for cattle as in the case of hay. Mr. Bignold : If you had your barns and warehouses burnt down you would find Mr. Smith (interposing) : But we do not keep artificial food in those places. It seems that for the sake of our corn and hay those tilings are to be added in. We might have £200 worth of cake, which would be no risk. Mr, Bignold : It wouid, if there was a fire. Mr. Smith : That £200 worth of cake would be added to the value, and we would have to pay a premium upon it just to make us safe with our growing crops which, perhaps, may be hay and turnips. Mr. Bignold : You have the opportunity of not being insured for it. It you wish to be covered lor it it is only riglit you should be insured up to a fair proportionate value. Mr. Smith : It is very certain that as soon as harvest is over and we begin to thrash our corn we reduce the risk to the office very materially, and in the course of three months the riik is not more than one fourth of the whole. Mr. Bignold : Woidd you mind stating to the meeting the case you put co me outside. Mr. Smith : What was that ? Mr. Bignold : You said supposing that you had value to the amount of £2,000 at harvest time and you did not choose to insure for three-fourths of that value ; and that you insured for £1,000, and in the course of two months' time you had only £1,000 value instead of £2,000. Would you receive on the full amount ? I say " Yes," because at the time the fire broke out you were fully insured — even more than three- fourths ; but until the fire occurred you ran the risk to the same extent yourself. But that was optional. Mr. Bignold then remarked that farmers thought they were being treated differently to any other class. There was not an insurance on the books of any insurance office extending ever more than one place, without the average clause being inserted — wliat he might be allowed to call a pure and simple average clause. If the amount insured was equal to the full value the clause did not apply, but if a man insured for £19,000 what was worth £20,000 he was his own insurer for the remaining 20th as he had insured for only 19-20ths. The insurance offices gave farmers the boon of insuring up to three-fourths of the value, while everyone else must be insured np to the full value; therefore, the farmers had an advantage of 25 per cent, granted them. Mr. Howard Taylor said it seemed to him that the offices had been endeavouring in this circular to carry out a reform which was absolutely pecuniarily necessary to them ; and there could be no doubt in the mind of any one who had at all acquainted himself with the very elements of fire insurance, that the farmers had up to the present time had exceptional advantages in insurance. But if that were so, he could not see why the offices should cause all those exceptional advan- tages to be transformed in future into exceptional disadvan- tages. It seemed to him that the offices had endeavoured to carry out an equal reform, but had not done so in a satisfac- tory manner. The main distinction between the insurance of house property and agricultural produce was that in the one case there was a constant value, and in the other a variable value. If a person did not insure his house up to the fuU value, he knew that for the difference between the insurance and the value he stood at his own risk ; but when a person insured his occupation, it was for a different value every day in the year ; and therefore it was impossible tor him to ascer- tain directly what would be the value of the agricultural pro- duce in any particular day in twelve months. In looking at the alteration suggested by the offices, it would be seen that, in order for a person to bring himself within the benefits of complete and entire insurance, he must be insured up to the value of three-fourths of the agricultural produce at a time when a fire took place. It was not three-fourths of the aver- age value of a farm during the year, but it was three-fourths of the value when a fire occurred. Therefore, in order that the insurer should secure for himself the advantages of that insurance, he must keep his premium up to the maximum value of his property at any time in the year. There was another point in which the offices appeared to have subjected the insurers to exceptional disadvantages. They said to the farmer, " You must insure in three-fourths of your existing value" — that was what they intended — " but," they also said, "if you are not insured up to three-fourths of the value at the time a fire breaks out, the sura you shall receive shall be in proportion to the total value of the insured property." There, again, the farmers would be subjected to a disadvantage in the calculation of the amount to be paid as compensation. It therefore seemed to him that the clause in the circular had been framed without a due consideration of the variable value attending agricultural produce. If the committee proposed waited upon the directors of the Norwich Union, which course would no doubt have a commanding influence upon other offices, and pointed out this matter clearly, it would be almost impossible for them to maintain the position they had assumed. Although they were familiar with specific pro- perty, they were not so well acquainted with that which was variable. Mr. Bignold said there were three farmers on the board of directors of the Norwich Union, so the thing had not been done without the advice of practical men. He sliould be glad if Mr. Howard Taylor would explain how farmers had been treated in an exceptional manner. If a merchant insured bales of cotton in warehouses at Liverpool, he had to do so under the average clause ; and cotton, surely, had a different value at different times in the year, just the same as corn. Many different species of merchandise varied more than corn. If a farmer insured at Michaelmas — and that was a general things he was almost certain to be insured for three-fourths during the whole year ; and the Norwich Union Office, if it found that a farmer had endeavoured to the best of his ability to be covered up to three-fourths the value, would not take any ad- vantage of him if he happened to be a trifle under. Mr. J. Everitt said that he was a shareholder in the Nor- wich Union Fire Office ; but, at the same time, he had a large capital invested in the soil; and therefore it would be a suicidal act if he were to offer any observations which were calculated to depreciate or to do harm to the agricultural interest of the country. Taking a common sense, commercial view of this matter, it was absurd to suppose that a large office like the Norwich Union, or any other office in the kingdom, could go on ad hifi)ntum, incurring considerable loss by one description of insurance. There was a considerable risk on all property ; but he contended that there was greater risk upon farming pro- duce, it being exposed to the dangers of lightning and incen- diarism. There was a time when fearful losses were the result THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 405 of the latter cause. Tlien, again, tliey were exposed to tlie carelessness of their servants ; tlie consumption of tobacco had increased tenfold, and almost every farm boy had now a pipe in his moutli. ifurtber, he believed that lie was stating a fact when lie said that one of the greatest losses from fires arose from children innocently playing with lucifcr matches. Having looked at the question carefully, as a practical man, he was of opinion that the insurance ollice was asking nothing unrea- sonable in fixing the rate of insurance for the whole produce of the farm at 5s. per cent. Perhaps tliree- fourths was rather above the value ; but, as the directors were men of intelli- gence and moderation, he had no doubt a course would bo suggested which would meet the views of the directors and of the agricultural body in general. Mr. E. Clowes wished to ask Captain Bignold whether, as the representative of the Norwich Uuion Ollice, he was able to give them any pledge as to what would be the future course with regard to the circular ? He apprehended that the cir- cular was not the dictum of the Norwich Union, but of many offices ? Mr. Bignold : Precisely. Mr. Clowes : Therefore nothing could he come to until another meeting of that association in London, where the offices met and concocted and contrived the means of pro- tecting the community by fixing the rates of insurances. When, a few years ago, he was the director of a fire office, he looked particularly into this matter, and the determination he came to was that insurances upon growing crops and the produce of the land of an infiammable nature would pay at 10s. per cent. ; but then if the stacks were separated about the land they might he taken at another rate. Then, looking at the circular, he saw that the office had brought into three distinct classes not only the produce of the farm, but what was upon the farm. They might keep it so. In taking the produce of a farm at what was grown and harvested, there was a danger that might be taken at one rate, and the im- plements and live stock at other rates. Eor the live stock they might go down as low as Is. 6d., and the implements they might take at something like 3s. 6d., and the other ranging at 10s., separated and divided where the stacks were set apart. Such was his proposition at the time. It was communicated to the association in London, but they ignored it; still he thought some such arrangement was desirable. Anyhow, let them get rid of the average clause, and have a rate which should be satisfactory to both parties. This great difficulty arose here, that the policy was not a floating policy ; it was a fixed policy upon the farm. Mr. Bignold : It floats over the whole. Mr. Clowes : But still there were a variety of risks, and if they were separated in this way it was like the floating policies which were taken at a lower rate. For instance, in the in- surance of cotton at Liverpool they took a floating policy over the whole. Mr. Bignold : At a shilling a month. Mr. Clowes : And some for a good deal less. Mr. Bignold : No, none ; many liigher. Mr, Clowes thought that if they were to devise some means of separating tlie produce the office might with advan- tage take a higher rate upon what was grown and harvested. He did not mean roots, because roots would take no mischief but what would burn. They might then cut the other rates down, and he was sure the office would be glad to insure the live stock at Is. 6d. Por his own part he would much rather do so than take the other risk at 10s. He hoped the com- mittee would make some such suggestion as this to the office. Mr. Bignold agreed to a certain extent with what Mr. Clowes had said. It was impossible to get the other offices in London to agree to what he had stated. One of the things tried for was that if there was not a certain division between every stack a higher rate should be charged ; but as two other large offices would not agree to it the thing could not be carried. The Chairman : Would the Norwich Union Pire Office take the insurance on agricultural produce and implements without the live stock ou the farm ? Mr. Bignold : Certainly ; but if yoxi put the implements in the same item with the agricultural produce the implements would have to be subjected to three-fourths of the value, the same as the produce. If you look at the circular you will see it is so : " If the sum insured on agricultural produce, either separately or in one amount with other property." You notice tliat the words " in one amount" show that if you insure £500 on dead farming stock that includes agricultural produce and implements. Tlie Chairman : I do not think Captain Bignold has an- swered the very forcible objection raised by Mr. Howard Taylor. Mr. Taylor did not say a word about tlie price of our ac^ricul- tural produce, nor did he say a word about the quantity we grow. Of course we must have new policies every year, that is certain. Take a light land farmer this year ; his crop of wheat is perhaps not worth £5. I hope that a kiud Provi- dence will bless him so next year that it will be worth £10. Then, Mr. Howard Taylor really put the matter in its true light. A farmer, directly after harvest, has, of course, an im- mense amount of inflammable stuff upon his farm, but just before the hay comes into the stackyard what has he ? Hardly anything besides the straw, and perhaps a bit of old hay ; nothing else in the shape of " agricultural produce." There- fore it is very difficult in properly arriving at what they are good enough to call " three-fourths" of the value. I think that the observations made by Mr. Everitt about smoking ought to receive attention in this Chamber, and that the subject is worth} of more consideration than has been given to it. The careless use of lucifer matches is no doubt the whole cause of all these disturbances between the insurance offices and the farmers. One insurance office has been good enough to send me a circular in which it says " children are permitted to play with lucifer matches in rickyards." Why, good gracious me ! who permits ? You know that accidents cannot be helped , but the careless use of lucifer matches are a source of more destructive fires than all other causes put together. I am quite sure that Captain Bignold will say Uiat it is so in Norfolk ; and I do think that one point which ought to be considered is whether there should not be some restriction put upon the sale of those lucifer matches which ignite upon anything. There is a safer kind of match, which ignites only on the box, and one never hears of a child taking a whole box of lucifer matches to play with — and if they were used I believe the risk would be materi- ally diminished. I will just make one observation further — I particularly object to the way in which this circular has been put before us, and I object still further to the time. This meeting was held in London on the 10th of May. Our poli- cies are all renewable on the 29th September. The Norwich Union Office has certainly dated their letter the loth August, but some of us have not yet received a copy, and others only received one in the course of this week. A Member : I received mine this week. Another Member : I have not received mine yet. The Chairman : Some of the offices in London, according to a letter which I have, say : " We are about to inform our agricultural friends of these new regulations." I may tell you this : I was a director of an Insurance Company in London ; hut things were managed in such a very nice manner that I knew nothing about this until I received this notice from the Norwich Union Pire Office of these new regulations. I need not say that as soon as I saw that, I resigned my seat on the Board, because I did not wish to be made a puppet of, nor did I wish to run the risk of being had up before the Lord Mayor, and committed to prison, if some discontented shareholder finds that the Society does not flourish quite so well as he ex- pected. I should like to inquire of Captain Bignold whether it is the insurer who has to ask this long list of questions — eleven in all, but they are compound questions which would lead to about 30, more or less— or the poor unfortunate agent ? Mr. Bignold -. The poor unfortunate agent. The Chairman : I am very glad indeed that the farmers have not to ask them. Some of those questions are ridiculous. I have before me some put by a London Office— the Norwich Union does not go quite that length— and one is, " Is the insurer popular with his labourers P" Mr. Bignold : That is a very material point. The Chairm.s:n : You wiU next have this, "If a manufac- turer, what are his politics, and is he popular with the mob ?" Captain Bignold has told us tha*". fire-insurance does not pay. Mr. Bignold : Not generally, we don't say that. The Chairman : I make this challenge to Captain Bignold — and I have pretty good authority for it — Pire insurance on farm produce in Norfolk does pay. I do not say that it does pay all over the kingdom ; but I say that it does pay m Nor- folk, and I challenge the directors to prove that it does not. 406 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. AVhy should we be made to pay for the shortcomings of other counties P There was a time when there was a vast amount of incendiarism in Norfolk. Happily that time has gone by ; but incendiarism still exists to a certain extent in other por- tions of the kingdom. I do not say a word about that, because the poor farmers cannot help it more than we can. But in most other counties the whole of the agricultural pro- duce is grouped in most beautiful fantastic ricks all round the premises. Tlie " Koyal Farmers" Office say, " We have just had to pay a loss in which there were 27 stacks destroyed." Now I will ask you whether such a thing as that could by any possibility happen in the largest farm in Norfolk ? Of course it could not. Therefore I say that we in Norfolk have no right to bear this infliction, but that everybody should be in- sured according to the proportion which he takes. Let us have varying rates. For ray part, I have arrived at the con- clusion that nothing shall ever insure my live stock. Mr. Clowes says he would insure it for Is. 6d. per cent. I would not insure it at 3d. per cent. What risk is there ? Perhaps some stupid pig may run his nose under a rick and get smothered ; or some cocks aud hens, but they are not taken into account, I believe . Mr. BiGNOLD : There would be some cackling if they M-ere not paid for. Mr. EvERiTT : What about horses in the case of fire in a stable ? The Chairman -. Well, occasionally you may have a horse destroyed. Let any practical farmer go round his premises at Michaelmas and value his live stock. I am only a small farmer, occupying 400 acres of land. I shall be sorry indeed for anyone in the month of October to come and pay me £2,500 for my stock. Do you think that there is any risk whatever upon sheep ? They may occasionally be killed by lightning ; and, as to bullocks, I wish we had an insurance against pleuro. Mr. BiGNOLD : We nearly had an insurance against pleuro the other day. The Chairman ; I think the insurance companies have treated the farmers particularly bad as regards time. They have not given us time to establish a Mutual Insurance Com- pany, which, perhaps, would be a bad thing for us ; but at the same time I would rather be a shareholder in such a company than have this iujiistice inflicted on the agricultural interest. And I would say this : Weren't we laughed at and scoff'ed at in the year 1843, wiien we established the Hail Storm In- surance Company, and is that such an extremely bad specula- tion ? I believe not ; and I also firmly believe that if a body of farmers would undertake mutually to insure each other, they would take such legitimate precautions that a premium on fire insurances at 5s. would be a very profitable investment. Mr. BiGNOLD remarked that he thought they could hardly complain of the office not having given them suflicieut time to establish an association against them, but, nevertheless, he assured them that tlie desire of the directors was that they should have sufficient notice. With regard to the establish- ment of a Mutual Insurance Office, if they took that course, he did not think they would find the profits to be much ; but, on the other hand, he believed it would share the fate of one established some time ago. Pray let them try ; but, at the same time, the Norwich Union would be sorry to lose anyone who insured with them. The question as to whether a man was popular with his labourers he regarded as an important one, because no less than 28 per cent, of the losses sustained by fire arose from incendiarism, and if a man had the reputa- tiou of being harsh to his labourers and of ill-treating them, that might be an important element as tending to incendiary fires. With regard to what the chairman had said as to his not having answered Mr. Howard Taylor, the chief point in that gentleman's observations was that the farmers were being treated in an exceptional manner. He (Mr. Bignold) was at a loss to see how this was, because the office asked the farmer to insure up to three-fourths, or to have an average clause, whereas in every other case a man had to insure up to the full amount, so that the farmer had the advantage by 25 per A Member asked if tramps were not the cause of most of the incendiary fires? Mr. BiGNOLD said that most of the losses incurred through tramps came under the head of accidental fires. The Chairman said that if tliey looked at the calendar of any Norfolk assizes, they would see that almost all incendiary fires were caused either by tramps, by some one for a lark, or by some pleasant individual wko wanted to get transported. As far as regarded the labourers themselves, whether a man was a hard or very generous master ? was a question that ought not to be put by an insurance office. Mr. BiGNOLD : We don't put such a question. I am only defending others who do. In answer to Mr. Brown, who regretted the observation of Mr. Bignold as to its not being likely the office would give them sufficient notice to enable them to form a Mutual In- surance Office, Mr. BiGNOLD remarked that the directors never dreamed of such a thing being possible, and that they had given five weeks' notice, the non-delivery of the circulars being entirely the fault of the agents. A Member remarked that Mr. Bignold was mistaken if he supposed farmers would be put down now as they were twenty years ago. The resolution was then adopted unanimously ; and on the motion of Mr. Clowes, seconded by Mr. J. Everitt, the following gentlemen were appointed the committee : The Pre- sident, the Vice-President, Messrs. T. Brown, B. Bond, and W. Flatt. The CiiAiRiiAN said that he was sure the Chamber were much obliged to Mr. Bignold for attending there, and for the courteous explanations he had given. On the motion of Mr. Everitt, seconded by the Rev. J. L. Brereton, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Bignold, who, in acknowledgment, said that the Norwich Union Office insured eleven millions of farming property iu the kingdom, and they would very much regret not to remain at the top of the tree. The meeting then terminated. An adjourned meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture was held, Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., in the chair, to further consider the question of the terms upon which in- surances of agricultural produce are required to be effected in future by the principal insurance companies. A committee appointed to confer upon the subject with the directors of the Norwich Union Fire Insurance office reported : " Your committee are informed by the directors that the con- ditions requiring agricultural produce to be insured up to three-fourths of its full value apply only to all manures, food for cattle, &c., produced or used upon a farm ; and that it is competent for a farmer to insure his corn and hay crops to the exclusion of roots, food, manures, and other items. In the event of a fire only the particular produce insured would be taken into account in estimating or valuing the loss. The directors declined to amend or withdraw the circular issued by them. They also informed the committee that a reasonable amount, having due regard to the total value, can be insured on implements and also on live stock, such reasonable amount being in their opinion not less than one-third of the value thereof; and that if such reasonable amount were insured, any amount, not exceeding the amount insured, would be paid in full without any limitation or restriction, beyond the usual one that not more than £40 will be paid for any article or animal unless specially mentioned. Your committee pointed out that the foregoing terms were a radical change in the sys- tem of farm insurance, that farmers were entitled to due notice thereof, and that as they had not had such due notice your committee suggested a renewal of Mi- chaelmas policies on the old system for a reasonable time to enable a committee of farmers to meet the directors and endeavour to arrange terms which would be satisfactory to both parties. The directors, while admitting the insufficiency of notice declined to grant any extension of time, but advised that insurances should be effected on their terms, adding that there would then be a whole year for farmers to consider the matter." Mr. Gerard Day proposed that a fresh insurance company should be formed. Mr. C. E. Bignold, assistant secretary of the Norwich Union Office, stated that that office had insurances of agricultural produce to the amount of £2,000,000 in Narfolk. For several years the profit realised on this amount of business had been only £300 per annum, and for the last five years there had been a positive loss. THE FARMBE'S MAGAZINE. 407 The Chair.ma^j saul the directors of tlie Norwich Uuiou appeared to wish Norlolk farmers to pay for the shortcomings of the insurers of other districts. I'arraers ought to have a Jieavy policy from July to December, and a light one from December to July. They could not insure under an average clause without a great deal of trouble and an immense amount of injustice, and, therefore, he for one would uot so insure. After a good deal of conversation the proposition for the formation of a fresh insurance company was withdrawn, but the Chamber adopted a resolution to the effect that it regretted that the directors of the Norwich Union had thought fit to adlicre to tlie average clause system which tiie Chamber con- ceived to be unfair to tlic agriculturists of Norfolk. The proceedings then terminated. ECHOES FROM THE AUTUMN MEETINGS. WARWICKSHIRE. At Leamington, Mr. T. IIorley said : We must feel that we are exceedingly fortunate in having such a nobleman as Lord Leigh as lord-lieutenant of the county. He is always foremost in every charitable movement which is started, and he has always shown himself ready and willing to alleviate the sulferings and better the condition of the working classes. As a landlord he is a noble example. Since the last meeting of the society, his lordship has given his tenants the privilege of killing ground game on his estate. I am quite certain that neither his lordship nor his friends will ever find legitimate sport interfered with by reason of the concession he has made. But Lord Leigh has done yet more for his tenants ; he has promised compensation for unexhausted improvements carried out on his estate ; and, if that act should lead to the estab- lishment of a good practical system of Tenant-Right in the county, it will be a great thing for Warwickshire. I must also speak of the liberality of another landed proprietor of the county — Mr. Mark Philips — who has intimated his intention to return to his tenants the whole of the rent of land upon which they had grown wheat, which would amount to about 25 per cent, of tlie aggregate payments. That is a noble and generous act, and one showing that Mr. Philips takes a deep interest in the welfare of his tenantry. It has been mentioned in connection with the prize offered by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire for the best cultivated farm at the last meeting of the Royal Society, that in Liucolnshire they have a Tenant- Right, which was attended with the best effects. It has tended to create enterprise among farmers, and if the same thing were adopted throughout the country, then the whole country would participate in the good which has unmistakably resulted iu Lincolnshire. It will be a red-letter day for Warvvickshire when we have a practical Tenant-Right in vogue. Referring to the condition of the agricultural labourers, I must say I be- lieve no system of education will do good unless the labouring classes have good dwellings to live in. Nothing will do more good to the farmers or their servants than providing on the farms suitable dwellings for the latter class, with good gardens, and all near to their work. I also hold that the landlords should not carry on the practice of having large preserves of game. It would be productive of much good if they would remove a large quantity of the hedgerow timber from their fields. If a few of these things were brought about, we should no longer hear of the farms in Lincolnshire and Northumber- land being in a better state than those iu Warwickshire and other counties, but there would be a better state of things throughout the whole country. Mr. C. N. Newdegate, M.P., said : I was glad that Mr. Horley congratulated the meeting upon the decision of the Lord-Lieutenant that he would upon his estate allow compen- sation lor unexhausted improvements. I am a half-bred Lin- colnshire man, and for more than 15 years, in all my agree- ments with my tenants, there has been a clause that binds my estate to give them compensation. That system of agreement has been the foundation of the success of agriculture in Lin- colnshire which now surprises even Scotland itself. I will not touch on all the observations that have been made with respect to agriculture ; but when Mr. Horley says " Pell more of the hedgerow timber," I must call to his attention the ad- mitted fart that in the counties where there is the least hedgerow limber they have suffered most from the drought, and that it is an ascertained fact that in Egypt there were no showers about Cairo till they planted rows of poplars. As we have experienced a period of unexampled drought, I doubt the policy of felling the hedgerow timber round grass land. I have iu this drought watched the state of things in the park at Arbury, and I have found that where there have been trees and shelter there has been more natural pasture this season than I have seen anywhere else. I think, therefore, that what Mr. Horley recommended should be qualified to the fell- ing of hedgerow timber where it stands between arable fields ; and this even may require further qualification, for I am con- vinced a great mistake has been made in Leicestershire, where the hedgerow timber in the fences which separate pasture land has been cut down. I think the recommendation of Mr. Horley needs the qualification I have mentioned. I am an old member for the county, but I am a young farmer ; yet this year I have tried an experiment I would like to mention. I was the first to propose and give a prize for draining, as a member of the Rugby Agricultural Society, and I do not re- pent it ; but, happening to have a level meadow this year with a spring in it, I stopped up my drain, and I think I had more pasture there than all my neighbours. I admit that that is an experiment to be tried with caution, but if it be done wisely where there are springs you will be able to withstand the drought of such a season as this. Mr. C. M. Caldecott said : If I had the fortune of our noble Lord-Lieutenant, and possessed the quantity of land which he possesses, I think I should also be inclined to give my tenants the privilege of shooting hares and rabbits on the farms they occupy. I have a small farm at home, with about 300 acres, occupied by one tenant, and on that farm I have shot eleven hares in three years. I have been out three days this year, and saw one hare on the farm. I do not take particular credit to myself for not being a strong preserver of hares against my tenants. As to Mr. Mark Phihps, a better man never lived ; and if I, like him, had £30,000 a year and saw my tenants in difliculties, should I not help them ? Mr. Horley has lifted up these two landowners as if there were no others like them in the county. I object to this, and I will not have it. I quite agree with him that a landlord ought to think of his tenants, and what is best for them in the way of helping himself by helping them, and by giving good houses to the labourers, and all that ; but it is not to be a one-sided arrangement, it must be worked all through ; everybody must have the same feeling — the inferior towards the superior, and the equal towards the equal. There must not be one man set on high, and people say " There's none like him !" Mr. Smith, of Bibury, Oxou, said hedgerow timber was a source of great injury to tenants. At a time like the present, when such great demands were made on the land, the soil should be made the most of. One of the greatest drawbacks to the tenant was the over-preservation of ground-game. In whatever district he lived, if the farmer was much over-run by ground-game, he could not make the best of his land. He hoped to see the day when, like Lord Leigh, landlords would give up ground-game to their tenants. Landlords would then have as good sport as at present, and that without the expense of so many gamekeepers. Every tenant-famer would be a keeper of his landlord. If, on the contrary, they had no share of the sport, when they saw men lurking about their fields they might be inclined to look another way, saying, " They are not going to rob me, but to take the robbers off my land." While, oa the otlier hand, if they had a share in the sport, they might seek assistance and arrest the suspected characters. Rabbits were the worst of vermin, and their over-preservation was un- natural. He had had an interview with Sir Michael Beach, who asked him, " What do you require us to do ?" He replied, " All we wish you to do is to set a good example. We wish 408 THE PARMER'S MAGAZINE. you to legislate as you please ; but we are now come to ask you to allow your teuauts to destroy rabbits and course hares." He had giveu that permission for the last two years. It was said that every pheasant cost a guinea, while its market value was only 3s. 6d. Lord Warwick, the President, said : I hope you will excuse me for saying one or two words with respect to the discussions which have been held during the speeches this evening. I do so in good part, and with the best feeling. It is my earnest wish to hear fromallpracticalmen their practical opinions on farming, on stock, and on what may advance the interests of agriculture. I think, as President of this Association, it becomes me to say that we have a little too much wandered into points which are likely to create differences of opinion and discussions which are liardly fitting for a meeting like the present (Hear, hear, from Lord Leigh). If there were no other places where they could be discussed, I should say let us discuss them with all that good feeling evinced by my friend Mr. Caldecott. But you must remember that there is a Chamber of Agriculture, to which these matters more especially belong. I hope you will nearly aU agree with me that if we introduce these matters, which are somewhat personal, and which almost require a reply, or if we get into the discussion of such questions, there may be certain disagree- ments which we sliould wish to avoid, and which no one who looked forward for a moment would wish to encourage. Lord Leigh : I may be permitted to say a few words in reference to the matters alluded to by the noble President. I must say that I most entirely and completely agree with what has fallen from my noble friend. I regret that my name has been more than once mentioned by my friend Mr. Horley and others in reference to the game question. I must say that I perfectly agree wit'^ my noble friend the Earl of Warwick, that it is far better to avoid the introduction of such questions as the excessive preservation of ground game, referring them to the Chamber of Agriculture, which is the medium for their consideration. My private feelings led me to see that it would be better for me to give up ground game to my tenants, and I did so for that reason. But I never expected it would pass beyond my own tenantry. It got into the newspapers, and it has been to me a source of annoyance, as it appeared as if I wished to dictate to my neighbours. I am satisfied that the good feeling of every landlord in Warwickshire would, if he could, induce him not to have an excess of game. I am equally coavinced that if my noble friend the president thought game was doing any injury to his tenants, he would use his discretion as to the manner in which it should be remedied. It is a question between landlord and tenant, and one which should not be introduced at these assemblies. If the tenant has anything of which to complain, let him state his grievances to his landlord — but do not let him come here and quote Mr. A. or Mr. B. as examples of giving up their ground game. It has been to me a source of great annoyance to hear my name frequently mentioned in connection with this subject. I hope tenants will speak out to their landlords, and not introduce such discussions at festive gatherings like the present. NORFOLK. At Waylaud, Mr. Mayiiew said : Besides the difTiculties of feeding his stock, the farmer had had other difficulties to con- tend witli, and he was afraid there were yet more in store for him. During the last few years they had experienced very adverse seasons. There was a time when the light land farmer by well and judiciously applying his money could meet with some encouragement, but now, however much skill and energy he brought to bear in the farming of light soils the result was not that which he might reasonably expect. Possibly these adverse circumstances in the long run might be attended with benefit. It might, perhaps, put them on a sounder basis. In the first place no doubt it had a strong tendency to do away, in the successful cropping of the soil, with ground game, or, more properly speaking, vermin. He was sure they would all agree with him in thanking the noble president for having taken the initiative in destroying these pests to the farmer. It was true that in the course of time Parliament might enforce the suppression of them, but their noble president had anticipated this, and had acted wisely in taking the initiative. He thought they would also con- cur with him that the rents of the light lands were not ex- actly genuine. They had been put up to an extreme degree by what he might term outside men, men who were not brought up in practical farming, and who imagined that if they could get hold of a light land farm it would be nice to gallop a horse across the farm, so that they had been in- duced to come and give more for that land tlian it was ab- solutely worth. Tills put a practical man in a very difficult position, especially when tlie seasons favoured that description of land, but he believed the last few seasons had shown that tlie practical men who were willing to give a fair rent, and to give no more, were the men in whom alone they could trust. Lord Walsingiiam said : With respect to ground game, that was always a difficult and moot question, and he had never heard it discussed without its being qualified by the statement that it was very wrong, and people ought not to be allowed to have too much ground game. But who was to decide be- tween too much and too little ? A man when he took liis farm inquired aud ascertained from his neighbours what amount of ground game the landlord was in the habit of keep- ing, and if he was dissatisfied he need not take up the lease, and liad better go to where there was no game. It was a question which rested entirely with the landlord and the tenant, aud one with whicli the law could not deal. As to theoretical men paying more rent than practical men, the landlord tried to get as practical tenants as possible, and if men turned out not to be practical, it was no fault of the landlord. There might be non-practical men get liold of farms ; but, as a rule, he believed the farmers of Norfolk were practi- cal men, and knew the value of land just as much as the land- lord, and would never give more than it was worth, unless, indeed, he happened to be a man not of strong mind and unable to judge for himself. If they had a horse to sell, they tried to make as much of him as they could ; and if they asked a price tbey could not obtain, it was proof positive that the value put upon the horse was more than it was worth. It was a matter of agreement between landlord and tenant between buyer and seller. Referring again to the question of ground game, the noble lord said that the tenant would have a right to complain of his audlord if he kept up more game than he had been in the habit of keeping up before he let the farm ; but if the con- ditions and circumstances under which he took it remained the same, he could not see on what ground any complaint could be made, LINCOLNSHIRE, At Halton Holgate, Mr. J. H. M. Mundt said he was nearly the oldest on the roU of tlie magistrates of this county. He hoped they might so adminster the justice of the country, which had been placed in the hands of the magistrates of England, that they might not be reduced to that posi- tion which prevailed in most other countries, where justice was conducted by a paid magistracy. They were, perhaps, not always quite so conversant with the intricacies of the law as paid magistrates miglit be, who would be selected from the legal profession ; but they had tlieir magistrates' clerks — men of uprightness and integrity — to wliom tliey could appeal with every confidence in any legal difiiculiy, an advantage which assisted them to do what was just and right. Mr. Heanlet, in responding for " Success to Farming and Grazing," said it took a clever man to farm at a profit, much more to graze at a profit. Under the present regime, with a European war, they were not to have wheat above 47s. per quarter, and cake was costing £13 per ton. As a practical man his advice was " farm as well as you can." He recom- mended the use of artificial manures, the necessity of having slieep on a farm ; and with a European war, wheat instead of being at four guineas had come down below 50s., which they must try to make up for by growing a greater quantity. The next thing he could recommend was consideration for the la- bourer, and that he should be paid in proportion to his labour, Mr. ]\[undy had given them a little speech on the administra- tion of justice in the county of Lincoln. He (Mr. Heanley) contended that they liad spent too much in prison building in this county, and they had got so Radical as to think we ought to have a paid magistracy. They could not take two men op- posed to each other before a justice and both win the case, and when the investigation was before a clergyman what was the result ? Why, the man who lost declared he would never go to church any more, aud became a dissenter. There was al- ready plenty of dissent, and he hoped we should always have an Established Church in the realm, but he did not tliink in THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 409 this county of Liucolu the law could be administered without goiupf to the clergy, because there were not enougli country geutleraeu for the task without tliem. If it was an undeniable fact, then, that the man who went before a clergyman ;ind lost his case turned dissenter, it was time we liad stipendiaries. Mr. Thos. Bring (Claxby) followed, lie tiiougiit that to ensure prosperity it needed the united efl'orts of tlie owner, occupier, and labourer. There was a great deal to do which it would require those three interested to carry out to the greatest advantage, but when he looked back he admitted there had been a very great deal of prosperity in the country. Not only farms, but whole parishes now grew more than double the quantity of every description of crop that tliey did 40 years ago ; yet, wliilst there had been that prosperity in agriculture, the farmers may not have made much by it. There were three things tliat had been very valuable to occupiers — namely, steam thrashing machines, reaping machines, and artificial manures. All these had been productive of great benefits. Artificial manures produced great turuip crops. If it had not been for the use of reaping machines they would almost have been beaten, but with them they got in the harvest just when they ought to do. A reaping machine, in fact, was one of tlie best things a farmer could have. There was anotlier thing or two that had also tended to the prosperity of agriculture. Landowners or their representatives had not only been con- siderate for their tenants by building them warm sheds, &c., but had built good cottages for the labourers in the neigh- bourhood of their work, and copied the best specimens of dwelling that could be found ; but he could not see the use of allowing a tree to grow on a space wortii say 2s. a year, which at the end of a century produced 30s. He thought there might be a great advantage gained by improving fences and grubbing up trees. There were also a great many otlier things he could name that would be a benefit to agriculture. Tliey should have sheep from the best flocks, and cattle from the best herds, and get the most they could out of the soil by en- deavouring to grow more than their neighbours. Another thing was, that on these occasions of ram shows, he should be glad if the breeder could vouch that there were no sheep amongst them fed on anything but green food for the last sis months. If kept on grass food they would be leaner, fewer sheep would fall lame when they got them at work, and there would be more work in them. Mr. Vessey's sheep were this year in better condition for work than he had ever seen them. They were fat enough, but not too fat, and those who had hired them would be better satisfied than if they were so very fat. Mr. C. M. Mdndy differed in Mo with Mr. Heanley when he said stipendiary magistrates would be preferable to the unpaid. He had found inconsistencies in the administration of justice committed not only by stipendiaries, but by the greatest judges of the land. It had been his dutj to serve on the Grand Jury at Lincoln Assizes, and he had observed that it made a great difference in the sentence passed upon a prisoner in respect to the person who represented her Majesty as the Judge of Assize. He had seen judges sitting with their backs to one another in Lincoln Castle when one had given fifteen months' imprisonment and the other fifteen years' penal servitude for the same offence. It was impossible for magis- trates to make as much di3£rence as that. Then the stipendiary magistrate would entail great expense, which would fall on the ratepayers. Take for instance this district. Suppose they had a stipendiary magistrate for Louth, Horn- castle, Spilsby, and Alford ; he could not do more than those four places in a week, and a man could not be found to do them under a thousand a-year. [Mr. Heanley : He coidd do them for a deal less.] No doubt they could get a man to do it, but not the class of man that was necessary. A man of the calibre of a County Court Judge would not take the several divisions of Louth, Horncastle, Spilsby, and Alford, under a thousand a-year. And if that would be the cost of these four petty sessional divisions it would be an expensive matter for all the divisions in the country. The justices did not get many thanks for what they did, but in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred they did their duty to God, to their fellow creatures, and to their neighbours. When the country parishes should become so affluent as to have many thousands of pounds to throw away, then it would be soon enough to discuss the question of a paid magistracy. But then they would do away with one of the objects for which country gentlemen live here. Tliere would be only two or three more things which induce gentlemen to reside here that they could be deprived of, and if they abolished tliem one by one they would find them going away to a foreign country to spend their days in a finer climate than tliat of Lincolnsliire. He had been born here, and lie hoped to live and die here amongst his friends, and to live as a country gentlemen should do. Eut it was a great mistake on the part of those who would try to do away with those inducements which made it worth while living amongst tliera. If everything was made unpleasant here for the country gentlemen they would find a more pleasant place to live in. At Aylesby, Mr. John Tour said he thought that success in agriculture had been attained by the indomitable perseverance, self-denial, and pluck of the tenantry of England. He did not pretend to be well up in the statistics of Lincolnshire, but to illustrate his argument he would say that no part of the country could boast of a greater increase in the value of land or in improvement of stock than tliat county. He had heard that Limber Magna had once let for half a crown an acre. It was not Lord Yarborough who raised its value from 3s. Cd. to 35s. an acre, but tlie cultivator of the soil. He made these remarks ad captandnm, aud said that if they were to toast the landlords, let them also toast the tenants. Mr. C. Nainby said, with regard to the improved position of this county and other counties in agriculture, he agreed that it was the industry aud intelligence of the farmers that had brought it to such a position, still it could only be arrived at by a mutual confidence and understanding between landlord and tenant. The two landlords whose names had been brought forward co-operated with their tenants, and their motto was " Live and let live." They had one great diffieuhy to contend with in bringing the land to a high state of cultivation, and that was the miserable return it brought them. He kept working hard, but found he could, get but little together. He tried to keep his farm up to a respectable standard, and perhaps he gave what land he had of his Lordship's a better chance than his own. But if they had many more years like the last it would make a great difference. He had been unable to get anything for himself. He lived loyally, but it had not been his fortune or misfortune to take a wife, and he had no incumbrances. "Yet his returns were very small. He thought therefore that those gentlemen who had the start of him, and had families to look after, must be better managers than him- self. Mr. William Torr said : I return you my earnest thanks, not as a ram breeder, but as a friend who is glad to see you at his board. It makes little difference to me whether you come here to take my sheep or not, but I have the satisfaction — which is something at my time of life — of spying I have shown you some very good ones, and that cannot be denied. If you are satisfied, I am the more pleased. I believe this, that farmers may be thought by some to have no more intel- ligence than the clod they cultivate, but they have in their lieads as good sense as any class in her Majesty's dominions. They have integrity of purpose, and when called upon are ready. My friend has so thoroughly enunciated the position between landlord and tenant that it leaves me nothing to say. I should hardly have expected so good and sensible a speech from hira. I have had a long experience as a farmer, and have found out that if a tenant pays his landlord, and spends as much as a green-grocer in a town, he would have little left for his family. But if a farmer is not rich, it is a long time before you can break him. He will grunt long and grunt well, but he has never grunted so well as during tlie last three years. You have lost your money from a succession of bad seasons, during which the higher a man farms and the more land he cultivates the greater is his loss. I have no idea of a man farming and saving, and doing no good to those who may come after him. I think every man ought to live fairly and farm well ; and farm so that something may come after him. From 1860 to ISOl was a disastrous year in iiuming, but 1868, 1869, and 1S70 were the worst, and those who farmed on the Wolds must have been last year's rent out of pocket, for their farms have made them nothing. I say it guardedly. Look at last year, when wheat and barley did not exceed tliree quarters to the acr?. Where could you get your profit after paying labour ? This year things look improving, and we shall not lose so much as we have done. Yet there is 410 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. nothing to be said against the landlords. Bat it is a bad time for landlords to raise rents. I say that guardedly. The tenant farmers of tliis country form a most respectable body of men, and if they have no knowledge of chemistry to help them, they have a deal of practical knowledge, but they might learn chemistry to boot. Let us move together and stick to each other, "and let the devil take the hindermost." BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. At Aylesbury, Mr. Disraeli said : I hope, although tliis has been a very trying year to my constituents and the agri- cultural world generally, I may venture to state that the termination of your labours has not been altogether so unsatis- factory as it once promised or rather menaced to be. I believe we shall all agree that the harvest is a good harvest, and even in the light lands in which I live the wheat harvest is one of which I am not ashamed ; barley is not so plenteous as it might be, but it is of excellect quality. It is of that bright- ness which our maltster loves ("hear, hear," and a laugh), and I think we shall be able to place it in the market with con- fidence in those with whom we deal. No doubt we have all suffered terribly in the expectations which we entertained respecting th root crops, but the late rains have been most beneficial, and although I cannot flatter myself so far as to suppose that the bulbs will expand at this late season of the year, still there is no doubt there will be a lare quantity of green stuif which will be valuable food for the winter. And on this subject, looking to the unexpected drought which has prevailed this year, I would advert to one point, and one point only, to which I wish to call your anxious attention, and that is to make provision for a better supply of water for the cultivation of the soil. Where I have lived I have never built a cottage without making tanks, and I have introduced tanks among all the old cottages as far as I could manage to doso, and during the trying times you have lately experienced it is difficult to express what a mitigation of suffering of the population generally, especially on the table lands on the top of the Chiltern Hills, has been produced by these tanks. I think it is well for the agricultural world to consider whether that principle should not be pursued still further, and for my own part I cannot see why every farm, especially in those districts where tliere is a want of water, should not be fur- nished with a reservoir. I hardly know anytliing more striking than the great waste of surface water, and when I remember the iuLtiise suffering, not only of the peasantry, but of the cultivators of the soil, this year from the want of water, I think the time has come when we ought to consider whether greater use might not be made of that surface water which now is entirely wasted. It seems to me that if the habit were introduced of establishing reservoirs, very great advantage might be obtained, and under the difficult circumstances of years of drought like the present very great benefit might accrue. Mr. J. K. Fowler said that he had just received a tele- gram stating that the rinderpest had broken out among the Dutch cattle. The Government, to meet the question of preventing the importation of the cattle plague into this country, had made an Order in Council, prohibiting the importation of stock from France, but France wants now every animal she could get, and it was from Holland and the other countries in the rear, not in front of the armies engaged in warfare, that the prohibition should be applied to. If the representatives present would see that this frightful scorge was not allowed to be brought into this country again they would be thankful, and the British farmer would not, in the words of Mr. Disraeli, be appalled ! CHESHIRE. At Saudbach, Lord De Tabley, in giving " Success to the Cheshire Agricultural Society," said a very grave ques- tion had arisen as to the future of this Society. He thought, in short he took it for granted, that the presence of aU the gentlemen he now addressed proved that they felt an interest in the Cheshire Agricultural Association. The question was, should the county association go on or not ? The result that day liad been promising, and lie thought if tliey held together and increased their subscriptions, and infused a little new blood into the affair, they might continue their existence as a county association. He had alluded to a sister society — the Manchester and Liverpool. With that association they must come to an understanding, either for friendship or perhaps the contrary. He had great confidence in the result of the meet- ing to-day. He hoped the county association would hold together, and it was with great satisfaction that he proposed its continued success. He could not sit down without alluding to two or three facts which Mr. Tollemache would have more ably brought under their notice had he been present. It was only right that Cheshire farmers should know the exact posi- tion iu which they stood, in order not to discourage them, but . to stimulate their exertions. Mr. ToUemache had sent him a statement of tlie importation of American cheese, which showed that from 1865 to 1869 there had been an increase in the importation of nearly a hundred million hundredweights of cheese. In 1865 the total foreign cheese imported was 853,277 cwts., and last year it was 979,189 cwts. Still he (Lord de Tahley) thought there was no cause for discourage- ment, for with a large increase of population in this country, there were additional ways of disposing of farm pro- duce ; while as to quality, he did not think foreign cheese would ever beat a good Cheshire. Poor cheese might find a difficulty of sale, but good Cheshire would never be beaten. Improve the make of your cheese, then, he would say, and beat tlie foreigner out of the field. Mr. R. DuTTON, said : Notwithstanding the wishes of Mr» Latham, Mr. Mainwaring, and other gentlemen who wanted them to come under the shadow of a much greater body, he could not help thinking that it would not be to their credit if one of the first agricultural counties in the kingdom were not able to maintain one large county association. He was quite certain that they could maintain one, but, in order to do it they must all be prepared to allow for each other's peculiari- ties ; must try, should he say, to make wider their sympathies, explain their opinions, and be wiUing to bring in from distant parts that which made the Manchester and Liverpool the com- manding society it was. If his young friends would take the advice of an old man who had watched the proceedings of that society from its commencement — for he had been a mem- ber from the first, and had not been absent from one dinner, and could only say he was forcibly impressed by the absence of many of the originators ot the society, but that must not divert them from the greater object they should have in view— they would all try to do what they could to make the society more eflleient, and to do that they would take lessons from a somewhat more powerful rival. They must put aside self-con- ceited and somewhat narrow notions — for he did not pretend to say that farmers were not a little selfish, with a tendency to monopolise — and try and throw open some of the classes, for if one thing would strike them more than another in connec- tion with the JIanchester and Liverpool, it was the good stock they brought from all parts of the kingdom. They brought first-class stock from the east, the west, the north, and the south ; and hence he thought one of the first things for them to do was to make their show-yard more attractive. Taking into account the area, the subscription list of the Manchester and Liverpool was not larger than theirs, and therefore what he strongly urged upon them was to offer prizes, open to the competition of the whole of the kingdom. Let thera have the best bull, whether it be Lady Pigots, Mr. Brierley's, or any other ; let their Cheshire farmers see them, and see if they could not take a leaf out of the books of others. Not only so, but he would have a champion prize for cheese, open to the whole of the kingdom, so that they could get makers to send from Somerset and Scotland, and let them try to find out how the cheese was made there with a view to adopting the methods. There were other points too which required a little ventilation. He would have premiums as now limited to the sphere of the Society's operations, but in addi- tion to all-commers' prizes, he would make a distinction between those who made a living by agriculture and those who did not. He did not hardly like to see Lord Crewe competing with dairy farmers, and though his lordship was fairly beaten, and it was his (Mr. Dutton's) honest opinion that a better pair of cows was in the possession of a dairy farmer than those belonging to the Right Hon. Lord Crewe, still he thought a large landowner like his lordship should not compete with tenant farmers. However, such was the case, and he (Mr. Button) thought that the parties competing for a specific purpose in this direction should be those making a living mainly by farming. Then he would press it upon their THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. judges that in givmg the prizes for tlie best dairy cow or best pair of dairy co^.B, they should not give them to those with a tendency to lay on fat. It did not follow that the cow in the best condition was the best dairy cow. It might produce ex- cel ent stock, and yet not be a good milker llerefore he would instruct their ju.lges to give their attention to the qualities the cow possessed for the dairy, and if they liked to give prizes to the best cow irrespective of that, they could do so. ihe other day a cow, wliich was unquestionably the best animal was shown against other dairy cows ; but after con- siderable hesitation the judges, he being one, decided that they could not give the prize to that cow and made a note in their book that though they considered it the best in the yard not being the best dairy cow, they did not consider it was entitled to the premium. There was one more question which everybody seemed inclined to shirk, but upon which he had spoken out more than once, tliis was in regard to the stallions and brood mares. He considered that, whatever their merits ,nt 1p IlP'^', .'' '/ '^'^ 'y^'^ "°' P"*'^<=''y ^'^""'1 they should not be aUowed to take prizes. They would laugh at a judKc who gave a prize to an unsound cow or an unsound bull. He .Z"" "^,^*,f' f "'nes an uusound horse came into their posses- sion, and that hey got the jeers and taunts of every horse- dea er, who would ask, " What do you want for your screw ?" which was unsound-he did not say this with any specific referenceto what had been done-wL to do apositi^e in ury fhL) ?n 7* ""1: encouragement to the horse to trave hroughout the length and breadth of the country, propa-^ating unsound horses. As to mares, he knew the commoL notiof was that when a mare was unfit for sale the best thing to do Ton th'T '" ""''" ^ \''"^'' °^ ^^' ' but he heldlhat no man, be he farmer or gentleman, would act wisely in putting an unsound brood mare to the horse when the probability was that in five cases out ot seven she would propagate her own unsoundness ; and therefore he thought there shodd be a fo^ note inserted under the premium for horses, requesting the udges to withhold premiums from entire brood horses which in their opinion were unsound. Proceeding to the farm premiums, he told them candidly that sometimes when money whetTri'f "P°" ' ^'Z ,'* ^'' '"'' ♦^l^e'^ into consideration Hed f.lf . !"oney would be wisely and profitably expended. rection w?H ". '' ""^T^ P""'^^ *° ^^1'^'^'' 20s. in one di- Manvar.i ^T"^^'^ °^ ^'^"'"^ no more than 18s. back. Many a man spent money on unnecessary improvements for unless money e.xpended gave a return of five per cenT a man was not a good fanner, although his laud might be clean free saying that a man who caused two blades of grass to grow where only one grew before was a benefactor to his race -^ bu^ a man ought not to expend capital without a fair and reason- able prospect of getting interest for it. If they would give the whathe said. There wasone remark made by the Hon. Wilbra- hamEgerton in reference to the great education question which he (the speaker) would not like to pass over. The future ot the country depended upon the success of the education move! ment, and he felt confident that if, with all due respect to their sectarian influences, they would sink them and comb iie of tt most r '°"rr '''' ""'''' '^'^'' '''^^'' it would be on ot the most successful measures ever brought forward Let them drop sectarian bitterness, because if they did not i Zlim t. P"P-t'^ ,^^'^^7' ^"^ •'^^^^^'l °f h^pp'iiess and rwideied ''" ^^ " '""'"^ ^^ "^''•' -lifferences would tim^'" Ttpv'^l^^^'n''' ,f'^ '"^ ^'■^•^'''"S ™«"y farmers lost Crt. ^ "^ ^^^ J^^^i ^^'^'•^ that from three to four years Sad irthei7rf '''"f' "^^•^^ ^° '=^^«"S their teet f b ! puSTot^rrSud: ry~ i^L^'^^iura^ af r f doing the work of an old horse He d d ^,^^ fh i ''" ^°°* should put an old m^are to th:\oS. 'nr^m^'uf t?;^L"did they hear the remark when a colt happened to be awkward- looking, and not what was expected, "1 will never send mv mare to hat horse again;" and at the same tfme Jerhaps" t was not the horse's fault. If they put old mares toSh^orse 411 necl-fSrf 'l' nt^nished to see colts with lop-ears, bad ecks, bad hocks, their tails turned, witii ring-bones, side bones, and one foot over the other ! But if they would take the hue he had directed they would see the advSges of it Ml. iEBLEY said the few observations he had to make had ^ToHa'nt in tT'""' ^'^'t ho conceived to be the Jost §^tjri^h ; £L°^ndSSr^^^^^^ Pi^'he^d^^^ Liverpool Agricultural Society. The riclinesrnf fl,!. ^ . and the pureness of the flavoui was as near annroa hi,?" '^^ fcction as it could be, especially in tho secheese ?al f Tl and second prizes. He lielieved they had not on ; don fusS to his friend Mr. Aston, but that he was richly entitled to th' aw-ard It had been suggested by his (the sp a'ker's coiSku t n 5' P."'"'' 7'° °^''^^°f "•'^ ^--^t prize should be S the obligation of giving a detailed account of the process of making the cheese, and that every person taking aCpize hou d give a written account of the production of it for the benefit ot members of the society and others, with a v ew to improving the quality of cheese generally; and he vvasTuite sure that if the quality of cheese was equal to the majoritj of hat shown they would hear nothiug about American^ cheese I here might be perhaps, on the part of some a feeling of fea lousy and perhaps selfishness-a fear lest their mouo£i; liould be interfered with, but it was his conviction trtTS his coadjutor had suggested, the quality of cheese was im proved the consumption would be increased ; and personally' ir^tiri'ilf^ l^J-,-"i'l.°htain cheese like tH'^lfy Ar- A * 1 1 , ■ — "'"tiiu uucese iiKe tnat made bv Mr. Aston, where he sold 50 tons now he could sell 100 His own experience, and no doubt theirs was too, that when he Mi. J. Aston said when he entered his cheese for exhibition he M'as not at all sanguine about taking a prize stm ess of securing the cup, but he assured them he%.as^ very pl a d he had been successful. Por a number of years he^ffd taken great interest in cheese-making, and in his humble way had tu^ orth efforts so improve the quality of cheese generally Tim their staple commodity would compare favourably with that of many other counties and surpass that of most of them n^one who had given attention to the subject would deny. Stlthev ought no to rest satisfied because more equally fine in flavour lor the last two or three years he had been labourin ° to secure rich hue flavour with a small amount of labour and the prize awarded to him that day proved that bp WW. exteiit succeeded. But he woufd^^t^rlt'sai ed -te soTht 0 attain to a higher standard of perfection. As a desire had been expressed on the part of some that a short account sLnll be furnished of how the cheese was manufac ured! he wodJ mlnJ ;t t^.f P'-'^^«"t plan was a combination o two methods-the Cheshire and the Cheddar. In the process th^v made use of sea ded whey, and entirely dispensed wih skewer^ ing. They had also dispensed with rubbing Ind grea 1.1^" lie time he cheese were ripening for market. No press u re S applied at the time of making, or until about two d^s afrer wards. Af er the curd had been broken up the LaUv's i„ creased to 160, and the whey drained off ;^hey ^ound the curd and vat ted it. The cheese was put 'into a moderately heated oven where it remained till the following morniuf I? was then taken out and left in a warm part of the pres ■ h°ouse for twenty-four hours without being turned- was kent ir, tW room for three or four days, when^it was ru bed o'^ w warm grease, put into calico caps or binders, and continued 0 ti 1 sent to market. He acknowledged he had not furnished he details, but only a few particulars^but he luld be hannv to communicate all he knew as to how rich fine l^^avoured cheese were made with a small amount of labour He would just say before sitting down, that the results of his somlwhat new mode, were highly satisfactory to himself. «°™e«"at Mr G.W L.VT1IAM said that credit was due to Mr Aston or what he had said about the making of cheese. He believed he spoke the sense of the meeting wh'en he said if all wa nut Sr , r X^^"''^ "^°,"^'^ ^""''^"^'^ "taking in a new 1 Xt They would observe from his account that instfad of c m ifin; out the curd, he applied heat, having found out thTt th« fl -^ and beating system was not ^o gooci arg^Xmsl'e.'T t^ 412 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. the method of not violating the curd, but simply applying heat to the whey that had run from it, it was one which com- mended itself to their good sense, and he was not in the least surprised that Mr. Aston had got a prize. If Mr. Aston pub- lished a fuller account of the process in the papers, it would be of great benefit to them all. Mr. Button had referred to himself and others, who were wishful that that society should come under the shadow of a larger body. Now uo man in the world was more ready to assist that society than he (Mr. Latham) was. The only question he had in his own mind was whether they would not do more good by being affiliated to that larger society than they were doing at the present time. But depend upon it the Cheshire Society would do good if they could get to know the pro- cesses and experiments of the successful competitors. Still he could not help feeling that the question would arise some day, not only to them but to the newly-born society in East Clieshire, the Wirral, Altriucham, and Manchester and Liverpool, whether these should not all combine to form one great nortli-western agricultural society, which might include Staffordshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, and part of Yorkshire. STAFrORDSHIRE. At Walsall, at the Judges' dinner, Mr. J. Brawn intro- duced the customary discussion on agricultural topics by adverting to the present and future supply of animal food. About 30 years since Sir Robert Peel introduced his measure for tlie free importation of foreign cattle, the object of that measure being to reduce the price of butchers' meat. The price of butchers' meat had, however, gone on increasing at intervals until the present day, for the simple reason that while foreign stock had been introduced free, foreign diseases, of which previously they had had no knowledge, had been in- troduced also. The somewhat insignificant proportion of 41- per cent, of cattle had been introduced from foreign countries, and 5 per cent, of home products had been lost by diseases which were imported at the same time. In consequence of this the consumers of food had not in the least possible degree benefited by the importation of foreign cattle. The remedy he suggested was that all imported cattle should be slau«;htered at the port of debarkation. English agriculturists did not fear the importation of animal food, cooked and encased in tallow ; but they did fear the live animal, which brought dis- ease into their herds and loss to the farmer, and deprived the coDSuJiicr of a considerable portion of his food. Mr. R. H. :\lASFEi' agreed with some of Mr. Brawn's re- marks, but with regard to another part would be disposed to sit on the opposition benches. If the remarks had been made seven or eight years ago, then tliere would have been sufficient data to show that the imported diseases had caused more loss by the destruction of the flocks and herds than had been gained by the introduction of the food ; but he was disposed to think that the introduction under Sir Robert Peel's Act had been a great advantage during the past five or six years, and witli proper restrictions, which tliey, as producers of food, had a right to expect, might continue to be of advantage. He would leave this topic, however, to refer to one or two things which he regarded as desiderata to make the position of the agriculturist what it should be. The first was a good and equitable agreement between landlord and tenant, and another was that they should not let the increase of local taxation press more heavily on them than they were given to under- stand would be the case at the time it was imposed. The last subject he referred to because he had more than once been told that the tenant farmer had nothing to do with paying the rates. If, however, the tenant farmer, on making his calcu- lations, found that he had to provide from 2^ to 5 per cent, annually for what niiglit be termed the good-will of posses- sion, and afterwards it cropt up to 7 or S per cent., as it frequently did, it was as much a question for the tenant as for the landlord. With regard to the burdens brought by recent legislation, they had no right to grumble at tlie amount they were called upon to pay. The making of the county rates was, however, mainly in tlie hands of those who had an interest in the soil, and as the tenant farmers had never had an oppor- tunity of curtailing the expenditure of those rates, they liad a right to complain, or, at all events, to express their opinion about it. Two of the things they had no right to complain about were, first, the abolition of the turnpike gates, and, next. the educational rate. Nevertheless, the turnpike system, he had always contended, threw the burden upon the right shoulders. And as to the education measure, which he did not exactly like, while he was not prepared to condemn it to the extent that some had done, he contended that education was as necessary for the agricultural labourer as for the man engaged in any of the trades of the country, particularly as the introduction of costly machinery into farming operations rendered the employment of men of intelligence and skill necessary. It was, therefore, apart from any question of philanthropy, to the interest of the farmer to see that his labourers were educated. As, however, the education of a child was received for good or for no purpose, just according to the example he found set him at home, he considered that in giving education to the children before they had provided the parents with comfortable homes in which to bring them up decently, tliey were beginning at the wrong end. If they provided this, then they might expect a good return for the two investments — the good education and tlie good home. As to the game question, there was no man who had a greater horror than himself of being game-eaten ; while at the same time no man had a greater horror of the question being taken up and used as political capital, as it had been by certain persons during the last twelve or eighteen months. It would be in his power to single out certain gentlemen, and he need not go many counties distant to find them, who had spoken very liberally upon this question for political purposes, but whose actions would not bear reflecting upon, their tenants suffering more from game than the tenants of any other landlords in the county. If there was one thing more than another that agriculturists had to complain of it was the introduction of a third party as a tenant of game after the landlord or his agent had selected a tenant with sufficient capital to stock the farm and farm it properly. No tenant would object to his land- lord shooting over the farm, but it was not to be expected that there could be any old associations brought to bear be- tween the tenant and the holder of the shooting — perhaps a man who liad made money as a merchant — who trampled over his turnips, and almost invariably left his gates open. At the annual dinner the Chairman, Lord Hatheeton, said, in Staffordshire they ought to have 133,000 acres under cereal crops, and if by science they so improved the imple- ments of husbandry as to raise but one peck additional per acre, that would add 32,520 bushels to the annual food pro- ducts of the country, and at 5s. per bushel that would be worth £8,312. Then with regard to pasture. They had in the county 34'8,000 acres of pasturage ; and if they could keep but one more sheep per hundred acres than formerly — and a good farmer would not think much of that — the result would be 3,480 additional sheep, worth £6,960. Thus by a slow, yet a sure process, they would gradually develope the resources of the country. He could scarcely speak upon the subject of agriculture vidthout alluding to the great drought which had so seriously affected the farming interest this year. Per- sons told them that the dryness of the late season had arisen Irom the system of thorough drainage. But they could not accept that explanation when they reflected how small was the area of country which was put under thorough drainage, and especially when compared with that of the ocean by which they were surrounded. They could not dive into the secrets of nature, for they were guarded by a kind Providence ; but they could tell how to cultivate the ground so as to meet diverse circumstances. Now, wherever he had seen a crop of turnips this year on light land it had been the result of deep autumn cultivation. The ground in autumn was so dealt with that it received and retained the winter moisture, and when the seed was deposited in it in the spring the seed germinated without the assistance of those spring showers which never came to the relief of the farmer this year. He had seen it stated by an eminent agriculturist that barley crops were to be secured by deep autumn cultivation, and although he (the Chairman) saw many objections to such a course, he was not above trying experiments. There would be the loss of the value of the manure, which the sheep folded upon the ground would give to it. They would lose, too, the advantage of re- moving the sheep from pasture to fallow, wliich was a great advantage to their feet, and the advantage of clearing their pastures for a time of sheep so as to renew the herbage. Still, for the sake of agricultural improvement, he was willing to make the experiment ; and if he was spared until their next THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 413 exhibition he would tell them the result. Before dismissing the subject of agricultural improvements, he would express his satisfaction at witnessing the revival so general throughout the country of the old custom of harvest thanksgivings. They heard and read of their being celebrated not only in rural but in town districts, showing that there was a feeling abroad that the gifts of Providence in the fruits of the soil were an ad- vantage confined not to the agriculturists alone, but extending to the community at large. There was a question mooted at the Society's tabic last year which did not meet with much approval — the Irish Land Bill. If he alluded to it now at all, it was simply to express a hope that they would never in this country require any legislative interference between the Eng- lish landlord and the English tenant, even upon the vexed question of game. All that was required was a simple, short, and fair agreement between landlord and tenant, with liberal covenants, and a covenant as to unexhausted improvements, —in case of outgoing tenancy. There could not be any difficulty about unexhausted improvements, because he thought that building and draining were the work of the landlord ; and when he could not do it the tenant ought to be able to go to the landlord or his agent, and come to an understanding as to how he was to recoup himself for those improvements in case he became an outgoing tenant. There should be a liberal covenant with regard to unexhausted value of manure in the soil. He held that with regard to that the tenant had a Tenant Right. It had been suggested that an arbitrator should be appointed for the county between landlord and tenant. He did agree with that suggestion, because he did not think that any arbitrator could he so appointed who would have the confidence alike of landlord and tenant. The best plan he thought was the cus- tom which obtained in this and other counties, by which each appointed his own arbitrator, and the arbitrators appointed a referee, whose decision was final. As great inte- rest attached to the subject he might be expected to say some- thing upon game ; but it was difficult for a landowner, a sportsman, and a game-preserver, to deal with such a topic. Nevertheless, if anything he could say should add at all to the force of what others had said in other quarters upon the sub- ject, he should not be sorry that the matter had been broached. He deprecated in the strongest terms that modern system of cramming an estate with game to the great detriment of the land. Observe, however, he did not object to a moderate quantity of game, particularly if there was not much ground game ; because he was convinced that there were very few tenant-farmers who would object to see an owner of the soil enjoying at times a day's sport. It was no argument to him to say that when a farmer came upon an estate where much game was preserved that he knew what to expect before he came. When a tenant bargained to look after trees, or to find a team occasionally for his landlord, that might he so, and he could do it ; but there was something indefinite in the matter of game, and the tenant very naturally found more game kept than he expected when he took to the farm. He hoped that those gentlemen who indulged in the great slaughter of game in these days, and which could not be called sport, would see the necessity of curbing their inclination to that pursuit, or public opinion would become so strong that they would be obliged to do so. Next year there would be no meeting of that society as it would be eclipsed then by the meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society at Wolverhampton. He was sorry to learn that the funds required to carry out that, seriously speaking, great undertaking were not yet equal to the requirements. He thought that the suggestion of the committee at Wolverhampton that the gentlemen composing the Boards of Guardians in the country should form local committees in aid of the Central Committee deserved every support, for though the sbow was to be held at Wolverhamp- ton it was no less an honour and a utility to the whole county. Mr. Brawn said : Agriculture, they were told some time ago by the President of the Board of Trade, was in so robust a state of health that the old lady believed that something was going to happen to her. But the President of the Board of Trade was not an authority in agricultural matters, and if they appealed to those who were better acquainted with the old lady they would tell them that she, like many other old women of whom we heard soraptimes, enjoyed very bad health. She was extremely susceptible of extreme heat and excessive moisture, At the present time she was almost prostrated by the excessive heat. A few years ago those who took upon themselves to be the instructors of agriculture — and they were not a few — called upon the British farmers to drain their land. They did drain their laud, and now they were told by the members for North Warwickshire that thev had committed a mistake. The senior member for North Warwickshire spoke of the advantages he had gained by choking up his drains, and the junior member had expressed his belief that they had drained the land too much. Opinions something similar to this had been expressed that evening. He would not on any account say one word that would affect the judicious draining of land, but there was one system of drainage which had proved most disastrous to agriculture, and that was that con- tinuous and unceasing drain upon the Briti.sh farmer's pockets. It was a very important fact that the population, wealth, and pauperism of this country had increased to a very considerable extent, hut that neither wealth, population, nor pauperism had increased ia the slightest degree in purely agricultural districts, and yet the payments which agriculturists were called upon to make in support of the poor, for the punishment of crime, and for the protection of the population, bad doubled within the last ten vears, and in very many instances amounted to about one- third of the farmer's income. The British farmer complained, and how was it proposed to remedy the evil ? It was pro- posed to take one-half of the burden from the tenant-farmer, and place it upon the landlord. He would ask them, as rea- sonable men, what this would do for agriculture? Agricul- ture was properly described, a short time ago, as a great donkey, carrying two heavily-laden panniers ; and it was pro- posed to lighten his panniers by taking part of the burthen out of one pannier and placing it in the other. What, he asked, would that do for the comfort or equilibrium of the donkey ? He would respectfully impress upon their repre- sentatives in Parliament that what they required for the relief of this overburthened donkey was an increase in the number of beasts of burthen, and a decrease ia the size of the panniers. Mr. Masfen pointed out that the judges at agricultural shows discharged very onerous duties ; and, as his own expe- rience told him, the faithiul discharge of their duties was often followed by unkind and unpleasant criticisms, wliich he strongly deprecated. CUMBERLAND. At Wigton the Hon. P. Wyndham, M.P., said he had been very much satisfied with what he had seen at the show to-day, and he thought that Wigton had kept up its character for having one of the most interesting and attractive shows in this part of the kingdom. They had seen a great number of very good horses to-day, and particularly in the younger class. Among the colts and fillies there were, he thought, some most promising animals, and that at a show of this kind was what one cared more about than the show of old horses, because it was from the young horses that those who bred horses must expect to receive that profit to which every breeder looked. There was one part and the only part of the show which did not meet his approval. He had hoped this year to have seen them go back to what he always remembered to have seen at these shows formerly in respect to the system of testing the leaping powers of a horse — a system they used always to see practised in Cumberland — namely, by flights of hurdles at proper distances from each other, properly bushed with gorse, which was all that was needed, for then they could judge how the horse measured its distance, instead of which they saw to- day what he might call sensational nonsense and danger. The first fence he could only compare to a gardener's leavings at the side of a wall when he had trimmed the evergreens. It was not like anything you ever saw in the field. The next obstacle was a lot of loose earth with a shallow ditch on the other side, and he must say he thought those horses were the most sensible who, having once found that there was very little water and a sound bottom, never took the trouble of jumping a second time. The second fence he called nothing more than a mud lark. It might be good fun to those on the stand who had paid their shillings to look on ; but really as to a test of what a horse could do, it was sheer nonsense. And then came the third leap, which consisted of high rails. If they had been made stiffer, they would have been so dan- gerous that it would not have done to send any horse to face them ia cold blood, The result was that it was found neces- 414 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. sary to mukc the rails so as to fall down when touched, and the natural good sense of the horse was such that when he even found he could break the leap, he never took the trouble to raise himself up a sufficient height in his jump and go over the top rail. He had attended these shows for ten years, and it was only within the last three years that this nonsense, sen- sation, and danger had come into vogue. They saw last year a valuable mare, Fanny Drape, which won all over England, come to an untimely end with g'eat cruelty through this non- sensical sensational jumping. He hoped that Wigton show would continue to flourish, that it would continue to have a fine show of young horses, and that they would go back to the old rational system of testing the powers of the hunters. The Hon. Charles Howard, M.P., said, referring to the inquiries of the Committee on Local Taxation, he had had an opportunity of seeing Mr Grey of Dilstou, who recom- mended that the Irish system of a division of rates between owners and occupiers should be extended to England. At Carlisle, Colonel Salkeld, the chairman, remarked : It is said that these are days of progress ; and I am glad, among other improvements, to see a great improvement in the toast list. Hitherto, on these occasions, we have been accustomed to see twenty-four or twenty-five toasts on the list ; but, owing to the curtailment which has been made, it is my duty to bring to your notice, at this rather early period, wliat may be called the toast of the evening, which is, " Success to tlie East Cumberland Agricultural Society," or, in other words, " Our noble selves." It would be difficult, I think, to over- estimate the value of Associations like this, or the good they do in cieating emulation and in bringing together practical men from various parts of the country, not only to exchange ideas among themselves, but also to impart to those of less ex- perience the result of their experiments in their several locali- ties on a subject of great national importance. There was a time when it was said that the owners and occupiers of the land were, in skill and enterprise, be- hind the age ; and at that time several political econo- mists held that the tillage of the soil in this country was a matter of very minor national importance. Even the late Joseph Hume, amongst the many foolish things wliich he said in the course of a useful life — and no man uttered more non- sense during a most practical career — was accustomed to de- clare that England would be as great and as prosperous if not even a blade of corn were grown in tiiis country. But we have outlived that folly, and now, by the energy of our farmers, the progress which has been made in agriculture during the last twenty years has been greater than that in any other branch of national industry. We have also lived to learn that when skill ami enterprise are applied to the soil, and Heaven blesses his efi'orts, the farmer's reward is indeed well earned ; whilst his failure is not only an individual loss but a great national calamity. Since the establishment of agricultural associations — and I believe it is somewhat near forty or fifty years since they took root in this country — more has been done for the improvement of our flocks and herds than three hundred years had accomplished previous to the organization of these socie- ties. The days for mere fat and bulk have gone by. The breeder now endeavours to produce an animal which will yield the largest amount of prime beef in a short space of time and on a small amount of food ; in fact, the breeder's motto has now become, " Moderate in size, but rich in quality." We must not, however, rest upon what we have already accom- plished ; for we have enterprising rivals both in Holland and Denmark, and in other countries where the pastures are natu- rally luxuriant. The Danish farmers have more than once exhibited stock at the Smithfield Club shows side by side with our own, and their Shorthorns have been pronounced to be but very little inferior to those of our native growth. You are all aware of the fabulous prices which are given for bulls for ex- portation, and you may rest assured that our rivals abroad are doing their utmost to equal the stock bred in this conutry. We must not, therefore, assume that the arena is entirely our own, to hold without a rival. Beside cattle and sheep, this country has become extremely celebrated for its breed of horses ; and those who saw the horses on the ground to-day, and at Wigton yesterday, must have been highly pleased with the progress which has been made. You can now scarcely go to a large horse show — at Islington, or Birmingham, or any other place — without finding Cumberland horses, many of whom are suc- cessful competitors. That can only arise, first, from the fact that our farmers have good mares to breed from ; but they are indebted to certain gentlemen for having introduced into this neighbourhood most superb stallions. They have spared no expense in bringing into this county die best blood which Eng- land has produced. It is now about ten years since I last had the honour to occupy the chair at the meeting of this Associa- tion ; and on that occasion I ventured to suggest that advan- tage miglit arise if an agricultural college could be established in the northern districts, for the education of farmers' sons in the higher branches of their profession ; for it is to the rising generation we must look for the development of that good seed which, through the medium of these associations, has been sown broadcast through the land. Now, if that subject was deserving of passing remark so long ago, surely it is of more importance now, when we consider the large quantity of manu- factured manures and the large quantity of oilcake and other things which are used by farmers. To the manufacturers of those manures to which I have referred we are deeply indebted lor the introduction into this country of a fertilizer which has been of inestimable benefit to the farmer. But when a new and profitable trade is established in a commercial country like this, you always find some who are ready to embark in it for the sake of immediate profit, without caring very much about the quality of the article they sell. Now, by that remark it is far from ray wish to cast any unmerited or sweepiag reflection either on the manufacturers or the dealers in those manures. I know many of them to be highly honourable men — men of integrity, who would scorn to be guilty of a shabby or dishonest transaction, and our daily experience proves to us that many of those fertilizers produce the very best results ; but that same daily experience also proves to us that much of what is sold to our farmers is very properly called " artificial" manure, for it is often hardly worth the labour and expense of carting. The same remark applies in great measure to oilcake and other food used for stall-fed cattle. It is almost impossible to get it quite pure ; therefore it would be a great advantage to have an in- stitution such as that to which I have referred, where young men from the country could be educated upon more scientific principles — where they may learn to analyse the soil which they are to till — where they maybe taught to understand the compo- nent elements of the crops they are hereafter to cultivate, and thus apply to their production the manures that best suit them — where they may learn to understand the component elements of the various kinds of food used in the rearing and fattening of cattle — and also be able to discriminate between the fat- producing, the muscle-forming, and the bone-creating sub- stances. Surely, in these days, when we hear so much about elementary schools, we might have an Agricultural College in a large agricultural district like this ; for I am one of those who feel convinced that we have yet much to learn with re- gard to the earth's fertility ; and I believe, by the application of more scientific farming, many gentlemen in this room will live to see a much larger acreable production than has ever yet been reaped. I believe there are 400 or 500 similar associations in the kingdom ; and therefore, not being selfish, let us wish success and prosperity to them all ; for by co- operating for the improvement of agriculture, they are not only assisting in the development of the national resources and in reducing the national burdens, but are adding to the welfare and happiness of the whole kingdom. At Whitehaven, Mr. Bextinck, M.P., wished the rule that no politics must be imported into these dinner proceedings could for a year be binding in the House of Commons ; what an enormous amount of useful legislation they would then be able to get through, instead of the interminable party fights which now occurred ! Many important subjects awaited treat- ment, amongst which he prominently named Local Taxation That had been referred to a Select Committee, which had brought in a most unsatisfactory report. What he wished them particularly to consider was whether any re-arrangement of burdens simply between occupiers and owners was anytliing in the world more than a mere shuffling of the cards, and wlietlier it could be attained with any useful results —whether there were not certain burdens which were imposed by local taxation botli upon agriculturists and upon inhabitants of towns, which ought to be borne, in part at least, by the State. Such, for instance, were the burdens placed upon counties in respect of the miUtia ; then there were others in respect of lunatics, others in respect of the general police ; and many burdens of the same kind, which were, in point of fact, not THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 415 oaly for tlie bcucfit of a particular public, but also of tlio public at large. Mr. (Joscbeii luid two years ago siiggostccl the additiou of a penny to the ineoiiic tax iu order to relievo local burdens, and lie hoped tiie public would put pressure on their representatives in order to get sometliinjj cll'ectual done. Mr. Tlekjiier, M.l'., the Chairmau, was glad to liear Colonel Lowther, who is well known to be a good judge'iu these matters, say that the exhibitiou of agricultural horses and of cattle was eminently satisfactory; and I was also glad that Colonel Lowther had the courage— and I have never yet heard that he was deficient in courage — point out the very glaring defect which I think was apparent to all, however little they may know of the science of liorseflesh, the great defect that was apparent in some of the other descriptions of horses which were exhibited. I myhclf do not pretend to be a judge of horseflesh, but 1 believe that Colonel Lowther is ; and I remember the dictum of the celebrated Tony "Weller — a gentleman that all of you have heard of, I have no doubt — "who said that the raau who was a good judge of a horse was a good judge of anytliing ; and I think there is a good deal of truth in that sentiment. I remember very well, many years ago, attending one of the meetings of this society when the chair was occupied by the present patron of the society, Lord Lonsdale, who made use of an expression that I have frequently thought of since. He said that men of science might talk whatever they liked about mineralogy, and about geology, and about all sorts of " ologies," but that in his opinion the best " ology" to which any farmer could devote himself, was the science of " muckology" — and I believe that although that opinion was uttered a great many years ago, it still holds good at the present day. I think there is one subject which farmers have entirely neglected, and which, in my opinion, they might very beneficially devote their attention to. We all know that, in the present day, ample and sufficient drainage is absolutely necessary if you would have a remunerative farm, and farmers, I believe, are guided in laying down drains chiefly by the posi- tion of their land and by the nature of their soil. But there is one thing which I think they entirely overlook, and it is a matter of very great importance in a county like this, and that is the rain-fall of their locality. We live in a county where the rain-fall varies to a greater extent than in any other county either in England, Scotland, or Ireland, for we have in the same county localities where the average fall of the rain throughout the year is only some 23 or 34 or 25 inches, and we have other localities where the average rain-fall varies from 140 to 200 inches; and I do think that if farmers who devote their attention to draining, and landlords, who are also interested in this question — if they would give more attention to the rain-fall in each locality, it would pre- vent in many cases small and inefficient drains being made, and in other cases it would prevent unnecessary expenditure of capital upon drains which really are not at all required. DERBYSHIRE. At Derby, Lord Edwarb Cavendish, the chairman, said : We have just passed through one of the finest summers ever known in this country, but it has been accompanied by a drought of such unusual length that, pleasant as it has been to many of us, it cannot be regarded as having been a favour- able season for agriculture. Should a very severe winter fol- low I fear that the shortness of the hay crop and the failure of the turnip crop will make the winter a very trying one. Very dry summers, like that of this year, are amongst the greatest difficulties farmers have to contend with. In the case of very wet summers, we can take what precautions are in our power ; but very dry summers come at such rare intervals that we are not prepared to meet them. It seems to me well worthy the consideration of a Society like this, whether it would not be practicable to store some of the superfluous water of one part of the year for use at those times when only a very small quan- tity of rain falls. I cannot but think that that would be a most useful thing, and that it might be done without a very great outlay. There is one other subject on which, with your permission, I should like to say a few words. We must all regret that we are deprived to-day of the presence of two gen- tlemen— Mr. Coke and Mr. Crompton — who have usually at- tended these meetings, for the subject on which I wish to say a few words is one to which Mr. Crompton drew your attention last year. I refer to the manufacturing of cheese. I regret Mr. Crompton'i absence the more bfcause I believe it arises from indisposition ; but you will icmciubcr that this timi; la.->t year he communicated the results of numerous and careful in- quiries which lie had made on the subject of the Mianufacture of American cheese. It occurred to him that a similar system might be adopted in i^erbyshirr, and he brought two facts prominently under your notice ; one was, that the make of clieese wasdiminisliing in this country to a considerable extent, and the other was — and it was a still more lamentable lact — that the Americans were competing witii us in our own mar- kets. The object which we ought to have iu view in reference to this subject appears to me a very plain and simple one. If it is found, after a fair trial, that the general average of cheese throughout the district can be improved by the factory system, that the improvement can be effected at a diminished and not at an increased cost, and that a better price than formerly can be obtained, then Mr. Coke and Mr. Crompton might safely advocate the adoption of the system. With reference to these points I have made some inquiries, and although my remarks will not have the weight which they might have, if communi- cated by some one personally and practically familiar with the subject, I may tell you that Mr. Coleman, who has always taken a deep interest in this subject, has kindly placed some facts before me which I think will interest you. I infer from what he says of the results of the concentration of labour, so far as those results are at present known, that the cost of production is very considerably reduced. Mr. Cole- man estimates that taking the yield of 500 cows a saving of £400 a-year is eff'ected by turning their milk into cheese on the factory system >s compared with the old farm-house system. That fact speaks for itself, and I place it before you just as it was given to me. With regard to the quality of the cheese made on the factory system, so far as I can learn the tests applied have been sound ones and the result has been satisfactory, namely, that the price obtained for the factory cheese is better than that hitherto obtained for the produce of almost any dairy in the county. It may be replied to all this that there are some very considerable objections to the factory system. I mention these alleged disadvantages with some hesitation because I have no practical knowledge on the subject, but it is said that if you take away tht manufac- ture of cheese from the dairies you will take away the occu- pation of the wives and daughters of the farmers. I do not know whether that will be considered a disadvantage or not ; but for my own part I have never been in the habit of looking upon the wives and daughters of farmers in other parts of England where cheese is not manufactured as an idle and un- occupied class. There is plenty of useful work in the. house for tiiem to do. The comfort of the house depends, of course, very greatly upon them, and I cannot help thinking that both wives and daughters would be a good deal happier if they were relieved from the drudgery of making cheese. I do not give you my own opinion on tiiis subject, but I have no doubt this view will have its influence with farmers in determining whether or not they shall support the factory system. There is another objection to that system which is put in this form. The farmers say they have done very well up to the present time, and they would rather things remained as they were. That may be all very well at the present time ; but I must say from my personal knowledge of many Americans that they are a stirring and active people, and if they find they can compete successfully with us tliey will not rest until they have driven us out of the market. It will not do for us to stand still, but we must push on and do the best that can be done. I cannot close without asking you, whether the experiments succeed or not, to give these gentlemen— Mr. Coke, Mr. Compton, and many others— full credit for being actuated solely by a desire to benefit the farmers of the district. Look into the matter for yourselves, for it very closely affects you. Do not take my word as answering for the success of the new system, or the word of any other person as answering for its failure. You have opportunities of seeing the system at work both here and at Longford, and I ask you to see for yourselves, and form your own opinion on the subject. Mr. NuTTALL said, referring to the cheese factory, that the price given for the milk was equivalent to 77s. fid. per cwt., which he thought in an average season was a very fair price, and if they could get above the average price the first season he tliought they might infer that they could do still better another season. There had been a considerable amount of prejudice against tU» cheese, and th« complaint against it was 416 THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. that it was not old enougli. They certainly could not make old cheese, but tliere was no doubt that every day it was kept would improve its taste. He, however, thought that the gene- ral favour with which the cheese had been received augured well for the ultimate success of the Derby Cheese Factory, and the statement which would at a future time he laid before them would be both satisfactory to the gurantors and to the public. Mr. Henry Corbet for the judges said, only last week he had acted in a similar capacity in an adjoining county, where one of the management who proposed " The Judges" did so in a very feeling and almost affecting manner. That gentleman said the judges had very onerous duties to perform, but he was sorry to add from his own experience, that these duties were frequently followed by some very unkind and unpleasant criti- cism, which he strongly deprecated. Now, he (Mr. Corbet) could not altogether agree with this. Honest, straightforward criticism did a deal of good in many ways, as he could not help thinking that the progress of these Societies had done something to improve the breed of judges as well as the breeds of stock. Besides, the great fun of the fair after all was judging the judges ; and he could imagine nothing more insipid than that when the visitor took his entrance-ticket he should be bound down as it were by a sort of moral obligation not to whisper a syllable against the correctness of the awards. Such a course would not only threaten to become insipid, but im- politic and unwholesome. " To err was human," although he had once heard a clerical-looking gentleman who had been acting as a judge of poultry declare that he had never made a mistake in his life, and never before or since had he (the speaker) looked with so much reverence at any man in a white neckcloth. But putting poultry out of the question — those elegant Cochin Chinas, those beautiful Bramah Pootras, or those still more wonderful varieties, the aim with some of which seemed to be to breed them without any tails, and with others all heads and chignons, like the devout young people they saw in church on a Sunday morning. Admitting that a parson must from some inscrutable cause be an infallible judge of conks and hens, there were other judges, from the highest downwards, who were merely mortal. Brougham was said to be a bundle of crotchets, and Eldon full of prejudice and port wine ; as he really believed half the judges of stock were full of prejudice and port wme. One hated Bates, and the other did not quite fancy Booth ; but they were none the worse for a little prejudice or port either. Still, whatever the public said about the awards the less the judges themselves said the better. He did not know whether when the work was over but that an active steward should caution each of them just as a policeman was bound to do any other unfortunate man who had got himself into trouble : " Now look here, anything you say will he used against you, so perhaps you had better hold your tongue until some of your friends have been to see you." Were he discreet he (Mr. Corbet) might stop here, but he should like to say a little about his own business on the ground. He could remember, and not so many years since, when the riding horse classes were almost the laughing-stock of these meetings, such failures indeed, that the Royal Agri- cultural Society had occasionally struck the premiums out of the list. Since then " the nags " had become far away the most popular feature of these occasions. There was no mis- take about it, although there was one element in any such a popularity with which he could not quite go. No doubt the jumping business " drew " in the way of shillings and half- crowns, but it was no test as to the actual merit of a hunter, as many of the best or best-looking horses he found declined to take part in these exhibitions, and he should prefer to judge the luinters as they did the other horses, and then let the public judge the jumping and the judges. It was difficult at these times to touch any topic|that could not be brought to bear on the war, and he saw that a friend of his had been writing to the papers on the way in which our cavalry was mounted. The light troops were the most useful for modern warfare, but the men were not so well horsed as they mig-ht be, and it was proposed to remedy this in the usual way — that was by starting a company. Let them call it the Light Dragoon Horse Com- pany (Limited), for breeding troopers, to be sold to the Government, at three or four years old, at regulation prices. Would anybody in the room like to take any shares ? Or, if ^li^t would not do, the Uttei went on to reoommead the esta- blishment of Government studs for the purpose. But by tlifl time they had secured an efficient manager, a staff, farm, marcs, and so forth, he feared the cost of growing a troop horse would open the eyes of political economists when they came to pass the accounts. Of course he had a notion of his own on the_ subject, and one that would tendlie thought to make these Societies still more useful, as a little countenance from Royalty or Government would not be out of place. Some three or four thousand a year was given in Queen's Plates, which had outlived their use, as they did Uttle good now either in providing sport or improving the breed of horses. He was not going so far as to say these should be done away with ; but if we could afford to spend so much in one direction, we might surely offer a few Royal Prizes at the leading agricul- tural shows for the best thoroughbred horses ; and by such patronage or encouragement at a small outlay some benefit might follow in increasing the supply of well bred stock. Dr. HiTCHMAN said the pursuits of agriculture can never be satisfactorily and successfully carried on on a mere cold, cal- culating, commercial basis, on the broad principle of an abstract political economy ; for they dift'er from ordinary trade in many essential particulars, and mainly in this, that one man is working upon another man's property, and every day of his life he is either exhausting or improving that property ; and this exhaustion or improvement is such that cannot be accurately measured by a foot rule, and here moral senti- ments and feelings are necessarily brought into play. Again, the nature of the farmer's pursuits is such that he cannot make the supply to be always commensurate with the demand he cannot obtain more than one crop of wheat in an entire year, and there- fore the cardinal principle of energetic trade cannot be realized of " Small profits and quiclc returns" for, however small the "profits," the "returns" cannot be quick; and every practised farmer will bear me out in this that there are circumstances which happen to the highest skill and the most abundant capital, and that seasons influ- ence the result of crops to a greater extent than either or both combined ; and superadded to these special peculiarities is the terrible one, developed by the importation of foreign cattle, of contagious diseases by which hundreds, nay, thousands of cows are destroyed, the labours of years of breeding skill an- nihilated, and capital to an incredible amount, aye, to an amount exceeding the vast sums lost by the cotton famine, sacrificed and gone ; and therefore, if the pursuit of agricul- ture as'' a livelihood removed wholly from the sympathy of the public, he brought in its social relations to the simple con- dition of an ordinary trade, and be carried on between landlord and tenant with none of the chivalrous feelings of the olden time, but solely, absolutely, and exclusively as a pound, shil- ling, and pence spirit ; the days of English agriculture are numbered. Vast factories would crowd all our hills and all our valleys. We should become the manufacturers, the col- liers, the carriers for the World ! One vast canopy of cloud and smoke would hang like a bird of darkness over the land. Brightness and beauty would be gone. Flowers and grass, trees and waving corn, the sunlit landscape, and the gorgeous clouds would pass away. The bright eye, the rosy cheek, the jocund laugh of ruddy health would be displaced by sallowness and grime, and the beautiful England of our forefathers would be no more ! Happily it is not so ; the public honour the pursuit, and the innate love of the English for well- formed animals, and for the cultivated products of the field, will, I trust, cause them to continue to honour it for evermore. They noto honour it in a manner that they honour no other, as your presence here at this moment testifies, and as other facts testify. Tens of thousands of persons from our crowded cities crowd to see the mere fat stock of the Smithfield Cattle Show ; hundreds of thousands throng the show yards of the Royal Agricultural Society ; and even in this our Provincial Show, we have been gladdened and honoured by the visits of many thousands. It surpasses all other pursuits in its import- ance to mankind, and therefore I earnestly hope it may con- tinue to receive the sympathy and respect of the public, and that English agriculture may for ever hold the first rank among the cultivators of the earth. I would say something on the Game Question. It is far, very far from faultless, is the Game Law, but it is not so debased or debasing as some of the men who have denounced it for their own sinister ends. Few large landlords at the present day withhold from their tenants the right of destroying rabbits— those foes to aU pro- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 417 Atable agriculture— and I hope the day is not distant when none will do so ; and I am glad to say there are few indeed in this county who preserve an undue quantity of ground game. But in addition to this good quality I hope yet to see the land- lords ignoring all mere petty politics, and aiding their tenants in the great work of regulating the local taxation of this king- dom, whicli is annually increasing in variety and amount, and widening the area from which it is gathered, and pressing equally, equitable on all classes the burthen of providing for such national purposes as vaccination, registration, the police forces, and the maintenance of the paupers and lunatics of this great country. At Chesterfield, Mr. Markiiam said, the President had justly complained of the very contemptible breed of cattle which existed in the county. He himself had seen stallions led about the country during the past season, which in his opinion ought to have been taken to a slaughter- house. He would merely throw out a suggestion with reference to improving the breed of cattle, and that was for a branch society to be formed with a capital ; say, of a couple of thousand pounds, which should purchase the very best description of horses, bulls, sheep, and pigs, and if tliey were let out to the farmers with the distinct understanding that the charge would be no more than that at present in use, they would not be slow to avail themselves of sucli advantages, and the breed of cattle would be materially improved. The farmers in this district, owing to the smallness of their occupations, were not able to buy such animals for themselves, and they had no chance at present of getting a better des- cription without paying very dearly for it. They must remem- ber it cost just as little to breed and rear a superior animal as an inferior one, whereas the profit at the end was immeasurably greater. If the large landed proprietors, such as the Dukes of Devonshire and Portland, were to come forward in the matter, and if intelligent farmers like Mr. Crawshaw were to preside over it, he was sure such a scheme would work well. At Alfreton Mr. C. Seeley, M.P., the Chairman, said : In this district we have very good turnpike roads — I wish I could say the same of all the hye-roads. My impression is, that if the agriculturists would set themselves to work and would make the bye-roads better, it would have the effect of making the highway rates lower, and would save a good deal iu teams. I know some bye-roads iu this neighbourhood which certainly are not in a good state. There is one occupation road, so called, especially, and a pretty occupation it is to traverse it. The owner of this occupation road is a large farmer, and in taking his corn to market he has carefully to steer clear of the many ruts that abound iu it. There is another matter which was alluded to at the Agricultural Society's meeting at Derby last week by Lord Edward Cavendish, which struck me as being exceedingly appropriate, and that is whether it would not be possible for the tenant farmers in this country especially to combine together to carry out a general system of irrigation. I believe that there are many places in this neighbourhood — certainly in this county — in which the system could be employed to great advantage. The quantity of grass grown on land irrigated is enormous, and anyone going to the Duke of Portland's water meadows would see what great results may thus be obtained. Very few farms are of sufficient extent for the occupiers to do this of themselves, and it is only by combination that any practical results can be arrived at. There is another matter I should like to see the tenant farmers take in hand, and that is, rates and taxes. There is no class more deeply concerned in the subject of rates and taxes than the farmers of this country. So far from growing less, rates every year become more serious. Nowthere is no doubt that inthelong run the landlords do pay the taxes, for if there were no taxes the rents would be higher, but it is often found that the " long run" is a very long run indeed, and as farmers do not now live to the age of Methusaleh, it may well happen that they may be ruined before the process of adjustment is carried out. I sat on a committee of the House of Commons last session upon this subject. We examined all sorts of people — collectors of rates, agents, landowners, owners of house property, aud so on, but not one real tenant farmer came before us to give evidence. Yet we sat for months. Certainly a gentleman of great ability, who is a tenant, Mr. Sewell Read, was examined, but he could scarcely he said to be a real representative of the tenant-far- piers, I thiBk that farmer? should take more part in the dig- cussion of this subject. Another question of great importance to you is the advance of wages, which you may depend upon must go on, and which you should, as prudent men, anticipate and prepare for. The queston is if we cannot meet that difficulty by reducing the rent and taxes. Some people think rates are a necessary misfortune and that " wliat cannot be cured must be endured ;" but 1 cannot think it is not a state of things with which we should be content, that one person in every 20 should be receiving relief. I think it very advisable for tenant farmers to make their voices heard on this question. I heard a gentleman say the other week that in his parish, although they had no poor, they paid 33. iu the £ poor-rates, most of the poor living in a neighbouring town. It does seem to me very important that the views of agricultural occupiers on these subjects should be ventilated. Tlien there is that ticklish question, the game laws, and it is exceedingly desirable that in every district there should be some means by which the farmers could meet together, and discuss those sub- jects. In towns they have their Chambers of Commerce, iu which they can discuss the questions affecting their trade ; they have their Town Councils and so on, and I think some means should be afforded by which farmers could discuss questions aflecting their interests. Mr. Peter Bowne saw no more reason why a farmer who produced milk should manufacture it into cheese than why one who grew corn should grind it into flour, and if they could get as good a price for their milk without having to make cheese many dairy farmers and their families would feel it to be a very great relief. Mr. Rowley said, one fact to which he would briefly allude was the continual exodus of the labouring class. Perhaps it might be said in reply that they sho\ild advance their wages and improve their dwellings, aud certainly something more might be done in respect to this ; but it appeared to him that there was a growing dislike on the part of the lahouring man. to agricultural work. He appeared to prefer the work of the factory or the mine. It was a question of great importance ; and had it not been for the introduction of the reaping and mowing machines, great difficulty would have been experienced during the late harvest in getting it in for want of hands. No one was more willing to contribute to the expenses of the State than the agriculturists ; but it was monstrous that they should be called upon to pay income-tax when, during the last three years, it was patent to all they had realised no income at all (" You are na' a long way off it"). That was the result of the excessive drought, which they must look upon as a great national calamity. He hoped the Government would take into consideration this deplorable calamity, and that their chairman would do aU in his power to remove an impost which was looked upon with dissatisfaction by a great part of the community. Mr. NuTTALL said it appeared to him that his forie that night was the question of cheese. He happened last year to make a few observations which had resulted in what they had tasted that day. He had heeu asked the questiou, "Does it, or is it likely to pay ?" In answer to that he would say that by the factory system they were able to produce more cheese from a certain quantity of milk than was made in home dairies; They produced lib. of cheese from 9 lbs. of milk. A gallon of milk weighed 10 lbs. 14 oz. as a rule, but it varied a little during the season, aud the average make was a pound of cheese to a gallon of milk. He left it for them, after having tasted the cheese, to say if by the factory system they could make as good a cheese as farmers could at home. At all events they could make as good a price, 83s. Gd. being the last price realized in London for the Derbyshire factory-made cheese. He believed, too, they could make it for 2s. 6d. per cwt., and he did not think farmers could make it under 7s. 6d. acwt. (A Voice: 10s.). If a man had thirty cows, he must pay a dairy-maid £15 or £16 a-year. (Mr. Haslam : £20 if she is worth anything). Her living would be worth more, and they might put down the two at £35. From thirty cows they would not get above six tons of cheese in a good season, or 4 cwt. per cow, and therefore the dairy- maid alone would cost 5s. per cwt. Other little etceteras would certainly amount to 2s, 6d. per cwt. There was some little difficulty about the offals, which the dairymen did not like to lose, but this would be easily remedied, and he was satisfied they would approve the change ^vhen they found their lioraes were made more comfortable. 41S THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. and more like other homes. For his part he could not see why tJieir wives and daughters sliould be greater slaves than the wives and daughters of arable farmers. If tliey could make as much money l)y the factory system as they could l)y making cheese at home, they would relieve themselves of ths great difficulty, anxiety, and uncertainty of its manufacture. They intended to publish a balance sheet at the end of the year, and they had no reason (except from the dryness of the season) to be disappointed with the result, which in truth had exceeded their most sanguine expectations. At the Bakewell Farmer's Club, Mr. Nesfieli) felt con- vinced the harriers had done as much good in this country as a whole legion of parsons. He maintained that a pack of hounds brought men together, and united them, and made friends of them. Every age had its special feature, and the curse of this age was effeminacy, especially amongst the young men about London, whose moustachios were waxed until they were as sharp as a pin point, and who if they came into Derbyshire and followed his harriers, he guaranteed would be so done for as never to be heard of more. The chase was an antidote to the effeminacy of the age, believing as he did, that the talk of the hounds made a man's heart right as well as nis body. WILTSHIRE. At Marlborough, Lord Ailsbury said : He did not think it right to give persons prizes simply for doing their duty, as it was almost invidious and excessively difficult to draw the line between what duty was or was not of advantage to agriculture. He always doubted whether there was any reason for giving a recompense to a person for being forty years in the same ser- vice. If a master had tolerated his services for forty years, it was probably rather a bore. Not but what lie had men who had served his grandfather, and he always took the greatest interest in them, and every possible care of them. But he did not think it any advantage to agriculture that shepherd, or a carter, should never change his master for thirty or forty years. The prizes ot this Society should be given not only to those who excelled in labour, but it should be to the advantage of agri- culture to promote that particular kind of labour. For that reason he preferred to see [prizes given for the best description of ploughing, in accordance with the most advanced ideas of what ploughing ought to be. Ploughing twenty years ago was vastly inferior to what it is now : they might get plenty of men to plough with three horses and a boy, but they wanted men to plough with two horses without a boy. This was the case in the north, where he obtained considerably more per acre. He was speaking to the employers of labour, and he was well aware of tile difficulties they had to contend with: There was no doubt about it ; their labourers were not sufficiently paid. He advo- cated that their labourers should be paid and treated as they were in the north, where he was ready to admit he saw much better labourers. There was no denying that if the labourer of the north earned more wages, he did more work for his master than was done in the south. He would not pretend to deny it. He often had bodies of men to work for him at draining and other matters, and he always employed north country gangsmen, directing them to give men Yorksliire wages for Yorkshire work, and Wiltshire wages for Wiltshire work. He admitted that tlie gang diminished, and they could not keep Wiltshiremen up to it. Wiltshiremen did not work so hard as Yorkshirenien. He was sorry to say it, but he had an opportunity of seeing the two systems at work ; he was not a practical agriculturist, but from what was pointed out from time time to time by his farmers and agents he saw a great distinction between the work of the north and that of the south. There was ample excuse for the farmers not giving the same wages as in the north, because they did not get the same amount of work done. In the first place they were better fed, because they had better wages, and it was for employers in the south to consider whether by giving them increased wages for two or three years, they would not be stronger and do more work, [Mr. Wentworth : They would be more lazy than ever.] The diffi- culty was to get up to Yorkshire work. Sir George Jenkin- son had said it was very hard upon one class of persons to pay for the education of persons who, as soon as they became educated, would very likely leave the district. That was ex- actly what they wanted. They wanted to get rid of the men here, for it could be proved from blue-books (statistics of the population engaged in the cultivation of land per acre were easily obrainablr) that tl'ere were three time?) 0.9 luauy agricultu- ral families in this neiglibourhood as were needed. The greatest boon tliey could confer on the neighbourhood, far superior to building cottages or other benevolent acts, was to get rid of one-third of the labouring population. Then they would not employ so many labourers per acre, more work would be done, and they could afford to pay theiu higher wages, and would themselves become more prosperous, for cultivation was done cheaper wherever the wages were highest. Mr. Bolam could show it them in blue books, and it had been proved over and over again. The consequence of the super- abundance of labour was that poor rates were double what they were in Yorkshire. There they had no poor men in the villages ; he could never obtain one to hold his horse, for they were all at work. They never came to liim to ask for work, but in Wiltshire this was the case over and over again. This was accounted for by the proximity of manufacturing towns, and it would be the greatest boon to this neighbourhood if Marlborough were to become a large manufacturing town . If Marlborough became a large manufacturing town they might have a difficulty in obtaining labour, but it would be a great deal better ; labourers might not be so subservient, a little more troublesome, but the result would be that all would be better for it. In other respects the farmers of the neighbour- hood had made great strides, and he must congratulate them especially on the advance they had made in steam cultivation, by which they brouglit, as it were, so many more hands to bear at the moment they wanted them. He was convinced the system of the north was the best, that here they were over- burdened with population, which entailed heavy poors' rates, and they employed three men where they wanted two, and five horses where they only wanted three. They were improving but so slowly and so gradually that their sons would get the benefit, and he hoped those who came after hira. He could not help noticing that the men he saw that day were remark- ably well dressed, and though he had a small-frock, of which he did not see above one, he thought it of the highest import- ance they should have a regard for their personal appearance. This would be the case as they were more educated, and result in their being tidier aud better dressed. With the subject of education he would not trouble them, except to say that he was not disposed to take such desponding views as his reverend friend (Archdeacon Stanton). He could quite understand that any member of his profession would be especially anxious when a change of this kind occurred, as to a certain extent they had the control of this important work, which was now to an extent taken out of their hands. Knowing how con- scientiously and liberally they had always performed the work, he could quite understand they felt great anxiety, being afraid of seeing their flocks dropping from under them. As far as he was concerned, being a subscriber to schools in the whole neighbourhood, he would do his utmost to prevent such a misfortune here, and he asked the assistance of other gentle- men present. He was not aware what it was the intention of the Bishop of the Diocese to recommend, but he was about to have a conference, and had asked his lordship among others to attend. He was going down next week, and might learn something from the enquiries made and statistics obtained by the Bishop. Generally speaking schools had been provided for the parish through the instrumentality of the clergy, and hereafter there would be two ways of dealing with them, by keeping up their subscriptions, or by withdrawing them, al- lowing each to pay his proper share by way of rates, and electing a school hoard, and purchasing the school and master's house, which, as it happened in some cases, belonged to him. He should be benefited by the last system, as they would be supported by rates instead of subscriptions as they would, he thought, be conducted in a superior and more expensive mode, he asked them to ponder this in their minds, that those gentle- men who wished to be relieved from the necessity of paying rates might subscribe, and thus be saved from purchasing the school-house, and obtain other advantages. The schools would of course be required to be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down by the Committee of Council on Education, whenever they came out, to include of course a Conscience Clause, and in accordance witli the principles of the new Act. They were not obliged to adopt tlie voluntary principle, but in this instance good might attend it. He did not want to benefit by the new Act, but was willing to con- tribute what he had contributed before. They must come up to the requirements of tlie GoTeroment, then it would not b« THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 419 necessary to ;idopt school boards auJ the compulsory system . lie anticipated, thoreforo, geutlcnieii were willing to continue tlie voluutary system in the modilied form, and lie hoped the rev. gcntlemau's apprehensions would not be verified, lie liad a iiigh opinion of tlic value of education, even in a la- bourer's ordinary work, and thought its elTect would bo that those ambitious, restless spirits vvlio now gave trouble at home would go elsewhere, and they would get rid of them altogether, although it was true the stupid fellows would remain behind. J5ut he thought they would all be the better for it. lie re- commended them to put their siioulders to the wheel, and do the best they could to carry out the voluutary system, other- wise he was for compulsion. Compulsory education and eoiu- pulsory military service was his view of what was right for the country. ESSEX. At Great Broxted Col. Brise, M.P., said : \Ve have not had an Euglish Land Bill yet. We had the Irish Land Bill, as you all kuow, and I believe that bill to have been necessary and expedient under the present condition of that country ; but whatever our political feelings may be we cannot but admit that it was subversive of the principles of the rights of property, and that it was subversive of some of our old- established notions of political economy. As a farmers' repre- sentative in the House of Commons it has been my mis- fortune on one or two occasions to put tha government of this country in a minority when we thought the farmers' interests were at stake. The Chancellor of the Exche(iuer wanted to prevent the farmer from scaring or shooting rooks or crows on his own lands. We, as representing your interests, pro- tested against this, and put the government in a minoiity upon tliat point. The Chancellor of the Exchequer refused to make any exemptions in the case o( the tax on guns in the interests of the farmers, and we carried this amendment against him ; but as he then threatened to throw up the bill, and as that was not quite the wish of some gentlemen — though 1 am not very fond of it one way or the other — but as it was not the wish of some of us to put him in a minority on that point we consented to a compromise enabling the occupier to kill rooks, rabbits, and vermin upon his own land, but not to employ anybody else so to do, unless he takes out a certificate for himself. Well that was better than not being able to do what you like with vermin and birds that depredate your crops. The Chancellor of the Exchequer then wanted to impose a tax upon your farm horses, and to make no exemption on any terms, but to tax horses employed in agriculture if they carted materials on to the higliways. We thought this most unfair, and by the help of the Speaker we again put the government in a minority. Time would not allow me to go into the many measures that have come before Parliament in the interests of those before me during the past session. You know what took place on the malt-tax ; you know how little has been done in reference to local taxation, and you know what discussions we have had on the corn laws. These are three questions which all want a long time for dis- cussion, and at this hour of the evening I will not venture to trespass upon your patience by dwelling upon them. But there is one question of greater importance to the agricultural labourer than any other, upon which I must claim your indul- gence for a few minutes ; I mean the education of the agri- cultural labourer. I will not go into all the details of the Education Bill. But you will remember that in this diocese our Bishiop held a Conference in July last ; on the merits of that Conference I will not here dilate ; sufficient to say com- mittees were appointed by the Conference, and the Bishop did me the honour of placing me upon a committee in reference to education, so far as related to this county. We had our first committee meeting in London the other day, and after a great deal of discussion we arrived at the determination to ask the Bishop to make an appeal to the whole of his diocese for subscriptions to aid those parishes in which it was necessary either to enlarge or build fresh schools. At the present moment there are something like 50 or 60 parishes in this county where there is insufficient school accommodation, and it is most important that steps be taken immediately, for this reason, that unless yon have your plans sent in to the Privy Council before the 31st of December next you will have no opportunity of getting any aid from the government, or of receiving any government grant for build- ing or enlarging your schools. Tiierefore, although I confess this rather a dry after-dinner subject, 1 take this opportunity of mentioning it, as time is valuable to those parishes that have not sufficient educational accommodatiou. No doubt the appeal that will be made for subscriptions will be met by many objections. We should hear from many, " I have my own schools iu my own parish to attend to, and cannot assist ^in this undertaking." Others will say, " If I subscribe at, all I shall not subscribe to parishes and schools iu this diocese generally, I would rather subscribe to those in ray own imme- diate neighbourhood." Others again will say, " 1 do no; see why we should subscribe to those parishes that have neglected their own duty, alter we have done ours." And further, many will say, " 1 don't feel so very sanguine, 1 don't care so very much about getting these government grants ; I sliould not object to see school-boards established in tiie difi'ercnt parishes or education paid for out of the rates." These are all ob- jections which we shall have to meet, and my advice to you is, whatever you do, if possible avoid an education rate — and for this reason, principally, that a rate falls exclusively on one class of property— it falls on the overburdened, overweighted land. It is true that the shopkeeper and the profes- sional man may pay some portion of it, but they only pay on their houses ; and the wealthy man will only pay on his house. Now, then, is the time to make an appeal to all those wealthy men and others who have no local obligations or local respon- sibilities ; and they have an opportunity of aiding those parishes that are not able, perhaps, to help themselves ; and I Jiave no doubt large sums will be collected, if not from agri- cultural districts, at any rate from those districts iu the neigh- bourhood of the metropolis where we know wealth and plenty abound. Some may say that the parishes ought to help them- selves, therefore they will not subscribe to this fund ; but it should be borne in mind that the fund will be in the hands of those in whom you can fairly place confidence, and aid will not be given to those parishes where the parishioners, or the squire, or the leading occupiers have neglected their duty, but simply to those parishes in which they have not had the means to supply their wants. Again, I say, avoid education- rates, and I hope dissenters in those parishes will come forward liberally, if they have not any government school of their own ; for although these will be Church of England seliools, they will be well protected by tlie conscience clause, and three- fore there will be no religious difficulty. If possible, I should strongly advise those parishes in which they have no schools at the present, to let the dissenters have a share in the repre- sentation of these schools. I would go farther even than this, and say, let a school board exist and let them have the management of the school, and let the ratepayers elect the school board. I do not say this from any desire to take the patronage out of the hands of the clergy. We know that in this matter of education we are under unlionnded obligations tc them ; but I say so because I do not think we ought to impose too much labour on the clergy in this matter. And another reason is that I want to see all the inhabitants of the parishes take more interest in the education of their chil- dren than they have ever done before. Therefore, I say, give the people an interest in the subject by enlarging your administration. Another advantage resulting from the elec- tion of your school boards would be that yon would be able to put the compulsory clauses into operation. Now do not let me be misunderstood when I advocate the compulsory clauses. When I speak of compulsion I have not in my mind any thought of the policeman, or the magistrate, or of any harsh measures at all ; I speak of compulsion as I believe it could be carried out by any local board or any board in onr different country parislies, by whom it would be carried out in a spirit of love, and benevolence, and kindness. And I do not think it would be at all impossible or impracticable to put the Factory Acts into operation if it should be the opinion of the local board that it was desirable to do so. 1 believe that if you thought it neces- sary to compel parents to send their children to school- though I believe you would not find it necessary in many parishes in tliis county — you would be able to put the Print Works Act into operation, whereby you could compel a boy to attend school for 150 hours in the six mouths, which would be equal to 00 days in a year, without materially affecting any of the sources of liveliiiood of the parents of such boy. Tile " religious difficulty" in the Uouse of Commons is no difiiculty in the country ; the great difficulty, in my experience, 420 THE FARMER'S MAaAZINE. and in that of other people, is in getting the children to at- tend school. My friend Mr. Mechi and myself have often had amicahle discussions on the agricultural topics of the day. I am sorry to say we do not always agree, and I should have preferred speaking after him rather than before him. He wishes to carry out the commercial principles of this country in regard to land to a much greater extent than 1 do, and I should like to ask him how it would be if we carried out this commercial principle to its furthest limits. I ask him what is the result in Scotland, where titis principle has been carried out entirely? What is the consequence so far as farmers are concerned ? The rents in Scotland are at the rack. There is not a farm in Scotland that is under let, and many land- owners let their farms by tender or by auction. Would you like that to be the case in this country F This year I have been working very hard, and among other duties I have been sitting on the Local Taxation Committee. I will not go into that question to-night, but merely remark that we had before that committee Mr. Caird, whom Mr. Mechi knows very well, and who has investigated the question thoroughly, and he will tell you that the rental of England is very much under its value, and he told the committee that he believed it would conduce very much to the deterioration of the happiness and welfare of the people of this country if it were raised upon the same commercial principle as they have in Scotland. Mr._ Mechi came to the important question. How could they increase their profits by farming? The interests of landlord and tenant were concomitant and concurrent ; and it was to their advantage to abolish open farmyards, as being a source of loss, and to substitute covered and enclosed yards for their cattle, which would increase their profits. Mr. W. 1'airuead : Decidedly not. A Voice : Who is going to put them up ? Mr. Fairhead : I don't agree with you. Mr. Mechi : I do not expect my friend Fairhead to agree with me. But you cannot gainsay facts. When you look at it dispassionately you find that covered sheds for cat- tle increase your profits. They preserve your manure with all Its virtues, and preserve the health of your cattle, and I would lay strength upon that point while you are complaining of disease among your cattle. Mr. Waicelin : If you inclose them you make them worse. Mr. Fairhead : I quite agree with you. Mr. Mechi : We are at present in the dark as to the causes by which our cattle are affected, but how is it that they are never affected when kept under cover ? Mr. Wakelijj: Generally so, not never. Mr. Mechi said there had been no disease in his covered yard for tlio last SO years, and the same could be said of many other farms where the same plan was adopted. He had rea- son to beheve that many of the diseases that were prevalent proceeded from the variation in tlie temperature, from the insects and various things found in the grass, and from the various conditions under which the food in the open field was eaten. Nobody objected to folding sheep on the land ; every- one approved of it, because the laud then got the benefit of all that resulted from the food, but it was not so in the open farmyard, where the virtue of the manure was all wasted. If they wanted to increase their profits by obtaining larger crops at a diminished cost, let them have covered yards for their cattle (expressions of dissent). This was a question which i^ssex had yet to learn, but he was certain she would learn it. If they were men of business they would study the question, and not be blinded by prejudice. Another point in which he thought Essex was rather deficient was in the unfortunate be- lief that those strong non-calcareous clays which were called loams were unfit lands to be drained. •sr^^'r" ^^^^^^"^E : You have gone into that question so often, M. Mechi ; don't go into it again. Mr. Mechi : Don't you believe they ought be drained ? Mr. Gwynne : We had gone into the question so often that we shall be better without it to-night. Mr. Mechi : I speak from facts, because I have had ex- perience, and I can only say that the behef that drainage is 01 no use on such lands is a very fatal deduction from the profits of the farmer. Mr. GwTNjJE : In your opinion. A scene of confusion here ensued, during which there were proval " ^° " ^*^ °"'" ^"'^ '^°"'^*^^' ''"^^ °^ '^^^^P- Mr. Wakelin calling out, " We can't listen any longer, we have had enough of your ' gab' already." The Chairman : I hope everybody will give Mr. Meclii a fair hearing. Mr. Mechi continued : One of his neighbours, who had been his greatest opponent on this drainage question, had been converted to a different way of thinking. Mr. Wakelin : I should like to have his name. Mr. Mechi : I do not wish to disclose his name, but he does not live half-a-dozen miles from here. I think this is a question which ought not to be left to after-dinner discussion, but ought to be looked into practically. If the farmer would say, " I wiU try a portion of a field, and experimentalize on the question," they would prove it by results, Mr. Gwynne : It has been done already. We have plenty of fields in this neighbourhood that we can point to. Mr. Fairhead : Cut it short, Mr. Mechi. You have got some good head-pieces here. Mr. Mechi : If I had a jury liere and they were to hear such opinions as those you now express they would say the farmers of Essex are not men of business. Mr. Gwynne : Perhaps not. Mr. Mechi said he was there to speak the truth as he had proved it, and not simply to give opinions. He advocated the advantages of drainage, and urged the importance of deep tillage. He asked them to come before him with fact, but not to oppose him with anger, because he had the welfare of the agriculturists at heart in all he said. Mr. Gwynne sp.id he could name two farmers who had cultivated after Mr. Mechi's system, and who were prepared to state that the results were opposite to Mr. Mechi's opinions. Mr. Golden Fairhead had the highest respect for Mr. Meclii, who gave important lessons to the farmers by his ex- periments, but they profited more by avoiding what Mr. Mechi did than by following his example, and the more Mr. Mechi left his farming to his men the better results would he have. He (the speaker) knew there were some lands that would not stand ploughing more than three inches deep, while others could not be ploughed too deeply ; and he had some fields which he would not allow Mr. Mechi to drain if he would do the work for nothing. At Harlow Sir H. T. Selwin-Ibbetson said : In building cottages I should like people to feel that they were not build- ing them with the view of getting direct remuneration out of them, but that, by improving the class of labour they placed upon their land, they were really benefiting themselves in the long run. I am quite satisfied that if we could provide proper habitations for the labouring population, if — another crotchet of mine — we could scatter those houses a little more about the farms, instead of congregating them together, too often at long distances from the centre of work, we should be doing much towards solving a very difficult question. Modern days have shown us that this feeUng is abroad. Attempts are being made here and there to carry out some such principle as this. The results that have attended those steps have, in every instance that I have liad any experience of, been satis- factory ; and I believe now, that the example is set, it will spread. When you get a reaJly good useful servant as a la- bourer, living close to his work, able to give you all his energies, instead of exhausting them in coming to your ser- vice, we shall reahse the motto I see on my left, that " No- thing is denied to well-directed industry." NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. At Greasley, Mr. Fox said it was a question whether corn rents would act well between landlord and tenant in the Mid- land districts. He thought it would cause more dissatisfac- tion than the present system of rental. His belief was that the landlord was foolish if he fixed more rent than could be paid by a reasonable tenant, and the tenant was foolish if he gave more than he thouglit he could afford to pay. He had always objected strongly to open valuation. If a person was sent as vainer on a farm the landlord's instruction should be, that if he found the farm above the original condition in con- sequence of the improvements made by the tenant, the tenant should be allowed to have the difference, and if he found the farm was not up to the mark owing to the tenant's negligence in common honesty, that farm ought to be put up to what a good farmer could make it pay under reasonable management. General valuations must be productive of evil results unless instructions of this kind were given. THE FAUMEU'S MAGAZINE, 421 LANCASHIRE. At Ecclestou, Mr. G. A. Dean, the chairman, said : Mr. Professor Rogers, of Oxford, at a political meeting at Bir- mingliam, did farmers the honour of saying that their heads were as hollow as the turnips they grew. Now, I want to do my best to show Professor Rogers tliat he is very greatly in error in making such a statement ; and for that purpose I have brought out a root, one grown on Cartlbrd Farm, and here it is. (The chairman at this point held up a very line and large turnip, which created much laughter amongst those present.) There's nothing hollow about that. That turuip I intend to send to Professor Rogers for him to see whether it is hollow, and also to compare it with his own head (loud laughter). I was reading some time ago of a professor — perhaps it was Professor Rogers himself — who was suffering from rheumatics, and he called in another professor — a brother professor — to try and cure him of his rheumatical complaint, and he (the brother professor) adopted the rub-and-tap system. This professor of the rubbing-and-tapping principle attended his brother professor, and rubbed him from head to foot, and then commenced tapping. A friend was standing by looking what he was doing, and when he came to his chest, and after rubbing and tapping it, the friend said, " Why, bless my soul, how hollow it sounds !" " Yes," replied the other, " it does, but wait till I get to his head, and then you will see how hollow it will sound " (renewed laughter) . I should not at all wonder that the head would be found to be just as hollow as Professor Rogers's (great laughter). I can only say that, so far as this stupid remark made use of by Professor Rogers with re- spect to farmers' heads is concerned, it is aU trash, and I much regret that such absurd statements should have been made by anybody. Whoever heard of a Lancashire farmer liaving a hollow head ? Let any one attempt to buy a horse, or to buy grain from a farmer, and they will not see any hollowness about his head then. The farmers are a class of men of great intelligence ; and if I can only induce Professor Rogers to come here next year, I am sure he will make an ample apology for the remarks he has made. HERTFORDSHIRE. At Hertford, the Hon. H. Cowper, M.P., said : There was one person above all whom he expected to see there, a gentle- man who had been writing some letters in which the three gentlemen who had the honour to represent Sir. IMcGeachy, and the member for the borough of Hertford, were peremp- torily summoned to meet him at that meeting and be examined by him as to their opinions on the game laws. When a man was called out he believed he had the melancholy privilege of selecting the place and time of meeting. Mr. McGeachy not only challenged them, but in the most preremptory way insisted upon that occasion and that place for their meeting. He was very sorry Mr. McGeachey had not gone there, though probably by the rules of that society they would not be allowed to gratify him in discussing to the extent he might desire, that most dif- ficult question. Although he had adverted to that question which so closely affected the farmer he was not going to dis- cuss it. On that question which affected the farmer and the landlord in the first instance (he did not mean to say it was to be settled by them alone, but it affected them in the first in- stance), Mr. McGeachy had the pull of them, for he was neither the one nor the other ; and from that point of neu- trality Mr. McGeachy was able to address himself to the sub- ject in a calm and intellectual manner. Mr. H. R. Braj;^d, M.P., congratulated them upon the energetic action lately shown by the Privy Council with re- spect to the importation of cattle; and he believed there should be a feeling of security when energetic measures were taken to show that the authorities were determined to prevent the recurrence of sucli a plague as the rinderpest. The mutual object of the representatives of that county was to advance the interests of the agriculturists ; and that could be best done by there being a mutual understanding between all classes of the agricultural world. Wlien there were griev- ances to be remedied they could not be remedied l)y violent means, nor by forcing humiliating concessions ; nor in any case could a remedy be g.^iued, as liad lately been attempted, by bringing questions of a kind calculated to arouse differences of opinion before those meetings. Mr. McGeady was a gentle- jnan for whom he entertained the greatest respect, but he hoped that gentleman -HfoM find a better opportunity of dis- cussing the Game-laws than dinners of that kind. Mr. Fawcett thought it would be a great advantage if members for the county were allowed to speak on any matters they thought would be likely to interest or benefit the meeting. They had in tliis county the largest number of most respect- able landlords, both owners and occupiers, of any county in England. And yet they had, connected with all these advan- tages, the most miserable county show that could be seen in all England. When he saw the names both of Lord Dacre, Mr. Ames, and hundreds of others, he was perfectly satisfied that the owners and farmers only wanted to have matters placed in a proper light before them, and they would support it, so that the Hertfordshire county show should be second to none in England. He would show them many reasons why there should be alterations. The Society was bound hand and foot with restrictions. There was scarcely a prize oflered but wasbound with foolish and contemptible restrictions. And the money is so divided there is no prize worth competing for. In one class there were 14 premiums ; they would find notliing of tlie sort in any other society ; they didn't give a single £20, £40, or £50 prize open to all England. They offered a prize for male animals, but put such restrictions on it that no man in his senses would think of sending good animals to the show. Look at their description of a tenant farmer ! They say a man is not a tenant farmer if he does anything else ; that is to say, he is not fit to be a tenant farmer if he is connected with agriculture and commerce ; did they not find that some of the most honourable, honest, and straightforward men were con- nected with commerce ? And yet, if they find one of these men taking a large farm they tell him he is not a tenant farmer. Thus they drive members away. MIDLAND AGEIOULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT ALFRETON. This was the best exhibition the Society has ever had. The cattle were particularly good, and the milking and in-calf classes especially so. The landlords' class of milking cows and the tenants' in-calf class were, as a whole, highly com- mended by the judges. The bulls were few in number, and were not above an average in quality. The sheep classes were not very well filled. The rams were good, and the others about an average show. The pigs were excellent, and would have done credit to any showyard, though some of the classes contained but few entries. There was a superior show of horses ; and those shown in pairs, wliich had ploughed in the match, were a capital lot. The three pairs in the landlords' class were fit to compete anywhere, and those of the tenants were little inferior. It is worthy of remark that the two pairs which took first and second prizes in this latter class were under three years old, and, beyond their actual merit gave good promise for the future. The show of cheese was good ; and the first-prize cheese was cut for dinner, where it had to compete with a cheese from the Derby factory. Both were rather new ; but the better judgment gave the preference to the factory cheese, though some preferred that of Mrs. Shutes. The roots were a very good collection for the sea- son. The swede turnips were, as a class, higlily commended by the judges, and would compare with advantage with the swedes shown last week at Derby. The white turnips were very little inferior to the swedes. One of the chief attrac- tions in the sliowyard was Mr. Gilbert Murray's model of the Cheese Factory Working Plant, as introduced from America by Mr. Schermerhorn, with a vat improved and a press in- vented by the exhibitor. The model was the object of con- stant examination. The funds of the Society not being suffi- cient to offer premiums for implements, the judges were un- able to award to Mr. Murray any substantial expression of their .appreciation. Tlie judges were — for slock, Messrs. J. J. Rowley, J. Faulkner, and J. Nuttall ; for ploughing, Messrs. S. Chad- wick and J. Parker ; for roots, Messrs. W. Hollingworth and T. Stendall ; for cheese and butter, Messrs. T. Rodgers and T. Bland. 422 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. THE CENTRAL CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. The Council resumed its monthly raeetiugs at the Salis- bury Hotel, Salisbury Square, ou Tuesday, Oct. i, under the pre- sidency of Coloutl Toiuline, M.P. ; but the attendance was very small^ there not being in all twenty members of Council or deputed members present ; tiie company was, indeed, mainly made up by the reporters, although, as Mr. NeiUl says, many of these gentlemen do not take much note of the proceedings. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, observed that the principal business before the Chamber was the reception of the report of the committee on local taxation. That, he remarked, was a subject of the greatest interest to them. The agitation of the question had gone ou quietly and steadily, and he was glad to see in one of the newspapers the report of a speech respecting it, delivered by a borough member at AVhitehaveu, which was exceedingly good, altogether in the sense in which the Chamber viewed the matter, and which was received with great applause by the constituency. This sliowed, he thought, that the Chamber was not acting ex parte in what it was endeavouring to do ; and he believed that if county members would only see that what was asked for was no more than just and fair, and that their constituents had a deep interest in it, a favourable conclusion would more speedily be arrived at. The secretary read a communication from the Cirencester Chamber relating to the collection of cattle disease statistics by the addition of another column to the Board of Trade Re- turns. On being applied to, that department stated that it would be easy to add a column for the purpose, in case the occupiers desired it. Mr. Neild observed that the business committee had fully considered the matter, and had come to the conclusion, seeing tlie way in which agricultural statistics were being handled in certain quarters, that it would be inexpedient to take action upon it at present. The Chamber approved of this decision. In the absence of Sir Massey Lopes, the Chairman of the Local Taxation Committee, Captain Ckaigie submitted the Committee's report, which, alluding to the meetings held at Taunton during the Show of tiie Bath and West of England Society and the Royal Agricultural Society, said that the report of the committee published in August, giving an account of its proceedings since its formation, liad been sent to the various provincial Chambers of Agri- culture, and a letter from Sir Massey Lopes, directing attention to tlie importance of the subject, and asking for contributions, had, together with a copy of the report, been sent to the landowners in most of the counties in England and Wales through the local agents of the committee ; but, owing to the committee not having been able to obtain local agents in a few counties, the landowners in tliese had not as yet been applied to. The committee suggested that members of the Council and of provincial Chambers should send to the secretary the names of those in different counties who, in their opinion, would be willing to take an active interest in the sub- ject, " In conclusion," said the report, " the committee cannot help feeling that the movement in favour of a reform of the existing inequalities and injustice of the present system of local taxation is spreading, and they are sanguine that an in- creasing interest is being felt, not only amongst those who are connected with laud, but also amongst th« heavily-rated in- habitants of large cities and towns ; but the committee would, nevertheless, press upon tlie members both of the Central and provincial Chambers the great necessity that exists for keep- ing up this interest if any large and useful measure of reform is to be obtained." Mr. T. WiLLsoN moved that the report be received and adopted; and the motion was seconded by Mr. Neild, who remarked that there was matter in the report which came liome to the heart and the judgment of every ratepayer in England, and tliat stepi ought to be taken to give it the widest circulation. The Cliamber was greatly indebted to some of the weekly jiapers, and especially EM's Weellij Messenger and tlip Miirl Line Jir/iress, for publishing its proceedings ; but lie regretted to lind that the daily press of the metropolis was exceedingly remiss in this part of its duty, aud seemed to stand aloof from the Chamber as if it did not wish to touch agricultural subjects. It was from London that the provinces took their cue, and the London press might be made an im- portant instrument in disseminating information on the ques- tion of local taxation. lie believed that the day was not far distant when it would be made the battle-cry of parties at every hustings, aud hs earnestly hoped tliat the farmers would refuse to vote for any candidate until they knew what were his sentiments on local taxation. Local taxation and the malt tax were the two subjects on which the opinion of the country would be pronounced at the next general election ; and if the county voters did their duty, he had no doubt both questions would be settled in a satisfactory manner. The motion was agreed to. Mr. H. Gei^ge Andrews proposed a vote of thanks to Sir Massey Lopes, M.P., and the 89 members of the House of Commons who voted for limiting the charge on the poor- rate assessment for elementary education to one penny in the pound. The best place for agitating the subject of local taxation, he observed, was the floor of the House of Commons ; for the speeches and motions made there the daily press was bound to report more or less fully. The first division in the House on the question referred to in the motion was taken on the proposition of Sir Massey Lopes to reduce the con- tribution of the poor-rate for elementary education to a penny in the pound. He (Mr. Andrews) did not approve of paying even so small a sum as that out of the poor rate ; but he could not ignore the fact that, in the House of Commons, if the sympaUiy of any considerable body of members was to be enlisted in support of any object, gentlemen were obliged sometimes to propose what they did not, perhaps, entirely approve of themselves. The motion, having been seconded by Mr. AVebb, was adopted unanimously ; and the secretary was instructed to transmit a copy of it to Sir M. Lopes, and the other gentle- men who had voted for his motion. Mr. A^^DI{EWS wished to draw the attention of the Cham- ber to the fact that an important movement was on foot in the city of London for the establishment of a national poor- rate. He then read the following paragraph on the subject, which had appeared in some of the public journals : " National Association for the Equalisation of Poor-rates. — This asso- ciation, the president of which is the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor (R. Be.sley, Esq.), held a committee meeting on Tuesday last at the Westminster Palace Hotel. A letter was read from Lord Alfred Churchill stating his consent to become one of the vice-presidents ; also letters from gentlemen in various parts of the country approving the objects of the association. The meeting resolved to take vigorous action, and the secretary was directed to lose no time in lodging petitions for public signatures in the London districts as well as in the provinces, also to hold public meetings throughout the metropolis and the country, so that by that means, and the aid of the Press, the great inequalities of the poor-rate may be clearly shown, and the object of this association, a national rate, brought about." He suggested that the Secre- tary of the Chamber might open communication with this association for the purpose of ascertaining whether the two bodies could co operate in the work of accomplishing the common object they had in view. Mr. Neild regarded any movement of that kind with fa- vour, inasmuch as it was very much in harmony with the ob- ject which the Chamber had at heart ; but at this early stage he deemed it better not to open official communication with any other society. Mr. 11. WiLE;> concurred with Mr. Neild in this opinion. Mr. Andrews explained that he merely wished to inquire what the objects of the association exactly were, and if they were strictly in accord with those of the Chamber. Captain Craioie said that at the meeting of the local taxa- tion committee on the previous day, the feeling was expressed THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 423 that the secretary of tlie committee might ascertain what tlie association really aimed at ; and witli tint lie thought the Chamber might rest satisfied for the present. 'J'he matter was then dropped. It was next agreed that the first subject for con:>idoration at- llie council meeting in November should be the new regula- tions of the fire insurance offices for tlie insurance of farming stock ; and that at the same council meeting the question What further regulations for the home and cattle trade are required in tlie interest of producers and consumers? should also be con- sidered. The Secretary read the report of the joint committee on weights and measures, which had been previously published. Mr. Wiles contended that, as the question at issue was a large one, its ramifications extending to every section of the population from the highest to the lowest, the richest to the poorest, and as tlie report proposed to wholly unsettle the exist- ing system of weights and measures, before the Chamber sanc- tioned the proposal contained in the report the sense of the provincial chambers should be taken upon it. It seemed to him that the Committee liad mixed up in some confusion the question of uniformity of weights and measures with that of their use, and that their recommendations were impracticable. He moved, therefore, "That the report of the Joint Commit- tee on Weights and Mersnres be remitted to the Provincial Chambers, with a request that they will consider and rc-iolve iijioii the same prior to tiie council meeting in February." Mr. Heli'ii reminded the Chamber that at a former coun- cil meeting it adopted a resolution on the subject which did not agree with the recommendations of the report. What weight, then, could they expect the daily press or the public to attach to tiieir proceedings if, having come to a definite re- solution on an important question, they afterwards in the same year resolved to " consider" it ? The effect must be sadly to puz/Jc the agricultural mind. Captain Ckaic;ie concurred with Mr. Wiles in thinking that the Chamber could not then arrive at a resolution on tiie report, because the meeting in October was necessarily a very small one, and the subject had already been considered and a determination come to which the report certainly tended to upset, On the ind of November last the Chamber expressed its approval of the cental. The resolutions it adopted were that in the opinion of the Council all agricultural produce should be sold by weight only, and that the cental of 100 pounds should be the standard ; and these resolutions were ordered to be remitted to the provincial chambers for future consideration. Therefore the decision in favour of the cental was not in the nature of a final and an irrevocable one. Hence the necessity for asking the provincial chambers now to consider the matter in all its bearings, and in the light of this report. Notiiing could be more inconvenient or cumber- some than the present systeni of weights and measures. It was universally admitted that a uniform system was desirable ; and if a change was to be eflfected the question was, " why not let it be such as would put England on a par witli other countries in all parts of the world ?" The motion was ultimately agreed to. The Secretary laid before the Council the resolutions come to by the various provincial Chambers, with the view of obtaining greater unanimity of action between the central and provincial Chambers, but no action was taken over this matter. BAST SUFFOLK CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. A meeting was held at Ipswich, Lord Ilenniker in the chair, Mr. CoRRANCE, M.P., moved the adoption of the report of the Local Taxation Committee of the Central Chamber, which had been circulated. It was two years since he addressed the chamber upon this question, and since that time some progress had been made, but the fact that so long a period had passed without bringing them much nearer the question was one that required some explanation on his part. It was satisfactory to know that both in and out of the House of Commons the question had not been a party question. They had never yet been fortunate enough to secure the sympathies of any Govern- ment on their behalf. He did not say so of this Government more tliau any other, but they had not obtained the sympa- thies of the gentlemen who occupied tlie front benches and who formed, or would form, the Government. Here and there they had had some support, but for the most part tliose who sat on the front benches stood to a considerable extent apart from the general interests of the country, and, perhaps, of the House — that was, they considered it necessary to be a little behind a growing opinion ; for it was not until that opinion had formed itself with some distinctness that any Government whatever felt bound to give effect to it, and perhaps they were right. No doubt there might be some very good reasons for not dealing with the question of local taxation, and, perhaps, some very bad. The good reasons included the extreme difTi- culty and great intricacy affecting large interests, which were involved in the transfer of large burdens from one class to another, whilst a bad reason would be the necessity, even at the expense of justice, for consolidating their supporters. Those who were agitacing this question had to take care they gave the Government no pretext for good reasons, and then they would be able to fight the bad ones. It was his duty to endeavour to place before them what had transpired in tlie interval which had elapsed since he last addressed them on this point. After two years of consideraljle pressure they in- duced Government to give them a recognition to this extent — that the question was one wljicli it behoved Government to deal with at least. Of course it did not go the extent of meeting their views or giving what they should con- sider a satisfactory answer to tiie question, hut it was a recognition of the question, and had had one practical result — the appointment of a select committee. Such a committee ought to have had the power to in- quire completely and fully into the whole question, and not merely one part of it; and it must give a semblance of insincerity when they found that out of two or three very important points that ought to have been inquired into, one which they thought the most important was left out. The reference to the committee was to inquire " Whether it would be expedient that the charges now locally imposed upon occupiers of rateable property should be divided between owners and occupiers, and what changes in the constitution of local bodies now administering the rates should follow sucli division." That was only part of the question, and when the committee was appointed Sir Massey Lopes and Mr. C. S. Read expressed great indignation at the terras of the reference and thought it would at once shelve the question. He did not agree with them, because he was persuaded that it would be tbund utterly impossible to avoid or blink the main issues at stake, and the report of the committee showed that there was some reason for the anticipations he entertained. Mr. Corranee proceeded to point out from extracts from the printed proceed- ings of the committee that, although unintentionally, it was impossible to prevent reference being made in the evidence to the equity of extending the area on which rates are levied and of placing national burdens now borne by local rates on the national resources. I3y both Sir M. Lopes and himself reso- lutions were proposed, expressing the opinion that great hardships were inflicted in consequence of matters for the imperial welfare being supported by local taxation, but they were defeated by the casting-vote of the chairman (Mr. Goschen) on the ground that they did not come within the scope of the reference. Mr. Goschen was, however, by the collective voice of the committee forced, in his draft-report, to propose a clause in which he said that owing to the terms of the reference the committee had been precluded from entering on the enquiry on the relations of local and imperial taxation and the nature of the property liable to the same ; that the, enquiry on which they had been engaged formed only one branch of the general cpiestion of local taxation, and other questions should be previously taken into account in any general measure giving efiect to the recommendations of the committee. That was jiositively condemnatory of the terms of the reference, and of course next session the question 424 THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. would be asked, why was it that the committee was limited as it had been ? At any rate the anticipations he had formed as to what the committee would lead to were to a great extent carried out ; and who could doubt after such a resolution that Mr. Goschen's mind itself must have been cleared of any pos- sible objection previously entertained to enter upon the larger portion of the inquiry. The direct reference was to inquire how far it was desirable to divide the charges locally imposed on occupiers between owners and occupiers, and also whether some better constitution in the bodies who now administer the rates could be made. He did not disguise the importance of the question of the division of the rates between owners and occupiers. Sir M. Lopes opposed the division on the ground tliat it would weaken their forces. At present the occupiers having to pay the rates, the subject engaged their attention ; but Sir Massey feared if the government divided the rate be- tween the owners and occupires, the interest taken by the oc- cupiers would not be so great as at present. The result of a division would, however, be to make the owner conscious of the burden he bears, and at present they had very little support from the owners. The evidence substan- tiated this fact, that the larger part of this burden was borne by the owners themselves, and it was only in certain parts that it pressed on the occupiers. The division of the rates would relieve the tenant wherever the burden fell directly on him by, before the renewal of the lease, imposing half the burden on the landlord. He did not disguise that some advantages would follow to the tenant, but after all di- vision between the parties who now paid was not the main question ; it was, who should pay and what burdens should fall on the collective rate ? The poor-rate amounted to half the total local taxation — seven millions out of fourteen, and he did not see how they could alter the poor-rate by division unless they entirely altered the poor-law and did away with the principle on which the poor-law is carried out. They must do away with the guardians' system and appoint a to- tally different class to carry out the law. This he did not think would be wise, for the occupiers were interested in keeping down the rates ; and they knew that before the crea- tion of the Boards of Guardians, through a false humanity, the rates got to be a pound in the pound, and even more (it was so in his parish), and the value of the occupations was thus swamped. Did they want to go back to that ? On those grounds he had the strongest objection to any mere division of the burden of the poor-rate unless they were prepared to grapple the larger question that lay behind. In the report, the adoption of which he moved, they were invited to take some steps to carry on the agitation which had existed for two years. He knew some would say, " What action will you take ? At present there has been nothing but talking." Well, no man had a greater objection to talk than he if it ended there ; and he said let them go into action at once. He ad- mitted that they had at present confined themselves very much to talk, but the ratepayers held it in their hands to promote this action. They it was who were guardians or sent guar- dians to represent them, and these guardians it was who, sub- ject^to Government inspection, control, and suggestion, deter- mined on the expenditure of the poor-rates. The justices were also rating authorities, and the ratepayers had some in- fluence with them, not, perhaps, what they would have if there existed county financial boards, but still they could exercise some considerable pressure on them. Why had not that in- fluence been exercised ? He must blame the rate-paying body for supineness on that point, and he said to them, " Don't allow a single addition to be made to the rates. Oppose them in Parliament and out. You make the members of Parlia- ment ; if they increase your rates don't give them your votes." He invited them to join in this agitation. Tt was not a sham agitation. If the object were merely to put money into the pockets of secretaries and officers, or to return members to Parliament, he would have notliing to do with it. He was convinced it was founded upon a sound basis, and he felt he could ask them in all honest sincerity to take part in the task (applause). Mr. R. L. Everett seconded the motion, wliich was was carried. Lord Mahon, M.P., moved the adoption of the following resolutions recommended by the coramittee of the Central Chamber : 1, That this meeting protests against the present unjust exemption of income derived from personal property front contributing towards the various objects for which funds are now raised by local rates, and is of opinion that this grievance aft'ects owners and occupiers of house property in towns quite as much as the landed interest, and therefore that both de- scriptions of property are equally interested in the removal of this anomaly. '2. That the proposal to divide the payuieut of rates between owners and occupiers does not afford any efficient relief or remedy for the grievance complained of in the unequal inci- dence of local taxation ; and that no settlement of the question can be accepted as final or satisfactory which is not preceded by a thorough inquiry to determine whether the objects now locaUy provided for are of local or national obligation. 3. That until the question of local taxation reform has been satisfactorily dealt with this meeting pledges itself to oppose most strenuously the imposition of any fresh rates on the present unjust basis, for such purposes as national elementary education, expenses of election, turnpike roads, emigration, &c. Mr. Charles Haward seconded the resolutions, which were carried. The President said he was in favour of local government, for he had seen that when the interest in local management was removed the rates increased. This was the case under the Union Chargeability Act, for he had been told that in some instances the rates had almost doubled, and that showed that centralization of management even to that extent caused a great increase of expenditure. Nevertheless, they might buy their local government at too great a price, and they must not stick to it at any expense. The select committee of last Ses- sion were very useful, but to his mind their proceedings had been rather like hunting without the fox. They had a very good pack of hounds with huntsman and horses, but they had not the essential part. In this matter the essential part was to be found in the question " What part of these charges ought to come upon us as purely local burdens, and ought we to bear all these other burdens ?" When that question had been settled it would be well to go into details, and settle whether the rates should be consolidated, whether a new system of as- sessment should be adopted, and many other questions. He was quite ready to admit the advantages of a division of the rates between owner and occupier, but in this instance it seemed to him rather robbing Peter to pay Paul. The extra burden the tenant had to bear was the rates imposed during his tenancy, but on the other hand the burden came on the landlord too. Some time ago a farm in Essex was sold and was valued at £I9'J Is. a-year, and the rates then amounted to £47 Os. 6d., leaving the rent £152 Os. 6d. Ten years after the farm was again sold, and then the rates had in- creased, so that the farm was not worth so much. Increase in rates, therefore, cut both ways. Another reason against division vfas that there was a great advantage in the occupiers managing the expenditure, for they were generally resident and were more intimately acquainted with the wants of the parish than the owner, who could not live in every parish. He had tried to get a return showing the comparative amount of rates in 18i3 and in 1868 in his own neighbourhood, to see whether, as was sometimes said, the value of the land had in- creased in the same ratio as the rates. He had been unable to obtain a complete return, but would quote the parish of Thwaite. It contained 832 acres. In 1843 the property taxed was £1,361, and in 1868 it was £1,457 — an increase of 7 per cent. In 1843 the gross estimated value was £1,343, and in 1868 it was £1,468. The poor rate levied in 1843 was £102, and in 1868 it was £159, so that whilst the value of the pro- perty had increased 7 per cent, the rates had risen nearly 60 per cent. In the parish of Eye it was different, the rates having decreased somewhat, that being a large parish and the Union Chargeability Act having relieved the rates very much; On the whole, he believed the rates to have increased from 35 to 40 per cent,, whilst the value of property had increased from 8 to 10 per cent. They must not forget that by the Turnpikes Act of last year £182,000 was thrown on the rates, and though that might seem a small item compared with the whole "amount of local taxation, these additional burdens in the aggregate amounted to a serious sum, and the more there was added to the rates the more difficult it would be to get their claims acknow- ledged. Therefore they should act promptly, and with that view he moved that a committee be appointed to be called the District THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 425 Local Taxation Committee, by whom all apecial bubmess cou- uected with the question shall be transacted, subscriptions col- lected and applied to local and general purposes connected with the agitation, and that the council be such committee. Before he sat down he could not but thank Mr. Everett for the hand- some terms in which he had spoken of him and the kind manner in which those remarks had been received. He regretted much that the tie which existed between him and the eastern division of the county as their representative had been severed, but un- happily it was so. All he could aay was that his home was in Suffolk, his interests were Suffolk, his best friends lived in Suffolk, and every tie that could connect a man with any parti- cular locality bound liira to that county, and he need hardly tell tliem that he would always be ready to advance the interests of the county thougli he was no longer their member. Mr. CoRR.v>'LE seconded the motion, and added an in- struction to the committee to memoriahze and communicate with bodies having the management of local taxation. FARM INSURANCE. In July last a correspondeat of The Mark Lane Express " thought it I'ight that the attention of farmers should be called to the sudden changes made by the Insurance Offices on the mode of insuring farming stock and produce." II. C. C. in his letter went on to say that the "average clause policy" principle was about to be introduced, which was thus explained in the circular he had I'eceived : " If the sum insured on agricultural produce and farming stock be (say) £600, and the value of the property at the break- ing out of the lire be uot more than £800, the whole amount of any loss up to £000 will, as heretofore, be pay- able. But, if the value of the property be more than £800, then only such a proportion of any loss will be paid by the office as the sum insured bears to the value of the property, i. e., if the property be worth £1,000, then only 600-1000, or three-fifths of any loss will be paid ; if the value of the property be £1,200, then only 600-1200, or one-half any loss will be paid, and similarly iu any other case where the sum insured is less than three-fourths of the value of the property." Our correspondent asked, upon this, whether it would be fair to apply such a system for mercautile insurances to farming stock, as the changeable value of the stock must require a constant alteration of the policies, of which he proceeded to give certain iUustratious in the different prices of hay and corn at different periods, while he added, as " a weU-known fact, that for eight or nine months of the year the farmer rather over insures than not." He argued further that the offices should not have combined as they had done " without consulting their customers or obtain- ing any information or suggestions from them." If H. C. C. might be assumed to speak on behalf of the farmers. Corrector, who answered him through our columns in the course of the next number or so, should as certainly be representing the offices. This gentleman maintained how that, " After all there is little new in the regulation complained of, hut it clearly shows the insured what he has to depend on. For many years the first question put to a farmer has been whether the sum he proposes to insure is at least equal to two-thirds of the value of all the property immediately after harvest, and if he has not distinctly answered in the affirmative his pro- posal has been declined. Xow, the law is that any con- tract founded on a misstatement is invalid, and if the In- surance Companies had been strict they would have dis- appointed many who have made claims upon them ; but more than this, as a caution to the insured, a clause to that effect appears on every policy," The concluding paragraph of this second letter on the subject was still more emphatic in its tone, as foreshadowing some still further consequences: '' For years farming stock insiu-ances have been so un- profitable that offices have declined to accept proposals from those who have not insured other property with them. It is hoped that the rule now to be enforced will render an increase of rate unnecessary ; but if the farmers will not exercise more care when thrashing by steam, will put their ricks so close to each other that, as in a recent case, twenty-seveu can be destroyed by a single fire, and do not check the use of tobacco and Inciter matches, an increase of rate will be unavoidable." We have quoted thus much from our own columns of some three months since, because this embodies the points of the vei-y useful inquiry which has just taken place in Norfolk. On the face of it the offices have clearly something of a case. Mr. Bignold says at Norwich, as Corrector said iu his letter, that farming stock does not pay, and that on such insurance " there had for the last five years been a positive loss throughout the whole country." Now as a matter of business, as a commercial transaction, it is very evident that such a state of things could not go on. The more custom the agents obtained ■ in this way the more certainly would the Companies go to the bad. The very natural solution of the difficulty would seem toJ)e that the rates should be raised, though on closer examination any such step is scarcely required, at least for the present. As a rule it is maintained that the farmers do not insure their property to a sufficient extent ; in a word, as a class they uuder-insure, whereas the effect of this new regulation would be that they must as habitually oi'^'r-insure. The produce that they care chiefly to guard against risk is for often a comparatively brief period in their yards and barns, and then carried on to their credit in the bankers' book. And yet, according to the action of the average clause a man should be in- suring his hay-ricks and wheat-stacks all the year round. Does a merchant pay the full premium on a vessel lying idle in dock precisely in the same degree as if she had her cargo aboard and were outward bound ? And yet in the case before us it looks very much like ordering a man to pay a full premium on empty bays and skeleton staddles. If this principle is to prevail it would the rather be only fair that the farmer should be continually striking his average, or, if that would be vexatious and imprac- tical, that he should make an estimate on the whole year's risk and not on the actual risk of property at one parti- cular period. As Mr. Brown, of Marham, so well put it in his speech at Norwich : "I say that in the case which I have assumed an insurance of £2,000 is ample. And I will tell you why. I have shown that the risk of fire at the time of insurance only amounts to £5,000 ; before Christmas that risk will be reduced at least one-third, say to £3,000 ; by Lady-day it will be reduced three- fourths, say to £1,000 ; and by the 1st of June, just before the hay crop is secured, it will probably be reduced to £500. Therefore, an insurance of £2,000 would represent more than the average risk, and yet we are informed that to entitle such an insured person to recover the full amount of any loss he may sustain by fire he must insure for £G,000." Still, against all this there is the ugly fact that the insurance of farm stock does not pay, though it may be as well to keep as closely as we cau to the case before us. Mr. Sewell Read then says on the contrary that it does pay. " I make this challenge to Captain Bignold — and I have 426 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. nretlv good authority for ii^lre /in/ira/u'c' oii farm proditce iii. Norfolk does iiay ." And Captain Bignold comes to admit as much, while it appears that his Com- pany has been drawn into the new regulation by the other otiices ; and II. C. C. in another letter, which we give in to-day's paper, "fears that the united and combined insurance offices will care but little for reasons or argu- ments. They have the power, and will use it." The farmers then will simply have to grin and bear it. They can only, as they said at Norwich on Saturday week, " regret that the Norwich Union Office directors, after con- sideration of the question and conference with the commit- tee, have determined to adhere to the average clause, which this Chamber considers unfair to the agriculturists of Nor- folk." But this is not altogether the impotent conclusion arrived at. The story does not after all end here. In a letter which Mr. Brown has addressed to his brother-farmers — that we give amongst other correspondence on the sub- ject— he says an extraordinary general meeting of the King's Lynn Insurance Society is about to be called with the object of changing the name and character of the Company, and that he himself and Mr. Sewell Read have already effected insurances in that office loithout the average clause. Surely this is a very legitimate and encouraging proceeding. Where the insurance of farm produce does not pay, the farmers may have to submit, willy nilly, to these new regulations ; but where it is admitted that it does, they should surely have been con- sulted rather than have been handed over so cavalierly at the bidding of those with whom they have no concern. INSURAN"CES ON FARMING STOCK. TO THE EDITOR OP THE MARK LANE EXPRESS. Sir, — I was pleased to read the report of the meeting of the Norwich Chamber of Agriculture, in your Paper of the 3rd, on the Insurances of Farming Stock and Pro- duce. The opinions I ventured to oft'er in your Journal in July last were at Norwich more forcibly and clearly ex- pressed, and I for one am thankful to the chairman and his fellow members for their exertions to obtain redress ; but I fear that the united and combined Insurance Offices will care but little for reasons or arguments : they have power, and will use it. Allow me to give another instance of the working of their tariffs : We all know that a travelling steam thrash- ing machine may work in a rick-yard filled with stacks of all kind, for days together, and no extra rate or premium is required ; but if that same engine be taken ontsule a massive stone-built icatrr mill, and be used by means of a band to assist in grinding, in time of drought, the rate of premium will be at once raised from 4s. or 5s. per cent, to 18s. or 20s. per cent. 1 am aware that in large towns and ports the mills are chiefly worked by steam power, and that some of the operations, such as shelling, &c., are hazardous, and need a high premium to protect the offices from the increased risk ; but I really cannot see the justice of charging the poor little country water mill, occasionally using a travelling steanr engine, at the same rate as the extensive building where steam is constantly employed and hazardous processes carried on. Perhaps your correspondent " Corrector," will kindly explain this for our benefit. I am, sir, yours very obediently, H. C. C. [The following letter has been forwarded to us by Mr. Brown.] Brother Farmers, — At the meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, on Saturday last, I should much have liked to have proposed a resolution to the following eft'ect : " That this Chamber recommends the formation of a new Insurance Company." I was prevented doing so, because I had been informed that it would take at least si.'c months to establish a company. As time would not permit of such a course being taken, Mr. C. S. Read and I decided to elTect an insurance with the King's Lynn Insurance Society ; without the average clause. We have done so — he at the rate of 5s. per cent., in four separate amounts — I, at 6s. per ceut., in one amount. I am authorized to state that an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the King's Lynn Insur- ance Society will be at once called for the purpose of changing the name of the Company to a more general name, to open an office in Norwich, largely to increase the capital, that a fair proportion of practical farmers shall form part of the Board of Directors, and that the rates of premium will vary according to the risk ; in fine 1 am justified in believing that such alterations will be made in the constitution of the Company that it will command the confidence of farmers as well as of the public generally. I can only plead the urgency of the case as my excuse for thus addressing you. I do not presume to counsel you ; but, as I was unable to propose the formation of a new Insurance Company, I thought it right to inform you of the course which Mr. C. S. Read, I, and others have adopted. With the utmost respect, I am, Brother Farmers, Faithfully yours, Marham, Bownham Market, T. Brown. hth Oct., 1870. TO THE EDITOR OF THE MARK LANE EXPRESS. Sir, — About five years since, nearly all the principal offices in London, and country too, bound themselves to charge for all insurances at one uniform rate of premium, without noticing any special hazard or risk or the absence of it. These offices fixed a "tarilf "or scale of charges, and they are called " tarift" offices." By this the risk on farm buildings, even when of brick, tiled, stone, or slated, i. e., " common risk," was raised from a premium of Is. 6d. per cent, to 3s., thatch buildings remaining, as before, at 4s. Gd. No reason was given for the change except that farm insurances did not paij. It may fairly be asked how it is that such splendid dividends are paid by these oHices, and why it is so difficult to buy shares in any of the old offices, but that they are monopolies, and the directors dislike to be disturbed ? I think it is not fair in farming stock policies to make those in quiet districts pay so much as those where discontent exists so strongly, and stack firing is so prevalent. I have been an agent for twenty-five jears, and have often tried to reason with the officers on these things, but without avail : they have the power, and will use it. Mr. C. S. Read's re- marks were very sound and practical. I enclose you a copy of the new rules, and also of the list of questions to be answered by the " Unfortunate Agent" as to character. &c. Yours truly, Orl. 7. A Country Agent, HEXHAM FARMERS' CLUB.— Subjects selected for discussion: Oct. 11, Lime, Mr. W. F. Catcheside, F.C.S.; Dee. 13, The Commercial Aspect of Agriculture, Mr. John Hope, jun. 1871— Jan. 10, Local Taxation, Mr. T. P. Dods; Feb. 7, The Importance (JNatioually) of Compensation to Tenants for Unexhausted Improvements, Professor AVriglitsou ; Mar. M, On Increasing the Facilities for the Education of Farmers' Sons, Rev. Canon Dwarris, M.A. ; Apr. 11, Feeding in its Relation to Cropping, Mr. J. J. Ilarle, lion. mem. R. A. S. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 427 THE TRIALS OF D0UJ3LE-FURR0W PLOUGHS AT PETERBOROUGH. The question of double-furrow ploughs is just now attracting a larn;e share of the attention of the agricul- tural world, and several Societies are instituting trials, and offering prizes, to encourage manufacturers in their efforts to work out the problem. The subjects is not a new one, as the idea is at least fifty years old. We may therefore be asked. What has now given the matter such an impetus ? The answer will be found in the great im- provements lately made in these ploughs ; and in the fact that merit is sure in the present day to be recognised and brought under public notice, through the instrumentality of our numerous agricultural Societies. The fact that such firms as Messrs. Ransomes of Ipswich, Howard of Bedford, Fowler of Leeds, and other leading engineers have taken up the question, is a sufticient guarantee of its practical value ; but there are certain obvious advantages in the system of double-furrow ploughs which at once strike the most casual observer. In the first place there is clearly a saving in manual labour ; one man alone required to work a double-furrow plough is doing twice the work he would be able to do with a single plough. With regard to horse-power the saving is not so striking ; some makers state that there is a saving of 25 per cent. in draught ; others, that there is none at all : the truth probably lies between these two statements ; but it is important to remember that, where a single-furrow plough would only require, say, one-and-a-half horse- power, as frequently happens, two horses must be used ; while a double-furrow plough would be worked with three horses and doing twice the work. The system which appears to have made the most way is that known as "Pirie's" patent, taken out about four years since, in which a frame, carrying two plough bodies, is suspended on three wheels, two of which run in the furrow, thus dispensing with both soles and land sides, friction being diminished by substituting a rolling for a sliding motion. It has no handles, but relies only on the steerage arrangement of the front wheel to guide it both in work and when turning at the ends. Some of the more recently-designed ploughs have somewhat similar modes of effecting these objects, while retaining the old-fashioned handles ; as, for instance, Messrs. Howard, which has the power of steering with both front wheels, and Messrs. Ransomes, that has a very clever plan for turning at the ends, and raising the plough clear of the ground by the same action. A very interesting trial of double-furrow and turn-wrest ploughs took place on Tuesday and Wed- nesday last, on the estate of the Duke of Bed- ford at Thorney, under the auspices of the Peterborough Agricultural Society. The judges were Mr. J. Ilemsley, of Shelton, Newark, Notts ; Major Grantham, of East Keal Hall, Spilsby ; and Mr. Joseph Martin, of Little- port, Ely — eminently practical men ; and the dyna- mometer tests were conducted by Mr. Amos, consulting engineer to the Royal Agricultural Society, every care being taken to arrive at reliable data. The prizes to be competed for were divided into two classes. Class I. " For the plough which shall produce the best and most highly finished work ; due regard being had to lightness of draught, strength, and simplicity of construction." Class II. " For the best general purpose plough ; due regard being had to lightness of draught, ease, and economy of management, strength, and simplicity of con- atruction, £20 was placed at the disposal of the judges, to be awarded at their discretion, in the two classes. The sum of £.5 was also placed at the disposal of (he judges for the class of turn-wrest ploughs. The following makers competed — viz., G. W. JNfurrav and Co., Banff, N.B. ; W. P. Underbill, Newport, Salop'; John Cooke and Co., Lincoln ; Vickers, Snowden, and Morris, Doucastcr ; John Fowler and Co., Leeds ; J. and F. Howard, Bedford ; Thomas Corbett, Shrewsbury ; Ransomes, Sims, and Head, Ipswich ; Hunt and Pickering, Leicester. Messrs. G. W. Murray and Co. — The double-furrow plough of this firm is on the " Pirie" system, with various improvements of their own. It consists of a frame hav- ing two parallel sides, each carrying a plough-body. To alter the width of furrow the frame is expanded or con- tracted in a ready manner, without affecting its rigidity. The steering is done by means of a lever from the front - wheel, while a supplementary lever, peculiar to this im- plement, gives the ploughman the power of regulating with precision the depth of the furrows, and of lifting the plough over obstructions. The depth of furrow can be changed while the plough is in motion, by means of a lever, on which the land-wheel is fi.xed. Wedges have been substituted for screws in the adjust- ment. Price £11 lis. This implement appeared well constructed and simple. It did very good work, and was worked by an ordinary farm-labourer. This firm also exhibited, at work, a combination of a super and subsoil plough, the peculiarity of which consists of the front mould-board being removable, and a subsoil body fastened in its place. The change can be made in a few minutes. It worked very satisfactorily, subsoiliug to a depth of 12 inches, and turning a furrow 6 inches deep, drawn by four horses. There was no prize offered for this class of implement, but its merits were evidently recognized by large numbers of the agri- culturists present. W. P. Underbill. — This double-furrow plough is of a simple construction, in which no special arrangement is made for steering. Price £5 10s. Messrs. J. Cooke and Co. competed with a double- furrow plough of the simplest possible construction, having a beam and handles of wood, and using soles and land sides ; the work done by this plough was very good. Price £7 10s. Messrs. Vickers, Snowden, and Morris. — This plough is also of simple construction : it has a wheel quite in front worked by a lever, conveniently placed to enable the ploughman to raise the plough out of work. Price £8 10. Messrs. John Fowler and Co. — This plough is on the " Pirie " system, the frame is triangular, and the altera- tion of the width of furrow is made by sliding the hinder plough body backwards or forwards. Mr. T. Perkins, of Hitchin, has made considerable improvements in this plough, greatly adding to the convenience of its manage- ment, the value of which was recognized by the judges, who awarded a Fowler plough, improved by Mr. Perkins, the second prize in Class II. These improvements con- sist firstly, in so coupling the front and hinder wheels that, when steering, they tui-n in opposite directions, and so that the two ends of the plough swing round as on a centre ; secondly, in a plan for locking and unlocking the land wheel, so that when at work it remains rigidly fixed to the plough, and when out 428 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. of work it is free to turu as a castor, aud lastly, by merely pulling down a lever, both sides of the plough are raised clear of the ground, while the advantage of raising and lowering the land-wheel during the progress of the plongh is still retained. This implement did excellent work, and the facility with which it was managed was remarkable. Price, with all improvements, £11. Messrs. J. and F. Howard. — The double-furrow plough by this firm is an exceedingly well-made implement. Besides the ordinary plough-handles, it steers by the turning of the two front wheels ; the land-wheel can be raised and lowered to change the depth of furrow, or lift the implement out of work at the ends, while the plough is in motion. The beams which carry the plough bodies are bound together by riveted cross-stays, and they expand, to change the width of furrow, by means of two slides which pass through them ; the cross-stays are fastened by clasps, thus the bodies must always keep their relative positions. AVe understand that this mode of ex- panding the frame has been patented by Messrs. Howard. The standards of the wheels are short, and, therefore, not liable to be strained. The friction or hinder-wheel runs close in behind the rear plough, thus shortening the dis- tance between the back and front wheels, and allowing the plough to get into its full depth immediately it is set in. This plough made first-rate work, and received the first prize in class II. Price £10. Mr. Thomas Corbett. — A simple double-furrow plough, having a means of depressing the hind (or friction) wheel so as to facilitate turning. Price £6 17s. 6d. Messrs. Eansomes, Sims, and Head. — The plough competed with by this firm is clever, and at the same time simple in its construction. The plough bodies are fixed on two parallel beams, which expand to adjust the size of furrow, by means of screws in channel iron guides ; it is fitted with a new patent lifting apparatus which throws the plough out of work instantly, and a wheel in the centre enables the plough to be turned in its own length, which is only 10 feet, as on a pivot, with very little help from the ploughman ; it is furnished with handles like an ordinary plough, and is very easy of management. The work done by this plough was all that could be desired ; it was awarded the first prize in class I. Price £9 15s. Messrs. Hunt and Pickering. — This was a well-made ordinary double-furrow plough with a wooden beam. Price £6 10s. After a severe trial, lasting two days, partly on clover ley, medium soil, and partly oat stubble, light soil, the prizes were awarded as follows : Class I. — £6 to Messrs. Ransomes, Sims, and Head ; £3 to Messrs. J. and F. Howard. Class II.— £6 to Messrs. J. and F. Howard ; £3 to Messrs. John Fowler and Co., for their plough with Per- kin's improvements ; £3 to Messrs. Ransomes, Sims, and Head. Messrs. Howard had intended to compete in both classes with the same plough, but this the committee would not permit, and consequently a smaller plough was put on for the highly finished work. Mr. Amos re- corded the results by the dynamometer tests, and an attempt was made to compare the draught of a single with that of a double furrow plongh, but we doubt whether the comparison can be considered entirely satisfactory, inasmuch as the single plough was not worked with a friction wheel, but with sole and land side. There was nothing calling for special remark in the turn-wrest ploughs, in which class there were only two competitors, viz., Messrs. Howard and Ransomes — £3 being awarded to Messrs. Howard, and £2 to Messrs. Ransomes. Besides the competition between makers, there were going on at the same time various competitions between ploughmen, including a prize for "the man who shall plough with a double-furrow plough and three horses abreast one acre of land not less than five inches deep setting out two ridges and finishing off one furrow." The work was in most cases admirably done, but as all the ploughs in this competition were by the same maker Messrs. John Fowler and Co,, the interest was purely local. TESTIMONIAL TO MR. ALLEN RANSOME. Mr. James Allen Ransome, the senior partner of the Orwell Works, liaving this summer completed his fiftieth year of connexion with the works, the wish was expressed by some of the old hands that it would be a graceful tribute to one who has, by his uniform kindness to those in his employ, won their respect and esteem, if a suitable testimonial could be presented to hira in this his year of jubilee, as the expression of affectionate regard in which he is held by all. Accord- ingly a meeting of foremen and representatives from the offices was held, and it was determined that a voluntary sub- scription should be raised for the purpose indicated. That the contributions should be spontaneous aud free ; a box, on the principle of the ballot, was placed in every shop, and into these the men could put whatever contributions they pleased. The result was that 70/. was thus contributed, and with this sum has been purchased a testimonial, which took the shape of a very handsome timepiece and set of bronzes. On a gold plate, let into the base, is the inscription : Presented to James Allen Ransome, Esq., By the officers and workmen of the Orwell Works and Water- side Works, on the completion of his fiftieth year of business connexion with these establishments, as a voluntary tribute of the esteem in which he is held by the subscribers, Ipswich, September, 1870. The foUowiag lette? aQoomj^aif ^ the preseatfttion i OrweU Works, September 24th, 1870, J. Allen Ransome, Esq. Dear Sir, — On behalf of all those employed at the Orwell and Waterside Iron Works, we have the pleasure to request your acceptance of the accompanying timepiece and bronzes, as a mark of esteem and also a memento of the completion of your fifty years' connection with the works. Believing that the value of tlie gift will be enhanced in your estimation by a knowledge of the mode in which it has been provided, we enclose a copy of the only notice that was issued on the subject, and which will sufficiently explain itself. Doubtless, had we adopted any means of soliciting subscriptions, or even of making the matter more generally known, the offering would have been of greater intrinsic value, but the object was not so much a costly gift as one which in its execution might be pleasing to your taste, and as a purely freewill expression of our feelings towards you. In thus conveying to you our most hearty congratulations for the past, we desire to express our hope that by the Divine blessing you may be spared for many years to enjoy your important position of senior partner in the two establishments, the blessings of your extended family circle, the respect and esteem of you fellow-townsmen, and the lasting regard of all the officers and workmen of the two firms, On behalf of the committee and subscribers, I am, dear sir, yours very respectfully, (Signed) Aethub T. Col?, georetsry to the Xestimgnial Committee, THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 429 Mr. Rausome returned the foUowiug reply : The Old House, Carr-street, Ipswich, Sept. 27. 1870. Dear Arthur Cole, — Ou my return from the sea-side I find your kind address, accompanied by the magnificent testi- monial, with which the officers and workmen have been pleased to present me on the occasion of my having completed the fiftieth year in connection with our establishment. I am deeply touched by this manifestation of the kindly feelings of those who have been associated with you in arranging this welcome and altogether unanticipated surprise, and greatly does it add to my estimate of its value to feel the thoughtful and kindly consideration that has dictated the mode and manner in which your munificent gift should reach my hands, and I trust to you to convey to your associates in this matter my appreciative acknowledgraeut. Much as I liave reason to value this testimonial for its intriuBic beauty and value, you who have so long known me will scarcely need the assurance that in the affectionate regard of which your testimonial is the outward symbol, I have a deeper and far higher gratifica- tion in the recognition it conveys to me of the harmony that has hallowed our mutual relations for so many years, and which during half-a-century has never been broken, nor, I believe, even disturbed. I am sensible that this acknowledg- ment is but a very feeble expression of my grateful feeling or of my personal gratification, but I trust to its acceptance by you in the fulness of the spirit of mutual regard. I remain, dear Arthur, yours very sincerely, J. Allen Ran some. To A. T, Cole, for the Officers and Workmen of the Old Foundry and Watev-side Iron Works. BAKEWELL FARMERS' CLUB. At the twenty-second annual exhibition of this well known Club the entries were more numerous than in previous years, and the monetary value of the prizes having been increased this season was doubtless in some measure the cause of the increased competition, and of a better quality of animals beins exhibited. The cattle were remarkably good, especially the milking cows. The bull exhibited by Mr. Kirkhara, of Stanedge Grange, and which took the prize for the best animal in the show, was a very fine one. The sheep were scarcely up to last year's show, either in number or quality, with the exception of the rams. The pigs were exceedingly good, especially the two prize pigs. The sow belonging to Mr. Gregory, of Ashover, which carried off the first prize at Derby last week, failed to obtain a prize, and was only highly commended by the judges. The show of horses was excellent, and as is usual at all agricultural gatherings drew a large share of attention. The show of cheese, wool, roots, and poultry was held in the Town Hall. The show of implements was small, there being only a few chaff-cutters, knife-cleaners, and wringing and mangling machines. PRIZE LIST. Judges. — Cattle and Sheep : Messrs. Frank Smith and Maskery. Horses : Messrs. Johnson and J. Bland. PiGS, Poultry, and Roots : Mr. Faulkner. Cheese : Mr. S. W. Cox. Butter : Mr. J. Bramwell. Wool : Messrs. J. H. Willey and Addy. General Referee: Mr. Faulkner. SHORTHORN CATTLE. Bull, two years old and upwards. — First prize, £4, J. Kirk- ham, Stanedge Grange ; second, £3, T. Roe, New Inns ; third, £1, B. Buxton, Aldwark. Yearling bull.— First prize, £4>, R. Blackwell, Tansley; second, £2, J. Brown, Shatton ; third, £1, H. Harrison, Edensor. Cow, conbining in the greatest degree milking and grazing properties. — First prize, £3, J. Kirkhara, Stanedge Grange ; second, £1,R. Blackwell, Tansley; third, lOs., Robt. Orme, Bakewell. Pair of cows (of any breed) for dairy purposes, each having had a calf in 1870, and in milk.— First prize, £3, T. Wild, Cold Eaton ; second, £3, J. Kirkham ; tliird, £1, G. Gould, Pilsbnry. Shorthorned heifer, three years old and under four, in milk or in calf. — First prize, £2, J. Brown, Shatton ; second, £1, T. Wilton, Heathcote ; third, 10s., T. Wilton. Pair of Shorthorn heifers, two years old and under three, in milk or in calf.— First prize, £3, F. Parker, Middleton ; second, £1, F. Parker ; third, 10s., F. Bramwell, Windmill. Pair of Shorthorn stirks, one year old and under two. — First prize, £1 10s., L. and G. Furniss, Birchill ; second, £1, J. Anthony, Bakewell ; third, 10s., B. Buxton, Aldwark. Pair of store bullocks, one year old and under two. — Dis- qualified. Shorthorn buU-calf. — Prize, £1, T. Swann, Hargate WaU. Pair of Shorthorn cow calves.— First prizPj £1, P. Furniss, Ashford; second, 108., L, and G, Furuisg, Best animal in the yard.— Prize, £3, Mr. Kirkham, Stan- edge Grange (for bull). Milk cow, shown by a cottager holding not more than six acres of land.— First prize, £1 10s., J. Mellor, Bakewell ; second, 10s., W. Hallows, Ashford. Four milk cows out of one dairy exceeding ten cows.— First prize, £3, J. Kirkham ; second, £2, R. Gould, Bank Top, Hartington ; third, £1, H. Harrison, Edensor. Two milk cows out of one dairy not exceeding ten cows.— First prize, £3, W. Hodkin, Beeley ; second, £3, G. Haddock, Bakewell ; third, £1, W. Hodkin. Fat beast. — First prize, £3, J. Evans, Alport ; second, £1, S. Grindey, Friden Farm. SHEEP. Long-woolled ram of any age. — First prize, £3, R. John- son, Kirk Ireton ; second, £3, R. Johnson ; third, £1, R. Thornhill, Longstone. Shearling long-woolled ram. — First prize, £3, R. Lee, Kniveton; second, £2, R. Lee ; third, £1, C. Mellor, Atlow. Pen of five long-woolled ewes, which have reared lambs in the spring of 1870. — First prize, £2, L. and G. Furniss; second, £1, R. Johnson ; third, 10s., W. Greaves, Bakewell. Pen of five long-woolled theaves. — First prize, £3, R. John- son ; second, £1, L. and G. Furniss ; third, lOs., W. Greaves. Pen of five fat shearling wethers. — Prize, £2, W. Greaves. Pen of five long-woolled ewe lambs. — First prize, £1, L, and G. Furniss ; second, 10s., W. Buxton, Bakewell ; third, W. Greaves. Pen of five long-wooUed wether lambs. — Prize, £1, W, Greaves. PIGS. Boar of any age.— First prize, £1 10s., C. B. Speight, Milhouses; second, £1, J. B. Gregory, Ashover. Com- mended : E. Frith, Calton House. Sow of any age, in milk or in pig. — First prize, £1 10s., B. Hardy, Ashborne ; second, £1, R. W. M. Nesfield ; third. 10s., F. Potter, Harthill Moor. Highly commended : J. B. Gregory ; M. Walker, Anslow. Pig, shown by a cottager holding not more than six acres of land,— First prize, £1 10s., T. Noton, Bakewell ; second, 10s., L. Mountney, Bakewell. Extra pig.— Highly com- mended, - Tomlinson, Baslow. HORSES. Brood mare and foal of the draught kind.— First prize, £3, T. Travis, Postern Lodge : second, £2, B. Swaffield, Pilsbnry Grange. Two-year-old gelding or filly of the draught kind.— Prize, £2, G. Fearn Baslow. Yearling colt or filly of the draught kind. — First prize, £2, S. Wilcockson, Brampton ; second, G. Gould, Pilsbnry. Brood mare and foal, best fitted for breeding hunters and hacks, but not thoroughbred. — First prize, £2, B. Swaffield ; second, £1, R. Cook, Hathersage. Two-year-old colt or fllly not thoroughbred.— First prize, £3, W. Hodkin, Beeley ; second, £1, T. Higgott. Yearling colt or filly uot thoroughljredi-^'i'irst prize, £3j 430 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. S. Wilcocksoii, Bianijiton; second, £1, T. W. Wager, Glut- ton Grange. Pouy or cob not excccdiug 15 hands. — I'irst prii^e, £2, J. Snaine, Bakcwell ; second, £1, B. Buxton, AkUvurk. Highly commended : J. O. Openshaw, BakewelJ. Pony not exceeJiug 13 hands. — First prize, Ii2, T. B Twigg, Parwioli ; second, £1, J. Potter, Middleton. Highly commended : J. Gibbs, Middleton. Pair of plough horses or mares.— First prize, £1 10s., E. Garton, Lumsdale ; second, 15s., J. Archer, Meadow-place. Highly commended : !•'. Potter, Harthill Moor; commended' E. Garton. ' Hunter, to be tested by leaping over hurdles. — First prize, £3, A. C. Hubbersty, Brackenfield ; second, £3, 1\ Gisborne, Bakewell ; third, £1 and commended, W. Greaves, Bakewell! Hunting colt or tilly, four years old. — Prize, £3, W. Greaves. CHEESE AND BUTTER. Six cheeses, the produce of the farm of the exhibitor, not to be tested in any way previous to the exhibition.— First ?l''!i m",?'-' *^- ^'*"' *'l''gS; second, £3 3s., F. Pottt I llarthiU Moor; third, £1 Is., L. and G. Furni.ss, Birch iarm. Highly Commended : G. Banks, Hartinstoa. Coi: mended; J. JWland, Suitterton Hall Sample of uucolourcd buttcr.-Pirst prize, £1, 11. Le. w^°f,-^,i;^°''^.^'"'°"' 1^'*'''^°" G™^e; third, F. Potte Marthili Moor ; fourth, and extra prize, W. Ilodkin, Beele TURNIPS. Eight swede turnips.— First prize, 10s., M. Nail Flafe second, 5s., J. Archer, Meadow-place. ' Eight common turnips.— First prize, IDs., Large Mountnej Bakewell; second, 5s., and highly commended : J. Archei Meadow-place. Six cow cabbages.— First prize, 10s., F. Potter, Harthil Moor ; second, 53., W. Gardora, Bakewell. WOOL. Five fleeces of hogg wool.— Krst prize, £1 Is., L. and G lurnis, Birchill; second, 10s. 6d., W. Greaves, Bakewell. Five fleeces of ewe wool.— First prize, £1 Is., L. and G Furniss, Birchill; second. 10s. 6d., W. Greaves, Bakewell BEDFORDSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. MEETING AT BIGGLESWADE. The old Bedfordshire Society has seldom enjoyed a more hearty welcome than that it received at Biggles- wade. What with bands playing, ilags flying, "ever- green arches, special trains and ^hospitable offers, the occasion was kept as high holiday. Still the foot-and- mouth disease interfered somewhat with the show of cattle and pigs, which was rather meagre, although Royal winners put in an appeareance amongst the bhorthorns ; and noticeably Mr. JNIumford's Camilla pronounced to be the best heifer at Oxford al- though only here second to jNIr. Howe's Windsor Butterfly, which was merely commended in the same class, at the Royal meeting. As we said, however, at the time " the decision in Camilla's favour was altogether about the greatest fluke of the day, for we most assuredly never expect to see her do so well in anything like the same class of company." Mr. Pawlett being so handy home showed strongly in the first and second classes, al- though, as Baron Killerby was no longer eligible to com- pete, he could only obtain a second prize ; Prince Alfred being beaten by Captain Oliver's white bull. Lad of the Forest, and Mr. Inslip's Ravensden, of May Duke de- scent. Amongst the yearling bulls Mr. Mumford took the lead with his Editor, with Mr. Pawlett's Royal Booth second ; while Mr. Pawlett won easily in the calf class with his promising :\Iajestic. The sheep show was considered excellent ; indeed, it would have been almost impossible at any county meeting to have brought together a better collection of animals than were exhibited in the Down or cross-bred shearling wether class, and it was a matter of general regret that the funds of the Society would not admit of more than one prize being awarded. Mr. Newman's pen, by a Biddenham ram, were of great size and really good looks, and these with several other entries will be heard of again. Colonel Lindseli presided at the dinner, and a very good chairman the new M. F. H. proved himself, as the speaking generally was above the average, or the terribly long toast-list would have worn out the company. PRIZE LIST. HORSES. Best yearling colt.— Prize, Mr. Purser, Willington. Yearling filly.— Prize, J. Walker, Goldington. Two-year-old cart filly.— First prize, H. Purser, Willington • second, J. Dudley, Kempston, Pair of cart hocses for agricultural purposes.— Prize F Allwood, AValsworth. ' Mare and foal for agricultural purposes.— First prize, G. Street, Maulden ; second, Mrs. Brimley, Cople. Four-year-old horse or mare for hunting purposes. — Prize C. S. Lindseli, Holme. ' Hackney of any age, for general purposes.— Prize, W. Whitehead, Wollaston. Pony.— Prize, H. V. Gostling, Oakley. The open hunter class.— Prize, the town silver cup, C. S. Lindseli (Croquet). Mare and foal for hunting purposes. — Prize, J. Henman Stagsden. ' Cob.— Prize, J. E. Parsons, Charwelton, Daveutry. SHORTHORNS. Bull, above two and under six years old.— First prize, R. E. Oliver, Sholebroke Lodge, Towcester ; second, W. Inskip' Shefford, Hardwicke. Bull, above one and under two years old.— First prize J A Mumford, Chilton Park Farm, Thame; second, T. E. Pawlett' Beeston. ' Bull calf, under twelve months. — First prize, T. E Pawlett ■ second, T. Cranfield, Standford, Bury. Cow, any age.— First prize, T. E. Pawlett; second, T Jvingsley, Boarscroft, Tring. Cow, any age, adapted for dairy purposes.— First prize J A. Mumford ; second, T. Kingsley. ' Heifer, in calf or in milk, under three years. — First prize J. How, Broughton ; second, J. A. Mumford. ' Heifer, under two years.— First prize, J. How ; second R. Marsh, Little Offley House. Heifer calf, above six and under twelve mouths.— First prize, T. E. Pawlett. Fat ox. — First and second prizes, F. Fowler, Henlow. Fat cow or heifer. — Prize, F. Fowler. Pair of heifers, under two years.— First prize, J. Pawlett • second, T. Kingsley. ' SHEEP. Ten long-wooUed shearling ewes. — First prize, T. W. D. Harris, Wootton Norths. Ten Down or cross-bred shearling ewes.— First prize, cJ Howard, Biddenham. ^ Ten breeding ewes, any age.— First prize, G, Street Maulden. Three fat long-wooUed shearling wethers.— First prize T.l W. D. Harris. ' j Three fat Down or cross-bred shearling wethers. — First' prize, J. Newman, Harrowden. The class highly commended. Ten longwoolled ewe lambs. — First prize, T. W. D. Harris. Ten Dow» or cross-bred ewe lambs.— First prize, F, Street, I THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 431 Ten long-woolled wutlicr lambs. — First prize, C. Barnett, Stratton Park. Ten Down or cross-bred wether lambs. — First prize, C. S. Lindsell, Holme, Biggleswade. Twenty ewes of any breed or age. — First prize, G. Street. PIGS. Boar, intended for use. — First prize, S. Deacon, jiia., Pole- brook Hall, Ouudle ; second, F. Wythes, Ravensden. W. Teb- lu-pig sow. — First prize, W. Burton, Nortliill. Three fat hogs, under six months. — First prize, J. butt, Biggleswade. Judges. — For cattle, sheep, and pigs — Messrs. J. Robinson, Clifton Pastures, Newport Pagnel ; J. Clayden, Littlebury, Saffron Walden ; J. Lynn, Church Farm, Stroxtou, Grantham. For horses— J. H. Plowright, Manea, Isle of Ely; J. M. K. Elliott, Heathencote, Towcester. THE LUDLOW AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. At the twenty-second annual exhibition of this Society the entries were scarcely so numerous as usual, but in several of the classes animals were exhibited that it would be dillicult to equal in any part of the county. Mr. Thomas Rogers' stock bull, which won the sweepstakes, and has been successful at several other shows ; and both the other bulls in competition were from the same herd. It will l)e observed that in the sweepstakes Mr. Rogers' took all the prizes offered, and several in other classes besides. The best show was un- doubtedly iu cattle ; but of sheep there was also an axcellent assortment. Mr. James Hand's wethers, which carried off a first prize, drew forth much commendation from the judges and the visitors. Of pigs there was a capital show, Mr. Jas. Loekhart being the principal prizetaker. Of horses there was not a good show. Mr. Richard Coston exhibited a cart stallion, and Mr. James Loekhart a nag stallion, but these being the only animals of the sort exhibited, the prizes were withheld in accordance with the rules of the Society. Vince, of Ludlow, took the first prize for implements ; and among his collection were ploughs by Kelts, Ransome, and Howard, several chaff-cutters by noted makers, turnip-cutters by Samuel- son, rootpulpers, oilcake mills, corn crushers, Howard's prize harrows, Gower's seed drills, the Cambridge roller, sheep racks, winnowing machines, and numbers of other articles aud ma- chines. Corbett, of Shrewsbury, did not exhibit very largely, but his display comprehended several of the recent improved machines turned out from his works. E. E. Edwards exhibited a new plough, which attracted attention. The mould-board was circular, and turned upon an axle as the earth pressed against it, the result being the better break- ing up of the soil. It is said to be an American invention. PRIZE LIST. Judges. — Hoeses : Mr. Hawkins, Weston, Herefordshire. SuEEP AND Cattle : Messrs. Mansell, Ercall ; Hughes, Lady Court ; and Wigmore, Weston. Roots : Mr. E. H. Davies, Patton ; aud Mr. Wadlow, Stone Acton. CATTLE. A sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each, with 20 sovs. added, for the best stock bull, of any breed, open to all England. — First prize T. Rogers (Battenhall) ; second, 4 sovs. (Sir Oliver) T. Rogers; third, 2 sovs., T. Rogers (Long Horns). Bull of any age, and four of his offspring under twelve months old. — First prize, £5, T. Rogers (Sir Oliver). Com- mended: C. H. Hincksman (Sir John). Yearling bull. — First prize, £5, T. Rogers ; second, £2 10s., P. Turner ; third, £1, P. Turner. Four two years old steers. — First prize, £5, T. Griffiths ; second, £2 10s., H. Lippett. Four two years old heifers. — First prize, £5, T. Fenn ; se- cond, £2 10s., T. Rogers. Pair of two years old heifers. — First prize, £5, P. Turner, Commended : A. Rogers and R. Tanner. Four yearling heifers. — First prize, £5, P. Turner ; second, £2 10s., W. Tudge. Commended: T. Feun. Breeding cows or heifers, with calves, or to be certified to calve. — First prize, £5, T. Rogers ; second, £3 10s., J. Wil- liams. Fat cow or fat heifer. — First prize, £5, H. Ridgley ; second, £2 lOs., T. Farmer. SHEEP. Yearling ram, open to all Englund, — First prize, £5, 'l\ Feuu ; second, £2 10s., J. Hand. Highly commended : T. Faun. Ram more than two years old.— First prize, £5, W. Baker ; second, £2 10s., J. Hand. Ram lamb.— First prize, £5, R. Tanuer. Commended : R . Tanner. Pen of ten breeding ewes, two years old aud upwards. — First prize, £5, W. Baker ; second, £2 10s., R. Tanner. Com- mended: J. Hand. Pen of ten yeariing ewes.— First prize, £5, R. S. Edwards ; second, £2 10s., J. Hand. Pen of six fat yearling wethers.— First prize, £o, J. Hand ; second, £2 10s., F. Bach. „ o -r., , Pen of ten wether lambs.— First prize, £5, R. S. Edwards ; second, £2 10s., J. E. Farmer. Pen of ten ewe lambs.— First prize, £5, W. Baker ; second, £2 10s., R. S. Edwards. PIGS. Boar under two years old.— First prize, £2, J. Loekhart ; second, £1, J. Loekhart. Breeding sow. — First prize, £2, J. Loekhart ; second, £1, J. Loekhart. Cottager's pig. — First prize, £3, J. Poole ; second, £2, C. Smout; third, £1, R. Price. Highly commended : J. Price and R. Smith. HORSES. Nag mare and foal at foot.— First prize, £5, M. Evans ; second, £2 10s., M. Evans. Cart mare and foal at foot.— First prize, £5, F. Coston ; second, £2 10s., R. Hill. Nag gelding or mare under five years old. — First prize, £5, H. Lippett; second, £2 10s., R. Coston. Commended: J. Hotchkiss. Two-year old cart gelding or filly. — First prize, £5, H. Lippett, Priors Alton ; second, £2 lOs., H. Lippett. A sum of £5 to be divided amongst the owners of animals exhibited as extra stock. — First prize, 50s., R. S. Edwards ; second, 20s., J. Towers; third, 10s., J. M. Brandford. IMPLEMENTS. £5 for the best assortment of agricultural implements, J. S. Vince. LABOURERS. To the man who, by his daily labour, has reared the great- est number of children without parochial aid. — First prize, £4, A. Banks, workman to Mr. R. Bach, at Elsich, from 25th March, 1869; had 11 children, 7 living. Second, £2, J. Hughes, workman to Mr. C. Blakeway, from May, 1841 ; had 9 children. Four competitors. To the labourer who has lived the greatest number of years in one service, under the same master. — First prize, £4, B. Pearce, workman on Oakly Park Estute, from 17th November, 1826 ; second, £2, J. Cadwallader, in the employ of Mr. E. Sheppard, his father, grandfather, and Mr. Broxton, on Wettleton Farm, from July, 1827. Fifteen competitors. To the farming in-door man-servant, who has continued the same service the greatest number of years, not less than five, having a good character from his master. — Prize, £4, J. Edmunds, groom to Mr. Evans, from 2nd May, 1863. To the female servant who has lived the greatest number of years, not less than five, in oue service, having a good charac- ter from her master or mistress. — First prize, £4, Alice Roberts, housemaid to Mr, W, Greame, from 19th May, 1851 ; 432 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. second, £2, M. A. Botlield, servant to Mr. C. Blakeway, from June, i865. To the female servant who has lived the greatest number of years, not less than five, in one service in the Borough of Ludlow, having a good character from her master or mistress. —Prize, £4, E. Dade, cook to Mr. F. R. Southern, from 16th October, 1861. Three competitors. To the in or out-doorman-servant or labourer who has lived the greatest number of years, not less than five, in one service in the Borough of Ludlow, having a good character from his master. — Krst prize, '£4, R. Smith, in the service of Mr. Hand, from 1st May, 1853 ; second, £2, S. Cooke, printer for Mr. Partridge, from January, 1854. Seven competitors. To the labourer or servant who has subscribed the greatest number of years to a benefit or friendly society. — Prize, £3, J. Postans, member of Elephant and Castle Friendly Society from April, 1834, in the employ of Mrs. Cooper, from Novem- ber, 1853. Two competitors. To the labourer or servant who has been a depositor in a savings' bank the greatest number of years. — Prize, £2, E. Marston, depositor in Ludlow Savings' Bank from 14th October, 1848, and in employ of Mr. F. Coston, from May, 1863. Two competitors. To the man who makes not less than four corn ricks, and thrashes at least the same number, in the most workman-like manner. — Prize, £3, G. Morris, servant to Mr. T. Rogers, Coxall. To the ploughman who, with a single plough, shall plough half an acre of ground in the most workmaa-like manner, not less than five inches deep, under three hours and a-half, open to all England ; non-subscribers to pay 10s. entrance. — First prize, £3, S. Hoare, in employ of Mr. T. Corbett, Salop ; se- cond, £1 10s., J. Rickards, waggoner to Mr. T. Lowe, Brom- fi.eld. Four competitors. To the ploughman who, with a double plough, four horses, and a driver, shall plough an acre of ground, in the most workman-Uke manner, not less than five inches deep, under tliree hours and a-half. — Prize, £3, and to the driver 10s., T. Fletcher, waggoner to Mr. John E. Farmer, Felton. Four competitors. To the ploughman who, with three horses and a driver, shall plough half an acre of ground in the most workman-like manner, not less than five inches deep, under three liours and a-half. — First prize, £3, and to the driver under fifteen years of age 10s., C. Probert, waggoner to S. Amies ; second, £1 10s., and to the driver under fifteen years of age 5s., J. Buckley, waggoner to J. E. Farmer. Three competitors. To the ploughman who, with two horses abreast, shall plough half an acre of ground in the most workman-like man- ner, not less than five inches deep, under three hours and a-half. — First prize, £3, W. Price, workman to Mr. F. Bach ; second, £1 10s., H. Heighway, waggoner to Mr. J. S. Edwards. Eleven competitors. To the ploughman under twenty years of age, who, with two horses abreast, shall plough half an acre of ground in the most workman-like manner, not less than five inches deep, under three hours and a-half. — Prize, £1 10s., M. Bedford, waggoner to Mr. R. Coston. Two competitors. HEXHAM FARMERS' CLUB. Mr. W. F. Catcheside, F.C.S., analytical and consulting chemist to the club, has inaugurated Ihe autumn series of meetings by reading a paper on lime. There was a good attendance, with Mr. C. G. Grey, president of the Club, in the chair. Mr. Catcheside read as follows : I have the honour o^ commencing the course of papers to be read this season before you, and in doing my best justice to the occasion, I may ex- press my delight in again resuming the discussions of the various interesting topics that can ever be associated with agriculture. You will agree with me when I say that nothing tends 30 surely to enlighten a dark question than its open discussion. In learning the power of others' minds we often disclose the weakness of our own. In the course of a debate several aspects of the point discussed arise that by sanguine parties are never thought of, and a seemingly sure victory is turned into a stubborn acknowledgment of defeat ; therefore I think that the best method of learning the character and pro- perties of lime will be to make that substance and its uses the subject of a discussion. To me is allotted the task of concen- trating facts in the first place, and in my humble way offering uggestious, the value of which you will estimate according to personal experience and knowledge. That various opinions are held by you, gentlemen, as to the qualities of, and the oc- casion for, using lime, I cannot doubt after hearing the dis- cussion on the last paper read in this room. To my mind considerable ditSculties arose that checked progress, and I consider it my pleasure and duty, as your chemist, to try and make all plain that T can. With this introduction I will at once proceed to my subject. I think that we shall consider it at the best advantage in the following way : Firstly, the chemistry of lime, including its manufacture and proper- ties ; secondly, its uses, physically and chemically ; and, lastly, a few remarks deduced from the foregoing data. Lime, chemically speaking, is an oxide of a metal cdled calcium. You know what iron rust is, and lime may be called calcium rust ; it is the combination of calcium with oxygen gas. In this condition lime is very caustic, or has properties of burning up organic and vegetable matter. This may be proved by moistening a little between the fingers, when a soapy and slimy sensation is apparent, owing to the partial destruction or solution of the skin. But to its manufacture. It is prepared ftom limstone rocks, by submitting them to fire. Limestone ^ ^11 con5i(l?r a? cardons.te cflime, or Jime united in a state of combination with carbonic acid gas, the gas known as " choke damp," and that which effervesces from ginger beer, lemonade, &c. The power whicli holds the union of this gas with the lime is sufficient to withstand most physical forces. We may crush or beat limestone to a fine powder, and it still remains carbonate of lime ; but if we subject it to heat, the union is broken, and the gas is liberated and goes away into the atmosphere. Limekilns are convenient furnaces for the purpose, and as you all know their construction I need not explain them. The residue from the limestone is lime, properly speaking. I may mention that chalk and marble are of precisely the same composition as limestone, being carbo- nate of lime. Lime has several very important and interest- ing properties. It has a powerful attraction for water and for carbonic acid gas. You all know the consequence of pouring water upon lime. The lump of lime begins to steam, crack, and swell out, generating strong heat. After a short sime it crumbles down to a very fine, and mark, dry powder. Tliis is the operation called slaking. Lime also sucks up any carbonic acid gas it meets with, and for this reason may be used with advantage to clear out this noxious gas from the atmosphere or places where it abounds. If lime freshly burned is spread out to the atmosphere, it soon becomes con- verted back again into tlie original carbonate of lime. You may then inquire, why burn the carbonate of lime when we use that substance after all the trouble to drive off the car- bonic acid gas ? The limestone, you must remember, althougli chemically identical with chalk, and the carbonate of lime of conversion, is physically very different. Instead of the hard lumps of rock, we have powder to deal with. It would be almost useless to add to soil carbonate of lime in the shape of lumps of rock. We secure the fullest benefit by adding the same material in such a state that it may ultimately mis with the soil, and in its finely divided condition, effect those changes wliich we endeavour to procure. I may here state to you how important it is for this fact to be fully borne in mind when any manures are added to the land. They should be in as fine a state as possible. Just as animals can digest food and assi- milate it to the good of the system the easier when that food is finely prepared for them, so the soil can appropriate to itself any beneficial agent the more readily, when the presentation is in a fine state of division. Lime is also an alkah, or a sub- stance which neutralises acids. Its caustic properties I have alluied to, and they must be well remembered, as the applies- I THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 433 tiou of this knowledge is very important ia practical farming. The eifect of the stronger alkalies is to destroy organic matter, so that lime, if in contact with ammoniacal substances under certain conditions, wUl expel that gas. Therefore, it would be exceedingly unwise to put lime with guano, for instance, or sulphate of ammonia, because the ammonia gas would be lost, and the value of manure gone ! Lime occurs in almost every plant as a constituent of the ash. Hence it is positively ne- cessary that lime should exist in every soil. No cultivated soil is thoroughly destitute of lime, although the proportion of it may not be large enough for a healthy growth of plants ; consequently the addition of lime to land produces, in these cases, an increase of produce. The commonest form of lime as found in soils is the carbonate of lime or chalk. Other states of lime occur, such as capulites or phosphate of lime, gypsum or sulphate of lime, silicate of lime — the substance that gives the firm and glistening characters to straw, nitrate of lime, &c. Sulphate of lime, gypsum, or plaster of Paris, is especially found in the ashes of clover, beans, &c. It is a useful manure, since in addition to supplying lime to plants that require it, gypsum converts the volatile combinations of ammonia into more stable ones, thus preserving the latter very valuable material for further use. Phosphate of lime is usually found in certain rocks and strata. This substance, containing a large quantity of phosphoric acid, is largely used in manufacturing manure, and is of no moment now to us. The properties of lime being considered, we will try how to apply them practically for our own benefit. The uses of lime may be considered to be valuable physically and chemi- cally. Let us first look at the physical effect of using lime. Lime is used as a top dressing to destroy weeds, mosses, and other cankerous growths on grass lands. A mix- ture of lime and earth, couch, &c., known as com- compost is preferable for dressing grass. The proportions of the constituents range from one of lime to two of earthy matter or equal parts, according to the result of experience. Books give the former ratio, and farmers the latter. In Hampshire and Berkshire, and indeed in all the southern counties, farmers very often spread chalk over their grass lands, and derive very beneficial results. It is put in before winter, and the frost acting upon it splits it up to powder. It is then spread over the land as a top-dressing. The chalk is merely dug out of the various pits, always abundant in material, and convenient for casting. In one instance, to prove how valuable this process is, I knew of a field the half of which was top-dressed in the above-mentioned manner — twenty cart- loads per acre — and there was a distinct mark down the whole field after a space of ten years, distinctly showing the boundary of the chalk, and simultaneously its benefit. Lime is also used simultaneously to kill insects, worms, frrubs, and other living destroyers. I knew a case where a Yorkshire farmer employed lime to top-dress his turnips. He found a worm or caterpillar ate the tops, and, moreover, that these insects only made their appearance at night. He had men out by torch- light to sow lime broadcast over the turnips, and he found that the disease was effectually stopped. Of coarse in many cases the fearful operation of sowing lime would be too much for the delicate mind of the poor sower, so that we might almost consider this an exceptional use of lime. Now, this farmer was acquainted with a fact — namely, that lime was a powerful caustic, killing insects with ease. He applied his knowledge, and reaped his reward. When we kill the mosses and weeds we apply the same property — the caustic property of lime. Speaking of turnips and lime. I may state that the latter substance is of great use to the former under certain conditions. It has been frequently found in England that turnips when grown at too short intervals on the same field become subject to a peculiar disease, which manifests itself in an unusual development of the roots. Instead of a round fleshy head weighing several pounds, from which filamentous roots spread out into the ground, the top roots spHts into a great number of hard woody stem-like roots, of the thickness of the finger (finger-and-toe disease). This disease, which is owing to the peculiar character of the ground, is removed by a large dose of quicklime. It is certain, however, that the lime does not act in this case, because there was previously a deficiency of it in the soil, for a supply of it to the field at seed-time like other manures produces no effect, for the latter is apparent only after one or two years. Baron Liebig is re- sponsible for this opiuioQ, When Ume is hid on insects in the shape of carbonate of lime these effects are not observed, as the caustic properties belong chiefly to lime chemically speaking. Again, we find a soil too peaty or more organic in its character than we would wish. We dose it with lime, and its caustic properties are again displayed in splitting up the soil, and evolving ammonia gradually, and generally effecting a change by imparting a more mineral nature to the land. Another physical effect is that when lime is applied to clay land it opens and loosens the dense masses of clay, and im- parts a certain amount of porosity and mellowness, and by so doing opens the road to further improvement, by exposing a larger extent of surface to the action of the air. The chemical properties of lime are just as important. We have noticed its alkaline character or its tendency to combine with acids. Now we know that clay contains silicic acid, insoluble in water, but rendered soluble if neutralised by an alkali. So that if lime be added to silicic acid, soluble sili- cate of lime is formed. Soluble silicate is required to impart strength to straw in crops of wheat, barley, and oats. Now, gentlemen, supposing you had a field of a clayey nature, and you wanted to have a cereal crop from it, or suppose that in a field of corn, grown in a clay soil, you notice the straw feeble and too weak to support the head, you would then think of the alkaline property of lime and say, " I know how to utilize that clay if I want a good crop. I will dress the land with lime, and then the silicic acid will be made soluble, and I shall not have my corn broken down through the straw being weak." We all notice that all crops take more or less lime from the soil to form their mineral structure. We must see that lime is always there to be taken. Gentlemen, herein lies the whole secret of real tillage farming — the restoration to the land of those materials that each successive crop withdraws. We can then understand the necessity for always having lime in the land, and so periodically the land is dosed with lime. Great difference of opinion exists as to the quantity, but I should say from 6 to 6 tons per acre every eight years would be a fair quantity to lay on. This operation is not so necessary on farms situated on limestone obviously. But there is some- thing far deeper to be considered than this. The idea of putting lime regularly into soil is a plain one, but the develop- ment of that idea in all its beauty consists in making even extra use of the operation of liming, by performing it at times suitable for growing suitable crops after lime, that they may profit by the introduction of the same, farmers should know as a body — not only a few — that lime exists in larger quanti- ties in some plants and crops than others. They should study the amount required by each respective crop. Peas, beans, clover, &c., are fond of lime ; or, in other words, their ashes contain a large quantity, proving beyond doubt that more lime is taken out by any of these crops than, for instance, a crop of turnips. If a farmer, then, puts lime upon land and ploughs it in, he makes a full use of it by growing peas on a light soil and beans on a heavy. The putting of lime into land full of manure should be avoided, on account of its alka- line properties. When lime bursts by reason of its affinity for water it is then spread out, and finding carbonic acid gas be- comes converted into carbonate of lime, which is not nearly so active as caustic lime. Therefore manure should be used as long after lime as possible. But a great many people fancy that if they lime their land no manure is wanted at all. The stimulus of the new lime causes, no doubt, considerable in- crease at first, but unless the supply of other material is kept up how can crops grow ? When lime is being replaced in the soil, care must be taken that too large a quantity is not used ; otherwise the caustic effects will become apparent, and prove fatal to growth. Some farmers suggest, instead of a large dose at once, repeated small doses. I don't know which is the better plan, and it must, I think, develope matters to a ques- tion of labour in leading repeated doses, whilst one operation concludes the process in the plan of one large dose. Every- body should apply the position of his farm to the case, and if convenient, one way in preference to the other he chooses accordingly. Mr. Burn says: "On very stiff soils, or on peaty land a large dose, no doubt, can be used with advantage, but on light soils it is advisable to use it in smaller doses. Some farmers prefer using large doses at once, whilst others maintain that repeated dressings with smaller doses are attended with the greatest amount of practical benefit. There can be little doubt that in soils abounding in vegetable matter, or wholly destitute oflirae, a large quantity wilJbe required at o»ce tq a « ^ 434 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. change their mechanical and chemical constitution, and the propriety of liming the land heavily at first is thereby indicated. But when the laud has been brought by cultivation into good condition the safest plan to maintain it in fertility will be to supply lime at shorter intervals, with smaller doses, at the rate of about 8 cvvt. a-year. llcpeated liming, with small doses at longer or shorter intervals, is indeed necessary to keep the land in its maximum state of productiveness. The reasons for the practice are obvious. In the first place, the well-known tend- ency of lime to sink deeper and deeper into the soil from year to year removes the lime from the surface into the subsoil and thus takes it out of the reach of the plants. This tendency to sink is greater in light and porous soils than iu heavy but even in very stiff land lime gradually sinks and passes into the sub- soil ; hence the necessity of applying it as near as possible to the surface. Secondly, heavy rains wash it down into the lower strata, and dissolve also considerable portions of it. It is on account of this dissolving action that badly drained soils require to be more frequently limed than those which are well drained. In the third place, it will be remembered tliat all our cultivated crops remove a certain proportion of lime from the soil, and as some crops take up a much larger quantity than others, the course of cropping must necessarily influence the period at which liming ought to be repeated. Heavy doses are of extreme utility on poor land, or that which has been long pastured, as much as 71 to 15 tons per acre may be ap- plied." Mr. llenry Stevens, iu his excellent book of the farm, says : " The practice hitherto has been to apply a large dose of lime at once, and not to repeat it during the lease. The motive of this practice I would look for more to the circum- stance in which the farmer is placed in regard to the tenure of his farm, than to any reasonable expectation entertained by him of the action of tlie lime upon the soil in large quantity. It is felt with the application of lime, as with the draining of the farm, the sooner it is done, and the seldomer done, the greater profit to him who does it. The opinion is gaining ground, however, that it is better for the tenants' interest to lime iu less quantity at a time, and more frequently. It would appear, taking the average of the quantities of lime applied in different districts of the country, that about 8 or 10 cwt. per acre per annum are applied to supply tlie supposed require- ments of the land. It might, therefore, be better for tlie crops, and more prudent for the purse of the tenant, to apply 8 or 10 cwt. of lime per acre on the fallow every year during the lease, than 8 or 10 tons per acre at one time at its corameuce- raent. Over liming was an evil which the land suffered in a former generation more than iu this, and wlieu it occurred was confined to poor weak soil that was soon rendered too loose by the use of the plough." It ?s, therefore, quite correct what Pro- fessor Johnstone says, " That the evil called over-liming is a mechanical, not a chemical one. Tlie extreme openness of the soil lias been brought on by prolonged ploughing, and too frequently cropping of corn. An opposite procedure must be adopted and mechanical means employed by which a gradual solidification may be effected, among which none is more eflective than the eating of turnips by sheep on the laud." Several farmers have expressed to me the impossibility of spreading a half ton of lime annually per acre to their ad- vantage. This statement is contradictory to the above authori- ties, and I leave the two views of the question to your con- sideration. My opinion is tliat practically, however, advan- tageous it may be, the smaller dosing is of no value. I may mention that there are several kinds of lime, according to tlie quality of limestone employed in the manufacture. The magnesiau limestone produces lime of course containing cer- tain amounts of magnesia. Tlie Cornbrash stone contains nearly 3 per cent, of oxide of iron. The lime used in retain- ing tlie sulphuretted hydrogen iu gas at the gasworks has been sold for agricultural purposes. I cannot advise this article to be used in preference to the ordinary lime. In fact, I have beeu told by more than one farmer who has used it, that it has very prejudicial effects, killing all vegetable growth com- pletely. It may be that the sulphuretted hydrogen escaping from it as it lies in the ground is in sufficient quantity to exert its noxious effects on vegetable growth. In conclusion, I would like to make a few remarks connected with our subject, which 1 sincerely trust may be of practical value to you all. I consider it were folly to come here and read a paper, devoid of practical import and a mere exposition of literary ability. ^t would be wasting your very valuable time, J shall, there- fore, be perfectly plain in my conclusions, and at the same time I am equally sanguine of their meeting your approval. There can be no doubt of the value to be derived from periodi- cally liming land. A farmer, who has farmed now during a period of 50 years, and whose words must therefore be highly valuable, told us that "The great beauty of lime was to set free some hidden or inactive good already existing in the soil." Wiien peat is split up, this operation proves the truth of the remark. Tlie coustitutents of peat, when acted on by lime, are rendered useful, inasmuch as the hitherto inactive organic matter is decomposed, producing ammonia, and is also rendered more soluble in water. By these changes lime is made the agent of improving the land, whilst supplying plants with food from the products of its action. Lime kills grubs and worms, weeds and fungi, breaks up too rich soils, supplies food for plants, and cleans the land. But I protest against the promiscuous use of lime to land. I am sorry to acknowledge the acquaintance of some farmers who, imme- diately they find a decrease of produce, lime their land ! Where is their reason for so doing? We ought never to do anything without a reason for it ! A hundred reasons may exist to account for the inefficient crop, but only a few can be traced to want of lime. There must be a logical course of treatment followed. I would like farming conducted on a more scientific principle than it is. Tliere is too much liap- liazzard about it. Farmers put all kinds of material in their land without ever so much as thinking whether the land re- quires them. One may lime when ammonia is wanted ; another may put in amonia manure when lime is required, and so on. There should be no confusion. Old usage, I am sorry to say, has a great deal to do with this evil. A man's grand- father did so, and so therefore he must do the same, farm- ing is changed uovv, laud is dearer, living is more expensive ; consequently larger crops must be made to grow. At the same time, to help farmers, science has done much of late years. Much more is known now of nature than a century ago. Then let us advance too ! We surely cannot be content to just farm on as of old, whilst others enjoy a closer glimpse iuto the wonders of nature, as exemplified in agriculture. We have certain facts before us to-day. They are the basis of calculations. We argue from facts, and in practice as we watch the development of our projects shall we not feel in- finitely prouder of our success than if we had not reasoned with nature at all? A man who farms thus can pitty Ids neighbour who looks with anxious eye and uneasy pocket at his crops, afraid tliat he has put the wrong manure on his laud ! Now that I hope you know sometiug about lime gentlemen, let us reason together, and I imagine we learn the following lessons : We must use lime upon newly broken land. It kills superfluous decay and hinders nefarious putrefaction. We must also remember the lesson about the land beiug drained. We must use lime upon clay soils to render the silicic acid, or more properly speaking, the insolu- ble silicates so/i/Lle. Then our corn crops will stand the nor- mal eflects of the wind and rain, and our straw will stem the noble heads of the grain in the place of asking for strength to enable it to bear its burden. Then we may lime the land when we think that lime is required for general purposes, and let us grow a crop of peas after .the process on a light soil, and beans on a heavy one, thus helping nature and filling our owu pockets. Again when we see weeds, mosses, lichens, or any living worms, grubs, or any other injurious vegetable or animal causes, let us destroy the effects by lime, using it as a top dressing. If we possess a soil full of uuutiUzed organic matter of the character of a vegetable mould, let us lime at once, thereby splitting up useful matter, converting it into substances that will feed plants, and produce food in turn. Then, gentle- men, there are occasions when we must avoid using lime. We must not use it in quantity upon ammoniacal manures, or in other words, we must not waste such a valuable feeding mate- rial for plants as ammonia. Also allow fresh lime some time to attract water, and then the advantages consequent on the proper use of lime will be surer. It is of no use applying lime on farms situate on limestone rock, yet I am sorry to say such an absurb action is really done. Lime can be of no ser- vice upon sandy soils unless in very small quantities. As a general rule soils containing more than 4 per cent, of lime should not have lime applied to them. Such is the opinion of Dr. Voelcker, who gives the following means to ascertain the soils likely or not likely to be benefited by lime : " Put a small T^fiE FARMER'S MAGAZtl^E. 435 fiuantity of soil ia a tumbler, and pour upon it first a little water, and then a good deal of spirits of salts or muriatic acid. If this addition produces a strong effervescence there is no need of applying lime to the land ; if no eifervcsccnce is pro- duced, in all probability liming or marling will be useful. However, this simple test cannot always be depended on, and it is therefore much safer to have the proportion of lime deter- mined in the soil, which at no great expense can be done by an analytical chemist." In conclusion 1 will merely mention that 1 am aware of the poor justice I have done to my sub- ject, but if I had more time at my disposal I should never tire of discussing this question as long as my audience would derive the least benefit therefrom. The CiiAiUM.VN asked if ]\[r. Catchcside could explain how it was that lime destroyed everything bad, but nothing that was good P He had once in Ireland tried separately on grass land fresh lime, and lime which had been mixed with soil, and tlic superiority of the latter was remarkable. Mr. Dryuon demurred to tlie employment of lime upon wet, pealy land where, though it miglit do a little good, it soon dis- appeared. He had observed that lime always acted better upon land which had never been ploughed than upon that which had been broken up. In the latter case it certainly might benefit the •oil, but not to such an extent as in the former instance. There must be, he believed, vegetable matter in the land for the lime to act upon, or it would do no good. Compost might, however, be used with an advantage in such a position. These remarks were applicable to land which was situated as high as four or five hundred feet above the level of the sea, and he did not know whether they would fit the case of low-lying farms. He had seen land doubled, if not trebled, in value by simply drain- ing and liming it. This land was of a marshy nature, and had on its surface a good deal of vegetable matter. He had re- marked before, and it could be borne out by facts, that there were hundreds and thousands of acres of land which could be equally well improved by the same process, and thus rendered a great deal more useful to everybody than they were at present. There were a great many objections to improving this land, some of which would not bear the light of argument ; but he would not at present enter into them. In passing down the railway, he saw at a considerably greater elevation than even that of which he had been speaking, fine bullocks for the fat market grazing on excellent grass on land where before had grown notliiug but the coarsest vegetation, which was known as a place where the sheep had got the rot, and which was not worth more than five or six shillings an 'acre. All these re- sults were due to draining and liming. In making these ob- servations he was only adding his testimony to the value of that description of land when improvements were properly en- tered into ; when the landlord gave an encouragement on the one hand by a lease, and the tenant on the other by his in- dustry. For this kind of land draining was the proper treat- ment, but when lime was easily available it should be also used ; for the land from this double application benefited much more than from the draining alone. In some wet lands It might be well to drain alone ; but in general money expended in draining, without a corresponding application of lime, was money expended uselessly. To improve, however, required lime ; and before engaging in it, a lease should be obtained of twenty-one years, and some little encouragement should be Ejiven by the landlord, because, to carry it out, capital was re- quired, and where the lime was not easily obtained, the process was very expensive. Mr. H/VRLE, in answer to the Chairman's question, pro- ceeded to explain the action of lime upon vegetation. He said that Baron Liebig had given a chemical explanation of the matter with great clearness. It was that the growth of sedges and marshy plants was caused by siliceous or sandy matter in the soil, and that the application of lime to it neutralized as an alkali this acid, and formed silicate of lime, which promoted the growth only of the finer grasses. Tliis was the reason why, when lime was applied to sandy land, fine grasses always supplanted the sedges and rushes. He must say he thought Mr. Catclieside was mistaken when he stated gas lime was not useful. It must be better tliau common lime, because sulphuretted hydrogen being added to it sulphate of lime was formed. If this lime was, however, applied hot from the gas-works it might indeed be injurious, because requiring oxygen it abstracted that gas from the manure with which it came into contact, and thereby caused a diminution in tlie crop. It should not therefore be put into the soil at once, but should be allowed to lie for some weeks exposed to the air, under the influence of which it turned into gypsum, a very valuable application. Mr. J. Lee said his own first experience of lime was upon grass land, peaty on the top, such as that which Mr. Drydon was referring to. The fact that land of this kind could be doubled in value by proper treatment should be very greatly considered by landlords, and he thought with Jlr. Urydon that tliey should give encouragement to tenants to apply large quantities of lime to the land ; of course it must first be drained. He quite agreed with Mr. Drydon that many of the rough, peaty soils would not pay for drain- ing without liming afterwards, and it ought to be one of the sti- pulations of tlic landlords that if he agreed to drain the land the tenant should, with some help, or by other agreements, lay the lime upon it. With respect to the liming of tillage land, he said that every twelve years liming he found to be profitalile. It had been said— he did notknow whether there was any truth in it or not — that lime bound light land and loosened heavy land. He was not aware whether Mr. Catche- side or any other person could bring proof that such was really the case. He could not himself bring any proof of its truth, but it used to be an old saying in the country. When he was first a farmer there were no superphosphates to apply to land, and he should very much like Mr. Catchcside to ex- plain whether, if a large quantity of superphosphate, say ten cwt., were put on tillage land during four years, it was neces- sary that so much carbonate of lime should be expended upon it also. As for the lime destroying moss and coarse grass, he thought lime always had a destructive effect upon coarse grass and caused the growth of finer grasses. He had seen ground limestone, or at least limestone from the roads, laid in early days down upon the heather for convenience in carting to the kiln, and whenever it had thus lain for two or three years, and the ground had got some little dust from it, white clover invariably grew ever after. How to account for this he did not know. The clover was not growing previously among the heather or it would have been seen, but he sup- posed the seeds of the grass must have been lying there unde- veloped till the arrival of the lime had assisted them to ger- minate. The Chairman : I have heard the farmers say the seeds were in the limestone, and burning in the kiln brought it out (laughter) . Mr. M. Smith said gas lime was a substance which he had used for many years, and he had no doubt that it was a valuable manure if properly applied. It was sometimes, however, not properly applied ; and he recollected many years ago the secretary of a gas company, who, thinking that if the lime was beneficial to another it might be beneficial to liim as well, laid it down on his field in small heaps before spreading it, and then found that where the heaps had lain years elapsed before even the grass grew at all. He concurred with Mr. Dryden that lime was very beneficial to newly- broken soils, for wherever organic matter had lain for centuries undisturbed it required lime to bring it to life. It was not, however, until it came in contact with water or dew, and was dissolved, that plants were enabled to take it up. When lime was laid on to land which had been ploughed for forty or fifty years, and from which, therefore, all the organic matter had disappeared, the application of lime only made the soil poorer than before. For such land as that, bones, phosphate, or manure were necessary, and would do much more benefit, at much less expense. Lime, as Mr. Dryden had remarked, was a proper top-dressing to follow draining, but it ought not to be immediately used, because, if it were, a heavy rain would wash it into the drains, and perhaps choke them up. He gave instances of the value of lime as a dressing, and said, in conclusion, that it was merely a matter of opinion whether compost or hot lime should have the preference. If they would take a ton or half a ton of gas-lime and sow it on the land, it would destroy far more insects and do as much good as five or six tons of lime applied in the same way. Tiie Chairman' said what Mr. Catclieside had told them, nobody could, lie thought, contradict. The information to be derived from the experience of people in liming was of very great value, and the example meutioued by Mr. Drydon it would be well if people in this country would follow. In this country thousands of acres of land had been improved by 436 'THE FARMEll'S MAGAZINE. (Iruiiiing and limiug to au extent almost incredible by people who had not had experience of it. He did not quite see the point in tlie discussion which Mr. Drydon alluded to. He did not think any of the land which they wanted to drain had any grouse upon it. Liming was, in his opinion, quite useless on wet land ; but he could not agree with Mr. Smith, to leave the land four years without liming after draining. He had always been in a hurry to lime it immediately, and in his ex- perience that system always did the greatest possible good to land. The drains must be very shallow where the lime would wash away by being put on as «oon as the draining was com- pleted. He had no experience of gas lime, and had never tried it, but it might be that the smell of the sulphuretted hydrogen acted like the muck which a friend, who sent him some splendid violets, told him to use freely, saying the worse the smell which went into the ground the better the odour which came out. Mr. Catcheside's paper would, he was sure, not only do others good when they heard it read, but would be even of more advantage afterwards, when they had it printed in their hands, and took it, as they should do, home to read. He should advise all the members of the club to read it care- fully at home, by which they might learn both the chemical and mechanical uses of it, with hints how to employ it to the best advantage, a very important knowledge when the great expenditure for lime was taken into consideration. If half the money spent on lime would do as well as the whole sum, it was much better to spend the smaller amount and keep the remainder in their pockets. While thus speaking of the bene- fits which could be obtained from the use of lime, he must say that in his own experience land had often been overlimed. He had seen this done by farmers who had not much capital and did not wish to employ what they had, and who thought that by liming they might screw a little more out of the land than they could get before, whereas the application of good manure would have produced much better results. Mr. S.MITII, in refuting the objections of the Chairman to his views upon the time which should elapse between draining and liming, said, that if they would lay lime upon land newly furnished with drains four feet deep, it would be found that the water came out quite white, and if they dug down lime would be found at the bottom of the drain. The Chairman said he understood that this might be the case where lime was put on immediately, but where the land was worked and fallowed, and the lime spread on the fallow, he did not see why it would be any more likely to wash away in the first year than in any other. Mr. Catchside : He was afraid he should call forth the indignation and scorn of the various gas companies in the neighbourhood for obstructing the sale of their gas lime. He knew he would not have a wheelbarrowful on any land he had, from the effects he had seen it produce on other land. With respect to sowing it on the surface, he could not believe, in fact he was positively certain, that sowing ten hundred weight of gas lime or manure of any description, would have no effect compared with six tons of lime. There might be as much soluble matter taken into the land for the first year, but in after years it would not be seen. A good deal of sulphide of lime existed in gas lime, and he had frequently noticed the sulphur smell rising from it miles away. But the question of the application of lime after draining seemed to be the main point in the discussion. If Mr. Smith's argument was true that it was no use applying lime until four years had passed away, the land did not, he thought, require it at all. If four years' crops could be got out of it, draining, not lime, was the proper remedy for it, and the one which ought to have been employed, and it would have grown just as well without lime if it had not been drained. The best method of proceeding was to drain the land, work it, and then apply the lime on the fallow as Mr. Grey had said. He thought it would be discovered that loose soUs, only once limed, would receive permanent benefit. The line would not be washed into the drains if it was properly spread over the surface, for the amount of space occupied by the drains was a mere minimum compared with the area of the surface between them. The water might come out white — indeed he had seen water thus come out himself, but he did not think that if lime was properly laid on it would ever block up the drain. He was very glad that Mr. Harle had saved him trouble of explaining the destruction of the moss. It was the accepted view that the mosses derived the chief source of their strength from the sand, and by its neutralization the silicate was carried away and divided among other plants, and the soluble silicate entered into the structure of the grasses. With respect to the white clover, he was told only that morning of a case at Allendale, where land situated near the common, which had been accustomed to grow nothing but heather, on being drained and limed, had yielded a first-rate crop of white clover. He remembered a case at a farm at which he was living where a similar instance occurred, the white clover having grown wherever the heaps of lime had been deposited on the field. The encouragement by landlords of liming had been abused, and had led to the expenditure of thousands of pounds in pro- viding lime where it was not required. He could himself point out farms where this had been done. Mr. Catcheside then advocated the employment of small doses at short inter- vals, rather than of large ones at long distances of time. The authorities he had quoted were Mr. Scott Burn and Mr. Stevens, but every farmer would find out the best mode himself to suit his own particular farm. They were getting a little off the line into the artificial manure department, but he would say that it was his firm conviction that the effect of artificial manures lasted only one year. If the land was dosed with superphosphates on a wet year the manure would all be taken away, while, if the soil received it in a dry year, it would do harm to the land, because the manures were to be used at a certain time. Mr. Catcheside concluded with some observa- tions upon artificial manures. Mr. TnOTTEE said that his brother's turnips had suffered much from the attacks of grubs, until, acting upon his advice, he put a little lime round each plant on the third time of sowing, and the result was that, though two previous lots had been destroyed of this one, not a single turnip went wrong. Hav- ing himself taken some of these grubs home and kept them, they turned into black " clocks." Votes of thanks to Mr. Catchside and the Chairman were then passed, and the proceedings came to an end. THE USE OF THE CENTRAL CHAMBER OF AGEICULTURE. At a meeting of the West Riding Chamber of Agriculture, held at Wakefield. Mr. J. B. Charlesworth, of Hatfield Hall, presiding, a conversation took place upon the determination of the insurance companies to compel all the live and dead stock and produce of a farm to be insured to the extent of three-fourths of its value, or only to pay for losses by fire in proportion the amount of insurance bears to the value of the stock. Hitherto, where a farmer insured for £300, no matter what the value of the stock, he received the full amount of insurance in the event of suffering loss to that extent ; but now if he insures for £300, and his farm is worth £500, the insurance companies will only recompense him to the extent of three-fifths of the damage. No resolu- tion was submitted upon the subject. Mr. T. C. Johnson proposed that Mr. Morrison be the Chamber's repre- sentative at the meeting of the Central Chamber, to be held in London on the 4th October next. Mr. Morrison said he should not have the slightest objection to being sent to Lon- don, but he confessed he objected to the Central Chamber, be- cause he did not think it had expressed the opinions of farmers during the last twelve months. The chairman said that was probably the fault of the Chambers themselves in not sending delegates to the meeting. Mr. Morrison said the Central Chamber was not composed of delegates from the various Chambers throughout the kingdom, but was a separate and distinct body wluch permitted delegates to attend its meetings. The secretary was glad that Mr. Morrison had consented to attend the Central Chamber, because he thought he would find gentlemen present who were fully alive to the interests of farmers. Mr. Morrison said no doubt some of the members individually were, but as a body, he did not think that the Chamber had had much influence upon legislation. The alterations which had been made, in- stead of benefiting [the farmer, had only been the means of making fresh imposts. The secretary said those imposts would have been much heavier had it not been for the action of the Central Chamber ; and Mr. Wordsworth said farmers would never exert proper influence untU they pulled better together. Mr. Morrison having consented to introduce the subject of the position of the farmer at the next meeting, the proceedingsended, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 43? THE BLANDFORD FARMERS' CLUB. At the first meeting for the season of this club, Mr. Spooner, of Ealing, Southampton, delivered an address on " the Principles involved in the Breeding of Stock." There was a very good attendance ; the chair being taken by the president for the year, Mr. Scutt, of Bere Regis. Mr. Spooner said : Througliout the whole range of creation there is nothing perhaps which strikes the mind of the student of Nature with greater force than the wonderful provision made for the preservation and susteutation of animal life. There is no spot so barren hut what some vegetation appears, and wherever this is the case animal life in some form corresponds with the supply of food. Provision is made for maintaining and augmenting tlie species far beyond the supply of food, and thus the struggle of life goes on ; the weakest goes to the wall, and the strongest propagate their kind. This phenomenon has been termed tjy Mr. Darwin "natural selection," whicli term, however, does not carry with it its own solution, but demands some little explanation. Not only is the surface of the earth instinct with animal existence, but even the very air we breathe is full of the germs of animal or vegetable life ever ready and ever seeking the proper niches to enable it to increase and multiply. The theory of spontaneous generation which has been so long and so vigorously maintained, and which from time to time appeared to be supported by phenomena which could scarcely be disputed, and could not well be other- wise explained, has at length received its quietus, and has yielded to the facts developed by modern research, and the old doctrine, " Omne ex ovo," has been proved to be sound. Decaying substances are soon peopled with animal life, but this does not take place provided all contact with external air is prevented ; nor does it result if the air to which it is exposed has been first deprived of all its germs by means of fire. It would appear as if the same scientific truths whicli modern discoveries had brought to light were believed in with such absolute proof years ago ; for Hudibras wrote : " Great fleas have little fleas Upon their backs to bite them j And little fleas have lesser ones, So on, ' ad infinitum.' " " Like begets like" is an axiom that cannot be disputed, and examples are continually met with, showing how types are handed down from father to son, and from generation to generation ; and yet, as propagation is effected by parents very dissimilar from each other, there are causes in operation which result quite as much in diversifying the race as in handing down the types from one age to another ; so that we may be probably correct in saying that no single individual is the precise counterpart of one gone before. What then is this vital union, or rather what is it not ? It is not then a merely mechanical union like the combination of spirit and water, or the composition of the atmospheric air. It is not chemical union which, by the combination of two substances, produces a body totally difl'erent from either of the elementary bodies, such for example as water — the product of the combination of two gases, oxygen and hydrogen. Vital union is probably partly mechanical and slightly analogous to chemical union, but, dif- fering materially from either, undoubtedly sid generis. Each parent possesses certain peculiarities, but by no means in equal proportions, and there are no fixed rules enabling us to judge precisely what the effect will be of certain combinations, but yet there are certain truths, or rules, although abounding with exceptions, which careful observation has detected and recorded. Of these the first in importance is the influence exercised by either parent on tlie offspring. When the influence of one is greater than the other, tlie term prepotency is used to denote the superior influence. And although this prepotency may belong to either parent, yet in the majority of instances, so far as external form goes, it belongs to the male. This is partly owing to the fact that the vital func- tions, the internal frame, aud the central and nervous systems, which are unseen, more frequently follow the female, whilst the more visible features, such as the external form, the skin, the back, and hind quarters, the size and general shape vs generally influenced by the male parent. Sometimes the very opposite is the case, and then the female is said to be pre- potent. [Illustrations of the truth of the above remarks were then given by the lecturer, in cases where the male animal was superior in size and weight to the female, in horses and sheep of different breeds, in cattle, and the Manx cat.] In the human race a tall family was often the progeny of a tall hus- band and short wife. Sometimes the opposite alliance pro- duced the same result, and sometimes part of the family were tall and the other part short ; but it is scarcely ever the case that a mean or average size resulted from the union of parents of opposite statures. That the constitution, temper, and mental condition more frequently follows the female parent, is generally acknowledged ; aud it is considered as essential to the production of a clever family that the mother should be distinguished by mental gifts. It is well worthy of notice, the astonishing manner in which peculiarities and predisposi- tions to disease is propagated, although such predisposition may not manifest itself till a good portion of a life-time is passed away. An hereditary disease or jieculiarity appears perhaps at about the age of 50, and not before, and yet the germ of predisposition inherited from the parent must have existed all this period. [The lecturer then proceeded to speak on Reversion, a term which, he remarked, was given to that well-known phenomena of certain peculiarities disappearing in one generation and re-appearing in the next, or subsequently.] It was this fact that, with animals when tlie first cross had proved eminently successful, a continuation of the cross-bred animals has by means of re- version caused all sorts of incongruous results to crop out, so as greatly to disgust the would-be improver. So strougly has this been felt by many breeders, that they have condemned crossing altogether except for purposes of the butcher, or con- fined to the first cross. Indeed, at one time this was the .lead- ing doctrine of the most prominent men belonging to our agricultural societies, who clung with superstitious tenacity to the doctrine of purity of blood, believing it to be the ark in which alone true safety was to be found. Time was when prizes were only given to three breeds of sheep supposed to be pure. Now what do we see ? Improved Hampshire Downs, Shropsliires, New Oxfordshires, and others, all from cross- bred parentage, but non-recognised as distinct breeds, and all considered worthy of prizes and of encouragement. These breeds may be considered as the successful results of crossing, scientifically and practically carried out, and although, no doubt, contemporaneously with these successful examples, many others have been made which have ended in failure, yet we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that new and distinct breeds have been thus created, and have been so perfected by rigorous weeding that they require no further crossing, but only careful selection, andmay now justly take rank as distinct breeds. Although there was no reason to doubt but that the Southdown is a pure breed, greatly improved liy selection, yet the Leicester breed was raised by crossing in the first place. It was as essential to have the best and purest parentage on the one side as the other. The Hampshire and Wiltshire Downs originally were large, bony, uncouth sheep, with horns, which latter were got rid of by means of Sussex rams, but stiU remained a very useful though coarse sheep, till Mr. Humphrey commenced his improvement some thirty years ago by means of two of Mr. Jonas Webb's prize Southdown rams, from which were descended all the rams he afterwards used or let, al- though he replenished his flock and maintained his size by occasional purchases of ewes. This improvement has been carried out with tlie greatest success by Mr. James Rawlence and others. The Oxfordshire breed is the result of the cross of the Cotswold ram with the Hampshire Down ewe. The Shrop- shire is indebted to both South Down and Leicester for the improved breed of sheep recognized under this name. Thus, without disparaging the effects of those who have devoted their attention to the improvement of pure breeds, some of whom he was glad to see present this evening, whose exertions were 438 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. wortliy of the liighest praise, yet al! m\ist acknowledge th« great success that lias attended the establishment of the breeds he had mentioned. Indeed, lie considered that more skill and more science had been shown by the breeders of sheep than by the breeders of auj other kind of animals. A certain want had been felt, and breeders set about to supply the want, whether it was greater size, earlier maturity, or larger or finer wool ; and when the want was supplied and tlie breed estab- lished, further crossing had, for tlie most part, been discon- tinued. The lloyal Agricultural Society, not leading, but fall- ing in with the improvement, greatly aided and extended the movement. But whilst this was the case with sheep, it was far otherwise with horses. With the exception of cart horses, the breed of which had certainly been greatly improved by the encouragement given by the Royal and other Societies, he con- sidered that other useful breeds would have been better if these Societies had never existed ; but to this he would refer again before he concluded.' Crossing had been adopted witli great success with pigs, for, although certain distinct breeds had long been known, such as the Berkshire, Yorkshire, and Sussex, yet it would be somewhat difficult to sive a correct nomenclature to all the different breeds. The Royal Society have long since fallen back on the distinction of " large and small," '■ white and black" pigs. It would almost appear that the rule with regard to pigs must have been derived from Shakespeare, who in " Macbeth," in the incantation of the witches, says : " Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble ; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. Black spirits and white. Blue spirits and grey. Mingle, mingle, mingle. Ye that mingle may." So with pigs it may be said to have been— Black pigs and white. Blue pigs and grey, Mingle, mingle, mingle. Ye that mingle may. Tn-and-in breeding had been more successful with horned cattle than with any other animals, and with the Shorthorns it appeared to have been followed out without those objection- able results which were often considered to attend the prac- tice. These objections were a disposition to barrenness, a want of vigour, and the increase of those diseases to which the parents are most liable. In the human subject it was con- sidered— and with good reason — that the alliance of near re- lations was conducive to scrofula, insanity, and barrenness. The truth appearedtobe that certain diseases and peculiarities were hereditary in particular families, which by alliance with relations became two-fold increased, whilst by alliance with other families not liable to such diseases there was a fair chance of the defects in question being crossed out. With cattle, and with Shorthorn cattle more particularly, by employ- ing healthy parents, possesoing great excellency and few if any defects, the benefits of the latter have been kept up without the evils which have so frequently followed the practice, and thus we have the celebrated Duchess and other families handed down in unrivalled perfection. In no breed of animals have the females been so highly estimated, which is shown by the remarkable sums given for the best cows at the leading sales. One interesting fact is well illustrated in the breeding of cattle — viz., the power of transmitting the milking, or female quali- ties, by means of the male, which must therefore have pos- sessed the germs of those qualities belonging to the opposite sex. This was well shown by the Alderney bull, which was as important as the cow in transmitting rich milking qualities. Mr. Spooner thought, however, it was rather to be regretted that in giving premiums for cattle more attention had not been paid to the milking qualifications, but the purposes of the butcher had alone been regarded. Thus while some of the old milking breeds have almost died out, their places have been supplied by cross-bred and mongrel animals to a very large extent, it being considered in many instances that for dairy purposes pure-bred animals were not so profitable, more par- ticularly on moderate pastures. AVith regard to horses, all must agree that the difficulty of suitably mounting a welter weight is greater than ever, and it is also an acknowledged fact that it is more difficult than ever to provide remounts for the cavalry and artillery. Why should this be the case, when it is well known that a good animal costs no more to keep or to rear than a bad one, and that such vast sums have been expended in breeding from thorough-bred horses ? lie well remembered the horses that used to be cast and sold out of the cavalry and artillery some thirty years ago, and how immeasurably inferior were the cast horses of the present day. He had occasion to look over a lot of horses thus cast a very few years sin^e, and there was not one in twenty but what was faulty in structure, or had some hereditary defects. Why was this the case, but because it had become at first the convenience, and then the custom, to use broken-down race horses alone for stallions for getting saddle horses, which fashion the Royal and other Agricultural Societies, instead of opposing had done their utmost to encourage. A certain few had set themselves up as law makers in tliis respect, and in total abnegation of the principles of science and physiology except such as were derived from the training stable, and they have ventured to proclaim certain dogmas which others have been weak enough to regard like the laws of the Medes and Persians. These dogmas were that pure blood must be had on one side, and that srde the male, and that thorough-bred horses alone possessed it. But to this he replied, 1st, That by using thorough-bred horses for successive years, in the course of ten generations they would have only about one thousandth part of the original breed left, from which they derived their bone and substance, their constitution and digestive organs. 2nd, That the female was as important as the male in breed- ing. 3rd, That principles that had proved so successful with sheep and other animals would prove equally successful with horses, 'fhus after trying to get superior horses, in a few generations the animals became weedy and degenerated, and we were obliged to begin again, starting, perhaps, from the plough tail. He had no wish to underrate the good qualities of blood horses, but freely acknowledged that no other in the universe possessed so much speed and endurance, or could make such extraordinary muscular efforts, or whose nervous and vital systems were more wonderfully developed, or could better transmit their good qualities ; but at the same time they were bad doers, were narrow and small in- the carcase, and deficient in bone, requiring large quantities of the most nutritious food, and were, from their thin skin, very suscepti- ble of cold, and incapable of standing the rough treatment and rigours of a campaign. The original parents. Barbs and Arabs, first introduced in the reigns of James and Charles, were small animals, about U hands, and the size of their de- scendants has been obtained by high feeding from their earliest. There is thus a perpetual tendency to reversion, particularly when excessive feeding is not adopted. He would, therefore, in conclusion, with a view to remedy these evils, suggest the following plans : As in consequence of the discourage- ment hitherto given by the leading Societies, it would not pay private individuals or companies to establish any scheme for the improvement of ordinary saddle horses ; it must be done by the Government, or the aid of the State ; and first he recommended the doing away with Queen's plates, which, however useful in past days for improv- ing the breed of horses, were no longer of any utility. The Turf, he thought, could take care of itself, and the money might be devoted to a national purpose, viz., the encourage- ment of the breeding of cavalry and other useful horses. Se- condly, Government stud farms should be established, not so much for the breeding of weight-carrying hunters and cavalry iiorses as for the breeding of horses and mares calculated to produce them. Hampton Court might well lead the way in this respect. It would be far better than keepiug it up to play second fiddle to Mr. Blenkiron. There might also be half-a-dozen other Government studs in suitable parts, and the loss on these farms would be but little, and would soon be re- paid by the better supply and cheaper cost of good, sound, and valuable horses, many of which would make first-class hunters, and others valuable horses for cavalry, artillery, and harness purposes. All faulty animals should of course be weeded out annually. The greater part of the mares might be sold in foal, and the best of the young horses as stallion*. He verily believed that if some such plan were adopted, in a few years they would be able to mount the cavalry as they ought to be mounted, and supply the country with valuable horses for all purposes, in place of the worthless weeds that now abounded. The stud farms in different parts of the coun- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 439 try, to accomplish the ends ia view, should be I'urnislied with at least : 1st. One thoroughbred stallion, the most calculated to get weight-carrying hunters and saddle iiorses, with suitable mares. 2nd. One seven-eighth-bred stallion ditto. 3rd. One or more three-fourths-brcd stallion. 4th. One or more half-bred ditto. These stallions to be available for tiie neighbouring farmers as well as for the stud farm. 5th. Mares, young and fresh, with size, substance, shape, and action (a few of which can still be obtained), but without pedigree, for alliance with stallions Nos. 1 and 2. 6th. ]\[ares with the above f[ualitics, but possessing one- fourth blood, that is, descended from a thoroughbred sire, and fit for alliance with stallions of Class I, 3, and 3. 7tli. Marcs with above qualities, and possessing one-half blood, suited for stallions 1, 2, and 3. 8th. Mares possessing three-fourths and seven-eighths blood, of proved excellence, and suited for stallions 3 and -i. Mr. H. FoOKES said as regarded sheep he had more practice than many present. There were many breeds of sheep which always did best in certain localities that suited the par- ticular breed. Mr. Spooner had alluded more particularly to the Hampshire Down. There was no breed of sheep that had exhibited more improvement than they had during the last twenty years, especially in the Salisbury district. The late Mr. linmphreys told hira at the cattle show at Islington some few years since, that all his best shearlings were descended from one of his ewes. The late Mr. Roper, of Clenston, bought a ram at Wilton fair some years ago. Mr. Rawlence, of Bulbridge, and himself sent 10 ewes each to him ; when the produce were shearlings. Mr. Rawlence exhibited Down ewes at the Bury St. Edmunds meeting of the Royal, and he, Mr. Fookes, exhibited shearliugs for the cup at Dorchester, as southdowns. They both took the prizes, and in each pen of ewes were descendants from Mr. Roper's sheep. This proves what may and can be done by judicious crossing. As regards the Shropshire, every breeder has a peculiar breed of his own, and if they would only look at the report of judges at the late Oxford meeting they would find in the conclusion of their report that they laid down stringent rules to guide the Shrop- shire breeders as to what a Shropshire sheep ought to be. Ue had acted as a judge of Shropshires at the Royal on two occasions. At the Battersea meeting there was a wonderful show, and at the present time he believed Lord Ghesham's were as good as any. Everyone must be very careful how they begin crossing ; the first cross invariably did well, but he should advise all parties to keep the animals that were most suitable to his farm and his district. He had always stood by the Southdowns, and tried to keep them as well as he could, combining size, quality, and plenty of good wool. Mr. J. Ford quite agreed i6 regard to Southdowns being the purest breed of sheep, but it was impossible to maintain a pure breed in Dorset without occasionally going into Sussex, and getting some from there. He had done so for 30 years. Th'e late Blr. Jonas Webb had, he believed, some of the best South- downs possibly to be obtained, but he could not get on with- out occasionally obtaining some of the original breed. He (Blr. Ford) was also a beUever in jmre breeds of cattle, but as with sheep so with llcrefords or Devons. To keep up the purity of the breed, and prevent deterioration of stock, it was necessary to go into North Devon or Herefordshire. People could not be too careful in crossing, but certainly great im- provement in herds had arisen by judicious crossing. lie also quite agreed with Mr. Spooner in his remarks about the old Hampshire Downs, as being the most ugly sheep ever bred, but the improved Hampshires were very different. As re- garded the Shropshire he was of opinion that they vvere almost all cross-bred. Mr. Newman, who had some of the best, had a Southdown ram from Mr. Webb's flock, and he noticed in Lord Chesbam's show of them that there was more of the Southdown than anything — some of them were very fine wool, and others had wool as coarse as hair. He (Mr. Ford) said that a farmer should study to get such animals as were suitable for his farm, and having procured a good and suitable breed not to chop and change about too much. ATHENRY FARMERS' CLUB. AGRICULTURE AND SCIENCE. At the monthly meeting of this club, the Rev. M. Perrin in the chair, the following paper was read by Mr. N. G. Richard- son : The subject I have chosen to-night is the connexion between agriculture and science. In the course of a few years I venture to anticipate it will be impossible for such a subject to be discussed at Farmers' Clubs, as by that time agriculture will be looked upon as a science in itself; but for the present we can only speak of the advantages science has conferred on agriculture, and even in the present backward state of agri- culture they are numerous and important. Before commencing my subject, I think I should make some general remarks on the word science, to explain in what sense I use it. Upwards of two hundred years ago men contented themselves with arguing about what they wished to find out, and their re- searches after nature were confined to words; but Lord Bacon about that tine published his famous works, proving incontestably that bi fore we can be certain of knowledge we must make numerous experiments, and that before commencing to argue we must have facts to argue on. Experimental science may date her birth from then, and has been increasing in importance ever sii ce ; hut Lord Bacon's writings are not yet sufficiently known, and, from not attending to his directions, various blunders have been and are stiU being made in all directions. One of the most amusing on record is the fol- lowing : Charles II. proposed this question to the London Society — a society composed of the most distinguishea scientific and literary men of that period — " Why was it that if you weighed a bowl containing water, and then put a live fish into it, tlie weight remained the same ; but if you put a dead fish into it the weight was increased to the extent of the weight of the dead fish ? " After a lengthened debate they discovered a satisfactory reason for this curious fact. Wlien some one suggested that they should make the experiment, it was discovered that no such difference existed, and that the king had merely played a practical joke on this distinguished society ; but though we may laugh at the blunders committed by the savants of that age, do we not act in the same way P For instance, take solid ploughing and crested ploughing ; the former is generally believed to be the better plan, as it is supposed to give a better seed-bed and to be less strain upon the horses. Granting that these are true, has any one ever started two ploughs in the same field the same day, the one ploughing solid, the other crested, and treating the fields in precisely the same manner ; weighed the crops after harvest, noting all particulars, such as which ripened first, which had the best grain, as well as heavier crop, also particulars of soil and weather ? Another instance is in the case of sheep dips, artificial manures, and feeding stuffs ; we use them, either because we believe what the vendor chooses to tell us of them, or on the faith of an analysis, or because we have tried them and found them to succeed ; but when we find them succeed, we take for granted they will succeed in every case, peglecting the conditions under which they were tried, and also neglecting to find out why they succeeded or why they failed. Thus, though in some instances we partly act on a scientific plan, yet we never make sufficient experiments, nor when we do make a few experiments do we sufficiently follow up the clue so obtained. From these instances you will perceive that what I consider scientific treatment of a subject is to make numerous experiments, taking note of each particular, and then, proceeding to argue on the cause of the result, finally lay down a general law for our future guidance. That this is not the general notion on the subject is evident from the constant use of the 440 THE FARMEK'S MAGAZINE. expressions " Practice veisus science," " An ounce of practice is worth a pound of theory ; " and in an article on this very subject in a weekly paper, it was stated, " Let theory and science say wliat they will, without practical experience we are left still in the dark." These are sufficient to prove that at least some people, if not the majority^ imagine that theory and practice can be separated, as if a theory or science would deserve the name that was not founded on facts discovered by experiment — in other words, practice. If not so founded, when brought in contact with practice it entirely fails to account for the facts so discovered, and so proves itself a false theory, and therefore unworthy of the name of science. But to return to our sub- ject. The advantages science has conferred on agriculture may be divided into two heads ; £rst, the benefit derived Irom the study of the various sciences ; second, that derived from a scientific treatment of agriculture itself. Botany T begin with first, dealing as it does with the structure and habit of plants, which are the only products of agriculture. As far as the grain crops are concerned, we have not improved on the knowledge of the ancients, as we still continue to grow the same plants as were grown thousands of years ago, and I am not sure whether we have improved the quality of tlie grain, at least if we take the average of that grown through the country. Of course, if we take that grown by the best farmers, we might find an improvement, not only in the quan- tity per acre, whicli is undoubted, but also iu the quality ; but unfortunately skilful farmers are not suflicieutly numerous to raise the standard much, but we may hope tliat by careful selection of the seed sown and proper tillage, inferior grain will gradually disappear. But in green crops botany has been of signal service. Take, for example, the potato, a vegetable which, even the most bigoted disciple of Malthus must admit has been of some service ; but in Ireland it is needless to say anything in its praise, as here there is more danger in over than under valuing it. I pass from it to a root which is not valued so highly, but which has been of great service to the meat consumer, the farmer, and the labourer — I mean the turnip. In former times grain crops were grown repeatedly, the principal way of keeping the land in fertility being the custom of fallowing the land. But the introduction of the turnip is gradually abolishing this custom, to the great benefit of the meat consumer, as he is able to get fresh meat all the year round, instead of only during the summer and autumn months, as formerly ; to the farmer, as, instead of allowing his fields to be idle, he is able to crop them every season, and, besides, to improve his fields by so doing ; but to the labourer it has been the greatest service, as the turnip crop is one which requires a vast amount of labour in all stages of its culture. These are the most remarkable cases ; but when we remember that to botanists we are indebted for cabbages, mangels, &c., not to mention the greater number of our garden vegetables and fruits, I think it is evident agriculture owes a great deal to botany. To show the advantages that may accrue from a study of this science, I will mention the following cases, though they are neither of them directly concerned with farm- ing. When Linnjeus, the famous botanist, was an under gardener, a plant which he was told was very precious was left in his charge; and directed to place it in a hothouse. The head gardener was horrified to find one morning his precious plant left out in the frost, and accused Linnseus of wilful neg- lect ; but he accounted satisfactorily for the change, as he was able to tell from the structure of the plant that it must live in a cold climate. The result proved he was right, as tlie plant gradually improved. Another instance is in the case of the Auraucaria imbricata, an ornamental tree. The elder M'Nab, of the Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh, knowing that in their native country their roots were saturated with wet during the spring of the year, owing to the melting of the snow on the tops of the mountains on whose sides they grew, thought they should receive similar treatment here, and or- dered barrels of water to be poured on their roots during the spring. Whether due to this treatment or not, it is certain they thrive very well, and are about the best specimens of this tree in the United Kingdom. A few years ago farmers in England, but more particularly in France, took it into their heads that they were serious losers by the small birds eating a large quantity of their grain. It was immediately decided to destroy them, which was done, at least in France, so success- fully that aU the birds disappeared. The result was that the farmers discovered that their crops were unable to grow, owing to the ravages of insects, which were now able to increase un- checked. They thus learned by sad experience what they might have learned from ornithology, that birds are the natu- ral enemies of insects, and feed on them to a very great extent, some of the small birds living on them altogether, and others living on them for about nine months in the year, not to speak of the advantages derived from birds eating largely of the seeds of weeds. Electricity might become of the greatest service, if we can rely on the accounts of some experiments which have been made. Poles were set up in the ground, and wires fastened across the tops, and then brought down the poles and connected under ground. The results, in some cases, were eminently successful, oats so tieated being ten inches taller than the rest of the field, but in other cases there was no perceptible difference. Surely this is a way of manuring land that should not be neglected, or, at least, if useless, this should be proved, and the reasons stated. Mechanics is a science that has been of great service, and never more so than during the season mst past. How the harvest could have been secured this year without the use of reaping machines is a puzzle to me, and it is a curious fact that in England and even in Scotland, it required a year like this to convince farmers of the absolute necessity there existed for such ma- chines. The whole harvest came in together, men could not be obtained to secure it at once, and so farmers were driven to use them. I have seen it stated that the principal machine makers had to work night and day, and were unable to supply the demand. Now, this raises a question at once — the result of this influx of machinery on the labour market. We may leave the general question of the change of farm labourers into skilled artizans to make the machinery and the proper dis- persion of labourers to the social science philosopher. These are questions not likely to be considered by the labouring class at present, but there is one question they will seriously con- sider, and that is, these machines do more work than we can do, and at a cheaper rate — the result will be that they will be employed, and we will not. But the labourers may remember two considerations : the first is, that the greater number of machines are designed to save the heavier sort of labour, such as mowing and thrashing ; the second is, that as farmers find their haymaking and harvesting bills decrease, independen*^ly of being got over more satisfactorily, they will turn their at- tention to the many improvements that are required on their farms and so the labour that was spent on harvesting, &c., will be spent on draining and fencing. When all these im- provements have been effected, the labourer may perhaps find it difficult to get employment, but in this county at least there is no apparent danger of such a terrible catastrophe. Tliis year is the first year I have used machinery for making hay, and, in consequence, I have been able to commence clearing out a lake, a thing I should never have thought of attempting in other years. But mowing and reaping machines are but a fraction of the implements we are indebted to mechanics for. Why, if we read the price lists of some of the leading agri- cultural machine makers, we get bewildered among ploughs, harrows, turnip-cutters, pulpers, thrashing and mowing ma- chines, flax-scutchers, chaff-cutters, furze-bruizers, not to speak of all the improved steam machinery that, I suppose, will be gradually introduced. The next science I shall refer to is chemistry. The services it has rendered are immense ; but when chemistry is better understood, and the chemist becomes a farmer, and the farmer a chemist, we may expect a splendid result. One of the present advantages is the analysis of soils ; here a great deal of good has been done by letting us know what manures are required, owing to a deficiency of any par- ticular element in the soil, and which the manure wiU supply, hence preventing waste of manure, and consequent loss to the farmer. Another is the manufacture of feeding stuffs and ar- tificial manures. These are obtaining a greater share of at- tention than formerly, and deservedly so, since it is impossible to grow good crops without the one or the other. The latter has a more immediate effect ; but the former, till experience shall have proved the opposite, I must consider the best means of manuring land, as there is no way of improving the quality of the manure equal to using cake, grain, and other concen- trated food ; and farmyard manure must be considered the mainstay of the farm, owing to the beneficial effects, both im- mediately and for a series of years to follow. I met a farmer in London who told me the system he adopted was to use all his turnips with sheep. He fed, besides, sixty fat cattle in the THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 441 stall, feediug them entirely on chopped hay or straw and feed- ing stnffs (what the exact system was I did not inquire, as at that time I did not take as much interest in farming as now) ; the result was the carting of his turnips was reduced immensely, which was a considerahle saving. He was able to turn out his cattle in splendid condition in a much shorter time than his neighbours, and, though his manure heap was diminished in (juantity, he was able to grow better crops than his neigh- bours, owing to the improved quality, whilst the cartage was greatly lessened. But the chemical manufacture of teeding stuffs and manures has forced farmers to the study of chemistry, to enable them to decide their respective values and to protect themselves from the disgraceful frauds that were sought to be practised on them. This brings us to the custom of getting samples of all the artificial manures in a district analysed by a competent chemist, such as has been adopted in some counties in Ireland, and also by the Athenry farmers' Club. There are two reasons why such should be done. The first is arti- ficial manures are sold by agents scattered over the face of the country, who naturally do their best to sell their own commo- dity, and the farmer is naturally puzzled to know which to select and where to lay out his money to the best advantage. This he cannot tell, and, therefore, buys from the seller who gives him the greatest amount of credit, or who happens to be the most plausible. Chemistry now steps in, and by analysis is able to tell which contains the most valuable ingredients, and taking also into account the selling price, decides which is tile best value. This way is not, however, accepted by all, and en the publication of the report of your club a discussion was carried on in the pages of the Farmers^ Gazette and the Irish SjioiismtL'i relative to this system. Mr. Woufor, a manu- facturer of one of the manures analysed, complained that, owing to a false system of valuation adopted by chemists, the returns were not to be depended on ; also, that an erroneous estimate was taken of some of the chemical ingredients. These were replied to by the Farmers' Gazette, and I should be inclined to think that paper was probably right, though, of course, I could not venture to give an opinion on the subject, from my almost total ignorance of it ; but that such a question should arise is conclusive proof that we have not yet attained to a proper knowledge of chemistry, and, further, that before we can absolutely decide on the cheapest and best manure, varied and extensive field experiments must be made with the different manures, under the guidance of experienced farmers and chemists, There is one point in Mr. Wonfor's letter, however, where I think he goes wide of the mark, and that is where he states that his manures consist of the most expen- sive materials, and are, therefore, most valuable. He says in one of his letters " For your readers' information I will analyse them by the commercial test of the price of each article in the market. To do so, I will place side by side the cost of the materials in each of the manures, and then analyse the result of the figures, by which we will come at the actual cost of each manure." I maintain that the cost of the materials of a manure to the manufacturer are of very second-rate importance to the farmer, whilst the price and quality of the manufactured article are of the greatest importance, and must be discovered either by experiment or chemistry, or, best still, a combination of both. Up to this we have been dealing with honest men, who wish to drive an honest trade, and to confer a benefit on the farmer as well as themselves ; hut all men are not honest, and this brings us to the second reason why manures should be analysed. The spurious manures are constantly sold through the country, and, therefore, farmers, particularly the poorer class of them, plundered of their money, is evident from the exposures which have frequently taken place from the re- ports of the analysis of the different farmers' clubs, and from Mr. Wonfor's letter, where he speaks of " those ingeniously conglomerated compounds, known in the market as Liverpool mixtures," and which are to be found from Galway to Ballina, and from Ballina to Athlone. That we should do what we can to effectually put a stop to such practices is, I think, our duty, and chemical analysis offers a certain means of doing so. Finally, gentlemen, there is the question of climate. First, with reference to the general climate, depending upon the lati- tude and longitude of the country ; and secondly, the yearly variations of the climate in each particular place. The first is, I think, a question that is sufiicieutly understood for all practical purposes, at least it may be safely left for future generations, as we have so much more to learn that has a direct iaflucncc on our agriculture. People living in their own country, of course, understand their cli- mate, and those who migrate mix with the people of the country they migrate to, and soon learn the peculiarities of the climate of that country. I may merely add that I lately saw it stated that about six hundred years ago grapes were grown freely in the open air in England, but that about that time their cultivation had to be given up, owing to the seasons becoming unfavourable to their ripening. This, if true, would prove that great changes may take place in climate, even in the same place ; but, as I said before, I think we may safely postpone discussion on this subject. The yearly variations of climate are of much greater importance to the farmer, some crops preferring a wet season ; others a dry season ; and it is needless to mention the many advantages that would accrue to the farmer if he could foretell the general character of the seasons for a year or two in advance ; and I do not see why we should despair of such being the case, when we know more of the general laws of nature ; but before this can be attained, we must accumulate a vast amount of data. Observations must be accurately taken in different parts of the world, and for a considerable number of years, before anything approaching a theory that wUl even appro>dmate to the truth can be built up. Tue difficulties that must be surmounted ere this result can be attained are exceedingly great, but can, and, I am con- vinced, will be overcome. In fact, observations have been taken, and are still being taken, in numerous places, but not on a sufficiently extensive scale ; nor are they part of a compre- hensive scheme ; but, with the exception of those taken at observatories, they are the work of individuals, and necessarily isolated and unclassified. The great danger to be avoided is hasty conclusions drawn from insufficient data. A memorable instance of this is, that a few years ago, when the late Earl of Carlisle was Lord Lieutenant here, because a series of wet years happened to come in succession, he recommended grain crops to be sown but sparingly, and the greater part of this island to be laid down to permanent pasture. This advice, if followed, would mean death to all scientific farming in Ireland, and, T may say also, to all improvement ; and yet the earl was a most highly educated and gifted man, and one who, we may take for granted, had an earnest desire for Ireland's welfare. If such men as he commit errors like this, what danger are we in ! I believe I may apply to all the matters I have touched on to-night a remark which I read, as applied to climate alone : " These are questions of which we shall have to leave the scientific investigation to those who may come after us ; for the present we seem likely to content ourselves with deductions from very narrow experience, with very large con- jecture and very confident assertion." I now come to the second division of the subject — the advantages derived from a scientific treatment of agriculture itself. One of the most remarkable instances of this is the origin of Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Bakewell, the founder of this breed, was a close observer of nature, and he noticed that the cattle which fattened easiest and came soonest to maturity, however much they differed in some points, all agreed in one, and that is, they had short horns. He consequently adopted that as his standard, and the result is the splendid breed of Shorthorns. Other instances are the growing of turnips and potatoes in drills in preference to large beds, as they produce a better crop, can be kept cleaner, and are much cheaper to put in and take out ; for I hold that good farming consists not merely in growing the largest and best crops, but in doing so at the least ex- penditure of time and money, as that means so much gained to the wealth of the country. Unremunerative labour is held by political economists to be labour wasted, and, therefore, should be avoided. Another is that of laying down to per- manent pasture with natural grasses. The old method was to allow the ground to come to the natural grasses through lapse of time. In this country they previously prepared the ground by taking as many successive crops of oats as the land would give without manure. But now the improved system is to manure the land highly, then to lay down with the natural grasses, which are obtained by noticing the sorts that grow in the best grass lands in Meath and about Dublin. These are some of the instances where scientific treatment has conferred great benefits on agriculture, but up to this scientific performers have had but shght encouragement from the great number of farmers, and besides they have been few. We may certainly expect a great advance in the future, as education is extended, 442 THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. and the luaiiy advantages of a proper system of farming become more and more evident. Besides, there is an influence at work now that was absent in bygone days. I refer to Farmers' Clubs. If they do not make themselves felt at first, it is partly owing to the novelty of the thing, but still more to the enormous amount of inertia they have to overcome ; and I think no sane man will but admit that they will, in time, in connexion with the press, exercise a great amount of influence for good, for this one reason alone, leaving all others aside — they make men think ; they hear of new plans of growing crops, and brilliant results stated, and when they compare these with their own slovenly work, they come away, not, perhaps, convinced, but still inclined to try the new system on a small scale. Once the wish for improvement is generated, it will steadily, thousth perhaps very slowly, increase. Still it is there, and as years go by it will gradually spread over the whole country. This it is we are aiming at, and I feel convinced that future generations, if not the present, will say the Athenry JFarraers' Club lias deserved well of its country. SALE OF MESSRS. GARNE'S SHORT- HORNS, AT CHURCHILL HEATH, CHIPPING NORTON. On Tuesday, Oct. 4th, By Mr. H. Strafford. " Mr. George Game's luck this season has been some- thing extraordinary, while it should serve as a capital advertisement to the Churchill Heath sale." It was thus that we wrote in our report of the Royal Society's Show at Oxford, in July, and ccrtaiuly the Heath herd has been coming to the front with immense force during the past summer. At the Taunton meeting of the West of England Society, the only two entries made by Mr. Game took the first prize for bulls and the first prize for cows, as another cow was best of all at Oxford, with a reserve number, and sundry commendations also falling to the share of Mr. Game, senior, and his two sons. The sale on Tuesday was made up, in fact, from the Broadmoor and Churchill Heath herds, the foundation of which, according to the customary prologue, " was laid nearly forty years ago by Mr. Garne, who was one of the earliest intro- ducers ot Shorthorns into the county of Gloucester, and the origin of his herd was from stock then held in high repute, such as that of Messrs. Champion of Blyth, Mason of Chilton, and Whitaker, of Burley." The advertisement runs on to say that " first-class bulls have since been used from Earnley, Brandsby, Ley Fields, Tortworth Court, and other famed herds; latterly, sires have been bought and hired at high figures from Colonel Towneley, Messrs. Booth and Peel ; and on comparing their pedi- grees carefully with the Herd Book, the animals will be found to combine alliances with the best and most fashion- able families of the day." Still the blood was scarcely " pronounced" enough to make much sensation, as it read rather like judicious crossing than anything very remark- able in any direct line. In the way of good looks, how- ever, there was much to like; and there were a number of lengthy, handsame roomy cows, such as Pride of the Heath, Precedent, Parodox, and Garland, which would shoiv well in any company. Of a very different style is the Royal first Lady Lavinia, a short podgy patchy butcher's kind of beast, with a broad back, and plenty of good flesh, but a bad mover, and utterly devoia of any- thing like elegance or fine character. Nevertheless the picked lot of all would seem to have been Royal Butter- fly 20th, " on which Mr. Garne retains the right to make one bid," Mr. Straff"ord's instructions being, by the catalogue, to sell all the others without reserve. At Taunton, as we contended. Butterfly 20th, beat a better bull than himself, in Lord Sudeley's white Mandarin ; but at Oxford, the judges commended Butterfly, and took no notice of Mandarin, and in the "West of England Society's own report, Mr. Savidge, the Shorthorn judge, spoke of Butterfly as " the grand roan," who " quite surpassed" the white, and " won point after point." Nevertheless since the Oxford Meeting Mandarin at Kidderminster took the first prize, and Butterfly 20tli the second ; and again at Stroud Mandarin was first and Butterfly second. There is some interest in such compe- tition, as more handy home Mr. Garne has won plenty of prizes during the last two or three seasons. Mr. Hall, of the Ileythrop, who presided at the luncheon, felt he could accordingly offer his congratulations on the goodly company he saw assembled, but Mr. Strafford rather shook his head at this, and when examined it certainly did not look much like business. Beyond " old" Mr. Bowley as he was called, Mr. Mace, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Culshaw, Mr. Thornton, Mr. Sheldon, and the next door neighbour Mr. Savidge, there was nobody of much note in the Shorthorn world, and it was tolerably clear thus early that high prices would not prevail. Still there was a deal of hurraying, and one or two relays of visitors to be ac- commodated, but the spirit of the thing evaporated at this point, and the sale was a very dull one. The very short- ness of keep deterred some, no doubt, from securing the bargains they might continually have had, and the crack lots hung almost as heavily as the less famous animals. Pride of the Heath, the first cow at Taunton, and the re- serve at Oxford, was knocked down to Mr. Savidge for 77 gs., so that, as was remarked, " she will not have far to go ;" while Lady Lavinia, the best cow at Oxford, realized 75 gs., also booked to Mr. Savidge, and Duchess of Towneley, a merely commended cow at Oxford, still to Mr. Savidge, at 85 gs. It was our impression at the time that both the cow and the two-year- old heifer classes of this year's Royal Show were but in- differently appraised, and the result of this sale tends to strengthen such an opinion, as the best of the three by the judges' books was the worst of the three by the auctioneer's return. With the competition, however, so slack and so few really good buyers present, we are not inclined to give too much weight to these figures, and there seemed to be an impression abroad that some of the best animals were not sold. At any rate it is clear enough that neither at Churchill Heath nor at Broadmoor will the Shorthorn be henceforth quite banished, for there was on view during the day a good, lengthy, high-quality bull, from Warlaby, called Royal Benedict, that the father and his two sons have hired amongst them of Mr. Booth for a couple of seasons. So that even if Butterfiy 20th were gone there is something to fall back on ; but no one ever came near the 150 gs. reserve, so that " the grand roan" and the white may fight their battles o'er again. Mr. Strafford said he was not bordering on the grounds of romance, and the Heath and its surroundings w ould certainly promise a deal more in the way of feeding rabbits and finding foxes than in rearing or maintaining a herd of highly-bred cattle. But Mr. Garne has done great things with the material he has at his command, and it is to be regretted that he had not a better sale. Still, both the times and the seasons were against him, as even the railways did not serve as well as they should do. There was virtually no up train after four o'clock in the afternoon, and the business announced for one did not commence until past two o'clock. In our correspon- dent's report of the Butley Abbey sale there is a bit of wholesome advice — a kind of commercial ethic that cannot be too often or too forcibly impressed : " Mr. Robert Bond put up the first lot at the time adver- tised— a practice we earnestly commend to the notice of all auctioneers at all sales ; why it should ever be departed from, or for whose benefit the clauses ' to a THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 44^ minute,' 'tea o'clock punctually,' 'oue for half-past,' are inserted in farm sale advertisements we have yet to learn. The common result of all such useless notice is that the sale commences anything but punctually, and the business part of tiie company is kept waiting for the auctioneer in the morning, while people leave before the sale is con- cluded at the end of the day." COWS AND HEIFERS. Ruby, red and white, calved November 17, 1859. — Mr. Parker, 27 gs. Panacea, roan, calved in April, 1860. — Mr. Penson, 25 gs. Genius, roan, calved December 16, 1860. — Mr. Mace, 37 gs. Profile, roan, calved Feb. 14., 1861.— Jlr. Reade, 25 gs. Pink 3rd, red, calved April 1, 1861.— Mr. Marjoribanks, 37 gs. Jantja 8th, white, calved April 6, 1862.— Mr. Baggs, 27 gs. Misfortune, roan, calved in October 1862. — Mr. T. Mace, 27 gs. Gazelle, roan, calved Jan. 23, 1863. ^Mr. Penson, 27 gs. Rose of Spring, roan, calved in April, 1S63. — ^Mr. Curtter, 37 gs. Precedent, roan, calved July 8, 1863. — Mr. T. Mace, 46 gs. New Novel, white, calved in August, 1863. — Mr. Allday, 26 gs. Paradox, red, calved Dec. 17, 1863.— Mr. T. Mace, 39 gs. Pandora, white, calved Feb. 14, 1864.— Mr. T. Mace, 38 gs. Miss Pee], red, calved in March, 1S64. — Mr. T. Mace, 21 gs. Papier Mache, red, calved in March,'1864. — Mr. T. Mace, 28 gs. Fairy Flower, roan, calved Aug. 9, 1864. — Mr. T. Raynbird, 30 gs. Moselle, roan, calved in January, 1865. — Mr. Baxter, 35 gs. Rose of Promise, roan, calved in January, 1865. — Mr. Rayn- bird, 27 gs. Delicacy, roan, calved July 15, 1865. — Mr. Keck, 31 gs. Pride of the Heatli, roan, calved Aug. 1, 1865. — Mr. Savidge, 77 gs. Young Phantom, white, calved Nov. 11, 1865. — Mr. Savidge, 23 gs. Garland, roan, calved Nov. 7, 1865. — Col. Loyd Lindsay, 50 gs. Snowdrop, white, calved Dec. 5, 1865. — ]\Ir. Parker, 24 gs. Bessy, white, calved in March, 1866. — Mr. Curtter, 44 gs. Duchess of Towneley, red, calved July 23, 1866. — Mr. Baxter, 85 gs. Jelly, red, calved Oct. 7, 1866. — Mr. Kimber, 35 gs. Patroness, roan, calved Jan. 26, 1867.— Mr. T. Mace, 35 gs. Lady Lavinia, red and white, calved Jan. 31, 1867. — Mr. Savidge, 75 gs. Pride of the West, red, calved Sept. 29, 1866.— Mr. Savidge, 41 gs. Gunilda, red roan, calved Oct. 3, 1867.— Mr. Scrattor, 33 gs. Nonpareil, roan, calved in November, 1867. — Mr. Curtter, 36 gs. Phoebe, red roan, calved Dec. 29, 1868. — Mr. Braggs, 22 gs. Penguin, red and white, calved Jan. 7, 1868. — Mr. Savidge, 37 gs. Rosa Niblett, red, calved Jan. 31, 1868.— Mr. Curtter, 50 gs Lady Godiva, white, calved Feb. 26, 1868. — Lord Northwick, 40 gs. Pales, red and white, calved Aug. 5, 1868. — Mr. Savidge, 33 gs. Perdita, roan, calved Aug. 26, 1868. — Mr. Savidge, 29 gs. Patti, white, calved Aug. 30, 1868.— Mr. R. Woodward, 35 gs. Genevieve, red, calved Sept. 18,1867.— Mr.Marjoribanks, 50 gs, Venus, white, calved Oct. 4, 1868.— Mr. Mace, 37 gs. Bertha, roan, calved Oct. 5, 1868. — Mr. Curtter, 40 gs. Medora, red, calved Oct. 7, 1868.— Mr. Betteridge, 24 gs. Valentina, roan, calved Oct. 22, 1868.— Mr. Scrattou, 22 gs. Pink 6th, red roan, calved in November, 1868. — Mr. J. Wood- ward, 3U gs. Magic 7th, red, calved in November, 1868. — ^Ir. R. Game, 34 gs. Rumour, white, calved Nov. 12, 1868. — llr. Braggs, 19 gs. Prince of Jamaica, roan, calved Dee. 10, 1868. — Mr. R. Woodward, 22 gs. Genius 2nd, white, calved Dec. 18, 1808. — Mr. IVtace, 18 gs. Violet, roan, calved Jan. 9, 1809. — Mr. J. Woodward, 30 gs. Passion Flower, roan, calved April 7, 1809. — Mr. R. AVood- ward, 21 gs. Nectar, roan, calved March 8, 1802. — Col. Loyd Lindsay, 30 gs. Pattern, roan, calved March 10, 1869,— ]\Ir. Marjoribanks, 40 gs. Marsala, roan, calved in March, 1809.— Mr. Mace, 20 gs. Jemima's Butterfly, roan, calved Aug. 22, 1869.— Mr. Parker, 31 gs. Nan Darrell, roan, calved Nov. 27, 1868.— ]Mr. Marjoribanks, 20 gs. BULLS. Rollo, red, calved Nov. 9, 1808 ; by A A (23253), dam (Routine) by Duke of Towneley (21015).— Mr. Allday, 27 gs. Referee, roan, calved Nov. 5, 1809 ; by Royal Butterfly 20th (25007), dam (Rose of Promise) ))y Pizarro (20497).— Duke of Marlborough, 30 gs. Ringleader, roan, calved Dec. 9, 1809 ; by Duke of Townley's Aid-de-Camp (23797), dam (Rebecca Niblett) by Cynric, (19542).— Mr. Craddock, 50 gs. SALE OF MR. CALESS' SHORTHORNS, AT BODICOTE, BANBURY, By Mr. H. Stkafford, on Wednesd.vy, Oct. 12th. The weather was exceedingly unfavourable, there beiug a continued rainfall up till twelve o'clock, which no doubt kept numbers away. Mr. Caless has been known as a Shorthorn breeder for upwards of sixteen years, and in this locality has doue much to improve the breed of cattle. Fifty years ago, the stock in this neighbourhood was principally bred from Ilerefords, Welsh, and other older breeds, but Sliorthorus have gradually taken the place of the less improved breeds ; so that now in Banbury market nine-tenths of the cattle are Shorthorns or at least Shorthorn crosses. Mr. Caless' stock was shown in useful store condition ; the older cows seemed to be in good breeding order, and a number of them showed capital milking properties. Most of the younger animals were got by Iluntsmau, who has distinguished himself in various show-yards, and they showed a good deal of style, substance, and nice hair. Amongst the cows and heifers Autumn Queen, red, calved October 12, 1860, got by 3rd Grand Duke, made 00 gs., sold to Mr. H.J. Sheldon, of Brailes, and Kathleen, red and white, calved March IS, 1808, got by Wellington, 52 gs., to Mr. Brown, Hull ; while none of the other 32 lots reached as high as 30 gs. Of the bulls. Hunts- man, roan, calved November 29, 1863, got by Dusty Miller, made 42 gs., for Mr. Bygrave, Aynhoe ; Best Boy, roan, calved November 26, 1865, got by White Chief, 37 gs., to Mr. H. J. Sheldon ; and Gladstone, red and white, calved May 9, 1867, got by Huntsman, 70 gs., to Mr. Hall, Barford ; none of the other bulls reached to 30 gs. The 34 cows and heifers made in all 792^ gs., at an average of about £24 ; and the 17 hulls 3572 gs., *t *i average of £21. THE RANBY SHORTHORN SALE.— By Mr. John Thornton. — The late Mr. D. Prime Walesby's slock of Shorthorns and sheep were brought to the hammer on Tuesday, the 27th of September. Althougli a man of good judgment and a practical farmer, he never went much out of his way to obtain flrst-class stock. His cattle were, with one exception, raised during a lifetime of fifty years, with the use of good bulls, and out of tiie 70 head only one family, the Juuos, had been bought in. Bulls from various breeders and of every variety of blood were purchased as required ; consecjuently the stock were not of that fineness and qua- lity that is often seen, nor did they command much attention out of their own district. They were brought out, considering the season, in very fair conditiou, and were large, useful, rather coarse cattle, many of them of the old yellow tinge. Each cow had a calf at foot, and the calves often excited more competition than the dams ; for instance Red Juno, sold for 27 gs., and her nine-months roan bull-calf, made the same price. The highest-priced cows made 35 to 40 gs., and some of the two-year-olJ lieifers reached also to fair figures ; while the yearlings sold pretty well, and Woodman, a two-year-old bull of Messrs. Budding's breeding realized 44 gs. The seventy head of cows, heifers, calves, and bulls averaged £25 8s. A pair of young horses fetched SO gs. ; and a flock of Lincoln sheep, which were somewhat low, fetched a few shillings over market value. The district for miles round had experienced two bad seasons, so that there was not that demand there otherwise might have been. 444 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. SALES OF SHORTHORNS, By Mr. John Thornton. MR. W. BUTLER'S HERD, AT BADMINTON, OCT. 5. Badmintoa was wrapped as it were in a winding-slieet of mist as we entered the " pretty village, dotted with neat cottages and gay flower gardens." Mr. Butler's farm, under the Duke, and adjoiningthe park, lying in the centre of it. The cattlewere grazing in the small fields at the back of the house and immense farmyard, the scanty hite was helped out with here and there a small bundle of hay. The cows, however, showed the eft'eets of good management and careful treatment from calfhood, and might be called a useful though somewhat uneven lot. Old Darlington 10th, a 45 gs. calf, purchased at Mr. Sainsbury's sale in 1856, and own sister to the celebrated 300 gs. Dar- lington 6th, was conspicuous among them by her fine charac- ter and great size ; with crumpled horns, huge cushioned rumps, and a fine quality of flesh and hair, she was as good a specimen of a Shorthorn as one often meets. Oxford Bride was also a pretty cow, and evidently of great profit, or Mr. Butler described her when in the ring " a real good 'un." The three-year-old heifers were admirable, but neither the two- year-olds nor the yearlings, save three or four, showed to very great advantage. By far the best portion of the stock were the heifer calves ; placed in a comfortable straw-yard they were certainly not only one of the prettiest but one of the best lota we ever saw, and were brought out in the height of bloom and beauty. They were mostly rich roans, fuU of long hair, even in character, and the very pink of condition. Pro- miscuous as the original selection of cows might have been, a master mind and fine management had evidently been at work, and the young stock gave promise of what might have been a very first-class stock of cows in a few years. The mist hung so thick that the Duke's circular tent was scarcely visible 30 yards off, but a tingling bell told luncheon was ready, though we were sorry to see a magnificent spread for three hundred, with scarcely two hundred to enjoy it. Tetbury mop and three local sales attracted part of what would have been a very large company, but soon after two the ring was encircled with evidently half a thousand people. Col. Kingscote pre- sided, and, alter the loyal toasts, proposed Mr. Butler's health, and alluded in touching terms to the death of his eldest son, " Tom Butler," a young man, who was not alone esteemed by his asiociates, but who had given evidence of great promise. A drag, with the young Marquis of Worcester, Col. Kingscote, aud some of the company, was drawn to the ring side, when the proceedings then commenced. Old Darlington the first lot was put in at thirty and went away quickly to fifty , then Mr. John Thompson, the Duke's agent, bid against Col. Kingscote's steward Burnett to 65 gs., and the glass ran to the astonishment of the company at an old fourteen-year-old cow selling so high. Mr. Burnett, however, got her, and several of the best lots for, as it after- wards turned out, for Mr. Pavin Davies, who has removed from Wales and taken a farm a few miles off Badminton. Some of the other cows were doubtful, and much satisfaction was ex- pressed by the company at the straightforward manner in which these particulars were announced. Oxford Bride drew bids from several quarters, and at last Mr. Lord got her for the Marquis of Lansdowne. Badminton Girl, a large fine cow with evidently a couple of quarters gone, went, as a local expressed it, to " some one who didn't want milk," but she had bred well, and Mr. Gibbon secured both her progeny at cheap prices ; they go to Westmoreland. Mr. H. Mousell bought a good cow in Unity 2ud, descended from Mr. Cottrell's stock, and the entrance of Ursula 16th and her roan bull calf made a little talk. She was a purchase at Didmarton, and many bid for her ; at last Mr. Long (for Lord Fitzhardinge) got in and bought the cow at 45 gs. ; the calf was put up at 5 gs., but some of the farmers in the neighbourhood wanted the breed, so Mr. Long was run up to 17 gs. for it. Lavender 8th was a particularly nice-formed cow with arched ribs, and closely resembled her sister Lavender 9th. They were both bought for Mr. Cruikshank, as well as their two heifer calves, and go to swell the great Sittington herd. Dar- lington 13th, a level true-made animal, rather plain in colour, was the best milker in the herd. The biddings went on lan- guidly between Mr. Burnett, Mr. Thompson, and;Mr. Pierse (who was buying fgr liis estate in California) up to a hundred, and the company cheered : " Go on again," said Mr. Pierse, " one" other which meant " five," and the glass ran ; so she leaves the country in December. He got a good companion for her in Oxford Rose, ten months younger and at half the money. The next, Darlington the 14th, a thick compact red heifer, had the cross of the Marquis of Oxford, and as the company wanted the next lot, which was out of ;lut one, she went cheap to Mr. Turner, of Lincoln- shire. The 15th had plenty of hair and a very pretty calf, and in calf again, so she went merrily along to a hundred, and more cheering when Mr. Burnett got her. A white Darling- ton 16th, sister to the 14th, was of very elegant form, and dam of a nice bull calf. She was a cheap lot to Mr . Thomp- son at 85 gs. But Darlington 17th was the lot of the sale ; of beautiful form, and full of rich roan hair, she might liave been a trifle fuller in girth and a little more feminine in the head, a fault appertaining to the tribe. Mr. Burnett and Mr. Pierse, after bids for Mr. Cochrane, fought it out to 155 gs., at which price she joined her dam; Mr. Pierse taking the next Darlington out of the 13, and a thick red heifer, destined for Col. Kingscote's Third Duke of Clarence, at 125 gs. One of the best calves out of lot 6 was fit to enter a show-yard, and Mr. Pybus takes her into Monmouth- shire cheap enough at 54 gs. Her companion. Miss Minnie 7th, goes to Canada, but Darlington 19th, a five months' calf, nearly doubled the price her grandmother made at the same age fourteen years before. Capt. Blathwayt's Lord CoUingham, a pure Bates bull of the Pidget tribe, was in great demand, and bids went well along up to 115 gs., when Mr. Siiarp took him for Lord Aylesford's herd at Packington. Count Bickerstaffe 2nd, although a nice bull, was not a promising sire, and went the way of all flesh at 40 gs. The Darlington bull sold well at 51 gs., but for the others the competition was very dull; two steers made 38 gs., and the Herd Bool, handsomely bound, 20 gs. The proceedings closed soon after four o'clock. Total, £2,831 17s. Average of 74 head, £38 5s. THE LATE MR. WILLIAM HEWERS HERD. AT SEVENHAMPTON, WILTS, OCT. 6TH. Tiie white mist never cleared off, and hung thick all through Gloucestershire, and in the " happy valley" of Sevenhampton, as the strangers drove up the day after the Badminton sale from Swindon Station. Early visitors, however, dropped in to look well over the pigs ; for the late Mr. Hewer had founded his stock reputation more by them than Shorthorns and sheep, though he had years ago shown both with success. The Berk- shires, however, had carried ail before them, and won about 116 prizes, including several firsts at the Royal. He had always been very careful to select the best-looking, and to use tlie best blood. Sir W. Throckmorton's, Mr. Edmonds', Mr. Smith's, and Mr. Withers' had all been dipped into, but lately he rarely went much from home. Although he exhibited at Oxford, the pigs were evidently not got up, and indeed many might have been fresher, but they had all fine form, good heads and backs, and were well on their legs ; a few, however, fancied they might have been longer. But they sold amazingly. The first sow, Jessie, four years old, with ten suckers at her side, went cheapest at only 16 gs. for Mr. Beattie. Witch, eighteen months old and in pig, fetched 19 gs. (Hon. C. W. Pitzwilliam), and her own sister, Waif, 17 gs. (Mr. Beattie). Four young sows, farrowed in January, out of Sister to Jessie, fetched 52 gs., and seven, five months old, out of Witch, 79^ gs. The Earl of Lisburne (2) a sow and a boar, Mr. Chas. Leney, Kent (3), Mr. J. W. Larking, Sussex (4), Mr. W. Watts (4), Lord Chesham (2), J. Beattie, Annan (6), Mr. H. C Pole Gell (2), Mr. T. Arkell (2), and Mr. H. Humfray (2) were the principal buyers. A nine-months boar fetched 21 gs. (Mr. J. W. Clark). Mr. W. Looker got one at 16 gs., seven months old, and the Rev. W. Bailey, one four months old at six guineas. The forty pigs realized £459 18s., or an average of £11 10s., which is probably the highest price that has ever yet been realized for a similar lot of Berkshires. The Shorthorns were as devoid of fashionable element as they were full of useful qualities. Bred for thirty years with the greatest care towards quality and milk, the best of bulls, generally with Booth blood, had been used. The season wag much against their appearance, as it was against people buy- ing Rud the sellers' interests ^as well, although the cows made THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 4i5 fair prices, from 20 to 38 gs. Two very fine roaus were bought to go to Scotlaud, and five useful cows to Surrey. The two- year-olds weut up to 38 gs, and the yearlings, low m con- dition, sold better ; but for the calves-a very hairy pretty lot-the demand was good, and three Epitaph <=al«,^'^v^^^' *^J!j and six months old, made 13, Hi, and 15 gs ih^eeaged bulls went at butchers' value but BothweU a two-year-oW^ and a piu-chase from Aylesby, fetched 71 gs. (^J^- ^; ^f/^^^^ The competition for the bull calves was equal to the demand for the piffs, as they sold remarkably well up o 23 and 2o gs., and the fast of all the three-months-old fetched .33 gs. from Mr H. Dunn, who bought several lots. Considering the state of condition, the bad season, and scarcity of grass, not to mention the three bad years farmers have had in the district, the sale must be taken as a good one, the eighty head making nearly £3,000, or an average of £33 6s. THIRTY DRAFTS FROM LADY PIGOT'S HERD. At Branches Pakk, Oct. 7tii. This sale took place on account of two of the farms being given up at Branches, and Messrs. Newson and Stanley, ot Bury, sold oflf first the implements and afterwards the buttolk horses, Shropshire sheep, and pigs. Tlie cattle could be called scarcely anything but drafts, though there were a few desirable lots in the catalogue, five of which belonged to Mr. J. ±sur- sess. Old Polyxena never came in, being too lame, ana Princess Patrick was the first to make anything over market price; she went to 55 gs. La Belle Helene, own sister to Lady Anne, and the winner of several premiums, was in show- vard condition, but scarcely what might be called a first-class animal. Mr. Gibson who buys for America, and Mr.Hovysat be- side each other but neither of them bid, so the fight was between Mr. Martin, of Littleport, and IMr. Angerstein, M.P., who got her at a 100 for his Norfolk estate. Lady of Branches, a very handsome two-year-old, with a beautiful bosom, made bOgs. (Mr. Angerstein, jun.) and was the only one of Mr. Bruere s stock that went to anything like an extra price ]\Ianta mi 3nd, with a good thick body but a plain head and horn, the prize calf of last year, and a 70 gs. purchase at tlie Rugl^y Sale 1868, was put up at 100 gs., and after some few bids fell to Mr. Angerstein, jun., at 160 gs. for his Ashby St. Leger s estate, Rugby. Mr. Angerstein, jun., also took Pele at /5 gs., and Imperial Rose 3rd, a handsome rich roan hairy calf, was bought for Mr. H. F. Smith, of Hull, for 56 gs The bulls must be called only a second rate lot, and two out of the dam of Lady Anne fetched respectively 27 and 31 gs None of the bulls put up for hire were let, and the thirty sold averaged nearly £40. The horses sold fairly, and some ot the sheep and pigs well. A very large company witnessed the proceedings, which were over in good time, iotal, i,i,i/a 18s. ; average of 30 head, £39 2s. 7d. THE BUTLEY ABBEY SALE. BY MR. R. BOND. Mr. Crisp died in February, 1S69. In the foUowing July some of the choicest of his breeding animals were sold by auction, the executors retaining a portion for the final sale when the farm was to be given up. This took p ace in the last week in September, and the l>280^1ots in the catalogue give some idea of the extent o. the occupation the late proprietor had in hand at the time ot his death. No little credit is due to the auctioneer tor getting through his labours in three days. On this occa- sion Mr. Robert Bond put up the first lot at the time advertised— a practice we earnestly commend to the notice of all auctioneers at all sales ; why it should ever be departed from, or for whose benefit the clauses " to a minute," " ten o'clock punctually, " one for half past," are inserted in farm sale advertise- ments we have yet to learn. The common result of all such useless notice is that the sale commences anything but punctually, and the business part of the company is kept waiting for the auctioneer iu the morning, while people leave before the sale is concluded at the end of the day. The catalogue embraced nearly 100 horses, more than lUO head of cattle, 150 breeding pigs, and 2,000 sheep, besides the usual cft'ects in dead stock, in addition to which there was an infinity of articles of machinery, scientific and practical, the like of which few have s«en collected in one man's lifetime. Such a sale was pretty sure to attract a large attendance, and on Wednesday the company must have numbered thousands — a vast por- tion of which were more likely to try the temper of the auctioneer than to inspire hopes of spirited competition. The agents of Lord Derby, Lieut.-Colonel Wilson, and a few others were there, however, to give hopes of better things, and most of the SiifFolk breeder* were personally represented ; but the knowledge that the best of the horses and cattle had been already disposed of kept many away, and hence the average prices made by the horses were nothing extraordinary. The highest priced mare was bought by Mr. Garrett— a thick-set short-legged animal, well worth what she made— 60 gs. Diamond, a four years old, said to be in foal, a daughter of ^\ olton s Warrior as fine a stamp of a cart mare as one wants to see,- was bought by Mr. Toller for 55 gs. Mr Loft who bought freely at the Newbourn Hall sale, secured Depper at 40 and Doughty at 46gs., both in foal, as well as the seven-year-old Diamond for 56g3. This was the second-prize mare at Sudbury, and the dam ot the first-prize foal at the same show, sold at this sale to Col. Wilson for 51gs. He is by the noted Cupbearer, and is likely to be seen at many a show in future, where, in the hands of his new owner, he should be a winner. Mr. Wilson, of Bayham Hall, and Mr. ]\L Sexton, of Wher- stead, were the other principal bidders. The ten best mares made an average of about £43 each. The old Cretiugham Rookery mare (13 years old), a three-years- old winner at Framlingham, and a 70gs. purchase at Mr. Barthropp's sale, made only 24gs., audher yearling filly was bouo-ht by Mr. M. Biddell for 29gs., both likely bargains. One great drawback to the sale of the mares was their being in foal to a very ordinary horse, a son of old May Duke ■ for although the foals and yearlings were by Mr. Garrett's celebrat^ed horse Cupbearer, none of the mares were covered by him. The highest priced stallion was the three-year-old'Captaiu, knocked down to Mr. Packard at 90 o-s.' A yearling Cupbearer made 44 gs., and a two- year-old something less. The Shorthorns made no more than dairy or grazing prices, but the pigs seemed in greater force than ever, especially the blacks. The highest priced white Norfolk sow fetched 20| gs., and was bought by Mr. Packard, Mr. Copeman giving 15| gs. for another, and Mr. Long bought one lot for lOi gs., mne of the best of these averaging about £10 each. Mr. Packard gave 18 guineas for the best small breed white boar, and Lord Rendlesham bought one at 8 gs., and another at a less figure. Perfection, the 18-guinea purchase, was a very good animal, though with hardly width enough about the jowl. The black sows were, it anything, better than those sold last year. The prices foi- them on Thursday were 31, 31, 19|, ^,}%l^' IJ' &c • the ten best averaging something like £17 eacli, the whole lot offered, 24 in all, making just upon £10 each The highest priced sow was bought by Mr. Bar- thropp (a commission), at 31 gs. Mr. Harding (Kent), gave 21 gs. for a 10 months sow, perhaps about the best animal offered that day, and iMr. Herman Biddell secured the fellow to her at 15i guineas. Mr. Sexton, always ready to add a real good thing to the Wherstead herd, bought one of the best at 17 guineas, as weU as the dam of Mr. Hard- ing's, Mr. Barthropp's, and Mr, Biddell's purchases, a %rmi 2i vears old bow, likely enough with a Wtier- 446 THE FAEMBR'S MAGAZINE. stead boar (o breed a similar lot. The other purchasers were Messrs. Prout, Cordy, Coleman, Westhorpe, &c. The black boars ranged from 17 gs. downwards— the highest price being given by Mr. Barthropp for Mr. Johnson ; the same buyer for some one else, another at 14igs. ; then follow Mr. Herman Biddell at 11^ gs., Mr. Coruish at 11 gs., and others at a shade less. The other buyers were Messrs. Copeman, Claxton, Duckering, Wolton, Pettitt, &c. Neither Mr. Steara nor Mr. Man- fred Biddell seemed very much iuclined for the Butley cross, although the former ran close up for the 18 gs. Perfection and the latter for one or two young pigs of the black breed. The ten best ave- raged £11 each. A herd like this is not easily bred, bought, or collected together by any means, but the large number of good animals, boars and breeding sows, scat- tered broadcast over the country, must soon make their mark in the general character of the swine of the district to which they are sent. We were glad to observe that many of 7, 8, and 1 0 guinea boars were bought by tenant farmers ; not breeders for the showyard, but by those who begin to see the value of the showyard pig for practical purposes — that is, for crossing and improving the farmer's stock who breeds for profit as well as for competition. The sheep were sold on Friday. Many years ago Mr. Crisp stood high in Southdowns. At the early meetings of the Royal Agricultural Society he took first for old and shearling rams. Since then he kept a very pure Sussex- like flock, but had not exhibited for many years previous to his death. The ewes were of a very nice character, but fetched little more than market prices. SALE OF SHORTHORNS AT KEITH- MORE, N. B. Mr. Cautlie's second annual sale of Shorthorn bull-calves and surplus cows and heifers took place at Keithmore, Duff- town, in the uplands of Banffshire. BULL CALVES. M'Mahou, red and white, calved March 10, 1870.— Mr. Tliom- snti, Tyuett, Tochabers, 23 gs. Norwood, roan, calved March 27, 1870.— Mr. M'Lennan, Meikle Urchany, Nairnshire, 2G gs. Crown Prince, red, calved January 24, 1870. — Mr. Edwards, Birchlield, 24 gs. Bazaiue, roan, calved March 16, 1870.— Mr. M'Lennan, 20 gs. Bismarck, roan, calved February 23, 1870. — Mr. Bruce, Burn- side, 21 gs. ONE-YEAR-OLD HEIFERS. Prize Rose II., calved July 5, 1869. — Mr, Simpson, Cluny- more, 18 gs. Rosebud, red, calved June 5, 1869. — Mr. Garland, Cowbythe, Portsoy, l7 gs. TWO-YEAR-OLD HEIFERS. Rosie, roan, calved April 4., 1868.— Mr. M'Lennan, 30 gs. Clara, Ted, calved April 26, 1868.— Mr. Wilson, Auchiudachy, Keith, 26 gs. Dowry HI., red, calved March 16, 1868.- Mr. Allan, Grura- mondlach, Ross-shire, 26 gs. COWS. Tibby, roan, calved January 13, 1866. — Mr. Allan, 21 gs, Daisy, red and white, calved Marcli 21, 1866.— Mr. Allan, 26 gs. Premium V., calved April 28, 1861.- Mr. Grant, Pans, Elgin, 22 gs. Jessie, red and white, calved March 1, 1861. — Mr. Dawson, Cairnie, 20 gs. HEIFER CALVES. Jeanie Deans, roau, calved March 22, 1870, — Mr^ Gordon, Tullochallum, 17^ (?s, Eugenie, roan, calved January 12, 1870. — Mr. Allan, 22 gs. Mavis, roan, calved February 26, 1870. — Mr. Bruce, 21 gs. Dolly, red, calved April 20, 1870.— Mr. M' William, Stonyton, 16^ gs. Premium IV., roan, calved April 28, 1870. — Mr. Stewart, Newton, Rothes, 12^ gs. POLLED BULL. Tommy Dodd, calved May 6, 1870.— Mr, M'Donald, Shenvil, Cabrach, 15 gs. SHEEP SALES AND LETTINGS KILHAM ANNUAL SALE OF SHEEP.— The stock brought forward consisted of about 2,200 ewes, gimmers, and dinmonts from the farms of Kilham, Miudrum, West Newton, and Yeavering. The sale commenced shortly after two o'clock with the Kilham half-bred ewes. The following were the averages : 1870. 1869. Kilham half-bred ewes 45s. Od. 38s. 8id. Mindrum Leicester ewes 46s. lOd. 41s. 9id. Yeavering half-bred ewes 44s. Od. 38s. 72d. West Newton half-bred ewes 44s. 6d. — Yeavering Cheviot ewes 27s. lOd. 25s. 2^d. Kilham half-bred gimmers 38s. lid. 36s. Od. Mindrum three-parts-bred gimmers 473. 72d. 41s. 5d. Mindrum Leicester gimmers 45s. Od. 42s. 6d. Yeavering & West New^n h.-b. gimmers 37s. lOd. — Kilham half-bred dinmonts 48s. 4d. 57s. Od. Yeavering & West Ne\*touh.b. dinmonts 43s. 3d. 42s. Od. The ewes sold at about 6s. 6d. a head above the prices ob- tained last year, and the other kinds from 2s. 6d. to 3s. above last year. The total sum realised was £5,100 6s. 6d. THE WESTDEAN SOUTHDOWNS.— This flock, the property of Mr. C. Waters, who is about to quit West- dean Farm, was sold by auction by Mr. S. Southerdeu. The flock was bred from ewes selected from the flocks of J. Pitcher, R. Woodman, T. Saxby, T. Cooper, J. S. Turner, and W. P. Ashby ; crossed by rams bred by the late J. Webb, and have since been crossed by rams from the flocks of W. Rigden, Messrs. Heasman, R. Boys, and the late J. Waters. The severity of the summer had not been without its effect upon the condition of the sheep, especially the older classes. Full- mouthed ewes : Four lots of five were severally sold to Mr. P. H. Ellis, Clayton Court, at 45s., and to Mr. Tickner, Bore- ham-street, at 43s. (three lots). Thirteen lots of ten were sold to Mr. R. Brown, Allington, at 42s. 6d. and 39s. ; Mr. Paige, Ringmer, 36s. to 38s. 6d. ; Mr. Pastou, Willingdon, 37s. to 40s. ; Mr. P. H. Ellis, 38s. 6a. ; Mr. Caffyn, Cuckfield, 37s. ; Mr. T. Bannister, Hayward's Heath, 37s. 6d. ; and Mr. Hobts, Newhaven, 37s. Two lots of twenty were bought by Mr. Matthews, Ranscombe, at 37s., and Mr. W. Bannister, Lind- field, at 35s. 6d. Six-tooth ewes : Four lots of five were severally sold to Mr. Heasman, Angmering, at 45s. (two lots) ; to Mr. Ticker, at 43s. ; and Mr. W. Bannister at 42s. Seven- teen lots of ten were sold to Mr. W. Bannister at 37s. to 40s. ; to Mr. R. Brown, Allington, at 37s. to 44s. ; Mr. R. Breton, Westham, at 39s. ; Mr. Hobbs, Newhaven, 37s. and 398. : Mr, J. Homewood 36s. ; and Mr. Paxton 35s. 6d. Four- tooth ewes : The four lots of five were sold to Mr. E. Cane, Berwick, at 60s. ; to Mr, W. Rigden, Hove (who bought for Mr. Perkins, of Thripton, Cambridgeshire), at 45s. and 48s. and to Mr. Groom at 46s. Seventeen lots of ten were severally sold to Mr. Humphrey, Ashington, at 52s. ; Mr. Rigden (for Mr. Perkins), at 41s. ; Mr. J. Homewood at 40s. and 45s. : Mr. G. Hudson at 43s. to 48s. ; Mr. W. Bannister at 42s. 6d, to 45s. ; Mr. T. Cooper, Norton, 46s. ; Mr. J. Kent, Southease, 46s.; Mr. Brown, Allington, 43s. ; and Mr. Hobbs 40s. Two- tooth ewes : The four lots of five were sold to Mr, J. Saxby, Northease, at 66s. (two lots) ; Mr. E. Cane, Berwick, at 65s. ; and Mr. T. Sasoy, Firle, at 63s. Twenty lots of ten were pur- chased by Mr. R. Evans at 43s. and 54s. ; Mr. Brown, Alling- ton, at 47s. to 59s. ; Mr. W. P. Ashby, Eastdean, 52s. 6d. to 65s. ; Mr. J. Filder, Jevington, 48s. and 50s. ; Mr. W. Bannister, 48s. to 51s. ; Mr. J. Saxby 53s. ; Mr. Rigden ((or Mr. Perkins) 52s. ; Mr. Graysmark (for Mrs. M. Marshall, Godalraing) 51s. ; and Mr, Groom, Folkington, 47s. Stock- THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 447 ewe lambs : Four lots of five to Mr. E. Cane at 403. ; Mr. J. Saxby 30s. aud 32s.; and Mr. J. Filder 31s. Ten lots often to Mr. Cooper, Eastbourne, at 2Js. to 27s. ; IMr. II. Waters, Essex, 26s. and 30s. ; Mr. W. Saxby, Rottiugdcaii, 27s. ; Mr. E. Noakes, Rodmell, 32s.; and Mr. R. Woodman 28s. Five lots of twenty were sold to Mr. R. Brown at 2(!s. and 27s. ; Mr. Cooper 26s. ; and Mr. G. Hodson 25s. Rams : Six- tooth rara, sire bred by Mr. Ileasraan, 7 gs., Mr. B. Waters, Motcombe ; ditto, 5^ gs., Mr. Hodson ; ditto, 30 gs., Mr. Waters; ditto, sire Mr. J. Waters's rara, h. c. at Plymouth, 11 gs.. Mr. Hodson ; ditto, £G, Mr. Cooper ; ditto, 5 gs., Mr. Cooper. Four-tooth rara, bred by Mr. Ashby, 4J gs., Mr. Hodson. Two-tooth rara, sire a Boys's ram, £4 10s., the Earl of Haddington ; ditto, £4 14s. 6d., Mr. Hobbs, Newhaven ; ditto, £7, the Earl of Haddington. Ram lambs : These pos- sess blood from the floek of J. Webb, W. P. Ashby, and J. Waters, and were sold at the following prices — Mr. G. Hodson ^ gs. to 17 gs. ; Mrs. Marshall, Godalming, 6 gs. and 7 gs. ; Mr. J. Gorringe, Eastbourne, 15 gs. for eight ; Mr. Mockett, Crowlink, two at 5 gs. each ; Mr. J, Filder 5 gs. and 6 gs. ; and Mr. II. Waters l.V gs. THE LATE MR. LONG'S HAMPSHIRE DOWN FLOCK, at Overton, Marlbrough, by Mr. Marsh. The flock consisted of 2,000 ewes and chilver lambs. The two- teeth ewes were sold in lots of twenty, and the highest price obtained was 41s. a head, the lowest 27s. Several lots made 40s., 36s., 35s. 6d., 35s., and 34s. a head. The four- teeth ewes ranged from 43s. (at which two lots were sold) to 31s. Some of tlie intermediate lots realized 42s., 41s. 6d., 40s., and 38s. 6d. a head. The highest price for six-teeth ewes was 50s., the lowest 28s. ; other lots were knocked down at 45s., 43s., 42s. 6d., 41s., 40s. 6d., 39s., and 37s. 6d. a head. The chilver lambs, which were small, ranged from 2()s. to 15s. 6d. a head. The dead stock, oxen, horses, aud hay were sold on Wednesday. The cart-horses particularly fetched good prices, realising respectively 42g-s., 40gs., 39gs., 38gs., 37gs., the average being just upon 30gs. The working oxen averaged £41 10s. per pair, the highest price being £48. SALE OF HAMPSHIRE DOWNS.— Messrs. Ewer and Winstanley sold by auction, on the premises at Bishopsdown Farm, 700 ewes and lambs, and seven rams, the property of Messrs. Holloway, who are quitting the farm. The whole of the sheep were of the Improved Hampshire Down breed, and were descended from the stock of Mr. Rawlence, Mr. Dibben, the late Mr. Waters, of Stratford, and other eminent breeders. The sale was attended by a very large number of the agricul- turists of the district. 177 chilver lambs realized prices vary- ing from 27s. per head down to 20s. Tlie four-teeth ewes were sold at prices ranging from 38s. 6d. to 29s. 6d. ; the six- teeth ewes sold at 37s. 6d. to 32s. ; the full-mouth ewes ranged from 33s. 6d. to 27s. ; the two-teeth rams at from 50s. to 42s. THE CORSKIE LEICESTERS.— A displenish sale of the whole flock of sheep, the property of Mr. John Hannay, Corskie Bank, Baufi', took place on the farm at Corskie. The stock included 70 ewes, 55 ewe lambs, 37 gimmers, 32 shear- ling tups, 3 two-year-old tups, and 45 tup lambs. The average price of 34 shearling rams was £4 3s. 6d., the highest price being £11. The tup lambs averaged £2 3s. 4d., tlie highest price being £6. The ewes averaged £3 5s. 9d., the highest price was £7 10s. The ewe lambs averaged £2 9s. 2d., the highest price was £3 17s. 6d. MESSRS. SYMES' HAMPSHIRE DOWN FLOCK.— This flock, the property of Messrs. J. and G. Syraes, who are about to leave St. Giles' Farm, Cranborue, was sold on Oct. 8th. It comprised about 1,800 ewes and lambs. Mr. J. Waters, of Salisbury, was entrusted with the sale. The first of 28 lots of chilver lambs were turned into the ring. The highest price realized was 36s. ; the lowest 16s. a-head, the average being about 26s. Tlie wether lambs averaged 2l3., and the two-teeth ewes about 333. a-head. The highest price was 48s., and the lowest 29s. The four-teeth ewes ranged from 43s. to 34s., the average being about 38s. a-head. Sis- teeth ewes sold at from 44s. to 39s. a-head, and made an average of about 403. 6d. One lot of full-mouthed ewes sold at 45s. ; the others realized 40s. and 39s. a-head, the average being 40s. Cull ewes and wethers averaged 40s. Average of all the ewes, 38s. One lot of dry cull ewes made 46s. a-head : others 4l3. and 40s. The ram lambs fetched about 3 guineas a pair ; and one ram made £5 10s. RAM SALES AT BARTON FAIR.— A large number of rams were ofi'ered for sale by auction. Messrs. Moore and Hill, of Cirencester, sold nine shearlings, bred by Mr. Fowler, of Aston Farm, at an average of £7 Is. 5d., aud some bred by Mr. T. Clarke at an average of £5 15s. 6d. Mr. J. Villar sold Cotswold rams from the flocks of the following breeders and at the subjoined average prices : Mr. E. Handy, Sierford, £7 9s. ; Mr. 6. Fletcher, Shipton, £7 ; Mr. W. H. Fletcher, Shipton, £G 12s. ; Mr. T. B. Browne, Salperton, £7 Is. ; Mr. W. Smith, Bibury, £7 10s. ; Mr. W. Jones, Pegglesworth, £6 8s. 6d. ; ]Mr. J. Huraphris, Hawling, £4 14s. 6d.; and Mr. H. Cole, Ashbrook, £6 6s. ; also Oxford Do^^'ns from the flock of Mr. C. Hobbs, Maiseyhamptou, £0 10s., and from Mr. G. Wallis, Bampton, £9 2s.; 'and Shropshire Downs from the flock of Lord Sudeley, £5 15s. 6d. PERTH ANNUAL SALE AND SHOW OF RAMS took place on Wednesday, Sept. 28. The stock comprised 360 Leicester shearling rams, 13 Cotswold and Shropshire down rams, 40 Leicester tup lambs, 40 blackfuced rams and tup lambs, and 270 Leicester ewes, gimmers, and ewe lambs. The Leicesters were from the principal breeders in the counties of Perth, Forfar, Kincardine, aud Kinross. The following are the average prices made for the principal lots, viz. : — Mr. Taylor, Redcastle,£5 Os. 6d. ; Mr. Halley, Dornock, £3 19s. ; Earl of Dalhousie, £6 15s. ; Mr. Rae, Haddo, £4 lis. 3d. ; Mr. Cowie, Balhousie, £6 19s. 4d. ; Mr. Johnston, Cairnbeg, £5 5s. lOd. ; Mr. Fenwick, Leadkeltie, £3 Is. 2d.; Mr. J. Maxton Grahame, of Redgortou, £5 Is. 5d. ; Mr. Muirhead, Durdie, £3 16s. Id. ; Mr. Flockhart, Annocroich, ^3 8s. 6d. ; Mr. Lyall, Old Montrose, £5 12s.; Messrs. M'Glashan, Clevage, £2 lis. 3d. ; Mr. Hart, Kirklands, £3 7s. 7d. ; Mr. Ruxton, Farnell, £6 14s. ; Mr. Wedderspoon, Masterfield, £6 12s. 6d.; Mr. Goodlet, Bolsliara, £3 13s.; Mr. Smith, Balmain, £3 10s. ; Mr. Baptie, Hardwoodburn, £3 8s. ; Mr. Fergusson, Kinnochtey, £5 10s. 5d. ; Mr. Gold, Murthly Home Farm, £4 3s. 7d. ; Mr Somverville, Carey, £3 17s. ; Mr. Bell, Glentarkie^ £3 3s. 6d. ; Mr. Gardiner, Chapelbauk, £4 ; Mr. Whyte, Muirhead, £3 17s. 6d. Leicester ewes and gim- mers—Mr. Whyte, Muirhead, £3 Os. 4d. ; Mr. Rae, Haddo, £3 4s, ; Mr. Gorrie, lunerdunning, £2 Is. 2d. ; Mr. Lyall, Old Montrose, £2 7s. ; Mr. Gold, Murthly, £2 10s. 9d. ; Mr. Taylor, Redcastle, £2 4s. 6d. ; Mr. J. M. Grahame, Redgorton, £3 4s. 10s. ; Mr. Buist, ^Ormiston, £3 8s. ; Mr. Gardiner, Chapelbank, £3 3s. 3d. ; Mr. Fenwick, Leadkelty, £1 18s. 6d. Blaekfaced rams— Mr. Archibald, Overshiels, £3 2s. Id. ; Mr. Williamson, Lawers, £4 2s. 6d. SALE OF FAT STOCK.— The cattle fed in the Home Park, Hampton Court, the property of her Majesty the Queen, were sold by auction by Mr. Cowles, acting uuder the instructions of Colonel Maude. There were 81 beasts, polled and horned Scots. They realised £1,829, an average of £33 lis. each. LAUDERDALE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.— The annual show of rams in connection with the above society was held at Lauder. A large show of ewes and rams, all of which were bred upon farms in the county of Ber- wick. The judges were Mr. Todd, Cardonna ; Mr. Stephenson, Mid-Lothian ; and Mr. White, Hullon Knowe. The following were the awards : Leicester ram above one shear, G. Wight, Carfrae ; Leicester shearling rara, J. Ruiicimau, Wantonwallis ; two Leicester ewes, T. Simsou, Blainslie ; two Leicester ewe lambs, T. Simson ; five half-bred ewes, G. J. Renwick, Corsbie ; five half-bred ewe lambs, H. Hogg, Symington ; two Cheviot rams above one shear, R. Durie, Broadshawrig ; two Cheviot shearling rams, — Archibald, Glengalt ; five Cheviot ewes — Archibald ; five Cheviot ewe lambs, H. Hogg ; two black- faced rams above one shear, J. Graham, Clints ; two black- faced shearlings, J. Graham ; five blaekfaced ewes, — Archi- bald, Overshiels ; five blaekfaced ewe lambs, G. M'Dongall, Blytlie. The usual sale of raras took place, Mr. Davidson, Melrose, acting as auctioneer. The following is a list of the sales : Mr. Simson, Blainslie, eleven, highest £7 2s. 6d., ave- rage £5 19s. ; Mr. Bertram, Addenstone, seven, highest £5 17s. 6d., average £5 2s. ; Mr. Smith, Leaderfoot, four, highest £4 15s., average £4 lis. 6d. ; Mr. Dickieson, Maidenhall, sixteen, highest £7 23. 6d., average £5 ISs, 9d, H H 448 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. SALE OF MR. FAWOETT'S SHORTHORNS, AT SCALEBY CASTLE, ON OCTOBER 20th. BY MR. JOHN THORNTON. This sale of about fifty head, from Mr. Fawcett's herd, was to have taken place two days before Mr. Saunders' sale at Nunwich, last month, but an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease caused the sale to be postponed. This not only re- duced the card item of the stock, but also deterred many from buying. A certificate of health was given by the local vete- rinary inspector ; but a wet day kept many away, still the ring was well filled, and Col. Graham was very happy iu the chair at the lunch, which took place in the large nursery of the old castle. Mr. T. Gibbons was judge of the sale. Most of the cows ranged from 20 gs. to 30 gs. ; some of the animals had, however, not held, and others were slightly doubtful, so that there was a general combination of mishaps. Balcony, a six-year-old cow of the Certainty tribe, went cheap to Mr. J. Thom at 32 gs., and her bull calf, a fine hairy roan, was bought for Mr. Williamson at 30 gs. Elvira 12th, five years old, fetched 41 gs. (Dalton), and Arch- duchess 3rd, four years old, not yet calved, made but 34 gs. Mr. Fair bought a very cheap cow in Paulina at 29 gs., and her heifer, a roan yearling, 46 gs., by Royal Duke, went to Mr. Gray for Mr. Rrocklebank, who bought several ; Col. Graham and Mr. Binning Home were also buyers. Royal Duke (25015) was reserved at 100 gs., and the fine bull Emperor Maximilian, exhibited unsuccessfully at the Royal, made only 47 gs. (Mr. Burdon). Tlie bulls, rather low in condition, went very cheap, and altogether the 48 head averaged nearly £25. Five bulls, bred by Lord Kenlys, were included in the sale : these sold better, averaging £37 7s. 6d., the highest price being 65 gs. (Fair) for Valiant Oxford, a young bull of much promise ; and Oxford Lad, from Mr. Maynard's stock, went for 36 gs. to Mr. J. Mattinson. The proceedings were over early in the afternoon. MR. SHELDON'S SHORTHORN BULLS, At WESTON, on October 18th. BY MR. STRAITORD. Wharfdale Darlington, white, calved September 6, 1869 ; by 3rd Dake of Wharfdale (21619), out of Darlington 12th by Duke of Geneva (19614).— J. J. Stone, 27/. 6.y. Puck, red and white, calved September 13, 1869 ; by Duke of Brailes (23724), out of Harebell by 4th Duke of Thorndale (17750).— Benson, Foxcotte, 42/. Sabinus, red, calved October 7, 1869; by Earl of Warwick- shire (26079), out of Giulia by Duke of Darlington (21586). — Bliss, Edgcorabe, 47/. 5*. Earl of Warwickshire 3rd, roan, calved November 4, 1869 ; by Duke of Brailes (23724), out of Lady Emily 2nd by 7th Duke of York (17754).— G. Game, Churchill Heath, 70/. 7*. Lord Hastings, red, calved November 17, 1869 ; by Earl of Warwickshire (26079), out of Lady Elizabeth by Duke of Darlington (21586).— C. Hobbs, 50/. 8*. Bismarck, red, calved January 3, 1870 ; by Earl of Warwick- shire (26079), out of Woman in Red by Duke of Darlington (21586).— Lathern, 27/. 6*. The six bulls made £264 12s., at an average of £44 2s. SALE OF BULL-CALVES FROM THE BALLYWALTER HERD. Messrs. Marsh, of Cork, oifered for sale, at Ballywalter, Ireland, fourteen bull-calves of the herd of Mr. Richard Welsted, at Ballywalter, when the following excellent prices were realised. Golden Prince, roan, calved Jan. 2, 1870, by Prince Christian (22581).— Mr. Newman, Grouse Lodge, Co. Limerick, 45 gs. Prince Leopold, white, calved Jan, 9, 1870, by Prince Chris- tian (22581).— Lord Carbery, Castle Freke, 35 gs. Priuce Charlie, white, calved Jan. 13, 1870, by Prince Chris- tian (22581).— Mr. Gash, Bandon, 25 gs. Piittce of the Realm, red mi white, calved Teb. 13, 1870, by Prince Christian (22581).— Mr. David Taylor, Portanan, Co. Limerick, 48 gs. Prince George, roan, calved Feb. 14, 1870, by Prince Chris- tian (22581). — Mr. Ahem, Blarney, 41 gs. Prince Royal, red and white, calved Feb. 24, 1870, by Prince Christian(22581).— Mr. Meade, Ardagh, Co .Limerick, 30gs. Lord of the Manor, red, calved March 5, 1870, by Uncle Ned (19026).— Mr. Cooke, Ballyneal, Co. Kilkenny, 54 gs. Uncle Sam, red and white, calved March 15, 1870, by Uncle Ned (19026).— Mr. Lloyd, Straneally Castle, Co. Water- ford, 20 gs. Fosco, red, calved March 21, 1870, by Uncle Ned (19026).— Mr. Murray, Ballystin, Co. Limerick, 38 gs. Falstaff, red and white, calved March 27, 1870, by Sir Egbert (27468).— Mr. Lealiy, 17 gs. Protector, red and white, calved April 10, 1870, by Sir Egbert (27468).— Mr. Gash, Bandon, 29 gs. Symmetry, red, calved April 19, 1870, by Sir Egbert (27468). —Mr. T. Sullivan, 33 gs. Defender, red and white, calved April 21, 1870, by Sir Egbert (27468).— Mr. D. Driscol, Clogheen, Cork, 21 gs. Lord Spencer, red, calved April 30, 1870, by Sir Egbert (27468). — Capt. Bowen, Bowenscourt, 21 gs. GREAT CHEESE SHOW AT KILMAR- NOCK. The sixteenth annual exhibition held under the auspices of the Ayrshire Agricultural Association, took place last month. Sweet milk cheese, made according to any method (the weight of each lot not being under 1 cwt.). — First prize, John Gardiner, Baldoon, Wigtownshire ; second, the Duke of Buccleuch ; third, R. Stevenson, HiUhouse, Riccarton ; fourth, A. Mitchell, Moorhouse, Loudoun ; fifth, G. Mackerrow, Airieland, Castle-Douglas ; sixth, R. Drummond, Pocknave, Craigie ; seventh, J. Drummond, Camsiscan, Craigie ; eighth, W. Lindsay, Killoch, Mauchline ; ninth, J. Galloway, dairy- man, Clendrie Inch, by Stranraer ; tenth, J. Gibson, Stoney- kirk, by Stranraer ; eleventh, J. Lindsay, Lane, Stair ; twelfth, W. Harcomb, High Ardwell, Stoneykirk. Sweet milk cheese made according to the Cheddar method (the weight of each lot not being'under 1 cwt.). — First prize, J. Clark, Kilfillan, Old Luce, by Glenluce; second, W. Har- comb, High Ardwell, Stoneykirk, by Stranraer. Two cheese, each cheese not being less than 3011)s. in weight, made strictly according to the Dunlop method. — First prize, H. Wilson, Auchengelsie, Cumnock ; second, J. Henderson, Kelloside, Kirkconnell ; third, W. Sharp, Dallannah, New Cumnock ; fourth, G. Dunlop, Warwickland, Fenwick ; fifth, S. Wallace, Auchenbrack, Thornhill. Loaf cheese (Cheddar or any other imitation English) — each lot not being under one-half cwt., and each cheese not exceed- ing 121bs. — First prize, R. Drummond, Pocknave, Craigie ; second, J. M'Camen, Barnhill, Kirkcolm, by Stranraer ; third, Nisbet, Gameshill, Dunlop. Uncoloured cheese, made according to any method (the weight of each lot not being under 1 cwt.). — First prize, D. Blackburn, Calscadden, by Garlieston ; second, D. Sayers, Old Luce ; third, J. Drummond, Camsiscan, Craigie. Uncoloured loaf cheese, made according to the Cheddar method (each lot not being under 1 half-cwt., and each cheese not exceeding 121b.). — First prize, D. Blackburn ; second, W. Harcomb, High Ardwell, Stoneykirk, by Stranraer ; third, D. G. Williamson, Bomby, Kirkcudbright ; fourth, J. Nisbet, Gameshill, Dunlop. Lot of cheese (not under 1 cwt.), made according to the Cheddar method. — First prize, G. M'Kerrow, Airieland, Castle- Douglas ; second, J. Hannah, Inshanks, Kirkmaiden, by Stran- raer ; third, J. Drummond ; fourth, J . Currie, Borland, Borgue, Kirkcudbright. Sweet milk cheese, made according to any method (the weight of each lot not being under 1 cwt.). — First prize, R. Drummond, Pocknave, Craigie ; second, A. Allan, Munnoch, Dairy; third, A. Duulop, North Turnberry, Kirkoswald ; fourth, R. Stevenson, Gillraill, Stewarton ; fifth, R. Stevenson, Hillhouse, Riccarton ; sixth, J. Nisbet ; seventh, W. Lindsay, Killoch, Mauchline ; eighth, R. Torrance, Bumfoot, Loudoun ; ninth, R. Dunlop, Altoa, Kilmaurs ; tenth, J. Howie, Bog- head, Tarbolton, THE FAEMEE'S MAGAZINE. 449 AGRICULTURAL REPORTS. GENERAL AGRICULTURAL REVIEW FOR OCTOBER. Although the transactions in the wheat trade at the open- incf of the market were on a limited scale, considerable firm- ness has been apparent in prices, and, as we write, a decided tendency in tlie upward direction prevails. Very exceptional circumst:uices have influenced the trade, which have prevented the ordinary run of supply and demand from altogether con- trolling tlie market. The condition of France, and the pro- bability of an extensive demand on French account as soon as the war is brought to a close has induced factors, to hold with firmness, and has caused millers to somewhat hastily replenish their stocks, which have, for a long time past, stood at a low ebb. The present agricultural condition of the north and north-east of France is something appalling. Not only have the crops been consumed, and the stock carried off, but the implements have been destroyed, and there is not enough grain left for seed for the present sowing. The only way to remedy tlie waste and destruction wliich have accompanied the war, will be by extensive shipments from this side, and factors have accordingly been amply justified in demanding advanced prices. The improvement which has taken place in values is about 4s. per qr. on the month, and at this enhancement a steady business has been concluded. The weather has been somewhat variable. At the com- mencement of the month rain was much wanted to loosen the stiff clays, which refused to answer to the ordinary action of the plough. Recently, however, much moisture has fallen, and the ponds and streams which had become dried up in con- sequence of the droughty nature of the past season, again present their usual appearance. Autumnal preparations have made rapid progress, and potato-lifting is now a' most com- pleted. Fanners have thrashed out wheat liberally, and their deliveries have been large ; but recently more attention has been given to barley, which has paid better than wheat in con- sequence of its being relatively higher in value. Many cir- cumstances liave conspired to induce the belief that we shall see high prices for wheat for some time to come. The winter season is now near at hand when there is an increased con- sumption of breadstuffs, particularly when the price of meat promises to rule high, while the close of the navigation both iu the Baltic and Black Seas will prevent any considerable additions to the quantity of produce afloat. This, however, is still large for the time of year, and the report of advanced prices here will have the effect of stimulating shipments from America before the canals are closed. These facts, coupled with the certain demand we shall soon experience from France, amply justify the somewhat unexpected movement which has taken place in prices, considerable as it is. Barley was in scanty supply early in the month, but latterly has come forward freely ; the quality of the samples has been inferior. Tliere is little good malting barley to be had, and the value of most samples shows a decline of Is. per qr. on the month. Grinding and distiiUng samples, however, have maintained late rates. Malt has ruled dull at norainally unal- tered currencies. There have been large arrivals of maize, but owing to the increasing demand values have been sustained. It is estimated that there are about half a million quarters of maize afloat from the South of Europe ; but a firm trade is anticipated, as it is believed that the scarcity of cattle food will cause a steady demand throughout the winter. The price of oats has fluctuated considerably, but the quotations show no material change at the close as compared with those current at the opening of the raoutli. Beans and peas have been scarce, and have commanded very full prices. The worst feature in the agricultural world is the condition of the root crops. Turnips especially are very bad, being much blighted. Potatoes are not good, while the absence of rain has materially affected most other crops. As the grass has failed this year, this is a consideration of vital importance to our graziers, the prospect before whom is far from encouraging, Fortunately, the season has so far been a mild one, and the cattle have been well able to keep out in the fleldi up to this time. New liops have come forwards freely, and the condition of the samples has been very excellent. As much as 17 cwts. per acre lias been secured on favoured lands, while tlie return generally is far above the average. A good trade has been passing in home-growths, while foreign produce has been quite neglected. The wool trade has ruled quiet but firm. Choice English lustres have commanded steady prices, but common descriptions iiave been neglected. Large public sales of colonial produce commenced on the 27th October. REVIEW OF THE CATTLE TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. The feature of the cattle trade has been the stoppage of the French and German beasts at the waterside, owing to the prevalence of disease amongst the arrivals from those countries, and only Spanish and Dutch beasts are now allowed to pass the barriers. Owing to this circumstance, the actual supplies exhibited at the Metropolitan market have shown a marked falling-off. Tlie arrivals from our own grazing districts have been about an average, and they have included some prime animals, whilst the Scotch beasts have come to hand in excellent condition. It must be remembered that even throughout the severe drought pasturage was plentiful in the north, and therefore Scotch graziers suffered less from the deterioration of their stock. The late rains have also con- siderably improved the appearance of the meadow lands in the southern part of the kingdom, and cattle can now obtain a fair feed. As regards trade, there has been a continuance of firmness. Prime breeds have been in request, and have com- manded full quotations, viz., 6s. per 81bs.; other qualities, however, have been quiet. With sheep the market has been moderately supplied, and the quality has been rather improved. On the whole, the trade has been steady, and the value of the best Downs and half-breds has risen to 5s. lOd. to 6s. per Slbs. Calves have been scarce and dearer ; but pigs have changed hands slowly. The total imports of foreign stock into London during the past month have been as follows : '^ Head. Beasts 16,598 Sheep 4.2,584, Calves 3,035 Pigs 3,370 Comparison of Imports. Oct. Beasts. Sheep Calves. Pigs. 1869 11,496 28,253 2,365 1,902 1868 12,744 17,891 962 1,948 1867 13,061 29,265 957 2,911 1866 15,876 30,108 1,378 4,859 1865 .... 15,341 69,611 1,952 9,135 1864 ... . 16,074 38,715 3,339 5,537 1863 11,560 37,531 1,129 2,965 1862 . 7,906 28,109 1,337 1,600 1861 .... 5,577 42,538 1,207 5,315 1860 6,760 24,980 1,662 2,07 1. 1859 6,026 24,323 784 878 1858 .. .. 4,600 24,145 1,581 553 1857 5,819 24,102 1,998 1,233 1856 8,871 10,503 1,980 895 The arrivals of bullocks from our own grazing districts, a? well as from Scotland and Ireland, thus compare with th§ 1 three previous years : fJ 9 ? 450 THE TARMER'S MAGAZINE. Oct., Oct., Oct., Oct., rrom— 1870. 186!). 1868. 1867. Liiicolushire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire 8,690 9,250 11,160 7,340 Other parts of England 2,200 1,637 1,790 2,800 Scotland 625 32 267 7 Ireland 1,300 1,400 1,110 1,820 The total supplies of stock exhibited and disposed of during the month, have been as under : Head. Beasts 23,290 Sheep 130,820 Calves 3,955 Pigs 1,995 Comparison of Supplies. Oct. Beasts. Sheep Calves. Pigs. 1869 23,840 86,930 2,375 830 1868 26,562 109,160 1,446 1,380 1867 28,340 103,870 1,129 2,865 1866 27,600 99,200 1,666 4,340 1865 30,210 157,840 2,932 2,478 1864 33,840 137,424 2,671 3,820 1863 30.512 110,800 2,029 3,439 1862 28,975 118,780 1,855 3,286 1861 28,220 121,390 1,626 3,650 1860 26,240 128,250 2,289 2,620 Beasts have sold at from 3s. 8d. to 6s ., sheep 3s. 6d. to 6s., calves 33 6d. to 5s lOd., and pigs 4s 4d. to 6s. 2d. per Slbs. to sink the offal. CoMPAKisoN or Price 5. Oct., 1869. Oct., 1868. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Beef from 3 2 to 5 8 3 2 to 5 4 Mutton 3 4 to 5 10 3 2 to 5 4 Veal 4 0 to 6 0 3 6 to 5 4 Pork ... 4 4 to 6 2 3 4 to 4 4 Oct., 1867. Oct., 1866. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Beef from 3 2 to 5 0 3 6 to 5 4 Mutton 3 2 to 4 10 3 8 to 6 4 Veal ... 4 2 to 5 4 4 2 to 5 6 Pork ... 3 4 to 4 3 4 0 to 5 2 The dead meat markets have been well supplied. The business doing has not been extensive ; but prices have ruled firm. Beef from 3s. 4d. to 5s. 2d., mutton 3s. 4d. to 5s. 4d., veal 4s. 8d. to 5s., and pork 3s. 8d. to 5s. 8d. per 81bs. by the carcase. ISLE OF ELY. The early harvest and the subsequent fine weather have enabled farmers to accomplish their autumn tillages most sa- tisfactorily, and very seldom has there been so much of this sort of work done as this year. Autumn cleaning becomes year by year increasingly essential, in consequence of the much larger acreage of crops sown in the early spring. But this work has now given place to wheat-seeding. The long con- tinuance of dry weather kept the land in an unfit state to receive the seed, and it is only during the last ten days, since rains have fallen, that we have had a good seed-bed. Sowing is being rapidly proceeded with now, and in a very short time the bulk of the crop will be in the ground. The harvest is proving very much what we represented it in our report in July. Where there was a full plant of wheat the yield is good, above an average ; but where the plant was thin and irregular it is affording a deficient yield ; and we still question whether the whole Pen country will much exeeed an average crop. We are inclined, from the information and knowledge we have acquired, to place it at just about an average, or 4j qrs. per acre. Potatoes are a heavy crop, but have lately shown symptoms of disease to a considerable extent on many lands, especially where the subsoil is of a wet nature. Mangels are a good crop, are ripe and being taken up, and will be found very valuable during the winter months. Coleseeds are generally not good, having suffered from mildew, fly, and drought. Meat continues dear, and without any appearance of an early change to lower prices. The corn trade is slightly improving, and we shall not be surprised if the low range of prices experienced since harvest should be shortly followed by one higher and more remunerativei— Oct. 20. THE NORTH RIDING OF YORKSHIRE. A change of weather took place here on the 8th inst., since when we have had a rainfall of upwards of five inches, accom- panied with a low range of temperature. Very little wheat is yet sown, but tiie rain will greatly facilitate the preparation of the seed bed, and a fortnight's dry weather would enable much to be sown iu beautiful order. Our pastures are very bare, and fogs are little better, and the removal of cattle to their quarters in the folds cannot now be long delayed. Owing to the almost universal failure of the turnip crops and the short crops of hay mucli artificial food will be required to enable anything like an average head of stock to be wintered, and the usual spring sup- plies of beef and mutton wiU from this district be very short. Our cattle on many farms have been suffering from foot-and- mouth disease, but we hope it is now on the decline ; but where so many centres of disease exist it is very difficult to prevent its spreading. Fat cattle and sheep are well sold up, while any- thing iu store condition, especially sheep, is quite a drug in the market. Thrashing, to any extent, has not taken place ; but, referring more especially to that grown on clay soils, where any wheat has been thrashed, the yield is tolerably satisfactory. Our greatest deficiency wiU be found on the light thin soils, where the grain did not properly fill. The potato crop is spoken of as a light one, but little disease exists. Mutton in our markets is now making from 7^d. to 8|d. per lb., beef from 8s. to 9s. 6d. per imperial stone. — Oct. 21. WEALD OF KENT. After a summer of unusual drought we have a return of wet, which may prove itself another extreme. The weather was all that could be desired for preparing the land for the reception of the seed. The wheat crop of the past season was, on the whole, quite up to expectation as regards quantity, but we scarcely remember a year when black was so general in these parts, it being difficult to find a growth quite free : farmers need not be troubled with black wheat if they would take more pains and resort to the old- fashioned practice of lime and brine, which system has of late years gone almost out of doors ; those of tlie old school who have not been led away by new fanciful ideas have grown their wheats entirely free, not only from black, but prevented the sowing of that which causes more additional labour in the spring ot the year than the time occupied in more carefully preparing the seed before sowing. The price of wheat since harvest has gradually declined, but now appears to have reached its lowest ; and it is very doubtful if prices do not range higher by several shil- lings ere another harvest arrives than we have seen for some time past. The stock on hand in this district is by no means large farmers having sold pretty freely before the hop-picking season to meet their requirements. The crops of Lent corn were in nearly all cases under an average, oats more particularly ; the quality being very indifferent parcels weighing forty pounds the bushel are very few : there are more under thirty-two pounds than over, so that good corn must range at higher rates. The heaviest crop of hops on record was grown thisyearonmostgrounds, nearly twoyears' consumption, showing clearly the plantation to be large ; they are selling now at a price which cannot be remunerative to the grower ; and if they wish for better prices, which cannot be expected with such a growth as the present, the plantation must be reduced and attention paid to the cultivation of the better sorts, aud grown on soils particularly adapted for the production of fine samples. The late rains have improved the appearance of the pastures. Sheep are doing better, and are, at pre- sent, free from disease. Beef and mutton realize high figures. Wool sells slowly at £13 to £13 10s. perpsck. We have but few labourers but what are fully employed. — October 22nd. AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE, FAIRS, &c. BANBURY FAIR.— The sheep and cattle trade was very good, and a large number of animals were shown. Beef brought from 5s. 4d. to 5s. 8d., and mutton 5s. 4d. to 5s. 6d. There was a large number of sheep and cattle iu the market, but as the prospects of keep are very indifferent, the trade iu this department was flat. TSE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 451 BOSTON FAT SHEEP MARKET.— An average supply Prices about the same as this day week. CAISTOR FAIR.— Of Sheep there was fully one-third less penned than at the last fair, and business was well over before noon. About 1,000 head of cattle were brought to market, and mostly offered at prices which meant a clearance : best kinds were iu good demand. A decided leanness was the characteristic, to which practical objection was taken by buyers in sorting and bidding for the best only in almost every lot. Good useful steers sold readily at £16 and upwards ; a lot of eight bullocks in fine condition were sold at £22 lOs. a-head, inferior sorts were bad to sell, at from £10 to £13. Of cows there was a good supply and a brisk demand, at £12 and upwards. Of horses there was an average show : a few good working animals for agricultural purposes, but the bulk composed of old and inferior kinds. CARLISLE FAIR. — Well-conditioned stock was good to sell, and previous rates were easily obtained. Sales through- out the forenoon and early part of the afternoon progressed very steadily, the better class of Galloways and Sliorthorns bringing pretty high rates. Galloways £6 10s. to £13 10s., Shorthorns £7 to £13 10s., Irish £4 15s. to £11 10s., milch cows £15 to £17 a head. There was a fine show of lambs and sheep. Some 300 head were on offer, including many very nice-looking flocks of half-breds, Cheviots, and crosses. Though buyers were present in pretty large numbers trade only progressed slowly, and at the close of the market several lots remained unsold. The rates paid for good lambs were similar to those current recently, cost of keep in the interval taken into account. Half-bred lambs 16s. to 30s., cross-bred 14s. to 18s., Cheviot 12s. to 15s., Cheviot ewes 24s. to 30s. each. CERES CATTLE AND HORSE MARKET. — There was a large show, and much business was transacted. The top price of fat was 9s. 6d. per imperial stone ; and middling and inferior, 9s. and 8s. 6d. Wintering stock was in demand, and many lots of Irish cattle were shown. Two-year-olds sold at from £9 to £12 10s. a-head. Milch cows were keenly sought after, and realized from £10 to £21 a-head. The horse market was well supplied, but many of the animals were in- ferior. Good-looking horses sold at from £18 to £40 each. COLCHESTER FAIR.— A large number of horses and beasts were shown, but no sheep. The prices ranged from £5 to £20 for useful ponies and cobs ; cart horses averaged from £35 to £40. The demand for store beasts was not good, and prices are hardly quotable. DALKEITH FAIR.— The number of cattle on offer ex- ceeded 5,000 ; last year the number was 3,500. The increase is chiefly to be attributed to the large show of Irish stock, while that from England was also above an average. Gene- rally, the Englisli cattle were inferior in regard to quality, and there was a great scarcity of animals in forward condition ; in- deed, so few have not been seen at this market for some years. The falling-off in this respect is the result of the long drought experienced in the end of the summer, and the prevalence of murrain in the country. The lots from Ireland were mode- rately fair as to condition, and embraced all ages. A few polled Galloways from the south were exhibited, and one or two lots of crosses. Trade opened with English Shorthorns, and a good demand was experienced throughout. For the best class of stirks — of which, however, the number was smaller than usual — there was an excellent sale at high prices : indeed, higher than those current at East Linton and Falkirk. A complete clearance of this class was effected by mid-day. For Irisli cattle tlie demand was not so quick, but on the whole they enjoyed a good fair trade, and the prices of recent markets were maintained. Stirks suitable for feeding were in chief re- quest ; those for wintering were slower, but ultimately they were all cleared off. In the afternoon, a number of lots of the rougher descriptions of Irish cattle were unsold, and at the ex- treme close of the market a clearance of these had not been made. The following sales were reported : Three-year-old Sliorthorns at from £14 10s. to £16 10s., two-year-olds from £13 10s. to £14 10s., stirks at from £9 to £10 7s. 6d., Irish three-year-olds at from £14 to £15 10s., two-year-olds at from £11 to £13, and stirks at from £9 to £9 15s. The show of horses was not so large as usual, nor was the quality an average. For the best class of draught animals there was a fair sale at high prices. Cart horses sold at from £38 to £57, and a harness horse at 30 guineas. M, Leggat, Glasgow, bought several draught horses, at prices ranging from £30 to £40. Mr. Hamilton, Haddington, held a good stud, and sold at from £30 to £50. Mr. Archibald Yuille, Glasgow, bought several at £35 to £50. Mr. R. Allan, Glasgow, sold cart horses at from £20 to £35 ; and purchased ponies at from £12 to £18. DEVIZES FAIR was held on the green. There was a larger supply of sheep than on the last occasion, but mostly of inferior quality, lambs and culls being the rule, and good ewes and wethers the exception. Although trade must be quoted dull, there was no lack of buyers, and sales were by no means difficult to make, at about the prices of Castle Fair (Oct. 4), the advance of Is. to 3s. per head which took place at Weyhill being now lost. Lambs made 15s. to 30s. per head, ewes 33s. to 40s., and wethers 30s. to 54s. The cattle fair was one of the smallest we have ever seen here since the cessation of the cattle plague, but the great prevalence of disease, especially that of " foot-and-mouth" among the horned beasts of the district, is quite suflicient to account for the small supply. The fair was a very quiet matter, and prices the turn lower. The beasts present were, moreover, as a rule, of very inferior quality. DOLLAR ANNUAL MARKET.— The show of cattle was good, and the prices for winter cattle were considered high. Stirks sold at from £10 to £13, and two years old grazing cattle from £15 to £17. DUMFRIES FAIR.— The supply of cattle was fully 1,000 head, and comprised a number of lots of very superior three years old Galloway bullocks, a large number of Highlanders, including superior two years old grazed in the district, and a number of lots of stirks from Falkirk. In the morning there was a good demand for the best Galloway bullocks, and a number of lots were sold early at high figures. By eleven o'clock the market grew duller, and the weather becoming unfavourable, had a rather depressing effect. During the afternoon the market continued slow and stiff for all descrip- tions, the unprecedentedly high prices asked deterring custom- ers from purchasing. Prices for three years old Galloway bullocks ranged from £13 to £15 10s., two years old £10 to £13 10s., one year olds £6 to £8 10s., three years old High- landers £13 to £14 10s., two years old ditto £8 to £10 10s., one year old ditto £5 to £6 15s., Irish two years old £9 to £11, one year olds £5 10s. to £7. Mr. Henderson, Garroch, sold 4 four years old Highland bullocks at £20. Mr. Robson of Barncleuch sold a small lot of Galloways at £20. A lot of 40 three years old Galloway bullocks sold for £15, a lot of 30 made about the same figure, a lot of 33 three years old Galloways sold at £13 10s., a score of two years old Highland bullocks sold for £10 15s. The supply of sheep was small, and consisted principally of second and third half-bred and cross-lambs. The quality was scarcely up to the wishes of pur- chasers, and the market was rather slow. Prices for half-bred lambs 18s. to 24s., cross lambs 14s. to 18s., Cheviot lambs 10s. to 14s. DUNFERMLINE MONTF^Y IVLARKET.— Milk cows were very scarce, but anything good brought high prices, and several sold from £10 to £20 each. Fat cattle were a short supply, but what were sold brought good returns. In the afternoon the horse market took place at the same stance, but the animals shown were very deficient in quality, and conse- quently few sales were effected. EARLTON FAIR.— There was a large show of cattle, and a steady good demand at high figures, the recent rains im- proving the turnip crop considerably, and thus enhancing the value of feeding stock. There was a large attendance of farmers and dealers. Two-year-olds were selling at from £13 to £15 10s., and stirks from £7 10s. to £12 15s. Mr. Esk- dale sold a lot at £12, and bought a good lot at £12 15s. In the horse market there was a fair show, and for good draught animals there was an active demand. ELGIN MONTHLY MARKET.— The market throughout was characterised by briskness and an advance of prices. The following are a few of the sales ; A lot of six slots and qaeys at £14 ; a lot of five two-year-old heifers at £17 ; a lot of three two-year-olds for £70 ; a lot of two-year-old stots at £17 10s.; seven six-quarter-olda at £11; a lot of four two-year- old stots at £15 15s.; also two stots for £38 10s., two one- year-old stots for £1G ; also two queys for £16 ; a lot of five one-year-olds at £10, a lot of eight one-year-olds at £8 10s. ; and a lot of seven two-year-olds at £15 10s. 452 THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. GLOUCESTER FORTNIGHTLY MARKET.— There was a good supply of stock of all descriptions, and buyers from long distances attended in great number. Trade was good. Beef made from 8d. to 8|d. per lb., and was in favour of the seller at these prices. Mutton sold well at 8d. to 9d. per lb. Bacon pigs made 10s. 6d. to lis. and porkers 12s. to 12s. 6d. per score, and the demand was good. HAWICK TRYST.— The attendance was below the ave- rage, and the same may be said of the number of horses. They consisted principally of young long-tails for farming purposes, in the hands of dealers from Cumberland. Mr. John Foster, Nook, Nicliol Forest, showed a good string, and sold two- year-olds at from £28 to £40. He had a few yearlings, which brought from £15 to £20. Mr. Foster, Rocliffe, sold two- year-olds at from 23 to 40 guineas, with a luckpenny in the highest quotation. Mr. Mitchchell, Harperhill, Brampton, showed 36 two-year-olds, and got similar prices. Mr. John Mitchell sold a fiue two-year-old at £38. There is a scarcity of young horses this year in the Cumberland breeding districts. Mr. Ogilvie, Chester, bouglit one of tlie finest horses on the ground for £40; Mr. Pringle paid £39 for another; and Mr. Welsh, Kirkton, got a fair good animal for £29. There were few ponies for sale, but high prices were asked for the best presented — as much as 20 guineas in some cases. Sales were in a few instances effected at £10 to £14. Some hacks and old horses were on the ground ; they brought £10 to £20, according to quality and condition. One three-year-old horse shown by a farmer brought £32 10s. HEREFORD OCTOBER FAIR.— This fair was one of the old-fashioned type as to weather, which was for some hours wet and windy to a degree that we have not often seen paralleled, and which much interfered with the convenient transaction of business. The supply, though very small for this great and well-known fair, one of the first of its class in the kingdom, was fully as large as had been anticipated. It was chiefly confined to store stock, which, although hanging heavily on hand, realized much the same values that have ruled here for the last few weeks — prices which we scarcely need say leave the balance on the wrong side of the ledger in the cases of too many of the vendors. Fat beef was scarce and was readily disposed of at from 7id. to 8d. per lb. Speak- ing generally as to the quantity of stock which exchanged hands, and as to the prices which were realized, the fair was considered to be a bad one in the interest of fanners. There was a moderate supply of sheep — indeed we never look for a large supply at the October fair. Trade in stores dull. Prime fat wethsra realized 8^d., inferior qualities of mutton TJd. per lb. Bacon pigs were sold at 6s. 9d. per stone, porkers 7id. per lb. Stores in demand, with an upward tendency. LINCOLN FAT STOCK MARKET.— A small show of both beasts and sheep, and prices unaltered, viz., beef 9s. to 10s. per stone. Mutton 9d. per lb. LOCKERBIE FAIR.— There was the largest show of sheep and lambs that has been known at any October market, the number being about 22,000, or nearly three times as many as at the corresponding market of last year. A large proportion of the stock was Cheviot ewes. The turnip crop in Dumfries- shire is in general good, and an active demand was anticipated. Buyers were pretty numerous, although few Galloway cus- tomers were present. The large supply caused the market not to be so quick as expected. For the bdst animals in all classes of stock there were customers, but inferior were slow to sell. The few lots of the better class of half-breds were early picked up. For the top lots of Cheviot ewes there was steady de- mand, although not very quick ; but by one o'clock the crack lot had mostly been sold. The market on the whole may be considered a dear, slow selling market. Prices were not what buyers quite expected, although very high. Lambs would in most cases be paying their keep, but there would be no profit on purchases in t:eptember. Cheviot ewes would be Is. to Is. 6d. lower than last year. Prices for half-bred lambs ranged from 22s. to 28s. 6d. for the best, and 15s. to 20s. for the other descriptions. Cross lambs 14s. to 22s. 6d. Cheviot wedder lambs from 8s. to 14s. Cheviot ewe lambs 7s. 6d. to 14s. Sd. Cheviot cast ewes 24s. to 32s. MAIDSTONE FAIR.— There was a tolerably good show of horses. First-class animals fetched from 40 to 45 guineas ; second-class 30 to 35 guineas ; good prices being also obtained for roadsters and ponies, but the trade was somewhst slow. Between 5,000 and 6,000 sheep were penned. Twin-mark ewes sold for 34s., lambs from 10s. to 30s. The supply of store beasts was short, there not being more than from 200 to 300 in the field, and these at from £10 to £12 per head. MARKET HARBOROUGH FAIR.— There was a number of good horses. The trade was very slack, the buyers not being in proportion to the number on sale. MELTON BULLOCK FAIR was by no means large. There were, however, several sales effected, the prices in all cases being high. 80 Welsh beast were sold at £9 a head, and 80 shorthorns from £8 to £16 ; Mr. M'Cauley, from Ireland, had 46 shorthorns, for which he asked £17 a piece ; Mr. Rose, of Boxtead, 45 North Wales runts, £7 10s. to £9 ; Mr. W. Fenner, of Colchester, 120 shorthorns, prices £6 10s. to £12 123. ; Mr. John Fenner, of Dedham, 124 shorthorns, £10 to £18 18s., and 100 Welsh beasts, £7 to £10 ; Mr. Amass, of California, 86 shorthorns, from £9 to £11. The largest ex- hibitor was Mr. Makin, of Ringshall, who had 400 shorthorns, at prices varying from £10 to £20 each. Mr. Walter Bond sold six three-year-old shorthorn steers from Lord Rendle- sliam's, at £16 5s. each, and two Brittany cows at £9 5s. a piece ; also a three-year-old Brittany bull, quite fat, for ^14 ; a two-year-old Alderney heiier for £12 10s., and two two-year- old Alderney heifers at £10 15s. each. An Alderney cow in milk was sold for £8 5s. A fat Suffolk bull, estimated to weigh 70 stones, £27. A chesnut brood cart mare, the pro- perty of Mr. C. Barnes, of Kettleburgh, was bought for £47 15s. Cd. RUGELY HORSE FAIR was very thinly supplied with good horses. Few only of the London or other dealers were present. One valuable hunter sold for £100. Of good cart colts and horses the supply was very limited, although the de- mand was brisk; vihilst inferior animals and Welsh ponies were numerous, with few buyers. The supply of young stock was very scanty, and ready sales were effected. ST. COLUMB MONTHLY MARKET was held on Tues- day last, and was well supplied with fat and store cattle and sheep. Fat cattle fetched from £3 5s. to £3 10s. per cwt. ; sheep 7d. to 72d. per lb. The attendance of buyers was not very large, but a fair amount of business was transacted. SALISBURY FORTNIGHTLY MARKET.— The number of beasts was small, and good qualities scarce. The latter, therefore, met with a quick sale, at full rates. In the sheep department the supply was good, upwards of 3,000 being penned. A fair demand prevailed, and a clearance was gene- rally effected, best wether mutton realizing from S^d. to 9d. per lb., and ewe ditto from 7gd. to 8d. 0.\en realized 14s. to 15s. per score for the best, and heifers from 12s. 6d. to 13s. 6d. SHERBORNE FAIR.— Trade was satisfactory, at the full currencies of Weyhill, and a good many lots were moved off early. The great difference, not only in the quality but the condition of the lots, gave prices a rather wide range, and ewes may be quoted from 28s, to 40s., several lots fetching the top price. Lambs ranged from 1 8s. to 30s. ; wethers brought from 37s. to 47s. In the beast fair there was a thin and indif- ferent lot of stock, for the best of which 13s. was asked, and asked often before a sale was effected. SLEAFORD FAT-STOCK MARKET.— Large show of sheep, which met with a brisk trade. Good show of really prime fat bullocks, which sold at extreme rates. Small show of pigs. Mutton realized 8Jd. to 9|d. per lb., beef from 10s, to 10s. 6d., and pigs 8s. 6d. per stone. STRATHAVEN FAIR.— The turn-out of cattle was a fair average, but generally the quality was inferior. There was a good number of Ayrshire milch cows on the ground, and prices for the best sorts were higher than those of recent fairs. Irish winter stock were well represented, but at the close a number were left unsold. WHITCHURCH FAIR.— There was an enormous supply of pigs, chiefly stores, which were sold at much reduced prices. Fat pigs realized from lis. to lis. 6d. per score. GLOUCESTER CHEESE MARKET was the smallest ever known for this time of the year, only 32 tons having been pitched. The cheese met a ready sale at 70s. to 72s. for best quality, seconds 60s. to 65s. A clearance was quickly made. GLASGOW CHEESE MARKET, (Wednesday last.)— We have still a plentiful supply of cheese, which meets with a very slow sale, and prices continue easier, especially for mediuni quahties. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 453 CALENDAR OF AGRICULTURE, Finish the sowing of wheat on clay fallows, leys, and clovers, if any was deferred Iroiu last month. Later sowings than in last mouth do not prosper in South Bri- tain ; the bulk may be equal iuto February, but the ripening is later with an inferior quality of grains. Spring wheats are not very prosperous in the same loca- lities, while over the north of Eugland and the south of Scotland Lammas wheat is well sown in ]\Lirch, and spring wheats at the same time. In such cases, some unknown causes prevail, and may be chiefly in the climate. In favourable weather raise from the ground the crops of Swedish turnips. Store the bulbs dressed by hand- sickle from fibres and tops, which last are given to store cattle in the yards and to sheep in the fields. The store heap of roots at the homestead must have dry bottom in seven to ten feet in width, and a central height of the heap of about four feet, with a sloping ridge of about six feet, covered with a thin straw thatch, to defend from rains and at the same time admit a free circulation of air. A permanent covering for the heaps of root crops being always made of the same extent, may be formed of two sloping sides of laths nailed together at the top, with side-rails, on which a thin layer of straw is tied by strong twine. This structure will last for years ; and, being joined in separate pieces, will be very conveniently placed and replaced, while the height beioig one foot above the heap of roots, will permit the transmission of air to maintain a dry and cool position for the preserva- tion of the vegetable juices which being volatile are dis- sipated by exposure. Hence the great advantage of vegetables passing from the earth into the stomach in the least possible time, and hence the weighty objections that can be urged against the exposure of roots or bulbs by cutting, slicing, or any mode of use that deteriorates the quality by the loss of the inherent qualities, not pro- perties, which are strictly permanent and obvious to the exterior senses. A vegetable cannot be severed from the ground for many minutes without loss, and hence the su- perior benefit that is derived from the roots being eaten by the mouth of the animal over the cutting and slicing of the bulbs. The tender mouths of young sheep and cattle, in a short time of weakness, are easily assisted by older animals breaking the bulbs in a cheaper way than by machines. Slicing and cutting encourages swallow- ing of the pieces, which lessens mastication and the pro- duction of saliva, which is of vast consequence to the purposes of assimilation and digestion. Thrash grains regularly once or twice in a week, to supply fresh provender for the cattle and litter for the yards. Cut chafi's for the horses, of hay and straws mixed, for the bullocks that are tied up and for the milch cows, to be used raw or steamed with roots. Sell and deliver tdl grains as thrashed ; the keeping of stores in granary does not produce any benefit as a system, which reduces the use of a granary on any farm to the conve- nience of a quantity of oats to supply the work-horses, which must not be long kept to contract a musty smell. The other use of a granary is for stowing and packing wool on the extensive growing of that article. Begin to plough stubble lands for the fallows of next year, and prepare by fallowing the best soils to be planted with the early spring crops as potatoes, beet, and Swedish turnips. Even the half-execution of the necessary fallow- ing of the spring will very much advance and facilitate the planting of the crop, with the advantage of better retaining moisture than when exposed by the spring workings. Though the autumn fallowing of lands can only be done on dry soils under benign climates, and con- sequently restricted in the application, yet it forms at least a partial benefit, and hence it deserves a notice on the list of agricultural operations. Subsoil ploughing should follow the winter furrow ; but general opinion does not allow the benefit of that operation, though it may be useful in particular cases, as by a furrow across thorough draining, to open the descent of water into the cavities. But such a partial use might not justify the cost of the implement and of its performances. Lime in the condition of heat is spread over the stub ble grounds during this month, and covered into the land by the winter furrows of ploughing. The cinders wiU be partly dissolved by the moisture in the land and by any air that reaches the lime, and the remaining parts will be brought into action by the spring ploughing to emit caloric and to form a mucilage, both which ope- rations are very highly conducive to vegetable growth by warming the ground and producing an earthy residuum. This mode has in its favour the very great recommenda- tion of the least possible expense ; but it must obviously be successful only on the best loams and the least tena- cious of clay soils, as the most vicious will repel caloric almost at any time and in any condition, and may be supposed to do so very strongly during the winter's cold, while the loams, with the exuvial remains of animals and vegetables, will imbibe caloric almost under any circum- stances. It must be a vast benefit in the application of lime that the cinders dissolve iu the ground for the rea- sons that have been stated. Supply to the cattle in the yards by break of day an ample feed of turnips, rooted and topped for the fatten- ing animals, and with the tops attached for other sorts of cattle. Wooden cribs, with latticed bottoms, suit best in letting the rain and filth escape freely downwards The turnips should be all eaten by night, to prevent acci" dents from choking happening unseen. Give milch cows cabbages and beetroot, and one feed daily of steamed meats. Continue the feeding of sheep as directed for last month. The animals may be folded over-night on the bared ground in mild climates, but more generally a liberty is given to run back for shelter. Feed pigs, as directed last month, in roots and meals steamed together, or in a raw condition. The tine intes- tines of the pig derive the most benefit from cooked food of all the animals of the farm. Feed poultry with light grains and with steamed potatoes with meals mixed, and given in troughs placed in a shelter-shed in the poultry- yard. Attend to the feeding of young horses in the yards. Provide a regular supply of fresh water in a trough, and a convenient and dry shelter-shed : give as food straws and hay chaff's, bran and oats, and a feed on each day of steamed roots. The first winter's keep has a very large share in making good animals of all kinds. Flood watered meadows, clean out and put into proper order for use the main channels, conveying gutters, and the sluices of flood-gates. Begin to crxt underwoods, dividing the growths into the necessary articles of hop-poles, fencing-stakes, and 454 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. hurdle-stakes, cooper s'-lioops, weaving-rods, aud withies, eudiiig with fine faggots for the lime-kiln. Open, drain plantations, by making a cut iu the hollows, which are strictly followed at the courses of the drains ; repair old fences, and make the new ones ; cast open ditches, and repair roads. Plant all kinds of forest trees, in clumps or in circles in kuoUs, in a few together as in coi-ners, or in single stan- dards. Choice trees for ornament will be much forwarded in the growth by a quantity of mixed guano and earth, in four or five to one being placed under and around the roots, pruned to the stem according to the quantity of fibrous protrusions. The growth will be rapid and strong, and lasting for several years. CALENDAR OT GARDENING. Kitchen Garden. Try again for early peas and beans. Dig roots for tem- porary supply of the so-called Jerusalem artichoke. Store all the potatoes, carefully observing the condition as to soundness or decay. Keep the store very dry. Dig car- rots, parsnips, and beet, and secure them in dry sand. Transplant more spring cabbage, and fill up blanks with cauliflowers of August-sown on wai'm borders, where they could be occasionally protected. Cover sea-kale for forcing, and prepare more asparagus plants, placing them in pits, with a bed of tree-leaves under the earth. Protect the plant of artichokes by mulch or masses of leaves, after removing all the old stalks and decayed foliage. Brocoli and cauliflower in the open ground should be laid down, and be guarded with a covering of dry earth laid close over the stems. Finish earthing of celery if frost threatens ; cover the ridges and tops with dry haulm. Tie up some plants of endive, and remove others to dry frames for blanching. Give air occasionally to lettuces under fi'ames, and also to raddish and salad, when that mode is adopted of pro- curing early crops of those most agreeable esculents. Dig the grounds from which root crops have been re- moved, in order to expose the soil to the alternate vicis- situdes of the wintry climates, to be thereby broken and dissolved iu the bulk. A digging in the spring receives the seeds of creeping-rooted plants, as peas and fibres ; when the ground is firm and tenacious, on the lighter soils, the spring digging may be sufficient, and the autumn preparation omitted. Dig into the grounds to be planted with roots in the spring, a covering of the richest dung from the urine pit, short in the composition, and impregnated with liquids to dropping, but not iu w'aste, semiprutescent and slimy in appearance. Opinions differ on autumn or the spring ajjplication of manure, no doubt arising from the different circumstances of application in the soil and climate. A general experience values highly the production of the black humified condition of the land, seen when the ground is moved in the spring, that arises from the com- bination of the elements in the dung and in the land iu effort to form a new substance that is most beneficial to the growth of vegetation, and which produces a yield of seed-fruit, whereas the fresh dung tends to yield a profusion of leaves and fibres rather than sound fruit in seeds. The present time is also very fitting to place in the digging of root-crop soUs, once in every four or five years, a quantity of hot lime cinders of small size as a goose egg, in separate positions in the land, with a covering up of the half-depth of the spit. The moisture will partly dissolve the cinders, and the spring of the land, with the move- ment of the cinders, will induce a further dissolution of the incinerated earthy base, supposed to be formed from the roe of fishes, evolving much caloric to penetrate the entire body of the soil, spreading into every corner and atom, and raising by its presence, as a quality, the temperature of the ground, producing a condition that is highly favourable to vegetable life. This warming of the ground may continue in the average of four or five years, and then renewed, always with an application of a dung of animal aud vegetable matters, in order that accumula- tion of elements may be joined to produce from the action of caloric the benefit of damp warm exhalations that are a chief element of the ceriform food of plants. The action of caloric on soils will depend on the conducting power of the constituent parts which are favourable to that power in the ratio contained of exuvial vegetable and animal matters. Clay is a very low conductor of caloric, and hence the failures of lime as a manure on purely clay soils, owing to the small quantity applied. All clay land of any denomination may be reduced into fine soils, broken and sundered in the viscous adhesion by the intimately penetrating action of caloric from cinders placed in the ground, and dissolving in that position. For after all that has befen spoken and written on the subject of lime as a manure, a very tenable opinion may be hazarded, that a chief benefit is derived from the action of caloric from the incinerated body in warming the ground, and in stimulating the dung and the soil, along with a basic residuum, in a mucilaginous condition, which adds to the early constituents. The land of the kitchen garden being treated mostly with vegetable matters, will derive much benefit from a gentle warming application to stimulate the action of inert bodies of several compositions. Fruit Department. Wall trees and berry-bearing shrubs may be pruned at this time, although nothing is gained over the spring pruning in February, which is best preferred. But if es- palier trees are not already finished, the process may now be ended, every regular spur-pruning being done in dry ■weather. The misthriven growth of trees will be much assisted and forwared into a thriving condition by pruning the roots at a distance from the stem, according to the num- bers of fibres that are protruded, forming a circular branch of the ring that will be cut, and filling the cavity with a mixture of guano, with four or five times its bulk of fine earth. The trench must be carefully covered and well watered. A rapid growth will ensue to last for several years. Leave strawberries for the winter, protected by their own foliage. Raspberries may be tied by cord neatly to stakes, six roots to each, stopping at an angle towards the north, on to a neat open trellis. It suits well to secure by this means the full exposure of next year's growing canes to the sun ; the plants are too crowded by the perpendicular confined tying to stakes. Flower Garden. Plant in rich beds of fine earths, sands and loams, the THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 455 Dulbs of tulips, crocus, hyacinth, narcissus, jonquils, &c., &c. ; open the holes ueatly, place the bulb an inch or two deep, and cover it all round with fine soil. Bulbs grown in pots must be sunk deeply in sands or warm earth to re- main till the early growth of spring. Cover beds of choice ilowers, as azalias, rhododendron, &c., with a two or three-inch coating of leaf-mould, sand, or sandy loam, mixed together. Move a few herbaceous plants, roughly fork the surface of beds, and scatter old rotten dung over it. Observe neatness and order everywhere. Where any semi-hardy plants or any other kinds are kept in pits, frames or similar erections, the situation should be as dry as possible, and be aired at every con- venient opportunity. Dry sawpit dust is a good mate- rial for the pots to be plunged in, as it guards from the mould effectually. REVIEW OF THE CORN TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. Though September did little to make up for the drought of the suramei', after the first fortnight in October the needed supplies of rain came freely, so that the ponds have again filled and the earth has become saturated enough for all agricultural purposes. This, with the generally mild weather prevailing, has recovered the green of the meadows and greatly helped the turnips and other esculents which were threatened with an almost total ex- tinction. Farmers will be exceedingly glad of this timely help before winter, as it will assist them to get their stock through the severe weather. The war, which has con- tinued raging, and all in favour of the Prussians, has at last reached a height justifying the intervention of neu- trals to obtain a peaceful settlement, and our own country, after a noble display of concern for the wounded of both nations, had certainly a right to take the lead in this moral eftbrt which our latest information gives us to hope will be eventually welcome to both nations. In the mean time our anticipations of an advance on wheat has be- come partially realised, and from 3s. to 4s. per qr. has been gained upon tlie lowest point. This may be traced to the derangement of commerce caused by the war. Belgium and Holland having been cut off from Baltic sup])lies by the late blockade, have naturally turned at- tention to our low quotations, and all aloug our eastern coast purchases have been freely making for those coun- tries at better rates than would have been procured in London. This lessened the supplies to the metropolis, but little resulted at first, the London trade being well fui'nished by shipmeuts from America and Kussia ; but now some of these have been wanted on foreign account, the case has altered, and English millers found themselves outbid by the foreign shippers. The advance, therefore, though reluctantly, was paid, and as not only Belgium has been taking English wheat freely, but orders have come from that great shipping port, Hambro', and have begun to be executed, a light has been let in upon the short supplies yet received in Germany, as also upon the poor condition in which those supplies have come to hand. America too, which was the only country much moved by our dull and declining markets, shows an advance of about 4s. per qr. on her recent rates, for at New York both depression as well as excitement are very soon felt, and we realy think that the waste of this European war will yet further enhance prices. Even should peace be eventu- ally agreed on, much of the damage done is irreparable, and must certainly be severely felt through the coming season. The following rates have recently been quoted at the places named: red wheat in Belgium 55s. to 5Ss., white Zealand at Rotterdam 4Gs. to 54s"., wheat at Ham- bro' 50s. to 5Gs., red at Stettin 4Ss. to 50s., fine high- mixed at Danzic, 61 lbs. per. bus., 50s. 6d., red at Peters- burg 41s., red at jMilan 48s., white at Valladolid 52s., Saide at Alexandria 41s., at Berdianski 493. 6d., freight included, Milwaukee and Chicago, cost, freight, and in- surance included, 46s. 9d. per 480 lbs. The first Monday in Mark Lane commenced on fair arrivals of wheat, both English and foreign. The show of fresh samples from Essex and Kent during the morning being short, factors commenced by asking Is. advance, but millers resisting it, sales were eventually made at the previous currency. The foreign inquiry was very limited, though no improvement on the previous rates was i-equired. There was a quiet trade in floating cargoes at unaltered prices. The upward movement in the country not being responded to in London, but few places noted any im- provement in prices ; Sheffield, Hull, and Ipswich were occasionally Is. per qr. higher for fine qualities, and Barnsley was about Is. to 2s. per qr. dearer. These in- stances and a few others were the only exceptions to a generally quiet and unaltered range of prices. The change during the week at Liverpool was a rise of 2d. per cental on Fi-iday. The Scotch markets were of the same tenor, Glasgow being inactive and unaltered as well as Edinburgh. The only diff'erence noted at Dublin was that wheat and flour went of with greater readiness at fully as much money. The second Monday had about an average supply of English wheat, and a good increase of foreign, with only a moderate exhibition of fresh samples on the Essex and Kentish stands. Factors once more tried for improved rates, but again failed, though fully the previous prices were paid. Though no difference of value was noted in foreign, there was a better demand than of late. With fair arrivals oft' the coast, the business transacted was at unaltered quotations. The country wheat trade this week again outwent the advices of London, there beiug in most instances a rise of Is. per qr., as at Bristol, Gloucester, Birmingham, Gainsboro', Huugerford, Manchester, New- ark, Sheffield, Newcastle, Boston, Sleaford, &c. ; and a few, as Market Harbro' and Melton Mowbray, were up to Is. to 2s. The only gain of Liverpool was 3d. to 4d. on Tuesday. The Scotch markets tended upwards : fine wheat at Glasgow being up 8d. to 6d. per boll, and Leith was rather dearer, as well as Kirkcaldy. Perth was Is. per qr. higher. Wheat at Dublin underwent little change ; at Drogheda there was an improvement of 6d. per brl. On the third Monday there was a great falling oflt in the English supply, and a large increase in the foreign. But few fresh samples appeared this morning on the Kentish and Essex stands, as sales had been making at a relatively higher value in the country. Factors now saw their opportunity and insisted on millers paying fully Is. per qr. more, and indeed, in some instances, on fine parcels the rise was about 2s. per qr. Some holders of foreign were also lucky enough to obtain Is. per qr. advance, but generally the trade found the large arrivals against them. The sales of floating cargoes were free, 456 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. and fine cargoea brought some advance, but it was the reverse with inferior parcels. The more cheerful accounts from London on Monday iniluenced the country markets generally to the extent of Is. to 2s. per qr., the lowest advance being about Is. per qr., as at Bristol, Bury St. Edmunds, Gloucester, Rotherham, Rugby, &c. Liver- pool was 2d. to 4d. per cental dearer for the week, and the Saturday's market generally took a higher range. At Edinburgh the wheat trade was up Is. to 2s., and Glas- gow was 6d. to 9d. per boll higher. Dublin was 6d. per brl. dearer for Irish wheat, and Is. on foreign. On the fourth Monday there were small English sup- plies, and not heavy arrivals from abroad, these being chiefly from New York and Montreal. The show of sam- ples on the Kentish stands was very limited, with but a moderate quantity on those of Essex, and as the country advices, more especially those of Saturday, came still higher, factors found themselves in position to com- mand an advance of Is. to Ss., which, howevei-, was not very freely paid. The foreign trade was quite as much higher, there being further orders on London for Hambro' account, in consequence of the rise in prices there. The imports into London for four weeks, were 35,066 qrs. English wheat and 119,760 qrs. foreign, against 27,833 qrs. English and 168,214 qrs. foreign, for the same period in 1869. The imports into the kingdom for four weeks, ending 15th Oct., were 2,409,554 cwt. wheat and 330,460 cwt. flour, against 3,499,182 cwt. wheat and 464,406 cwt. flour in 1869. The London exports for one month were 5,942 qrs. wheat and 2,075 cwt. flour. The London averages began at 48s. lOd., and closed at 50s. lid. The general averages commenced at 45s. 4d., and closed at 47s, per qr., which was just the same as this time last year. The Flour trade for the most part has been dull, but with little alteration in prices. Norfolks, which com- menced at 35s., closed at 36s. Foreign sacks also have risen Is., and barrels have likewise improved 6d. to Is., but the latter must be very fine to be worth 26s. ; white quotations from New York, freight on board, were 24s. 2d. per barrel in London. The imports into London for four weeks, were 90,814 sacks English and 8,023 sacks 69,719 barrels foreis;n, against 84,397 sacks English and 5,644 sacks 24,999 barrels foreign last year. The supply of maize has been good, and on the first Monday there was a reduction in the value of 6d. to Is. per qr., but on the closing Monday this was recoved, partly through the rise in oats, yellow being worth 29s., and white 31s. per qr. The supplies of British barley have been increasing, being nearly treble what they were in September, but still the quantity has only been moderate, and not enough to reduce rates; in fact, fine malting qualities have remained scarce, and are rather dearer than otherwise. There is much of the barley of this season very heavy, though little is kindly and in request for malting. Foreign sorts have slightly fluctuated, leaving values much as they were; fine malting qualities are worth (^.bout 43s., se- condary 35s. to 38s., and low grinding 26s. to 27s., or more if sweet and heavy. The imports into London for four weeks have been 12,836 qrs. British and 42,145 qrs. foreign, against 8,651 qrs. British and 24,330 qrs. foreign for the same time last year. "With a good deal of old malt yet on hand, the trade has been inactive all through the month, but prices have been very little altered. Great changes have occurred in the oat trade, as fo- reign imports have been heavy or limited, and these varying every Monday, prices have oscillated accordingly. Tlie first market being less thau half the preceding week, prices rose 6d., the next Monday only being half of this, pi'ices further rose Is. ; then came another heavy supply, which brought the loss of Is., and finally there was a short one, when rates rose again fully Is. 6d. The balance of values, therefore, has been against the month about 6d. to Is., 381b, sweet Russsian corn being now worth 20s. 6d., and Swedish 401b. oats 24s. So prices on a bad crop are still comparatively low, and should supplies fall off, as they naturally may be expected to do in the winter, the probability is that we shall be yet dearer, as the high price of hay and all sorts of fodder must make them largely in demand. The imports into London for four weeks have been 6,417 qrs. English, only 30 qrs. Scotch, no Irish, but 202,463 qrs. foreign only, against 6,188 qrs. English, no Scotch, 6,196 qrs. Irish, 243,052 qrs. foreign for the same time last year. The bean trade, with very moderate imports, has kept dull through the month, in consequence of the very low price of Indian Corn. Prices have closed with the same quotations at which they commenced, but Egyptian sorts at Alexandria have been quoted 31s., selling here as float- ing cargoes at 35s., but since held at more money, and we have httle doubt, as the weather gets colder, that prices will somewhat improve, as there are no advices of free shipments from abroad. In retail, Egyptian sorts are worth 37s. to 38s. ; old English have become scarce, and are relatively dearer. The imports for four week's into London, were 4,105 qrs. English, 6,303 qrs. foreign, aorainst 3,132 qrs. English, and 4,915 qrs. foreign in 1869. Peas also have been very quiet. It was at one time thought white boilers would be freely bought on French account, as being a condensed and highly nutritious food, but while the war has brought its necessities it has had its derangements in transit, and business left to our own consumption has been on a limited range; fair Montreal white are held at 38s., inferior Danzic 35s., hog peas 37s., maples a fancy rate, say 42s. The imports into London for four weeks, were 2,584 qrs. English and 9,018 qrs. foreign, against 3,111 qrs English and 2,528 qrs. foreign for the same time last year. Linseed, as for'some time past, has been very equal and unaltered in value, the scarcity of seed keeping it dear, and the dearness limiting the trade ; but cakes have found a ready sale all through the mouth at full prices. The imports for four weeks into London, were 40,385 qrs., against 81,294 qrs. in 1869. The seed trade has been without interest. Fine new English red clover-seed has been held high, and the small stock of old foreign has maintained its price, as well as trefoil and white mustard-seed, but tares have sunk to 7s. 6d. per bushel, with but a limited demand. CURRENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LANE. Shllllngg par Qaarter. WHEAT, new, Essex and Kent, white 52 to 55 ,, ,, red 48 60 Norfolk, Linclnsh., and Yorksli., red 49 50 BARLEY 31 to 34 Chevalier 36 42 Grinding 30 31 Distilling 35 38 MALT, Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk 61 69 Kingston, Ware, and town-made 61 69 Brown 49 65 RYE 36 38 OATS, English, feed 22 to 27 Potato 25 32 Scotch, feed 00 00 Potato 00 00 Irish, feed, white 20 22 Fine 23 25 Ditto, black 20 21 Potato 25 30 BEANS, Mazagan ...37 40 Ticks 37 40 Harrow 40 44 Pigeon 44 48 PEAS, white, boilers.35 39Maplo 41 to 426rey,new 35 37 FLOUR, per sack of 2801b8.,Town, Households.nom. 43 47 Country, on shore 35 to 37 „ 38 40 Norfolk and Su^TqUe, on shore „ „„„„ 3^ 9^ THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. 457 FOREIGN GRAIN. ShlUlnga per Quarter. WHEAT, Dantzic, mixed 53 to 61 extra 66to59 Konigsberg 51 53 extra 51 55 Rostock ... 50 52 fine 53 Silesian, red 43 50... white .... 50 Pomera., Meckberg., and Uckermrk. ...red..^..... 50 Russian, hard, 42 to 13.. .St. Petersburg and Riga 41 Danish and Holstein, red 17 50 American 46 Chilian, white 56... Calitbrnian 56 ... Australian 67 BARLEY, grinding 26 to 29.. ..distilling and malting 33 OATS Butch, brewing and Polanda 23 to 29 feed 21 Danish and Swedish, feed 22 to 21.... Straisund... 23 Canada 20 to 21, Riga 21 to 23, Arch.21to23, P'sbg. 21 TARES, Spring, per qr small 00 00 large 00 BEANS, Friesland and Holstein ^ 4d Konigsberg 39 to 42.. .Egyptian 38 PEAS, feeding and maple.. .33 35, ..fine boilers S7 INDIAN CORN, white 28 FLOUR, per sack, French..40 American, per brl 22 31. ..yellow 23 43... Spanish, p. sack 00 21. ..extra andd'ble. 25 IMPERIAL AVERAGES. For the week ended Oct. 15, 1870. Wheat 86,106J qrs. 478. Od Barley 72,022| „ Oats 4,2171 „ 363. 7d. 223. 5d. on the boards for sale, aud barely reaUze recent quotations. The trade for foreign Hops rules dull, the imports up to the pre- sent time amounting to 3,226 bales. Latest advices from New York report the growth nearly equal to last year s quan- tity.but inferior in quality, only a small portion bemg reaUy fine. The market is inactive, with low figures. Mid and East Kents £2 10 M 4 Weald of Kent 2 10 3 10 Sussex 3 5 2 14 ^arnham and Country ... 3 15 4 1& Olds 1 0 1 15 COMPARATIVE AVERAGES. Years. 1866., 1867.. 1868. 1869 1870. WHEAT Qrs. 73,880f 79 292^ ". 7o',763| . 62,774 . 86, 106 J r. a. d. 52 2 67 6 53 8 47 0 47 0 1 BARLEY. Qrs. 61,871^ 58,9671 64,959| 45,29.H 72,0221 d.i 42 11 41 8 1 45 7 38 1 1 36 7 OATS. Qrs. s. d. 6,7721 , 9,788i . 5,293| 4,376^ 4,217J .22 11 .25 10 .27 1 .21 1 .22 5 A VERA GE S Fob the past Six | Wheat, Weeks : 6. d. Sept. 10, 1870 48 1 Sept. 17, 1870 46 Sept. 21, 1870 45 Oct. 1, 1870 46 Oct. 8, 1870 46 Oct. 15, 1870 47 Aggregate of the above . . . | 46 The same week in 1869 i 47 Barley. | 8. d. 35 8 36 4 36 2 36 7 36 11 36 7 36 3 38 1 Oats. 8. d. 23 10 23 9 20 7 22 8 21 11 22 5 22 6 24 1 FLUCTUATIONS in the AVERAGE PRICE of WHEA I Peice. Sept. 10, 483. Id. 478. Od. 463. 6d. 468. 5d. 468. Id. 458. 4d. Sept.l7.iSept.21. Oct. 1. Oct. 8. Oct. 15. BRITISH SEEDS. MusTiSD, perbush., brown lis. to 12s., vrhite CANABY,per qr CL0VBE8BED,new red CoBiAKDEB, per cwt Tares, winter, new, per bu8hel = Tbefoil, new Ryegrass, per qr •••.•••• Linseed, per qr., sowing 68s. to 70s., crushing LiNSEBD Cakes, per ton £11 15s. Rafesbed, per qr 'A"",'A""k'Ji"l\ Rape Cake, per ton £» lOa- Oa. to FOREIGN SEEDS. CoBiANDEB, per cwt Cabeaway „ new... •••••••• Clovbbseed, red 5l8. to6l3 .white Hempseed, small 12a. to 133. per qr.... Dutch Tbefoil Ryesbass, per qr ••■ 4;""V,""' Linseed, per qr., Baltic 563. to 60s.. .Bombay Linseed Cakes, per ton W^'Va L t^' Ri.pB CAKB,pertcn £5 10s. Od. to Rapbseed, Dutch Gs.tolOs. 62s. 66s. 61s, 86s. 21a. 223. s. 8a .6d. 2lR. 23s. 28a. 303. 57s. 618. to £12 53. 703. 72a. £6 53 , Od. 2l8.to22s. 31s. 323. 683. 763. 463. 47s. 21s. 223. 2S8. 308. 60s. 6l3. to £12 63. £6 5s , Od. 683. 703. £7 0 4 0 3 10 6 6 2 10 POTATO MARKETS. BOROUGH AND SPITALFIELDS. LONDON, Monday, Oct. 24.— Pair supplies of potatoes have been on sale. There has been a moderate demand at about late rates. The import into London last week consisted of 3 casks 3 bags from Hamburg, 14 barrel Bremen, and 3 hampers 19 packages Rotterdam. English Regents 45s. to 80s. per ton. Scotch Regents 50s. to 80s. „ flocks 40s. to 55s. „ COUNTRY POTATO MARKETS.— Doncaster (Satur- day) : A fair supply of potatoes this morning, and a good average business doing, prices remaining unaltered, namely, reo-ents 7s. 6d. to 8s., and rocks 6s. 6d. to 7s. per load.— Malton (Saturday) : Potatoes, as frost keeps oif, are freely offered. Dealers buy wholesale at £2 15s. to £3 5s. per ton, and retail rates are variable, the best sorts being 6d. to 8d. per stone, but some are at 4d. per stone.— York (Saturday) : The weather being very wet, there was only a limited supply ot potatoes, and little business doing, the price being from 7s. to 8s. per tub of 280 lbs. wholesale, and 5d. per stone ot 14 lbs. retail. . PRICES of BUTTER, CHEESE, HAMS, &c. BUTTER, per cwt. : s. s. jOHBESB, per cwt. : s. s. Dorset 150 to 151 140 131 20 71 76 Cheshire, new 61 to 81 Dble. Gloucester... 60 74 Cheddar.old 68 90 American 56 72 HAMS: York 110 116 Cumberland 110 116 Irish 98 116 Friesland 138 Jersey 121 Pbesh, per doz. ... 16 BACON, per cwt : Wiltshire, green... 70 Irish, f.o.b 70 POULTRY, &c., MARKETS.— Turkeys, 5s. to 10s. ; ditto hens, 3s. to 4s. Gd. ; Geese, 5s. to 8s. ; Ducks, Is. to Ss. ; ditto wild, 23. ; Surrey Fowls, 3s. to 6s. ; Susses ditto, 2s. to 3s • Boston and Esses, Is. 9d. to 2s. 6d. ; Irish, Is. to Is. 6d. ; Rabbits, tame Is. to 2s. ; Pigeons, 6d. to 9d. ; Pheasants, 3s. to 4s. ; Partridges, Is. to 2s. ; Hares, 2s, to 4s. ; white Scotch, Is 9d'- Widgeon, Is. ; Teal, Is.; Woodcocks, 3s.'; Snipes, 9d. ; Gold Plover, 9d. ; Black ditto, 6d. ; Larks, Is. per dozen. Eggs, best 12s. per 120. HOP MARKET. BOROUGH, MONDVY, Oct. 24.— Since our last reportour market has assumed a firmer tone, especially for choice Hops. in which considerable business has been transacted at slightly ftdvauced rates. Quantities of medium grades are still pressed LONDON CHEESE MARKET, Oct. 20.— AVe have very little alteration to notice in the cheese trade during the past week. The supply of English cheese is quite equal to the de- mand, and in fact the stock of inferior and ill-flavoured cheese is large, and sells very tardily even at reduced prices. We have a fair inquiry for very prime meaty lump Cheshire cheese, also for really fine cheese in Erood condition, from 50 to 80 lbs. average. Fine Scotch and Swedish Cheddar cheese sell readily. American cheese is at present plentiful ; the bulk of it is too full-flavoured to command attention, but recent arrivals being milder and purer in flavour sell rather quickly. A large business has been done in Liverpool in the best de- scriptions, at from 65s. to 68s. Trade generally is rather dull here The arrivals of Americau cheese reported since our last are 36,607 boses.— Cokderoy & Co., Mill-lane, Tooley-street. MANSFIELD CHEESE FAIR.— Doubtless owing to the very wet state of the weather there was little cheese pitched. Prices ranged from 60s. to 8O3. per cwt., at which prices a general clearance was effected^ CHICORY. The market has been quiet at our quotations. Deliveeablb pbom Whabp in Bags, exclusitb of Dtttt. Harlingen ...£11 10to£12 6 I Antwerp .... £ 0 0 to £0 0 Bruges, ...12 0 13 0 I Hamburgh., 0 0 0 0 458 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. TIMBER. LONDON, Satubdat, Oct. 22. Duly a moderate business has been transacted, at late currencies. BALTIC FIK TIMBKR. £ B. 70 0 a-z 0 60 0 t>5 c 5B u Per load 60 cubic feet. s. d. 8. d. Riga 65 0 to 75 0 Dantzic and Memel, Crown 85 Best middling 75 Good middling A second 65 Common middling 57 Small, short, and irregular SO Stettin 57 Swedish 53 Small 47 0 50 0 Swedish & Norway balks 35 0 40 0 AMERICAN PITCH PINE. United States 0 0 0 0 BALTIC OAK TIMBER. Memel, crown 115 0 135 0 Brack 90 0 110 0 Dantzio and Stettin, Crown 105 0 130 0 BraokAunsquar'd 75 0 85 0 WAINSCOT. Per log 18 cubic feet. Riga, crown 85 0 100 0 Brack 50 0 65 0 Memel and Dantzio, Crown 80 0 85 0 Brack 40 0 47 0 DEALS AND BATTENS. Per Petersburg stanoard hundred. . ^ £ s. £ s. Archangel 12 0 13 0 Seconds 9 10 10 10 Petersburg 12 10 13 10 Wyburg 10 10 11 0 Finland and hand- sawn Swedish 7 0 8 0 Petersburg & Riga white deals 9 0 10 0 Memel and Dantzio, Crown red deals... 0 0 0 0 Brack „._. 0 0 0 0 Christiana ft Saune- sund deals, white and yellow 10 0 I Second do 0 0 Dram & Frederiok- stadt battens, do. 0 0 DrameVS-inohdo. ... 0 0 Gothenb'g.gd stocks 10 0 Common 9 0 Gefle and Swedish 14-feet deals 10 10 Swedish deals and battens, long mill- sawn 8 10 Dantzic, cr'wn deck, per 40-feet 3-inch 0 17 Brack o 12 LATHWOOD. Per cubic fathom. Petersburg 5 10 Riga, Dant., Memel, and Swedish 3 15 FIREWOOD. Per cubic fathom. Swedish, red deal ends 3 15 Norway, red & white boards 3 0 Rounds and slabs 2 5 OAK STAVES Per mille pipe. Memel, crown 170 0 First brack 130 0 Dantzic, Stettin, & Hambro' fuU-siz'd crown 120 0 Canada, stand, pipa 70 0 Puncheon, ^ 1,200 pieces 19 0 Bosnia, single brl., ^1,200 pieces 27 10 United States, pipe 35 0 Hogshead, heary and extra 30 0 Slieht 20 0 about £ 8. 6 10 5 10 LEADENHALL LEATHER MARKET. CROP HIDES. ENGLISH lbs. lbs 28 to 35 36 40 40 45 d. 12Vit0l4 12VS 14V4 BUTTS. ENGLISH. bs. lbs d. 14 IB -.... 14 17 20 — . 14 Ul 24 -.„ 14^2 25 2tl ...... isVi 29 32 „.... 18 S3 36 19 FOREIGN. 1« 20 14 21 24 _.... 14 25 2H 14 29 32 13 33 au ...... isWi 37 44 ...... 13>S 4S 6U -.... 14V4 OFFAL. d. d. BngllB Shoulders 12 15Vi Do. Cheeks and Faces. 6 9 Do. Bellies 9V4 H Do. Middles do 12 ISVs Foreign Shoulders 10 12 Do. Necks 8 10 Do. Bellies 8 10 Do. Middles do 10 11 Dressing Hide Shoulders. 10 12 Do. do. Bellies 7!^ 9 Kip Shoulders 5 8 Do. Bailies 5 7 DRESSING HIDES. lbs. lbs. d. d. Common 20 to 24 ... 13 tol4 Do 25 28 ... 12V4 14 Do 30 34 ... 12^2 14 Do 35 40 ... 13 15 Baddlera' 30 35 ... 14 16 Do 36 60 ... 14 17 Bulls 10 12 Shaved 14 16 ... 15 16 Do 17 19 ... 14 16 Do 20 23 ... ISVi 15 Do 24 28 ... 13 15 Scotch do 16 24 ... 14 16Vii Coach, per hide 23s. to 30s. HORSE BUTTS. SHAVED, d. d. d. d. $nsUsh..,.„.„.ll!4 14 ... 13 15 apanish „,,„„.n 14 l3 14 HORSE HIDES. lbs. lbs. d. English 13 „ without butts 9 14 . Spanish, salted, without butts, per hide 6 9 . Do. do. do... 9 12 . Do. do. do. inferior. DO. dry do... 6 8 . do. do... 9 11 , do. do. inferior . Do. . 12 15 B. d.s. d. . 9 6 15 0 .11 6 17 0 . 7 0 10 0 . 8 0 11 0 .10 0 14 0 .60 80 CALF SKINS. Ay. weight, lbs. Iba. per dozen 20to30 , Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. .30 35 ... 22 30 ..35 40 ... 22 30 ..40 45 ... 22 30 ..45 50 ... 21 29 ..50 60 ... 20 28 ,.60 75 ... 18 27 ..75 90 ... 17 24 Welsh, unrounded. Av. wght., p.doz.25 35 ... 18 22 Do. 35 60 ... 17 22 KIPS. lbs. lbs. d. d. Petersburgh 4 7 ... 16 19 Do 7 9 ... 16 19 Do 9 10 ... 15 18 Do 11 13 ... 14 16 E. I. di-ysalted... 4 7 ... 19 22 Do. do. ... 7 9 ... 18 20 Do. seconds 16 18V4 Do. thirds 13 16VS Do. inferior 8 12 SHEEP SKINS. BasUs, unstrained, per lb. 10 16 Do. stuained, perlb. ... 10 16 Do. facing, per doz 7s. 203 White Sheep A Lambs ,, 4 12 Do. strained , 10 20 Do. aprons ,, 10 25 Tan Sheep and Lambs ,, 10 30 Sumach roans 16 35 DO. skivers ,, 8 18 Bark skivers lo 25 SUNDRIES. S. B. Hog Skins, best each 6 to 13 Do. seconds „ 6 7 Seal Skins, split, per doaea 0 0 Do. for bindings „ 0 0 Calf Skins.Sumaoh- tanned 0 0 Do. white , SO 50 Horse Hides, white.eaob... 8 15 Hide Splits, per lb.., '/d.tolld. s. d. s. d. 1 Oitol 14 1 3 1 4 1 H 1 2 0 10 0 11 1 1 1 14 1 4 1 44 1 24 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 0 1 3* 1 24 1 04 1 1 0 11 0 114 1 4 1 44 1 04 1 1 0 11 0 Hi ENGLISH WOOL MARKETS. Ij CITY, Monday, Oct. 2-i.— The Wool market has heeu de.|| void of any feature of interest. The demand has been less ac- tive ; nevertheless a fair quantity of lustre and demi-lustre sorts has heeu disposed of at full prices. Other qualities have beeu neglected. CUBEENT PeICKS OF ENGLISH WoOL. Fleeces — Southdown hoga per lb. Half-bred ditto „ Kent fleeces „ Southdown ewes and wethers ... „ Leicester ditto „ SoBTS— Clothing, picklock „ Prime ,, Choice ,, Super „ Combing, wether mat ,, Picklock ,, Common , Hog matching ,, Picklock matching „ Super ditto ,, LEEDS (English and Foreign) WOOL MARKET, (Friday last.) — There is no.increased demand for English wool, aud prices for some sorts are not easily maintained. The public sales at Bradford have not remunerated the holders of wool, the prices of hoggs, which have beeu usually well supported, having ranged at comparatively low figures. The approaching sales of colonial wool are anticipated with much interest. German and French buyers are not likely to be nu- merous. At some Continental public sales of South American wool they abstained from buying, though prices were lower by l^d. per lb. FLAX, &c. LONDON, Satubdat, Oct. 22. Hemp has been in limited request. Flax has been quiet, and the demand for jute has been inactive, £ s. £ B. £ s. £ B. Hemp, Petersburgh ^Colryarn...— .~....... 29 10 60 0 clean, per ton 35 Oto 0 0 Junk „. 30 0 31 0 Outshot 3110 32 0; Fibre 29 0 36 0 Half-clean 29 0 29 1 0 Flax, Riga 75 0 0 0 0 0 St. Petersburgh, 12 65 0 head 53 0 21 0 9 head „. 44 0 21 10 1 Egyptian 0 0 Riga, Rhine 36 0 Manilla 53 10 East Indian, Sunn 15 0 Jute _ 12 0 64 0 BARK AND TANNING MATERIALS. LONDON, Satuedat, Oct. 22. £ B. £ English, per load of 45 cwt. delivered In London 13 10tol4 Coppice 0 0 Dutch, per ton 5 0 Hambro' 5 0 Antwerp Tree 5 0 Do. Coppice 5 0 French 0 0 Mimosa Chopped 8 0 Do. Ground 7 15 Do. Long „.„.„ 7 0 £ s. £ s. Cork Tree, Barbary 6 0to7 0 Do. Sardinian 9 0 10 0 Valonia, Smyrna 13 0 17 0 0 0 Do. Camata 13 0 14 10 5 10 Do. Morea 9 0 11 0 5 10 Terra Japonlca:— 5 10 Gambier in bales 16 15 17 0 6 0 Ditto free cubes 19 0 21 0 0 0 Cutoh, best Pegu ...24 0 24 10 8 17lDiviDivi 11 0 13 10 9 OiMyrabolans 10 0 17 0 7 10 j Sumach, Sicily, p. cwt. 20 0 21 0 PRICE CURRENT OF GUANO, Ac. Peruvian Guano direct from the importers' etores, £14 per ton. Bones, £7 Os. to £7 153. per ton. Animal Charcoal ^70 per cent. Phosphate) £5 per ton. Coprolito, Cambridge, whole £3, ground £3 10s. per ton. SuiTolk, whole £2 10s., groimd £3. Nitrate of Soda, £15 15s. to £16 5s. per ton. Gypsum, £1 10s. Superphosphates of Lime,£5 5s. to £6 5s. per ton. Sulphuric Acid, concentrated 1'845 Id. per lb., brown 1"712 0%d. Sulphate of Ammonia £16 Os. to £17 lOs. Salt (in London) 253. per ton. Blood Manure, £6 53. to £7 10s. Dissolved Bones, £7 Os. per ton. Linseed Cakes, best American brl. £1-2 Os. to £13 lOs., bag £11 to £12 15s. English £0. Mai'seille.s, £0 per ton. Cotton Seed Cake, £0 Os. to £0 Os. per ton. E, Fubbbb, London Manure Company, 116, Fenchurch Street,E.C. Guano, Peruvian £13 17 6 to£0 0 0[Cotsd.Cake,deoor£7 15 0 to£8 5 0 Bone Ash 6 10 0 5 15 0 Cottonseed,Egypt. Phosphate of Lime 0 12 0 0 0[ per ton 9 0 0 0 00 Linseed Cake, per ton— [Niger 2 7 0 2 80 Amer.,thin. bgs.n 2 6 11 5 0 Nitr.of Soda, p. ct.O 15 6 0 15 9 Linsd.Bomby,p.qr.2 18 0 2 18 6 Tallow, 1st P.Y.C. 2 5 0 0 0 0 Rapeseed,Guzerat 3 10 3 3 Ol „ super. Norths 2 2 6 2 36 SAMUEL DOWNES and CO., General Brokers, No. 7, The Albany, Liverpool. Agricultural Chemical Works, Stowmarket, Suffolk. Prentlce'sCerealManureforCornCrops„._.„..„.„.„._.perton £8 0 0 Mangold Manure ,» 8 0 0 Prentice's Turnip Manure „_._.„.-.„.-.-..-— " f '" "^ Prentice's Superphosphate of Lime __.__— ~ .i 6 0 0 Printed by Rogersou and Tuxford, 266, Strand, London, W. C, [[ARDINGS FLEXIBLE ROOEING. pPTmCED TO ONE PENNY PER SQUARE FOOT. ..c.a.^?7HF^iT COVERm^ for HOUSES, SHEDS, FAEM and otlicr BUILDINGS, &e. ) ;b;ST and CHEAPliibi ,^V^^,,^;j:^.'„ „.,i o^w^YhvthG English and L^DE ,IMPt Suitable for aU Climatos, and adopted by tho English and lOTdgn GoverrmZts, Railway Companies. Motropobtan Boardof Works. &o. Awarded tho Silver Medal. Amster- dam E^ion 1869. for its Cheapness and Siipeno^ty to Felt, although the price waa then 50 per cent, highei rthfui at present. anS is proved to be a much more \ Durable. EfQcicnt, and Weather-taght Rootog than Corrugated Iron, at One-third tho cost, and can be most feasUy fixed by any unpractised person. Pleaao send lor ' samples of present make. PRICE ONE PENNY per Square Foot, or 23s. por Roll of 25 yards by 44 inches wide. DRESSING, 2s. 6d. per gal. ; ZINC NAILS, Sd. per lb. SAMPLES AND TRADE TERMS FREE, I HARDING'S COMPOUND GLYCERINE DIP. tSK POISON, A^^^^ DESTRUCTIVE TO INSECT LIFE ONLY l™cterscab in sS, whot^^^^^ and increase in weight after the use of this Dip. It also preserves tho f aU animals belonging to the homestead. „«-.^<,ive accumulations which always cause functional derange- JsVa w^/u°I^'o ^^i^cr^ht - *^« ^-^-^ -^ ^^° <=^^^^ °^ ^ ^"^* jlliseases which afilict animal life, ;,avrr,io«a ;„ uro and most deadly to Ticks, Lice. Maggots, and a sure I t» TIBS of Slbs. ana lOlb.., at Wd per Ib^; a^a «^ »J»^^^ Jri~.lmi^?erra'I.T;;.%er%^"-irr„V?i»r«'?^ 3. HARDING, le Manufacturer, 20, Micholas Lane, Cannon Street, London, E.C. NDON AND COUNTY BANKING COMPANY. il -^ "^^^ ^"^ ESTABLISHED 1836. SUBSCRIBED CAPITAL...£2,500,000, in 50,000 SHARES of £50 EACH. PMDUP CAHTAL...£1,000,000^B^^ TlTTtECTORS iHANIEL ALEXANDER. Esq. 1 THOMAS STOCK COW^^^ . miNGHAM BEENARD. Esq. FREDERICK ^^.^NCIS, Esq. ELEP PATTON BLYTH, Esq. ?P;1^^^t pL^iHFRVEY 3N WM. BURMESTER, Esq. | LORD ALFRED HERVEl. TRUSTEES. P P BLYTH, Esq 1 J- W. BURMESTER, Esq. | ' AUDITORS. V7ILLIAM JARDINE, Esq. I WILLmi NORMAN, Esq^ 1 WILLIAM CHAMPION JONES, Esq. E HARBORD LUSHINGTON, Esq. JAMES MORLEY, Esq. WILLIAM NICOL, Esq. W. CHAMPION JONES, Esq. I RICHARD H. SWAINE, Esq. ^TSfoirE^ H.J.SrCS^C^fHffiNG,Esq. JIS^H^T^'H ' W. J. NORFOLK, ^ll^^J^^i^^^^.^^^ ,,,^^ENS, WILKINSON, & HARRIES. Secretahy-E. CLAPPISON, Esq. HEAD OFFICE, 21, Maxjager-WHITBREAD TOMSON, Esq. 1 LOMBARD STREET. Assistant Manager-WILLIAM HOWARD, Esq. • gro^llT^Sc'gilNTS.-Deposit Receipts are l^l-^J^^^\ll^tl^^lt,7Z^!^^^^^^^ MaK "" iK AtLS clnt^a. Inma, and China, the United States, and elsewhere. Sf ^ISskS'I^ A'^G^vS^^^^^^^ Of EngUsh or Foreign ShareB effected, and Divx.bz.i.«. ' lZ'^!!.&.Te1& KdedT tlf ci^mS of the Bank for the receipt of Money from the Towns where the Com- ^^e'offioerTof the Baak axehoxmd not to dificlo8|^th^t^i^agK)Bs^o^^^^^^^^^ ^"ffi^^foKEWAN. General Mai«tger. HALF A MILLION HAS BEEN PAID BY THE 1 AS COMPENSATION FOR ACCIDENTS OF ALL KINDS (RIDING, DRIVING, WALKING, HUNTING, &c.) An Annual Payment of ^3 to ^6 5s. insures ^1,000 at death, and a allowance at tne rate of iB6 per week for injury. A BONUS TO ALL POLICY HOLDER OF FIVE YEARS' STANDING HAS BEEN DECLARED, PAYABLE IN AND AFTER 1871. For particulars, apply to the Clerks fat the Railway Stations, to t Local Agents, or at the Offices, 64, CORNHILL, and 10, EE6ENT STREET, LONDOI WILLIAM J. VIAN, Secretabv ^. No. G, Vol. XXXVIIL] DECEMBER, 1870. Third Series. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE AND MONTHLY JOURNAL OF THE AaRICULTURAL INTEREST. MtHmwa TO THE FARMERS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. LONDON : PUBLISHED BYROGERSON AND TUXFORD, 265, STRAND. PRICE TWO SHILLINGS. ROGERSON AND TUXFORD,] [PRINTERS, 265, STRAND. " By a thorough know- ledge of the natural laws which govern the opera- tions of digestion and nu- trition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well- selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our break- fast tables with a deli- cately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills."— Civil Service Oazette. GRATErUL-COMrOTtTING. 9 (BREAKFAST) COCOA. JAMES EPPS & (lo., Homoeopatbie Chemists. BIRMINGHAM. GEEAT WESTEBN HOTEL, THE (SNOW HILL STATION). ■ One of the most elegant, comfortable, and economical Hotels in the three kingdoms." — T/ie Meld, July 31, 1869 THE ROYAL FARMERS' INSURANCE COMPANY, 3, NOEFOLK STEEET, STEAND, LONDON, W.C. CAPITAL. — Persons insured by this Company have the security of an extensive and wealthy proprietary as well as an ample Capital always applicable to the payment of claims without delay. LIFE DEPARTMENT.— BONUS.— Insurers of the participating class will be entitled to four-fifths of the profits. FIRE DEPARTMENT,— 1st Class — Not Hazardous Is. 6d. per Cent. 2nd Class — Hazardous ... ... ... ... ... 28. 6d. „ 3rd Class — Doubly Hazardous 4s. 6d. „ BUILDINGS and MERCANTILE Property of every description in Public or Private Warehouses.-^ DistUlers, Steam Engines, Goods in Boats or Canals, Ships in Port or Harbour, &c. &c,, are Insured in this Office at moderate rates. SPECIAL RISES. — At such rates as may be considered reasonable. NEW INSURANCES.— No charge made for Policy or Stamp. FARMING- STOCK, — Ss. per cent., with liberty to use a Steam Thrashing Machine without extra charge. Nearly FIVE MILLIONS Insured in this Office. SEVEN YEARS' INSURANCES may be efi'ected on payment of Six Years' Premium only. LIGHTNING and GAS.— Losses by Fire occasioned by Lightning, and Losses by Explosion of Gas Avhen used for Lighting Buildings vnH be allowed for. RENT. — The Loss on Rent while Buildings remain untenantable through fire may be provided against. HAIL DEPARTMENT.— (Crops and Glass.) Policies to protect parties from Loss by the destruction of Growing Crops or Glass, by Hail, are granted on Moderate Terms. LOSSES. — Prompt and liberal settlement. AGENTS WANTED. Apply to JOHN REDDISH, Esq;, Secretary and Actuaryj % afii t Bli * 1 Ji•rt^-'^^ " s. -MJIt THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. DECEMBER, 1870. PLATE I. TROJAN; A Prize Herefokd Bull. BRED BY MR. PHILIP TURNER, OF THE LEEN, PEMBRIDGE. Trojan (3554), a red with a white face, calved August 5th, 1868, is by Franky (1243) out of Nonpareil, by Bertram (1513), her dam Exquisite, by Sir David (349) — Nell Gwynne, by The Knight (185)— Belle, by Sir Walter (352)— Myrtle, by Commerce (354). Franky, a red with a white face, bred by Mr. T. L. Meire, in Shropshire, and calved in 1856, was by Wal- ford (871), out of Old Perfect by Speculation (387), her dam Patience by Young Waxy (451). Franky has been a very successful bull, and especially famous for his prize steers. Nonpariel, a red with a white face, bred by Mr. Turner, and calved on March 11th, 1860, has been a very profitable cow in the Leen herd, throwing her first calf in the summer of 1862, and breeding pretty regularly ever since, having up to Trojan's time only missed in 1863. Trojan was first shown at the Herefordshire Agricul- tural Society's meeting in Hereford, in the October of 18G9, when he took the second prize in a very good class of yearling bulls, being beaten for first by Mr. II. R. Evans' famous Prince of Wales, when we spoke of Trojan as a " nice thick, high quality young bull." In 1870, at the Taunton meeting of the Bath and West of England Society, Trojan took the first prize for bidls not exceeding two years old, where " barring being a little narrow behind he promised to be the best of his year." And this proved to be the case, as at the grand show of Herefords at the Oxford meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, Trojan again took the first prize for bulls above one and not exceeding two years old ; when he was sold through the agency of Mr. StraiFord, the Shorthorn auctioneer, for 90 gs. with Sidney as his destination. These were consequently the only three occasions in which Trojaa was exhibited in England. PLATE II. PEKFECTION; a Prize Pony. THE PROPERTY OF MR. ALLEN RANSOME. Perfection, bred by Major Barlow, at Hasketon, in Suffolk, in 1867, is by Confidence, out of a good old- fashioned sort of a galloway mare, just under fourteen hands high, once the property of Mr. Brewster, Confidence, a roadster stallion, standing fourteen hands three inches high, was bred by Mr. Hughes in Lincoln- shire in 1858. He was by Fireaway, dam by Johnny Boy, her dam by Flying Buck — Old Marshland Shales. Fireaway was by Fog, out of a mare by Teesdale's Fire- away, by Pagan. Major Barlow brought Confidence out of the Fens into the Eastern Counties, where, however, he only stood one season, when he was shipped for the King of Sardinia. During his sojourn at Hasketon, Confidence was shown at Islington, where he took the second prize in the Hack, Cob, or Pony Stallion Class ; and again at the Bury St. Edmund's meeting of the Suffolk Agricultural Society, where he also took a second prize. We ourselves had the honour of acting as one of the judges at this show, when we said: "The two prize roadster stallions were both of a very superior sample. Confidence, the second here, was also the second at Islington, where it was the pretty general opinion that he should have been first. And, to stand alongside of, he is almost a model of the sort ; but he was uot 30 gogd- going — a strong point for a roadster in which he was beat out of sight by Sir Edward Kerrison's Fireaway, one of the grandest movers ever seen." In Lincolnshire, Confidence has even the further credit of being the sire of some capital little hunting horses ; and Major Barlow has a promising three-year-old by him out of his famous old Silverlocks, the best hunting brood mare at the Royal Bury St. Edmund's Meeting; although the mare was also covered by Surplice and Ace of Clubs, a certain sort of saving clause against breeding a hunter in so heterodox a fashion. Still the produce takes all after the trotter. The dam of Perfection was sold, with the foal at foot, by auction to Mr. Nathaniel Catchpole, of Whitton, near Ipswich, and in turn the pony was transferred to Mr. Allen Ransome, the head of the well-known implement firm at Ipswich, who, in his own words, " much as he likes a steam-engine, loves a horse still more," and who has always a neat nag or two in his stable. At the Ipswich meeting of the Suffolk Agricultural Society, in 1869, Per- fection, then only two years old, took the prize of £5 as the best pony between twelve and thirteen hands high. At the Islington show, in the summer of 1870, he took the prize aud medal as the best pouy stallion not exceed- ing thirteen hands three inches high, when we reported 1 I [Vol. LXYIII.— No. G. 460 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. him as " one of the handsomest things we saw out." At the Sudbury meeting of the Suffolk Agricultural Society he again took the prize in the twelve-to-thirteen hands pony class ; and at the Oxford meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society the second prize in a class of pony stal- lions up to fourteen hands two inches high ; when we said, " as a pony. Perfection answered the description best, and ought to have won." In fact, the conditions admitted animals just two hands higher than Mr. Ransome's pony ; and at the November Meeting of the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Milward, that the height in this class be altered from fourteen-two to fourteen hands. Perfection thus looks like becoming a strong favomite for Wolverhampton in 1871. Perfection is a dark brown pony, standing twelve hands two inches high. He is very handsome, bloodlike, and symmetrica], light and corky in his carriage, with excellent temper and fine action, " Had I not helieved," said Mr. Ransome, " that for shape, style, and movement he was not easUy to be surpassed, I dare not have given him so arrogant a name." Noticeably enough, neither in size nor character does Perfection bear the slightest re- semblance to either his sire or dam. The mare has since had two more foals, both of which promise to reach to her own height ; aud the few things by Confidence left about the Eastern Counties are not only good in themselves, but much after the horse. In their report to the Journal of the Royal Agricul- tural Society, the three Oxford " nag " judges thus speak of the pony class : " The two placed are very good " — Mr. Calder. " Two very handsome ponies, with perfect trotting action, such as are rarely to be met with " — Mr. Robson. " The second (Perfection) a remarkably nice pony ; really more of a pony than the other, and a very good mover" — Mr. Jacob Smith. It will be thus gathered that, on all sorts of authority, Perfection is worthy of his title. THE AYRSHIRE COW. BY THE NORTHERN FARMER. While on a visit to the West of Scotland recently, in the very home of the Ayrshire, I happened to spend a few days with the owner of one of the nicest and most even stocks of this breed which I have ever met. From end to end of both byres, each member of the herd looked as if it had been cast in one mould, so nearly were they alike in size, colour, set of horn, form of mUk- vessel, and general configuration. Amongst them were several which had distinguished themselves as prize- takers at the county agricultural show, four cows having taken eight prizes. Looking carefully at these animals, one cannot help being struck with the perfection of form which they display, and the surprising appearance of milk, in comparison with the size of the cattle. Indeed, a prize animal is faultless in form, her small size being the only objection which those accustomed to the Short- horn or its crosses cnn bring against her. The true Ayr- shire is decidedly small ; but she is none the worse for being so, as her light carcase is easily kept up ; and this feature of her character renders her all the more suited to the light and in too many instances inferior pastures of her native and surrounding counties. That the Ayrshire cow is not by nature suited to rich and succulent pas- tm-es, we have often had abundant proof, her distinguish- ing characteristics being'speedily lost. On such land she grows to a much larger size, her beef-producing capabi- lities becoming largely increased ; but while this change is taking place, the milking qualities for which she was originally famous decrease in a corresponding ratio. With a first-prize cow before us, her owner at our elbow to suggest the points which might escape our own observa- tion, I jot down her description for the reader. The horn slightly upstanding, wide, clean, and somewhat thin. It may be well to remark that the enthusiastic prize-taker can shape the horn to the most approved show-form by beginuiug his manipulations not later than the age of two years. After that age the horn has got a decided set ; and to effect any perceptible change, such a degree of force is necessary as to cause the animal con- siderable pain, and render the owner liable to a charge of cruelty. The forehead broad between the eyes, and nose not too long ; on the contrary, rather conveying the idea of shoi-tness. Neck thin aud lengthy, a cow with a short, thick neck, of whatever breed, being apt to dry oft' soon, however well she may milk when newly calved. Shoulder iharp, aud not too thick or fleshy, Rib well rounded, and thickish round the heart. Short in the couplings, broad over the loin, and square to and over the rump. The tail neatly set on, and tapering to a fine point. It is desirable to have a wide calving-bone, danger from injury or death being in animals possessing this formation greatly lessened at the period of parturi- tion. The udder in the Ayrshire is for the most part well set on ; but in the prize-taker it must be absolutely faultless, as no beauty of form or regularity of contour will secure a place for an animal which has the misfortune to possess a badly-formed milk-vessel. Indeed, if the latter should happen to be perfection, other minor differences can afford to be overlooked. Viewing a well-formed vessel from behind, the thighs are completely filled, no hollow either at the top or sides of the udder being per- ceptible. This, when joined to thighs of considerable breadth, also another distinguishing feature of a well- formed cow, forms a point the beauty of which catches the eye even of the uninitiated. Looking at either side of the udder, no hoUow or indentation should be discernible between the teats, its under surface perfectly level and solid, and the teats set at equal distances rather disposed to point inwards when the udder is empty, so that when newly calved the pressure of the milk will bring them perfectly straight. The teat itself is small and round, or what is locally termed thimble-shaped, so ex- ceedingly small are some teats that but for the exceeding softness and elasticity of the udder, and the freeness with which most cows of this breed give their milk, the process of milking would be both tedious and difficult. Lastly, in connection with the udder, the skin must- be soft and capable of considerable destension, and should extend well forward under the belly. The legs should be short and the bone clean and fine, conveying an idea of careful breeding, of which fineness of bone is almost in every in- stance a sure indication. Taking a final look at the cow, of which the above is an exact description, we notice that her back is as straight as a gua-barrel, aud her skin, without being ridiculously thin, is yet as soft and silky as the most ardent enthusiast could wish for, rising oft' the rib and filling the hand at the slightest touch. She calved on the 18th October, and three weeks after, on the day this was written, viz., 8th November, her measured pro- duce was 14 Scotch pints, which sold on the spot at 4d. per pint, making the sum of 43. 8d. as the amount realized by this eow's mUk iu oae day, A3 a remarkable THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 461 instance of the influence of descent or pedigree on the milking properties of a cow, the owner of this one traced her back to several generations, not only her dam and grand-dam having been famed as large milkers, but every cow which possessed a portion of the same blood as well as her own immediate progeny. Visiting the owners of several stocks famed both for neatness of contour and ex- cellent milking qualities, I found in every instance much stress laid on procuring bulls of the most approved blood, from herds the cows composing which were large milkers, and the success which each had attained in forming his herd and bringing it to the perfection in which we found it was mainly at- tributed to the influence of sires with a milking pedigree. The food given to dairy stock during the winter months is mostly cooked, and given moderately warm, this in- duces a copious flow of milk, the more especially as it is given sloppy, and with a considerable mixture of milk- producing material. Boiled turnips and corn-chaff forms the bulky portion of the food, and when a portion of beaumeal, fine-thirds, and meal seeds is mixed witli it, the whole forms a most appetizing mess, and keeps up a full flow of milk for a long period, from four to six months elapsing before they begin to draw in to any perceptible degree, and this more particularly if they have not been buUed. About the fourth week after being bulled the flow of milk begins to decrease whatever the feeding, so that when milk is scarce and high in price the cows are not permitted to have access to the bull. A careful feeder attaches much importance to the feed- ing of his beasts, both as to being regular and punctual to the hours, and to the proper preparation of the food. If not properly timed the animals become restless and uneasy, soon losing condition, and falling off in theii" produce i f irregularity is persisted in for any length of time. Nearly an hour previous to mixing the meals with the boiled food they are placed in a separate tub and scalded with boiling water. This swells the meal, and iu a manner cooks it, making it easier of digestion, and the animals can extract more nourishment from it than they could possibly do if hastily stirred in a moment or two previous to placing it before them. When this is done it enters the stomach in a raw state, and, swelling there, gas or wind is frequently engendered, and the health of the animal and even sometimes its life becomes endangered. It is evident that the animal cannot derive as much benefit from the raw or simply wetted meal as it would from that which has been thoroughly soaked in boiling water, and it therefore follows as a natural consequence that expense is gone to from which no adequate return ia ever received. In the vicinity of large towns brewers' and distillers' grains are largely used to mix with the boiled food and form a welcome addition, as the flow of milk increases whenever they are used, however liberally the animals had been fed previously. The man entrusted with the feeding of the cattle must possess judgment and knowledge of his business, as a good deal of discretionary power must of necessity be accorded him. Should it happen that a man is placed iu such an important position who lacks judgment, or who perhaps although fairly qualified in other respects is of a careless or easy disposi- tion, considerable loss is almost unavoidable. If not fed with the utmost promptitude as to time and the quantities regulated with the greatest exactness it is vain to expect regularity of produce. Nay, a stinted feed at one time and an over-dose at another of such rich meal is almost sure to cause one or more of the animals to refuse their food, probably not taking to it kindly again for a week : should this happen the cow goes back in her milk, scarcely recovering herself for the remainder of the season. A newly calved Ayrshire cow is worth at present from 18 to 20 guineas, a great price when the small carcase is taken into consideration. However, any article is worth just as much as it will bring, irrespective of all other considerations, and a man wanting an animal of this class must give the market value or go without. THE AGRICULTURAL LABOURER. BY CUTHBEET W. JOHNSON, P.E.S. The condition and the improvement of the state of our farm labourers can hardly be too often re -considered. In such inquiries we may be cheered by remembering that time has gradually and steadily improved the position of our peasantry. It is indeed pretty certain that" down to the days of the Tndors the plight of the English country-labourer was about the same as in some portions of Russia in our own days — that is, little better than slaves or serfs, who, until the times ot the present enlightened Russian Emperor, were sold with the estate to which they belonged. "We have ever and anon notices in old English authors of the farm labourer which indi- cate the poorness of their condition, and the low estima- tion in which they were then held — and we can readily imagine this when we find how miserable was the work assigned in those days even to an English farmer's wife. Thus the earliest English writer upon agriculture. Judge Fitzherbert, in his Soke of Kusbandnje, published in the year 1531, gravely tells us that amongst other refined duties, it was the business of the farmer's wife to help her husband to fill the dung-wain ! The class that we are striving to render more com- fortable are much greater in number than is commonly understood. According to the census of 1861, the num- ber of out-door labourers in agriculture were in England : ^ales 914,301 Females ,„ ,„ ^^^ 43^954 la Wales : Males 128,874 Females 58,738 Now let us refresh our memories by referring to the cost of the bare necessaries of life which each labourer requires for his subsistence, and to what extent his wages suffice to meet the demand upon them. It was at a meeting in October last of the Athy Farmers' Club that Mr. C. W. Hamilton addressed its members on behalf of the poor Irish labourer ; and I need hardly attempt to give iu any other language the facts which he then pro- duced as reported in the Irish Farmers' Gazette. As he remarked, it appears from the sixth report of the medical officer of the Privy Council, that in England the average consumption of a labouring man is weekly : Farinaceous dry food, reckoned as if all were bread 12^ lb. Sugar, or treacle , , , ... , . , 7^ oz. Butter, dripping, or suet 5J oz. Bacon, or meat 1 lb. Milk ... 32 oz. Cheese 5^ oz. Tea i oz. which he wiU probably procure for about 3s. 6d. per week ; as for an average family, lOs. or lis. Dr. Smith in his dietary gives the example of a family liYiug at Oakhamptgn, iu Peypnstire, consisting of hus- I I 2 462 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. baud, wife, and three children under ten years of age : — Flour, 351bs. ; peas, 41b9. ; rice, 21bs. ; treacle, lib. ; butter, lib. ; bacon, 31bs. ; cheap pieces of meat, 41bs. : skimmed milk, 10^ pints; tea, 1 oz., which cost lOs. 7d. They raised some potatoes besides in their garden. Now, this man's wages were only lOs. per week, so that the rent of his house and garden and clothing, &c., must have been dependent on the wife's industry. And as the Editor of the same valuable Paper lately observed : Dr. Edward Smith, Poor-law Inspector in England, has pub- lished statistics of the diets in use amongst the workin g classes in Great Britain. From the following Table, which gives the diet of various labourers, it appears rather strange that the least potato-fed agricultural labourers in the United Kingdom are the Irish ! They also, according to Dr. Smith, receive the greatest amount of actual nutriment (not merely bulk of food), and at the least expenditure of money. Weekly Dietaries of Low-eed Operatives, calculated as Adults. Class of Labourer. Needle women (London) Silk weavers (Coventry) Silk weavers (London) Silk Weavers (Macclesfield)... Kid glovers (Yeovil) Cotton spinners (Lancashire) Hose weavers (Derbyshire)... Shoemakers (Coventry) Farm labourer (England) Farm labourer (Wales) Farm labourer (Scotland) Farm labourer (Ireland) Mean of all Average per day Bread Stuffs. Ozs. 124.0 166.5 158.4 138.8 140.0 161.8 190.4 179.8 196.0 234.0 204.0 326.4 184.2 26.3 Pota- toes. Ozs. 40.0 33.7 43.8 26.6 84.0 23.6 64.0 56.0 96.0 138.7 204.0 92.0 78.1 11.1 Sugars. Ozs. 7.3 8.5 8.8 6.3 4.3 14.0 11.0 10.0 7.4 7.5 5.8 4.8 8.0 1.4 Fats Ozs. 4.5 3.6 5.5 3.4 7.1 3.1 3.9 5.8 5.5 5.9 4.0 1.3 4.5 0.6 Meat. Ozs. 16.3 5.3 11.9 3.2 18.3 5.0 11.9 15.8 16.0 10.0 10.3 4.5 10.7 1.5 Milk. Ozs. 7.0 11.6 4.3 41.9 18.3 11.8 25.0 18.0 32.0 85.0 134.8 135.0 43.9 6.1 Cheese. Ozs. 0.5 1.0 0.3 0.9 10.0 0.7 2.3 3.3 5.5 9.8 2.5 3.1 0.4 Tea. Ozs. 1.3 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.9 0.7 0.4 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.3 0.6 0.1 Containing Carbon. Nitrogen. Grains. 33,900 27,038 48,388 27,346 28,623 39,214 33,537 31,700 40,673 48,354 48,980 43,366 34,167 4,881 Grains, 950 1104 1165 1177 1213 1295 1316 1333 1594 2031 2348 3434 1500 Cost. s. d. 2 7 1 llf 2 8f 1 8i 2 9i 2 3 2 6i 2 71 214 0 U When addressing himself to the condition of the Irish labourer, Mr. Hamilton added : " As to the amount of food which will support a labourer and his family com- fortably, it is very hard to form an estimate generally applicable, and it is clear that even allowing the same work to be equally paid for, the labourer cannot be as comfortable during the eight or ten years while he is rearing his family as he will be when some are old enough to assist him ; but these are vicissitudes to which all families are liable. About 8s. per week is the average cost of food, necessaries, and clothing in the workhouses. This may be taken as the minimum for a labouring man, and if we add to it one-third we get 4s., leaving only 8s., besides what the wife and family can eai'n towards the weekly expense of an average family, out of what I may assume as the most usual sum paid in cash, viz., 7s. weekly. I know that 7s. weekly, along with house, garden, 2 cwt. of coal, and two quarts of milk, does enable a labourer to live comfortably, but that is quite equivalent to 10s. per week. In the county of Meath, generally speaking, the servant boys who are lodged and fed by their employers get from £8 to £10 annual wages, but this is probably equivalent to about £22 per annum, or 9s. per week ; and as their expenses are only clothes and perhaps 6d. per week for tobacco, and an odd shilling for whisky, they are enabled to lay by their money, which among the best of them is too often applied to emigrating to America. The married labourer finds it harder to make both ends meet, for formerly he and his family lived on potatoes and buttermilk, and then the old wages of 8d. and lOd. were equivalent to a much larger wage than at present. Now, since they have risen to much more civilized ideas as to comfort in food and dress, oatmeal stirabout, at first regarded as a luxury, has gradually been displacing the potatoes : at the same time, though more slowly, tea and bakers' bread have taken the place of stirabout at the morning and frequently at the other meals. This is a change of more doubtful benefit ; it is expensive, and frequently leads to the family going in rags, and the labourer being deprived of the more nutritious food which would enable him to work with energy. In addition to his weekly wages of from 6s. to 73., his wife usually makes something, say Is. per week by poultry and Is. by the pig, and if he gets a turf bank or some allowance of fuel, he is not much to be pitied. The weekly outlay of a labourer and his wife, with no family, may be about- s. d. 1^ stone of Indian and oaten meal . . 2 0 Potatoes . 0 9 Milk .. 0 8 Soip and candles ... . 0 7 Rent ... . 0 9 Clothes and tobacco . 1 6 Fuel ... . 0 9 7 0 If there is an average family, the labourer cannot do with much less than the following : s. d. 2^ stone mixed meal . . . .. 8 4 6 stones potatoes .. 1 6 Milk .. 1 2 Candles, soap, &c. .. 1 0 Fuel .. 0 9 Rent .. 0 9 Clothes .. 2 0 Tobacco ... ... .. 0 6 11 0 I have alluded to the condition of the Russian peasant. Now, in a late Parliamentary paper, which contains returns from our ambassadors and consuls in foreign countries, we find that, on rising, the Russian peasant will eat a hunch of black rye-bread and a bowl of milk or curds ; but his principal meal, at noon, consists gene- rally of cabbage, of mushroom soup, of which meat is seldom the basis ; of baked buckwheat, eaten with milk. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 463 oil, or butter, according to the means of the family ; and of an unlimited quantity of bread. Potatoes are not a staple of food, except in the vicinity of capitals, or in the neighbourhood of German colonists, who have taught the Russian peasantry around them to overcome their prejudices against the cultivation of " the devil's apple," the introduction of which, at the commencement of the present century, led to so serious agrarian riots in the provinces of the Volga basin. The drink is mostly water ; a liquor made of fermented rye, called kvas, and small table beer, being only found on holidays in the houses of the richer peasantry, and that principally in the northern and industrial provinces. Spirits are not consumed at meals, but only on occasions when the peasant's object is to get merry and drunk. These occasions present them- selves on holidays, of which there are many during the year. The bowl of soup, the pot of buckwheat, and the loaf of rye-bread are again placed on the table for supper. It is not, perhaps, so much poverty as the discipline of the Russo-Greek Church that compels the Russian peasant to take but little nourishing food. On about 210 days in a year he is not allowed to eat meat; and although sick persons, and women for a short time after cliildbirth, can obtain dispensations, they seldom avail themselves of the power, clinging superstitiously to the severest forms of fasting, and that in a climate whix;h requires a more than average consumption of animal food. The loaf of rye-bread, it is true, but seldom fails the Russian peasant family, except in years of famine or ex- ceptional distress ; but at least half of the infant mor- tality in the agricultural districts is referable to the in- ability of the mothers (fed on sour rye-bread and cabbage or mushroom-water — worn out with excess of fasts and defect of sleep) to nourish their infants. The following table, compiled from actual account books, gives, in English quantities and value, a tariff and estimate of the diet of Russian agricultural labourers, on a large scale and under liberal management, and therefore under the most favourable circumstances : ANNUAL CONSUMPTION PER MAN. Description of Victual. Flour — rye Flour — wheat Grits — buckwheat, &c. Peas Oil and butter Salt Meat Fish and cabbage £3 11 4^ Thus, a Russian peasant, when most favourably situated, will get 12 ounces of meat, principally in soup, on 155 days in the year, and 21bs. 6oz. of bread and flour, be- sides buckwheat, peas, &c., at a cost of 2;^ per diem ; while the quantity of flour consumed by these agricul- tural labourers may be taken as the average consumption of corn per head in the villages, with, hov/ever, the dif- ference that the relative proportion of wheat will be smaller by two-thirds. Taking all the provinces to- gether, the quantity of meat will average in the same districts only one-half the quantity shown in the esti- mate. In the capitals the cost of feeding servants is reckoned at about 20 kopecks (6d.) per head per diem. The Russian peasants, it appears, erect the huts in which they dwell, for as the report of 1870 adds (p. 303) : "The agricultural labourers live almost entirely in houses of their own, which are throughout the empire c.onstructed in the following simple fashion :— Logs of the red pine are cut into the required lengths, 3, 4, or 5 fathoms, according to the proposed size of the house. Enghsh Value in Weight. English Money. 451 lbs. ... jgQ 19 0 421 lbs. 16 7 5| bush. 0 4 9^ 30f lbs. 0 1 If 17^ lbs. 0 4 6 32i lbs. 0 1 4f 117 lbs. 0 13 2 li lbs. 0 0 9^ The lengths are placed one above the other, the ends being dovetailed together, thus forming as it were a huge box of logs. The doors and windows are then cut out, and the pieces carefully numbered by notches, the box is now taken to pieces, and the actual building commences; this is done by placing the lowest tier on boulder stones (and wooden posts for foundations, then each succeeding tier is added, moss or hemp and tow being used between each layer to fill up all interstices- The walls thus com- pleted, floors and ceilings of red or white piue boards are added, both ceiling and flooring generally being double, with a layer of earth between, the whole is crossed over with boards. The roofing generally consists of wooden tiles. In one corner of the room a large brick stove, similar to an English baking-oven, is built, a chimney, either of bricks (put loosely together without mortar) or of wood, is carried through the roof, and the house or hut is complete. Here the whole family lives. Generally the house contains but a single room, but sometimes a well- to-dopeasant hasa house of three or four rooms, and even uses plaster and paper-hangings for the walls of his hut ; this is especially the case in the grain-growing Go- vernments, such as Taraboff, Voroneje, Penso, Saratoif, Samara, &c., where the peasantry are more industrious, better fed, housed, and clothed, than in the Northern Governments." In travelling from Russia towards our own country we arrive at the territories of the King of Prussia. Here the reporters give us a more full and a more favourable account of the condition of the agricultural labourer. From a paper by Mr. Petre forwarded by Lord A. Loftus, we learn (report, p. 49) that the labouring classes in that country, agricultural and industrial, may be ranged under the following heads : — 1. Agricultural labourers, male and female, who have a permanent engagement, and who live with their em- ployer (farm servants) ; 2. Agricultural labourers ("Tagelohner") who generally contract to work for a considerable period of time for the landed proprietors, but very often leave their employment at the end of a year ; 3. Domestic servants of all kinds; 4. Small tradesmen or artizans ("Handwerker") who either work on their account, single handed, or with slight assistance, or who work by contract for others ; 6. Assistant workmen of tradesmen or artizans (jour- neymen and apprentices) ; 7. Ordinary factory operatives, who have not devoted any length of time as apprentices to learning a particular trade ; 8. Porters and carriers of all descriptions employed for commercial or industrial purposes ; 9. Workmen or day labourers (" Tagelohner") without any regular or permanent engagement ; 10. Workwomen. Although, adds Mr. Petre, my report professes to deal more exclusively with the purely industrial population, I have included the agricultural section of the labouring classes in the preceding category, for the reason that the wages of agricultural labour in this country influence to a considerable extent the condition of the working classes generally, and it is exceedingly common for them to exchange one branch of labour for another. Of the agricultural labourers or farm servants[mentioned under No. 1, more than half are men and boys. Girls of this class are not so numerous as the women who work as "Tagelohner," or day labourers (No. 2). The chief duties of the farm servants in general consist in tending the cattle and flocks, in keeping the buildings and yards clean, sowing the seed, and dairy work. They have to work also in the distilleries and breweries which are com- 464 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. monly attached to large farming establistments, and they are employed generally in the more responsible and im- portant duties of the farm. At the manor-houses or gentlemen's seats (" Edelhofe") it is usual to employ a large number of these farm ser- vants. The peasant proprietors content themselves generally with one man and a boy, and several maid ser- vants. Formerly, when labour was more abundant than it is now, the landowners and farmers used to set their faces against their farm servants marrying, but their anxiety now is to induce them not to leave their employ- ment, and with this object they encourage them to marry. The married farm servants are called " Deputaten," or persons receiving an allowance ,in kind, to distinguish them from the other farm servants, who all take their meals together at the farm. The " Deputaten" receive, in addition to their wages, a certain allowance of corn, potatoes, &c. This primitive practice is, . however, gradually giving way to the system of paying full wages in money. Payment in kind, as a rule, is now only jnade when the farm servants themselves choose to be paid in this manner, as they very often do when the price of corn is sufficiently high to enable them to make a profit oat of it. The want of trusty farm-servants is beginning to be universally felt jby the landowners and farmers. The causes of this growing change are easily traced. A larger and more varied field of employment has been occupied by the development of industry and by increased facilities of locomotion. A yearning for independence, and for the possession of a home of their own, prevails even among the poorest of these farm servants. The doctrines of so- cialism too, which have penetrated, though not to any Tery great extent to this class, may have contributed in some degree to alienate them from their employment. The result, however, is, that they receive now higher wages and better food than formerly, and their condition is altogether diiferent from what it was. ^Improvements have been introduced on most of the well-managed pro- perties as regards the way in which the farm servants are lodged, but much still remains to be done in this respect. They generally sleep in the hayloft or in a garret in the cow-house. In all other respects, however, the treatment of farm servants is more considerate than it used to be, and the consciousness of their increased importance, to which this improved treatment may partially be attri- buted, renders them at the same time far less docile and obedient to their employers than formerly. Those who are in the service of the peasant proprietors, with whom they are more or less on a level in point of culture, are in the habit of taking their meals at the same table with their employers, and differ little from them in their social habits. It has been observed that, after a series of good harvests, the farm servants, male and female, frequently give notice to quit, in order to work instead for daily wages as " Tagelohner," which gives them more ready money. Bad harvests and high prices, on the other hand, have the effect of inducing them to resume permanent employ- ment as farm servants in preference to gaining a more precarious livelihood as independent labourers. The second class of agricultural labourers, or " Tage- lohner," as they are termed, as distinguished from farm servants, may be divided into two categories : those who contract to work for the landowner or farmer for a certain definite period, ranging from one to three years, and those who have no fixed engagement, but who work for different employers as opportunity offers. The former class of labourers is very general through- out the Eastern Provinces of Prussia, but rare in the manufacturing districts. They are usually married, and are bound by their contract to provide, in addition to their own labour, from two to four peraons, called i " Schaarwerker," to assist them. The system, In short, is a modified form of gangwork. The labourers them- selves are bound to work upon the estate from 280 to 300 days, and the " Schaarwerker" (generally the family of the labourer), on the average, 250 days in the year. They are lodged gratis, or at a low rent, in the " Innsthauser," or farm lodging-houses belonging to the estate, and have a certain portion of land (from i to IJ acres) allowed them, which is manured and cultivated by the proprietor, a shed for goats or pigs, and some small allowances in kind. The wages and conditions of labour for this class of workmen vary too much according to circumstances, even on the same estate, to admit of generalisation. On the whole, their condition is less favourable than that of the farm servants. The class is recruited mostly from amongst those who have made improvident mar- riages, and are forced by the pressure of narrowed means and increasing families to sell their labour at a low rate. Those amongst them who have small families to provide for, or whose children are of an age or condition to contribute to the support of the family, are however decidedly better off than the farm servants, and generally enabled, in the course of a few years, to save a tolerable competency. This is more especially true of those who abstain from the immoderate use of spirits. The prevailing system of contract work gives the industrious agricultural labourer a fair chance of earning very adequate wages, which he generally supplements by threshing-work during the winter months. The house accommodation provided for the "Innst- leute," or labourers who are lodged by the landed proprietor, is very inferior on most properties, both from a sanitary point of view and also on the score of comfort. Little attention has been paid to it, and the normal standard of comfort and of the sanitary conditions of rural dwellings in general is low. Very little has been done of late years in this direction by the landowners, owing to the heavy charges on estates and to the scarcity of money. Agricultm-al labourers who work independently, and are not lodged, like the " Innstleute," by their employers, receive at least 20 per cent, higher wages in money than the latter ; and they have this advantage over them, that in harvest-time they can get almost any wages they choose to ask from the landowners and farmers who are short of farm servants and " Innstleute." This is counterbalanced on the other hand by their forced idleness during the winter months, which generally swallows up all their savings, and has altogether a bad influence over their moral conduct. They usually marry in order to have a home of their own, and buy a bit of land on borrowed money to supply them with potatoes and vegetables. Some of them lodge with the peasant- proprietors for whom they work, and several families are often crowded together in the same house. One peculiar feature of agricultural labour in this country is the custom which prevails in several provinces of large bodies of labourers associating together and migrating during the summer months. The system foUowed is this. An experienced man is deputed to select and report upon some district suitable for the purpose. He then makes a contract for the work which is to be done, and twenty or more labourers, male and female, associate together and undertake harvest or other work for one or more of the large landed proprietors, whose estates are situated sometimes more than 200 miles away from the home of the labourers. When they have finished their work, and received the money which they contracted for, and which is equally divided amongst them, they return home for the winter. Labouring gangs of this kind migrate annually from the highlands, east of the Vistula, wMch afford but a scanty THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 465 Subsistence to the population, to the fertile lowlands across that river. From the feu cTistricts along the Warta, an aflluent of the Oder, formerly colonised by Frederick the Great, and now over-populated, similar bauds of labourers travel every summer to the neighbouring provinces. The beetroot sugar manufactories in the neighbourhood of Magdeburg arc supplied in this way from the Eichfeld, a sterile district of the Southern Hai-tz, wdth the additional labour which they require at a certain period of the year. Similar bodies, called " Ilollandsganger," crop over from Westphalia into the Netherlands ; some as agricultural labourers, others as tile-makers ; and hundreds of masons migrate annually from Silesia to the North Eastern Provinces of Prussia during the summer, to earn money for their support during tne winter months. As we continue our tour from Russia, and through Prussia, towards our own country, we arrive in the Netherlands, and here we fiud a superior condition of the tillers of the soil. Mr. Sydney Loch, on the authority of Mr. NichoUs, in his account of the labourers of Holland {Report, p. 16) observes : " Nothing can exceed the cleanliness, the personal propriety, and the apparent comfort of the people of Holland. I did not see a house or a fence out of repair, or a garden that was not carefully cultivated." But he does not stop here, for while apparently intending merely to continue the description, he gives, perhaps unconsciously, the secret of such unwonted happiness. " The Dutch people," he continues, " aj)pcar to be strongly attached to their Government, and few countries possess a population in which the domestic and social duties are discharged with such constancy ; a scrupulous economy and cautious foresight seem to be the characteristic virtues of every class ; to spend their full annual income is accounted a species of crime." There can be little doubt that if the labouring classes in Holland are prosperous and happy, they owe it to their own patient industry, their provident habits, and their natural contented disposition. Living in a land which owes its very existence to the ingenuity and labour of man, at any moment liable to be called out to work again for their lives and homesteads, they owe little to nature, much to themselves. What they acquire with pain they guard with care. The Dutch labourer, whether in field or town, reflects on the value of his earnings ; the energies which a warmer blood and a more impetuous temperament would expend in political excitement, he consecrates to the improvement of his own individual lot; the question of the hour, the news of the day, possess little interest for him ; he prefers his Bible to his news- paper, and his family fireside to the public, the reading- room, or the political meeting. Jealous to a degree over the liberty he already possesses, he does not sigh for more, and prefers enjoying in peace the advantages already secured to him, to agitating for others which his fathers did without. The Dutch artizan can live comfortably and con- tentedly on what would ill suffice to satisfy the wants of an English labourer. He gets lower wages, he lives in a country where protection is still professed and duties are still high, where the necessities of life are about as dear as in England and the luxuries dearer, and yet his home is happier, and his family healthier than many which could be found elsewhere. Spending less on himself, he has more left for his children, and what he saves in beer he spends in bread. In taking the rcstrospect we have thus done of the condition of the English farm labourer of the olden time, and of his plight in Northern Europe, in Germany, and in the Netherlands, we may well be encouraged to rejoice at the progress we have made in our own island, and be prompted to still further efforts in so good a direction. Without attempting to exhaust the subject, let us glance at one or two only of the improvements which in some portions of our island are yet to be made for the comfort of the labourer ; and can we have this better done than in the language of Canon Girdlestone, who, on a recent occasion, when addressing a body of the fine agriculturists of Devonshire remarked, very truly : " First, as regards the home of the labourer. We have most of us, more or less, some good horses of our own, and we are, no doubt, anxious that they should do a good day's work, and do it well and cheerfully. In order to do this, one of the first things to do is to secure a good stable. A cold, draughty stable, or a stable low, small, badly ventilated, and badly drained, or one in which, without any separation of stalls, all our horses would be huddled together, is there any one of us but, putting all views of humanity out of the ques- tion, and mei'ely with reference to our own advantage, would at once say, ' With such a stable, my horses are more likely to be in the hands of the farrier than of the ploughman : with such a state of things I shall get no work done '? It is exactly the same with the human animal. Laying aside both Christian and moral considera- tions, a healthy and comfortable home is essential to the efficiency of the working man, and is, consequently, of as much importance to the employer as to the employed. The following is my idea of the sort of home a labourer ought to have if he is to be able to do a really good day's work. A house well roofed, drained and ventilated, and floored, with a fireplace in every room, and every window made to open, with downstairs a good family room, with handy grate, oven and boiler, and a scullery at the back, with door to the garden, with upstairs never less than three, and if possible four, bedrooms, with a good garden round it, a pigsty, and other conveniences so constructed and screened as to be decent in appearance as well as in reality. The labourer's home should be on the farm if possible, or, at any rate, as near as can be to his work. A long walk to and from his work is most exhausting to the labourer, and very unnecessarily so, and of course, at the same time, most damaging to the farmer, who wants the whole strength of those who work for him, and to whom it is of great importance that they should be fresh when they come upon the farm. A moderately-sized potato ground, in addition to the garden, is a great advantage to the labourer ; whereas, if too large, it is apt to embarras and over-fatigue him. If to some one or two cottages on each farm there were also added a cowshed, with facility of pasturage for a cow, and these cottages were reserved as prizes for the most skilled, in- dustrious, and thrifty labourers, the employer would reap as much advantage as the labourer himself from the im- proved character of both workmen and work, to which such sort of emulation, wherever scope has been given for it, has always led, and is sure to lead. This, then, is my idea of an agricultural labourer's home. As far as providing such a home is concerned, it is, of course, almost entirely a landlord's question ; but I have no hesitation in saying, nevertheless, that if I were a farmer, laying aside all regard for the labourer, and with a view to my own advantage alone, I should no more think of taking a farm without stipulating for proper and healthy labourers' homes upon it than I should of being content with stables and cowhouses of such a sort as would be sure to make my horses and cattle unhealthy and un- profitable. " I pass on from the home of the labourer to his work. This ought, as far as possible, to consist of piece-work. I say as far as possible, because I am well aware of the difficulty there is in bringing many agricultural opera- tions under the denomination of piece-work. Neverthe- less, many of those difficulties may, by perseverance and good management, be overcome, and, for his own sake aa 466 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. well as ia the interest of those who work for him, it is well worth the farmer's while to overcome them ; for until human nature is very much changed from what it is now, labourers will he found, even without reference to age, to differ very widely from each other. Physical strength aud power of endurance, skill, industry, a desire to do a honest day's work, and many other particulars, are points in which there is sure to be an immense amount of difference. Yet, unless the amount of a man's earn- ings depends upon the amount of work done, it is diffi- cult to see how to avoid paying all these various charac- ters of labourers exactly the same amount of wages, and so inflicting on the farmer both a present and a prospec- tive loss, by getting now a less amount of work than he ought for his money, and discouraging improvement in the class for the time to come. It is very important also for all parties that in every case in which a system of day-work is adopted the number of hours constituting a day's work should be definitely settled and understood, and that an account of all aftertime employment should be accurately kept and paid for, not by beer or cider, or other refreshment, except perhaps in time of harvest, but in money, and in the proportion it bears to a day's work. Now that thrashing is almost entirely done by machi- nery, it is very difficult to provide wet-weather work for agricultural labourers. Yet when the immense loss of income which in the changeable climate of Great Britain and specially in the western counties accrues to the labourer from bad weather, unless paid by the week, with DO deduction for wet days, and the difficulty in which the loss involves him are considered, it will be ob- vious that a farmer who wishes his labourers to have well- nourished, powerful bodies and minds free from anxiety will do his best to secure them against the possibility of many days' forced idleness in the course of a year, in- volving of course short commons for themselves and families." Such are some of the facts, so well glanced at by Mr. Girdlestone : he was then addressing a body of men not likely to forget the comfort of their labourers. In tra- velling towards the west, through Devon and Cornwall, we have ever regarded with pleasure the independent bearing and the comfort so noticeable in the peasantry ; and this fact should prompt us to greater efforts in other districts of our Islands where their condition is not nearly so good. THE FOREIGN CATTLE MARKET. In the Report from the Committee of the Farmers' Club for the year 1866, the following paragraph occurs : " Since the last Report was agreed to, the Committee has held several meetings on the subject of the cattle- plague, and also had an interview with Sir George Grey at the Privy Council Office, when a Memorial was pre- sented. The recommendations embodied in that Paper were not only received with every attention by the Home Secretary, but their spirit very generally adopted by other deputations — the Farmers' Club being the first of any of the Agricultural Societies that sought the Govern- ment with reference to this terrible visitation." This interview took place in November, 1865 ; and one of the chief clauses of the Memorial went to recommend " that all foreign beasts imported he killed for food at the point of disembarkation immediately on their arrival, or within such reasonable time as may allow of their sale to the butcher." At a meeting of the Committee of the same Club on Monday, Nov. 7, it was resolved : " That the thanks of this Committee be ofi'ered to the Right Hon. W. E. Forster for the energetic measures which have been recently taken by the Privy Council to prevent any importation of foreign cattle diseases. At the same time, the Com- mittee begs to express a hope that separate markets for the sale and slaughter of all foreign stock will be en- forced at the ports of landing throughout this king- dom." And, noticeably enough, at a meeting of the Court of Common Council on the same day a Report recommending the establishment of a foreign cattle market by the Corporation was adopted. It will be thus seen how the farmer has at length succeeded in obtaining that measure of safety which he has been so long seeking, as we believe that the vote of thanks accorded to the Vice-President of the Council could not have been better timed. There can be no doubt but that the City has been very determinedly looked up in this matter by the Government, while a Liberal Ministry has been mainly instrumental in carry- ing out a movement that some people were pleased to regard as a mere revival of the old cry for Protection. And here, as we take it, the home-producer's interest, at least in this branch of the business, is at an end. So long as the new market be constructed with reasonable expe- dition, and so long as this be placed sufficiently far away to ensure him from all danger of contagion, it can really be of little moment to the farmer whether the site be on the North or South side of the river, or if the convenience of the Whitechapel butcher should or should not have been becomingly consulted when arriving at a selection. AU such points as these rest entirely between the City and the consumer, as represented by the trade; as it is only fair to assume that the Corporation in making its ar- rangements has given every possible care and atten- tion to the requirements of the public. Of course there will be some still ready enough to complain and protest, as we hear certain salesmen and butchers have petitioned against Deptford Dockyard, are others in favour of it, just in fact as they wrote ^ro and con so recently in The Times. But with this dispute the English farmer has little or nothing whatever to do. The City has determined on, and the Government will give its countenance to a site, so that there should be strong warranty of its capabilities, while there could, surely, be nothing in much worse taste than any further agitation or demonstration from a quarter which, so far, has simply obtained all that it asked for. There is as yet no complete railway communication it is urged, although it might as sensibly be said in protest there is as yet no market constructed, for the one may be as easily and si- multaneously supplied with the other. The veterinary authority of a contemporary says : " It cannot be ques- tioned but that the road to Deptford is in all respects a better way than that to Plaistow, Millwall, or North Woolwich." And again : " The Brighton and South Coast and South-Eastern Railways run within a short distance of the dockyard, and there will be no difficulty in completing the communication between those lines and the Foreign Market if necessary ; but good cart roads are of much more importance than good railroads. Most of the butchers who will buy and slaughter cattle at the waterside market will convey the carcases to their desti- nation in their own carts." While, however, we are giving our thanks to Mr. Forster, we must not be altogether unmindful of the Civic authorities whose task has been by no means an easy one. In the outset they have had of course to encounter a number of disinte- THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 467 rested people, who had each and all the very best ground for the purpose to sell. In fact, we scarcely ever remember such an outcry as has been raised over the extraordinary suitability of this place and that, the very safety of the country apparently depending on the purchase of some Company's docks or somebody-else's yards. But even beyond this the Markets Committee has had to withstand the opposition of some of its own brother Council- men. Although the report was eventually carried by " an overwhelming majority," this was only accom- plished in the face of sundry amendments, such as "the lleport lie on the table," or "the Report be sent back for reconsideration." Jloreover, Mr. Bedford, " with many others, repudiated the idea of making a new market at all, and for many reasons. The market was absolutely unnecessary for any possible purpose, except for raising the price of the food of the people, or for the purpose of putting money into the pockets of the land- owners of the country ; and this was the secret of the Bill. It was a Bill to raise the price of food ;" while Mr. Game, a member of this very Markets Committee, " did not rise to support a site, but to take this opportunity of saying, as a member of the Markets Committee, that, during the time this question had been in agitation, he had visited the sites on two or three occasions ; and he had no doubt that, if it were necessary that there should be a foreign cattle market in the metropolis, the site chosen would be the most preferable. But it was a mistake to suppose that a large portion of the meat which came to London from abroad was consumed in the East-end ; two-thirds were consumed iu the north-east and the south-west. If they took the other side of the river, there was but one-third consumed there. For that reason he believed it would be greatly to the advantage of the trade and to the public, if a foreign cattle mnrkct was to be made, that it should be made on the south side ; but he was of opinion that they did not want a foreign cattle market in London ; it was the greatest absurdity ever brought before the public. They were told that it was to be a paying concern, and they were asked to rush into it. They had been told that there was an Act passed that there should be a foreign cattle market for London, but there was no Act compelling them to build it." We quote thus much to show that it was not quite such plain sailing with the Corporation as might have been imagined ; as, indeed, the last sentence or so of Mr. Game's remarks is very suggestive of what might have happened. There is no Act compelling the City to build a market, but the Common Council might have delayed doing so for another year or more, when the power to deal with the business would have passed into other hands. It is the fashion to laugh at the civic authorities, and no doubt some disap- pointed speculators will rail loudly enough at the conclusion come to ; but if Mr. Forster and the Veterinary Depart- ment of the Privy Council Ofllce are satislied that a really eligible site has been chosen, we cannot see that any one, excepting always the great Whitechapel interest, has any cause to complain. On the Monday the Farmers' Club, as we have stated, passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Forster, and on the Tuesday the Central Chamber of Agriculture put a resolution very much to the same purport. There can be no question but that such a compliment has been well merited, as even at this moment some further warning is about to be issued as to the unsatisfactory condition of the continent, where the cattle disease rages, and the necessity for every vigilance on our part. From his first interview with the agriculturists we have spoken to the grave care which the right honourable gentleman has given to the question, and in his sanction of site, we repeat, there is something of a guarantee. It must be borne in mind that the first choice of the Markets Committee ^vas not ap- proved by the Lords of the Council, and this of itself serves to show the close supervision which the pro- ceedings of that body has received from the Government. Greatly as such a market is needed, we confess that we have wearied of the way iu which the matter has been too often discussed ; as wc would counsel the farmer to be no party towards raising any further difficulties now that his object is virtually obtained. NO POLITICS! At a meeting of the Devon and Cornwall Chamber of Agriculture, in October, Mr. Henry Clark called attention to what may be termed a Tenant-Bight Agree- ment that he had framed, and upon which he desired the opinion of the members. As after a very brief discussion the consideration of the subject was adjourned until another meeting, to be held early in December, we had proposed to defer any notice of our own until the West-country farmers had more definitely delivered themselves. Sufficient be it to say here that Mr. Clark's draft contains a schedule of allowances for lime, bones, cake, and purchased manures, extending in some cases over four or five years' use previous to the termination of the tenaucy. Then the landlord makes claim to nothing more than the winged game, and beyond a few fiddling clauses, such as " the tenant shall mow, spud, or root up the thistles," and " cleanse and keep open the iron and lead gutters," this same model agree- ment looks to be conceived in far more liberal or give- and-take spirit than we often find in productions of this design. So far the meeting manifestly did not know very inuch about the matter. One man said in some sort of objection that " covenants must vary with every county ; " another that an agreement with compensation clauses was " not Tenant-Right at aU;" and a third that " there was no system they could lay down as applicable to a whole district," as, of course, no one ever argued there could be. About the most pertinent remark was offered by Mr. Perry, who thought that " the way to secure Tenant-Right would be to create local courts of arbitration, which would be simple and inexpensive ;" and when we come to legalise the principle there may be something more to say to this suggestion. Nevertheless, it is clear enough from all that is just now passing that they are getting keenly alive to ths necessity for some Tenant-Right or security down in the West. A recent case has created a deal of discussion, and so lead every man to ponder more carefully over the stability of his own position. It thus happened that at the Sowton ploughing match dinner Mr. Roach made this question the chief point of his speech. Game he had saidjwas bad enough, " but there was another thing which tended to check the productiveness of the soil more than anything else he had named. He alluded to the insecurity which landlords gave to their tenants for the outlay of their capital." And again, " he was at a great loss to find why landlords, as a rule, should object to giving a good tenant a lease. He was sorry to say that the only reason he could suggest was that they wished to have political control over their tenants." And 468 THE FARMER'S MAaAZINE. here Mr. Roach was called to order. Mr. Daw said " No politics," Mr. Sanders was " quite sure that in iutroducing political topics they would be introducing a fertile soui'ce of discord," and Mr. Kennaway de- clared that " it was quite impossible at convivial gatherings to go into matters which required to be looked at in so many different ways as those questions of the tenure of land and security for tenant's capital." Very good. If Mr. Roach's brother farmers thought fit to stop a straightforward speaker in this way, of course there was nothing for it but to svibmit with a promise " never to do so any more." But, as it seems to us, Mr. Roach's brother farmers did nothing of the kind. Not one of those who protested against the topics touched upon are farmers. Mr. Daw is an attorney and an active electioneering agent ; Mr. Sanders writes himself more properly a Reverend Prebendary ; and Mr. Kennaway is a landed proprietor and a county member. As chairman of the day, Mr. Kennaway had, no doubt, the right to interfere if ^he thought proper so to do ; but it is surely something like " a liberty " for either a solicitor or a clergymen to attempt to dictate as to what the farmers shall talk about at a ploughing-match dinner. At best they are but guests upon sufferance ; and it would be more becoming did they make themselves less promi- nent on such occasions. Mr. Sanders, however, was sufficiently emphatic on " theirs being a meeting simply for the sake of agricultural discussions ;" IMr. Daw " thought there was only one Political-Agricultural Society in England, and that was in the neighbouring parish of Woodbury, but he was afraid the political fever was very prevalent, and they had caught the infection;" while the Chairman considered " there were many subjects of a semi-political character which they might fairly go into," although he did not seem to rank land-tenure as one of these. Now, only let us picture a meeting arranged for agricultural discus- sion where it is "fatal" to talk about leases 1 Or, where such talk would change the meeting into a Political- Agricultural Society, of which description it appears there is only one other such in England. Why, what in the name of common seose can this possibly mean ? If the mention of leases, the security of capital, and the in- dependence of the farmer would go to make a Political- Agricultural Society, then we have not one but one hun- dred— we had almost said one thousand such Societies in England. There is not a Parmer's Club nor an Agricul- tural Association that holds a show or has "a convivial gathering" but where such subjects have been discussed again and again, or, as Mr. Daw puts it, with something like a contradiction, " the political fever is very preva- lent." But if leases and Tenant-Right, and so forth, be " matters which it is impossible to go into at these con- vivial meetings," what are the unfortunate farmers, who are supposed to be here upon business, to talk about ? Mr. Sanders, certainly, would infinitely prefer to know whether a furrow had been set straight, or a hedge neatly trimmed, and the chaii-man to leave everything else to the Chambers of Agriculture. But the Chambers of Agriculture occupy a very anomalous position, as Lord Aylesford has clearly shown. When the Warwickshire Chamber of Agriculture discussed the game evil his lordship withdrew his name, and when the Warwickshire Agricul- tural Society discussed the game question his lordship said this was more properly the business of the Chamber of Agriculture. From what occurred at Sowton we should be inclined to think they might turn over the farmers' capital and independence very much after the same fashion down in some parts of Devonshire. At the dinner of an Agricultural Society in Herefordshire the other day one of the speakers in advocating the uses of a Chamber of Agriculture, said : " it might not meet all the requirements of the case, and he did not think it did. The landlord ele- ment was perhaps a little too strongly represented," as no doubt it is, not only in the Chambers, but in some other kindred institutions. What, however, does Mr. Daw imagine they chiefly talked about at this dinner of the Mor- timer's Cross Agricultural Improvement Society ? Why, Politics. It was clearly a Political-Agricultural Society, where they went into land-tenure and Tenant Right, main- taining, moreover, that " it was useless to stand up and talk of their grievances, unless they could give facts :" and they did give facts, and terrible strong facts too, without any learned man to call them to order, or any reverend man to read them a lecture, or any honourable man to hint that all this was out of place at a convivial meeting. As Mr. Alfred Edwards says the landlord element is " perhaps a little too strongly represented" at the Cham- ber of Agriculture ; while we are inclined to think that the clerical element and the political element may be a little " too strongly represented" at some Agricultural Socie- ties and parish ploughing matches. At any rate and in any case, if the farmers choose to talk over matters that mainly concern them at their own meetings, it should rest with themselves and their appointed chairman to settle as to how far they are warranted in so doing. Any attempted interference or dictation from any outsider, who may be amongst them can, we repeat, be surely regarded as little short of an impertinence. Indeed, as we wrote it a few weeks since, people who attend agricultural dinners with the idea only of paying vapid empty compliments to each other had by far better stay away, whether they be noble lords or tenant-farmers. It is a nice question, indeed, whether men who have nothing more to say should not at once be called to order. At the Sowton (Devon) Ploughing Match Dinner, Mr. J. H. Kennaway, M.P., in the chair, Mr. Roach, who responded for the judges, said he wa glad to see the farmers around him looking so smiling, consider- ing the adverse season through which they were passing, for he was quite sure tliat many of his friends had not made their rents out of their farms tliis year. Earmers were said to grumble very much. So they did, and with very good reason. But they did not despair, and they hoped to make up in time to come for the bad luck of the past. It had been said that it was the duty of a farmer to produce every blade of grass, every ear of corn, and every head of stock that he could. That was just liis idea, and he believed that farmers as a rule endeavoured to carry it out. But they could not control the seasons. He was quite certain that the farmers of England had within the past two or three years sent millions of money out of the coun- try in return for foreign produce. That was so much lost to the country, because whatever was raised at home was so much commonwealth ; and if they had to send money out of the country for what was generally produced in it, that money was lost to all. As to the relations between landlord and tenant, there would always be bad farmers as well as good ones, and if a landlord had a bad tenant he would soon find it out, and would refuse to keep him when — as was particularly the case in Devonshire — there were so many good farmers in want of estates. A great obstacle to good farming was the growth of useless hedgerows audtimber. Moreover,agreat deal of the land was stocked vrith unprofitable stock — and that, he must say, by the landowners. They could have no idea what was consumed annually by the sort of stock to which he aUuded. But let them not mistake him. As an Englishman, he was always proud to see a noble mansion standing in a well-timbered park, and plenty of deer in the park too ; and he admired the gen- tleman whose liberality induced him to add to all that a good pack of hounds. And there was no more pleasing sight to liim than that of his landlord trying a good piece of his turnips, with a gun and a brace of pointers, and finding a partridge or a pheasant every five or ten minutes. And if his landlord said, " Roach, we lunch at sueh a time and place," he would tell him "AU right," THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 469 and, depend upon it, he (Mr. Roach) would he all the better pleased, and would he sure to be there. That was the sort of feeling lie liked to see existing between landlord and tenant, and where that was found the landlord might always be sure of plenty of sport. But there was another thing which tended to check the productiveness of the soil more than anything else he had named — he alluded to the insecurity which land- lands gave to their tenants for the otitlay of their capital. They knew perfectly well that land could not be farmed with- out money ; and those who had money, and who had brains as ■well, would not lay it out without some good chance of seeing it back again, lie was sorry to say that there was a growing disposition on the part of the landlords of this country in favour of tenancies at will ; and under such circumstances he held tliat a man was not justified in making tlie outlay which he ought to in order to farm his estate properly. As a rule, there was not sufficient capital employed to make the best of the land. He was at a great loss to tind a reason why land- lords as a rule should object to giving a good tenant a lease. He was sorry to say that the only reason he could suggest was this — that they wished to have political control over their tenants — (Voices : " No, no"). He could see no other reason. He hoped that it was not the reason ; but he repeated that he could see no other — (cries of " No politics !") He was not going into politics, but he knew that what he had spoken of was a great deterrent of the productive power of the country. He hoped it would soon be remedied. He could see but one remedy, and that was that in time they should have vote by ballot — (dissent at the head of the table) — which would in some measure do away with the fear under which many far- mers lived. Mr. J. Daw: No politics ! Mr. Roicir said he was no politician ; but they had met there for their mutual good, and if anything could be said by them which would benefit each other, he maintained that it ought to be said (Hear, hear). He was sorry if he had said anything offensive to any individual present, but he had only said what he believed to be true. There was still another sub- ject which he should like to mention, and— — Mr. Daw : The judges ! the judges ! Mr. Roach : Well, he would thank them sincerely for drinking the healths of the judges. The Rev. Preb. Sajxders, in reference to Mr. Roach's re- marks on the question of leases, wished to impress on them the great importance of keeping out of their discussions and de- liberations all political allusions. He was quite sure, from his experience of these associations, that in introducing political topics they would be introducing a fertile source of discord which would be fatal to the success and harmony of their meetings. He would by no means say that other ploughing- matcli dinners might not properly be arenas for political dis- cussion, but he hoped they at Sowton would adhere to the rule, which they had distinctly laid down, that theirs should be a meeting simply for the sake of agricultural discussions, in which nothing tending to political strife should be introduced. Mr. Roach said : Mr. Sanders had in the early part of the evening referred to the clergy and the position in which they stood with regard to their parishioners. He (Mr. Roach) had no doubt that the clergy liked to stand well with the laity. Now he was not going to talk politics ; he hardly knew what he was in politics — he rather thought he was a free-thinker— (laughter) — and he wished there were more free-thinkers in politics, and not so many in religion. There was a great deal too much party feeling in this country. He believed that if Mr. Gladstone were to tell any of his followers to jump into the sea they would do it, and the same with Mr. Disraeli — (loud laughter). If people did not stick so much to their parties it would be a great deal better for the country. As he had said, he hardly knew what he was in politics. When Lord Palmerston was alive he thought pretty much with his lord- ship ; but since Palmerston's death the party with which he was associated had run riot — (A Voice — No politics). Well, they should not have any politics — he would call it re- hgion— (loud laughter, and a Voice— Worship of Glad- stone). Lord Palmerston's party had, since his death, intro- duced measures which he would never have thought of. He alluded to the disestablishment of the Irish Church. The Chairmai^, interposing, said he thought they ought hardly to go into that subject, upon which there were so many opinions. Mr. Roach said Mr.Sanders rather fouud faultwithhim (No, no), and he thought he ought to set himself right. The clergy were public servants as well as members of ['arliament, and they must expect to be criticised. Mr. Sanders had said that the clergy stood well with the laity, but he (the speaker) thought they did not stand so well as he could wish. The matter of the Irish Church was one which concerned the fanners. He looked upon the disestablishment of the Church as a serious injury to the country, and he did think that in a great measure they had to thank tlie clergy of England for it. The clergy had tended to weaken the Church as much as any other class of men (expressions of dissent), lie (IMr. Roach) meant to say the farmers were foolish, if they went to meetings like this, and heard things said relative to agricultural politics without reply- ing to them (Hear, hear, from the farmers). He wished they in the country were better supported by the clergy than they were. He was as staunch a Churchman as any man in the country, and he believed that the Church of England and the Rible had done more to make England great than her navies had. He was sorry Mr. Sanders should take objection to what he had said. He did not intend to wound the feelings of any- one, but as an Englishman in a free country be could not help expressing his opinion. He wanted to allude to the Irish Church purely as a farmer. They would recollect that there were in England more farmers than farms, and some time ago when he wanted a farm, he thought of going to Ireland, which he believed was as much in want of capital as England. But he could not go to Ireland if he had no security for his money and his life. He wished he could have seen Ireland pacified, but it was not the case. The clergy, by making so many dis- senters, had, with the Roman Cathohcs, succeeded in dises- tablishing the Irish Church, and in a few years they would dis- establish the English Church (uproar). Mr. Daw said unfortunately they were drifting into a dis- cussion that was wisely prohibited by the rules of the Society. There was, he thought, only one political agricultural society in England, and that was in the neighbouring parish of Wood- bury. He was afraid the political fever was very prevalent, and that they at Sowton had caught the infection. He had known Mr. Roach for many years, and no one could know him without appreciating him. He had also known Mr. Sanders for many years, and he could say the same of him. Mr Roach, in his first speech, stepped a little out of the way, no doubt unintentionally — he ought to have been at Woodbury, and then he would have been all right. Mr. Sanders, he was sure, meant nothing more than to check what was dangerous, and what he (Mr. Daw) remembered was the means at one time of brealdng up their association. The subject which Mr. Roach had" broached was a fair one for discussion ; but that was not the place for it. If he would start the subject at the Chamber of Agriculture, there were many points on which he would support him. He begged to suggest that Mr. Roach should bring forward the subject at the next meeting of the Chamber of Agriculture. Mr. Kennaway would repeat what he had said before at a similar meeting, that their member ou^ht to come there to listen, and not to talk, in order that he might go away better fitted to represent them. Mr. Roach : But you wouldn't hear me just now. Mr. Kennaway : With regard to Mr. Roach, he felt as Chairman he was bound by the rules of the Society, and there- fore he hoped Mr. Roach would not think he meant to offend him when he interposed. But he felt strongly what Mr. Daw said about the importance of leaving politics to Woodbury, because it was important to preserve the harmony of these meetings. Still, he was far from wishing that grievances should be bottled up. [Mr. Roach: That's me.] How- ever, there were many subjects of a semi-poUtical character which they might fairly go into, while others which were clearly political were best omitted at these meetings. It was impossible at convivial gatherings to go into matters which required to be looked at in so many different ways, as those questions of the tenure of land and security for tenant's capital. As Mr. Daw had said, the right place for them was the Chamber of Agriculture, and he hoped that those whom he saw around him would attend and take part in the dis- cussions of the Chamber more frequently than they were in the habit of doing. It was impossible to arrive at what was the true state of feeling between landlord and tenant without those discussions. 470 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. THE SCOTTISH CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. A general meeting was held in Edinburgh, Mr. Wilson, Edingtou Mains, the retiring president, in the chair. The followiug letter of apology was read : " Brucklay Castle, Aberdeenshire, 12th Nov., 1870. " Dear Sir, — I regret that it is not in my power to attend the meeting of the Cliamber of Agriculture on the loth inst., particularly being one of those members who have been sent to the House of Commons in order to further the cause of Game- law reform, and have been attempting that uphill task with very little success. I earnestly trust and expect that the result of the discussion will be to unite the farmers of Scot- land in favour of some substantial instalment of reform. The prevailing feeling of Parliament, as brought out by the discus- sions and divisions of the last four years, seems to indicate a sense of the necessity of doing something coupled with an earnest effort to do nothing. But were Game-law reformers united in favour of some one measure, no Government, how- ever strong, could long withstand the pressure. With these views, although responsible, along with the members for Lin- lithgow and Dumbarton, for a particular scheme, I have never seen any inconsistency in giving a helping hand also to the proposal of Mr. Loch. Personally, I have no objection to see both measures carried ; but it is plain that to mix up the ques- tion of contract with that of the Game-laws is to invite needless opposition, and to render the hope of success of such a mea- sure, or of any measure, exceedingly small. The proposed ex- clusion of hares and rabbits from the list of game has many advantages. It interferes in no way with existing bargains, nor introduces strife between the parties to them. Yet it secures an effectual protection to any tenant, under whatever terms of lease, as any undue increase of ground game under special clauses will be cleared off by the professional poacher (if the term can any longer be applied). As to the allegation that farmers will suffer so much from trespassers that they will de- mand a stringent Trespass Act, it has been well said that it is not the Game-laws which secure our lands from trespassers. They create trespass by creating the occasion and temptation, and were hares and rabbits exempted from their operation, we might as soon expect to hear farmers complain of trespassers in search of larks' and plovers' eggs as of the damage done by persons hunting ground game. The present law of tres- pass is sufficiently stringent to keep off common trespassers, which is all that is required, I look upon the proposed Go- vernment Bill — and it is generally regarded in Aberdeenshire by those chiefly interested — as practically a measure for facili- tating law-suits between landlord and tenant, and conferring no right on the tenant which he does not already possess under the common law of the land. — Yours sincerely, " Wm. D. Fordyck." The Secretary, Mr. D. Curror, read the report of the Counties' Committee in regard to the election of president and other office-bearers for the ensuing year. Mr. GooDLET (Bolsham) then moved that Mr. Scot Skir- ving be not elected as president, as in the present circum- stances it was advisable that the president should not be a party-man, but a man ready to treat all parties alike. His ob- jection to Mr. Scot Skirving was that last year, after a vote that terminated favourably to the views he (Mr. Skirving) adopted, he stated that he had been ridden over a good while by the party opposed to him, but that that should be done no longer, as now that he had got hold of the reins he would ride over them. A man who would give expression to senti- ments like these was not, in his (Mr. Goodlet's) opinion, fit to be the chairman of that Chamber. Mr. Alexander moved that the recommendations of the committee be homologated. Mr. A. E. Macknigiit, advocate, begged to second Mr. Goodlet's motion. Mr. Scot Skirving was, he said, well-known to be extremely mixed up with a well-known political party in this country. Had Mr. Scot Skirving been there simply as an agriculturist, and put forward his views in discussion simply as an agriculturist, he (Mr. Macknight) would have been very happy to have seen him chairman of that Chamber. But as he was such a violent partisan— (Cries of " Oh, oh"). The CuAiRMAN : I must insist upon your withdrawal of that expression. Mr. Macknight said : Well, as he was such an extreme partisan, he (Mr. Macknight) did not think that, considering the matters likely to come before the Chamber, the proposed appointment was a proper one. The Chairman said that that was an exceedingly un- pleasant discussion, and he deprecated its taking place. He thought that things had been said about the Counties' Com- mittee which should not have been said. How was the busi- ness of that association to he carried on, unless the business was prepared for them by the parties elected for that purpose by themselves ? Their Counties' Committee had made a sug- gestion to them that day. Their practice hitherto had been to act on that suggestion, and he simply ventured to make the suggestion that they would not on that occasion depart from that practice. They had no warrant for saying that tlie com- mittee was doing the business. Then if they were to have in the chair some man whose politics were so diluted that he could have no precise views ou anything, they would not get on very well. Mr. Harper (Snawden) was one of those who differed very strongly from Mr. Scot Skirving, and he thought it was ex- tremely unfortunate that they should make the question a political question. He thought that under the circumstances the Chamber had done right in adopting Mr. Scot Skirving as its president for the ensuing year. If they should act upon a different principle than the one followed on that and all pre- vious occasions, he had no hesitation in saying that they would get into hot water. Mr. Shepherd (Gleghornie) thought that after the expres- sion of opinion that had taken place, Mr. Goodlet would very probably allow his motion to be withdrawn. Mr. Goodlet said he could now withdraw his motion only with the consent of his seconder, and however unwilling he might be take any step to mix up politics with the present dis- cussion, he could not help thinking that the appointment of Mr. Scot Skirving on the present occasion was an act which that Chamber should have avoided. Mr. Alexamder here pressed his motion. Mr. Bethune (Blebo) strongly objected to the introduction of political and ecclesiastical questions into the Chamber. Then, as regarded Mr. Goodlet's speech, he (Mr. Bethune) would like to know if Mr. Goodlet wanted a lot of asses in the chair; they wanted clever, able men, who had brains among other things. Mr. Clay here moved the approval of the whole of the recommendations of the committee, as the proper course to be then followed. Mr. M'Lagan, M.P., seconded the motion. He did not think, however, that Mr. Goodlet had in his speech mentioned the words political and ecclesiastical. Mr. Goodlet had al- luded simply to the appearance made by Mr. Scot Skirving at tliat time last year. But now, as Mr. Goodlet had expressed his opinion on the principle, he hoped he would not continue to press his motion upon the meeting. Mr. Goodlet said that, after the opinion that had been expressed by the meeting, he should he quite willing — having got the consent of his seconder — ^to withdraw his motion. The recommendations of the committee were then held as adopted. Mr. Loch, M.P., said he was not going to waste time in making general observations on the subject of the Game- laws, because he was quite sure that there was no one in that room who did not feel as strongly as he could do how full of mischief and injustice were tne effects of the Game-laws. He was quite sure at the same time that there was not one present who did not intend to use his best endeavours, by means of proper discussion, to procure the re- moval of those evils. But, while that was so, there were many differences of opinion as to the manner in which the ameliora- tion of Die evils should take place, audit was more particularly with reference to tliat point that he now sought to consult the THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 471 Chamber. There coulJ be no doubt tliat the question was now suffering a great prejudice in the public mind and in Parlia- ment in cousequeuce of those ditTerences of opinion (Hear, hear). He tliought, therefore, that if they could by any means show Parliament that the p( ople were not so divergent as was imagined, the cause in hand would make much greater pro- gress. He gave an example in his own case, and explained that he had withdrawn his bill at the end of last session, after the Lord Advocate had withdrawn his, and without making any remark* on either his own bill or the bill of the Lord Advocate — because, in the first place, it occurred to hira that the House had been wearied out by the variety of desultory discussions on dilTerent plans ; and because, secondly, he could not, in the state he was, declare that his bill had met with very general approval from the agricultural bodies of Scotland. For instance, his friend Mr. M'Lagau would at once deny that, although he (Mr. Loch) had received large assurances of it. That being so, he had thought it better to postpone the discussion till after he had put hiraielf in communication with bodies like that of the Chamber, in order that they might arrive at some one manner of dealing with the question, so as to avoid that disadvantage. There had been, he went on to say, no less than six measures on the Game-laws before Parliament during the last session, and under those circumstances they could not be surprised that Parliament was a little at a loss to know what was the real mind of the people of Scotland on the subject, because the pro- moters of all the bills claimed to represent certain sections of the people. Before explaining the provisions of his own bill, which had been so little understood, he would shortly allude to one or two of the other measures before Parliament, in order to »how why it was that he did not support the measures already before it. The first measure it was his duty to con- sider in the session of 18C9 was the one introduced by his friend Mr. M'Lagan, the leading principle of which was to put an end to the protection now given by the Game-laws to those two animals — the hare and the rabbit — and that was, in the views of many, a good means of dealing with the question. But it appeared to him (Mr. Loch) that the measure was open to one or two serious objections. His leading objection was that it would not place the remedy of the evils in the hands of those who suffered by them, but in other hands with which they could have no sympathy — namely, into the hands of the poachers. But then, too, it was a measure which, in the ex- tent of the remedy to be afTorded, was not proportionate to the evil complained of. It would equally apply to estates on which game was not preserved as to estates on which tliere was the greatest over-stocking of game. It would also be open to this other objection, that it would not in fact amend the relations at all as existing between landlord and tenant. It would leave it open to the landlord to make any terms in regard to the hares and rabbits on his farm he should see fit ; he might equally then as now bind the tenant down not only to abstain, himself and the servants, from destroying those animals, but to use his best endeavours to prohibit others. It therefore ap- peared to him (Mr. Loch) that the thing to do was to, if pos- sible, place in the hands of the tenant-farmer full power to deal with the evil for himself, and to apply it in those cases in which in his view it was necessary to have a remedy. But he had yet another objection to Mr. M'Lagan's bill — it was the feeling, which the Chamber would judge for themselves, that had he been a tenant-farmer of Scotland, he should rather have disliked to have escaped that evil by any back-door such as that. He would rather that he himself should be put upon an equal footing with the landlord with regard to the killing of the hares and rabbits on his farm. Then, in regard to Mr. Taylor's bill for the total abolition of the laws, his first objection was that it was impossible of accomplishment, and that it would be better to seek for an alteration of the laws. If they were to do away with the Game-laws, every tenant of the country would be exposed to dangers in the way of trespassing from which it would be not in the power of his landlord to protect him. All who were acquainted with the subject, too, would know how impossible was the work of drawing up a general law of trespass. The Game-laws, on the contrary, were laws on trespass directed against persons having particular objects in view. Those, then, were the views by which he was actuated when he originally sat down to try and frame a Bill having those things iu view ; and he might add that, after having had ex- perieuce now during the best part of his life with farmers iu Scotland and in England, he did not feel himself entirely un- fitted to deal with a question such as that, however diilicult it might be. Therefore he had thought he should propose a iciieme which might possibly meet the evils of which com- plaint had been made. He had confined his Bill to Scotland for several reasons, because it was more felt in Scotland than in England, and more easily, therefore, dealt with. It was more felt, because in the lease made with his landlord for 19 years, he was exposed for all that time to evils arising from various circumstances, over which he could have exercised no foresight at the time he entered into the lease, and the only remedy was to bring an action against his landlord. He (Mr. Loch) could not conceive a greater evil to the tenant than to be forced to such a remedy. He thought he might sum up in those few words the objection he had to the Lord- Advocate's Bill. He did not think a worse measure could have been proposed ; and so strongly had he felt that on his first hearing the Bill, that he had at once tabled a motion in the House of his intention to move its rejection. He felt strongly that it was a measure which ought not to seem to be dealt with for a single moment. He would not occupy the time of the Chamber by going into the clauses of the Bill, because he thought they might be pretty sure of this — that whatever intention the Government might liave in regard to that question, they were not likely to make so great a mistake as again to propose so absurd a Bill. Mr. Loch then entered upon his own Bill — he confessed, with a little anxiety, though not because he had not perfect confidence as to the soundness of the principle upon which the Bill was founded ; for he had laboured anxiously over it for the last two years, and he had during that time been receiving many assurances of the pro- gress it had been making in the public mind. The leading principle of his own Bill was that it should be placed in the hands of the tenant-farmers themselves to deal with that great evil — that they should be given power and authority such as to enable them at all times, if any increase of game should take place injurious to their farms, to put down the numbers of the game of their own free will. Now, if he had stopped there, he should have been guilty of the same sort of dealing- which was conspicuous in Lord Elcho's Bill a year or two ago, and in the Lord Advocate's Bill of last session — namely, giving a power which might be withdrawn by a forced agreement between the landlord and tenant. It therefore became necessary to make the power given a power of which the tenant could not be divested or divest himself. He (Mr. Loch) had been accused of having been guilty of immorality in making such a proposal, and of flying in the face of the laws on which property in this country is regu- lated, in proposing that there should be any restriction placed on the power of regulation as between landlord and tenant. That accusation came rather in the first instance from those who desired to cast a slur upon what was proposed, and it would have surprised him if they had obtained any general support from those on whose opinions he generally desired to act. General opinions from those persons and bodies had been recently expressed to him as coming round to the principle he had just spoken of. He then went back to his bill of last year, on which, he said, he had effected certain alterations required to preserve his measure from mis- understanding and misrepresentation, but not changing it iu the least. The third clause, which is the first important clause in the bill, was as follows : " From and after the passing of this Act, it shall be lawful for any tenant, by himself or any person employed by him and having his authority and permission, to kill and take hares and rabbits on the lauds oc- cupied by hira, subject to the provisions hereinafter contained, and to have in his custody or possession hares and rabbits so killed or taken." Well, those provisions were to tliis effect : " Any tenant holding under a lease existing at the passing of this Act, in which the right to kill hares or rabbits is reserved to his lessor, may give notice in writing to his lessor that he intends, under the provisions of this Act, to kill and take hares and rabbits, or either of them, upon the lands occupied by hira, and upon such notice being given, and upon payment by such tenant to his lessor, during the term or currency of such lease, of such annual stipulated abatement or allowance from the rent, if any, as may have been expressed in such lease in consideration of the reservation therein by the lessor of the right to kill hares or rabbits, or where no btipulated 472 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. abatement or allowance from the rent is provided by such lease, upon payment by such tenant to his lessor during the term or currency of such lease, of such compensation, if any, as may be agreed on or may be fixed by a valuator, to be named by the Sheriff on the application of the lessor or the tenant, it shall be lawful for such tenant to kUl and take hares and rabbits as provided by this Act." Now there were, of course, two ways open to one in dealing with that question — either to postpone tlie operation of the powers conferred upon the tenant until tlie expiry of the term of his existing lease, or to make them operate at once upon compensation, or rather upon resti- tution by the tenant of any amount, in consideration of which he might have held lus farm, on the ground that he was de- prived of that power. It had appeared to him that there could be no doubt as to the way whicli should he taken. To have postponed the operation of the powers till the expiry of the lease would have conferred tlie power on farmers whose lease earliest expired, to the disadvantage of neighbours whose leases had yet years to run. And that there could be no ob- jection to the second course was clear upon principle, and from the course the Legislature took every year in dealing witli the rights of property, when public considerations were involved. Well, then, as regarded making the power an inalienable power, and of whicli the tenants could not divest themselves, that was to be found in tlie 4tli clause, which was as follows : " It shall not be lawful for any lessor or tenant after the passing of this Act, by any lease or agreement between them, verbal or written, or otherwise, to divest or deprive such tenant of the power to kill and take hares and rabbits by this Act conferred on liim, or to restrict him iu the exercise of that power ; and any lease or agreement entered into or made in contravention of tliis section shall be void and of no force or effect." That was the clause to which it was objected as in- terfering with the rights of property. Tiiat the law did inter- fere with those rights in many ways Mr. Loch went on to show by instancing the legislation of the law as to real pro- perty, the Truck Acts, the usary laws, and other laws. He might multiply examples if that were necessary. But he had another reason for proposiug to make that power inalienable, and it was this, that many instances could he given of tenant-farmers who had complained bitterly of over-preservation on the part of their landlords as injurious to their farms, and who, when the power requested had been given them, became in their turn arrant preservers — so much so, indeed, that they in their turn became the subjects of com- plaint by tlieir neighbours. Therefore it was that he had thought necessary that corresponding liability which his friend Mr. M'Lagan once told him was pure nonsense. How- ever he was quite satisfied that, practically, there could be no more difficulty in enforcing such a clause than there would be in enforcing auy other clause iu regard to destruction effected by those creatures when too numerous. The sixth clause was to this effect, that in cases of compensation for damage caused by undue number of hares and rabbits, a summary petition must be made to the sheriff, who should decide. He could not see any grounds for alleging that that would introduce bad relations between landlord and tenant ; while it was known that the present laws did produce them. The fact that both landlord and tenant would be put upon an equal footing would be more likely to produce manly relations between them, and it did not follow that the tenant would exercise the power given to him obnoxiously to his landlord. He did not know that he could make the matter much clearer in regard to his intentions in making that clause. He would only refer to a letter which appeared iu the Norih British AgncnUnrist the previous week, reilecting on his 4th clause, and for the reason that if a tenant should agree to an arrangement with the land- lord in spite of tlie clause, the tenant might, after spending money in improving liis farm, and upon killing hares and rab- bits on his farm, be turned out on the ground of his having no lease. The writer of the letter, Mr. Loch said, had entirely misapprehended that clause. It was not upon killing the hares and rabbits that the farmer would lose the lease, but the lease would never be a lease. Then he always supposed that a farmer in making a lease would always act with the advice of his legal adviser, who would certainly say to him that such a lease was no lease at all. He knew how imperfectly on such an occasion he could explain such a subject as that, but he had been actuated with oue motive — the desire to bring to an end the state of things which aow held iu regard to the question, and that the Chamber might be brought to give such a deci- sion upon it as would not cause the question to retrograde in- stead of to advance. The Chairman was sure that the Chamber, without giving any expression of opinion for or against Mr. Loch's measure, would join him in giving to that gentleman a hearty vote of thanks. Mr. Shepherd asked Mr. Loch if he considered that a tenant who should, notwithstanding the bill, make a promise to his landlord not to kUl the game, was bound to keep his promise. Mr. Loch should conceive that a tenant could make any terms he chose with liis landlord, and if he made that promise he was bound in honour to adhere to it. But then they must remember the counter-liability which he was under to his neighbour for damage that might be done to his neigh- bour's farm by over-preserving, and the difficulty would right itself. Then they must look at the effects of a measure upon a broad view, and in a general and large view. Mr. M'Lagan expressed the gratification with which he had listened to Mr. Loch's explanation of the provisions of his bill ; and he appealed to Mr. Loch whether he (Mr. M'Lagan) had not on several occasions assigned as a reason for not bringing forward his bill the fact that no proper oppor- tunity had been afforded for having Mr. Loch's bill fully dis- cussed. It was unfortunate that when there were no fewer than six bills before the House on the subject Mr. Loch had not got a single and separate night for its discussion. He had listened very attentively to Mr. Loch's explanation regarding his measure, but he was bound to confess that he had not changad his mind in regard to that bUl. Though he agreed with Mr. Loch in many things that he had said, he was as much as ever convinced of the utter futility of such a bill as he proposed, and of its evasive character. He believed that Mr. Loch was perfectly sincere in the convictions under which he had introduced his bill ; but, in discussing this question, he had nothing to do with his opinions or his motives — all that he had to do with was his bill. He agreed with much that Mr. Loch had said regurding his own bill, but he most thoroughly disagreed with what he had said with regard to his (Mr, M'Lagan's) own bill, which was the bill of the Chamber (applause, and ' ' No, no ") . What Mr. Loch had brought forward against this biU was, that it would encourage poaching. Now, that was not so. What he (Mr. M'Lagan) ) wished to do was not to abolish the Game-laws, but to take hares and rabbits out of the game list, so that all the pains and penalties would continue, and any man who went in pur- suit of game with guns or nets would be as much subject to the operation of the Game-laws as formerly. After noticing the proceedings which had taken place in the Chamber in connection with the bill wliicli he (Mr. M'Lagan) had intro- duced into the House of Commons, he proceeded to say that his bill was considered to be the bill of the Chamber tiU tlie opposition bill was introduced. When he stood on the floor, conceiving as he did that he was the mouthpiece of the Cham- ber, he felt proud of the distinction, because he felt that in coming before the Legislature of the land he was uttering the opinion of a body of practical gentlemen who had shown great wisdom and moderation in the framing of their resolutions on the subject, who came before the Legislature in a thoroughly independent manner, and without any selfish end in view, asking the alteration of laws that they felt were not only oppressive in their operation but demoralising in their tendency ; and whether the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture should or should not prove true to its first love, he had given notice of his bill for next session, and would press it to a division. In proceeding to criticise the provisions of the bill of Mr. Loch, Mr. M'Lagan said, in reference to clause 3, giving tenants the power to kill hares and rabbits, that he would have preferred if it had gone the length of giving the tenant-farmers the power of killing not only hares and rabbits, but (as he had done on his own estate) the power of kiUing also the winged game. In reference to clause 4 of Mr. Loch's bUl, by which a tenant was not divested of the right to kill hares and rab- bits, he said that that constituted the leading principle of the bill. He pointed out that, notwithstanding the provision that " it should not be lawful for any lessor and tenant, after tlie passing of the Act, by any lease or agreement between them, verbal or written, or otherwise, to divest or deprive such tenaut of the power to kill and take hares aud rabbits, by this THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 473 Act conferred on hira, or to restrict him iu tlie exercise of that power, and any lease or agreement entered into or made in contravention of this section shall be void, and of no force and elfect," there was no provision as to preventing the bringing in of a third party. It was evident that he might, in tlie first place, hand over his right to kill hares and rabbits to a third party, who might then go and sell it over to the bndlord. He lield that the right to kill hares and rabbits could not possibly be inalienable if the tenant was at liberty to make over that right to a third party, who might sell it hack to the landlord. That provision bore an absurdity on the face of it. Mr. Loch had said that it was objected to his bill tliat it was exceptional because it interfered with private contracts ; and he had adduced many instances, such as those connected with the Truck system, the Irish Land Bill, the Usury Bill, &c., in regard to which the Legisla- ture interfered with private contracts when they affected the public rights of the community. But it was altogether dilferent with the Game-laws. The complaint was against the evils which these laws created. In the case of the Truck Acts there was no law creating such evils when the Legislature stepped iu. The cause of these evils was simply the difference of condition between the employers and employed ; iu the case of the Irish Land Bill, it was the difference between the condition of the Irish landlords and the Irish tenant-farmers ; in the case of the Usury Acts, it was the difference of con- dition between the Jew who lent the money and the unfortunate individual who was under liis screw. Now, let them take the case of the Game-laws. Mr. Loch himself, and all of them, admitted that there were evils created by these laws ; but, instead of proposing the amendment or abolition of these laws, Mr. Loch asked Parliament to interfere and prevent contracts being made between landlords and tenants. Now, so long as they had a cause producing certain effects, if they did not abolish or 'amend that cause, it mattered not what contracts they made, the evil would continue. The Chamber said that these evils ^were found to be detrimental to the interests of the community ; and consequently they went to the Legislature and asked the Legislature to amend these laws. If they interfered with private contracts under tlie proposed bill, he believed it would be the means of perpetuating the evils of the system. At the last meeting of the Chamber, it had been resolved that no measure would he satisfactory that did not take hares and rabbits out of the game list ; and in the next place, they held that there should be a condition to render any contract between landlord and tenant as to the preservation of hares and rabbits under a lease illegal. Tliat was consistent and logical ; but if they abolished contracts without altering the Game-laws, they would do what was neither consistent nor logical. Speaking on the next clause of Mr. Loch's bill, Mr. M'Lagan said that under it the right was given equally to landlords and tenants to kill hares and rabbits. But, supposing that a tenant took a farm, if there happened to be any difficulty of misunderstanding arising, the tenant knew that he could not kill the hares and rabbits him- self; but he might get all the rogues in the parish to come and do so. That would have the effect ofincreasiug the danger of collision between the landlord and tenant, the evil of which had been so much felt. There would be far more ill-feeling and heart-bnrning between them under Mr. Loch's bill than there had been under the present system. He (Mr. M'Lagan) was prepared to prove that the operation of that bill would have an immoral effect. Most landlords at the present time were most tenacious of their rights, and especially of the right of killing game. Well, supposing that a tenant went to a landlord and said that he wished to take a farm, and supposing that there were fifteen offerers for that farm, the landlord might say that he was debarred by the provisions of the bill from reserving his right to kill hares and rabbits, but that he would not let his farm to anyone who would not pledge himself to maintain the game as at present. They knew the stringent clauses that, under the present competition for farms, were often signed by tenants anxious to obtain a lease ; some of them, in his opinion, were degrading. In these circumstances a tenant, in order to obtain a lease, might come nnder a verbal obligation to let the game remain as it was ; but if the game was found to be preserved to excess, the tenant would naturally feel annoyed at the ravages it would commit, and, rather than suffer farther, he might exercise the right which the Act conferred upon him, and which the landlord could not prevent him exercising. That, he (Mr. M'Lagan) thougiit, would be dishonourable conduct on the part of the tenant, and hence the immoral tendency of Mr. Loch's bill. In regard to the 5th clause of the bill, he (Blr. M'Lagan) agreed generally with Mr. Loch. But as to the Gth, while he did not remember having characterised that clause as " nonsense," lie believed it would be found to be perfectly impracticable. He did not see how, in the event of any question arising as to damages, it could be proved that hares and rabbits committing destruction on one farm belonged to the farm of an adjoining tenant. If a hare or rabbit com- mitted depredations on a certain farm, it must be held to be the property of the tenant of that farm so long as it was there ; and he was at liberty to take a gun and shoot it if he chose. In the event of a reference as to damages, he could imagine in the Sheriff Court a number of youner, witty solicitors trying to find out to whom the hare or rabbit that committed the damage belonged. The question seemed to resolve itself into this — Given a hare or hares that have been proved to destroy a certain tenant's crops, which hares powers have been given under this bill to that tenant to kill — wanted to prove that that hare or these hares belong not to that tenant but to a neighbouring tenant, and that neigh- bouring tenant is bound to pay compensation for the damage done to his neighbour's crop. That seemed to be the question that would be raised, and he thought that the impracticability of carrying it into effect was perfectly evident. In short, he objected to Mr. Loch's bill because it tampered with good faith between landlord and tenant, with the security and with the solidity of contract. While he objected to the second reading of the Lord Advocate's bill on the Game-laws, he would have pleasure in introducing one clause in hi» lordship's bill, preventing the landlords from interdicting their tenants from shooting hares and rabbits on their farms — a clause which he thought was certainly a step in the right direction. He (Mr. JI'Lagan) had no hesitation in expressing himself favourable to that provision ; and he would be glad to introduce it into his own bill next session, which he hoped would be so improved as yet to be regarded as the bill of the Chamber. Mr. GoODLET said he wished to put a question to Mr. Loch on a point which had been but slightly touched upon by Mr. M'Lagan. In the preamble of Mr. Loch's bill it is stated that the Game-laws required amendment with a view to give relief to the farmers from the excessive preservation of game. Now, he (Mr. Goodlet) could not see any pro- vision to that effect in the bUl. There was no doubt a clause giving the tenants the right to kill hares and rabbits upon payment of compensation to the landlords, whether these animals were in excess or not on their farms. But suppose a tenant did not wish to purchase this right, or had not the means of doing so, then there is nothing iu the bill to afford relief to that tenant. Mr. Locn said his bill was intended to come into operation at once. It was provided that any tenant holding under a lease in which the right to kill hares and rabbits was reserved might become possessed of the right by payment of such annual stipulated allowance from the rent as might have been expressed in the lease iu consideration of the reservation ; or, where no stipulated abatement was mentioned in the lease, by payment of a compensation to be fixed by a valuator to be appointed by the sheriff. Thanks were awarded to Mr. Loch and Mr. M'Lagan, and the discussion adjourned. Mr. Wilson (Edington Mains) then briefly addressed the Chamber, and vacated the chair in favour of the newly-elected president, Mr. Scot Skirving, who on taking that position re- turned thanks for the honour conferred upon him. The other oflice-bearers were as foUow : Mr. R. Scot Skir- ving, President; Mr. Archibald Patersoo, Senior Vice-Presi- dent ; Mr. J. C. Shepherd (Gleghornie), Junior Vice-President. Directors — Messrs. George Wilson (Llarclaw) ; George Hope (Fentonbarns) ; C. Alexander (Whitefield) ; Adam Skirving (Croys) ; David Dunn (Baldinnies). Auditor and secretary re- elected. The Secretary reported the returns he had received from the different counties constituting the Counties Committee for the ensuing year. He read the following report from Kin- cardineshire : Weights and Measures.-^-Iu regard to the metric system L 474 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. of weights and measures, tlie Convener stated that the Kin- cardineshire Association of Schoolmasters had, at a general meeting, approved of it as a most desirable change — from chaos to uniformity ; and also on account of its simplicity and easiness of acquirement. It is already taught in seven of our parish and denominational schools. The convener, Mr. Taylor (Cushnie), presented the association last year with Bowling's synoptic map of the metric system, which has heen handed from school to school. It is published by Keith Johnston, and he suggested that the directors should procure a copy of it to hang in the hall of the Chamber. The Indian Government, under the governorship of Lord Lawrence, decided to introduce the metric system all over India ; and if his lordship is ap- pointed to the Education Board in London, his influence, no doubt, will hasten its adoption in this country by its educa- tional institutions. It is already permissive, and all that is wanted is for Parliament to make its adoption compulsory. It is assuredly coming to this. Let each director go home and prepare the way for it, as we in Kincardineshire have been doing for the last two years. Education. — What is most interesting to farmers here who have famihes, at the present time, is to obtain in the coming Education Bill of next session providing for establishing inter- mediate schools in rural districts, corresponding to academies or grammar schools in our larger towns. Wherever there is a sufficient population of say 3,000 existing, parochial and denominational schools should be consolidated with division of work. In this county, forty miles in length, there is not a single school above the rank of a parochial one ; fortu- nately the teacliers are a most efficient body of well edu- cated, well trained men, but their time is too much taxed in teaching A B C up to Greek and Latin. What is also attract- ing much attention in this county is the establishing or tech- nical classes for the benefit of young men who have left school. At a meeting of the Schoolmasters' Association at Laurence- kirk, on Saturday last, with Mr. S. Cook, from Kensington, the teachers present expressed their approval of establishment of technical classes, and their own readiness to attend classes for teaching, so that by next year they may be certificated and qualified to teach classes themselves. The Chamber wiU, we hope, take the subjects of the establishment of intermediate schools in all populous rural districts, and the establishment of technical classes in every parish into consideration, and will memorialise Government that provision be made for all these three objects in the promised Education Bill for Scotland. Roads. — Our locoJ road question has had much attention paid to it both by farmers and proprietors during last year. Game. — The game question has been under consideration of the Kincardineshire Farmers' Association, and there is herewith sent some copies of the resolutions come to at the last meeting on lOtli May, 1870, viz. : That the Game-laws as they at present exist are iniquitous in principle, tyrannical in administration, and in all parts of the country lead to in- crease of local taxation, impoverishment of tenant farmers, demoralisation of the people, and debasement of the aristo- cracy, landowners, and game tenants. That the bill intro- duced into the House of Commons by the Lord Advocate and Mr. Bruce will not mitigate any of those evils, but will greatly add to the already tremendous power of the landlord, by in- creased inducement to litigation in the higher Courts ; and the landlord being the richer party, such litigation, without any limit but the Court of last resort, would often be more ruinous to the tenant claiming compensation than the original loss ; tlierefore, this meeting is of opinion tliat the bill is al- together unworthy of a Liberal Government, and ought to be opposed. That tenant-farmers ought to have the inalienable right of defending their crops from destruction by wild ani- mals, whether known by the designation of game or by any other term. That the Game-laws, as has been often shown, are a fertile source of crime, pauperism, and increase of local taxation. By a Parliamentary return for 1869, there appear to have been 10,345 convictions under these laws in England and Wales alone, which must have been the cause of reducing at least 20,000 individuals to pauperism, to be supported at the public expense ; and in a previous period of ten years there were 42 convictions of liomicide and murder arising from breaches of these laws, representing 68 lives lost ; therefore, this meeting is of opinion that the Gamt-laws ought to be made less sanguinary, less oppressive, and more in accordance with the spirit of the age. That a liiberal Government, fully aware of the deplorable amount of pauperism, homicide, and murder caused by the Game-laws in England and Wales, and also of the enormous destruction and check to production of the food of the people, the impoverishment and ruin of tenant- farmers, from the ravages of game, ought not to have cast contempt on the just complaints of the tenant-farmers and people of Scotland by proposing to assimilate the Game-laws of this country to those of England. That Mr. Loch's bill would confer on tenant-farmers the inalienable right of de- fending their crops from destruction by hares and rabbits, pro- vides for compensation for injury done to crops by vermin com- ing from neighbouring estates, for transfer of all Game-law cases from the Justices to Sheriff Courts, for abolition of cumu- lative penalties for the same offence ; and in so far this meeting approves of the bill, and resolves to petition in its favour; but it does not give protection to the High- land fanner against the vast herds of deer and packs of grouse which in late seasons come down from the higher grounds and devour their crops, and in that and other respects might be amended. That were farmers enabled to protect their crops from injury by game, the land laws amended, the " false and evil law" of hypothec and the oppressive law of distraint abolished, so as to render it safe for farmers and those who deal with (hem to lend their capital more liberally to land- owners in the cultivation of their estates, there is good reason to believe that in u few years, instead of the 11 million quarters of grain now grown in the United Kingdom, the 22 millions required annually for consumption could easily be produced at home. That seeing almost all landowners are preparing to set legislation at defiance by the insertion of stringent clauses, new leases for reservation, including rabbits, notwithstanding any change in the law which may take place, the total abolition of the Game-laws, as proposed by Mr. Taylor, Mr. Jacob Bright, and Mr. M'Combie's Bill, would fail to give relief from the evils complained of unless a provision be intro- duced rendering it illegal for parties to enter into covenants for the reservation of ground game. That the bill introduced into Parliament by Mr. Hardcastle and Sir Wilfrid Lawson is both tyrannical and Jesuitical. By making foxes game the Highland farmer defending his flock would be branded as a felon ; it declares that no one shall be criminally prosecuted for killing game, and in a subsequent clause makes game to be private property, and all who intermeddle with it thieves and felons. Any child within the kingdom who may put its hand into a bird's nest to break or take an egg, or school boy who may catch a wild rabbit or kill a tame one of his own, would be liable to six months' imprisonment with hard labour, or to a fine of £20. Therefore this meeting consider the Bill so absurd as to be unworthy of consideration. The Forfarshire Committee have sent up the following resolution : That this meeting, viewing with regret the unsuc- cessful attempts that have been made by individual members of Parliament to remedy by legislation the abuses arising out of tlie Game-laws, and having especially in view the utterly inadequate character of the proposed Government measure, in troduced by the Lord Advocate, resolve to move the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture to petition Parliament for the tctal abolition of these laws. The report from Ayrshire brought up the necessity of press- ing Government to a satisfactory settlement of the hypothec and game questions : " but as there is little likelihood of any proper solution of the game question so long as farmers are themselves at variance in regard to what would be a right measure, the Chamber might take steps for convening a meet- ing of one or two delegates from each county in Scotland, to endeavour to come to a common understanding on this vexed question. Compensation for Permanent iMPROVEiiENrs.— The meeting were further of opinion that the Chamber should bring forward and discuss the propriety of having introduced into Scotland the system and compensation for permanent improve- ments and unexhausted manures, &c., so as to prevent land being deteriorated towards the close of a lease, and thus not only prove beneficial to landlords and tenants, but also to the whole community. 'i THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 475 STEAM CULTIVATION. At a meeting of the Wisbech Chamber of Agriculture, Mr. J. Brown in the chair, Mr. Isaac Robinson said : I submit for your discussion and better judgment a few facts and considerations which I have been able to gather from 12 years' observation of its pro- gress, tlie perusal of much that has been written on the subject, and the practical experience taught me by ray daily occupa- tions. Steam cultivation has of late years occupied much of English thought, capital, mechanical skill, and ingenuity. Ihere is no subject nonnected with agriculture which has a greater interes' in the p>-esent day, because in the judicious employment of steam in breaking up the soil, we look for that ■which will increase tne profits of farming, while it decreases its expenditure. For the progress that steam has made in other fields of labour, look at locomotion. It is less than fifty years since George Stephenson opened the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first line used for passenger traffic, and already, the whole country is covered with a net work of iron rails, and 10,000 locomotives convey goods and passengers over thousands of miles of British railway. Look at our workshops. Watts' condensing engine of the last century has had a numerous progeny. It is calculated that from 180 to 200,000 steam engines are employed at present, as the motive power of our mills, mines, and factories. Look at our ports and rivers. AVe have men among us who were alive when the shrew Yan- kees sneered in 1807 at " f ulton's Folly," as the first steam- boat was called. Now we have steam vessels innumerable, from the tiny tugs and penny boats of our rivers, to the noble Captain (whose loss we are now deploring), or the gigantic Great Eastern ; and our gallant merchant ships visit every port, and traverse every ocean of the globe. We can also look at our farms. In 18'il the first portable engine was exhibited at Liverpool as a great curiosity. We have now about 14,000 thrashing engines in daily use amongst us. Such vast advan- tages having been gained by steam, as a motive power in other branches of industry, it is no wonder that attempts were made from time to time by energetic and persevering men to adopt the new power to the cultivation of their land. I will men- tion a few of the early pioneers. In 1832, Mr. Heathcoat, of Tiverton, patented a set of steam cultivating machinery, which, I believe, began to work in ISSi. This consisted of an engine windlass, rope and anchor. The engine moved itself along one headland, and the anchor pulley along the opposite oue, haul- ing the plough backwards and forwards between them. This did not prove a success, the cause being, I believe, the want of a better medium for transmitting power ; hemp rope being- too soon worn out, and chain being too heavy. In 1830, a Mr. M'Crae patented a system similar to Mr. Heathcoat's, but, being intended for the low level lands of British Guiana, where many fields are bounded by parallel canals, the engine and pulleys were placed in puuts at opposite ends of the field, which were moved on as the work progressed. With these he worked a balance plough, three ploughs pointing each way, supported on a high pair of wheels, as in our present sys- tem. In 18-i6 Mr. Osborn, of Deraeura, ploughed with two engines ; one at each end of the field. In 1849 Mr. Hannam, used irou wire rope for steam culture, in 1851 Mr. Wren Hoskyns, in bis amusing Chronicles of a Clay Farm, brought forward this theory of making a seed bed in one operation, and thus dispensing with the successive processes of ploughing, harrowing and rolling, &c. He shows that as manual labour is principally vertical, as in digging ; horse labour is hori- horizontal, as in drawing a plough ; so steam is rotatory in its action — as the fly wheel of an engine. Taking, then, his idea from the claws of a mole, he proposed that a traction engine should drag behind it a set of discs armed with revolving claws, which should rasp up the soil and leave the land behind it in the comminuted state of a molehill — a perfect seed bed ready made. The fruit of this book was a perfect crop of patents, and many ingenious machines were made to carry out the theory — such as Romaine's cultivator — but the inventors did not take two facts sufficiently into consideration. First, that you cannot hurry Dame Nature. To make a good seed- bed soil requires, not only comminution into small particles, but also the beneficial effects of sun, air, rain, and frost — in two words — freedom from weeds, and atmospheric influences. Second : To move a heavy traction engine over rough ground takes up so much of its power that it has little to spare in dragging an efl'ective cultivating implement behind it. I submit this last fact to the consideration of those who are inclined to believe that the traction engine with india-rubber tires can drag a plough more economically than it can be hauled with wire rope. But to return to our inventors, I must pass over the experiments of Sir John Lillie, Lord Willoughby D'Eresby, the Marquis of Tweeddale, and others, who by their exertions have paved the way of steam cultivation, and done much that has proved useful to subsequent inventors. As to later inventions and improvements tlieir name is legion. Time would fail to give you even a slight sketch of the labours of Mr. J. A. Williams, Mr. Collinsou Hall, Mr. Fisken, Mr. Boy- dell, Mr. Ilalkett, and others — not undervaluing tlieir good service in the cause, but wishing rather to bring before you the names of the founders of the two systems of cultivation now in practical use among us — those of Fowler and Howard. The late John Fowler was one of those remarkable men pos- sessing all the qualities of a great inventor : skill, ingenuity, indomitable energy and perseverance, a resolution never daunted by obstacles or failure, nor sattisfied with any success short of completeness, and the rare ability of being able to learn by other people's failures, and profit by other people's experience, and of being able to call to his assistance a number of clever men who assisted him in his toils. I think I have heard that he spent three fortunes in perfecting his great in- vention, and he died, in the prime of life, leaving his repre- sentatives to reap the fruits of his active and persevering exertions in a large and ever increasing business. In 1854, Mr. Fowler exhibited at Lincoln a draining plough worked by steam. In 1856 he showed at Chelmsford his well-knovni balance plough, worked by a stationary engine on the round- about system. Next year at Salisbury, Mr. Fowler began the direct system : he mounted a portable engine on a windlass- frame, which moved along the headland by an anchor fastened a-head. An improved anchorage pulley moved along the opposite headland as the work proceeded. In the same year the Highland Society awarded him the £200 prize, as having found an economical substitute for horse power. In 1858 the Judges of the Royal Agricultural Society at Chester, awarded the £500 prize to Mr. Fowler, saying in their report : " It is beyond question that Mr. Fowler's machine is able to turn over the soil in an efllcient manner, at a saving, as compared with horse labour, of, on light land, 20 to 25 per cent. ; on heavy land, 25 to 30 per cent, and in trenching (deep cultiva- tion), 80 to 85 per cent. ; while the soil is left in a far more desirable condition, and better adapted for all the purposes of husbandry." It was on this occasion that steel- wire rope was first used, and from this date the economical commencement of steam cultivation. Since 1858, Fowler's Tackle has re- ceived upwards of £3,000 worth of prizes at the different shows where it has competed ; each year showing an improve- ment in some detail. 1,200 hands are now employed at the Leeds fiictory, in a trade which, I believe, is now only in its infancy. After John Fowler, I would mention to you the name of Mr. William Smith, one of the fathers of modern steam cultivation. He is a farmer at Woolston, Bucks, and his occupation is 200 acres of heavy land, or less. Having become convinced of the superiority of cultivating over ploughing, by reasons I propose to mention presently, he in- vented his cultivator (which was made under the supermtend- ance of Mr. Fowler), and in December 1855 he began steam cultivating, with a seven-horse portable engine, and smashed up oat, pea, and wheat stubbles with satisfactory results. Mr. Smith's system has not been greatly altered since its introduc- tion, and is in common use on hundreds of farms. The engine and windlass are fixed in one corner of the field, round which field the rope runs, carried on rope porters, and the cultivator is hauled between the shifting pullics at each headlaMti. At 476 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. the Chelmsford show in 1856, Mr. Smith competed for the prize, but although the work was fairly done, the judges did not consider it more economical than horse labour. Mr. Smith did not exhibit at Salisbury, but made his appearance again at Chester in 1858, by liis manufacturers, Messrs. How- ard, of Bedford, who have since conducted the manufacture on their own account in the spirited and energetic manner that distinguishes that eminent firm. Messrs. Howard culti- vated tlie land assigned to them in good style, and the judges awarded to them the large gold medal of the Society. The same day the award was published, Mr. Smith's neighbours and friends presented him with a tea service worth one hun- dred guineas, as a testimony of their sense of the mechanical skill, talent, and perseverance evinced by him in bringing to a practical result the application of steam power to the culti- vation of the soil. Mr. Smith since this time has shown no inclination to hide his light under a bushel ; he has published pamphlete and letters, and delivered speeches innumerable ; iDut if he has viewed his own inventions and practice with somewhat too favourable an eye, and those of other inventors with some amount of prejudice and distrust, we must re- member that he has used steam cultivation for nearly fifteen years, that all this time his farm has been open to the inspection of all the world, and that he has been able to give the plainest practical evidence of the profitableness of steam tillage, and thus fairly earned the gratitude of his bro- ther farmers, and of the community at large. Since 1858, Messrs. Howard have gained many prizes for their steam cul- tivating machinery, and have made many hundred sets of ■tackle, principally on the roundabout system advocated by Mr. Smith. I am glad to notice, however, that tliey now adopt also the direct system of Fowler, cultivating with a traction engine on each headland, certainly the most econo- mical method of applying power, where it can be adopted. It is noticeable, also, that since 1858 Messrs. Fowler and Co. have manufactured many more cultivators than the ploughs with which they won the Chester prize. After this sketch of the introduction of steam cultivation, let me call your atten- tion to some of the practical questions of my subject. First, the advantages of cultivating over ploughing. At certain times of the year every farmer is glad to employ a cultivator, grubber, or scarifier, and acknowledges the benefit of doing so ; but the obstacle to their more extended use is to be found in the fact that every effective implement of the kind is more or less of a horse-killer. Mr. Smith was, I believe, the first to demonstrate that the cultivator, when drawn by steam- power, is not only an auxiliary but a vastly superior substi- tute fui- the plough. I will read you an extract from his letter to Mr. Greaves, 1856. " The most approved of our common ploughs simply and absolutely turn over the soil, placing the former surface from four to six inches below, and bringing up the smooth surface of the under soil to the top. By this process all the seeds, weeds, and roots are deposited below the surface ; whence the weeds which are propagated from roots or layers — such as couch-grass, w ater-grass, crow- foot, coltsfoot, and others, being divided by the plough are indefinitely multiplied ; and do in fact, after four or five years, become increased to so great an extent as to render it abso- lutely necessary for the farmer to leave his land practically barren for the purpose of removing these obnoxious weeds ; to do which the plough entirely fails him, and he is driven to the scufiier, cultivator, or other implement which he has invented for this purpose. Roots also of the thistle kind spread horizontally just beneath the pan which is trodden down by horses, and unless recourse be had to subsoiling, can scarcely be eradicated at all." Mr. Smith then goes on to contrast ploughing with spade husbandry 10 to 12 inches deep, and questions whether it would be generally advantageous to cultivate more than 6 or 8 inches deep, if the subsoil were to be laid upon the top, as is commonly the case in ploughing. Following out these thoughts, and endeavouiing to find an economical substitute for the spade, Mr. Smith not only in- vented an efiicient cultivator but he made it take the place of the plough for all operations, except ploughing in clover layers. Ever since '56 he has stuck to his test, with these results : his farm is as free from weeds as a garden, his crops have increased, and his land is cultivated at much less ex- pense than before. Wherever steam culture is used, plough- ing is used less, and cultivating more than before ; for we find by experience that by cultivating you can destroy weeds better, work your land deeper, and leave it in a more produc- tive state. There is some land, however, where inversion of tlie soil is desirable, and the plough is the best implement. What is called " digging" also is very popular in some places. It is done by substituting digging breasts for the ordinary mouldboards. The land is worked ten or eleven inches deep, and is partially inverted, as when done by the spade. Lst us now consider some of the advantages of steam cultivation, 1st, It deepens the soil. There are thousands of acres of good land in this and nearly every other county of England that have never been ploughed more than four or five inches deep. Year after year the plough slade has ridden over the subsoil and the hoofs of the horses have trampled it, until it has become a solid pan, effectually preventing the roots from penetrating or even the water from passing through it — in fact the subsoil has become " puddled clay." like the bottom of an artificiaUy-made pond. Now modern farming condemns this ; and many good farmers make a practice of subsoiling their land, two furrows deep, once in every rotation, in spite of the expense ; but steam does this more effectually and much cheaper. I could point out to you land in this neigh- bourhood which had grown nothing for years, until it was steam cultivated, and it then, and since, has produced most most luxuriant crops of wheat and oats. Mind, we do not want the raw clay brought to the top, and the good soil and manure buried five inches below it — as a gentleman near St. Ives told me he had served some land six years ago, the effect of which was five years' bad crops — but we want to keep the good soil at the top, freshened with a slight mixture of sub- soil, and we want to smash up the solid pan, letting the sur- face water down by the drain, and exposing the heavy subsoil to the combined infiuences of sun, air, rain, and frost, so as eventually to make it good soil, fertile and productive. What becomes of those large lumps of clay left on the surface where draining has been going on ? Atmospheric influences pul- verize them, they mix with the neighbouring soil, and so far from injuring they actually improve it — so is it with the por- tions of the subsoil brought up by the cultivator. To get the full benefit of steam cultivation, it is, however, necessary that clay land should be broken up when dry, or it soon con- solidates ascain, nearly as hard as before. The beetroot growers of France and Germany have become converts to deep cultivation ; for chemists have shown them that more sugar and spirit can be obtained from a ton of roots grown on deep soils than from the same weight grown elsewhere, for it is that part of the beet underground that is richest in sugar. Consequently they are now largely buying steam tackle (or were before this unhappy war broke out) and working their land 18 to 24 inches deep. Mr. Campbell, of Bus- cot Park, who grows sugar-beet on a very extensive scale, loosens his land 24 to 27 inches deep, and finds a great advantage in doing so. I confidently look forward to the time when deep cultivation wiU be the rule, and not the exception in this country. You remember the old fable — a man when dying, told his sons that he had hidden a good deal of money in one of his fields, but he could not remember which, but '' dig deep" said he and you will find it. After his death they began to search — field after field was dug to a great depth, but no treasure could be found. But when the harvest came, the land, broken up to so unusual a depth, produced abundant crops of grain, and then the father's meaning was understood. The moral is, if you want to find the treasures hid in the soil you must try deep cultiva- tion. The second advantage I claim for steam cultivation is expedition. You can break up your more quickly than by horses, at a time of the year when time is money. I have of- ten seen a good crop on a field which could never have been cleaned and sown that season had it not been for steam power. But steam not only thus helps the backward farmer, but it pre- vents a man thus ever getting behind. Look at the advantages of steam cultivation, are they, even now, estimated as they ought to be P I say, fearlessly, they are not, we should not see such a quantity of stubble land or unbroken in October. It is directly after harvest, when the sun is hottest, when the land is driest, when the weeds are most easily destroyed, when you can give a half-fallow to your land, when one day's work is worth a week's labour in the spring, it is then that the land wants breaking up. I believe that a farmer who buys extra horses for this work does wisely. But, by the steam cultivator, you can smash- up 10 to 30 acres a day. The steam-horse THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 477 wants no rest, you can work him from sun rise to sun set, you can even work him by night if you have hands enough to manage liim.as Mr. Cambell has done by the use of the mag- nesium light. People speak of the great expense of steam cultivation, the question is can we properly estimate the value of work done at such a time. A reaping machine costs a great deal of money, but if you can cut 12 acres a day with it, when your wlieat is all ripe together ; how trifling in compa- rison IS the outlay ! On many farm whole fallows have been done away with by the use of autumnal steam cultivation, and the land nevertheless kept quite free from weeds. The third advantage of steam cultivation is that it improves drainage. On ill-drained land, especially where the subsoil is a horse- trampled pan, the rainfall runs off the surface by grips and water-furrows, into the ditches, and thus its valuable chemical constituents are lost to the soil : nor is this all, the water which is retained and cannot get away, stagnates and keeps the land wet, cold, and steri'le, while on vsell-drained land, when the pan has been broken up and horses kept off it, water-furrows are unnecessary, the rain filters through the thirsty soil to the drains, leaving most precious manure behind it. By doing away with grips and water-furrows you not only utilize the land thus wasted, but the reaping machine and every other implement is worked with greater ease and economy. I could also give you examples of farms where by steam tillage they have been able to grow turnips and feed them off the land, which was before impossible. The fourth advantage of steam cultivation is that on heavy land you save'those 350,000 hoof- marks, the tell us horses leave in every acre of land ploughed. When your clay land is dry, it is too hard to plough, when wet the weight of the plough and the trampling of the horses poach the subsoil into the pan we have spoken of. But the steam-hauled implemeat leaves no mark behind it, and in un- favourable seasons, wlien you cannot get horses on the land at all, you can still use steam. The fifth advantage in using steam is that you are able to work a farm with less horses, and spare the horses you keep for the hardest work. Horse labour in the great expense of the farm. Look at the first cost of a horse, take the annual depreciation of his value, cost of his keep, blacksmiths', saddlers', farriers', and implement makers' bills, add cost of ploughmen and horse-keepers' wages, and you will find the expense to be from MO to £50 a-year. Mr. J. Chalmers Morton, a well-known agricultural authority, in a paper read before the Society of Arts, gives the statistics of the horses kept on twenty-one different farms, and the average cost of each of the 383 horses was £46. On a large farm there are always horses kept, all the year round, for the sake of their work at certain seasons of the year. Substitute steam labour at such times, and you save, not only the difference of lieir keep for the few weeks, but for the whole year. Sup- posing that by the partial use of steam, you can save four horses' keep — at Mri Morton's estimate that would amount to £184. Some people have saved much more than that. If you look at the R. A. S. E's. report on steam cultivation 1867, when its commissioners, visitd 140 farms, under steam-tillage ' — you will see that nearly all these farmers have largely reduced their horse labour, some keeping ten and some even twenty-five horses less than before. The sixth advantage of steam cultivation is that, by its use, tha land requires less working, and fewer opertaions, such as ploughing, harrowing, rolling, clod-crushing, &c. Even when used occasionally, steam-cultivated land is easier to work for years afterwards ; but, if the full benefit of steam be obtained— the land broken up at the proper time, and not a horse-hoof allowed to trample and poach the land afterwards — if steam be used continually, and not occasionally, for the light opera- tions of the farm every year, as well as for the deep-cultivation every four years, the saving would be enormous. Mr. Smith asserts that the total cost of preparmg his seed bed for wheat is 7s. 6d. an acre, including every expense ; but we must re- member that this is after years of continuous steam-cultivation. The seventh advantage of steam-cultivation is that it improves the position of the agricultural labourer ; it enables a man to earn better wages for himself with less toil, and to do a better day's work for his master ; it quickens the pace, and makes a man more handv, smart, active, and self-reliant. I do not think that it will displace any manual labour, but it will rather turn the labour to better account. The eighth advan- tage of steam-cultivation is, that you can get better crops at less expense, and that the fertility of the land is increased by it. By deep cultivation and good drainage the temperature of the land is raised, the land dries quicker in a wet season, and in a dry season like this year's summer it remains moist and does not parch under the blazing heat of the sun. I could give you. facts from my own observation as to the encrease of crops from its use, but prefer to refer you to the employers of steam-labour round us, and also to the report of the R. A. S., mentioned above, where you will find an increase from four to eight bushels of wheat an acre obtained in many places. How is it that a labourer can afford to give double the agri- cultural price for his allotment? how is it that a market gardener can raise such large crops from land no better than that of his neighbours ? Liberal manure does something no doubt, but the great secret is in spade-cultivation, by which the land is kept free from weeds and open to tlie rich ferti- lizers contained in every breeze and in every shower of rain. That it is not the manure, look at the Lois-Weedon system of growing wheat. You know that by a strip of fallow between every three rows of wheat you may grow a good crop of wheat for twenty years in succession if you will, without a spadefull of manure (as the Rev. Samuel Smith has done), and then have the land in as good a condition as ever. What is the secret ? only that the laud has been kept open to receive nature's bounty. I have not gone into the question of the peculiar advantages of steam-cultivation on light land, be- cause in this neighbourhood our land is principally heavy or else in small fields ; but I will say briefly that where the en- closures are of good size, as in parts of Lincolnshire and Nor- folk, steam has won triuraps as signal as any of those gained on heavy soil, and is of equal value to the farmer. To recapi- tulate in brief a few of the advantages of steam-cultivation: It deepens the soil, and does it more cheaply than horse- labour, and much more efficiently ; it enables the land to be worked at the best time of the year more expeditiously, and thus destroys weeds ; it improves the drainage, and thus makes the land drier, warmer, and more open to receive the blessings of the rain ; it saves expensive horse-labour ; it prepares a seed bed in flower operations ; it improves the position of the labourer ; and increases fertility. My subject is not exhausted, gentlemen, but I fear that I have already trespassed too long on your patience. Had I time, I should have been glad to have given you a sketch of the various kinds of the steam- cultivating machinery now in use, and the latest improvements in practice ; to have discussed the best kind of tackle suitable for farms of different kinds, and the expense of purchasing and working them ; the cost of hiring them in different coun- ties, and the customs belonging to them ; when it pays best to buy and when to hire ; the causes of success, and the causes of failure, with illustrations from modern practice ; but time fails. I will therefore only notice some of the objections urged against steam-cultivation, and some of the obstacles to its progress, and then briefly consider how the objections may be met and the obstacles removed. Objections against buying tackle : Want of capital, want of mechanical skill, the example of those who have tried it and not succeeded, the difficulty of getting men to manage the machinery, the risk of breakages, and the cost of repairs ; against buying tackle in partnership there is the possibility of all the partners wanting it at the same time, and the additional difficulty of managing men who have to serve several masters. Objections against hiring : Farmers cannot sell part of their horses, because they cannot be sure of getting tackle when they want it ; and, having horses enough to do their farm work, hiring steam is an extra expense ; and, then, you know, contractors charge such high prices. General Obstacles : No leases, want of Tenant Right, fear of disturbance or increased rent, bad leases, compelling a certain rotation of crops, or forbidding the use of the scythe or reap- ing machine, timber in fields and hedges, bad roads, small fields, crooked hedges and ditches, want of draining, bad water, want of water. My answer to these objections is this : That any energetic young farmer, who will give his mind to it, may soon acquire enough knowledge to drive an engine and to see that his men keep the machinery in order. Such a one will have little difficulty with either men or machinery ; and for him £700 to £800 laid out in steam tackle will be an investment that will pay him tenfold, as it has done hundreds of practical men. As to hiring, if you make a bargain before- hand with a contractor, you are certain of getting tackle when you want it, and can thus get rid of the extra horses. As to the high prices charged, the great point to be considered h K K 2 478 THE FAHMER'S MAGAZINE. whether tlie vahie of the work doue is worth the money, all things considered. Competition brings all prices to a fair level. If the trade be profitable, contractors will be multi- plied ; if uuremimerativc, they will soon be starved out. But it is evidently to the advantage of the steam-employing com- munity that the men who spent their time and capital in order to bring steam-cultivation within the reach of the smallest occupier, should be able to live by their business. Let farmers only prepare their farms properly for steam-culti- vation, and ofler a good breadth of land ; and they will be surprised how cheaply and eagerly contractors will work for them. How then, is a farm to be prepared for steam, to get its full benefits ? For this landlord and tenant must unite and work together. In this district we suffer principally from two great hindrances — brackish water, which destroys an engine's fire-box in two seasons, and small and irregularly- shaped fields. In time, liowever, pits will be dug, and tanks made to retatn that valuable rain-water which w e now waste so carelessly. Mr. Torr of Aylesbury and others, for example, have filled up open ditches, laid pipes instead, and conducted these mains into corner-tanks, where two or three fields meet. Fielde of thirty to a hundred acres will be the rule, not the exception ; and their boundaries will be straiglitened. New farm-roads, straight and good, will be made, on which engines can stand when at work. Trees and other obstructions will be removed. A knowledge of steam-cultivating maciiiuery will be deemed as essential a part of a young farmer's educa- tion as the rearing of stock or the rotation of crops ; and the next generation of farmers' sons will compete for silver cups at the local shows for steam-cultivating, instead of plough- ing. Mr. Walker wanted to know wliy a field should not be a garden. They could not dig it all, and they could not garden it all, but they could do a great deal towards it by steam-cultivation. The land in the Smeeth and Marshland was just the ground for steam-cultivation. He had used a steam-engine on his land for thirteen years, and he would be very sorry to leave it off. The great question is, what sort of steam-cultivation farmers should use, the single system or the double system ? He maintained that every farmer ought to have a steam apparatus upon his premises. As Mr. Robinson had fully observed, however, it required a mechanical mmd to work a steam-engine and to work tlie tackle. Men as a rule are not acquainted with the working of such machines, and he had found great difficulty in getting men who would keep to the work. The boys he thought became the best men for that sort of occupation. He had boys in his employ whom he taught all they required of farming operations, and when they liad gained the necessary knowledge lie gave them os. a day, and some of them earned a guinea a week. There is one thing they had to contend against in steam-cultivation, and that is prejudice, but that would die away ; everything that is right would succeed in the end. His opinion was that every large farmer ought to have an engine and tackle of his own. Mr. Robert Dawbarn said at a meeting of the Society of Arts in London he remembered it formed a matter for dis- cussion, wliat effect the introduction of steam-cultivation had upon agricultural labour. Tliey had returns sent from about iorty English and Welsh counties, and some from Scotch couuties. Tlie effect of it was found to be, not as had been expected, but that steam-cultivation was very much to the advantage of tlie agricultural labourers. One of the most un- fortunate counties in England for agricultural labourers is Wiltshire, wliere the labourers get only 7s. a week. The result of the introduction of steam-cultivation into that part of the kingdom was tliat tlie labourers wages were increased 2s. per week. The introduction of steam-cultivation into other parts of the kingdom had been followed with a like beneficial result. This he thought would remove from every kindly heart the feeling that an impediment was caused by the introduction of machinery owing to the disarrangement of labour it caused. Mr. CATLI^'G said there are one or two points in Mr. Ro- binson's paper which struck him as being rather faltering. He had stated tliat by the ordinary system of horse -ploughing land was rendered barren every fourth or fifth year, and that by steam-cultivation the fallow was rendered unnecessary. He then went on to say that Mr. Smith had grown twenty crops ot wheat upon the same land in succession. Mr, Walker then called attention to a well-cultivated garden, and asked the question, " Why is not every field a garden ?" Now, it did appear to him that that is a very important question, but it is very much interfered with by the clauses which are usually in agreements, and he considered the application of capital to land is very much interfered with by the customs which prevail everywhere. The discussion on this subject is a very im- portant one, and he thought probably they might carry it to another meeting, and then consider the customs of land tenure in this immediate neighbourhood, with the view, if necessary, of altering them. He would conclude his remarks by proposing the following resolution : " That the application of science and capital is greatly restricted by covenants which limit the use of land, an advance of the cost of labour, and lowering of the range of corn prices, and the power to induce agents to consider greater freedom of management." Mr. RusTON presumed that a man would not buy a large engine, and work on the direct principle if he had only a small farm. The next question for consideration is whether the round-about system is better to use, and in what particular instance the one is superior to the other. He could not help thinking that the round-about system is the best where a man purchased his own tackle and did not hire, because then he could use his engine when the weather was favourable ; whereas if he hired it he would have to put up with inconvenient weather, during which the engine would remain idle. The great object they had in the application of steam is to benefit the land, and there is no doubt that steam-cultivation is double and treble the value of ploughing. The steam-cultivator turned every- thing up out of the ground, and at the same time exposed the earth to the advaritage of atmospheric influence, and also enabled it to be enriched by the sunshine and the rain. He did not advocate deep cultivation at once, because they might have too much of the fertilizing element ; the ground should be cultivated deeper and deeper gradually. Mr. Rus- ton concluded by stating the satisfactory results that had fol- lowed steam-cultivation on his own land, and that he believed steam-cultivation would be much more extensively used than it is at the present time. Mr. Ollard would like to know the cost of steam engines and tackle, and the cost of employing them on land. He thought the resolution that Mr. Catling had proposed should be supplemented in some way, because in its present form it would leave no practical result in the mind of anybody. Mr. Catling said he was thoroughly convinced that bad land by steam cultivation could be made comparatively good, and that they could apply the system to land so ably repre- sented in Mr. Robinson's paper. He hoped the result of their discussion would be that they would arrive at some practical result, and that they would induce gentlemen of l-irge influence to give proper consideration to the matter. Mr. Walker, in reply to questions put to him, stated that the cost to him of steam cultivation was about 4?s. an acre if only ploughed one way ; but he ploughed his land two ways, therefore it cost him 8s. an acre. The engine he reckoned cost him about 6s. a day. Mr. Looker asked Mr. Walker if he would let the engine for 6s. a day, and he replied in the affirmative, stating that he would let Mr. Looker the engine for 6s. a day now for three months. Mr. Looker answered that he would have it, and would send for it to-morrow. The Chairman did not know whether it was Mr. Robin- son's own calculation or whether he had borrowed it, but what he had said about the maintenance of an agricultural horse being £46, he considered to be very excessive indeed. He had known practical men who had gone tlioroughly into the ques- tion, and he knew from them that the maintenance of a horse did not amount to any such sum. At the adjourned discussion he thought they could take into consideration whether steam cultivating is everything, and steam ploughing nothing, and he hoped too something would be said in favour of the cart- horse so as to show that (he cultivation could be done by the cart-horse as cheaply, if not as effectually, as it could be doue by steam cultivation. He would be very glad to see those pre- sent attend the adjourned meeting, because he thought the subject is one of very great interest. They had not yet had a meeting out of Wisbeacli, aud therefore he proposed that the adjourned meeting should be held at the Griffin Hotel, March, on the 24th of November next. Mr, Isaac Robinson said, in reference to the maintenance THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 4?9 of a liorse, that the estimate was quoted from a report hy Mr. J. C. Morton. That iucludcd the cost of cverythiutc in con- nection witii tlic animal, the cost of harness, the wages of the man to look after it, &c. He should not like it to go forth that he meant it would cost £i6 a year simply for the keep of a horse. Mr. W. C. LiTTLK said it would be very necessary fur them to know the cost and the expense of the work wliich had heen spoken of. His own experience was very dilVerent to that of Mr. Walker. The cultivation of his land cost him 30s. an acre, wliich was very different to 8s. an acre. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. llobinson. ROSS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. There was a small show of Hereford stock, though what there was was of some quality and in good condition, con- sidering the bad season. The competition was exceedingly limited, being conlined, in many of the classes, to the very minimum number of entries compatible with the awarding of a prize at all ; in several of the other classes the entries were confined to either one or two, while in others, again, there were none whatever. The Shorthorns were but meagrely re- presented numerically, although such as were on show were of a superior kind. Tlie sheep classes were good throughout, as they always are at floss, though like the cattle, the show was small, and the competition consequently limited. The same may be said of the pigs, there was a good show as to merit, but a scanty one as to numbers, albeit the competition was more brisk, as it might well be in this department. Extra Stock comprised a few horses, some Shropshire sheep and lambs, and a few calves and heifers, to most of which, as will be seen from the list, prizes were awarded. It should be stated, however, that there was scarcely any competition in this extra class, the several specimens shown being each rather exceptional than otherwise. The several samples of wheat and barley sent were of excellent quality, and mostly of good colour. The show of roots, like the show generally, was small, but, regard being had to the before mentioned diffi- culties, which the cultivators of the soil, by reason of the ex- cessive drought, have laboured under, the several specimens entered were really almost better than could have been hoped for. Some of the mangolds, and also the swedes and turnips, with the cabbages were stupendous as to growth, and ap- parently equally fine as to quality. The implement department was mainly made up by local exhibitors. PRIZE LIST. CATTLE. IIEREIOKD. Bull, more than two years old. — Prize, £3, P. S. MacDou- gall (Noble Boy). The class highly commended. Bull under two years old. — Two entries. Prize withheld for want of competition. Breeding cows and their calves, over three years old. — Prize, £5, T. Duckham. Highly commended : P. S. Mac- Dougall, Benhall. Pair of heifers under three years old. — Prize, £3, P. S MacDougall. Pair of heifers under two years old. — Prize, £2, P. S. Mac- Dougall. Highly commended : T. Duckham. SHORTHORNS. Bull, irrespective of age. — Prize, £3, G. Clive, Perrystone (Sovereign 1st). Highly commended : I.Theyer, WalfordCourt. Two breeding cows and their calves, over three years old. — Prize, £2, Rev. W. H. Beever, Pencraig Court. ANY OTHER BREED. Lot of breeding cattle in proportion to the acreage of land in the occupation of the exhibitor. — Prize, £3 3s., T. P. Brown, Weir End. Commended : P. S. MacDougall. SHEEP. LONG-WOOL. Pen of ten breeding ewes. — Prize, £3, R. Loveridge, The Callow. Pen of ten yearling ewes. — Prize, £3, R. Loveridge. Pen of ten ewe lambs. — First prize, £2, R. Loveridge ; se- cond, £1, C. Kearsey, Glewstone. Pen of ten wether lambs. — Eirst prize, £2, R. Loveridge ; second, £1, A. Webb, Moraston. Ram lamb.— Eirst prize, £2, R. Loveridge ; second, £1, C. Kearsey. Yearling ram. — First prize, £3, not p.warded ; second, £2, T. S. Bradstock, Cobrey Park. SHORT-WOOL. Pen of ten ewe lambs. — Prize, £2, W. Marfell, Tretire. Pen of ten wether lambs. — Prize, £2, W. Marfell. PIGS. Boar. — Eirst prize, £2, Rev. W. Holt Beever ; second, £1, C. Kearsey. Sow in farrow or with pigs. — First prize, £2, J. Hartland, Biddlestone ; second, £1, J. Marfell, Pigeon House. Pig belonging to an agricultural labourer. — First prize, £1 5s., W. Greenway ; second, £1, J. Castree ; third, 15s., John Worgau. EXTRA STOCK. Berkshire sow and Pigs. — Prize, £1, C. Kearsey, Entire cart-horse. — Prize, £2, I. Theyer, Ten Stiropshire wether lambs. — Prize, lOs., A. Armitage, Dadnor. Ten Shropshire ewe lambs. — Prize, lOs., A. Armitage. Fifty Shropshire ewes, under two years. — Prize, £2, A. Armitage. Fifty Shropshire ewes, over two years. — Prize, £2, A. Armi- tage. Nag horse (hunter). — Prize, £1 12s,, A. N. Dowle, Berni- than Court. Yearling cart colt. — Prize, £1 12s., A. N, Dowle, GRAIN. Four-bushel sack of white wheat. — First prize, £2 23., J. Cadle, Over-Ross Farm ; second, £1 Is., C. Kearsey. Four-bushel sack of red wheat. — First prize, £2 2s., A. Armitage ; second, £1 Is., J. Cadle. Four-bushel sack of malting barley, a fair sample from a bulk of not less than 100 bushels. — First prize, £3 3s., John Cadle Ballingham Hall ; second, £2 2s., John Cadle, Over- Ross Farm. ROOTS. Four acres of swedes. — Prize, silver cup, A. N. Dowle. Four acres of turnips. — Prize, silver cup, J. Hartland, Biddlestone. Three acres of swedes. — Prize, silver cup, T. Theyer, Wal- ford Court. Three acres of turnips. — Prize, silver cup, T. P. Brown, Weir End. Collection of roots grown on the same farm, twelve of each to be exhibited of mangel, svi'edes, turnips, and carrots, any variety. — Eirst prize, £1 7s., R. Scudamore, Pengethley ; se- cond, 15s., I. Theyer, Walford Court. At the dinner,Mr.G. Clive, theChairman,said,Mr.Duckham had, in a very plaintive tone, expressed a hope that he would become a patron of the white faces, and not patronise the Shorthorns. He read the able letter of Mr. Duckham in the AgricuUund Gazette, in which he proved that the Herefords were better than the Shorthorns. But why should Short- horns be excluded from Herefordshire? If the Shorthorn WHS so inferior, why should it be shut of the county ? It was invidious to keep it out. Now he had got a prize that day for a Shorthorn, but Mr. Duckham through an unfortu- nate accident failed. He did hope that Mr. Duckham would allow those who wanted milk for their dairies to get those cattle which were best adapted to supply what they wanted (laughter). The Shorthorn, although it did not lay on so much flesh as the Hereford, was better suited for many countries than the Hereford. The Rev. W. Holt Beevor asked whether they could not all join to get up a good exhibition. They could do it if they would simply take some interest in it. He partook of none of the jealousy about Shorthorns and 480 THE FABMER'S MAGAZINE. Herefords, He could tell them that] lie greatly admired their Herefords, but he claimed for the Shorthorns that they were good cattle, aud he did not see why those who had begun with them should not continue to go on with them. They might have a magnificent show at Here- ford. They had the animals. There were Mr. Arkwright's animals, Mr. Wigmore's, and many other gentlemen wliom it would be invidious to mention, but what they wanted to do was to unite together and to determine that they would have a good show. They had the elements of a first-class Cotswokl, and they had a flue, square- built, flourishing, close-wooUed sheep, and also several other very excellent varieties. Let all these be cultivated, and let every man exhibit and tliey would have a good show. He did not think that they could go on as they were, because he thought they were going on on a false idea. Mr. T. S. BRA.DSTOCK. said the tailing off this year was attributed to the want of keep, but in his opinion there was another reason, viz., this, that a good deal of the stock had been sold during the last two or three weeks. He regretted hearing of some instances of cattle being sold £2 or £3 per head less than they were worth in the spring, because he feared that they had been sold owing to the shortness of keep and to provide for the payment of rent, tithes, rates, and other ex- penses, the heavy charges to which the occupiers of laud were liable. It had been ascertained that the growing crops gathered last harvest would not, when brought to market, be more than sufficient to pay the half-yearly rental, and a good deal would be required for the keep of the cart horses which could not be sold off the farm. It would not, tiierefore, under these circumstances, have surprised him if he had not seen anything in the showyard. He could not help saying that he had felt surprise in reading the reports of agricultural meet- ings in this and other counties held during the last month or two, to observe tliat scarcely any allusion had been made by any of the speakers as to the unsatisfactory state of the agricul- tural interest, aggravated by the long drought from which they had suffered. It seemed to liim as if all the speakers had been so wound up by the horrors of the war on the Contuient that they had not a word of encouragement to cheer the farmers in the trying times now before them. He recollected some twenty years ago, when great depression prevailed, that there was scarcely a meeting at which sympathy was not expressed for them. He recollected the late Sir Joseph Bailey, in acknow- ledging the toast of the Members for the County at the Agri- cultural Society's dinner, after speaking feehngly and forcibly to his constituents with respect to the difficulties they had to contend with, said he thouglit that at such times as tliose the landowners should look around them and see whether there was not some pleasure or some luxury which might be dis- pensed with and which would help their tenants. He knew of no greater benefit to a district than the landowner who spent his income in the neighbourhood in which he lived ; but there was one luxury which he had no hesitation in saying ought to be dispensed with, not only because it was a tenant- farmer's grievance, but because it was a national grievance, and that was the over-preservation of game. It was a griev- ance, because it robbed the tenant-farmer of his profits, and this was particularly so with regard to rabbits, which in many instances were gamekeepers' perquisites. He thought com- pensation ought to be made, but he had heard of many in- stances of compensation being obtained, and of cases where compensation should have been received, and yet the tenants very soon afterwards quitting the farms. He knew of nothing more enjoyable than good sport, and a gentlemen had a per- fect right to reserve to himself the right of shooting, but in his opinion only so long as he did not injure his neighbours. He wished it to be understood that he was not speaking of any one. He knew some landlords who preserved their game, and who had some fine shooting, and yet their tenants were prosperous and happy men, and were perfectly satisfied with their landlords. They would easily guess the reason why. Mr. W. Morris, the secretary, said that there had been various reasons assigned for the smallness of the show, but he attributed it to a want of money. He thought if they could increase the premiums they would soon have a larger show. SALE OF THE CASTLE ERASER HERD OF POLLED CATTLE. The flue herd of polled cattle, the property of Colonel Eraser of Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire, was disposed of by pubhc auction at the home farm. Mr. Thomson, Clayhills, Aberdeen, was the auctioneer. The buyers, animals, and prices were as foUows ; cows AND CALVES. Maggie, calved June, 1863, bred by Colonel Fraser. — Mr. Fraser, Aquhertou, Kintore, 26 gs. Maria (heifer calf), calved April 25, 1870.— Mr. Walker, Port- lethen, 13 gs. Sybil, calved April, 1864, bred by Harry Shaw, Bogfern. — Sir George M'Pherson Grant, Bart., of Balleudalloch, 63 gs. Fred's Darhng (twin heifer calf), calved March 14, 1870.— Mr. Morison, Boguie, 39 gs. Fred's Second Darling (twin heifer calf), calved March 14, 1870.— Mr. Paterson, Mulben, 37 gs. Lily, calved April, 1865, bred by Colonel Fraser.— Mr. Smith, Burnshangie, Strichen, 40 gs. Major (bull calf), calved AprU 27, 1870.— Mr. Morison, Bognie, 41 gs. Blanche, calved July, 1865, bred by Colonel Fraser.- Mr. Fordyce, M.P., Bruckley, 50 gs. Melrose (bull calf), calved July 5, 1870.— Mr. Walker, Port- letheu, 26 gs. Georgina, calved March, 1866, bred by Colonel Fraser.— Mr. Mitchell, Balgreen, Gamrie, 37 gs. Delta (heifer calf), calved April 7, 1870.— Mr. Mansou, Oak- liill, OldMeldrum, 32gs. Countess, calved February, 1865, bred by Colonel Fraser.— Mr. Beaton, Nethenty, Old Meldrum, 14 gs. The Laird (bull calf), calved May 10, 1870.— Mr. Anderson, Angesfield, Aberdeen, 40 gs. Young Grace, calved April, 1864, bred by Colonel Fraser.— Lord Aberdeen, 16 gs. Sir WilUam (bull calf), calved July 14, 1870.— Lord Fife, Duff House, 53 gs. Fanny, calved June, 1866, bred by Colonel Fraser. — Lord Fife, 40 gs. Lord Ornoch (buU calf), calved June 3, 1870. — Mr. Duncan, Fortray, Gamrie, 31 gs. Cyril, calved April, 1867, bred by Mr. M'Combie, Easter Skene. — Mr. Buchan, Auchmahoy, 37 gs. TWO-ITIAR-OLD HEirEKS. Lively, calved January 20, ] 868, bred by Colonel Fraser. — Lord Huntly, 67 gs. Bella, calved May 24, 1868, bred by Colonel Fraser.— Colonel Ferguson, Pitfour, 36 gs. Emily, calved May 1, 1868, bred by Mr. M'Combie, Easter Skene. — Sir A. Banuerman, Crimonmogate, 34 gs. YEARLING HEIFERS. Susy, calved January 13, 1869, bred by Mr. Harry L. L. Mor- rison of Blair. — Mr. Morison, Bognie, 42 gs. Beauty, calved July 5, 1869, bred by Colonel Eraser.- Mr. Taylor, Glenbarry, 37 gs. Lovely, calved April 27, 1869.— Mr. Ferguson, Skellymarno, Old Deer. BULLS. Cupbearer, calved March 20, 1868, bred by Sir George Mac- pherson Grant of Ballindalloch, Bart.— Mr. M'Combie, M.P., Tillyfour, 38 gs. Harry, caked March 11, 1869, bred Mr. Harry Shaw, Bog- fern. — Sir A. Bannerman, ONE-YEAR-OLD STOT. Charlie, calved April 24, 1869.— Mr. Martin, Aberdeen, S5 gs. THE FARMEJi'S MAGAZINE. 481 SALE OF MR. LYNN'S SHORTHORNS, AT STROXTON, GRANTHAM, ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 37th, 1870. BY MR, H. SXRAITORD. A paragraph has recently been goinff the round of the papers headed, " What is show condition ?" It might readily be answered " Successful advertising" ; for although it is risky, expensive, full of anxiety, and often the cause of sore disap- pointment, yet it is the great means of introducing good cattle to the notice of one's own^ countrymen and the satisfaction of the foreigner, who is often ready, if the animals please him, to close on the spot, irrespective of pedigree, breeding, or price. Moreover, if a man can win about £30 or £iO a year, it pays him, and all over that becomes with ordinary luck a profit. Mr. John Lynn's animals have been going the round of the show for several years, and with very fair success. Since the days of Great Comet (16193), a noted winner, he has exhibited at the Royal, the Lincolnshire, and adjoining county meetings, while at the more local shows he has generally had it very much his own way. Except the great training quarters at Warlaby and Towneley, Osberton and Broad Hintou, Branches Park and Broughton, few animals have left their quarters in better condition, more evenly fed, or in greater bloom than those from Stroxton. Queen of Diamonds, the second prize heifer at the Manchester Royal, was, we believe, sold for 200 gs. to go to Canada, and the great New YorK Mills firm took one also at a long price. Occasionally bulls, too, have been sold at large prices, as it was announced here that Sir Thomas Whichcote had given a hundred guineas for one. AU who left for Grantham on that bright October morning expected to find things in famous condition ; nor were they in the least disappointed ; for with the exception of two or three that had just calved, they were all, and especially the calves, in fine bloom. Full of hair, mostly pleasing roans, and with plenty of flesh, they were good to see. A very large com- pany assembled by noon, and Mr. Strafi'ord, anxious to be punctual, could not commence until the last relay had got some- thing to eat in the somewhat too little barn ; this, with a badly arranged entrance and exit for the cattle by double gates side by side, looked to be the only hitches in the sale. Mr. Earle Welby, M.P., presided at the luncheon, and, as Mr. Strafford said, " was a most business-like chairman." Clematis, the first lot, fourteen years old, was short on the leg and had a nice head, and this, with good condition, sent her along to 32gs., at which price Mr. Woods got her for Mr. Foljambe ; a pair of plain three years old twins by Prizeman from this cow he let pass, but he secured one of the twin's daughters by Cambridge Duke 4Ufour, Mr. Irvine of Drum, and the secretary — to draw up a memorial ou the subject, and have the same forwarded to Mr. Gladstone. Two letters were submitted from Mr. James Kerr, Sheriff THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 50t Coiirt-liouse, Edinburgh, witli reference to the dry-earth closet and urinals proposed by the late Sir James Simpson. A letter was reported from Mr. Mathew Andrews, juu., se- cretary of the Flax Extension Association, Belfast, sending a pamplilet containing instructions for the culture and prepara- tion of flax in Ireland, and other documents, and intimating that he would be happy to supply copies to any farmers de sirous to gain a knowledge of how the flax crop is managed. A letter was read from the Home Cattle Defence Association to the directors, who, though not in a position to subscribe as a board, expressed a hope that an Association so likely to benefit agriculturists would not be neglected. THE WENLOOK FARMERS' CLUB. AWARD OF PRIZES. At the annal dinner Mr. Rainfortii read the following report : We, the undersigned, being appointed to inspect the farms, root crops, and fences of the competitors for prizes given by the Wenlock Farmers' Club, beg to hand you the following report : For the best cultivated farm. — At Mr. Smith's, Sutton Mad- doek, we found the land well cultivated, the fields well laid out, and divided with new straight fences of young thorns. The mangold crop is very good and clean. The swedes are irregular and short of plants. The stack-yard and cattle sheds are not so neat as they should be. Mr. Horton's Harnage Grange : Here we found the land well cultivated. The swedes are clean, and a fair crop for the season, but part of the soft turnips have suffered from the drought. Mr. Horton has done a great deal for the farm in pulling down old useless fences, and bringing the others in a proper form. The stackyard and cattle yards not so neat as they might be. At Mr. Trevor's, Westwood, the land is well cultivated, and free from weeds of any kind. All the implements which were not in use were under cover. The rickyard and premises were neat and clean. We have come to the conclusion that Mr. Trevor has won the prize for the best cultivated farm, taking everything into consideration. For the best cultivated root crops generally, on a farm of not less than 200 acres. — On Mr. Trevor's farm the swedes look healthy, have been well cultivated, and are free from weeds, but are irregularly planted. Mr. Davies's, Patton : The swedes are very good, one-half of the first field being the weightest and best we have seen, but the field is irregular. The land is well cultivated. Mr. Acton's, Brocton : Here we found the ground regularly planted, well cultivated, and perfectly free from weeds of any kind. We have come to the conclusion that Mr. Acton is entitled to the prize for the best cultivated root crops. For the best managed fences. — At Harnage Grange a great deal has been done to the fences, but it will be some time be- fore they are sufficient. ]\[r. Trevor's, Westwood : All the fences lying to the south are good and well managed, but where the land is exposed to the north-west they are deficient. Mr. Lloyd's of Westwood : The fences here are very good and well managed. We agree that Mr. Lloyd should have the prize for the best managed fences. For the best cultivated root crop on a farm not exceeding 100 acres. — We are both of the same opinion respecting the merits of the different lots entered in this class, viz., Mr. Cooper takes the first ; Mr. Moreton second. Wm. Lockhart, Edward Rahmforth. Prize List, 1870.— Essays : A prize of £10, the gift of Lord Wenlock, for the best essay on the advantages of steam cultivation, and the best means of introducing it into the Club district, to Mr. Stables, Kirkbank, Yorkshire. The best cultivated farm. — Prize to Mr. Trevor, of West- wood. The best cultivated root crops. — Prize to Mr. Acton, of Brockton. The best cultivated root crops on farms not exceeding 100 acres. — First prize to Mr. R. Cooper, Mucli Wenlock ; second to Mr. Moreton, Wenlock. The best managed fences. — Prize to Mr. G. Lloyd, of West- wood. Report of the Committee, 1870. — Gentlemen : The celebrated Earl of Chatham, when Prime Minister of England, once reproved an ambassador for the paucity of his despatches, when the ambassador excused himself by saying that there was nothing to write a despatch upon. Your committee, on this occasion, are in a similar position to the ambassador in having Httle to report to you ; at the same time, not wishing to fall under your censure for taciturnity, we follow our usual practice by making that little known to you. Shortly after our last anniversary meeting the Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture occupied one of our meetings for dis- cussion by holding their discussion in Wenlock. A very large and influential meeting was the result, and matters of the highest importance to the welfare and prosperity of agri- culture were discussed with a freedom and ability seldom or ever excelled at any of our meetings, and your committee are happy to say that the result of that meeting added fresh laurels to the fame of the Wenlock Farmers' Club ; at the same time the discussion at that meeting so exhausted the energy of our members that we have only been enabled to hold one other meeting during the year. Lord Wenlock, at our last anniver- sary meeting, placed the sum of £10 in the hands of the com- mittee to be offered for the best essay on the advantages of steam cultivation, and the best means of introducing it into the Club district. Your committee regret that his lordship's liberality and laudable anxiety for the welfare of the Club should have been so feebly responded to, only one paper hav- ing been received by the committee. This paper was submitted to Lord Wenlock, when it was decided to award it the prize. The essayist attended a meeting in June to read his paper, but owing to its great length the members were precluded from entering into any discussion on its merits, and your committee regret that at present no action has been taken in the matter. Lord Wenlock's liberal offer to take a large number of shares in a steam cultivating company not having been responded to, this, in some degree, may be accounted for by the circumstance that our original and principal members' holdings are on the Ludlow rock formation, and the proximity of the rock to the surface makes deep cultivation impracticable ; but the Hughley valley and the south side of the Corve are admirably adapted for the steam cultivator, and the proprietors of these districts would act wisely by affording every facility and assistance to their tenantry by introducing it upon their respective estates, as the result cannot fail to be successful. Our president kindly offered a prize of £10 for the best paper on the most desirable means of giving security to tenants for capital invested in the improvement of lands and buildings. Only one paper for this prize was sent in, which being submitted to the president and the Editor of the Mark Lane Express, was pronounced by those gentlemen as not of sufficient merit to justify the prize being awarded. The paper was returned to the author, with a copy of the judges' report. Mr. Benson places the £10 in the hands of the committee to be offered for an essay next year. J. M. Gaskell, Esq., having withdrawn his name as a subscriber of £2 to the implement prize, A. H. Brown, Esq., M.P., on application, kindly consented to fill up the gap. The members for the Southern Division of the county having re- newed their prize of £'10 for the best cultivated farm, three com- petitors have entered the list. The awarding of this, as well as the root crop and fence prizes, was placed in the hands of Mr. Lockhart, of Culmington, and Mr. Rainforth, of Monk- hopton, whose report will be read before you. Your com- mittee met on the first Monday in October to audit the ac- counts, when a balance of £2 19s. Id. was declared in the treasurer's hands, and arrears of subscriptions owing amount- ing to £12 15s. Your committee cannot close this report without earnestly «olicitiug volunteers to come forward as eaders of our discussioual meetings, There are several sub- I 506 THE PARMER'S MAGAZINE. jects now requiring the earnest attention of this old-established Club : The importation of foreign diseases, by which our flocks and herds are yearly decimated ; the injustice and inequality of the local taxation of the country ; the best means of in- creasing the home supply of the food of the people, and mak- ing England less dependent on a foreign supply. These and other questions now await consideration at our hands ; and your committee hope that some good men will, during the en- suing year take up these or other subjects, and raise our dis- cussional business to its former glory. Your committee beg to congratulate you upon the prospect of Lord Acton's acceptance of the presidency of our Club for the ensuing year. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND. Monthly Council : Wednesday, November 3. — Present — Lord Veruon, President, in the chair : the Earl of Lichfield, Lord Chesham, Lord Tredegar, Lord Wal- singham. Sir Watkin Wynn, Bart., M.P. ; Mr. Amos, Mr. Barnett, Mr. Booth, Mr. Bowly, Mr. Cantrell, Colonel Challoner, Mr. Clayden, Mr. Dent, M.P. ; Mr. Druce, Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, Mr. Holland, Mr. Horusby, Mr. Wren Hoskyns, M.P. ; Colonel Kingscote, M.P. ; Mr. Leeds, Mr. Milward, Mr. Pain, Mr. Randell, Mr. Ransome, Mr. llidley, M.P. ; Mr. Rigden, Mr. Stone, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Torr, Mr. Welby, M.P. ; Mr. Wells, M.P. ; Professor Simonds, and Dr. Voelcker. Mr. Henry Chaplin, M.P., Blankney, Lincoln, was elected a Governor of the Society. The following new members were elected : Arnold, William, Lichfield Street, Tamworth. Baxter, Benjamin, Elslack Hall, Skipton. Beckett, Samuel, Eccleston, Chester. Boucher, A. E., Wolverley, Kidderminster. Clerk, Arthur, The Mead, Chepstow. Davey, J. G. Ellis, Horningtoft, Letcham. Dunlop, Alexander M., 1, Westminster Chambers, Vic- toria Street, S.W. Gil bey, Walter, Hargrave Park, Stanstead. Hetherington, R. Bealy, Park Head, Silloth. Holman, Stephen, Spring Lodge, Ealing. Howells, J. Lewis, Blackwood, Monmouth. Lovatt, Henry, Finclifield House, Wolverhampton. Poole, Commander George, Llangynider, Crickhowell. Shuttleworth, Alfred, Heighlington, Lincoln. Tangye, Richard, Cornwall Works, Birmingham. Townshend, C. Uniacke, Hatley, Burlington Road, Dublin. WaU, T. Senior, 120, Maida Vale, London. Ward, T. Johnson, New Leaze, Olveston, Bristol. Waterer, Anthony, Knapp Hill, Woking. Finances.— Colonel Kingscote, M.P., presented the report, from which it appeared that the Secretary's receipts during the past three months had been duly examined by the committee, and by Messrs. Quilter, Ball and Co., the Society's accountants, and found correct. The balance in the hands of the bankers on October 31 was £1,406 10s. 4d. The quarterly statement of sub- scriptions and arrears to September 30, and the quarterly cash account, were laid on the table. The arrears then amounted to £1,303. The committee recommend that the £1,800 now at deposit be transferred to the current account. This report was adopted. Journal. — Mr. Thompson (chairman) reported that it had been intimated to the committee as highly probable that £200 will be offered to the Society by gentlemen resident in Shropshire and Staffordshire for two prizes of .£100 each to the best managed arable and dairy farms respectively, within a limited distance of Wolverhampton ; and that the committee, therefore, requested the Council to decide whether, in case of such offer beiug formally made, the committee shall be at liberty to announce the wiUiugness of the Society to offer second prizes of £50 each ; also, whether the committee, after ascertaining the views of the subscribers, shall arrange the limits of the district to be included, and the other conditions of com- petition. It was also reported that the Society's pub- lisher had received a lawyer's letter on the subject of the reflections on Messrs. Bradburn and Co. in the report of the Chemical Committee lately published, and that the committee recommended that they be authorised to sup- port the course adopted by the Chemical Committee. This I'eport was adopted. A conversation followed, in the course of which Mr. Thompson stated that the expenses of the last farm-pi'ize competition amounted to about £325, including the 2nd and 3rd prizes given by the Society. Notwithstanding this expenditure, the Journal Committee had recommended that the scheme be carried into other districts, on account of the interest of the competition, and the value of the report to the readers of the Journal ; and Mr. Thompson particularly referred to Mr. Keary's report of the Oxford Prize Farms, as showing clearly two points — first, that the 1st prize had been awarded on the satisfactory ground of profitable farming, and not to a model farm ; and secondly, that the profitable cultivation of poor land like that of the stonebrash was to be done by a large expenditure in cake and corn. He also remarked that Mr. Keary had brought out the weak points in the various farms in a clear, but unobjectionable, manner. The Earl of Lichfield, in seconding the recommendation of the committee, ex- pressed his conviction that the £200 would be raised by the landowners of the two counties, and his satisfaction with the report of the Oxford competition. Mr. W. J. Edmonds gave notice that in December he would move that the sum of £10 be voted to the Cirencester Chamber of Agriculture, for the purpose of assisting its committee to carry out, in conjunction with the pro- fessors of the Royal Agricultural College, manurial and other experiments upon corn and root crops. Showyard Contracts. — Mr. Randell reported that as Mr. Penny's contract expires after the Wolverhampton meeting, the committee recommended that a general table of conditions and specifications, prepared by the surveyor, should be printed under his direction, and sent to the members of the committee for their consideration before the December Council meeting ; that the tenders be then advertised for, and that they be sent in by January 20, to be opened and classed by the surveyor and Mr. Randell, who will report on them to the February meeting of the committee. It was also recommended that the members' tent shall be made available, with accommodation for writing, &c., during the whole period of the country meeting; that Messrs. Buttons' suggestion to keep sepa- rate the stands occupied by manure-merchants be adopted ; and that the surveyor be requested to proceed to Wolver- hampton, and to set out the levelling required in the showyard for the use of the local committee. — This report was adopted. Implement. — Mr. Thompson reported that several letters had been received fi'om implement makers, con- taining suggestions of alterations in the conditions of competition at Wolverhampton, which had been sent them in accordance with the resolution of Council in August last ; some slight alterations had been adopted, and the conditions, a.s revised, were recommended for THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 307 adoption by the Council. The committee also recom- mended tlic following addition to the prize list, viz. : For the best root or stone extractor £10 The committee having received the instructions of the Council to consider what prizes should be olfered for im- plements and machinery employed for the cultivation of nops, they recommended the offer of the four following prizes, viz. : 1. For the best machine for the cultivation of iiop gardens, to supersede manual labour ... £30 2. for the best machine for washing the hop plant to remove the aphis blight ... ... 10 3. For the best hop-presser ... ... ... 10 4. For any other unproved implement, or imple- ments, used in the cultivation or manage- ment of hops 10 It was recommended that all the implements entered for trial shall be in the yard by the evening of Saturday, June 24, and other articles by Tuesday evening, July 4. With reference to the question of duplicates the com- mittee recommended that no exhibitor be allowed to enter duplicates of the same article, and that a maximum fine of 10 per cent, on the declared price, and a mini- mum fine of £1, be imposed for each article exhibited in breach of this rule. They also recommended that if this rule be adopted, the regulations affecting miscellaneous articles and the space required by exhibitors remain otherwise as heretofore. It was also recommended that in future no medal be awarded to any implement included in the quinquennial rotation which is not placed in the classes tried at that meeting, or to any miscellaneous article capable of trial, until it has been subjected to such trial as the stewards may direct ; also that no commen- dations of miscellaneous articles be made by the judges. This report having been adopted, a vote of thanks was unanimously offered to Mr. Johu Medworth, on the motion of Mr. Thompson, for the classified list of im- plements exhibited at Oxford, prepared by him for the use of the committee. General Wolverhampton. — Lord Walsingham re- ported the recommendation of the committee that the showyard at Wolverhampton be open from the morning of Monday, July 10, until Saturday evening, July 15, at 6 o'clock inclusive, and that the implement yard alone be open to members and the public on Saturday, July 8, during the usual hours. On the question "that this re- port be adopted" being put to the Council, a discussion arose, in which Mr. Thompson, Mr. Dent, jNIr. Rigden, Mr. Ransome, Mr. Amos, Mr. Booth, and Mr. Wells, followed by Lord Walsingham, successively opposed the recommendation of the committee, on the ground that exhibitors objected to their stock being so long away from home, that the actual receipts, as proved by the ex- perience gained by trying the two plans at other large towns (Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle especially) were not much increased by the extra day, while the ex- pense to the Society was considerably enhanced, and that to the extension of the Society's show for so long a period as even five days is to be attributed the small show of horses which characterised the Society's meetings. On the other hand, it was urged by Lord Lichfield, who had proposed the additional day in committee, as well as by Mr. Torr and Mr. Randell, that Saturday was the only day on which the working-classes could visit the show- yard. Ultimately it was proposed by Mr. Thompson, and seconded by Mr. Dent, " That the showyard at Wol- verhampton shall be open on the same days as at Oxford." The amendment having been put fi"om the chair, it was carried by 22 votes against 7, subject to which the report of the committee was adopted. Stock Prizes.— Lord Walsingham presented the re- port of the committee, embodying the first draft of tbe stock prize-sheet for the forth(;oming Wolverhampton meeting. After some discussion, the report was received, and referred back to the committee with some sugges- tions for their consideration, and resolutions for incorpo- ration in the regulations of the prize-sheet, namely: It was moved by Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Torr, sup- ported by Mr. Bowly and Lord Walsingham, and carried unanimously, " That each animal entered in the Short- horn classes shall be certified by the exhibitor to have not less than four crosses of Shorthorn blood, which are registered in the Herd Book." On the motion of Mr. Milward it was resolved that in the pony classes the height should be altered from 14.2 to 14 hands, and that the classes immediately above them should range from 14 hands to 15.2. It was moved by Mr. Dent, in conformity with the resolution passed at the June Council, that prizes of £10 and £5 be offered for the best and second best mule, irre- spective of age and sex. This motion having been se- conded by Lord Chesham, and commented on by Mr. Pain, Mr. Randell, and other members of the Council, was put to the vote, when there appeared eight for it and the same number against it. The President thereupon gave his casting vote againet the proposal. Mr. Milward gave notice that at the next meeting of the Council he would move, " That the resolution of June I, respecting prizes for mules and asses, be rescinded." On the motion of Sir W. W. Wynn it was resolved that the consideration of the Stock Prizes Committee be directed to the question whether prizes may not be given to Cheviot and other mountain sheep ; and at the sugges- tion of Col. Kingscote, M.P., the Stock Prizes Committee were requested to consider whether it is not expedient that in the classes for "mare in foal, or with foal at foot," the sire of the foal, as well as the sire of the mare, should be given on the certificate of entry. A memorial from some breeders of Berkshire pigs was also referred to the Stock Prizes Committee. Education. — Mr. Holland (chairman) reported that the committee made application for the renewal of the education grant for the ensuing year, and in the event of its being granted they recommended the following altera- tions in the Society's previous regulations: 1. Tiiatthe next examination should commence on Tuesday, April 18, 1871. 2. That the forms of entry, duly fdled up, together with a certificate of general education, must be forwarded to the secretary by March 1, 1871. 3. That no candidate sliall be eligible for the Society's prizes who has completed his 21st year previous to the said March 1 ; but that any candidate, irrespective of age, may compete for the Society's certificates. 4. That the prizes for aggregate merit, to be awarded to successful candidates who are eligible and are placed in the first class, shall be : 1st prize, £25 ; 2nd, £10 ; 3rd, £5. This report having been ado^jted, the education grant was renewed for the year 1871. A letter was read from Mr. Alfred Rogers on the sub- ject of inspection of shearing. The Earl of Lichfield gave notice, that at the next monthly Council he would move: "That in selecting a town for the holding of the exhibition of 1872 the plan of the Bath and West of England Sooiety be adopted." The December general meeting was ordered to be held on Thursday, the 8th proximo, at 12 (noon). M M ( 508 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. AYRSHIRE FARMERS' CLUB. FARM FENCES. At the quarterly meeting held in Ayr, Mr. R. M. Cunning- HAME, Shields, president of the Club, in the chair, said : Dur- ing the three months which have elapsed since we last met together, some of the most important of our farming opera- tions have been accomplished under very favourable auspices as regards weather. About the time of our last quarterly meeting tlie hay harvest commenced, and whether or not any of it was cured according to the method described by our friend Mr. Dalglish in his valuable paper, there has certainly been one of the bulkiest crops of hay ever grown in Ayrshire secured in excellent condition. I had occasion to travel through part of the higher districts about that time, and it was very pleasing to see the various fields and meadows thickly studded with ricks of beautiful green succulent hay, which must prove not only profitable to the owners, but also very palatable to those animals who are privileged to consume it. Scarcely was hay work over when the corn harvest commenced, and I tliink I may safely say that seldom if ever have we in this precarious climate experienced a more favourable time both for cutting and carrying the grain, and most assuredly both in high and low districts a bulky oat crop (which is the staple one) has been gathered in first-rate order. Then again the potato harvest has also just been concluded under equally fa- vourable circumstances as the hay and corn, so that, altogether, the prevailing weather during the past summer and autumn, has admirably suited both the high and lowlands of this county ; and the various crops, whether of grass, grain, or roots, will contrast favourably with most other parts of the kingdom. Then again, gentlemen, during tliese same past three months, there has been a fearful war raging on the con- tinent ; the horrid scenes of bloodshed aud carnage to human life it is painful even to read of, and though it should soon now terminate, which, we sincerely hope it wiU, the suUerings and misery it has caused will not soon be elfaced. Seeing then that we here are in the full enjoyment of these inesti- mable blessings, y;5(?C(? ^iiHi plenty, there is surely special cause for our rendering praise and gratitude to the bountiful Giver of all good. I now beg to call on Mr. Peter Murdoch, Hole- house, who has kiucily agreed to read a paper on "Farm Fences : their Erection and Management." Mr. MuKDOCir said: My experience in the erection of fences has been so very limited, aud my style of managing them has been so unworthy of imitation, that I feel ill quali- fied to do the subject the justice it deserves, and I have, there- fore, to crave your indulgence in respect of my shortcomings. After making some investigation lately into the state of farm fences iu this district, I am sorry to say I find they are in any- thing but a good condition. The hedge fences, as a rule, are full of gaps ; while dead and half-dead thorns are very numer- ous. There are a great many good stone fences, but the ma- jority are iu a kind of tumble-down position, and in much need of being rebuilt. No branch of agriculture seems at present so much neglected as the management of fences. They seem indeed in many cases to have been left to take care of themselves. Yet nothing is of more importance than good fences, and nothing gives more trouble and annoyance to the farmer than bad ones. The origin of fencing is believed to be a very ancient one, but into that question I do not purpose to enter, though the study might be an interesting one. The general division of land, liowever, into enclosures by means of fences seem to have been a recent one in this country. In Ayrshire, probably, all the present fencing was erected within the last 100 years. Indeed, I have spoken with old people who remember when a person could, and did, ride miles and miles straiglit through the couutry without coming iu contact with more than one or two. Not unlikely the first attempt at fencing was directed towards keeping crummie out of the kail- yard. In early times, rivers, burns, and other convenient marks were used as boundary lines, both between difi"ereut proprietors and farmers. Still in some cases marches seem to have beeu very badly defined or fixed, aud disputes frequently arose in consequence. It is Sir Walter Scott, I think, who tells a rather amusing story of two Highland lairds, whose march seems to have been so indistinct or badly defined that it came to be lost altogether, and gave rise to the question seriously disputed, where it originally was ? But being High- landmen, their ingenuity was equal to the difficulty. Each agreed to select an old man of a certain age, to travel from certain opposite points on a given day, tiU they should meet, and the place of meeting, it was agreed, should be the bound- ary iu future. Riug or boundary fences seem to have been the first in use to any extent. They were often erected with stones, but were rudely constructed. More frequently, I think, they were formed of earth, or cut turf, and were known as turf-dykes. Numerous traces of both are still visible, especially in the upland districts of the county. As the erection of fences has been already all but completed, in some form or other, by our industrious, if not very en- lightened forefathers, it appears to me that unless we are going to root out or rebuild a number of our old bad fences, we have more need to study the best method of reno- vating or improving existing ones. I intend saying a few words on this, however, before finishing. There are three kinds of fences in general use amongst us, namely, thorn, stone, and wire ones. Paling and Hakes are also used, but only as temporary or moveable ones. A gentleman with whom we were in conversation the other day, suggested there was still another kind of fence, and which, if he is right, is about the best aud most reliable of all. It is, in fact, a loco- motive one, that can be moved at pleasure, with the power of action witliin itself, and which he called a " herd." That a herd is a fence we cannot see, but we at once admit the use- fulness and trustworthiness in general of such servants. As there are no kinds of fences so common in our cultivated dis- tricts as thorn ones, we shall consider their erection and ma- nagement first. First of all, let us see what are the charac- teristics and points of a good hedge. I think they are impe- netrability, regularity, and occupancy of the least possible space. How, then, hest to attain these ends are points for our cousideration. We must, of course, first plant a hedge, nest nurse and train it well, and then, if we have succeeded in erecting a good fence, the last but not least important mat- ter is to keep it so permanently. Bat, again, how these de- sirable ends can be easiest accomplished is rather a subject of dispute, and one about which I have no decided opinion. In the planting of hedges two methods are pursued. One is to plant the young thorns, or quicks as they are commonly called, on the brow of an open ditch made for the purpose of keeping the roots of the young plants dry, the eartli taken from the ditch being heaped up in a kind of bank above the rest of the plants. From the depth of the ditch, this covering is mostly composed of subsoil matter. A fence of this kind will take up a stretch of land 6 or 7 feet broad. The other method is that of planting on the surface, or flat as it is called. When this mode is adopted,, the intended thorn-bed should be deeply dug or trenched to a width of 30 inches, and also a little raised above the general level by throwing some extra soil on it, sis months or so before the plants are put in. Either of these modes may be adopted, according to pleasure or circumstances, and, if I may venture an opinion on tlieir relative merits, I would prefer the latter. On good dry soils it seems to me to cause little difference which way tne work is done. Planting on the surface takes up much less space, is the least expensive method, and, with equal soU and attention, will produce a fence equally good. In the old ditching system the ditches were made so large that they appear to me not only a waste of land, Init a positive injury to the hedge itself. By having a deep ditch on one side, the roots are not only all forced to take one direction, but they also soon get bare ia consequence of the earth falling down in winter wlien loos- ened by frosts or rains. Again, from being planted so much above the level of the soil, and covered with such a great bauk THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 509 of poor, cold subsoil clay, the plants have a hard struggle to live at all. The most favoured may indeed succeed in throw- ing out a few new shoots annually, but far more ouly leaves, while not a few annually give up attempting either. Unless when running water requires to be sent down the ditch, 1 would reduce the size of the ditch as much as possible. Any surface water is much better carried off by drains, one of which should always be quite close to the hedge. In upland districts, with cold wet land, hedges should never be attempted. I have never seen them succeed. Hedges may be planted with vari- ous kinds of plants, either singly or mixed, such as white- thorn, crab-tree, privot, and beech. White-thorn is mostly used alone, though I Hke a mixture better. I would say that a hedge fence could not be planted aud fenced on each side under Is. or Is. 2d. per yard. In the rearing and training of yoimg hedges, it is indispensable that they should be kept clean, and well defended by guard fences of some kind. I would be in favour of wire ones for this purpose. It is necessary also that they should be trimmed occasionally, and brought into form. I would not cut a young hedge before the second or third year. I would then cut both the breast and top-shoots, aud give it the wedge or A form — broad at the bottom aiul narrow at the top — leaving it about two feet high. I think many of our hedges are trimmed too nar- row at the bottom to make secure fences. I would afterwards trim them every second year for the next C or 8 years, at each cutting allowing them to rise in height G or 8 inches, accord- ing to the progress they made. By this means, at the end of 8 or 10 years I would have a good fence from 4 to 5 feet liigh, and be able to dispense with the guard or temporary fencing altogetiier. I am aware many treat their young hedges differently, and that even a few never cut them .at all. Many are in fiivour of trimming every year, while some prefer one shape and some another. In reading a discussion on this subject — that took place in England some time ago — I ob- served one of the speakers, a proprietor, contended that a hedge should be trained till it was 6 feet broad at the bottom, and he ended by showing what excellent protection such a fence afforded to game. This seems rather an unnecessary waste of laud. Still, in looking at our best trimmed hedges, I think we are the other way. Land, no doubt, is valuable, but good fences more so. In the after management of hedge fences there are various systems pursued. The first is to cut the fence annually ; the second, to cut it occasionally ; and the third, which cau only through courtesy be called a system, is to leave it alone altogether. The first gives the fence a very neat and tidy appearance, and those who practise the system consider the hedge thrives best under such treatment. This may be called the advanced system. The second, though less in favour, has most followers, and is the one to which I be- long, both in faith aud practice. In comparing these two methods, I admit nothing gives a finer appearance to a farm than good, well-trimmed hedges, yet, generally speaking, much depends on whether you have a purely cropping or grazing farm, and whether you are in a high, unsheltered situation or not. Besides, from all I can see, these finely trimmed hedges are frequently more open and bare at the bottom, however close they may be at the top, and are also in a less healthy and thriving state than those only cut every second or third year. Altogether there is more beauty than utility ; more show than substance; and more expense than benefit about regularly trimmed fences. I will now leave the respective merits of these two methods to be more fully brought out in the discussion, and would only remark on the third, or let-well- alone system, and that with a view of mitigating that wrath to which I may be exposed from those who follow it, that such fences alone produce that splendid show of milk-white blossom wliich so much adorns the landscape, pleases the eye, inspires the poet, and perfumes the passing breeze, while they also provide a shady retreat for cattle from the summer sun, and a cosy shelter from the wintry blast. Hedges, however well or ill kept, on a cropping farm, generally overgrow them- selves in a longer or shorter period. There is then no other way of renewing it but that of cutting it in or ribbing it, and allowing it to make new wood all over. Either one or both sides may be cut, according to circumstances. When both sides are cut, the height may be brought down to about 3 feet. Cutting of this kind ought ahvays to be done when the fields on each side of the hedge are under crop. If crop should only be ou one side of the hedge, then I would ouly rib that side, leaving the other till a similar opportunity occurred, so as to prevent having it damaged by cattle. In ribbing a hedge, the cuts sliould all be carefully made upwards, and the side brandies cut pretty close to the main standard. Cutting may be done any time between November and April. This method will generally restore an ordinary hedge, but something more is needed to restore our really bad ones, the handiwork of our predecessors, spoken off before. As perhaps nearly one-half of our hedges are of this character, the task is a difficult and expensive one. With not a few, I am convinced by far the best plan would be to root out the old plants altogetiier, and plant new ones a short distance from the old situation. In endeavouring to improve old hedges, a very good method is to cut them about G inches from the ground, clean out all the old rubbish, dig along the liack of the hedge, and plant the gaps with good strong young plants. I would prefer beech ones for this work. Another plan, called plashing, sometimes succeeds very well ; where tlierc is plenty of wood, a branch is laid down from each side of the gap whence the fence is being cut, so that the two shall meet in the centre. They are then fastened to the ground by a pep;. When gaps are very wide, however, there is no alternative but to fill with plants, aud when the soil is poor, a little dung or rich earth may be applied to advantage. I have got another and an en- tirely new plan to liring before your notice, and though a somewhat novel one, and one which you may be at first dis- posed to smile at, nevertheless I will state it. It is simply this, when you have an old hedge of the nature I have been describing, allow a good quantity of old grass aud uuder-growth to collect about it ; some good March day set fire to it, and give the old half-dead stems a good scorching. They wUl, though apparently half burnt up, send out numerous fine strong healthy shoots — the basis of a new and better hedge. I saw a rather extensive instance of this kind of renovation lately. A neighbour of mine, who farms his own Lands, had two or three fields which had neither been grazed nor cut for the last three years, and which were accidentally burnt down last spring. As the amount of combustible matter was con- siderable, the liedges were much burnt, and seemed all but destroyed. Now, however, beautiful long liealthy sprouts may be seen growing from the roots of the old plants, and while some of the old plants are seemingly dead in the tops, the greatest number are stiU alive. If the old thorns were now cut down, I believe the hedges would be vastly improved. Whether equally good results would follow every such method, I don't pretend to say. Every one is at liberty to think as he pleases about the matter. We have now done with hedge fences. In upland districts, or where the soil is cold, damp, or poor, by far the best fence is to use is a stone one. It makes, indeed, a good fence on any farm, and for grazing land or march boundary it is invaluable. In erecting a dry stone fence, care should be taken to provide good large stones for the founds. The larger the stones, the stronger the fence will be. It is impossible to obtain large stones to build all the fence single, but I would have the huts or double parts short- not more than 4 or 5 feet. I consider a dyke built solely with small stones at the bottom a perfect waste of time and money. Five feet is a very good height for a fence of this sort, and if well built and limed on the top, it will last a lifetime. As to the cost, much depends on the distance the stones have to be driven. They are generally, however, driven by the farmer. The building itself may be done at from 9d. to Is. per yard. There are many of our old stone dykes in much need of being rebuilt, and that operation can be done for a similar sum, while only a few adclitional stones are needed. A stone dyke, when erected, is a fence which at once gives good shelter, and entails almost no expense on the farmer afterwards for repairs, unless, indeed, it should be favoured with a passing visit occasionally from our hunting gentry ; and then, though there should be a few gaps to build up, the honour of having to do so is considered to be ample recompense for the trouble. The farmer, besides, has the unspeakable gratification of seeing how quickly some can dismount and pull it down ; or, better stLU, the noble chance of being offered a shilling to do it himself; or, still further, being astonished at the style iu wliich each afterwards charges and clears the few remaining stones. In some places gates have been wisely put up to prevent such things taking place. On the estate with which I am connected, this has been partially done, and the results have been very satisfactory. The last description of feacing 510 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. we have to cousiJcr is wire fenciug. It makes a good fair fence, is cheaply aud easily erected, occupies little space, and when well put up keeps in cattle or sheep well. When it is intended to be used as a permanent fence, good strong wire and posts should be used, otherwise cattle will soon break or injure it. It may be erected at a cost of from 3d. to Is. per yard, according to the strength and number of wires, and size of posts nsed. Railway Companies are adopting wire in preference to thorn and wood fences. I have now endeavoured to bring forward and give an opinion on most of the points relating to the different kinds of farm fences, and the various modes of erecting and managing them ; and while conscious that I have not been able to invest my subject with as much interest, or furnish it with so much information as might have been the case in abler hands, yet I have no doubt what is wanting in these respects will be amply supplied in the course of the after discussion. Mr. CuNNOGHAME (Chapelton) thought hedges, after they were a few years old, were greatly improved and invigorated hy being dressed annually, and he believed this system was also the most economical. To give vigour to thorns after being planted, he thought manure of some description should always be put in. He was very well pleased with stone fences, though to render them complete there should be a wire put along the top of them. He did not know whether this would be an advantage to the fox-hunters ; but wherever there was a wire across the top of a stone fence the wall lasted longer, for people were not so apt to go across it. He thought wire fences were too open for our northern climate, and unless where done with iron standards, they were very perishable. He thought Mr. Murdoch should have taken notice of the necessity of having good farm gates. In bis part of the country, he was sorry to say, there was not one good gate in a hundred. Generally speaking, it cost as much trouble to open a gate as to take down a dyke. It was one of the surest tests of good management to see the fences and gates on a farm in good order. Mr. Caldwell (Knockshoggle) said his experience had been confined to thorn fences alone. There used to be an idea that the thriving of a hedge depended on whether or not it was planted to face the sun ; but he believed there was nothing in this. The great secret of its growth, he believed, was to put its back to the hill, aud then the rootlets fed into the rising land. Where a hedge had been planted with its back downhill, and became weakly, it helped it to put a tile in the ditch, and bring tlie soil to the level of the roots. Sometimes Jiedges got into a sort of diseased state ; and he thought in such eases a crab thorn was the best to fill up the gaps. It would grow often where beech or other thorns would not grow. Mr. Bone (East Sanquhar), said both the altitude and situ- ation of thorn fences had a good deal to do witii their growth. For instance, in situations within three or four miles of the sea, such as some of them were placed in, hedges, more par- ticularly those with their broadsides to the sea, were invariably injured by the storms and the sea spray. This was particularly the case where the subsoil was light. In many such cases it would be better if some other kind of fenw could be substi- tuted ; for fill the gaps as they might, the hedge proved a failure. He remembered once carting a quantity of ballast brought over by Irish vessels to the harbour, and putting it along the back of a hedge which had begun to canker. It did good for a time, but portions of the hedge were again dying out, and it seemed that nothing would cure it. His experience was that the hedges were easier kept in higher altitudes than in the lower districts near the sea. Mr. Whyte (East Raws), said this was a subject that de- manded more attention than it had received. A well kept fence improved the look of a farm very materially ; and farmers ought to get a considerable amount of encouragement from their proprietors to attend to the fences and gates, as they gave an estate quite a different appearance when properly attended to. In tlie district he came from the hedges were not particu- larly good. They had had their origin at a rather early date, be- fore the country presented the appearance it did now ; and some might think they owed their arrangement to some awk- ward ideas of the managers of the soil at that time. But it should be remembered that in those days the country was apt during winter to be overrun with water, and the fences had to be placed on the tops of the ridges, which ,were not always straight, and consequently gave rather a curved line to the hedges. Generally the ditch or face of the fence was turned to the hill, so as to catch the water when it came down, but he agreed with Mr. Caldwell that it was better to have the back of the hedge to the hill. Mr. Murdoch seemed to approve of a hedge being planted on the level rather than with a ditch ; but he differed with him in this. In the district he came from, where dairy farming was generally followed, they found that hedges grown on the level were apt to be eaten over by the cattle grazing on both sides, and thus became unhealthy. He thought it was better to allow young fences to be five or even six years old before they were dressed. To begin dress- ing them at two years old, as Mr. Murdoch preferred, never allowed the plant to get up to a proper height ; and, according to the height, so was the strength of the stem generally. After- wards he would approve of dressing every year. Mr. Mur- doch seemed to prefer a wire protection to the young fences from the cattle ; but he invariably found that a young fence grew better by being protected by old thorns set up on each side of it. It was not so much exposed to the storm, and grew better than when protected by wire fencing. Where plenty of stones were to be got ready to hand, he would consider a stone fence as cheap, and better for shelter, than any other kind. Mr. Robertson (Ryeburn), said that in the district where he came from, when making a new fence, they commonly adopted apian that had not yet been referred to, viz., that of making a sunk fence. They were built somewhat in the same form as a ditch fence. They first of all cut out what was to be the foundation of the fence, and then built sometimes a foot, and sometimes fifteen or twenty inches of stones, and laid the thorn bed on the top of tliese stones. Then the earth from the slope in front was thrown over behind the thorn roots, which gave them plenty of good soil, while the roots were kept up from the subsoil. This kind of fence, though a little more expensive, took up less room, and was the best thorn fence they had when well taken care of. He agreed with Mr. Cunninghame as to the trouble there was connected with farm gates. He had experienced this himself; but a few years ago he spoke to his landlord to get some iron gates made by the district blacksmith. He had now seven of them, and he be- lieved they would last a century. The blacksmith provided them and fitted them on for some 24s. or 25s. each. He did not hang them on iron pillars ; for he generally found that iron gates hung on piUars were always getting off the plumb. The way he did was to build a wall four feat behind the gate, and two feet tliick, with a large stone at the end reaching to the top of the wall, to which the gate was hung. He knew gates hung in this way that had stood 50 years. They were a little expensive to put up, but were most durable, and gave little trouble. Mr. Brown (Ardneil) said he neither agreed with Mr. Murdoch nor Mr. White as to the best time to begin dressing young hedges. To begin at two years was too early ; but to allow it to stand till it was six years old would allow the hedge to get out too much at the sides. They should be guided as to the proper time for dressing by the appearance of the hedge. The sooner it was cut in his opinion the better, if there was sufficient strength of standard left. A great many thorn hedges had no body ; but just great branches at the top and thin at the bottom. This took away from the usefulness of a hedge, except for shelter. His opinion was that a thorn hedge should always be kept down till it got thick at the bottom, and that it should be always kept thin at the top. As to whether a hedge should be dressed every year depended, in his opinion, on soil and situation. On poor soUs, where the growth was slow, he would say once in two years would be sufficient ; but on good land he would dress them every year. It was of importance to protect the young hedges from being eaten by sheep or cattle ; but he was surprised to hear Mr. Whyte recommending old thorns for that purpose. These would inevitably encourage the growth of thistles, grass, and weeds, which would have a tendency to choke the young thorns. He thought a wire fence about three feet from the young hedge was the best mode of protection. He had a number of stone fences on the farm where he now was. He did not know whether it was that they were ill built, but he could not say that they were good, and he was not sure they were profitable. He did not think they gave very good shelter unless they were put up very high and were very closely built. His objection to wire fencing was that it afforded no shelter. Mr. Fergusson (Auchenbay) confessed that Mr. Murdoch's THE FARMEE'S MAGAZINE. 511 plan of burning the hedges was something quite new to him. If he had known Mr. Murdoch's plan some years ago, and if it was really effectual, of which he would like to have some further proof, it would have saved him many a pound. Mr. Dalglisii (Terapland Mains) thought Mr. Murdoch's remarks about the planting and managing of fences were pretty correct, lie had planted a number of hedges about seven years ago, and they were now just coming to be fences, and he was taking away the wires from them. Tlic way he did was to examine the nature of the soil and the situation where they were to be put, and if possible to adapt them to the circum- stances. He beUeved it was a great error to make too deep ditches and too heavy banks, but it was also a great error to make them too light. These must be adapted to the soil. On poor soils, as Mr. Cunninghame had remarked, it was a capital plan to give them plenty of manure at the first, as it brought them sooner to maturity. In high altitudes and a poor cli- mate he would never think of scutching the hedges ofteuer than ouce in three years ; if done oftener, they would be apt to fog and die out. He had had some experience of the burn- ing system. The Iron Company happened to lay a biug be- hind one of his old dykes, and roasted it, and he thought the hedge would be destroyed. Eut the fire seemed just to auger the old thorns, and they grew remarkably well after it. If they would only let it stand now it would do very well, but if they gave it another dose or two he would not be sure about it. Mr. Laugut (Grange Mains) agreed witli some of the re- marks made hy Mr. Dalglish. If he were a proprietor he would not approve of dressing the fences every year, because he thought it weakened their growth ; but he would vary ac- cording to soil and climate. He agreed with Mr. Murdoch as to the benefit of cutting down old thorns to about nine inches from the bottom. He had proved the utility of this. The best time for cutting down old thorns, in his opinion, was about the month of April, when the sap was coming. If they cut them in November they were apt to give way under the winter's frost. Mr. Wallace (Braeltead) said our forefathers had reared too many fences for the present system of farming. He was in a farm once where there were seventeen divisions, and the first thing he began to do was to put them into six. Where there happened to be good fresh thorns, he transplanted them at very little cost into trenches, filled in the bottom with sur- face soil ; and no \ at an interval of twenty years these hedges were still growing vigorously. He thought thorn fences were as much in need of a little manure occasionally as anything else. Perhaps manure in a raw state was not good, but de- composed vegetable matter did very well. This could be done in seasons when the laud was being green-cropped. He would recommend the fillmg-up of gaps by transplanting good fresh thorns of some years' growth. He would himself go miles to get thorns for that purpose. Mr. Young (Kilhenzie), thought that hedges and gates were rather neglected in this county. He thought more favourably of wire fences than some of the speakers, and in the higher districts or on moors where stones could not be got, and thorns could not be easily grown, a wire fence was calculated to be of great service, and it could he erected at moderate expense. The renewal of fences by fire was, he thought, rather a danger- ous experiment ; the difficulty would be to know when they were burnt enough. Where stones could he readily got, he approved of that kind of fence as giving good shelter, and being able to be kept up at less expense than any other kind. He had found on his farm that it was desirable to let some of his hedges grow to a considerable height for shelter, and on that account they were not trimmed so well as they might be. Mr. Reid (Clune), did not approve of cutting hedges every year except just along the road-side for appearance sake. He thougiit one cutting in 4 or 5 years was sufficient for hedges intended to give shelter to cattle. If cut every year they were more subject to be eaten by the cattle. The neighbourhood in which lie lived wis very unfavourable for the growth of fences, and they needed great attention to keep them from dying out. Mr. Muiiuocii, in replying, said the rcasou wiiy he had not mentioned gates in his paper was that he did not tiiink they were properly embraced in bis subject. Mr, Wh.ytc had ex- pressed his preference for an old thorn guard for young fences ; but tliis would require to be renewed every year, as he never knew old dead thorns last mere than a year. Besides, as Mr. Brown had remarked, it would encourage the growth of thistles and weeds. In regard to the renovating and keeping of hedges in order, the system followed on the estate on which he was a tenant was to employ a man for that special purpose, paid half by the landlord aud lialf by the tenant, lie thought that system was very beucficial, as the general farm servant could not be expected to trim hedges as they ought to be doue. The Chairman corroborated the remarks made by Mr. Bone and Mr. lleid as to the difliculty of growing fences in the district where his farm was situated. He agreed with Mr. Murdoch that fences should be planted on the flat, pro- vided the land was drained as all cultivated land ought to be. Of course the subsoil should be dug out if it was poor, and rich earth and manure of some kind introduced. The knife should not be used too freely on young fences ; they should be four or five years old before they were touched, and not trimmed oftener than once in two or three years afterwards. In speaking to a gentleman to-day who was a member of this club, but who could not be present at their meeting, he re- marked to him, " It is very easy growing fences where you have everything your own way ; but if you have got a good many hares and rabbits about, you will not grow good fences. I put in 4,000 thorns one year, but I don't think there are lialf a dozen but what were destroyed by the hares and rab- bits." This was an element in the question which had not been taken notice of to-day, but he believed it was impossible to grow fences and keep them where there were rabbits bur- rowing in the sides and about the roots of them, lie differed with Mr. ]\[urdoeh about gates not being included in his sub- ject, as he thought no fence was complete without a gate. ]Mr. Young had made some remarks, which he would bear out, about the necessity of allowing fences to grow to a con- siderable height for purposes of shelter. He found that a considerable advantage on the farm he was now in. He re- membered when he came to Shields thinking ths hedges had been very much neglected and allowed to get their own way, but he could see now the reason why the former tenant allowed the fences to grow so strong — it was for the sake of she-lter. Mr. Wallace had spoken of liis sub-divisions being too small, but his were too large. As he had only six divisions in 280 imperial acres, he found there was great want of shelter for cattle, sheep, and also for grain crops. He be- lieved they lost more from the shaking of grain in unsheltered situations than any other way. In his case, with fields 600 yards long, there was little shelter from the western gales, and he found that cattle and sheep suffered very much from that cause, and he was certain they required a greater amount of food to bring them to condition than if they had good shelter. He would be inclined even now, after the experience he had had, to erect shelter for both cattle and sheep, but sheep especially, during winter. He believed it tended very much to increase both the growth of wool aud of mutton. He believed a big thorn fence afforded much better shelter than a stone dyke, as any one could judge for himself by try- ing it. CAPITAL IN AGRICULTURE. At a meeting of the Gloucestersliire Chambei- of Agriculture, Captain de Winton in the chair, Mr. D. Long read a paper in which he said the causes calculated to prevent the invest-' ment of capital in agriculture are these — 1st, the law of pre- er ence, or the prior right of the landlord to seize for rent ; 2nd, the constant increase of local rates and taxes ; 3rd, the game-laws, and over-preservation of game ; and 4th, insecurity of tenure. Aud, first, as to the law of preference. It is manifest that when, as the law stands at present, the landlord has priority over other creditors for rent, a tenant with in- Si 2 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. sufficient capital to develop fully the productive power of his farm is, in the eyes of many landlords, an equally eligible tenant with a man of ample capital, more especially if, as is generally the case, he be willing to pay a higher rent than a a better class of tenant ; provided only that the value of the tenant's farming stock be sufficient, in case of an emergency to secure the full payment of the rent to the landlord. This unsatisfactory state of the law unfairly increases the competi- tion for the occupation of land, and is often productive of great mischief in decreasing the fertility and cleanliness, and re- ducing the productive power, of the soil; and I think that if landlords were obliged to share the assets of i nsolvent tenants equally with other creditors, they would naturally become more anxious to find tenants of good standing and with sufficient capital, the speedy consequence of which would be a fuller development of the productive capabilities of the soil, owing to the introduction of the larger capital of the improved class of tenants. Secondly, as to the increase of local taxes. Tile great and continual increase of local taxes discourages the application of capital to agriculture so long as that capital, if otherwise employed, is not subjected to them. And, moreover, we are further threatened with an additional increase and dis- couragement for the purposes of education, which, like many other burdens to which personal property does not contribute, certainly must be a national obligation, and the cost of it should not be borne by real property alone. I now come to the third part of my subject — the game-laws and over-preservation of game. I am of opinion that the game-laws, as they at pre- sent exist, tend more than anything else to excite feelings of jealously and distrust between landlord and tenant, and to diminish those feelings of friendsliip and cordiality which ought to exist between all classes, and more especially between the owners and cultivators of the soil ; and I think that these special laws with regard to the preservation of game are an anomaly which requires the immediate attention of the Legis- lature, with a view to their entire repeal and the substitution of an effective law of trespass. With regard to the over-pre- servation of game, I would ask why should a landlord take a tenant as occupier and receive the absolute value of the land annually in the shape of rent, and then, through the medium of his gamekeeper, stock the same laud and consume the pro- duce grown on it by, aud at the expense of, the tenant with game reserved for his own exclusive use and enjoyment? This is the case in the neighbourhood of Gloucester to some extent, and in many places in this county, and I say it is high time that such an unsatisfactory state of things should cease, and that atf game should be made the property of the occupier of the land on which it is kept. Landlords who preserve game aud reserve the right of shooting, aud more especially those who let this right, ought to be compelled to contribute to the rates aud taxes m respect of the annual value of such right of shooting. The custom of letting the shooting of estates to strangers, who, having paid for the right, naturally think themselves entitled to exercise and enjoy it to the utmost, and who have no inducement to conciliate and obtain the good- will of the tenants, is, I think, one of the causes of careless and ineffective cultivation of the soil. This custom often has a kind of demoralizing effect on the tenantry, and, though land- lords may have a legal right to do this, they ought to feel them- selves under a strong moral obligation not to give power to strangers thus to damage, discourage, and annoy their tenants. If landlords are desirous of preserving their game, why do they not keep land in their own occupation for that purpose ? Tliey might then honestly and fairly preserve as much as they wished, since the benefit and enjoyment they would derive from the game would be counterbalanced by a corresponding diminu- tion of income or deficiency in their own crops, instead of, as at present, in the crops of tlieir unfortunate tenants. I now come to the fourth and last division of my subject — insecurity of tenure. And this is a very diflicult subject to deal with. A lease is undoubtedly the most desirable and best safeguard to the tenant, and offers the greatest inducement to increased exertion and more liberal employment of capital. But, setting aside the question of leasing, I am of opinion that if all tenants, whether holding from year to year or otherwise, were provided by our law with as ample powers and facilities for re- covering the value of their permanent and unexhausted im- provements on quitting their farms as landlords now have for recovering damages in cases of breach of covenant and dilipida- tion, this would go far to obviate the difficulty, inamuch as it would induce occupiers without leases to develop the capabilities of their land by the introduction of the greater capital, aud would prevent unscrupulous landlords from robbing their tenants of the capital thus introduced. The Chairman said it would be a very unhappy result when good feeling between the landlords and tenantry of this country should cease to exist, and the members should discuss the matter with temper and discretion. He did not put him- self forward as a practical farmer, but he yielded to no one in interest in agriculture, and desired, in order to avoid onesided- ness, to look at the matter alike from the landlord and tenant's point of view. He quite agreed with Mr. Long in his first proposition that if we couid always have tenants on the farms of England with sufficient capital to work them well it would be better alike for the tenant, the landlord, and the land, and certainly much better for the community at large ; for if the judicious employment of capital upon a farm does not make that farm pay nought else will. The only difficulty in think- ing of the proposition is that its general adoption would to a great extent put aside the men of small capital. And we should have further to decide what is a sufficient amount. A landlord having a farm in a certain condition would naturally say to an incoming tenant, " I've put my land in a very good state at considerable cost to myself, and I desire that you shall prove to me you have sufficient to preserve it in that condition, so that after a certain time it may not he returned into my hands deteriorated." The tenant would answer that truly the land was in a certain condition, but that there was room for the application of more capital, which he must supply ; and thus the matter would be discussed between them, and the re- sult be an agreement mutually fair. But you would find great difficulty in securing the landloid in case his tenant became bankrupt or shouldn't leave suflicient on the farm to make up the rent. Landlord aud tenant are equally interested in pre- venting a greater burden than they should bear falling upon laud and real property. The fundholder has an equal interest with the man with real property in the maintenance of the poor and of roads — which will shortly be thrown upon real property — and in matters of education. The game-laws was a very proper question to discuss here. If a landlord is not himself an occupier, the tenants would wish that he should have some amusement in the neighbourhood in which he lives; and there might be and should be such a cordial feeliug be- tween him and his tenants as that the benefit of the game on the estate should be shared. He should like to agree with a tenant somewhat in this way : " I'm very fond of shooting ; there's a certain amount of game upon the farm you f.re about to take ; you or your sons enjoy sport : let us come to some equitable arrangement by which we can both share the sport, aud the game on your farm shall not amuse me to your injury — that you shall not, in fact, raise crops upon which my game feed at your cost." The tenant, in most cases, would say, " I and my sons are as fond of shooting as you are, and if you'll only say what amount shooting you would like, I'll always take care that you have it. I only ask that when you shoot I or some of those connected with me may be allowed to go with you or alone." I believe if this plan were followed, the landlord would have as much game as he wished for, and the tenant would be given an interest in its preservation. He protested against the letting of the game on an estate, for as a tenant he should certainly say to a landlord whose farm he thought of taking, " Whatever agreement we make, there is one thing I must stipulate for : I can't allow a stranger and his keepers to come upon my f;irm and interfere with my produce and go over my land whenever he pleases." Such a system as he had sketched would nurture a sort of clan feeling between landlord and tenant, while the vermin, rabbits, should be disposed of at the will of the tenant, and that the sooner they were exterminated the better. But you should not lay down strict laws : they would interfere with independence on either side. When an honest landlord and tenant meet together, all matters can he duly arranged without appeal to a legal court. His legal knowledge did not suffice to enable him to say whether a lease or a yearly tenancy was the better, but if it were possible some competent valuer should go upon the farm when let and state the condition of the land, and when given up should compare its conditiou then with its former condition, and the difference in value should be paid to whichever side it were due. Mr. Clement Cadle said : I think Mr. Long has left out THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 513 the chief cause which prevents the appHcatiou of capital to agriculture — aud that is that it pays better in almost every other way in which you can invest it. It was a very easy matter to discover whether a farm required £8, £10, £13, or £15 an acre for its working, and certainly no larm sliould be let to a tenant with capital insulHcient for its working. With reference to leases, they were fast going out of fashion ; and hence the greater necessity to agitate for a good system of Tenant -Right — a system which answered very well in Lincoln- shire and otlier places, which had to some extent been recognized by the Government in Ireland, and which in its nature must necessarily be equally for the benefit of landlord aud tenant. Mr. T. Morris expressed his curiosity in regard to the origin of the landlord's undue preference as a creditor. The game question was a very delicate point for any set of meu to discuss, and said he always looked upon it as a matter of mutual agreement between landlord aud tenant. The land- lord lets his farm with or witliout game, and therefore it is a matter of agre'ement. We should never have heard so much about the game-laws if gentlemen had been content with legi- timate sport. They don't go out now for sport ; the whole idea is to make a large bag, and the man who makes the largest bag is thouglit the most of. Mr. CuKTis Haywakd said that the question of landlords' preference had been much discussed of late, particularly in Scotland, where it was of far wider importance tlian in Eng- land. It was a privilege the landlord might very fairly yield, seeing that it was very seldom used. If privilege of distress did not exist, there would be the greater inclination to use that power of re-entering upon the land and taking possession of it which forms part of most leases. But all these matters should be arranged with due regard to mutual interest ; any- thing giving exclusive benefit on either side should be fairly put away, lie did not think there were many tenants who were really much damaged by game. Of course if a man took a farm upon which game was moderately preserved, and the landlord increased the stock without making ample compensation, he would be doing the tenant a material injury. But, on the other hand, if a man takes a farm upon which the quantity of game is diminished, the landlord has an equal right to say to him, " You took the farm under very dif- ferent circumstances to the present, and therefore I am entitled to the increased rental due." But in the case of great people who preserve game to the enormous extent they do, the country itself has a right to urge a grievance. Between the landlord and tenant it is, or it should be, a matter of mutual agreement ; in tlie case of injury to the country, the practice should be thoroughly discouraged and deprecated. The profit of letting game was far less than the profit of uninjured crops. With regard to leases, they were not needful to enable farmers to make the most of his land, and certainly they were often inconvenient. But he thought a fair system of compensation was possible in all cases, though he considered it impossible to lay down any regular law without leading to evils and abuses — for instance, to a system prevailing in some parts of Surrey, under which the amount required from the in-coming tenant made it profitable for some speculators to live by taking and giving up farms. But it was obviously quite as much to the interest of the landlord as to that of the tenant tliat a farm should be yielded up in good condition ; there is no man taking a farm who would not be thankful to pay all it can possibly be worth to receive the land in good condition ; and therefore it must be to the landlord's interest to encourage any system having that result. In reference to local taxation, the ques- tion was attended with much difticulty aud should be carefully discussed, and it would be well to keep up a little pressure in order to induce Government to take it in hand as soon as pos- sible. Government should not be deterred from taking it up because of its difficulty ; and it was very clear that because the system was the only one which could be adopted in the time of Elizabeth was no reason why we should continue it without change. ]\Ir. Capel said : I have been a sportsman all my life, yet have had no difficulty with tenants, and I can see no reason why there should be difficulties. I think the system of letting a large farm to a tenant, and then, living a great distance from it, to employ a keeper to preserve a large stock of game upon it, aud come to it twice a year shooting, is a very bad system, and tends much to the deterioration of good farming and the decrease of produce which should benefit the country. In cases of landlords wiio do not care much about sport, tiiey might employ a keeper and send their friends to shoot or let the shooting ; but in the latter alterna- tive I think the tenant should have the first refusal of the shooting, his rent being slightly increased because of the pri- vilege, and that thus the man who is practically a foreigner to the neighbourhood should be excluded. The wise plan was to give the tenant the refusal of the shooting. With regard . to Teuant-Right, I used to farm pretty largely thirty years ago, and I believe that the system prevailing then is now altered, and that the principle is generally adopted of paying an out- going tenant for all improvement. I dare say there is some valuer present who always in his valuation regards the condi- tion in which a farm is left ; aud I quite agree with Mr. Curtis Hayward that an incoming tenant never olijccts to pay additional compensation for the farm being left in a good state of tillage. Mr. Long alluded to a landlord accepting the poor tenant who ofl'ered a little additional rental. Now it was a very difli- cult question to know what rent should be, aud there are few people capable of dealing with it. In these days of science farmers don't care to send out their corn-laden waggons in the middle of the night, as they used to do ; and in determining the rental you have to consider questions of local and railway situation, aud so forth. Earming has made rapid strides of late years. He began in 1828, and farmed for nearly forty years ; aud at that time there was no regular system of tillage laid down. Since the formation of the lloyal Agricultural Society the views of landlords and tenants alike have been very much enlarged willi regard to farming ; and we cannot succeed in these days unless you adopt the motto of that Society — Practice with Science. No doubt it is needful that a cer- tain quantity of laud should be rented. But the amount of capital needed varies in different localities : several farmers living in their hilly country have to employ four horses to do work which farmers in the vale could accomplish with two. Hence the necessity of a landlord seeing the need of his tenants ; and they lived in a country wherein most of the landlords resided upon their estates and were thus enabled to arrange with their tenants and work with them— and a tenant will always work with a landlord who wiU work with him. There were many people in these days who urge that farms should be subdivided. We heard a man say one day that no farmer should occupy more than fifty acres of land. Such a man could know nothing of farming. The question of land- lords' preference was one for the Legislature of the country, but he should like to hear an answer to Mr. Morris's question as to how it originated ? Mr. H. Butt then said it was untrue that, as a general principle, tenants were compensated for improvements they made upon their farms ; but Earl de Grey's agent told me in London some years ago that on the Earl's estate there was a certain system of compensation to the outgoing tenants, and that, as a result, he had never had a farm left in a bad state of cultivation. With regard to ascertaining what rent should be charged, there's rather a novel system sometimes followed of getting persons to value laud for nothing by putting up farms to be let by tender. I think that such men as Mr. Knowles and Mr. Clement Cadle shoiJd know the value of land sufficiently to make such a system as that needless. A case of the kind recently occurred within my own knowledge. I was one of several persons who made an ofi'cr for a farm put up by tender, aud which was eventually let to a man who had made no tender, the landlord thus getting our ideas of value without cost. As to the farms of fifty acres, such a system is very good for market-gardening ; but I don't think there are many farmers with capital who would care to put their shoulders to the wheel to earn eighteenpence a day. Mr. Long said he had only desired to refer to the game- law discussion at Winchcomb, where Sir Michael Beach's opinion that the abolition of the game-laws would cause a non-resident proprietary, and that the game should be a matter of agreement between landlord and tenants was very well answered by IMr. Holland in urging that the game-laws should be swept away in order that the land might be left clear for agreement between landlord and tenant. A resolution was put and passed, " That it is highly de- sirable that the liberal application of capital to agriculture should be encouraged iu every possible way." >u THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. THE FRIENDLY SOCIETY ASSOCIATION. A conference has been held at Maidstone on the question of friendly Societies, when the chair was taken by the Earl of Lichfield, the president of the Association, who said that a Royal Commission was about to be appointed, which he was very sanguine would lead to very important results in its bearing on the question of friendly societies generally. In the appointment of that commission the Friendly Society Associa- tion, he said, had been very active. He would glance at the causes which had led to that commission having been ap- pointed, and the efforts that had been made by the Legislature to bring about improvements in the condition of friendly societies generally, and to encourage provident institutions among the working classes. Under the Consolidating Act of 1855, which was passed for the purpose of encouraging and regulating friendly societies, evils had grown up which they had met lor the purpose of discussing, and pointing out what are the remedies wliich they thought ought to be applied. It was not at all necessary for himself or anyone else, he said, to enlarge on the importance of provident institutions for the working classes. On that point he would take it that they were all agreed. In pointing out the remedies for those practical defects in the management of those institutions, he said tliey must be careful that they did not in any way make suggestions which might interfere with the good points in those societies, or in any way interfere with that spirit of in- dependence and self-reliance which had prompted the estab- lishment of many useful and good societies throughout the country. First among these he took the large affiliated societies, such as the Odd Fellows and Foresters, and he asked whether, as regards this class of society, there were not certain admitted evils connected with the vast amount of good which, undoubtedly, existed in the management of these societies. He said admitted evils, for he had scarcely on any occasion, when the subject had been publicly discussed, and leading members of Odd Fellows and Foresters had been present, not heard opinions expressed by them as to certain defects in the management of those institutions. They had an imperfect manner of keeping their accounts, and of sending up their returns to the Registrar. As a body, the Odd Fellows and ForestPTs undoubtedly had a very correct appreciation of what rates are really required to make their society, as a society, sound, but, unfortunately, they had not been alile to secure the adoption of those rates in all their lodges. Then there was another question in connection witli those large atBliated societies which bore very materially on their efhciency, and that was the payment of sick benefit after an age when it was very difficult to distinguish between sickness and incapacity from old age. With regard to the accounts, of the 22,000 annual returns asked for by the late Registrar of friendly Societies only 10,000 were sent in. His lordship then referred to the county societies, of which they liad such an admirable example in this county, which, lie said, were not so popular with the working classes as one would think that they deserved to be. Even in this county, where the society was admirably managed, he was afraid that the proportion of members to the population of the whole county was, after all, very small. Now that certainly pointed to the importance that the working classes attach to the management of those institutions being in their own hands. How that could be combined with the eificiency of management and security provided by such a society as the Kent Friendly Society was one of the questions which might be very carefully considered. Then, he said, there was a vast number of societies attached to public- houses, most of them thoroughly unsound. That was a sort of society which he thought it would be almost im- possible for the Legislature, or the efforts of benevolent persons, effectually to deal with. How to provide a substitute for them was one of the subjects which would have to be considered by the Royal Commission lately appointed. In reference to that he wished to say with what great pleasure he had heard that Sir Stafford Northcote was appointed the head of that commission. He believed it was utterly im- possible for the Commission to be in better hands, and he thought Sir Stafford's appointment as chairman was as good ground as they could possibly have that the Commission would come to a satisfactory report, and afford Parliament an efficient guide in legislating for the future. In the town of Newcastle alone there were 18,000 or 19,000 members of shariug-out clubs, and the argument that was used m their favour was that the population in that district was of such a variable nature that it was the only sort of club which would really suit the wants of that particular class. Those clubs were, of course, utterly and entirely inconsistent with the principles of all provident institutions, but to what extent there was weight in the argument which was used was, of course, a matter for very careful consideration. There might be a great deal to condemn in them, but those societies must not be con- sidered as altogether wanting in some of the features that make provident institutions attractive to the working classes generally. They now came to Burial Clubs — societies of a totally different nature, and to the proceedings of which they were mainly indebted for the fact that Parliament had at last made up its mind to inquire thoroughly into the subject. He had on many previous occasions called public attention to the very serious evils that he felt were connected with the manage- ment of tiiat particular sort of insurance office. The operations of some of these insurance societies were upon a gigantic scale. The Royal Liver Society was receiving from the working classes no less than £176,000 a-year. That society has at the present moment £232,000 of invested capital, and the expenses of management were about 40 per cent, on the whole of the income. Some of the arguments used in favour of such societies were very plausible. It was said that the only means by which they could persuade the working classes, as a mass, to join a provident institution at all was by going from door to door, visiting them, and entreating them to join a society. They were kept up by a huge system of advertising, wliich had been most successful. But then came the question whether, having succeeded in securing a desire for providence among the working classes, the societies were really in a position to meet the liabilities which they were accepting. Upon that point he candidly confessed he had never heard any opinion which placed him in a position to form a very decided conclusion. They were told by those societies that the rate paid as a premium was sufficient amply to cover the 40 per cent, of their expenses of management, but if they came to look for any statistics, or any information which would bear out that statement, he must say he entirely failed to find them. The number of members and their average age was not even known to the managers of the society. Without feeling the slightest desire to say anything which might injure any institution which directly or indirectly benefits the working classes, he must say that that was a subject which would require careful consideration at the hands of the Commission to be appointed. Unless they succeeded in obtaining informa- tion from the hands of the members of friendly societies them- selves their labours would be entirely thrown away. How was that information to be obtained ? Obviously but in one way — that of sending Assistant Commissioners into every large town in the country, where they would be able to obtain from members, and those who were carrying on the work of those societies, exactly tlie mode of conducting the business, and the manner in which the accounts of the society are kept. A proposal had been made to establish a Post Office Friendly Society, and in answer to the question whether an equivalent advantage was to be gained in Government security for that tendency which would probably exist to discourage that self-reliance and habits of independence, which induce so many of the working classes now to manage these societies well for themselves, he said that instead of injuring the societies to which he had referred, it would have the effect of bringing a vast number of members to join them, simply because there would be a greater appre- ciation of the advantages of provident institutions generally among the masses of the people. But if it were asked was it practicable for the Government to undertake the management of a benefit society, he must confess that he had the gravest THE FAKMER'S MAGAZINE. 515 doubts on the subject, although lie should rejoice if sucli a thiug could be brought about. He would then refer to the great success attending Post Office Savings' Banks, and the comparative failure of the insurance aud annuity sclicrac, and pointed out what he considered the causes. If tiu; Government had any real intention of providing the necessary security for the working classes in the matter of insurance, they must go at any rate as low as £5. The lion and llev. Samuel Best, one of the secretaries, read the following report : ^ The report or statement, which as the secretaries of the Friendly Society Association we have to lay before this meet- ing, is rather an expression of the hopes of the future than de- tails of the operations of the past. It is not that the Association has no history or no past transactions to record, but that it hopes, in the present very unsettled state of the Friendly So- ciety question to take up a part which shall be useful in the settlement of the vexed points now at issue, and to render aid in the formation of a good aud sound, and settled system on which the friends and founders of friendly societies may for the future act. It may be interesting, however, to tJiose who for the first time hear of this Association to know that it is not a new society now springing into existence for the first time in these days of great fertility in this respect, but that it has been labouring for some years in a quiet unobstrusive form, endea- vouring to bring societies together, and to correct some of the evils under which they have been labouring. It arose in a union of the tliree county friendly societies of Hants, Wilts, and Dorset, about the year 1863. Its first meeting was at Sa- lisbury in 186i, under the presidency of the Right Hon. T. 8. Estcourt. It then removed to London, and enlarged its scope and interests by including all friendly societies within it opera- tions, but still holds its meetings in the country, moving from place to place, to meet the convenience of its members, aud ac- cording to the nature or locality of the business which came before it for consideration. Several very important questions, as matters of appeal, or advice, have at different times been submitted to it, and efforts were made, but not witli any great success, to procure from the different societies in union with the association, such returns of sickness as might afford some practical guide in determining the soundness of the tables on which societies are acting. The opening of the Friendly So- ciety question last year, and the efforts made to secure for them a safer and more equitable basis determined the managers to give a more central and general character to the association. By the implied permission, and though the kindness of the Society of Arts, it w^as allowed to hold its meetings in the rooms of that centre of social im- provement. It reformed its rules, added largely and prudently to the numbers of its vice-presidents aud council, and had the good fortune to secure for its president the noble earl in the chair. The object of the Association is fully set forth in the prospectus, and claims to be the promotion of friendly societies or benefit clubs upon sound principles of assurance iuited to the industrial and labouring classes 1st, By devising plans for the development of the principles of insurance societies. 2ndly, By the examination of the rules of societies, and sug- gestions for their alteration or improvement. 3rdly, By the encouragement of the interchange of rights and privileges be- tween the members of ditTerent societies. Ithly, By consi- deration of the bearing the Poor Laws on Friendly societies. 5thly) By the suggestion of legislative measures. 6thly. By acting as a court of reference or arbitration. To these your secretaries viould specically request your attention, and in saying a few words in enlargement or explanation of its object, close this report or statement of the designs, proposals, and objects of the Association. It will be readily admitted that friendly societies and benefit clubs are not now upon sound prin- ciples of assurance, nor upon such a basis as is suited to the industrial and labouring classes. It is very desirable that the real position of friendly societies should be recognized. The Government of the country endeavoured to give protection against insolvent and fraudulent officers. In the eyes and judg- ment of the public, in spite of all reclamations, it has been sup- posed that the signature of the registrar certified the safety and soundness of the society. Even the variety of rules and tables, and the wonderful differences and discrepancies of the latter does not appear either to open the eyes or shake the confidence of the members or their friends. The late Mr. Tidd Pratt constantly disclaimed, but in vain, that his signature certified anything more than the legality of the rules, and that the tables had been certified by an actuary. To the varieties aud discrepancies of those tables allusion has been already made. To the same actuaries are referred the quinquennial valuations of the liabilities and assets of the societies, and with the same uncertainty. These are difficulties and obstacles whicii require and ought to be provided against, but there are others, and especially as contemplating village societies, wliicli are of a still graver character — namely, the inadequate liands into which the management and working out of such societies fall. The calculations and tables may be perfect, tiie rules carefully and wisely drawn up, and the whole society cii regie, but if it wants an understanding mind or minds to eutcr into the spirit of it, or habits of business and account in its officers, what security can be felt in it ? It is too nice and close in its calculations to leave any margin for incapacity or fraud. It may be hoped that these points will be brougiit under the con- sideration of tjie Royal Commissioners about to be appointed, aud that such a body of men will be put upon that commission as will be capable of entering into the real difiiculties of the case, and who, not treating it merely as a financial question, will see in it one whicli afi'ects vitally the dearest aud best interests of the largest class of her Majesty's subjects, and who, at least in this respect, require more than all others encourage- ment and protection. It is the best, most thoughtful, and most provident of the working-classes whose interests are involved, and we must not on the one hand either ignore their present state, which education it is to be hoped will enlighten, nor must we thiow them off into the cold shade of perfect freedom and irresponsibility without an effort on the part of the Go- vernment of the country to give security to their societies, their savings, and investments, by protecting them against incapacity and fraud. Tiie efforts of tlie committee on friendly societies, whicli laboured to procure the Royal Commission on this important subject, must not be passed over without the warmest thanks of all the promoters and members of friendly societies, aud especially of their sister association, which is now labouring to carry on and complete the work. The result must rest with the commissioners not yet appointed, but if the sub- ject be not inquired into in all its ramifications and conse- quences— if it be contracted or limited in its application, and the opportunity be lost — it will be a cause of grief and lasting grief to those who have looked to it, and, reasonably, for the clearing up of a great question, and for the removal of the overwhelming difficulties which now paralyze the exertions of those labouring to secure independence, and to keep themselves from the cold comfort and charity of the poor's rates. It is earnestly hoped that the papers about to be read, and the dis- cussion provoked thereby, will lead to the elucidation of questions of interest, and the furtherance of the cause which our very presence here shows that we have at heart. The Hon. Edward Stanhope, M.A., read a paper on " Benefit Clubs from the Point of View of the Agricultural Labourer." After describing the " sharing-out," and similar clubs in the rural district, he thus concluded : The last agency to which 1 would direct your attention is one that has often been described, and has of late years met with increasing favour. It is the proposal to extend the system of Post Office Insurances, and to enable labourers to insure themselves at the Post Office for sickness-pay, just as they can now secure an- nuities. It is a scheme which has been strongly advocated by several able writers, which received the approval of the Royal Commission on the employment of the agricultural population, and was strongly urged upon the attention of the Government by a deputation from the Kent Friendly Society, and numerous other associations iu Keut. " It was in effect a petition for a Post Office Friendly Society, which being conducted by the same central authority which is already managing the business of annuities and sums payable at death, shall make its way to the labouring classes through the same channel, the country post offices." One formidable difiiculty in the way of the adoption of any such scheme is the enormous amount of additional la- bour already cast upon country postmasters. But this appears to me to arise not from the excess of labour, but from the miserable remuneration offered for the services psrformed. Higher pay would soon secure a class of persons well able to undertake an extra duty which, althougli responsible, would not be very onerous. But would it be possible to guard against imposition, the usual safeguard of personal supervision by neighbours, members of the same club, being removed ? The 516 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. couclusive auswer to this briefly is, that in practice small local clubs are not found to suffer less from imposition than large county ones. The county of Kent I'riendly Society, for in- stance, whose operations are extended over a very wide area, claim that their sickness rate is not only not greater than in smaU societies, but is actually reduced to a little more than one-half by the energetic means of self-protection adopted by the society. Would not a Post Office Friendly Society have the same means of guarding against fraud ! Such a society, besides the unquestionable security which it would offer, would extend a trustworthy system of insurance to all parts of the country, andwould give facilities to the members of movingfrora one part of the country to another, and of making or receiving payments in their new home, far greater than those offered by the large organizations, such as the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows, which have proved so great a boon to the labouring class. I trust that it may be in the power of this association to endorse this scheme, and to press it strongly upon the at- tention of the Government and of the Koyal Commission now about to commence its inquiry. To country districts it cannot fail to prove an advantage of incalculable im- portance. "Benefit Societies and the Poor Law" was dealt with by the Rev. J. Y. Stkatton, of Ditton, one of the secretaries to the association, who said : The poor-rate is the virtual superannuation fund of the farm labourer's societies, and the annual election is the trap-door by which the member is transferred to the rate. He concluded his paper as follows : In order to prevent the spread of a state of moral and social degredation which is engendered wherever men tamely submit to the humiliating position of paupers, and spend their wages and often waste their time on pauperising benefit clubs, the special attention of the Poor Law Board is required. Leaving to Boards of Guardians the usual discretionary power of ap- plying a fixed principle of dealing with members of clubs who apply for relief, it would not be difficult to insure such a course of treatment as would encourage labourers to take more care in the investment of their surplus wages than they have liitherto shown. For instance : 1. Let boards grant out- door relief to applicants belonging to approved friendly societies, where the sickness pay is insufficient for their need. 2. Let them refuse relief, otlier tlian the house, to ap- plicants being memfjcrs of clubs which in their construction, cost, and management, have the poor-rate relief in view. For which purpose certain facilities should be given to the Registrar of Friendly Societies wJiich would enable him to give a list of approved and trustworthy societies to Boards of Guardians. 3. The misciiief which has resulted to cottagers under the compounding act in force should also be dealt with. It would have a most salutary effect on the moral and social condition of cottagers, if they were made to pay their share of the rate as it fell due, instead of paying in the rent a sum in excess of tlie amount chargeable on tiieir tenements. The mode of " farming the rates," as it has been termed, constitutes in the opinion of intelligent labourers a grievance. Why should they be charged -id. or more a week in the rent in lieu of rates, when the owner does not pay more than 5s. or Gs. a year ? Their notion of redressing this grievance is to get as much as they possibly can from the rate. Claims which at present are pressed on the Guardians, with the support and sym- pathy of cottagers, would fall into disfavour as soon as it became their interest to ligliten the burden of the rate, instead of being, as they are now utterly indifferent whether there are two rates in the year or three or more. The difficulty of col- lecting the rate as it falls due appears to have been overstated. The cottager will pay witli no greater reluctance than those who rent larger houses, the tenants fjeing in either case little more than the channel through wliich the rate is paid, though they have suliieient interest to insure their wishing that pavment to be small. In conclusion we express the hope that tlie forthcom- ing Royal Commission of inquiry into Friendly Societies will direct its attention to the bearing of the poor law on benefit societies. The assistance of the Poor Law Board would pro- bably be given for tliis purpose, and a circular letter, accom- panied by a few questions to Boards of Guardians, would elicit information at little trouble and expense, and of great value to the country. Closely following on such alterations as are advocated in this paper in the mode of administering relief, and in the collection of rates, we should begin to mark im- j)rovements in the benefit societies. At the same time it seems only fair to the classes on whose behalf we write, that if the facilities for help frcm the poor rates should become some- what less, the attention of the legislature ought to be drawn to the provision of means, which, at no cost whatever to the country, might be given to enable young and prudent labourers to work out their own independence, by investing in safe in- surances tliose funds which at present are being wasted in benefit societies so called. Such beneficent care on the part of those wlio govern, would not only save persons, not by nature more improvident than their fellow countrymen, from ultimate penury, but what is of more consequence, would in the long run contribute largely to their social and moral elevation. Tlie " Friendly Society of the Future " was described by Mr. W. 11. Michael, who said, as a fundamental principle, friendly societies should be interfered with as little as possible Ijy the State. Centralization would deprive the people of a powerful means of self- education ; besides, idleness and malingering can hardly be prevented by post-oflice supervision. He says an inexpensive mode of arbitration in the difficulties con- tinually arising between members and societies is much wanted, and he suggests that a barrister, a doctor, and an actuary should form the commission. As there are more than 20,000 societies in exietence, the payment of 5s. annually from each would supply a fund adequate to its effective working, without en- tailing any cost on the country, the registrar then, as now, being the only charge on the Consolidated Fund. Each mem- ber should have a policy and copy of r'iles upon admission to a society, and no change from one society to another should be valid without w'ritten antliority from the member ; while, where collectors are appointed, no forfeiture should take place from failure of the collector to call for the periodical subscrip- tion until notice had been scut from the chief office, or nearest Ijranch oftice of the society, of the default of the member, stating the amount, and giving seven days' notice of claim for payment. To each society a benevolent fund attached would be a great boon ; and to this those who wish to aid friendly societies would do good service by subscribing. Out of this fund loans might be made, or gifts of small sums to deserving mem- bers pressed down by sudden calamity or distress, in order to prevent a loss of benefit by non-payment of subscription money ; but that form of benevolence now existing, which maintains and upholds a society, and without which it could not exist, is hurtful rather than beneficial, for it makes the members trust to others where they should depend on tliem- selves ; and when from death of the benefactor, or other causes, the help is no longer forthcoming, the society can no longer exist. The adoption of regulated rates of payment according to age, supervision of funds, and prevention of management expenses trenching on sickness and death funds, supervision of accounts Ijy the registrar, their production ren- dered compulsory, an easy mode of settlement of differences, and help and advice to societies in difficulties, appear to be the chief wants, which, when supplied, would procure for the friendly society of the future an extended sphere of national usefulness. Mr. Pinchbeck, the parliamentary agent to the Foresters, gave some information with regard to that society, and he pointed out that if one of their courts were broken lip the members could come on the district fund, and afterwards on the High Court fund. He could not conceive any question more difficult than legislation on the matter of friendly societies. Tlie Rev. R. B. WraenT described a Court of Foresters which had been formed in his parish, and said he found a very vicious point in tlie rules. All paid the same sum, whatever their age. This he had succeeded in inducing them to alter with regard to the admission of new members. He was not at all aware that there was any fund on which the members could rely should their own fail. Mr. Keen regretted to say that the largest number of members on the sick-list of friendly societies generally was when there was a dearth of employment. The Earl of Rojiney referred to the popularity of the small clubs in this district, and said, speaking upon his own experience of the Kent Friendly Society, working men, if left entirely to themselves, did not make their selection very wisely. Mr. Bonham-Carter said those who advocated a Govern- ment interference had no idea whatever of taking the control out of the hands of the governing bodies of the various societies. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE, 517 Lord Lichfield, iu vesumiug the discussion, said tlie case as made out by Mr. Stratton against the sharing-out clubs iu this district was a very strong one. Those societies were formed, it seemed for the express purpose of throwing their members eventually on the poor rate. He could not help thiukiug that they had among them many persons who had been, or were still, members of those sharing-out societies, and it was for them to say whether the serious charge brought against them by Mr. Strattou was really correct or not. One of the most important subjects that was brought before the conference that morning was one that must be of the greatest possible interest to all who desire to see habits of providence cidtivated among the working classes. It was a proposal in Mr. Stanhope's paper for the establishment of societies by the Government with Government security, not only as they at present exist for insurance and payments at death, and for annui- ties, but also for payment in sickness. At the opening of the conference he pointed out the ditlicultics which would attend any such plan, and several who spoke afterwards pointed out that it would lie almost impossible for the Government through the Post Office to protect themselves against fraud and ma- lingering. He must confess that if the Government were able to see their way practically to carry out such a scheme, he did not think their doing so could be objected to on anything like reasonable grounds. 13ut here came the next question, which was, to his mind, of the next importance in what had taken place in the morning. That was as regards Government in- terference with those societies, and on that point he wislied very much to hear some further opinion on the part of mem- bers of those societies, and persons who have peculiar experi- ence in the working of them. The question was what would they call Government interference ? If the Government re- quired that such accounts should be laid before the public an- nually, as to enable all persons easily to form a correct con- clusion as to the solvency of such societies, would that be called Government interference? All he could say was that at the present moment the large insurance offices tor the rich are under far more stringent restrictions and regulations. Not one half of the societies now sent up their returns, and those who did, sent them in a shape utterly unintelligible to anybody who wished to obtain information from them. This should be remedied in some kind of way. If they did not comply with the regulations laid down by Act of Parliament, he thought they should not be recognised, as they hitherto had been, by ob- taining a Government certificate. He entirely agreed that there should be a minimum of interference on the part of the Governmcut, but more stringent regulations and restrictions should be insisted upon. It was of the utmost importance that the Royal Commission about to be appointed should be supplied with every information that can be obtained bearing on the constitution and management of all the ditfereut classes of societies throughout the country. Then Parliament would be in a position to legislate satisfactorily on the subject. Of this, however, he was perfectly assured that whatever remedies are contrived, whatever Government chooses to do in the way of founding provident institutions for the working classes, that there will always be a number of societies open to all the evUs and objections they had heard that day, so long as there was not among the masses of the working population of this country that better education which they all sincerely trusted the legislation of the last Session of Parliament would secure to them. His Lordship then said a question was raisedinthecourse of the discussion that morning as to whether the large affiliated societies, such as Odd Eellows and Forresters, could lay claim to the position they professed to hold as one large united society, seeing that they had branches all over the country, some of which branches might be solvent and others insolvent, and it was implied that if one of those lodges or branches hap- pened to be unsound, or to fail, the society as a whole would not be responsible. Now that assertion had been contradicted by Mr. Pinchbeck, the Parliamentary agent of the Foresters, and he had placed in his (Lord Lichfield's) hands a copy of the general laws of the society, which showed that members of lodges so broken up might join a district or high court fund. The Hon. and llev. S. Bkst delivered an address on the ob- jects of the Friendly Society Association. The Hon. E. Stanhope addressed the meeting ou the ad- vantages of a Post-oSice friendly Society, pointing out the security which such an institution would have, and combating the arguments wliich might he used against it. He said post- masters had already been employed by the Kent Friendly Society, and the system was fouud to answer lidmirably, the rate of sickness being much lower than iu many of the other societies. A Post-oilice Friendly Society, he said, need not iutcrfere with other well-managed institutions, but it would fill up ground which was now vacant. Lord FiTzwALTER said, as a supporter of the County of Kent Friendly Society, he was very glad to hear it spoken of with such confidence. One of the first objects of their meet- ing was to consider how they could render those societies really useful and worthy of the confidence of tliose attached to them. Let them consider how a society showed itself worthy of their confidence. In the first place it must be ahvays ready to pay a fair claim made upon it ; and it should have in reserve a large sum of money reaJy in case the demand should be greater. Tn that respect the County of Kent Friendly Society was well worthy of their regard. He was far from saying, however, that small societies, similarly well conducted in the place in which they lived, were not equally desirable. It was all very well to enjoy a jovial evening once a year, but such matters ought not to be mixed up ^vith the operations of the society which they looked upon to aid them iu times of sick- ness and old age. The question which they had met to con- sider was a great one. It interested the whole country at large, for what could be more important than that the means which they had provided for the contingencies of the future should be well and properly applied ? The anxious wish of the country was to consider all the points bearing on the question, and they would have the opportunity before the Royal Com- mission of giving evidence, and taking steps to investigate matters which seemed to require explanation. He was quite sure, as reasonable men, they would be desirous that in a fair and proper spirit those inquiries should be made. Mr. Pinchbeck, of the London District of Foresters, entered into some of the details of Forestrj , showing that members might be transferred from one district to another, and even to Australia and the colonies, without losing any of their privileges. He referred to their system of settling dis- putes by arbitration, and their several Courts of Appeal, and said he believed that their system was as perfect as it could be made. They wanted no Royal Commission to interfere in that matter ; they preferred to trust to their own brothers rather than to any County Court jury in existence. Mr. J. G. Talbot, M.P., said iu many matters they con- stantly heard that certain things should not be done without consulting the working classes, but he would remind them that the working classes were not the whole nation, and that other classes ought to be considered as well. The present, however, was one of those very few questions which concerned almost exclusively the working classes, and it was with that view that the Chairman and other speakers sought to hear their opinions, so that they might know what were their feeliugs on the matter. There was a necessity among the working classes, not only to provide for sickness and burial expenses — which the sharing-out clubs, he was afraid, rarely did — but that their widows and children should have something to fall back upon when they were suddenly removed by death. If he was not much mistaken very few of the working classes made that provision ; and, if he spoke honestly ou the subject, it was from this cause — not that they had not wages enough, but that they did not make the most of the wages that they had. He pointed out that the provident and temperate (who might naturally be expected to live the longest), who ought to have the most ample security iu time of sickness from the benefit society to which they might belong, were generaUly those who were certain to be thrown upon the poor rate. If one of the effects of the Commission was to put a kind of stamp on sound societies, so that it might be known whether they could be really trusted, it would have a most advantageous effect. He trusted that before long Government and Parliament would take up the matter, and see that the working classes of this country were no longer deluded by bad societies. Mr. Booth, a working man, said he belonged to a sharing- out club, called the Cranbrook Provident Institution, and he described its working as being upon sound principles. The noble Chairman asked that the rules of the society might be sent to the secretaries. The Rev, D. D. SteWjUit pointed out the evils which at- tended badly managed clubs. In the course of his experience, as a clergyman extending over nearly thirty years, he was 618 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. fjuite persuaded there was an evil which required removal. Over aud over again he had to sympathise with artizans and labourers, whose clubs had failed when they had arrived at a time of life when they could not enter a new one. The healthy point of this meeting was that various ranks of society were bringing their minds to bear on the very same point. Mr. BoNHAM Caktek, M.P., asked for a show of hands of those who were members of friendly societies. — The result was that it was shown that a very great majority were members of some society. — He then referred to the commission about to be appointed, and said he apprehended that the great blot which was supposed to exist, and of which the merits and de- merits were to be inquired into, was connected with Burial Societies, which did not prevail in this, as they did in manu- facturing districts. With regard to Mr. Talbot's suggestion, he thought it was impossible for the Government to put a stamp on societies, so that they might judge if they were sound. He believed that the Government might be able to afford them the most valuable information possible, which, with a very small amount of education, they might be able to apply themselves. He referred to the manner in which the Odd Fellows had worked out their tables of sickness, which, he said, were not only invaluable to them, but exceeding bene- ficial to every society. What he wanted was that members of Friendly Societies should understand that the matter rests mainly with themselves. Mr. Hammond (Aylesford), moved "That the Friendly So- ciety Association, be requested to communicate with the Com- mission which this meeting learns her Majesty is about to ap- point on the subject of the Friendly Societies, and pledge itself to co-operate with them as far as may be in their power, in giving information with regard to the state of the law, and its administration with regard to such societies." Mr. WooB (Aylesford), seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. Powell, a Forester, Mr. Povey, a member of the Friendly Society of Ironfounders, and Mr. Bramble, Secretary to a Maidstone branch of the Manchester Unity, deprecated any Government interference with the internal management of their societies. Mr. Bonham Carter, in reply, said with regard to " legis- lative interference" the term was very much misunderstood, and he pointed out that he was present when the authorised representatives of the great societies met Lord Lichfield at his house, and begged his lordship to advocate a commission of in- quiry. He believed that that inquiry would bring out the good qualities of the Odd Fellows and Foresters, that it would strengthen their hands, and enable them to sift out the chaff from the corn, and show that a certain class of societies were trading on what was not a solid foundation. Votes of thanks were then moved. THE CENTRAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. The first ordinary general meeting of this society was held in the rooms. Lower Seymour-street, Portman-square, the pre- sident, Mr. Geo. Fleming, F.R.G.S., F.A.L.S., M.R.C.V.S., in the chair. The President said that in the deliberations of the Council it had been wisely arranged that the evening of the first meeting of the society should not be occupied by an inaugural address. He had, therefore, but a few remarks to make, and they were of a brief character ; for papers had been prepared for reading on subjects of great importance to the society and profession, which would claim their attention before anything he might say. They were met to inaugurate the establishment and opening nf a Central Veterinary Medical Society, which had been resolved upon by the veterinarians of the metropolis in the most enthusiastic manner ; and one of the greatest evi- dences of the zeal with which the subject was taken up might be accepted in the large attendance on that occasion. The society is following in the wake of a large movement which has been going on for some time in the provinces, closely asso- ciated with a gentleman whom he was glad to see present (Mr. Greaves, of Manchester), and although probably late in that movement, he (the president) , felt that he could discern abundant elements for the widest extension and most powerful operation of the Metropolitan Veterinary Medical Society. It is well known that the position of veterinary science is not so high as it should be, nor is it appreciated by others as it de- serves even now, under all its shortcomings ; the position also of the members of the profession is sadly behind the require- ments of the age. The Central Veterinary Medical Society will undoubtedly effect an improvement, and raise the status of both. It is a notable fact that by the rubbinsj together of minds, however talented, advancement must be made, and the oppor- tunity has now arisen to cultivate this in an eminent degree. It is most probable that the position of the profession, as recognised by government and the various local authorities throughout the kingdom, is to be attributed to the undesirable state of things as now existing. Policemen, butchers, &c., are employed, to the exclusion of members of the profession, when they alone should be the competent authorities on all questions relating to the maladies of our domestic animals. They must remember that as members of the veterinary pro- fession, they are scientific men ; and as fellows of the Central Veterinary Medical Society, they are bent on scientific attain- ments. The objects of the society are manifold. By pro- moting the meeting together of the members of the profession, a mutual desire for advancement will be encouraged. They are solicited for their opinions, raised under great care and attention, aud there they will be sifted to discover their truth and applicability. The promotion and dissemination of sound doctrines forms an important feature of the society, and these will be gathered from personal observation, as well as scientific investigation and experiments, when necessary, under com- mittees organised by and at the expense of the society. In the examination of conditions where probabilities are far greater than honafide certainties, much difference of opinion necessarily follows. Each views the object of his search from a different point of view, and however widely these opinions may stray, they must not forget that each is entitled to respect. However much we may differ in opinions, it should always be our maxim to render the object subservient to the furtherance of the interests and aims of the society, and advancement of the science of veterinary medicine (applause). Mr. F. J. Mayor read a paper on " Thermometrical Observations on the Horse," instituted to ascertain the effects of certain medicinal agents upon the temperature of the body. The conclusions arrived at by Mr. Mavor in his experiments are as follow : The normal temperature of the horse, as taken at the rectum by one of Mr. Hawksley's Fahrenheit's thermometers, is from 99 to 100 degs. A rise of temperature, more or less, is the product of every disease. All medicines, whether given subcutaneously or by the stomach, produce a corresponding elevation of temperature. Although a very high temperature may exist as the result of disease, a dose of medicine will produce a higher elevation. Lastly, the same effects are observable in health as well as disease. The statements were supported by tabulated records of observations made with atropine administered subcutaneously to a grey mare suffering from abscess in the pectoral muscles, in which, upon every occasion during the existence of the injury, the exhibition of the drug in doses of a quarter of a grain gave rise to an increase of temperature ; and when convalescence had been established, as evidenced by a decline of temperature to the normal standard, the exhibition of the same dose of the drug produced a rise of temperature, which did not subside until tlie third day. The Secretary, Mr. G. Armatage, observed that these facts, as given by Mr. Mavor, are highly valuable to the vete- rinarian, inasmuch as the elevation of temperature caused by medicines given must not be confounded with the specific heat of certain maladies and diurnal variations that are found to exist. He had made numerous observations with the thermo- meter throughout the diseases of the lower animals, and in each case fresh evidences had arisen testifying the inestimable value that instrument is in the clmiqiw of veterinary medicine. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. S19 An elevation of temperature he had found to take place after exercise, and even after food in health, when animals had pre- viously been confined ; and those allowed to go at large al- ways exhibited a higher range in healtii than those coulined to buildings could indicate; and it is highly important to bear these in mind when judging the amount of intensity of animal temperature as indicative of disease. His remarks had been published, which those interested could read and test for their accuracy. He could not say he had particularly noticed any specific elevation of temperature after tlie introduction of me- dicaments beneatli the skin ; but he had felt extremely puzzled to find, in cases of tetanus for instance, that after the use of powerful sedatives, as belladonna and hydrocyanic acid in com- bination, not the least diminution occurred. In the use of salines his observations agreed with those mentioned by Pereira and others, who state no diminution takes place, although the sense of coldness introduced is extreme. He urged attention to Mr. Mavor's observations, as well as to the use of the tlier- mometer generally, as an instrument calculated to throw niucli light upon the nature and progress of disease, and means of much greater accuracy in diagnosis, not in ordinary diseases only, but in those of an occult and contagious character. Many of the tabulated statements of previous observers were said to be totally inaccurate, and, as far as the lower animals are concerned, the veterinarian has an extensive field before him ; and facts collected therefrom may prove eminently use- ful to the medical man in human practice. Mr. W. Hu^"TING referred to the discrepancies that are known to exist in thermometers from the same maker — two instruments, although said to be correct, registering different degrees in the same animal. He could refer to observations made by individuals in that manner, and which proved de- lusive and fatal. It is necessary to receive with caution new theories and results of few and unconfirmed experiments ; they tend to overthrow the facts and teaching of the past, without providing the most' proper'and reliable substitute for them. Mr. W. Hunting read a paper on " The Growth and Structure of the Horse's Foot," in which the author endea- voured to show that, though convenience requires a division of the hoof into tliree elements — wall, sole, and frog — anatomy and physiology distinctly indicate that it is a continuous whole, and this totality applies as forcibly to the functions as to the structures of the'hoof. After detailing the structural elements of the foot, Mr. Hunting went on to say : The hoof consists of horn fibres running parallel to each other, and of an agglutinating interfibtous horn. The papillse or villi, co- vering the sensitive foot, secrete the horn fibres, and the sur- face between the villi secretes the interfi1)rous horn. The sensitive laminre not only afford attachment for the wall, but, like the sole, frog, &c., secrete horny matter. The whole sensitive foot is continuous, and must therefore produce a con- tinuous hoof. Maceration in water enables us, with the aid of some force, to separate from each other the frog, sole, and wall, but not clearly. We never can obtain a definite division throughout without the aid of a cutting instrument. This partial separation merely shows where destructive forces are most powerful that the line of division is weaker than other parts. It is weaker merely because there is at such parts a relative want of horn fibres — an excess of the weaker kind of horn. The function of tiie hoof is to protect the sensitive foot, and to afford a firm basis of support to the animal. Every single part of the hoof acts in unison, and none in independence. The disconnected statements that "the sole will not stand pressure," " that the wall sustains the weight of the horse," or that " the heels are the weakest part of the foot," were said to be founded on narrow views of the func- tions of the hoof, in opposition to the fact that no one part of the foot can act properly unless other parts preserve their structural and functional integrity. A weak sole allows the wall to collapse ; a weak wall allows the sole to become flat- tened ; a small, wasted frog offers no obstacle to the contrac- tion of the heels ; and overgrown heels destroy first the form, and afterwards the function of the frog. Every element is equally important, and all work together and are dependent upon each other. He had a strong disbelief in alternate expansion and contraction of the foot during progression. As to the proper bearing surface of the hoof, he believes the border of the wall and portion of the sole immediately in con- tact with it take the primary bearing— that the frog is in- tended to come in contact first with the ground, but then to yield under pressure, and allow the sustaining forces to fall on the harder and stronger parts. Tlie bars in their integrity form a kind of internal wall, and prevent undue pressure of the frog. The arch of the sole, though taking a direct hear- ing on soft ground, merely allows a distribution of pressure through it on hard surfaces, just as pressure is distributed throughout all arches when applied only to the abutments. The President said Mr. Hunting had gone deeply into the histological composition of the horse's foot. However, some of the statements might be disputed ; and, as far as he had studied the subject, found they were at variance with his con- clusions. It is ditlicult to decide what is the type of a perfect foot. In all countries various modifications and configurations are to be found, each in itself being a grand adaptation to the wants of the animal as well as to the external conditions ; thus in low, marshy, countries, the indigenous hreeds of horses have flat and wide feet. These would not sink so rapidly as small ones, nor so much as a hollow or concave foot. Again, in hot countries the foot is narrow, hollow, and hard as a means of withstanding wear ; yet none of these can be taken as a type of the horse's foot generally. Influences of an ex- ternal nature have the power of modifying the general characters of the hoof, and thus reduce it to one of a special kind and adapt it to surrounding conditions. Nevertheless, there are striking peculiarities which form principal features in all feet ; for instance, the direction of the fibres of the wall are from above downwards ; the plantar surface is circu- lar ; in front the hoof is conical, and in profile it is circular. In well formed feet, from which the frog and bars are removed, the outline is that of a circle, and the width is consonant with the height. Mr. Hunting had stated his belief that the frog stay is wrongly named ; he (the president) did not think so, and in support of his belief had retained the term, while that part in front he had named the " toe-stay," as he believed it to be for the purpose, among others, to prevent the foot rotating in its horny covering. The supposition that the hornylaminfe are secreted by the sensitive lamin;e he thought may be readily disproved by an examination of the spaces between the papillary tubes in the cutidural cavity, in which ridges or eminences are to be found as the result of secretion from the coronary cushion, and prove to be the commencement of the horny plates. In cases of disease also abundant proof appears evident ; foi where the wall has been destroyed horny laminae may be seen to originate at the top and grow downwards. Maceration serves to separate each part of the hoof ; but the horny wall and laminre do not admit of separa- tion by such means, and in transverse sections of the wall epidermic cells may be observed to run in, to form the horny plates ; but in disease states are modified. In health the inter- tubulary or interpapillary substance is for the purpose of con- necting the fibres of the wall and hoof, and preserve a degree of moisture and resiliency ; in disease the hoof becomes dry and brittle, as a result of the modified action. At the junction of horny wall and sole is a white soft substance known as the white zone, placed there to prevent disjunction, but not se- creted by the sensitive larainre which run down to and termi- nate it. In disease the sensitive lamina3 are to be observed covered with scales, which form horn, but is no integral part of the natural hoof ; and likewise horny tumours formed upon the white zone or horny laminre are morbid productions, the result of diseased action at that particular part. They do not grow downwaras from the top, as the nature of their construc- tion thoroughly proves ; besides, the cells of the papillre are sent down vertically, while those in the laminre arc horizontal ; but no such orderly arrangements mark the adventitious pro- ductions of morbid action, while it is conducive in the healthy structures to an efficient resistance to wear ami fracture. The functions of the frog have been much misunderstood, and the tlieories of expansion and contraction have been most disastrous to the praper treatment of horses' feet. He thouglit Mr. Hunting was quite right when he said the frog had no part in expanding the heels. It is, doubtless, to sustain weight at the back of the foot, to avert concussion, and protect the tendon and navicular joint above. The coronary cushiou also admira- bly sustains weight, and receives and distributes initial con- cussion. Mr. F. J. Mayor considered the wall to be the true sup- porter of weight on hard surfaces, and as it is constructed is most efficiently capable of conducting jar upwards, and thence 620 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. causing it to pass off. He would not deny tliat upon soft ground the sole received pressure, but conceived that otherwise it is improper for it to do so. Mr. T. D. Broad contended that tlie sole can sustain a degree of pressure with benefit, and gave, as an instance, the fact of great iniprovemeut taking place in that part of thin shelly feet by the use of non-seated shoes. Among the evils in the practice of shoeing, he places the knife first, calkins second, and seated shoes last in order. Mr. Alexander Lawson believed the crust should bear the greatest share of pressure (weiglit), frog nest, and the sole last. It is an evil to nail on shoes tightly pressing upon the horny sole, as the many bruises and cases of suppuration which follow abundantly testify. He thought wrong principles had been embraced too long, and false conclusions had been ar- rived at, as well as absurd practices carried out. The frog is evidently an admirably adapted cushion to protect highly organized parts within. He approved of a modification of the Charlier shoe — one somewhat stronger, but applied on similar principles, and he had found from experience that the feet, through the resulting sole pressure, were more prolific inborn, could resist shock much better, and the animal travel over the roughest macadam with ease and total absence of pain. Mr. T. W. GowiNG, senior, approved of pressure (weight) being borne by the wall alone. Continuous pressure ou the sole had, in his experience, proved injurious. The President urged that the sole of the horse's foot is in- tended by nature to receive pressure, and, as a proof of this, gave the fact that all animals in a state of nature present their soles to the ground, and in no single instance could he find that part absolved from taking part in weight-bearing. Another proof is derived from the undoubted fact that when caused to bear weight the animal goes well, and the feet greatly improve by it. Mr. W. Clarke referred to the alteration in form of horses' feet which succeeded to change of locality, when surrounding conditions were of an opposite character. He also contended that for the sole a degree of pressure is not only essential Ijut can be borne, and gave examples from the use of leather soles, and stopping, and india-rubber cushions. Mr. Lawson gave further examples in proof of the benefit of sole pressure, particularly in the chronic states after laminitis. Mr. Hunting, in reply, said he thought Mr. Mavor had misinterpreted the statement of Mr. Broad. Pressure derived from a non-seated shoe, as recommended by Mr. Broad, does not extend to the mnior part of tJie sole, but to those portions within the circumfereuce of the wall. As the sole represents an arch and the wall its abutments, pressure is confined to the extremities or spriugings of that arch where the greatest points of resistance are presented. Pressure thrown on the frog is transmutted throughout the whole foot, and not through the coffin bone, as erroneously supposed by some ; and one of the offices of the frog is undoubtedly to distribute and break the force of shock, which in its absence might be communicated to parts injuriously. As a proof might be given of the posi- tion of the coffin bone, and its elongation backwards by an amount of resilient substance, the lateral cartilages. It is a fact self-evident on a consideration of the anatomy of the parts. Shock given to the wall, as described by Mr. Mavor, trans- mitted through its fibres, cannot pass outwards as a material substance or of aeriform character. It is provided against by a harmonious arrangement of muscles and ligaments, with bones placed at convenient angles, all of which, engaged in a most wonderful principle of co-ordination, destroy the shock, which if communicated through an unbroken and straight column would be productive of evil results. With regard to the observations of Mr. Clark, tending to the belief that the feet of horses assumed opposite forms when removed to locali- ties exhibitlug specifically difl'erent conditions, he (Mr. H.) could not coincide. A flat foot is unnatural everywhere ; it is designed that the plantar surface should be concave. Mat feet admit of unequal and inordinate pressure, and the result is absorption of the coffin bone and loss of shape (external form). He agreed with the president in the microscopical structure of the hoof, but had heard no opinion that agreed with his on the formation of horny tumours within the hoof, of which mention had been made before, nor yet one tliat de- cided the horny lamina; are decidedly secreted by the coronary cushion. The argument that they are sent down from above when the wall is stripped off, he contended is without founda- tion, but rather that condition proves that the horn produced is direct from the sensitive lamin;e, as they are quickly covered by horn material. It is their natural function, he contended, and no structure can secrete in disease that which it does not in health. It is no proof that the wall and horny laminre are homogeneous, from the fact that no separation can be produced by maceration ; the latter are, undoubtedly, secreted in great measure by the sensitive laminae ; hence the abundant blood supply to the latter, which would serve no purpose if they were mere weight-carriers. Ilegarding the function of the frog, Lafosse had said it is to bear up the tendon above it. Tendons, however, are neither too long nor too short, always have the proper length, and require no such support. Its function appears to be to receive and distribute shock, and re- duce its effects over the limb. THE SUPPLY OF TROOP HORSES. The experiences of a war, altogether uupreccdeutcd so far for slaughter, devastation, and ruin, must of course, as its first great lesson, cause people to look at home. And we proceed accordingly to review the actual strength of our forces — our ammunitiou, our gunnery, our regulars and voluuteers. lu doing so much we come quickly to encounter an unpalatable truth. All the world over England is renowned as a nation of horsemen. We have the best of horses, and ours is the market to which of all others a man must come who wishes for the best. With the material then so ready at baud, it straightway turns out that our cavalry is miserably mounted ; that a trooper is scarcely in any way the animal he should be, and that, if called iuto action, our more modern dragoon must as now horsed be a lamentable failure. The reason for this is obvious enough. The Govern- ment has simply suffered itself to be outbid. For many years past other countries, with Prussia at their head, have been systematically buying up our most useful stock, and perhaps more particularly powerful well-bred mares, suitable for harness or road work. Mauy of our stores, as it were, like the Hidings of Yorkshire, have been gra- dually aua tUoi'oughly exhausted, aud bi-eetes Jiave Qome to confess that they have nothing to show you. The article is scarcer thau ever, and the result precisely that which might have been anticipated. At regulation prices it is virtually impossible to procure the sort of horse really fit for the purpose ; and while the cavalry of other Powers has been improving, ours has been deteriorating iu some- thing very like a proportionate degree. Unfortunately the remedy is not so apparent, although there is by no means any lack of suggestion. Mr. Edmond Tattersall, the head of that well-known firm, recommends Horse-breeding Companies, or Government Studs. Mr. Spooner, at the Blandford Farmers' Club, would do away with Queen's Plates, and establish Go- vernment stud farms with the money — " not so much for the breeding of weight-carrying hunters and cavalry horses as for breeding sires and mares calculated to produce these." Mr. Francis Smith, of Grantham, would have '■ the Government and the Council of the Royal Agricul- tural Society of England join iu setting aside a sufficient annual sum for the hire of a number of good-sized, bony, powerful, weU made, thorough-bred stallions, having good action, for the use of each county." Other writers would go baek tQ tie use gf BotMng but Ai-abiausj ami a cor« THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 521 respondent of The field, evidently with much experience of the countries he speaks of, would have us, either for home service or India, try three foreign markets — America, Hungary, and Egypt. " As regards the merits of the Yankee horses as troopers, in the year 184i2 I saw a considerable number of these animals that came home in the 1st Dragoon Guards and the 7th Hussars from Canada. I rode a great many of them, and I say unhesitatingly that they were the best troop horses I ever rode in England — up to great weight, very shapely, and iiue free goers, with splendid action. They were bought for about £23 each." Again, " in Hungary, I should look for horses fit for light cavalry. Such animals in abundance can be bought for £23 to £30 each. To travel them to Trieste or some other Mediterranean port would not be expeusivc. They could be thence conveyed by steam to England ; and for £iO at the very outside you would have a hardy useful animal, lit to take his place in the ranks in a fortnight, and capable of enduring any amount of exposure in- cidental to a campaign." And as to Egypt, "the Turco- man breed run about fourteen hands in height, are hardy and stout little animals, and, although not so handsome as the Ai'ab, possess much of his docility and hue temper. They are easily procurable for about live-aud-twenty pounds each, and their conveyance via Alexaudi-ia to Eng- land would be neither dililcult nor expensive. The supjjly of them for years to come would be ample." There is something in this but not much. The scale of the Egyptian would, of course, put him out of the question, as it would be absurd to attempt to mouut au English dragoon, accoutred as he is, on a pony. Then, the distance from America would render such a source of supply unavoidable the moment we get into " trouble," as the same argument might be urged against any plan for remounting from the European Continent. Eurther, there is something not only impolitic but, so to speak, un- natural in the very notion of a horse-loving nation like the English seeking its cavahy from other shores. We might almost as reasonably go to Russia for men as to Hungary for horses. Let us at the outset admit, as fain we must, that the Go- vernment and the people have alike neglected this sub- ject ; that we have permitted the country to be fairly drained without looking to the further production of the article. And this unquestionably has been the case. Wrapt up in the sleepy security of a long Peace our rulers have been content to put up with anything they could get at the price ; while the manufacturer, tempted by long figures, has fairly sold himself out. At the same time our recovery should be anything but hopeless. Just now there are, perhaps, more well-bred good-looking horses to be obtained at a moderate cost than ever was known. The comparative collapse on the Turf, and the disturbances on the Continent, have alike induced to this, and there seldom has been a finer oppor- tunity for establishing the breeding of horses on some- thing like a system. And system it is, that above all things we want. In the first instance the regulatiou price must be raised, and in the next the country be en- couraged to meet the demand, Mr. Tattersall invites us to breed horses by the agency of Companies, but such a suggestion may be dismissed with a word, as we very much doubt if half-a-dozen sensible men could ever bo found to invest capital in a concern for raising half-bred stock at any price. There is more weight in the proposition for a Government Stud, in considering which we should at once dismiss the prospect of its ever paying or becoming even self-supporting. On the Con- tinent, in Prussia, Austria, and more particularly by the Third Napoleon, such establishments have been main- tained at immense cost, and no question with some national advantage. The best kind of Government Stud after all, however, would not be so much that which sup- plied itself, but that, the rather, conduced to the co- operation of the country ; and it is a very debatable point whether such agency might not be provided by some other means and at a less expense. As a nation the English are uot prone to Imperial patronage or interference, and we should have but little faith in Mr. Spooner's prospectus for setting up each haras with one thorough-bred stallion, or scven-eighths-bred ditto, one or more thrce-fourths- bred dlito, one or more half-bred ditto — and so on. Not but that palpably the stallion is the animal to look to for improvement or re-generation. Farmers it is said should provide themselves with better mares, but at the low ebb to which the business is now come, it is clear that we shall have to start again with better sires. And here we arrive at one of the most tangible points in the whole argument. Farmers, who, of all men, have the most opportunity for doing something in this way, have no doubt habitually neglected to breed their " nags" on any system. They cross anything they may happen to have with anything that may happen to come in the way ; and for their benefit, as well as ultimately that of the country, the Government might do something in con- nection with the Agricidtural Societies. The suggestion we here offer we have often offered before, although during such a discussion we do not hesitate to repeat it. The meetings of these Societies have now become amongst the successful gatherings of the day, as far more popular than the races, fairs, or feasts, and their most popular fea- ture is the horse show. Let the Government be brought to recognise this growing fact. There are roj^al plates which horses run for, let there also be royal plates which horses shall show for. Let any Society of any calibre have at its disposal year by year a royal £100 for the best sound and stout thoroughbred horse to serve half-bred mares in the district during the season at a certain price. The award of such a premium would not only of itself give a character to the horse hut ensure his owner from loss, and thus more men woidd be induced to look out for such an animal. The expense here might be easily reckoned up, say in the outset at some £1,000 or so. Whereas with farms, managers, sires, mares, sei'vants, and so forth, it would be hard to calculate where the cost would end. The matter, no question, is a grave one, so directly bearing as it does upon the national safety. It is a business, more- over, in which the farmer is in some degree at least inter- ested or " implicated," and that the Royal Agricultural Society might very becomingly take up. It is otherwise pretty certain to come before Parliament. THE VALUE OF OUR LIVE STOCK AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE. Perhaps no better data could be afforded of the value and importance of Agriculture to this conntiy, now that some of the Continental sources of supply are shut up, than au approximate estimate taken of the value of stock and agri- cultural produce raised for consumption. It is of course somewhat difiicult to arrive at any very precise state- meat, foi- many of the figures and prices must uecessaiily be assumed and conjectural. Until very lately it was im- possible to determine with any degree of accuracy the amount of grain and provisions annually produced, the quantity stored, or whether a larger or smaller breadth of laud had been sown in one season than another throughout the kingdom. The injury that resulted from this iguoranee was uot couiiued alouc to the farmers, who were £i'e' 522 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. quently outwitted by importers and others flooding the markets, but all dealers in and consumers of agricultural produce were equally liable to sustain pecuniary loss therefrom, by making false calculations and depending upon erroneous estimates. The shipowner, the merchant, the corndealer, the baker, and the wheat-growers iu our colonies and foreign countries all suffered from the ab- sence of correct statistics as to the British consumption and production of grain. Within the last year or two, agricultural statistics have been collected for England and Wales, as well as for Scotland and Ireland, and we have thus some data to reason from, however imperfect or deficient they may be. Not only is it important that each country should know what quantity of agricultural produce raised on its own soil it can depend upon, but also what other countries can furnish in case of need. With respect to the United Kingdom, it appears that, while the people consume proportionately a larger quan- tity of wheat per head than formerly, the island itself produces an insufficient quantity to meet this increasing demand, although the cultivation of corn crops has been greatly extended in the last three years, the result no doubt of the higher prices ruling. In the survey we propose taking, we limit our inquiry to Great Britain, including Scotland and Wales, but omit- ing the statistics of Ireland. Firstly, as to our hay crop. Exclusive of permanent pasture, meadow, or grass not broken up iu rotation (and setting aside heath or moun- tain land), we have under clover, sainfoin, vetches, lucerne, and grasses under rotation in Great Britain, about four million acres, and two tons per acre may, we suppose, be taken as an average yield all round ; for even if this be a somewhat high average, the produce of clover and rye- grass is often greatly more, and the aftermaths, or second crops, will bring it up to the average we have assumed. Turning next to the corn crops, we find that there were returned last year as iinder wheat 3,688,357 acres, which at a yield of lour quarters per acre for a good har- vest, would give a return of, say in round numbers, 14i million quarters. The tenth of this would be required for seed, for manufacturing, and other purposes. Under oats we have an extent of 2,782,700 acres re- turned, and assuming that we get 48 bushels per acre, this will give us a total of 16,696,000 qrs., at an average, we will say, of 25s. a-quarter. Of barley we have 2,251,480 acres, omitting as we have previously done, the odd hundreds, and assuming a yield of 40 bushels per acre for a good crop, we arrive at 11,255,000 qrs., worth about 35s. the quarter. Under pulse crops we have 971,381 acres, and taking the general yield of peas and beans, all round, at 24 bushels to the acre, we get at 2,913,000 qrs., which we may calculate at 403. the quarter. We leave out of our inquiry the yield of 65,000 acres under rye, merely adding that the total acreage under corn crops in Great Bi'itain last year was 9,750,000 acres. Turning next to root crops, we have 585,211 acres under potatoes, and if we take the yield as low as five tons per acre, this will give us 2,926,000 tons. Under turnips, swedes, and mangolds we have 2,464,268 acres, but it is very difficult to form an estimate of the average yield and value of this crop, much of which is eaten oft' on the farm by stock ; 145,251 acres under cabbage, kohl-rabi, and rape, and 14,344 under carrots, cOhipletes the average of the green crops, and for these we cannot fix a lower estimate than £5 an acre. But there are two other agricultural crops that must not be passed over — flax and hops. The extent of land under flax in Great Britain is increasing, as 21,000 acres were returned last year, from which a yield of 600 lbs. of clean fibre per acre ought to be obtained, say, 5,620 tons, at £40 per ton. The hop return is a more difficult matter to estimate with precision ; the land under hops is now about 62,000 acres. We may calculate the yield for all general pur- poses at 6 cwt. the acre, which would give 372,000 cwt. for the total crop, worth — at say £4 10s. the cwt. — £1,674,000. Our next estimate must be the transactions in live stock. Passing over the horses, of which there ai-e necessarily large sales yearly, we may place on record that close upon one million-and-a-half horses were re- turned last year by occupiers of land ; this is exclusive of another half million believed to be owned in the me- tropolis and other towns. We turn next to the live stock used for food, and the returns of these, in 1869, were 5,313,473 cattle, 29,538,141 sheep, and 1,930,452 pigs. In estimating their value, we must take their prices as sold by the farmer to the public for consumption, a totally difterent estimate to that of the value of year- lings or two-year-olds, as sold by one farmer to another. We cannot be far wrong, therefore, in taking the value all round at 35s. per head for sheep and lambs, £15 for bul- locks and calves, and 25s. for pigs. This we consider is a fair approximate estimate, which, after all, can only be obtained. The prices for sheep and pigs can certainly not be considered too high an average. The difl'erence in the relative number of sheep and cattle in Great Britain and Ireland, it may be remarked, is very great. To every head of cattle there are in Great Britain about 5^ sheep, and in Ireland li sheep. Cattle are, however, kept in larger numbers in Ireland, in proportion to the acreage, than in Great Britain. A small addition has to be made to the total live stock of Great Britain for the Channel Islands — Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man : in these there are in all about 10,000 horses, 37,000 cattle, 64,000 sheep, and 18,000 pigs. It is generally considered that a fourth part of the entire stock is annually slaughtered for consumption, and we may therefore take it at fully 1,300,000 head of cattle and 7,250,000 sheep. In this running survey, and from the totals brought out we shall arrive at some fair notion of the aggregate value of the agricultural produce of the kingdom, although, in our estimate, we have, as already stated, not touched Ireland. The appended summary gives figures of a magnitude not perhaps generally considered by the producer or consumer. It places the position and importance of the farming interest of the country in a prominent and clear light, when the total annual value derived from the soil is found to exceed £300,000,000 sterling. To this ought justly to be added straw, the dairy produce, milk, butter, and cheese, as well as poultry — all of which come under the head of farm produce. Our calculations are founded on data sufficiently accurate for all general purposes. It is not essentially necessary that our estimates of yield, or assumed prices, should be precise, fluctuating as these necessarily do year by year under many influencing causes. Wheat Oats Barley Beans and peas ... Hay Potatoes Turnips, ^& other 1 root crops J Flax and hops ... Cattle Sheep Pigs Horses 14,750,000 qrs., at £2 10s., £36,875,000 16,696,000 qrs., at 1 5s., 20,870,000 11,255,000 qrs., at 1 15s., 19,671,000 2,913,000 qrs., at 2 Os., 5,826,000 8,000,000 tons, at 5 Os., 40,000,000 2,926,000 tons, at 3 Os., 8,778,000 3., 13,120,000 2,624,000 acres, at 5 Os., 83,000 acres, 5,313,473 head,at 15 Os., 29,538,141 head,at 1 15s., 1,930,452 head, at 1 5s., 1,500,000 head,at 20 Os., 1,898,800 79,702,095 51.691,746 2,413,065 30,000,000 £310,846,706 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 533 THE CENTRAL FARMERS' CLUB. THE FEN COUNTRY. The first meeting for discussion, following the usual autumnal recess, took place on Monday evening, November 7, the chair being filled, in the unavoidable absence of the Chairman for the year, Mr. J. Howard, M.P., by Mr. Charles Howard. The subject appointed for consideration was " The Fen Country," the introducer being Mr. A.S. Ruston,of Aylesby House, Chatteris. The Chairman said : Gentlemen, I am sorry to say that I appear before you this evening in consequence of the indispo- sition of my brother, who is recommended to Iceep comparative quietude for the present. I am glad to see so many gentlemen assembled, at this the first meeting, as it is generally called, of our session. Since many of us last met, the agriculturist, of this country have passed through a very trying time, one of the most trying that they have ever experienced (Hear, hear). Indeed I may say that, so far as the graziers are concerned, many hundreds of thousands of pounds have been sunk, and, upon all the light corn-growing districts of the country a very serious deficiency has been witnessed. I have no doubt that upon all the deep soils a good wheat crop will be realized, and I thiuk I may say the same of the barley and the bean crops. [" No ; not the bean."] Well, we 'can only speak, you know, from our own observation, and I do not mean to say that in every case the result will be what I have stated (Hear, hear). The farmers of England have met to a considerable extent, and no doubt their condolences with each other have been cordial and frequent. I hope that better times are in store for us ; but at present there appears but little prospect of any great profit being realized in the pursuit of agriculture (Hear, hear). The subject fixed for discussion this evening is " The Fen Country." That district presents, perhaps, very few at- tractions ; but many great scientific achievements have been wrought in that part of our land. Though unattractive in a rural aspect, in an agricultural point of view it occupies a very important place in the agriculture of this country. Had my brother been present he would probably have told you that during his visit to Ireland he was very forcibly reminded of the Fen country of England ; and that had the same amount of labour and of capital been applied to the marshes of Ire- land as have been expended on those of England, similar results would have been realized. Mr. Ruston has undertaken to bring this subject before you this evening The drainage of the Fens will, as you may suppose, form a rather important part of his paper. It may take up more time than some of you may think desirable ; but from what I know of Mr. Huston's literary attainments I feel quite sure that a treat is in store for you. Without saying more I beg to introduce Mr. Huston (cheers) . JNIr. Huston then read the following paper : Once amid the darkness and confusion of chaos was heard the authorative mandate of Omnipotence : " Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear ; and it was so." From the earliest times land and water have seemed to be in antagonism. The ever-recurring encroachments and recessions bear ample evi- dence of this. The great tide-wave has defied all opposition, and has claimed as its own whatever it wUled ; twice every day carrying out to sea by slow but sure and steady progress the once fruitful field which had yielded to man's culture, and depositing elsewhere for other man's benefit, those stolen ele- ments of fertility : and it has alike taxed all man's energy and ingenuity to curb and restrain old Ocean's power, and to retain surely and well his gifts — and these are not merely the histories of the past, but they live on, and are the every-day processes of the present. To-day, to some extent, are these changes being repeated, and are gradually, but constantly, re- forming the boundaries of our own sea-girt isle. The Fen country has a history peculiarly its own, and we must look beyond this slow, although every-day, action of tide and wave t9X some more violent convulsion of nature— some erand up^ heaval and depression — for the solution of how the Fens came to be. That there was something analogous to our Fen» in the earliest times we gather from one of the oldest books extant — a book supposed to have been written more than 3,000 yearsago — wherein it is said, " Behemoth . . . lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed and fens. The shady trees cover him with their shadow ; the willows of the brook compass him about." The reed and the willows, twin- signals of Nature's distress, sufficiently indicate the fenny nature of their homes. But when and how these Fens, which run from Cambridge to Lynn and Peterborough, and stretch far away into Lincolnshire, in their horse-shoe form, resem- bling a great bay scooped out of the surrounding hills, became fens, we have no historic record to tell us. Kingsley says, " to describe how the Fen came to be, one must go back, it seems to this writer, to an age before all history ; an age which cannot be measured by years or centuries ; an age shrouded in mystery, and to be spoken of only in guesses. I'o assert anything positively concerning that age, or ages, would be to show the rashness of ignorance. ' I think that I be- lieve,' ' I have good reason to suspect,' ' I seem to see,' are the strongest forms of speech which ought to be used over a matter so vast, and as yet so little elaborated." It is not my purpose to ask you to follow me into a maze of guesses and conjectures, nor do I intend to lay down any geological hypo- theses to account for the phenomena which on every side so forcibly present themselves. But although I attempt no ex- planation of the different pracesses which in the far past were so surely carried on in Nature's great laboratory, building up that which we see, and which so puzzles us to day, I would, however, invite your attention to some of those evidences lying embowelled deep down in the earth below the peat and the bog, which go so clearly to establish the fact that these lands were not always the home of the eel and the wild fowl and the birth-place of ague and fever. Dugdale, writing many score years ago, tells us that in Marshland, about a mile to the west of Magdalen Bridge, in erecting a sluice, there was discovered at a depth of 17 feet, furze bushes and nut trees pressed flat down, with nuts sound and firm lying by them, tlie buslies and trees standing in solid earth below the silt which had been brought up by the inundations of the sea. He also tells of a large fish, nearly 20 feet long, discovered near Conington, lying in perfect silt six feet below the super- ficies of the ground, and as much above tlie then level of the Fen, and which by its long continuance iu that kind of earth had become petrified, and that divers of the bones of the back and other parts were preserved by Sir Thomas Cotton, hart. And at the present day trees of varying kinds and sizes are constantly being discovered. Tlie continued subsidence of the Fens through drainage, and the system of deep cultivation so generally prevalent, bring them within reach of tlie plough ; and a deeply-ploughed field (and by way of parenthesis, I should say some of these are ploughed from 18 to 30 inches deep, with 8, 10, or 12 horses, as the case may be) oft-times resembles a mighty disinterred forest. Oaks, yews, saplings, and nut trees, with nuts and even leaves, fresh and perfect, by their side, are not Unfrequently found. Some of the oaks are of marvellous dimensions. About thirteen years ago one of these grand old trees wa s removed from a field on a farm only a few miles from Chatteris. Its length was 109 feet, and its diameter at the bottom end 9 feet 2 inches, and at 85 feet from the ground 4 feet 2 inches. Only the top 24 feet were sound, the remainder being decayed and hollow. The cost of its removal was something considerable, amounting to several pounds. This is just a sample tree, and sufBciently indicates the size to which some of these noble forest-kings attained. These trees are commonly found imbedded in the clunch or peat (both vegetable) snbeoil, resting on the clay ; and the water oozing through these black vegetable products being absorbed by the oaks, and coming in contact with some die? UN 624 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. mical properties they contain, gives them a thorough fen dye, the outer portion being well nigh black, and the interior a dark dirty brown. The action of this fen water upon them not only imparts a colour, but also a hardness, which makes them for all building purposes, where not exposed to the changes of the atmosphere, almost as enduring as time itself. I have in my hall two chairs made from oaks dug up on my own property ; the blackest portions were selected, and being polished, they are now as black and as hard as ebony, which they much resemble. A few years ago, when a steam engine was about to be erected for draining certain lands, in which I was then interested, it became necessary to dig a large deep pit in which to construct the trough for the water-wheel to work in. I was present at frequent intervals during the exca- vations. After passing through the ordinary surface soil and jieaty subsoil, and a bed of soft buttery clay about 3 feet in depth, we came upon another soil and subsoil, some 3 or 4 feet in thickness, and beneath this a second bed of clay. The whole of this second stratum was much harder and stronger than the one above it ; partly, perhaps, but not altogether, the result of compression. The clay especially was very stubborn, utterly unlike that in the upper stratum, but rather resembling that found in the heavy upland districts. But what I wish more particularly to remark is, that on this lower clay-bed we came upon a large oak tree, equal in size and similar in ap- pearance to what are found resting on the upper clay-bed. From these facts we may reasonably infer that these low-lying, oft-submerged feu lauds were not always as they have been during the historic period, and as they still are, but time was when they occupied a much higher level, probably as high as the surrounding hills of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdon- shire, and owe their depression and present position to one or more terrible convulsions of nature. For it is a well-ascer- tained fact that oaks like those I have described will not grow, and by no ordinary or extraordinary methods of culture can be made to flourish on low, marshy, water-logged soils like the Fens. The conclusion then seems inevitable that when they grew the laud was not fen, but the Feus are au after- growth and formation consequent upon favourable and altered circumstances. But these great convulsive thioes of nature, these grand upheavals and depressions, these changes from land to water, and from water to land, the evidences of earth's internal discord, have been experienced elsewhere than in the Fens. Ovid, in his Metaraorplioses, says (I give it in English, as translated by G. Saudis) : " Where once was solid land seas have I seen, And solid land whore once deep seas have been; Shells far from sea, like quarries in the ground, And anchors have on mountain-tops been fomid. Torrents have made a valley of a plain, High hills by deluges borne to the main ; Deep-standing lakes sucked dry by thirsty land, And on late thirsty earth now lakes do stand." The quiet seclusion and comparative inaccessibility, except by sea, of tlie Fen country, rendered it a favourite resort for those who, professedly wearied and tired of the world's vani- ties and pleasures, desired to consecrate themselves to a higher and purer service. These devout aspirations led to the forma- tion of religious houses all over the country. We find them at Ely, Peterborough, Thorney, Ramsey, Crowland, Spalding, Chatteris, and elsewhere. Each has its own history, and tells of its long roll of saints, its heaven-blessed* miracles, and its many acts of devoted piety. Glastonbury may proudly boast of its " Holy Grale," which Tennyson has inspired with im- mortality, by his thrilling and inimitable verse ; but Ely, too, fondly tells of the health-restoring, life-giving and life-destroy- ing miracles wrought at the tombs of St. Etheldreda, her found- ress and benefactress, the canonized of Rome, and of her chosen fellow saints, of which no Laureate has yet sung. We are told that sixteen years after St. Etheldreda's interment, her body was exhumed by her devoiit sister and successor for more appropriate burial, when the discovery was made that the linen which engirdled her was still incorrupt, and " cured many diseased people with the toucli thereof," and that from the vacant tomb " issued a fountain of pure water, whieli re- maineth." For nearly nine score years her ashes, after their more honourable interment, rested in peace. But the restless Danes, sources of sad trouble and disquiet to those godly people, once more invaded their island home, when one of these dreaded pagans, more inhuman than the reat, beholding the tomb, and inspired with insatiable cupidity, supposing that not only the body of the saint, but also vast hidden treasures were there entombed, had the temerity to raise his pickaxe and strike a hole into its side, whereupon, says the historian, " through the divine vengeance his eyes presently fell out of his head, so that he died. With which judgment the rest were so terrified, that they durst not presume to meddle there any more." We read elsewhere that this religious house at Ely "had had many good penmen, and yet, it was said, that they had failed to record all the miracles that had been wrought at these tombs." I shall not attempt to repair that omission. The Isle of Ely has been not inaptly designated the " Camp of Refuge." William from Normandy had in- vaded the coumry ; Harold, last of the Saxon kings, was slain ; province after province had yielded to the claims or succumbed to the overwhelming forces of the Conqueror ; on all sides was war, devastation, and death. Old Saxon abbots and heads of religious houses had one after another plighted their troth to William, vainly hoping to retain their dignities and emoluments, and to be able to afford protection to their Saxon brethren, and to preserve them from the dreaded Nor- man persecution. Amongst these was the Abbot of Crowland, but amongst these was not Tiiurstan , my Lord Abbot of Ely. He was not prepared, under any pretext, to ignore the many obligations he owed, and the fealty and friendship he had sworn to Harold. His island home he felt was alike secure from the iron hoofs of William's cavalry and from the incur- sions of his infantry. From his Abbey tower he saw all around him a country made defensible by nature, and round about him he looked upon a brave, courageous, and devoted people. One old writer says, " This little Isle of Ely is envi- roned with fens and reed-plecks nnpassable ; so that tllty feared not the invasion of the enemy." That sense of security which encouraged and assured Thurstan exerted a like influ- ence upon others far away, and the dispossessed from every quarter hastened with all good speed to the safe retreat and generous hospitality of the Camp of Refuge. Nobles, war- riors, bishops, abbots, and others, to escape Norman persecu- tion, and to retain their Saxon liberty, rushed in such over- whelming numbers, that the place became overstocked, and the new-comers were driven, many of them, to seek shelter in tents and huts placed on the dry hillocks around. This stream of guests, with empty purses and empty stomachs, struck the Chamberlain who kept the accounts, and the Cel- larer who had charge of the wine-buts, with terror and dis- may ; but good, generous Thurstan gave tiiem a cordial and hearty welcome, and fed them right nobly in his profusely and delicately supplied refectory. Among aU the religious houses none could vie with Ely in the lenten season. Its own waters teemed with fish, and being open to Lynn, supplies of salt-water fish and continental wines were easily procurable. It has been said their fish-fasts were feasts. And while the brethren of other houses grew thin, these fasting monks of Ely grew fat, for there was nothing in the land to compare with these fish dinners, these banquets in Lent. And they were not unmindful of the old proverb, whijh says, " Good eating demands good drinking." If history can be trusted, it seems pretty conclusive that these devoted saints were never so oppressed and o'erwhelmed with an all absorbing concern for the soul as to become in any sense forgetful of the claims and necessities of the body ; but it may with great truthful- ness be said they fared sumptuously every day. But these days of fasting festivity and joyous gratulations were the pre- cursors of days of darkness and sore troubles. Trials, many and bitter, awaited them. William's rapid and brQliant suc- cesses were inspiring him with confidence, and urging him on to further and still more startling victories. Soon his eye turned wishfully to the Fens, and despite aU their natural de- fences, he daringly determines to venture an assault and test their vaunted impregnability. Hereward, Lord of Brunne, the wayward and dissolute son of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, by Godiva of Coventry renown, who whilst in his teens had been exiled by Edward the Confessor, and who had now returned a wiser man, was appointed chief in command, and chosen to direct the defence. His great deeds of valour, and his many noble exploits, had won for him a well-merited reputation. His brain-power and his arm-power were alike the admiration of all. True envy, that withering social curse, excited by his manly and heroic deeds of daring, had once jeopardised his life. Skilful in tactics, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 525 clever in strategy, wise in counsel, quick in perception, un- tiring in effort, and bold as a lion in fight, he was eminently fitted for the position assigned him. ilasting to Ely to work out his designs, and to make the Camp of llefuge that great fact which it afterwards became, his life was souglit by Earl AVarren, whose brotlier he liad slain. Ambushes on the bor- ders of the Fens were laid for hira, and attempts cunningly made to entrap him ; but he, conscious of the plot, frustrated the Earl's designs, and drew from him those words of bitter rage, but of unquestioned truth, " Oh that I had that devilish fellow here, I would certainly torment him to death !" Here- ward, quick and ready, replies, " If we should happen to be so fortunate as to meet alone in any fit place, you would not wish me on your feeble hands, nor like well of ray company ;" and, gently stooping, lets fly an arrow whicii unhorses the Earl and alarms his servants. Meanwhile Hereward and his com- panions pursue their journey, and that same day enter Ely, being received with great honour and liearty greetings by the Abbot and his monks, as also by Edwin, Earl of Leicester and Morcar, Earl of Warwick, two of the noble fugitives who had found an asylum there. The tidings from Ely as they reached William aroused his anger, and he resolved upon an immediate assault. He gathered his forces together at Aldreth, and there collected stores of wood, stone, faggots, trees, large pieces of timber, fastening them together with cowhides ; and further to facilitate the passage across these Eeu bogs and swamps, caused beasts to be killed and their skins filled with air like bladders. Inspired with greed for the gold and the silver supposed to be treasured up in the Isle, his soldiers rushed madly forward ; the bridge yielded beneath the pressure, and all, except a few of the hindmost, who by throwing away their weapons, managed to struggle through the mud and escape, were drowned or swallowed up in the depths of the Fens — one man only, Beda by name, getting into the Isle. Beda, having re- ceived the hospitalities and civilities of the place, was permitted to return to the King's camp, where he recites before William and his nobles a wondrous tale. He teUs of the impregnability of the Isle, its huge waters and fens compassing it about like a strong wall ; of the utter indifference of its inhabitants to the siege — the ploughman keeping to his plough, the hunter to his sport, and the fowler to his work ; of its teeming sup- plies, consisting of domestic cattle, harts, does, goats, hares, eels, pike, perch, roach, royal fishes, geese, bitterns, sea-fowl, herons, ducks, and all in abundance. The fightiug men, and especially Hereward, receive a rich meed of praise, much to the annoyance of Earl Warren, who insinuates that Beda has been bribed to make these representations. But William re- pels these insinuations, and with a noble generosity refuses to hear these valiant men evil spoken of, and commends their courage as above that of his own men, and feels inclined to make peace with them. From this his nobles dissuade him, urging that such a concession would be a precedent which might be fraught with great evil. The King angrily replies, expressing his inability to conquer tlie people, the place being naturally so defensible. Ive-Taillebois, indignant at the King's timidity, reminds him of the old Norman witch, and sug- gests the desirableness of enlisting her services. For, says he, " by her art she would soon destroy their whole strengtli and places of defence, and drive them out as cowards from the island." This suggestion secures the cordial and hearty sym- pathy of his nobles ; and at length, being strongly urged to it, William yields. Secrecy is enjoined lest mischief should re- sult, and the old woman is privately sent for. Preparations on a gigantic scale are forthwith commenced ; the new idea inspires new hopes. Forces numerous and powerful, and ma- terials abundant and diversified, are once more collected at Aldreth. Towers are erected, earthworks thrown up, and en- gines of war arranged. The old witch mounts the highest eminence, and with vehemence pours forth that volume of words, and exhibits those mad frantic signs, the spells of witchery, which are to ensure the success of the assault on the morrow. But Hereward, wise and crafty, by skilful ma- noeuvres and at great personal risk, contrives to discover the intentions of his foes, and just as the old witch was beginning with her third spell, he causes a fire to break out in the reed beds, which, despite all opposition, rushes on madly and with irresistible fury towards the Norman camp. The crackling of the willows, the blaze of the reeds and other dry vegetable substances, as the fire goes leaping forward, strike the whole army with terror and dismayi Thua terrified and awe-stricken, they beat a quick retreat, aud in wild confusion grope their way amid dense clouds of smoke, not knowing whither they go, whilst to the windward from Saxon bows comes whizzing a volley of bristling arrows. The old witch is left to perish riiiserably alone. William narrowly escapes with his life, and the whole army, in modern parlance, becomes demoralised. For seven long years did these Fens successfully resist inva- sion, but at length treachery within and strategy without se- cured tliera to the Normans. Hereward made liis peace with tlie Conqueror, and returned to his ancestral hall at Bourne. Hereward had an only daughter, who became the wife of Hugh de Evermore, Lord of Deeping, whose only child and daughter married Richard de Ilulos, Chamberlain to William tlie Conqueror. The said Richard de Rulos not only attended to the ceremonies incident to Court life, but devoted himself with great zeal and energy to the pursuits of agriculture. (Jn his uplands, the lands above the flood level, he was renowned for iii& good tillage and his successful breeding of cattle ; and on his low lands he projected and carried out, at immense cost, great works of reclamation. By constructing stroiicc and sub- stantial banks to prevent inundations from the Wetland, to which they were constantly subjected, he converted those low- lying grounds about Market Deeping (which signifies a deep meadow), and wliich before were deep lakes and impassable fens, into fruitful fields and pastures, and we are told " he re- duced the most humid and moorish parts thereof to a garden of pleasure." We are likewise told that " by the like means of banking aud draining he also made a village, in the very pan of Pudlington, and by much labour and chargs reduced it into fields, meadows, and pastures, which is now called Deep- ing St. James." All honour to Richard do Rulos ! and, with Kingsley, we would write on his tomb, " Here lies the first of the new English, who, by the inspiration of God, began to drain the Fens." The Romans, bringing with them a higher civilization, performed various works of drainage, and made roads, and in other different ways sought to improve the feu country, and numerous traces of their skilful aud intelligent labour are still discernible. The religious houses expended considerable energy, and not a little wealth, in their efforts to bank out the waters, to keep the outfalls well open, and in other practical works of drainage; for William of Malmes- bury, writing in the eleventh century, represents Tliorney as " a very paradise, for that in pleasure and delight it resem- bleth heaven itself." This Paradise was subsequently lost, but how far through neglect of outfalls and other works, and how far from uncontrollable causes, I shall not venture an opinion. Suffice it to say it was lost, and it has only been during the present century that it lias been fully regained. In the reign of the 7th Henry, John Morton, Bishop of Ely, made a chan- nel from Standgi'ound to Guyhirn, still called Morton's Leam, which Dugdale says was " a work certainly of singular conse- quence, not only for the quicker evacuation of the overflowings of Nene, but for conveniency of carriage from Peterborough to Wisebeche." The drainage of the great watery waste appears never to have been lost sight of, and yet for centuries no great effective works were undertaken, and no specific legislative measures, relating exclusively to the Fens, were passed. To protect the country from the ravages of the sea, and to main- tain water-courses for purposes of drainage, appear to have been considered duties devolving on the sovereign aud his sub- jects ; and when necessity arose, or occasion required it, the Crown granted a Commission to inquire into and remedy whatever faults were found to exist. These Commissions were sometimes, justly or unjustly, deemed oppressions. Hence we find in Magna Charta it is provided, " No town nor freemen shall be destrained to make bridges or banks, nor should any banks be defended, but such as were in defence in the time of King Henry, our grandfather, by the same places aud bounds as they were wont to be in liis time." In 1531, in the reign of Henry the 8th, the law known as " the Statute of Sewers" was passed. From that time Commissions of Sewers wrro occasionally granted, and some partial works were done under them in the " Great Level," as it was termed, but nothing of a permanent character. In 1570, in the thirteenth of Eliza- beth, a more extended Commission was granted to Sir William Cecil, son of the first Lord Burleigh, aud ten other influential persons, who on the 9th of June of the same year sat at Peter- borough, but nothing in reality was accomplished by it. For thirty years no further progress was made, but in 1600, in the forty -third of Elizabeth, what was called " the General Drain- V V 2 526 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. age Act," was passed. This Act was intituled " An Act for the recovery of many hundred thousand acres of marishes, and other grounds, subject commonly to surrounding, within the Isle of Ely, and the counties of Cambridge, Huntendon, Northampton, Lincolne, Norfolke, Suffolke, Sussex, Essex, Kent, and the county palatine of Duresme," the preamble whereof runs thus : " Whereas it is apparent to such as have travelled in the execution of Commissions of Sewers in the isle and counties aforesaid, that the wastes, commons, marishes, and fenny grounds there, subject to surrounding, may be re- covered by skilful and able undertakers ; whereby great and inestimable benefit would arise to her Majesty, her heirs and successors, disburthening her Highness of many chargeable banks and works of sewers, within those surrounded grounds, as the increase of many able subjects by habitations being there erected, and in like sort profitable to many of her High- ness's subjects, both bodies politic and corporate, who have estates of inheritance and other interest within the same. And for that the draining and making dry and profitable of those surrounded grounds is chiefly hindered ; for that the greater part of them are wastes and commons, subject yearly to surrounding, wherein divers have common by prescription by reason of their resiancy and inhabitancy ; which kind of commons, nor their interest therein, can by the common law be extinguished or granted to bind others which should in- habit there afterwards. And in that also it appeareth, that the Commoners, in respect of their poverty, are unable to pay the great charges to such as should undertake the recovery of the same." It then proceeded to give power to the owners of tliese lands to make contracts with such persons as would undertake the draining, such contracts, and conveyances thereupon, being " made good and available in law against the lords of tlie soil and all other the Commoners therein." This Act was passed so near the close of Elizabeth's reign that little was done ; but her successor had scarcely ascended the throne ere he resolved to attempt the reclamation of the Great Level, and in the second year of his reign we find James I. appointed the first Commission for tliis purpose, but without any great practical results. Successive Commissions for seven- teen years were equally fruitless. Schemes were projected, expensive views taken, plans decided upou, but the works did not proceed. Opposition was aroused, and disputes between the country and the Commissioners were bitter and constant, and the King was petitioned again and again to restrain acts of supposed injustice ; law suits were commenced both against the Commissioners and those in their employ ; everything to retard, and nothing to advance the work. So excited and in- furiated did these Een men become that they could find relief only in song. Here is a specimen, called " The Powtes Complaint" : Come, brethren of the water, and let us all assemble. To treat upon this matter, which makes us quake and tremble ; For we shall rue it, if't be true, that Fens be undertaken, And where we feed in Fen and Reed, they'll feed both Beef and Bacon, They'll sow both Beans and Oats, where never man yet thought it, Where men did row in boats, ere undertakers bought it ; But, Ceres, thou behold us now, let vrild oats be their venture. Oh let the frogs and miry bogs destroy where they do enter. Behold the great design, which they do now determine. Will make our bodies pine, a prey to crows and vermine ; For they do mean all Fens to drain, and waters overmaster, All will be dry, and we must die, 'cause Essex calves want pasture. Away with boasted rudder, farewell both boots and skatches, No need of one, nor th' other, men now make better matches ; Salt-makers all and tanners shall complain of this disaster ; For they will make each muddy lake for Essox calves a pasture. The feather'd fowls have wings, to fly to other nations. But we have no such things to help our transportations ; We must give place (oh, grievous case !) to horned beasts and cattle. Except that we can all agree to drive them out by battle. Wherefore let us intreat our antient water nurses, To show their power so great as t' help to drain their purses ; And send us good old Captain Flood to lead us out to battle, Then twopenny Jack, with skales on's back, will drive out all the cattle. This noble Captain yet was navcr known to fail us. But did the conquest get of all that did assail us. His furious rage none could assuage; but to the world's great wonder. He bears down banks, and breaks their cranks and whirligiga asunder. Good Eolus, we do thee pray, that thou wilt not be wanting. Thou never saidst us nay, now listen to our canting ; Do thou deride their hope and pride, that purpose our con- fusion, And send a blast, that they in haste may work no good conclusion. Great Neptune (God of Seas) this work must needs provoke thee; They mean thee to disease, and with Fen water choak thee ; But with thy mace do thou deface, and quite confound this matter. And send thy sands to make dry lands, when they shall want fresh water. And eke we pray thee, Moon, that thou will be propitious, To see that nought be done to prosper the maUcious ; Though summer's heat hath wrought a feat, whereby them- selves they flatter. Yet, be so good as send a flood, lest Essex calves want water, James, wearied and annoyed by these repeated failures, and incensed by the determined and resolute opposition everywhere met with, said " that for the honour of his kingdom, he would not any longer suffer these countries to be abandoned to the will of the waters, nor let them lie waste and unprofitable ;" and to ensure success and promptitude of action, he at once declared liimseK the principal undertaker. How true it is " Man proposeth and God disposeth ;" for just at tliis impor- tant juncture, when success seemed so well assured, his atten- tion is diverted from the Eens to the Continent, and his daugh- ter's husband earnestly implores him to aid in the restoration of his forfeited dominions. These family and other troubles effectually stay his drainage schemes, and he bequeaths to his successor this gigantic undertaking. Until the fifth year of his reign Charles I. appears to have taken no decided action towards freeing these submerged lands from the waters which de- solated them ; but on the 6th January, 1629 a Session of Sewers was held at Huntingdon, which, in its wisdom decreed tliat a rate of 6s. per acre should be laid on all these " marsh, fenny, waste, and surrounded grounds," in order to their draining. But notwithstanding all this show of business, nothing was done. The tax was not collected, and the works were not proceeded with. In the month of September of the following year another Session of Sewers was held at Lynn, when some- thing more definite and hopeful was accomplished. There were nearly fifty Commissioners present, and they entered into a contract with Sir Cornelius Vermuyden, a Dutch engineer of great skill and experience, to drain the Great Level, offering to give him as his recompense for the works undertaken 95,000 acres of the surrounded lands. I would here observe the word surrounded, so frequently used in these old documents, means %ivix^\Y flooded or inundated. Once more the prize so nearly gained tantalizingly eludes the grasp. Prejudice, deep- rooted and omnipotent, impels these Fen men to a course of deter- mined hostility, and they resolutely refused to ratify the con- tract sanctioned by tlie Commissioners, not from any intelligent conviction of tlie insufiiciency or unsuitableness o? the scheme itself, but simply and solely because Vermuyden was an alien born. Having done this, and upset the contract, they then turn round and do a very wise thing. They become " humble suitors" to Francis, then Earl of Bedford, an owner of some 20,000 acres in the Level, and solicit him to undertake the work. This request is supported by the Commissioners, and the Earl assents. On the 13th of January, 1630, another Session of Sewers was held at Lynn, when the contract, com- monly known as the " Lynn Law," was made. In this law the Earl engages to commence the work forthwith, " and to finish it, so as to make the grounds fit for meadow, arable or pasture, within the compass of six years from the 1st of Oc- tober following." He is to receive 95,000 acres of the drained land, these whole 95,000 acres to be liable to the first finish- ing of the work, and 40,000 acres, part of the same, for its subsequent maintenance. Provision was also made that when 30,000 acres should be finished, the Earl should have his pro- portion of it. The Earl enjoyed the confidence of the coun- try. His fortune was ample, and his character commanded universal esteem. The opposition which had so successfully THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 527 thwarted all previous efforts to draiu the Level was no loDger experienced. Unanimity prevails, and the whole country gathers around the Earl, and proffers its assistance. In the following year the Earl and thirteen other gentlemen of rank and wealth interested in the country, who had become as- sociates with him in the adventure, entered into an agreement among themselves, commonly known as the " Indenture of li Parts," whereby the undertaking was divided into twenty shares, and the adventurers were for each share to sustain proportional shares of the charges. On the 13th of March, 1637, the Earl and certain other persons were by letters patent incorporated. This charter of incorporation gave them cer- tain other powers, besides making them guardians of all the waters, rivers, and fens within the precincts of the Level, such as the building of churches and chapels and making churchyards, " in such fitting places of the said Fens as they shall judge meet, and to cause them to he consecrated by the bishop." This breath of royal favour inspired the Earl and his co-adventurers with spirit, and they vigorously pushed on the work ; and on the 12th of October, 1637, the whole Level was adjudged drained, and the 95,000 acres of land were set out for the Earl's recompense. This ray of kingly sunshine iinhappily was only the prelude to the approaching storm. The cloud was gathering thick and portentous, and was soon to burst on the noble band of adventurers. For on the l-lth of April, 1G38, at a Session of Sewers held at Huntingdon, the Earl of Bedford's undertaking was adjudged defective. The King, professing a great desire to make these 400,000 acres in the Great Level good winter as well as summer lands, which he considers the Earl has failed to do, consults Sir C. Vermuyden and others competent to advise him ; and at a Session of Sewers held at Huntingdon on the 18th of July causes himself to be declared the undertaker, the bargain being that he shall have not only the 95,000 acres which had been formerly set out for the Earl of Bedford, but also 57,000 acres from the country additional. But in consideration of the great expenses incurred by the Earl and his participants in their efforts to perform the undertaking, he was to receive 40,000 out of the 95,000 acres. Charles, like his royal predecessor, when proclaimed undertaker, projects grand works, and.pic- tures to himself great and speedy results. One of his pet schemes was to build an eminent town in the midst of the level at the village of Mauea, which was to enjoy the euphonious name of Charlemout, he had himself drawn the designs, and intended making a navigable stream from this chosen spot to the Ouse. But, like James too, just as his plans were ripening, and he was preparing to take prompt and active measures to accomplish his purposes, his attention is diverted from the Fens to other more important and disastrous scenes, which finally result in the loss of his crown and of his head. National disquietude was inimical to Fen interests, and the works which the Earl of Bedford and his associates had at such immense cost constructed were allowed to go to decay, and the drains were rapidly growing up. Francis, Earl of Bedford, the old, and Charles I., the new undertaker, were both dead. William, sou to Francis, succeeded to his father's earldom, and, inheriting much of the spirit and enterprise of his father, applied with others of the adventurers in 1649, during the Commonwealth, to the Parliament sitting at West- minster. Parliament listened to their application, carefully examined all former proceedings, declared the decisions of the Huntingdon meeting null and void, and entrusted the works to the new Earl on the general plan of the " Lynn Law." This Act of 1649 was called the " Pretended Act," it not hav- ing been re-enacted on the restoration of Charles II. The new undertakers began in real earnest, and made good speed. The old works were repaired, and new ones constructed, and on the 25th of March, 1653, the Level, by a decree of Sewers made at Ely, was adjudged to be fully drained, and the Earl and his co-adventurers had the 95,000 acres of land awarded to them. The Great Level henceforward took the name of the " Bedford Level." In 1663, in the 15th of Charles IL, a Bill was brought into Parliament, to make the adventurers a corporation, and during that session became law. This Act made the adventurers a corporation in perpetuity. The manner of their continuance is prescribed ; their powers are declared ; the whole 95.000 acres, their recompense for the work of draining, are made subject to taxes to be annually laid and raised for the support and maintenance of the works of the Level ; the public meetings of the Corporation are fixed ; and the business of those meetiugs directed. From that time to within the last few years an Earl or Duke of Bedford has been the Governor of the Corporation. But on the occasion of tlie North Level, in which the Duke's property is situated, being legally separated from the Coqioration, he withdrew, and was succeeded by the Earl of Ilardwicke, the present Governor. From what has been already stated, it will be seen that the work of reclaiming this vast area of inundated land was no easy task ; but one fraught with immense and ever- recurring difficulties, and required men of strong nerve and intrepid courage to undertake it. And it affords an apt illus- tration of the fact that subjects rather than sovereigns can most safely be entrusted with the prosecution of great national enterprises. The name of llussell is one ever to be honoured in the Fen country. To that family every fen-man is largely indebted. I cannot resist the conviction that the draining of the Bedford Level is the real starting-point, and that all sub- sequent and more perfect works of drainage owe their existence to the successful issue of that great adventure. The two maps I have introduced are copies from Dugdale, and show the state of the Level before and after its drainage by the adven- turers. In the one, as you will see, the villages stand on high ground above the flood level, and are mostly surrounded with water, and constitute the Isles around Ely, from which circum- stance that division of the county of Cambridge, called the Isle of Ely, very probably took its name. On these high grounds (and to this day the distinctive names of kiff/i and fen lands are retained) the sparse resident population doubtless produced corn and meat sufficient for their requirements, whilst on the flooded lands they had an inexhaustible supply of fish and wildfowl. And it seems fair to suppose they realized no small measure of enjoyment, dividing their time between work and sport, and making both contribute to their family necessities. On the other map you have a view of the Level after it was adjudged fully drained, with the works of Sir C. Vermuyden, which show the design of his scheme, and to which I must briefly call your attention. Sir Cornelius Vermuyden, although rejected by the country, as already stated, in consequence of being " an alien born," was employed by the adventurers, and the drainage of the Level was carried out according to his plans, and under his direction. He divided the Level into three parts. The first from Welland Eiver to Morton's Leam, the second from Morton's Learn to Bedford River, and the third from Bedford River southwards. The first, containing about 40,000 acres, was called the North Level ; the second, containing about 140,000 acres, was called the Middle Level ; and the third, containing about 120,000 acres, was called the South Level. The leading features of his scheme were to convey the upland waters through the Level, by means of straightened and embanked rivers, to sea, and to prevent the tide entering and overflowing either of the levels. He effected these objects by turning the course of the Nene along Morton's Leam, between the North and the Middle Level, and the Ouse from Earith by a new cut called the " 100 feet" or New Bedford River, on the confines of the South Level, and so obtaining direct outfalls to sea at Wisbech and Lynn, which tended greatly to improve those outfaUs. An- other feature in his scheme was to cut large new straight drains within each level, to convey the downfall to the rivers. Each level was defended by high barrier banks, and between the North and Middle Levels, and also between the Middle and South Levels, within these high strong banks, are washes, which, when the floods from the upland districts are greater than the rivers can carry away to sea, receive these surplus waters, proper provisions being made for their reception and evacuation. The second map shows this very clearly, and gives at once a distinct idea of the plan ; and in comparing these straight embanked rivers, keeping out the upland waters from the Fens altogether, with those old natural streams which, crooked and devious, went winding through the whole Level, the waters overflowing them without let or hindrance, one sees at once the wisdom of this part of Vermuy den's scheme. For it must be remembered that the waters, whose passage to sea he thus provides for, are not the waters falling in the immediate neighbourhood, but what flow down the Ouse and the Nene from Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hunting- donshire, and Northamptonshire — the water-shed of whole counties. The two great defects in Vermuyden's scheme were (1st) his omission to provide for the improvement of the natural outfalls to sea at Lynn and Wisbech. He satisfied y2S THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. liimself with getting the water out of the Feus into the drains aad rivers runiiiug tlirough the Level ; but gave no attention to their discharge therefrom ; wliereas his first great business sliould liave been to have secured for these drains and rivers the best outfall possible to sea, for, without that, all internal works, however good, must sooner or later fail. His second error consisted iu not making the new drains and cuts of suffi- cient depth. He either did not understand or did not pro- perly consider the nature of the soil he had to excavate. This soil was a deep moor-bed, which had been growing and ac- cumulating for centuries, probably for ages, and for these drains to be permanently efficient, it required that this bed should be cut quite through to the natural soil on which it rested ; but this he failed to do, and the consequence was the peat bottoms of these drains, covered with fen water, began, imperceptibly it might be, but surely, to rise upwards towards the surface of the water, seriously impairing their utility as drainage channels. And whilst this process was going ou in the drainage channels, a process of a directly opposite charac- ter was going on in the drained lands around. Whilst the one was rising, the other was subsiding. These errors were sources of great trouble and loss to the adventurers. The completion of the adventurers' works and their effects upon the drainage of the Level led, after a while, to the considera- tion of still further works. Leading drains or rivers had been provided to convey the waters into the larger streams, and thence to sea ; but as the drained land subsided, the question very naturally arose how the waters could be got from the fen drains into the adventurers' drains. When they ceased to flow naturally or by their own gravitation, it became necessary to provide some lifting power. The consequence was the division of the Level into districts, not on any uniform plan ; but as certain owners in any locality deemed it expedient to improve the drainage of a certain specified area, they applied to Parliament for the necessary powers, which very commonly included embanking as well as draining, as both were essential. The first of these district Acts was obtained " for the better draining and pre.servation of Haddenham Level," which is within the South Level. This Act was passed in 1726, and was followed by a number of similar Acts. These districts were provided with drains, which all converged to certain points, and these mills, driven by wind-power, were erected for lifting, by means of scoop wlieels, the waters from these drains into the adventurers' drains, to be conveyed by ihem to sea. Both the adventurers' and the free lands (as they were designated) were taxed to carry out and continue these opera- tions. These wind engines during the present century have very generally given pbce to steam. A few remain as the relics of a former dispensation. Unfortunately, when the floods came, it so frequently happened that the wind refused to blow, and until Eolus could be aroused, these fen lands, instead of their embanked rivers, became reservoirs for the waters, and these floodings oftimes resulted in heavy pecuniary losses. Steam-power, exchanging a certainty for an uncer- tainty, has contributed very largely to the improved drainage, and consequently to the increased fertility and value of fen lands. The advent of steam was the occasion of poetic in- spiration. Hence a poor man writes as a motto for a steam- drainage engine : " These Fens oftimes have been by water drown'd— Science a remedy in vrater found ; ' The power of steam," she said, • shall be employed, And the Destroyer by himself destroyed.' " Vermuyden's omission to provide adequately for the improve- ment of the natural outfalls, as already referred to, became towards the end of the last century a subject of vast and serious moment. To deepen and improve the internal drains, and heighten the banks in the Middle and South Levels, as proposed, could be of little avail, so long as the outfall re- mained unaltered. Indeed, so bad had things become, that the Corporation were induced to consult Mr. John Golborne, an eniinent engineer, who reported upon the state of the Level, and discouraged the execution of any other works until the outfall from St. Germains to Lynn was improved. His report is melancholy and sad. He says, " Look which way you will, you see nothing but misery and desolation. Go but half-a- mile from Ely, and you come to a track of 16,000 acres given up and abandoned. There you see the ruins of windmills, the last efforts of an industrious people." This is in the South Level, and the Middle Level is no better. If you go to Ramsey," he says, "you find more than 10,000 acres occupied by the waters, and see houses without inhabitants, and lands in- capable of either pasturage or tillage. We passed two farm- houses, now deserted, where one of the occupiers got but two crops in nine years, and there were thousands of acres in other parts covered with fine crops of wheat, barley, and oats, that would be lost if there happened to fall twenty-four hours of heavy rain ; wretched people whose all depends on the cle- mency of the season." Once more referring to the South Level, he says : " We saw the whole Level surcharged with water." And to the Middle Level, " Look which way you will along the Level and it is brim full." Golborne's Fen picture is not a very cheering one, but amid all the dark pencillings there is one little shading of light, one little sun- beam tinged with brightness stealing from behind the cloud, for he says " the root of the evil lay in the outfall," and that if " a new channel is made for the Ouse from Eau Brink, and through the marshes to Lynn," cutting off a long circuitous bend, which so calamitously impeded the free flow of the waters from the discharge sluices of the two levels in their passage to sea, " the Level would again flourish and become fruitful land at a moderate expense." This Eau Brink Cut, so wisely recommended by Golborne, was made, but between twenty and thirty years elapsed between the passing of the first Eau Brink Act and the opening of the cut. But when it was opened in 1821 all the beneficial effects predicted by Golborne, Rennie,and other engineers, were fully realised. The low-water level of the Ouse, especially at its seaward end, was considerably lowered, and hence the discharge from the Fens was in like mannner facilitated. A few feet additional fall to such low lying lands is of the utmost value. Between the passing of the first Eau Brink Act and the opening of the Eau Brink Cut, the Middle Level, anxious to improve its own internal works, obtained in 1810 an Act for that purpose, under which they expended some £80,000. But these improvements, added to the benefits resulting from the opening of the Eau Brink Cut, did not afford the country an efficient drainage. And I am not sur- prised at it ; for when I stood the other day and looked at the two little openings from Well Creek into the Tongs' Drain, through which nearly the whole of the Middle Level waters had to pass, I felt amazed that the owners of Middle Level land could, even for a short time, have rested contented with such a miserable apology for drainage. In 1841 general discontent began to prevail, and schemes for improved drainage were projected, which resulted in the adoption of a plan sub- mitted by Mr. Walker, which in IS-il! received the sanction of Parliament. Mr. Walker avoided the error of Vermuyden, and gave his first consideration to the outfaU. Previously to this time the waters, as just intimated, had been discharged by the Tongs' Drain into the Ouse. Mr. Walker decided to cut a new drain to a point nine miles nearer Lynn, just at the top of the Eau Brink Cut, thereby giving a greatly improved fall for the waters. Probably in times of pressure the difference would be as much as ten feet, or even more. Having secured this immensely improved outfall, Mr. Walker then sought to adapt the internal works to it, increasing the dimensions and depths of the drains accordingly, and where practicable giving a natural drainage, and where otherwise reducing the require- ments for mill power to a minimum. The advantages resulting from Mr. Walker's scheme cannot well be over estimated. Formerly the waters were held up in shallow streams, between two high banks, which banks, in early Fen history, were sources of perpetual disquietude to Fenmen, as during every flood there were apprehensions of a breach, and these breaches were not unfrequent. Since the Eau Brink Cut was opened these breaches have been less frequent, but where water is carried between banks several feet above the level of the surrounding lands there is always danger; besides danger there is leakage, and unless the banks have good puddle walls of clay in them, this is ofttimes a source of considerable difficulty and expense, and in addition to these evils there is the increased pumping power required. It is a self-evident fact that the higher the head of water against which you have to lift, the greater will be the lifting power required, and the less will be the discharge. Since Mr. Walker's plans were carried out these things have ceased to exist in the Middle Level ; but half a million of money was expended in securing the advantages it enjoys. Since these works were erected the Two Miles Estuary Cut below Lynn has contributed to improve the outfall, by increasing 4 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 529 the depression at low water-mark in tlie Ousc at Lynu three to four feet, and at St. German's, where the Middle Level waters are discharged, two to three feet. But the increased scour of the Ouse is a source of danger as well as of drainage henefit. Already two sluices have succumbed, and twice lias the country been excited and alarmed by reported failures of the Ouse banks ; and did I possess the spirit of prophecy which some people seem to enjoy I should venture to predict that we have as yet not heard the last of these reports, but that sooner or later those banks will be occasions of disaster to the country. Since the failure of the Middle Level Outfall sluice in 18()2 the country has been drained by syphons; this plan was suggested by Mr. Hawkshaw, and has thus far been successful. There are sixteen of these syphons, each 3^ feet in diameter, and about 150 feet in length, placed over the bank which was put across the main drain to stop the inflow of the tide after the sluice failed. There is every appliance which science can devise for keeping them in etlicient working order. Probably in any new drainage schemes a sluice would be preferred to syphons, but the Middle Level has occasion to speak well of the syphons, and although their present unmber may possess less discharging power than their old sluice, and there may be some slight loss of fall, yet upon the whole they have worked satisfactorily, and have kept the Level well drained. The large sum of money expended by the Middle Level under its Act of IS-it on works properly belonging to the Bedford Level Corporation, and which it had failed to adapt to the requirements of the Level, occasioned dissatisfac- tion amongst the proprietors of the Middle Level lands, and led them to seek a scparatiou from it, having their own works and share of funds placed exclusively under their own manage- ment. Parliament sanctioned this separation in 1863. The North Level as far back as 1753 had been practically and virtually separated from the Corporation, its share of tiie Corporation funds being secured to its own uses, but it was not legally and technically separated from it uutil 1858. The North Level took the lead in securing a good and efficient drainage. By making a new river eight or nine miles in length, and by cutting off a long bend by another straight cut of about the same length, they gained an additional outfall of some ten feet, which enabled them to do away with all pumping power, and for forty years they have now enjoyed a good natural drainage, their waters falling by their own gravitation to the sea. The South Level, having lost both the North and the Middle Levels, now enjoys the honour of being itself the Bedford Level Corporation. By an Act passed in 1837 some part of this level was benefited, but no great and compre- hensive scheme for giving tjie whole Level a more perfect and efficient drainage has yet been submitted to Parliament. Con- siderable benefit has been necessarily derived from the Eau Brink and Estuary Cuts, but to reap the full advantage of these a new outfall much nearer to Lynn is required. The old outfall at Denver Sluice is .still retained. This being some ten miles higher up the Ouse than the Middle Level point of discharge there is a consequent loss of fall of several feet ; and this necessitates the keeping of the waters piled up in the rivers between high banks, the level of the water being some few feet above the level of the land, whereby they are exposed to all the evils incident to this primitive, but imperfect system of drainage, and to which I have already adverted. Last Whitsuntide the Bedford Level Corporation received a me- morial from the Commissioners of the Haddenham Level Drainage, which stated that at their last half-yearly meeting " it was unanimously agreed to incur great and necessary ex- pense in puddling the north bank of the old west river, as there are reasons to apprehend that in the event of a flush of water in the river the leakage through the banks would be greater than the memorialists engine could keep down. The memorialists are of opinion that the work is absolutely neces- sary for the preservation of their Level, though the bank is not within the limits of their jurisdiction." From what I have already stated respecting the draining of this " great Level " (and I have confined my observations mainly to this, and it sufficiently iUustrates the drainage of all fen lands) the inference is easily deducible, that if fen lands are to be per- fectly and successfully drained the true principle is first of all to secure the best possible outfall for the discharge of the waters, and then to construct the internal works of corre- sponding dimensions and depths, giving where practicable a natural drainage, and where not, reducing the pumping power to ^ minimum ; and sooner or later I conceive this will be the principle adopted by all the drainage levels in the kingdom. One important and somewhat startling fact in connection with the review of the drainage liistory of the great level during the last two or three centuries strikes one, and that is, that all the great works which have contributed to drain the land cfTcctualiy, rescuing it from all risk of winter fioods, and making it really valuable, have been made duriug the present century. At the beginning of the century the lauds were little more than summer lands, and men were considered de- mented who ventured to sow a whole field with wheat. But now the Eens are the great corn-producing lands of the king- dom, and have been not inaptly termed " the granary of England." In 177'i the Fen Country had excited so much interest that Lord Orford and a party of friends resolved to take a cruise " in the narrow seas " in the Great Level, and accordingly had a fleet fitted out at Deptford and Ely, and in July commenced their twenty-one days' cruise. They passed through Denver Sluice into the Ouse, and thence through Sailers' Lode Sluice to Well Creek, and so through the Level. At Whittlesea Mere the great reservoir for fen waters, they amused themselves with fishing, and got up a regatta ; they also received a visit while there from Lord Sandwich, the first Lord of the Admiralty, and some of his naval friends. In cruising down the rivers they took some very lordly liberties, which I fancy would be speedily avenged in these days. Where bridges were found to obstruct the passage of their ships they simply knocked them down, and passed on. They were not very complimentary to our Een mothers ; they say " many very old women in Upwell, Outwell, and March ; the sex in general extremely ugly ; the towns, population, crops of all kinds, plentiful." At Ramsey his Lordship says they found " the sex much handsomer . . . The girls had many of them guido faces, with fair hair, good shapes, with expression and life in their countenances." I don't learn tiiat amongst those inhabitants whom they describe as having " disagreeable sallow complexions, broad fiat noses, and wide mouths," were any "yellow-bellied" or " web-footed." Perhaps this reputed race had become extinct. Lord Orford's race-course and fishing- ground is now the home of flocks and herds, and teems with rich abundance. The eel, the perch, and the pike, have yielded to the bullock, the sheep, and the horse, and tlie lake-billow, which when tempest-tossed brought sickness to the cruisers, has given place to the golden wave of plenty. The Mere was drained under the Middle Level Act of ISi-i, and for all de- tails and particulars relative to its subsequent cultivation I refer you to a very excellent paper on the subject, written by one of its chief proprietors, Mr. Wells, M.P. for Peterborough, and which appeared in a late number of the Royal Agricul- tural Societys' Journal. The subsidence of Fen lands after they become drained is a subject deserving attention. The more we drain the lower our lands become, and we are begin- ning to inquire what is to be the end of all this. I am in- formed by Mr. Laurance, the agent to Mr. Wells, that when Whittlesea Mere was drained, to ascertain accurately what the subsidence was, a Doric column was placed in the ground, on which feet and inches were marked downward from the eapitol, which was the original surface of the land. That surface is now seven feet below what it was when they began to drain the Mere eighteen years ago ; and in the Middle Level on all our old drained lands we find the subsidence is still going on at the rate of an inch per year. We learn this from our drainage engines, which are continually requiring the centres of their water-wheels to be lowered, or the ladles to be lengthened, or they would soon lose their dip altogether. The increased facilities of discharge through the improved outfalls must continue to be felt until the peaty subsoil shall well nigh disappear. One of Lord Orford's companions on referring to their passage through Salter's Lode Sluice, tells us that the tide at that place rises five or six feet. On the 21st of Feb- ruary of the present year it rose to twenty-two feet three inches at 11.15 P.M. The effect upon drainage of this altered state of things, and consequently upon subsidence, must be obvious to every one. The Fen rivers and drains so useful and essential for the discharge of the flood waters of winter are scarcely less valuable for the supply of fresh water in the summer. It is not easy to overestimate the immense value of a good and liberal supply of fresh water for the whole Fen country during the dry summer months, and I need hardly say every effort is made to obtain this, Tlie practice of irrigation S30 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. has not found miicli favour iu the Fens, and it is questionable whether it would be of any great good where the waters pos- sess so few fertilising elements. Irrigation appears to depend for its success very much upon the chemical properties con- tained in the waters. An analysis of the water will pretty correctly indicate what will be the effects of its overflow. Cultivation and drainage have gone on hand in hand, each successive improvement in the one leading to a corresponding improvement in the other. During the early drainage history most of the low-lying Feu lands were kept in grass, as they could not be profitably brought under cultivation in consequence of their liabQity to inundations during every recurring flood. Some farmers ventured to sow a few oats on the higher lands, but it was not until May was well in and the winter rainfalls had passed away to sea. By and by oats were grown more largely, and wheat was cul- tivated to some extent. Then came the system which pre- vailed very generally in the Fens for a good number of years, and which was to let the land keep in grass for two or three years, then pare and burn, and sow with coleseed to feed with sheep during the winter months, to be followed by oats, and then wheat ; and again sown down with seeds, to remain two or three years — often three. This virgin soil, under such management, produced cole-seed of most extraordinary fatten- ing qualities, and perhaps there has never been any natural food that would compare with it, or that would in so short a time produce so much weight of mutton. It was otherwise with the seeds, for after the first year they contained comparatively little nutritive properties, and their long continuance on the land made a fiiie refuge and breeding-ground for the fvire- worras, to which the succeeding crops ofttimes bore indubi- table testimony ; and to this day they remain the greatest foe to successful cultivation the Fen-farmer has, and it is a very occasional year when his oat crop is not more or less ravaged by them. Probably the greatest improvement next to drain- age, and consequent upon it, is the practice of claying fen lands. The value of clay, I believe, was first accidentally dis- covered by some of it which had been thrown from the ditches having been spread round the outsides of the field, and which produced most marvellous effects upon the growing corn crops. Our fathers were not slow to learn, and were very soon led to adopt a system of claying which stUl continues, some lands having been gone over three or four times. The plan is this : pits or trenches are made down the field, from 2^ to 3 feet wide, and from 12 to 16 yards apart ; two spits of clay are taken there- from, and spread upon the intervening land, the peat or clunch subsoil being thrown to the bottom of the trench, and when all is finished, the pits are ploughed in, and the land being loose, and easily moved, is soon levelled again. The cost of claying is governed by the depth at which the clay is found from the surface of the land ; but improved drainage occasion- ing a continual subsidence, as I have already observed, is bringing it within easy reach, and thousands of acres can now be done at a cost of 30s. per acre, and under ; and no money expended upon a Feu farm yields so quick and so bountiful a return. The application of clay to these light soils not only gives solidity, but being possessed of considerable fertilising properties, greatly enriches them. Happily, the Fen lands very largely rest upon a clay bed ; but the clay is not of a uniform quality. That which is blue, and of a soft buttery nature, contains the most lime, and is the best fertiliser. Some is silty, and some stony and hard, and these do little more than solidify. Perhaps the next great improvement consequent upon the drainage of Fen lands is their deep cultivation, to which reference has already been made. To talk of turning over a furrow sUce 30 inches in thickness must sound to a clay- land farmer something like a piece of exaggerated nonsense; and may put his credulity to the test as surely as some of the won- derful statements he occasionally meets with now-a-days in agricultural newspapers ; but you, sir, know it is no exaggera- tion. Deep cultivation on Fen land is generally accomplished by horse-power, as the great underground forest offers con- siderable obstacles to the application of steam. A pair of horses in a common plough go first, and take a furrow 4 or 5 inches thick, and are followed by a huge implement made ex- pressly for the purpose, and which is pulled by six, eight, or ten horses, as the case and required depth may be. This plough buries the furrow turned over by the small plough, and brings the subsoil well on to the top, that its vegetable pro- perties, by exposure to the atmosphere, may become speedily decomposed, and made available as food for plants. One ot)- ject in putting the top farrow down is to get it as far as possi- ble beyond the reach of atmospheric influences, with the idea that under these circumstances the twitch or couch and weed roots wUl die and decay. It certainly is a very clever and in- genious way of cleaning land, if it can only be done ; but my experience and observation lead me to the conclusion that it far oftener fails than succeeds. I think land should be quite clean ere it is deep ploughed. There can be no doubt but deep cultivation tends to preserve moisture in the soil in dry seasons, and to facihtate drainage in wet ones. It also un- locks those hidden treasures in wliich are so many elements of fertility, and consequently increases the producing-power of the land. Drainage, clay, and deep tillage, to which should be added superphosphate of lime and the water-drill, have completely metamorphosed the country, and altogether changed its modes of husbandry ; and perhaps at the present day there is no country which is so utterly defiant of system. Every one sows what he thinks he will, and by proportionately liberal management labours under no apprehension that his soil wLLl become exhausted ; nor wiU it, if he treats it gene- rously, and cultivates it wisely. Although there is no uni- formity of system in the cultivation of fen lands, there is, however, a five-course shift which has found favour, and which prevails more largely than any other, and to which several farmers pretty strictly adhere. This is the order of it : Man- golds, kohl rabi, coleseed, or cabbages, which are gradually growing into favour ; oats, wheat, seeds, wheat. The green crops and the oats are sown with artificial manure, the farm- yard manure being reserved for the wheat crops. This rota- tion appears well suited to the Fens, and has been pursued with considerable success ; but, as I have intimated. Fen far- mers are impatient of the restraints of system, and break away from them to follow their o«vn inclinations. A ride through the Fen country at the proper season will afford ample evi- dence of the truthfulness of this. In addition to the crops ordinarily found on a farm will be seen coleseed, turnip seed, linseed, mustard and cress growing as seed crops, and potatoes and carrots extensively cultivated for the Loudon and other large markets. Turnips are not at aU suited to fen soils. They grow of a woody fibrous quality, coarse, and long in the neck, and possessing scarcely any nutriment ; they are, indeed, almost valueless as food for stock, and are consequently not cultivated. Kohl rabi and mangolds are much better ; but these, like the hay, straw, and other products of Fen lands (coleseed excepted) are very deficient in fattening properties. I have already referred to the water-drill and superphosphate of lime, and their value in the successful cultivation of Fen lands. Our Fen soils appear to yield much larger supplies of ammonia than of phosphates, hence the free application of phosphatic manures is accompanied by much greater and more palpable results than is the case where ammoniacal manures are used. Probably there is no part of the kingdom where the application of phosphates to the soil has produced such start- ling results, and especially where they have been applied with the water-drill. The Fens have not been specially famed for the breeding of either cattle or sheep, but from very early times they have been noted for their good breed of cart-horses. The decreased acreage of grass seeds, consequent upon the in- creased acreage of corn and other crops, has largely tended to diminish the number of animals bred ; but the shovv of cart colts, both as regards number and quality, on the 1st of July of every year at Thorney, is pretty good evidence that Fen farmers have not altogether lost their long-enjoyed and well- merited reputation. The Great Level generally, even now, under its more perfect drainage and improved cultivation, offers very few tempting residential inducements, and formerly, under other and more unfavourable circumstances, it repelled rather than invited residence. Hence it is no uncommon oc- currence in many parts of the Fens to find both farmer and labourer residing in the town or village, rather than upon the farm. Another cause has largely contributed to this. Throughout the Fens there are a comparatively large number of smaU freeholders, and where these are found the farms generally are small, and a person's occupation is not uncom- monly made up of three or four or more of these small hold- ings, which he finds can be more satisfactorily managed by re- siding in the town away from all, than by living upon any one of them. To an assembly of practical agriculturists I need scarcely say that these occupations are altogether bad ; they I TfiE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. ^3i fearfullymiiltiply the difficulties of managemeut, and tend to iu- erease the cost and diminish the profits of cultivutiou. Tiiese small ownerships, too, operate prejudicially to the labourer. Were the lauds, as in some other districts of the country we find them, ciiielly in the hands of a few large proprietors, these might then be lield responsible for the provision of proper and adequate cottage accommodation for tiie labourer ; but as it is, such responsibility appears to rest on no one, and the poor man is driven to seek such a home as the village can offer, and instead of being on the farm ready for his work, has, morning and evening, to walk to and fro, thereby increasing his own toil, and with no corresponding gain, but an actual loss to his employer. This is an unmitigated evil ; but where to find and how to apply tlie remedy is a problem difficult of solution ; but time may eventually solve it, and it is earnestly to be hoped it will, for tlie cottage accommodation which these villages afford is painfully insufficient. Families are oft- times crowded into miserable wretched hovels, totally unfit for human habitations, wliere, huddled together, regardless of age or sex, they grow up insensible to those moral instincts and refined susceptibilities to which modesty and virtue give birth, and lamentably exhibit that boldness and unblushing effron- tery which are the natural outgrowths of sensuality and lust ; and so long as their homes, if homes they can be called, re- main unimproved, they must tend to foster every social evil, and continue hot-beds of immorality, bringing forth abundant fruit in the future, as they have done in the past, and to a great extent neutralising the efforts which religion and educa- tion so zealously put forth, and whicli are designed and cal- culated to improve the condition of the labouring-classes. Some fearful facts confirming the correctness of these state- ments might be adduced, but I forbear. Another feature peculiar to the cultivation of Fen lands is the large employ- ment of children. Perhaps nowhere else do weeds grow so thickly and luxuriantly as in the Fens, and it is a constant labour to eradicate them ; and to accomplish this, resort has been had to what are popularly known as agricultural gangs. Already the gang system has been reported upon by Govern- ment commissions, and has formed the subject of legislative enactment. Much that has been said has been more caricature than the representation of facts. The very worst cases have been hunted out, and when well-dressed and garnished, have been presented as truthful pictures of the whole, and have elicited an amount of sympathy which might well have been reserved for more needy objects. That evils did exist, and re- quired to be remedied, I readily admit. The licensing of gang- masters and the separation of the sexes are steps in the right direction ; but I cannot resist the conviction that much of the immorality ascribed to the gang system, might, with far greater truthfulness, be attributed to the home influences I have just attempted to descriije. Here lies the root of the evil, and here philanthropy and legislation should seek to apply the remedy. The sensational pictures of cruelty and slave-driving, and the like, might, with equal propriety, be presented as representations of the schoolmaster as of the gang-master. Whether childreu are receiving school or technical education, they alike require to be under control and management ; and it would be as unwise to send them into the fields to labour, as it would be to send them to school to study, without the superintendence and direction of a master. The duty of the gang-master is simply to teach them how to do their work, and to see that they do it ; and I presume the duty of the schoolmaster is very similar. This does not neces- sarily imply cruelty or immorality. Under right and judicious management, 1 conceive it is to the advantage of the children that they should be employed in suitable field-labour during the summer months. They are there learning that which will be a practical benefit to them in subsequent years ; and the labour, whatever may be said to the contrary, is not excessive, and tends to promote, and not to impair, health and vigour of body ; and the earnings of these young people form a most im- portant item in the family income, and can ill be spared. After a good deal of reflection, I have arrived at the conclusion that children of a suitable age should be permitted to engage iu field work, which is always plentiful during the summer months ; and should be kept at school during the winter months, when their services are not required on the farm. Where farms are suflicientlj large, I prefer a private gang. I have not employed the public gangs ; but my plan has been to take my own labourers' cliildren, with a few others occa- sionally, and to place them under the supervision of the best man for the purpose I have in my employ, and I have reason to be well satisfied with this arrangement. One essential to suc- cessful farming is a good road. Hitherto the subject of good roads has received comparatively little attention in the Fens ; Fen farmers are now awaking to their importance. In a re- cent Act of Parliament some powers were given and some pro- visions made for the gravelling and improving roads within the confines of the Middle Level, from which considerable good has resulted ; and a more wide and comprehensive scheme has been projected and advocated by Mr. Wm. Marshall, of Ely, to whom be all praise for his able and un- tiring efforts. His scheme formed the subject of discussion some few months ago at the Cambridge Chamber of Agricul- ture, and will, I trust, ere long receive the practical attention of the Legislature. Bad roads add greatly to the cost of cul- tivation, and are a constant nuisance to all who have to use them. Tiie value of Fen lands has increased or decreased, just as the drainage has been efficient or otherwise. In 1651 Lord Arundel, one of the Earl of Bedford's associates, in draining the Great Level, became so discouraged by the reverses and losses sustained by the adventurers that he sold his 5,900 acres for 3s. 9d. per acre, the same land now being worth probably from £30 to £50 per acre. Many farms in later times have been sold at very little over their present annual rentals, and some at even less. Through the kindness of Mr. Richards, of Wimblingtou, I am able to present the assessments to the poor rates of certain lands in the parish of Doddington, made at different periods, showing the influence which improved drainage has had upon the value of Fen lands : 1736 Acres. 200 Rateable Value £40 0 0 1784 200 60 0 0 1823 200 100 0 0 1869 200 238 0 3 1784 60 15 0 0 1833 60 21 0 0 1869 60 68 1 4 1757 20 2 0 0 1784 20 5 0 0 1869 20 26 0 0 Mr. Richards has also placed another document in my hands, bearing date the 14th of May, 1626, and which refers to the payment of tithes by the inliabitants of March to the Rector of Doddington, and which I give in exteiiso : March, part or the Parrishe of Doddington, May 14, 1626. A TREWE RECORD for the Payments of aU Tythe by the Inhabitants of March to the Parson of Doddington, the Time when they are to be paid, and the custom how they are and have been paid of Ancient Time, and now agreed upon to be recorded by Samuel Wright, Doctor of Divinity and Parson of Doddington, and the Inhabitants of March part of the Parishioners of Doddington, as foUoweth : Offeriwjs with Garden Peiiy and Hearth Pent/ to lie paid at Easter. — Imprimis : Every Householder is to pay to the Parson of Doddington at Easter for his offerings Twopence, for his Wife Twopence, for every Child that he hath that doth take the Communion One Petty, for every servant Twopence, for his Garden in lewe of Hearbs One Peny, and for his Hearth in lewe of Firewood and Fireinge One Peny. Tythe Eyys. — Item : Every one that keepeth Hens or Ducks is to paye uppon Good Friday for every Henne or Ducke that then they have Two Bgys, and for every Cocke and Drake Three Eyys. Tythe for Foals. — Item : Every man is to paye at Easter for every Foale he hath had foaled alive the year before One Peny. Tythe for Cows and Calves payable at Easter. — Item: Every Parishioner not having a Tythe Calf then fallen, nor likely to have betwixt Easter and St. Mark's following, is to pay at Easter for the milk of every cowe that he hath milked the year past, and then is Owner of. Three Halfpence ; and for every Calfe, not having a Tythe Calfe, that he hath had calved alive. One Half peny ; and for every Heiforth that doth or hath given milk. One Peny ; and every Heiforth's Calfa calved alive, One Halfpeny. 532 THE FAEMEK'S MAGAZINE. Ti/ihe MUke to le paid at Wh'dsoidUe. — Item : Every man is to paj'e more in lewe of his Tythe Milke, the nulke of all liis Cows that doth give milke upon Whitsunday Moruinge, the Parishioner causinge it to be milked, and brought to March Cliurch Porcli, where the Parson of Doddington or his as- signees is to receive it. Tythe Calves to he paid at Saint 3Iarl-e. — Item: Every Parishioner is to paye upon St. Marke's Daye, in lewe of his Tythe Calfe, if he have Tenne, Six Shillings Eightpence, if he have under Tenne to Seaven to pay a Tithe Calfe, for the which the Parson is to abate of Six Shillings Eightpence for every Cowe and Calfe wanting of Tenne, Twopence, and for all above a Tythe to paye for every Cowe Three Halfpence, and every Calfe a Ilalfpeny. Tythe Lambe to be paid at May-daye. — Item : Every Man having Tenne Lambs fallen at May-daye and then livinge, shall for every Tenne Lambs he hath, paye a Tythe Lambe upon May-daye, and what he hath more than a Tythe, for every Lambe one Halfpeny, and if he hath but Seaven, he is to paye a Tythe Lambe, and the Parson is to pay him for every Lambe wanting of Ten One Ilalfpeny. Tythe JFool and Tythe for Sheep bought or sold, to be paid at Shear-daye. — Item : Every Man keeping Sheepe is to paye for all such Sheepe as he sheareth at Shear-daye, and was Owner of, or in his Possession at Caudlemas before the full Tythe Wools in kinde, and for all such Sheepe that any Man doth buy after Candlemas, and soe to Shear-day, " for every Sheepe" One Halfpeny, and for every Sheepe by him sould, betwixt Candlemas and Shear-day, One Halfpeny, but for such Sheepe as shall be sould from Shear-day unto Candlemas no Tythe to be paid, because the Parson hath a full Tythe off all such Sheepe as any Man doth Buy before Candlemas and sheareth tliem. Tythe Hay. — ITEM : Every man is to paye the Tythe Haye in kinde, by the Cocke, every Tenth Cocke or Tenth part when it is Cocked, and no Herbidge to be paid for Hedgrouth of after-grass, because the Owner doth now and make the Par- son's Tithe as his own. Tythe Fodder. — Item : Every man is to paye his Tythe Fodder by the Tenth Sheafe, puckled and shocked as his own, if a man puckle and shocke his own. Tythe Hemp. — Item : Every Man is to paye Tythe Hemps in kinde, bound up in Sheafe as his own is bound, and not in Boults, and no Hempseed to be paid, because every Man is to pull and make up the Parson's Tythe as he does his owne. Tythe Corn. — Item : Every Man is to paye Tythe Corne shocked or bound up in Sheafe as he maketfi up his own. Tythe Freiiite and Roots. — Every Man is to paye Tythe Freiute and Roots when he plucketh and inneth them, in kind. Tythe Geese to he paid at Whitsontide. — Item : Every Man is to paye for every Tenne Younge Geese he hath at Whitson- tide, a Tithe Goose at Whitsontide, and for all odd Geese above Tenne, not having Seavene, One Halfpeny, and if he have Seavene, he is to paye a Tythe, and the Parson is to allow him for every Goose wanting of Tenne, One Halfpeny. Per me, SAMUELAM WRIGHT, Redorem ibidem. rARRISniONEES. William Thompson. Gabriel Hutchinson. Thomas Shepheard y^ His Marke. John Neale, Senr. Renold Walsham. John Connye. James Sheppeard, John Neale, Junr. William Walsham. Robert Cattell. Robert Conney. Thos. Walsham, Gent., ^ His Marke. Stephen Coward. John Shepheabd. Robert Amber. Nathaniel Brown. John Coward. Richard Armes, X His Marke. James Coward. John Coward, Senr. William Shepheard. William Conney. Robert Hardie. Thomas Shepheard. Ebward Cunney. The perusal of this curious and interesting document, associated with the recollection that, under the Commutation Act, the tithes of the Doddington Rectory were commuted at a very few pounds short of £10,000 per annum, furnishes still more conclusive evidence of the immensely altered value of Fen lands through drainage. These works of drainage have re- quired men of indomitable will, unflinching courage, resolute determination, and unremitting perseverance to bring them to such a successful issue as we now find them. Kingsley, after a poetic and elaborate description of the Fens of other days, says, " Such was the Fen-land — hard, yet cheerful, rearing a race of hard and cheerful men ; showing their power in old times in valiant fighting, and for many a century since in that valiant industry which has drained and embanked the land of the Girvii, till it has become a very ' garden of the Lord.' And the Scotsman who may look from the promontory of Peterborough, the ' golden borough' of old time, or from tlie Tower of Crowland, while Hereward and Torfrida sleep in the ruined nave beneath ; or from the heights of that Isle of Ely, wliich was so long the ' Camp of Refuge' for English freedom — over the labyrinth of dykes and lodes, the squares of rich corn and verdure — will confess that the lowland as well as the highland can at times breed gallant men." Mr. J. Browne (Elham, Wisbeach) said there could be no doubt that drainage of the fens was a most interesting subject to Fen men, whatever might be the case as regarded the majority of those assembled, and the anticipation of the chairman as to the manner in vehich it would be treated by Mr. Ruston had been fully realized. Although the Fen dis- tricts might not usually be inviting in their aspect, yet there were periods of the year when no class of Eaghsh farmers could go though them without being tlioroughly convinced of the great importance of the Fen district to the productions for the English agricultural market (Hear, hear). In some por- tions of the Fens you might see the sheep distributed about pretty nearly almost as thickly as they could walk. In the grass land districts, where some of the better kinds of grass prevailed, they would carry from ten to fifteen half-bred sheep per acre ; while on passing from the grass land districts to the corn fields they would see almost every fourth piece of laud in corn. These great results had been brought about in the manner which Mr. Ruston had so well described. It had always been a very difficult matter to drain Fen land, and he was very much struck with an observation in Mr. Ruston's paper to the effect that the thing began with opposition. The opposition had continued up to the present day. There had not been the slightest improvement ventured upon or suggested which had not aroused opposition (Hear, hear). Any application which was made to Parlia- ment was sure to raise opposition, and the inter- ference of a host of lawyers on one side or another for a time almost neutralised any efforts at improvement. He had hoped that they would have some representatives of the South Fens present on that occasion, because in his opinion the South Level was a century behind either the North Level or the Middle Level (laughter). He did not know whether or not there was a South Level farmer present, but if there were he trusted that he would rise up and defend himself (renewed laughter). He knew that such a person might tell them that he could drain his land at a cheaper rate and with as good results as they of the Middle or the North Level ; but he fancied that a day would come when they would materially suffer for it ; and he drained and cultivated his land under a fear of inundation. They could not boast very much on that point, even in the Middle Level ; for although when that " heavy blow and great discourage- ment " came about eight years ago not a single acre of the Middle Level was inundated, they had to pay very dearly for what occurred. He thanked Mr. Ruston for his interesting paper, and he felt sure that many Fen men on reading it would be startled to fiud how much there was in the history of their district which they had known nothing about (Hear, hear). Mr. W. C. Little (Stag's Holt March) said he had expected to have a great treat in listening to Mr. Ruston's paper on the Fen country, and he had not been disappointed. It ap- peared to him that one subject which was mentioned was passed over rather lightly ; he alluded to the subject of fresh water. They in the Fens had been in the habit of treating water as if it were always an enemy, a thing to be got rid of at any price, instead of treating it as a friend or a servant. They had sent it out to sea as fast as they could, and the con- sequence was that in a dry season like the present one they had suffered immensely. He knew something of the Bedford Level, and there were hundreds of acres which in liis opinion would be much better employed as reservoirs for water than in growing corn. Another point which he should like to THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 533 notice was connected witli the subject of local taxation. la speaking of tlie immense improvement which had taken place in the value of land in the Fens, Mr. Rustou liad brought for- ward on instance of a farm formerly assessed to the poor-rate at £40, aud now assessed at £238, that is to say, it had turned itself over six times through the application of capital. It had often been said that the increase in the value of land was occasioned by the increased population and other similar causes ; but here at least was a case in which improvement was due mainly to the expenditure of capital, and that was an argu- ment which he hoped would not be lost sight of by their friends who were contending for tlie relief of the land from some of the burdens of local taxation. Another fact of some import- ance was the great amount of law expenses which attended these improvements. The Middle Level had already spent £590,000, and there was a debt of £500,000 resting upon 120,000 acres. It would be interesting to inrjuire how much of that sum had been absorbed in parliamentary expenses. But the Middle Level expenditure did not include the whole expenditure for drainage in the district which was so desig- nated ; there were thirty or forty districts lying inside of it, and which required separate Acts of Parliament, and immense sums had to be expended before executing any work. Probably a hundred Acts of Parliament had been required on the old Bedford Level. He did not grudge lawyers and others their fair fees, but he must say that the cost of Acts of Parliament had formed a serious obstruction to improvement. He was aware that general land-drainage Acts had been passed to secure objects of that kind ; but they were not based on sound principles, or they would be more generally adopted, and he knew one case in which serious difficulties had arisen from the defects of the general Act. Mr. G. Martin (Hubert's Bridge, Boston), having risen in response to a call from the chair, said lie was formerly a Cambridgeshire Fen man, but he had not resided there for 20 years, and the remarks of Mr. Ruston seemed to apply entirely to that district. The Chairman : No. Mr. G. Martin continued : He did not say a word about the Lincolnshire Fens. The Chairman thought that Mr. Huston's remarks em- braced the whole country. Mr. G. Martin said as he happened to be in another locality lie was not in the position of those who were referred to by Mr. Ruston. In his district they were not so dissatisfied with the top soil as to bury it to the extent of 2 feet 6 inches. He should like to see the fen plough come into his district: whether it would answer as it did elsewhere he could not say. He lived on a strong fen, the subsoil being of extremely tenacious quality, and therefore Mr. Ruston's remarks on cultivation were scarcely applicable to his own case. He was not a black land farmer. He could not agree with Mr. Ruston that the breed of cart-horses had been kept up. If he went to Thorney fair he could not obtain such horses as he did formerly. Mr. J. J. Mechi said he should not have said a word on this subject, but that it had an indirect bearing on another important question. Every man in England who was a bit of a florist if he had a gardeu-pot took care to have a hole in the bottom, well knowing that without that plants could not thrive ; but with regard to drainage tlie same notion did not appear to pipvail. He had felt exceedingly interested in Mr. Ruston's able and exhaustive paper, and as he listened to it he could not help feeling that the common-sense principle of the flower-pot involved in land drainage had had an immense start during the last few years. That brought him to another important question, the application of sewage to the soil — a question which like that of drainage seemed to be beset with difficulties. Probably ten millions of the people of this coun- try resided in towns, and the manurial products of a man were more than equal to those of a sheep (Cries of " Question"). The Chairman intimated that in his opinion, although the paper opened up a broad question, Mr. Mechi was going be- yond it in introducing the sewage of towns (Hear, hear). Mr. Mechi wished to know if he were to understand that the feeling was that capital employed in conveying to Fen lands what they required to fertilize them would be wasted ? At all events he thought he should be excused for alluding to that subject ; and he hoped that the same intelligence which had been brought to bear on the cultivation of the Fen districts would be applied to the fertlllzatiou of all the soils of England. The great outcry of the present day was that they did not produce enough. That was because tliey had not manure or drainage enough (Renewed cries of " Question"). He would not enter into that question at length, but lie hoped that the intelligence of Englishmen of the present day would so facili- tate the operations of agriculture that, while they had drain- age to carry off surplus water, they would also have steam apphances to convey to the land by way ot irrigation the valuable substances contained in tlie sewage of towns. Mr. Pell, M.P., said he wished, as an owner in the South Level, before the discussion closed, to answer the challenge given to the South by a Middle Level man. He would observe that, although they might now be five hundred years behind the men of other districts, there was a time when they were five hundred years before them, the men of the Haddenham district having been the first to move in the right direction and apply steam power (Hear, hear). Perhaps their drainage was not quite so complete as that of the North and the Middle Level. But they had great natural advantages. They were beginning to think less of wheat, and were taking to the culti- vation of fruit and other luxuries (laughter). As regarded the small occupiers between Ely and St. Ives, he must say that they were remarkable for their great industry, and for their intelligent application of capital to the cultivation of the soil. They carried on drainage works in a very superior manner, and he believed tlity were among the most cunning agriculturists on the face of the earth (laughter). That was a quality which extended over the whole district (Renewed laughter). Mr. E. Mansell said he should like to hear from Mr. Rus- ton what was the cost of reclaiming land from the foreshore. Mr. C. Sewell Read, M.P-, was quite sure they would all agree with him that they had had a most able and interesting paper. But he must observe that drainage in the Fen district did not always pay. They had in the county of Norfolk a consi- derable extent of Fen land, and some of it had been drained in the best and most efficient manner. Large and good steam- engines had been erected for the purpose of drainage, and yet — they might hardly believe this, but it was nevertheless a fact — the dykes were now dammed up, and engines were never used, except when there was a flood. He might be asked how that came to pass. When they cultivated this poor Fen, it became so light and frothy that it actually blew away. There was no clay at all until they perforated through from 17 to 20 feet of peat. The result was that all the money ex- pended was wasted, and land which everyone thought was going to be a garden for arable, relapsed into a state in which it grew only a rough coarse grass. It might be interesting to some present to know that that curious erection the windmill, which was supposed to belong to a former generation, was in some cases, in his county, superseding steam. They had a large tract of land which all lay below high water mark ; but it being all in grass, of an oozy nature, you could cut large drains in it without difficulty, and a windmill had sufficieiit power to keep them going. In his district they had had much more cause to complain of a lack of water than of a super- abundance. He was particularly struck with the sensible re- marks of Mr. Ruston, in reference to the gang system. The great cause of that evil was the lack of cottages ; but on the other hand, some years ago, when landlords had built cottages in the Fens, they could not get anyone to live in them. Now, he believed, the Fens were as healthy as any other portion of England. There were some proprietors who had nobly done their duty, as regarded the erection of cottages, among whom the Duke of Bedford was remarkable in in that respect. Mr. Neild (Lancashire) said : Having listened to the paper with the view of learning some practical lessons from it, he should have been glad to hear something more with regard to the application of clay to the soil. He had a few hundred acres of somewhat similar soil, on which he had been con- tinually making experiments, and had been strongly urged to get clay ; but as this would require carting a few miles, to what extent clay or marl could be applied in such a case seemed to him a very important problem. When he heard that it was done for 30s. per acre he was puzzled to under- stand how that result was arrived at. He had noticed in the case of the banks of a canal that puddling was essential. He had for 15 years farmed near a canal some land which, in the knowledge of persons now living, had sunk 7 feet at least, and he had had great trouble in consequence of the tendency 534 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. of the land to revert to its natural product of dry poor grass. In fact, if tliey took a spit 10 feet deep and put it on tlie surface, iu a very short time it was covered over with vege- tation (Hear). The Chairmai^, in summing up, observed that Mr. Ruston had treated the subject in a manner whicli had left very little room for discussion. One very important question which had been raised that evening concerned not merely tlie Fen dis- trict, but the country at large ; he meant the water supply (Hear, hear). It was not the Fen district only that had got rid of " the destroyer," as water had been termed, but he was sorry to say that on some of the heavy lands there was a great deficiency of water. If they went into a heavy or clay district in the winter mouths they would see an abundance of water rushing headlong into the brooks and rivers, but if they repeated their visit in June or J uly they would probably find a great scarcity of that indispensable article. That was a question, he repeated, which affected not only the Fen district but the whole country. Mr, Martin gave them a very favour- able view of the Fen country when he told them that it would carry from 10 to 15 half-bred sheep per acre. He certainly rather envied that gentleman such grazing land as that (Hear, hear). Mr. G. Martin : It was in the Cambridgeshire fen. Mr. Huston, in replying, observed in reference to some of the remarks which had been made that it was impossible for him to embrace everything in one paper, and that he had therefore applied his observations mainly to the Great Level which had created so much interest. The cost of reclaiming land from the fore-shore was not included in his subject. As regarded the bad Feu lands of Norfolk, mentioned by Mr. Read, it appeared to him that it would be well if some of them were used as reservoirs for water (laughter). Cultivation must be in a very bad state where windmills were used for the purpose which that gentleman mentioned. As respected what Mr. Neild said respecting clay, what he (Mr. Huston) stated was that clay could be applied at a cost of 30s. an acre. On the motion of Mr. Meclii, seconded by Mr. Little, a vote of thanks was given to Mr. Huston for his paper ; and on the motion of Mr. C. S. Head, M.P., thanks were also accorded to the Chairman. FOREIGN CATTLE DISEASES.— At a meeting of the Committee of the Farmers' Club, on Monday, November 7th, Mr. James Howard, M.P ., in the chair, it was resolved : That the thanks of this Committee be offered to the Right Hon. W. E. Forster for the energetic measures which have been recently taken by the Privy Council to prevent any importation of foreign cattle diseases. At the same time, the Committee begs to express a hope that separate markets for the sale and slaughter of all foreign stock will be enforced at the ports of landing throughout this kingdom. THE CENTRAL CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. A council meeting was lieldon November 8th, at the Salisbury Hotel. In the absence of Col. Tomline, M.P., president for the year, the Chair was taken by Sir Massey Lopes, M.P, After some preliminary business had been despatched, • The Chairman presented the Report of the Local Taxation Committee, which was as follows : The Local Taxation Committee, in presenting a report of their proceedings during the past mouth, have much pleasure in stating that they have been able to increase the number of their local agencies, but regret that many counties in England and Wales still remain unrepresented. Amongst others, the important counties of Lancashire, Northumberland, Oxford, Nottingham, Berkshire, Derbyshire, Dorsetshire, Kent, Shropshire, and Staffordshire, may be particularised. The Committee feel themselves entitled to congratulate the Central and Provincial Chambers of Agriculture, and all who take an interest in the efforts they are making to obtain a reform in the present system of levying local taxation, on the success that has attended the suggestion of the Chairman that the attention of magistrates assembled in quarter-sessions should be drawn to the very large and increasing charges of recent years upon the ratepayers for county-rate purposes, more particularly for police, prisons, lunatic-asylums, militia, &c., which your Committee contend are not for the benefit of any one particular class of the community, but for the general good, and ought therefore to be wholly defrayed, or much more largely supplemented from the national exchequer. The Committee are happy to say that this suggestion has been generally very favourably responded to, more particularly in the counties of Devon, Leicester, Somerset, Suffolk, Lincoln, Anglesea, Durham, Wilts, Derby, Radnor, Isle of Ely, Cam- bridge, Gloucester, Worcester, and Cornwall. A full and very interesting report of the proceedings of the magistrates in the Devon quarter sessions has been reprinted and very widely circulated. Copies of this report have been sent to every clerk of the peace in England and AVales, with a request that they would lay them before the chairman, the finance committee, and other magistrates in their respective counties. Copies of a memorial addressed by the East Suffolk Chamber of Agriculture, and signed by Mr. F. S. Corrance, M.P., to the justices of quarter sessions, assembled for the eastern division of the county of Suffolk, have also been sent to most of the clerks of the peace with a similar request. In one or two counties objections were at first raised with regard to the pro- priety of discussing this subject at quarter sessions, but, on the presentation of a memorial from the ratepayers, the difficulty was overcome. The committee call attention to this fact, inasmuch as it shows the good effect of any expression of feeling on the part of the ratepayers on this vexed question. The committee cannot help feeling that if the magistrates of other counties assembled in quarter sessions would follow the example of those enumerated, and present petitions to the Legislature, a great step would be gained, and that such in- fluential support must greatly tend to further the objects which your committee are striving for. Your committee are of opi- nion that a petition to the House of Commons would be pre- ferable to memorialising any individual member of the Govern- ment, the counties of Devon and Salop having already adopted the latter course some few years ago without any good result, a petition to the Legislature being a more public ex- pression of opinion as well as a more direct appeal to those who have the power of imposing and readjusting both local and imperial burdens. The vastly increasing burdens which will be thrown upon the ratepayers by the operation of the Elementary Education Act are demanding serious attention and augmenting the general dissatisfaction. Very cogent evidence as to the large sums which will soon be required for buUding purposes, &c., especially in the metropolis, will be found in the addresses of the candidates for the London School Board, and the consequent inadequacy of a 3d. rate to satisfy these requirements. Some contributions were acknowledged. Mr. Neild moved that the Report be received and adopted. The motion was seconded by Mr. G. E. Muntz, and agreed to. Mr. A. Pell, M.P., then moved : " That this Council recom- mends Provincial Chambers to memorialise their respective Courts of Quarter Sessions on the subject of the increased taxation arising from rates levied under the authority of those Courts." They were all aware how smaU was the power vested in the county magistrates with regard to the hmitatiou of county expwises. Those magistrates assembled in Quarter Sessions were, however, the ruling authority to whom the rate- payers must in the first instance appeal ; and if there were a general expression of dissatisfaction on the part of the rate- payers with regard to the incidence of the rates, the question would, no doubt, be discussed at the approaching Epiphany Sessions, and many petitions to Parliament be presented from counties which had not yet taken any part in the matter. Capt. CraigiI), in seconding the resolution, said he was quite sure that the Chambers of Agriculture throughout the kingdom would cordially respond to the appeal thus made to them. In various quarters he had observed that the question of local taxation was assuming increased importance, and it THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 531: was now being discussed in many places where it liad not engaged attention hitherto. Mr. Whittaker tliought the resohition before the meet- ing would tend to strengthen the hands of the magistrates in dealing with the question, by bringing out the fact that tlie present excessive expenditure was not occasioned by any im- prudence or lavishness on their part. Over a large propor- tion of the expenditure the magistrates had, in fact, no con- trol, and what they should do was to appeal to the Legislature to supplement the rates in other cases as was done in the case of prison expenses. He hoped the Local Taxation Committee would call the attention of the Cliambers to the grievous want of funds for the agitation of that question. The circulation of printed matter throughout the kingdom was very expensive, and it was necessary that the local chambers should contribute liberally to enable the Committee to carry on their work with vigour. Farther, it appeared to him to be the duty of the lauded proprietors to protect their struggling tenantry, and not to stand in the back-ground on an occasion like that, thus leaving it to farmers to provide the requisite funds. He thought the large landowners should come forward, not with their five and ten pounds, but with their twenties and fifties, so that the public might be well instructed on the subject. When any portion of the manufacturing interest wanted to show that they had a grievance, tliey did not spare their money, and if agriculturists wished to succeed in the present case they must net spare it. In some counties the press had rendered great assistance, and he trusted that the powerful press of London would aid them in promoting so just and de- sirable an object. The Council did not speak merely for the landed interest ; householders, the citizens of the metropolis, the manufacturers, and the small mechanics were all deeply interested in tliat question. Under the present system all rates were lumped together, and not one man in a dozen could tell how much the poor cost him, or how much he paid for the police, lunatics, or any other department of expense. The resolution was put and carried, with the following rider, suggested by the Chairman : " That the secretary of the Cen- tral Chamber be instructed to write to secretaries of provin- cial Chambers, in those counties where as yet no action has been taken by the magistrates in Quarter Sessions with refer- ence to the county-rate expenditure, aud urge upon the mem- bers of those Chambers the great importance of memorializing the magistrates to discuss this subject at the January Sessions, and present a petition to the House of Commons." The next subject on the agenda was the new regulations of the fire insurance companies for the insurance of farming stock. The Secretary read the following letters, which had been received from the Sun and the Phoenix Fire Ofiices : " Sun Fire Ofiice, Threadneedle-street, London, E.C., Nov. 7, 1870. " Sir, — I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th inst., containing an invitation to attend a Meeting of your Society to-morrow, at eleven o'clock, at tire Salisbury- Hotel, Fleet-street. I am very desirous to meet your wishes in this respect ; but owing to the shortness of the notice, I regret that it is impossible to make arrangements for a suitable representative of this Society to attend on this occasion. " I am, sir, your obedient servant, " S. J. Fletcher, Secretary." "Phoenix Fire Office, 19, Lombard-street, " London, Nov. 7, 1870. " Sir, — I regret that I cannot accept your invitation to con- fer on the subject of the new conditions for farming-stock insurances. In the reports of other meetings of Agricultural Chambers, I have, however, found so much misapprehension on the point of live stock, that I enclose you one of our own circulars, in which it is distinctly stated that the proportionate condition does tio( apply to live stock if insured in a distinct amount, and not in one gross sum with the produce, and the same with respect to implements. With regard to root crops, not in buildings, these can be excluded from the insurance on produce, in which case, of course, they would not be taken into the calculation of proportionate vahie. " I am, sir, your obedient servant, " Geo. W. Lovell, Secretary," " Phcenix Fire Oftice, Lombard-street, "London,E.G., June, 1870. *' S?ECTAi-.— The result of Farming Stock Insurances has been so unsatisfactory to the offices, that they have resolved to make it a condition henceforth, that premium shall be paid on a sum equal to at least three-fourths of the actual value of the agricultural produce at tlic time of a fire ; and that if less than that proportion shall be found to have been insured, the office will then pay, not the whole of the loss, but only such a proportion of it as the sum insured bears to the actual value. Thus, if agricultural produce is insured for £500, and at the time of afire is worth £1,000, the ofiice will pay only half the loss sustained, or if it is worth ^£1,500, and the insurance only £500, then only a third of the loss wUl be payable, and so in proportion whenever the insurance is for less than three- fourths of the value. This will be the condition of all insur- ances eflfected on and after the 24;th instant, and the policies will contain the followin^c declaration : * If the sum insured on agricultural produce, either separately or in one amount with other property, shall at the breaking out of a fire be less than three-fourths of the value of all the property insured in that amount, then this company shall be liable only for such a pro- portion of the loss sustained as the sum so insured shall bear to the total value of all the property to which such sum applies.' The same condition will be on all renewal receipts for Farming Stock Policies expiring at or after Michaelmas next. The agent will please to call the particular attention of his friends to this condition when granting or renewing Farm- ing Stock Insurances. It will be seen, however, Ihal it does not apply to live stock, nor to implements, excerit when these are includ''d in one sum with af/ricultural produce. '• Geo. W. Lovell, Secretary." Mr. C. S. Reab, M.P., said : I have been requested by the Business Committee, to move the following resolution : " That the ' Average Clause,' as insisted upon by the new regulations of the principal Fire Insurance Offices, is inapplicable to a property so variable in amount and in value as agricultural produce." I believe that I have been asked to move this in consequence of the Norfolk Chamber having been the first to stir in the matter. Let me say, in commencing, that I am fully aware that farming stock, as a rule, does not pay the insurance com- panies ; and I think the companies are perfectly justified — jus- tified in relation, both to their proprietors and to their other customers — in altering their rates and endeavouring to im- prove their system. But I contend that they should not, in order to cure one evil infiict upon us another (Hear, hear). No doubt the course they have adopted is the easiest one, and the cue that will cost them and their agents least trouble ; but I believe, Ithat if they had had only one practical farmer upon their Committee they would never have insisted upon this average clause being applied to agricultural pro- duce (Hear, hear). Probably you are nearly all aware that the principal insurance companies are associated in what they call tariffs but in what I shall call a trades union (Hear, hear). There was sucli a fierce, and I may say un- scrupulous, competition among offices to secure business that they at last found it necessary to unite, and each of them appoint a member of a committee, and to that committee a great number of the business regulations of the leading insur- ance societies are delegated. To show you the way in which this committee acts, and how little power the directors have, I may mention that I am a director of a large insurance com- pany, having a capital of £1,000,000 sterling, aud that I actually knew nothing whatever of this new regulation until I received the notice about the renewal of the insurance of my own farming stock (laughter). I am supposed to be one of the persons who not only agreed to but proposed this new re- striction and order. If I am rightly informed the committee met in the first week of June, and agreed to these new terms of insurance ; and it was not until the middle of September that the principal offices thought fit to issue the notices to their agricultural insurers with regard to policies expiring on tlie 29th of September, while some offices have to this day not informed their customers of the changes which have taken place in their system. I am told that one great office, instead of giving formal notice to its customers, has simply put on the back of the receipt a clause, which is almost sure to have escaped at- tention when the document was placed on the file (Hear, hear). Now we say that this average clause is not applicable to farm- ing stock. It is, I beUeve, applicable to any property that has a iixed value. In the case, for example, of a house, if you know its value now you probably know its value a year hence. But agricultural produce is subject to a great decrease, 536 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. In September it is at its highest, and in June it is probably at its lowest. But it is not a regular or gradual decrease. In a year like this, when we are particularly short of cash, as soon as we have got our ricks into our yards, we may soon begin to see what the steam engine can do to fill our pockets ; so that three months after harvest, there would not be half, or at any rate a quarter, of the corn in stock (Hear, hear). Again, the yield has a great deal to do with the value of agricultural pro- duce. In the light-lands of the county of Norfolk the average value of the corn crop this year may be set down at only £5 an acre; we hope that through the blessing of God it will next year be £10. The farmers and occupiers of the soil in tlie clay lands of the Fen district have grown this year five or six quarters of wheat per acre, and perhaps next year they will not grow four. Supposing wheat when at 4;0s. to jump up to 50s., see what a difference that must make in value. The great majority of the offices complain of the ins'ifficiency of the sum insured for by farmers (Hear, hear). I believe this complaint to be iu a great mauy instances well founded. The offices say that in consequence of farmers stacking their corn separately, and all over the farm, they have diminished the amount of their insurance. They put the case in this way. Supposing you have insured for £1,000, and by no possibility can have a fire that will consume more than £100, if you only insure for one- fourth of the value, your position is like that of a man who has 10 separate houses and only insures one of them. 1 admit that there is a great deal of truth in that statement of the matter; but I say that they have done worse; they have put all of us who stack in tlie fields, and who have comparatively little risk, under the same rates as a man who, for his own convenience or necessity, stacks the whole of his produce in the rickyard (Hear, hear). We of the light-land districts, who stack the whole of our crops in the fields, are certainly not exposed to as much risk from fire and candle as others, though a wayfarer's pipe may now and then cause de- struction. There are, I believe, very few counties iu Eng- land which pay a sufficient amount for the insurance of farm- ing stock. The one that pays the most is the county of Nor- folk. Why ? Not because we are insurers to a larger extent than the farmers of other districts, but simply because we stack in the field and there is not as much risk of a destruc- tive fire. I may observe that when I was one of the deputa- tion who waited upon the Norwich Union Office, I put my finger on six counties and said, " I know very well that you lose a considerable sum of money by them." I was right : those six counties were the worst customers the office had. Any one who is at all acquainted witli the general agricultural features of different counties, must know that the risks of agricultural produce are extremely variable. The Norwich Union Office insures, I believe, a larger amount of farm- ing stock than any other office, the total being over £11,000,000. They did not think proper to withdraw the circular which they issued, but they have recently sent forth another which considerably modifies it, and they say to their agents, " We shall not insist upon your taking particular no- tice of the operation of the average clause in case of a fire unless you have special instructions from the directors. Every one who knows the Board of Directors of that Office, as I do and its excellent secretary, Sir Samuel Bignold, must be aware that they are just, lionourable, and fair- dealing men ; and this being the case, if a farmer has a fire when his crops are unexceptionally heavy or prices are very high, they will not take advantage of this position, while, on the other hand, if he systematically under-insures his crops, they will. But I say to them " You have no business to take a man who habitually under-insures his crops ; and, if the agents did their duty, you would uot have siicli persons." Have any of you seen the list of questions which those unfortunate agents have to answer ? In the case of every policy there are fourteen or fifteen questions, and, as they are compound questions, I dare say that before the matter is finished they amount to more than thirty. The agents ask all sorts of reasonable and unreasonable questions (Hear, hear). They ask how mauy acres of arable land a man is cultivating. That, of course, is quite right, and any practical man would at once know, from the answer, whether or uot the farmer had insured for a sufficient amount. But they go on to ask, "Are there any incendiary fires in the neighbourhood?" " Is the insurer popular with this labourers ?" and all such complex questions as those. If you are to put agricultural produce in all parts of the country at one risk, you might as well insure all sorts of buildings, whether they are of slate and brick, or of wood and thatch, at exactly the same rate ; and you should also take the life of every man who happens to be 50 years of age, irrespective of his habits and his state of health (Hear, hear). I believe that the majority of the offices have insisted upon the produce being divided under three or four heads. I am told that the Sun Office insists on the aver- age clause being applied to live as well as dead farming stock. I cannot say whether this be the case or not, but generally speaking, I may say, the office insists upon a division under three or four heads. To my mind that seems a certain benefit to the farmer provided they do not insist upon the average clause being applied to all the divisions, and I am informed that they do not wish it to be applied except to agricultural produce, which means, of course, the hay and corn crops. Of course they could not be so barefaced as to ask us to pay 53. for our live stock and insist on the average clause being ap- plied to that. Why, take the case of the very farm buildings where the stock are sometimes kept. They are insured at from Is. 6d. to 3s. per cent., and yet they want us to pay 5s. for stock that never go near a building at all, and which in time of danger could generally walk out. Then, with regard to implements. They insure household furniture at Is. 6d. per cent., and surely they cannot ask us to pay 5s. for our imple- ments, many of which I am sorry to say never go into a shed at all (Hear, hear). Some of them are composed entirely of iron, and none of them, I suppose, can be subject to great risk from either water or removal. Some gentlemen say we should have policies half-yearly. Well, I believe that generally speak- ing offices will not assent to such an arrangement ; but even if they would I should not like it (Hear, hear). It would be an immense bother (Hear, hear). I don't like even a yearly policy. Ever since I commenced business I have had but one poUcy, and I hope that will go on at the same rate. If the otfices would be so good as to take the average price of every crop I should have no objection to the average clause, but at the same time I do say that it is utterly inapplicable to agricultural produce ; and as they had raised their rates from is. 6d. per cent. — an amount of which, though I may not re- collect it myself, I have heard my father speak — to 5s., so I contend that they had better raise their rates again, or apply some more practical, business-like system to agricultural pro- duce than persist iu what they had begun. There is not, I am sure, the least desire on the part of farmers to do anything to injure the offices (Hear, hear) ; but on the other hand, it ought not to be the wish of the offices permanently to injure the farmers (cheers). Mr. Hewitt, in seconding the resolutiod, said he believed the chief cause of the recent movement of the offices was the want of a proper amount of insurance on the part of farmers. He knew several instances in which the value being £5,000 ' the owner did not insure for more than £500. He should have no objection to insure his own dead stock for three- fourths of the value, but he should decidedly object to insure his live stock for anything like that amount. The two cases were altogether different (Hear, hear). Mr. Kead alluded to the Sun Office. He was insured there. When the circular was first issued he certainly thought that he was required to insure his live and dead stock for three-fourths of the value ; but since then he had received a letter from the agent which altered the complexion of the matter. That letter contained the following : " If a farmer is insured on his dead stock, say for £1,500 and he has £3,000 worth on his farm at the time of a fire, he will be paid irf full for any loss up to £1,500, but if he is only insured for £1,000 and has £2,000 stock, he will only be paid half his loss up to £1,000. The live stock is separate altogether, and is not made the subject of average at all. Thus, if a farmer has £3,000 live stock and is insured for only £500, he will be paid for the loss of all animals (not exceeding £40 each) up to £500." If that statement were correct — and he repeated that it was sent to him by an agent of the Sun Office— he thought he should not object very much to the new regulation. Mr. Read : Might I ask whether the term " dead stock" includes implements ? Mr. Hewitt said he believed it did. T'he agents in the coun- try seemed to know very little about such matters. When a fire occurred they were seldom able to value the injury done, and a superior class of persons had to be eallcd in for the purpose of THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 537 valuation. It seemed to liim very desirable that a better class of persons should be employed as agents. In his own county they consisted perhaps of lawyer's clerks, bank clerks, grocers, drapers, and stationers, who really knew nothing about what they were called upon to deal with. Mr. G. Martin (Lincolnshire Cliamber) said that on the 2ith of October tlie Chamber which he represented passed a resolution to the effect that the new regulations of the tire in- surance companies for the insurance of larmiug stock were in its opinion reasonable. Before the meeting was held he went to the oftice of a large insurance company to obtain informa- tion, and his feeling was quite changed before he left, lie quite agreed with Mr. Head that there had been uufairuess on the part of some of the offices ; but there were always hard- ships in such cases. Insurance had certainly not been a pay- ing business, and farmers could not expect to have it all their own w.iy. As regarded the amount of insurance, he had him- self put agricultural produce and dead stock at a fair sura, leaving the live stock at a mere nominal sum, and he believed that his insurance would not cost him more than it had done. The change might cause some trouble, but these were trouble- some times (laughter). Mr. Neild thought that where the insurance was in a lump sum it would not answer to have the average clause introduced, and farmers would fmd it to their interest to specify. A system of insurance which was applicable in one district might not be so in another. Some farmers had a large amount of valuable stock tied up day and night for five or six monthi. in the year, and it would not do to ignore that state of things in the case of insurance. They had before them the fact that farming insurance did not pay. Did the fault rest with the offices or with the in- surers ? lie ventured to say that farmers as a body did not insure for such an amount as they might reasonably be expected to do ; and he believed that if they were to insure adequately on their implements and dead stock there need be scarcely any increase on the live stock. Mr. Walfoud said that he was not officially connected with any insurance oftice, but he had paid great attention to the sub- ject of insurance, both on the continent of Europe and America, and had found it surrounded with difficulties. He had conversed with the managers of different offices on the question under con- sideration, and he thought he knew something about the object which they had in view. He would give a short illustration of the working of the average clause. He would suppose the case of a farm the gross value of the produce of which after harvest was £4,000. The farmer, wishing to adapt his insurance to the average value of his produce during the year, might say " I will insure my crops for £2,000." That amount might be the full value in June ; but what would be the case after harvest ? His crops would then be worth £4,000, and if a fire occurred he might hitherto have received the whole £3,000. The offices thought that such a state of things required some modification, and said, " If you will insure for £3,000 on the the £4,000 value we will then pay you the actual loss incurred.' That was the way in which he understood the statement of the offices, and he thouglit he perceived in it a desire to deal fairly with agricultural insurers (Hear, hear). It had been too much the practice of many agriculturists to insure only for half, or even one-third of the value of crops which werd distributed over the whole of a farm, while others paid on a much larger pro- portion. On the other hand, as Mr. Read remarked, it would be most unfair to require a farmer to insure for the whole of the crops existing at the end of harvest (Hear, hear). There should clearly be some equitable adjustment in such a case, and he (Mr. Walford) thouglit that three-fourths was not an unfair amount for either side. There was, indeed, another method in which that matter might be adjusted. The offices had tried for some time to get a basis wliich would be fair as between farmers and themselves, but they had never succeeded in doing so ; and he thought that if a committee of practical men were to meet together to consider the matter they would soon arrive at some satisfactory conclusion. He believed that a proposition of that kind emanating from that Council would receive due attention from the associated farmers, and that they would be disposed to view with favourable eyes any suggestion of a practical character. As the matter stood it might certainly appear as if because a large number of farmers had not dealt fairly with them they have dealt an unfair blow at farmers generally (Hear, hear). He knew at least one company who he thought would be disposed to uominate local directors in each agricultural district, and would be prepared to take insurances on their recommendation ; and he believed that some arrangement of that kind would meet the case. Mr. Read, in replying, said he believed that Mr. Martin, who lived in the land of Goslien, had this year grown a most extraordinary crop of corn. Hence he had been willing to in- sure for tliree-fourths of tlie crop ; but he (Mr. Read) did not suppose he would be willing next year to pay that amount on a crop which niiglit be only half as productive. Mr. Martin observed that lie should continue to pay it. Mr. Read : Well, then, Mr. Martin was not quite as sharp as he had taken him to be (laughter). He was, in fact, a great deal too generous. What he (Mr. Read) maintained was, that every man should be insured according to his risk, and that persons which had hitlierto insured for tiie proper amount, and had taken every precaution against heavy losses accruing to offices, should not now be classed with others of a indifferent character, and made to pay for their shortcomings (Hear, hear). Tiie Chairman said : A valuable suggestion had just been made by Mr. Walford, to the effect that a committee should bo formed to meet the representatives of various offices. It was for the meeting to determine whether any action should be taken in that respect. The resolution was then put and carried. Captain Catlin moved the next resolution, viz., " That the secretary be instructed to invite from other offices a declaration of their terms for the insurance of farming stock." He agreed with those who thought that the object of the offices was not clearly defined. He himself in effecting an insurance took great pains to induce the agent to fix a price per acre for arable land with which the office would be satisfied, but the only result was that the agent asked him to fix his own price. That he found very difficult, because the produce varied so much from year to year. In order to guard against anything that might invalidate his insurance, he wished to fix a price founded on an average of years. He was asked to estimate the value of the produce in his district. In 1868 the produce of 600 acres of arable land was worth upwards of £2,000 more than in the pre- ceding year, and, on the whole, he found it impossible to put in an estimate which might not have made him liable to be called upon to pay more than was fair and reasonable. He asked the agent to tell him what was the highest price at which corn had been put down elsewhere. The reply was, that £13 per acre was the maximum price put upon wheat. He (Capt. Catlin) had fixed his at £14, and he asked the agent how, under such circumstances, he could be treated fairly. He inquired whether in case of fire the agent would estimate the damage upon the price at which the party insuring estimated the value of his crop, or whether he would call in some competent per- son, and be guided by him ; and the agent replied that that was a question he could not answer. Mr. Turner, in seconding the resolution, said there were two or three courses open to farmers generally in reference to that question. The first was to ignore the offices altogether and not insure at all ; the second was to establish an office on their own account ; and the third — and this appeared to him the best — was if possible to meet the representatives of the offices and come to a settlement of the dispute witii tliem. He concurred in what had been said as to the great difficulty of arriving at a solution for all districts upon one hard and fast line. Mr. Martin had alluded to agricultural produce to the al- most total exclusion of live stock. He knew a case in which a farmer who had a fire in the month of February, when his produce was of but little value, was almost totally ruined, having lost in consequence the whole of his breeding ewes. He was at a sale in North Lincolnshire where 40 animals were soldforabout£3,000,and with all deference to Mr. Read he must say that those animals seemed to him to have been well worth insuring. There would have been great difficulty in getting them out in case of fire. As regarded the third course sug- gested, namely, the formation of a committee to meet the managers of the insurance offices, he did not know whether that could be incorporated in the resolution. The CuAiRMAN observed that a rider had just been handed in for that purpose, and would now be proposed. Mr. Vaeden said there could be no doubt that the object of the societies was on the whole a reasonable and proper one ; the only difficulty was how to carry it out in such a manner as to do justice to both parties, Mr> Read had spoken of those 538 THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. who insured fairly and those who did not. The question seemed to him to be rather one of detail than of principle, and he would, therefore, propose the following as a rider to the resolution of Captain Catlin : " That a committee he appointed to confer with the representatives of the various of&ces, in order to arrive at some equitable basis for effecting such insurances." Mr. BuDD, in seconding this rider, concurred in the opinion that considering the varying circumstances of the country it was impossible for any one rule to be applicable to the whole. He thought the only way in which a fair settle- ment could be arrived at, was by taking into account various local interests, and in his opinion that object would be best at- tained as suggested by Mr. Walford, by means of a local com- mittee for each county. Mr. Morrison (West Riding) observed that if the offices did not meet agriculturists fairly it would still be open to them to form a mutual insurance fund, which would be advantage- ous and lucrative because the farmers would join to a man. Sir G. JentvINSon, M.P., said it appeared to him that the insurance offices had pursued a very arbitrary and unfair course towards agriculturists in declaring that they would not renew their policies unless they insured on certain terms which were now laid down for the first time. His idea was that the offices were endeavouring to obtain from them some portion of the revenue which had been recently given up by the Go- vernment, and in his opinion if they wished to do that they should first have invited the representatives of agriculture to meet them. He knew the difficulty of establishing mutual offices ; but greater difficulties had been met, and he had no doubt that if agriculturists determined to form a co-operative insurance office, all difficulties would be surmounted. At the same time he did not believe they would go into that line of business unless they were driven to it by tlie arbitrary conduct of insurances offices (Hear, hear), and he thought that as a body they would be ready to accept fair and reasonable con- ditions. He did not undertake to propose his resolution in any hostile spirit towards the offices, but simply with the view of giving the agricultural class an opportunity of looking after their own interests and obtaining fair terras. Insurance com- panies had no doubt suffered great losses, but that was partly ovring to the careless way in which they appointed irresponsible agents in the country towns. If one went into a grocer's or draper's shop in a small village, almost the first thing one saw was a placard showing that the owner was the agent of an in- surance office. These were not the kind of persons who were acquainted with agric-iltural business ; tliey knew nothing about rotations of crops or the value of stock from time to time ; and if the offices had appointed agents who were conver- sant with farming operations, many of the difficulties which had arisen would have been avoided. Col. Wilson (Suffolk) believed it would not be so easy to appoint agents who were conversant with the details of farm- ing operations as Sir George Jenkinson appeared to suppose. As regarded the hou. baronet's supposition that the object of the companies was to benefit by the remission of duty, he might observe that for very many years there had been no duty on farm insurances. It seemed to him tliat too much fuss had been made on that subject. Mr. Read admitted that farming insurances had not paid, and the first duty of the managers of the different offices was to take care to do no business that would not pay. It was the trying to force business and the entering on business of an unprofitable nature, which had brought some offices into such an unen- viable position. As to the idea that a new society should be established for farmers, that might be a very good suggestion, but all he could say was that he should be very sorry to join it. He did not believe there was any variance of interests as between the offices and farmers — they were in the same boat, and he felt sure that if the offices had made a mistake they would by quite willing to rectify it. Mr. Pell, M.P., said he had that morning called at one of the largest Offices in London, as regarded farming insurance, and having been invited to see the manager, he must say that so far as he could judge from what he heard there would be no indisposition on the part of that office to meet a com- mittee emanating from that Chamber (Hear, hear). His own insurance was, he might remark, based on favourable terras, Bnd although lie had been fortunate enough never to have a ftre^ he should be quite willing to submit to some change. Hp thought it should be suggested for the consideration of the insurance offices whether it would not he simpler to insure with reference to the number of acres in cropping down with reference to what there was in the rick-yard. There were many persons who could tell what was the average yield of a certain description of land and what amount of produce a man might be expected to bring to his rick-yard. It was pretty well known what number of acres a farmer devoted to corn crops, and if there were any material change in that respect a statement of the fact might be made essential to the validity of the insurance. He thought that through the adoption of some such principle as that they might come to fair and equitable terms with the insurance offices, although it might involve a higher rate of premium. Mr. Neilb objected to the word " other" before " offices" in the resolution. In his opinion all offices ought to be included (Hear, hear). Mr. G. E. MuNTZ also thnngh*^ tin'- tlip word "other" had a hostile appearance, and suggested the substitution of the word " all." Mr. Read, M.P., would prefer the words "non-associated" offices, especially as they had the terms of the large offices. Mr. Walford observed that nine out of ten of the offices were associated, but there were 8 or 10 respectable young offices which had been excluded from what was called the tariff, and who were disposed to do justice to farmers, thinking that they had not been fairly treated. Mr. Read, M P., recommended that the resolution and the proposed rider, should be dealt with as separate resolutions, and Mr. G. E. Muntz, and Mr. Varden, took the same view. After some discussion this course was followed, and in accordance with Mr. Read's proposal, the resolution of Capt. Catlin was agreed to with the substitution of " non-associated" for " other" before the word "offices." On the motion of Mr. Pell, M.P., the following resolution was adopted, in place of that submitted by Mr. Varden, the latter gentleman having seconded it : " That a committee be appointed to confer with the various insurance offices as to the most equitable mode of insuring farming stock and produce, and that the committee report to this Council the result of their proceedings." On the motion of Mr. Read, M.P., the following gentlemen were appointed to form the Committee : Col. Tomline, M.P. (Suffolk) ; Mr. Pell, M.P. (Leicestershire) ; Capt. Catlin (Cambridgeshire) ; Mr. Jabez Turner (Northamptonshire) ; Mr. G. E. Muntz (Warwickshire) ; Mr. Morrison (Yorkshire); Mr. C. S. Read, M,P. (Norfolk) ; Mr. Varden (Worcester- shire) ; Mr. Walford, and the Secretary, ex officio. The Chairman said that the next question fixed for con- sideration was, " What further regulations for the home and foreign cattle trade are required in the interest of producers and consumers ?" Mr. T. Duckham moved the following resolution : " That the thanks of this Council are due to the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, M.P., for the prompt manner in which the powers of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act were put in force upon the outbreak of cattle-plague on the Continent ; but that the interests of both producers and consumers demand that regula- tions for water-side slaughter should be permanently extended to all imported fat animals, vtdth quarantine for store stock." With regard to the latter part of the resolution, he observed that there had been great laxity hitherto in carrying out the objects of the Act, and that it was absolutely necessary that farmers should be better protected. Mr. G. Martin (of the Lincolnshire Chamber), who se- conded the resolution, read the following paragraph, which had appeared in the Times about ten days ago : " Trade of the Port of Grimsby. — Thirteen large steamers have been run- ning weekly to and fro to the ports of Hamburgh, Dieppe, Rotterdam, and others to Antwerp, to Riga, and Cronstadt, and the Black Sea. There has been a large passenger traffic carried on, through from the Continent, en ronte vid Grimsby and Liverpool, to New York. The importation of sheep and pigs, calves and beasts, from Hamburgh has largely increased during the past year, and notwithstanding the orders issued by the Privy Council for their slaughter at the landing-place they are sent, the steamship ' Grimsby' bringing in on Friday 31 sheep and 60 cattle." Mr. Martin stated that the Lincolnsliire Chamber had at once instituted an inquiry as to how far a dangerous importation was being carried on at Grimsby, ii^ THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. 539 contrayention of the orders of the Privy Couucil. The secre- tary of the Central Cliamber liere read a coramunicatiou which he had just received from Mr. S. Upton, the secretary of the Lincolnsnire Ciiaraber, as follows : — " Lincolnshire Chamber of Agriculture, " St. Benedict-square, Lincoln, Nov. 7, 1870. " Dear Sir, — I send you on the third and fourth pages copies of letters received from the town clerk and superinten- dent of police at Grimsby. The paragraph brought under the notice of our Chamber has been misunderstood, but it appears to me that the removal of pigs (as coming over in the same vessel as cattle) into the county alive must be attended with considerable danger. Your note dated the 4th did not reach me until this morning. The envelope bears the Long Sutton and Wisbeach post-marks of the 5th, and Lincoln of the 7th. —Yours truly, " S. Upton, Secretary." [Copt.] " Great Grimsby, Nov. 3, 1870. " Dear Sir, — The Mayor has desired me to reply to your note of the 29th ult., containing paragraph from the Times newspaper. We have a large slaughter-house on the dock works, and all cattle from suspected countries are slaughtered there, and the skins disinfected. 1 think you have misunder- stood the paragraph. It means tliat the trade has not de- creased in Grimsby notwithstanding that all cattle are slaugh- tered on their arrival from foreign parts. Our inspector is very strict, and so are the customs authorities at this port. — Yours truly, "W. Grange, Town Clerk." " S, Upton, Esq." [Copy.] " Lincolnshire Constabulary, Nov. 3, 1870, " Grimsby Station. " Mr. Superintendent Martyn, " Sir, — In answer to yours, respecting the importation of foreign cattle into Grimsby, I beg to state that the regulations in force at the docks are, tliat all cattle coming from foreign countries are slaughtered at the slaughter-house provided on the docks, none being allowed to be taken from the docks alive. The hides are branded and disinfected by the inspector, Mr. Wentworth, V.S. The same regulations apply to sheep, but pigs can be taken away alive, and a great many are sent to Manchester, Sheffield, &c. I cannot hear of any cattle or sheep leaving the docks alive during the last fortniglit.— 1 am, sir, your most obedient servant, " A. Hiciidale, Supt." Mr. Genge Andrews, in supporting it, suggested the in- sertion of the word " effective " instead of " the present " be- fore " regulations." It was absurd to have a restriction in London and not make it equally applicable to all other ports. They all knew that cattle-plague was as readily conveyed by an individual who had come in contact with cattle affected as by the cattle themselves, and unless the regulations were made Ihorooghly effective they would still be subject to the evil. He would therefore propose to add to the resolution : " Aud that the regulations should be applied with the least possible delay at every port at which foreign animals are admitted." Mr. MuNTZ deprecated the addition as needless if the word " effective " were adopted. The resolution was ultimately adopted with the alteration and addition suggested by Mr. Genge Andrews. Mr. Bennett moved the following : " This Council ex- presses a hope that lier Majesty's Government will not hesitate to adhere to and support tiie provisions of the Contagious Dis- eases (Animals) Act, with reference to the establishment of a permanent Metropolitan foreign Cattle Market, and trusts that when such market has been opened the present restric- tion against the removal of cattle from the metropolitan area will be rescinded." Mr. Dickson, in seconding the resolution, dwelt on the dis- advantages to which farmers residing north of London are ex- posed by having their finest animals excluded from such places as Brighton, Hastings, Maidstone, and Canterbury. Mr. Read, M.P., remarked that the Norfolk graxiers com- plained not merely of their exclusion from southern markets, but also of the enormous charges made by railway companies for the conveyance of dead meat ; and, in his opinion, the Chamber should express its opinion on that subject. The resolution having been adopted, Mr. T. WiLi.soN moved the following : " This Council would direct special attention to the exorbitant charges of the rftilway compaaie» for the conveyance of dead meat, »nd trusts that by a reasonable revision of their tariff they will facilitate the supply of meat to populous districts." That was, he ob- served, a question which concerned consumers as well as pro- ducers, and the inhabitants of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and other large consuming districts, had great cause to complain. For the conveyance of dead meat from Leicester to London the London aud North-Western and the Midland Companies charged four times as much as they charged for carrying live meat, although the risk was less. Mr. EEA.D, M.P., in seconding the resolution, said he thought that all who took an interest in the welfare of large towns must desire to see a large development of the dead meat trade. It was impossible to understand the varying rates charged by the railway companies. Prom Liverpool to Lon- don—a distance of 214 miles— the charge made for conveying dead meat was 2s. 6d. per cwt., while from Grantham — a dis- tance of only 111 miles— the charge was exactly the same. Again, from Berwick to London, the distance being 337 miles, the charge was 3s. per cwt. ; svhile from Sleaford, only 115 miles, it was 2s. lUd. He really thought that railway companies re- quired to be associated 'in the same way as lire insurance odlces- he meant, of course, not for the puri)Ose of charging more, but if possible charging less aud equalis- ing their rates (Hear, hear). Everybody knew that there was a greater amount of risk and trouble in convey- ing dead meat than live animals, especially as the railway companies invariably delivered the dead meat in the metropolitan market ; whereas live animals, generally speak- ing, delivered themselves. He felt quite sure there would be a much larger development of the dead-meat trade if railway companies were more reasonable in their charges (Hear, hear). One of the increasing tendencies of the present day was the sending of large quantities of dead meat to the great towns. A Member observed that for eight months of the year Aberdeenshire sent about 2,000 carcasses a-week to London, and only about 500 live animals. The former were delivered at 3s. 3d. per cwt. ; while the charge for live animals was only 25s. per head. Thus, assuming the average weight to be 7 cwt., the charges for live and dead meat were about the same, the diiference being rather in favour of live meat. Several carcasses might be placed in the space occupied by one live animal. The CiiAiRMAN remarked that some one else ought, perhaps, to have been placed in the chair before that resolu- ion was submitted, as he himself happened to be a railw tirector (laughter). He concurred, however, in its purport. The resolution was then adopted. The following resolution was afterwards proposed by Mr. T. Duckham, and seconded by Mr. Hewitt : " That, owing to the lax manner in which tlio Contagious Diseases Act is being carried out, great losses are accruing to the stock-owners of various parts of the kingdom ; and that, therefore, the local authorities should be urged rigidly to enforce its provisions." After a short discussion, in which the resolution was ob- jected to as needlessly implying a censure upon the authorities, and, also, because the meeting had become very thin, the re- solution was withdrawn. A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, and the meeting separated. THE CENTRAL AND THE LOCAL CHAMBERS OF AGRICULTURE. At a meeting of the Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture on the same evening, Mr. Bowen Jones, vice-president, in the chair, the subjoined recommendations were unanimously agreed to: "That this committee, wliile fully recognizing the deserts of the Central Chamber, and admitting its part action to have entitled it to the support of agriculturists, considers that its organization lacks the amount of representative force that should belong to the central exponent of agricultural views, and without at the present time being prepared to recommend an entirely representative association to act as the mouthpiec: of chambers, is of opinion that the Council of the Central Chamber of Agriculture in London should be appointed at an annual meeting, including deputed representatives from pro- vincial chambers, and should consist of a limited number of members appointed from its own body, together with one repre- sentative from each of the nliiliatcd chambers, with the addi- tion of other d!'i!ulic3 apLiointcJ on the basis of numerical U Q / Uo THE FAEMER'S MAGAZINE. representation and an equivalent payment. That in order to carry out this view each chamher and association shall elect one permanent representative for the ensuing year for such purpose." " That in order to increase greater imanimity of action, and to diffuse information more widely, the various local chambers should without fail distribute all reports of dis- cussions and other matter obtained through their organization to each of the provincial chambers estabUshed as well as to the Central Chamber." " That the Central Chamber should publish its reports in pamphlet form, so as to be added to annual reports of local chambers, and that all Parliamentary bills should be forwarded without being sent for, a charge being previously agreed upon." The following letter has also been addressed to the secretary of the Central Chamber of Agriculture : Sir, — Again the Central Chamber has met on the subject of " Securing greater unanimity of action between the Central and provincial chambers," and again it has adjourned the question. Your remarks implying that such postponement was a consequence caused by the absence of delegated mem- bers are not clear, as certainly those chambers that had sent resolutions on the subject were present by their resolutions. The subject is a dehcate one, as although some chambers may deem an association of chambers indispensable, yet they cannot feel at liberty to urge the Central to dissolve and allow its position to be taken up by an association of chambers. The grounds on which the North of England Chamber founded their resolutions were fully stated in their discussion ; you were the judge of whether your readers cared to know them, and they did not appear in your columns. The cost of attend- ing at the Central meeting, to repeat them, would have been at least £4, and this would have been to again incur at the two adjournments that have taken place, and at every future adjournment. Nothing could more fuUy illustrate the neces- sity of an associated chamber which would not call a meeting on a subject until ready to discuss it, and then at one and the same time dispose of it. The present anomalous position of the Central Chamber may be no barrier to its independent acts ; but some who do not know its exact position may be misled by supposing it to represent the opinions of the pro- vincial chambers. Many of its most prominent acts have been totally at variance with the resolutions of the North of Eng- land Chamber. I may instance the deputation to the first Lord of tlie Treasury, and the suggestion of an " income-tax rate " for poor-rate purposes, instead of the present basis of " the ability of a parish ;" the delegation of a portion of its duties to a Local Taxation Committee, which committee sets up its independence, collecting separate funds, issuing pam- phlets, and further diverging from chamber action by a letter to the courts of quarter sessions, and which act assumes either that the members of sessions are not members of chambers of agriculture, or that the question of local rates is fitter matter for a court of sessions than a chamber of agriculture. The ratepayers cannot be benefited by any mediators intervening between them and Parliament save their duly constituted repre- sentatives, and aU the machinery necessary is the united action of the ratepayers themselves. The principal objects for which chambers were formed were to discuss and set forth by resolu- tions the present faulty manner in which local rates were as- sessed, and how they might and ought to be adjusted. An association of chambers is necessary on some questions to reconcile and combine the various resolutions of the provincial chambers in one general resolution, in order that the approach to Parliament be in a united and common-weal form. The present members of the Central Chamber may or may not be willing to alter its constitution so as to become an associated chamber. Tne question has been fairly and courteously put to them, and their reply is looked forward to with much interest. Yours, &c., Thomas Lawson. Lonffhvrgi Grange ^ Morpeth. At a general meeting of the County of Devon Central Chamber of Agriculture, the president (Mr. C. J. Wade) said the most important business for discussion was, the want of combination existing between the local Chambers and the central Chamber in London. He did not think the ques- tions discussed and the importance of the local resolutions passed at their meetings were fairly met, and taken sufficient notice of by the Central Chamber, he thought they were spmewhat shut out in the cold j indeed, he himself had not met with the courtesy he expected wheu presenting himself to offer opinion on the working of the local Chambers, and ha wished the gentlemen now present would seriously entertain the question, and, by the aid of a resolution or some other method, endeavour to effect a most cordial operation between the parent institution and the branches. There were points of local discussion, such as police rates, turnpike tolls, and other matters which they were called upon to solve, which received no characteristic response, when those questions were sent up for discussion at the Central Board. He spoke of the necessity of having un-toUed roads for the transmission of forces and war material, and thought it should be provided either by contribution or otherwise, out of the national funds ; he had some communication with the Secretary on these subjects, and he thought the Central Chamber should be in more direct connection with the local chambers. Mr. Stooke said there were 55 local chambers, and there was no unanimity of action, for it required a guinea a-year to be constituted a member of the Central Chamber, and even then his opinion was crippled in discussion. He thought the chamber should be a representative one, as yet only five or one- tenth had followed in the same opinion, and he deemed it ne- cessary the local chamber should be one and all unanimous on this question. Mr. Ceeed proposed the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Stooke, " That in the opinion of this chamber every local chamber should have power to send delegates to the cental chamber meetings, and that they should have same position as those who are members of the central chamber in discussion and voting, both in the general meeting and also in council." The Secretary called attention to the resignation of Mr. Wade, as president, circumstances calling him away. HUNGERFORD CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE.— The fears entertained by some persons that the above associa- tion would soon cease to exist, are now entirely dissipated, the meeting held at the Bear Hotel on Wednesday evening being one of the most successful remembered in connection with the Club. The attendance proved larger than it has been on se- veral occasions lately, while the able paper read was followed by a discussion of an animated and interesting character. The subject was Steam Cultivation, introduced in a very practical manner by Mr. Cottrell, steam plough proprietor, of Charnham- street, Hungerford, whose paper was listened to v/ith much interest. Mr. T. Chandler congratulated the members upon the character of the present meeting, which gave hopes that the Chamber had been thoroughly resuscitated. — Reading Mermry, DOUBLE-FURROW PLOUGH v. SINGLE-FURROW PLOUGH. — A match took place at Tarporley, between a double-furrow plough, manufactured by Corbett of Shrewsbury, and a single-furrow plough, by Mr. Shean of Eddisbury, for £5 a-side. The two-furrow, according to agreement, was to plough more than double the quantity of land to the single-furrow plough, and this was done easily. When the ground was mea- sured, it was shown that the two-furrow had ploughed 2a. Or. 19p., and had 104- furrows to every 83 feet ; while the single-furrow had done la. Ir. 17p., but only had 93 furrows to every 83 feet. The dynamometer was put to the two-furrow plough, and registered to be only 5c. 221bs. in draught. The decision was, of course, in favour of the double-furrow plough THE DOUBLE-FURROW PLOUGH TRIALS AT ALFORD. — These trials took placeon Friday, Nov. 12. Amongst the entries were — Ransome, Ipswich ; Howard, Bedford ; Ball, Roth well ; Cooke, Lincoln ; and one of Fowler's Pirie Ploughs. The land, which was very heavy, was in a terribly sticky and wet state, owing to the heavy rains and the frost of the pre- vious night. At the conclusion of the trials the first prize of £10 for the best general purpose double-furrow plough, due regard being had to lightness of draught, ease, and economy of management, strength and simplicity of construction, was awarded to Messrs. Ransome, and the second prize of £5 to Messrs. Howard. The judges were — Major Grantham, SpUsby; Mr. Hehnsley, Nottingham ; and Mr. James Martin, of Wain- fleet. As at the Peterborough trials, the services of Mr. C. E. Amos, C,E., were engaged to garry out the dyuamgrnetrwRl tQSts, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. Ul THE DISEASES OF STOCK. The following Circular has been issued : Privy Council Office (Veterinary Department), Princes-street, Westminster, S.W., November, 1870. Sir, — I have the honour to enclose a copy of the Porm of Keturn for Fool-aiid-mouth disease referred to in the Order of Council of 8th November, 1870, and am directed by the Lords of the Council to inform you that they anticipate that, under the new arrangements, the amount of expense hitherto incurred by the Local Authorities in furnishing the in- formation required by their Lordships will be considerably reduced. I am also directed to call the attention of your Local Authority to the circumstance that Cattle Plague or Kinder-, pest, the disease from which this country suffered so much in 1865-6, now prevails more or less extensively in France and North and South Germany. Their Lordships have taken measures to guard against its introduction by imported animals; but as it is possible that the disease might be brought in by human beings, or by any means capable of transporting very minute particles of the contagious matter, it is especially necessary, at the present moment, that the Lispectors of the Local Authorities should be on the alert. The detection of this disease requires special professional knowledge, and as it appears that some of the Local Authori- ties have appointed the Local Police and other non-profes- sional persons as Inspectors under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, 1869, the Lords of the Council trust that such Inspectors will not, in any district, be left without profes- sional assistance, but that the Local Authorities will authorize them, in any case, where there is a doubt as to the nature of a disease, forthwith to call iu a professional Inspector. Their lordships feel that they cannot too strongly impress upon the Local Authorities the urgent necessity for the most careful attention to the above-mentioned point, and they trust that, in consequence of the decrease in the duties of the pro- fessional Inspectors with regard to the Returns relating to Foot-and-mouth disease, they will be instructed to give in- creased attention to the other contagious and infectious dis- eases of animals, and more especially to those diseases which have any resemblance to Cattle Plague, or concerning the nature of which there appears to he any doubt. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Alexamdeb Williams, Secretary. THE NEW FOREST.— A Parliamentary notice has been issued by the Hon. J. K. Howard, Commissioner of Wood, Forest, and Land Revenues. It announces that application will be made to Parliament in the Session of 1871 for an Act having for its object — first the repeal or amending of certain Acts relating in whole or in part to the New Forest ; second, the abolishing forestal offices in or over the same forest, and making compensation to the holders of such offices ; the divi- sion of the forest, or some part or parts thereof, into parishes or ecclesiastical districts, the alteration of the boundaries of existing parishes and ecclesiastical districts, and the making of allotment for churches, schools, or other purposes ; the ascertainment of the value of the rights of her Majesty in the forest or some parts thereof, and of certain rights of com- moners : the making of allotments of part or parts of the forest, or of other compensation in satisfaction of such rights ; certain alterations of rights of way ; the confirmation and carrying out of the register of decision or award of the com- missioners appointed to inquire into the rights of common in the New Forest under certain Acts which are named ; the authorising of the application to the pur- poses of the Act of the balance of purchase money received by the Crown from the Southampton and Dorchester Railway Company for land taken by them in the Forest ; the authorising the commission or com- missions to be appointed under the Act to sell part or parts of the forest, and to apply the purchase-money to the purposes of the Act ] third, th? ^^^oiests^tioa of the format ia some part or parts thereof; fourth, the appointment of a Commission or Commissions for effecting all or some of these contemplated objects, with all necessary powers ; and fifth, the variation or extinguishment of all rignts, powers, and privileges which would interfere with any of its objects, with power to cottfec others in lieu thereof. SALE OF MR. COX'S SHORTHORN HERD, AT BRAILSFORD HALL, DERBY, ON WEDNESDAY, Nov. 9. BY MR. JOHN THORNTON. Any one who has seen the herd of yearling bulls at the spring fairs in Derby must have noticed the want of blood and character in the general stock of the county. Sir John Crewe and Mr. Chandos Pole Gell both introduced some pedigree cattle into the district, and Mr. Cox also brought a few to Brailsford, between Derby and Ashbourne, fully twenty years since. He took his cue from Mr. Parkinson, and Mr. Booth, of Gotham, and visited Kirklevington, in the Spencer period, when that "love of the Shorthorn was implanted in his bosom," while as he said it at the luncheon, "h« should like to see implanted in others." Eight years ago his small holding became overstocked, and a local firm dispersed his Shorthorns and general stock, even to the dairy utensils. But he was in the next year again, and bought old Harmony, of pure Bates' blood, and Sir Chas. Knightley's Wheedle calf by Second Grand Duke of Oxford (17996) at Mr. Leeke's sale. These, with one or two private purchases, were the beginning of the present herd. A long absence from home left the stock in the bailiff's hands ; and, with the county belief strong within him, the man used an unpedigreed bull, to the dig- gust of his master and injury of the stock. Mr. Clayden'a sale in 1868 supplied a couple of good cows. Sunshine and Daphne, and with one or two other purchases the herd out- grew the place. We had understood that the sale WM to have been in the spring, but was postponed until autumn ; and when autumn came, the dry summer and foot-and-mouth had done such mischief, the sale was put off again until Lord Mayor's Day. Fortunately, the day, out of toWa at least, turned out very bright, although it was very misty in the mornmg, and by noon a good company had assembled. These Mr. H. Chandos Pole Gell and Mr. Cox entertained in the commodious coach-hou9» with a capital lunch and champagne. After the customary toasts, of which Mr. Cox delivered himself with much humour, the company adjourned to the ring. Although the sale was, as the auctioneer said, " out of season," and the stock not in that condition they might under more favourable circumstances have been, yet the company seemed to bid well, and there was good local competition. Mr. Clayden's Daphne, a fine cow, newly calved, and with an enormous udder, was put in by a dairyman at 30 gs., and Mr. George Sanday bid for her, but she went to Captain Aveling at 35 gs. Sarah Ann, of the Osberton Seraph tribe, and the property of Mr. Blackwell had been walked from a distance, and looked stale, so she went cheap to Mr. Arthur Garfit, wlio also bought Wedlock out of Wheedle, low iu condition and cheap enough at 50 gs. Her daughter, by Mr. Torr's Graud Marshal, was one of the best animals in the sale ; and brought out among an aristocratic company she would have fetched double the 53 gs. Mr. Curtler gave for her. Maria 11th (33 gs.) and Maria 14tli (24 gs.), both bred at Cotham, went to the Rev. Mr. WUson, in Shropshire ; and Mr. John Norwood, of Newark, took Statera at 39 gs., and Harmony 4th, a good roan heifer, at 34 gs. Adeline made 45gs., to Mr. Williams ; and the Harmony cows, badly crossed, went only at low prices, two making 34gs. each. The bull calves, sold after their dams, went off remarkably well, Julius making 28gs., and Bismarck 21g3. ; whilst the competition for the extra stock, with a cross or two of blood, drew great spirit out of the men of the district, and two of them fought over a fine roan in-calf heifer up to 41gs., and the others went up to 33gs. and 27gs. each. Al- together the sale was considered a success, with a sum total of about £1,356 3s. 6d., or an average of £36 2s. 7d. for the herd of forty head, the cows aud heifer* averaging withia ^ fiiTj »hiiliiig» of j^SO eacti , _. ^! , 542 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. CALENDAR OF AGRICULTURE. In fresh weather plough stubbles for wheat fallows in the first place, ia order that the stiffest soils mf y have the benefit of exposure to the atmospheric changes, which, by alternately contracting and swelling the soil, crumble and dissever the particles into a minute adherence. The furrows must be deep and square cut, and the edge that is raised from the coulter and share placed thoroughly vertical, in order to expose both sides equally to the air. Being placed into this position by the shouldered width of the mould-board, it matters not what name the plough enjoys in the maker or in the design, in the iron or in the timber. Stiff clays require the power of 3 or 4 horses, as a deep ploughing raises earth for the summer workings preferably to a shaUow winter-furrow, and a deep ploughing in the spring. Plough in succession the stiffest green crop lands, and also the stiffest leys for Lent crops. Continue the cutting of drains to half depth, to be dug out and filled in dry weather ; mend roads and cast up earths for composts ; collect for manures all earthy and vegetable substances that can be got iu any shape or quality. Flood meadows, and lay dry occasionally. Cut underwoods and fill up vacancies by planting and layering. Plant all kinds of forest trees, especially ash and oak, single. Standard trees in corners or in clumps, are treated as directed for gardening, with guano and dung. Keep plantation fences in good order to prevent trespass, a sure mark of slovenly management. Planta- tions of all kinds with the fences are best placed in the management of the landlord, who cuts the wood into periodical sales, which supply the wants of the country. Raise turnips from the ground, and cut from the bulbs the tops and roots, and store the crop in a thatclied longi- tudinal heap at the homestead on a dry bottom. Give fresh tops to voung cattle in the yards or to store sheen in the fields. Early lambs will be dropped this month — feed the ewes largely with juicy food under a good shelter. During frosty weather thrash very frequently by ma- chinery, and litter tlie yards very often and thinly. Ma- chinery will cut the straw by knives into short lengths on the upper floor, on whicli "the scutching is done, and hence conveyed on travelling carriers, supported by three- legged standards, to any part o( the yard, for food as chaff', or for promiscuous litter. This provision is well adapted for large farms, and straw in short lengths are very con- veniently managed in the yards, and covered in the drills of land. Collect earths to the compost heaps, and carry lime for mixing with the earths. Cart stones to the places re- quired for draining, and carry fuel, timber, and faggots for domestic and other purposes. Tlie systematic arrangement of farm labours for the mid-winter months consists in ploughing and planting in fresh weather and in carting operations in frosty weather. The thrashing of grain is done by machinery in all wea- thers, at regular intervals, to supply straw for common use, and thrashing with flail still goes on with daily lan- gour, evincing a prejudice of slowness, wholly incom- patible with the present speed of steam and telegraph. Tt continues the stolid character that has ever been at- tached to the cultivators of the soil in expending five times the cost in the flail over steam in a non-productive point, instead of lucre ising the produce, for if £5 were paid for thrashing one quarter of wheat it would produce only eight bushels of grain. The cattle in the yards, cribs, and fattening houses, must be supplied by daybreak with food in a fresh con- dition, as turnips and other roots, straw, hay, and chaff, in quantity for the day's consumption. The turnip troughs are carefully cleaned out by shovel from mud and filth before the fresh turnips are deposited — the straw racks are frequently shifted in position in order to prevent dry places underneath, and to maintain a uniform soaking of moisture over the yard, of which the surface must be kept level and frequently and thinly littered with short cut straw as has been mentioned. In this way, and in most situations, all the moisture of the yard will be ab- sorbed by stra'w and litter ; and after all that has been spoken and written on the subject of liquid manure, its warmest advocates have been compelled to acknowledge that it is most beneficially applied by being absorbed by earths and earthy matters. In very rainy localities the extra quantity of moisture from the heavens should be cairied away by eave-spouts into a culvert, for if allowed to pass through the feces and straw of the yard, it will carry away with it the urinary liquid which forms a chief value of the fajcal compost. The sheep in the fields that are fattening on turnips sliced into troughs, or which are in store keeping in fields of grass or stubble, must have fresh food by day- break for a day's consumption, in fresh sliced turnips, and iu roots drawn from the field in the morning. Sheep confined on the grown crop by hurdles or other light fencing, get a fresh space of ground every three or four days, as the surface is cleared of roots. It is of great moment in the feeding of animals that the food passes into the stomach of the beast in tha shortest possible time from being separated from the ground, in order to have the benefit of the vegetable freshness — a mighty element of nutrition. With this view the storing of roots is not eligible except in early climates, shooting into tops, and where snow lies long and deep. The last case is not very frequent, and the former is confined to the extreme south- ern counties. Pigs fattening in sties in two animals together are sup- plied with a mashed food of steamed roots and meals in mixture of ^o meals daily, and in the last month of fat- tening with a meal of raw grain, as beans, oats, and bar- ley, in order to whiten and consolidate the flesh. In the store yard the younger animals are supplied with roots, raw and steamed, and with abundance of litter. Poultry are fed with light grain, and with steamed roots and meal, placed in troughs under a shed. A fresh supply of water is required. Work-horses are treated with steamed potatoes in the evening meal, and benefit is thought to ensue. But the horse is a dry feeding animal, and is much exposed to weathers, and warm food will open the pores of the skin to the reception of cold. H.ay, oats, and pea-straw suit the dry constitution of the horse — pigs are the only favourites of cooked food. Early in this month, or rather in last month, the farm buildings should be insured by the landlord, with a small part by the farmer for such articles as he is bound to keep in repair. The crops of the year, with the animals, are insured at the farmer's cost, and now very cheaply iu an office of the special designation, rendering a neglect doubly culpable. V (5 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 643 CALENDAR OF GARDENING. Kitchen Garden. Protect artichoke beds with three inches of half-decayed leaves strewed over the surface, or if the land be stilF and clayey, with as much coal and wood ashes. Asparagus is easily forced upon deep beds of leaves, raked from woods and parks, avoiding those of laurels and of evergreens generally. The plants should be prepared in proper beds for the express purpose, and selected from the best two and three-year old stock. Brick pits are the best erections, but vvoodcn frames set upon leaves, with warm linings will do well. Earth u]i celery for the last time very high in the ridge. Excite sea-kale, as directed for asparagus. Much litter is prevented by using pits and darkened frames, with good linings. Trench deeply and manure richly lands intended to grow onions, llidge ground in all vacant places. Cut the soil into long and narrow spadefuls, and place the slices in a half-vertical position, with a corner standing upright, with cavities open at the bottom, to allow the free permeation of air and moisture. In snowy countries these openings lodge the snow, which is dissolved into an ammouiacal liquor of much benefit to the laud. The alternate thaws and freezings expand and contract the ground into a crumbling condition, of great benefit in cul- tivating all stiff lands, as clay and meagre loams. Frost may set in early, and, therefore, every means of defence for plants in frames, under glasses, and in warm borders, such as matting, littery straw, and fern, ought to be at hand. In this way late-sown radishes are preserved under straw, which, however, should be raked off in open sunny weather. All is contingent, and if the weather is open, there is every probability that it will be wet, and then to trample and work ground saturated with water is only to do mischief. During this month all operations must be done in dry weather, for otherwise the tempera- ture of the land will sustain much injury. The relish and the rarity of getting green vegetables, as radishes in mid-winter, is well worth the small expense and trouble, as the late autumn sowings are rendered with some small attention into an edible condition. Glass gardening may not engage the farmer, but a small portion of it will be agreeable and useful, and managed by otherwise unemployed hands. Collect and prepare manures in the liquid form, and in a dry compost. Lay the former on lands for the early spring crops, and dig the latter into the ground, or spread it over the surface as a thick top-dressing, to rot and disolve during winter. This mode of applying manures protects the lands from waste, and increases the temperature, preserves the winter-grown plants, and promotes an early spring vegetation ; it therefore merits a large amount of attention. Fruit Department. Look over any stores of fruit, and remove decaying apples and pears. A dry cool air and a covering of dry straw, are the best preservers. Pears should be kept in a warmer situation than apples. In open weather, plant fruit trees and fruit-bearing shrubs of all kinds in the garden and in the orchard. The shrubs will be inserted on cultivated ground, dug, and well manured. Prune the roots of the sets within a short distance of the stem by shortening the loose fibres ; and beneath the insertion in the ground, place a quantity of guano mixed with earth in proportion of 1 to 4 or 5, raised in the edges, so that the incised roots are in immediate contact with the mixture. A very quick and strong growth of the plant will ensue to last for several years. The distance between the sets of shrubs varies according to the bulk of its growth from 2 to 5 feet, a medium being about 4 feet for the larger kinds. Fruit trees must have a width of 20 feet between the rows, and of 15 feet between the trees in a line, each tree occupying a diameter of 18 feet. The land may be deeply trenched in the whole surface, or a pit may be dug and manured in an extent of 3 to 4 feet across, to hold the tree; but no lasting advantage has been gained by any preparation of the land, and only for a few years. Prune the roots of the young tree that is about 5 or 6 feet high, shortening the long fibres closely in a length ; raise by the spade the sods of the surface in an extent and depth to hold the roots, and place the tree on a thin layer of mixed guano ; replace the turfs on the soil over some short dung, and place a thick mulch of rough farm- yard dung around the tree 4 feet in diameter. Protect the tree from rodent animals by a wire guard 2 feet high, and if the tree is single in open grounds, place a three cornered fence of light posts and cross bars 5 or 6 feet high above the reach of grazing animals, and widening at the top by the posts leaning outwards, for the greater defence against damage from the height of animals. In this position the trees may grow unmolested. Flower Gakdex. If snow falls, shake it from the evergreens before the sun shines. Remove the litter of all kinds, and also from lawns and gravels. Protect the glasses of any pits or greenhouses by mats or screens, or rollers ; give air, bnt little water. .Straw mats, skilfully made, with bands and strong packthreads or cord, afford the best protec- tion to frames and low pits. During this month every labour is contingent on frost- bound soils, or lands drenched with rains; but much use may be made of the open intervals of weather in dig- ging and manuring the land for future crops, and in planting the larger vegetable growths, so that uo time is lost. THE RAILWAYS AND COUNTRY CORN DEALERS. — An action of importance to railway travellers was tried in the Court of Exchequer before Mr. Baron Martin. Mr. Buckmaster, a miller, living at Framlinghara, Suffolk, a season-ticketholder on the Great Eastern Railway, went on the morning of the 6th of September, 1869, to the company's station at Fraralingham, with the intention of coming to London by the train advertised to start at 6.45, in order that he might attend the Loudon corn market. Owing to the neg- ligence of the fireman, the fire in the engine was not sufficient to get up the steam, and consequently the train was unable to start. The plaintiff complained to the station-master, who brusquely told him that if he desired to go on he must pay for A spei-ial train. Ihe plaintiff thereupon ordered a special train, for whicli he was charged £39 14s., but not arriving in London in time for the market, he sustained a furtlicr pecu- niary loss of £10. He then brought an action to recover the amount he had paid for a special train, and tlie money he had lost by the loss of his market. Mr. Baron Martin, in sum- ming up, said that no action would have lain against the company for any alteration of trains or any delay in the 6U THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. starting or arrival of trains arising from accident or causes of a similar character, but in tliis case the delay arose from a clear neglect of duty, from the fireman not rising early enough to get up the steam. The company said they would use every exertion to insure punctuality, but had they done so in this case P No exertion was used at all. Then they said the de- parture and arrival of trains at the times stated *vould not be guaranteed nor would they hold themselves responsible for any delay or any consequence arising from it. People guilty of negligence always said, " Miud, I won't be responsible for it." That was nonsense. It was like a man striking another on the head, and then telling him he would not be responsible for the consequences. The real question was whether there was gross negligence or an absence of reasonable exertions to ensure punctuality. With regard to damages, his lordship expressed the opinion that plaintiff was entitled to the £39 14s., and said it was astonishing that the company had not returned the money. He also saw no objection to the jury giving the £10 for loss of market. The jury almost immediately returned a verdict for the plaintiflf — damages £49 14s. FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL GOSSIP. The cattle plague is stated to have broken out with some virulence in the districts bordering on the River Plate, and an equally virulent disease is reported to have set in among sheep in the same part of South America. A few details as to Ohio breeding farms may not be unacceptable. The breeding farms of Messrs. Delano and Cronse lie some six miles north of Chillicothe, and are situated upon that beautiful and romantic little stream, the Kiauikinick. Mr. Delano has only recently associated himself with Mr. Cronse in the breeding of thorough- bred stock, his attention having hitherto been almost entirely directed to trotters, of which he has a fine collection. Messrs. Delano and Cronse have spared no expense in collecting a stable of thoroughbred colts and fillies. New stables have been erected, in which the facilities afforded for proper venti- lation are ot high excellence ; the stalls, loose boxes, &c., are also large and roomy. Eight miles south of Chillicothe lies the estate of Mr. D. R. Harness, a gentleman long associated with the American turf, who, after a brief retirement, may be said to have returned to his first love, and is now in possession of a fine little stud of thoroughbreds. Mr. Harness recently purchased in Kentucky a colt and filly by Asteroid, considered one of the best horses ever bred in the United States. Mr. Harness, however, although placing a high value on his Aste- roid colts, considers a chesnut colt by Bowen, out of a dam of Luxembourg, the best animal now in his possession. The question is being discussed in American circles whether rearing thoroughbreds pays. It would seem that it does ; at any rate, in some instances. Thus the late Mr. R. A. Alexander piir- ehased, in 1856, of Mr. J. L. Bradley the brood mare Bay Leaf for 1,000 dollars. SinceBayLeaf becameMr.Alexander'sproperty she has had the following produce : 1858,a bay colt, Rubicon, by Lexington (sent to England) ; 1859, bay filly, Bay Flower, by Lexington ; 1860, barren ; 1861, bay colt. Beacon, by Lexing- ton ; 1862, barren ; 1863, bay colt, Bayswater, by Lexington ; 1864, bay colt, Baywood, by Lexington ; 1865, bay colt, Bayonet, by Lexington ; 1866, bay filly, Niagara, by Lexing- ton ; 1867, bay colt, Preakness, by Lexington ; 1868, bay colt, Bingaman, by Asteroid ; 1869, bay filly by Asteroid. Rubicon won a stallion stake at Lexington, Kentucky, worth about 3,000 dollars, and was sold for 3,000 dollars, to go to England. Bay Plower won many races, her winnings amount- ing to something like 3,000 dollars. Beacon was sold for 6,000 dollars. Bayswater won many races, the Paterson St. Leger among them, winning something like 5,000 dollars ; and he was sold al five years old for 3,000 dollars. Baywood never ran, but Mr. Alexander refused 10,000 dollars for him when a two-year-old. Bayonet was sold as a yearling for 2,700 dollars, won many races, and was sold for 6,000 dollars. 12,000 dollars was afterwards refused for him. Niagara has won several races, and was sold as a yearling for 2,500 dollars. Preak- ness realised 2,000 dollars as a yearling, and won the Dinner Party Stake, worth 19,500 dollars. Bingaman realised *,000 dollars as a yearling, and the bay filly foaled in 1869 sold as a yearling for l,l:iO dollars. The 1,000 dollars in- vested by Mr. Alexander, in 1856, in the purchase of the ftmtful Bay Leaf may thus be said to have yielded a good annual income ever since.— A Chicago firm has patented a palace stock car" for use upon American railways. The ear is roomy, and is so arranged that it will contain from sixteen to eighteen head of horned cattle or horses, and afford at the same time each animal a » separate staU. The construction of the stall is such that it can be adjusted to the size of the animal. As the car is longer than the ordinary cars used for stock purposes, it can be made large enough to permit an animal to lay down and rise up at his convenience. A feed-box is placed at the head of each animal, and into this box feed is conveyed by a spout con- nected with a feed- bin at the top of the car. By this arrange- ment stock are enabled to eat and enjoy their meals regularly while being carried over a great extent of country. Animals in iransitu in the new cars can also be furnished with ample supplies of water, since under the feeding-trough, on opposite sides of each half of the car, is an iron cylinder or water- tank, about a foot in diameter, with openings in the centre of each stall. An iron tube passes under the car, and connects the two water-tanks ; and by means of a reservoir at the end of the car, the tanks are supplied with water from the rail- road tanks. It requires but a few minutes to water the stock by this arrangement ; in fact, water is constantly before them. The car can be loaded in from eight to ten minutes, and when loaded one-half the cattle in transitu stand facing opposite sides of the car. It is calculated that by the new cars three days will be saved in the conveyance of stock between Chicago and New York, as it will no longer be necessary to make long stoppages to give the stock rest, feed, and water. Stock will also not lose weight on the journey, while labour will be economized in every train. RULES rOR MILKING. Five per cent., and perhaps ten, can be added to the amount of mUk obtained from the cows of this country, if the following rules are inexorably followed : 1. Never hurry cows in driving to and from the pasture. 2. Milk as nearly at equal intervals as possible. Half-past five in the morning and six at night are good hours. 3. Be especially tender of the cow at milking times. 4. When seated, draw the milk as rapidly as possible, being certain always to get it aU. 5. Never talk or think of anything beside what yoa are doing when milking. 6. Offer some caress and always a soothing word when you approach a cow and when you leave her. The better she loves you, the more free and complete will be her abandon as you sit at her side. We append the not uncommon practice : 1. Let some boy turn the cows away and get him who is fond of throwing stones and switching the hind ones every chance he gets. 2. MUk early in the morning and late at night, dividing the day into two portions, one of fifteen hours and the other nine. 3. Whack the cow over the back with the stool, or speak sharply to her if she does not "so" or " hoist." 4. Milk slowly and carelessly, and stop at the first slacking of the fluid. 5. Talk and laugh, and perhaps squirt milk at companion milkers, when seated at the cow. 6. Keep the animal in a tremble all the time you are milking her, and when done give her a vigorous kick.— American Paper, THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 545 AGRICULTURAL REPORTS. BEDFORDSHIRE. We afe glad to see au upward tendency in the price of wheat, and hope it may be maintained. This grain has been drilled this year, as last, in many cases before the rains came, very dry, but it seems to be coming very nicely. Wheat, we think, yields well this year in most parts, and will be quite an average. Barley is of bad quality generally, but appears to yield well, and makes up in quantity, especially considering the dry season. Beans and peas also appear to yield well, and the straw being harvested well makes it very valuable, hay and clover being so dear and scarce. The root crop is good generally, especially the mangold and kohl rabi. The swede turnip for the most part suffered very much from the fly, which made it light. We wonder that kohl rabi is not more widely sown, as they are invaluable to a farmer, yet in many of the midland counties they are scarcely known. All kinds of stock fatten fast on them, and are very fond of them. The potato crop is very good, great weights per acre being recorded in many parts. Linseed cake still maintains its price, although corn is so low in the inferior quality for feeding purposes. Meat is fetching high prices, and is very scarce, especially beef. All kinds of beasts came off grass so low in condition that they must necessarily take some time to get meat. Water is very scarce in many places, although we have had some nice rains ; the springs appear to be so low from the lengthened drought of the summer months. — Nov. 23. NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND.. We have made brief reports at various periods during the late almost unprecedented dry season. Since our last notes, taken eight weeks ago, we have experienced a continuance of very changeable weather ; taking data since the second week in October, up to which period very little autumn tillage could he effected, both surface and subsoil being as hard as brick earth. On the 10th sleet and rain fell, with a stormy N.E. wind ; Border Hills all under snow. A few dry, cold days intervened, and farm labour was vigorously pursued — potato lifting, wheat sowing, &c. — a good breadth being planted during the week under most favourable circumstances. The turnip crop (at least, all the late resown) is improving rapidly in growth of top. Swedes, as reported in our last, were too far gone with disease and vermin ever to improve, many a broad acre being barely worth the lifting. Where early sown, on tine laud, a moderate average crop has been saved, but generally not in a sufficiently healthy state to store for spring feeding. The weather during the past five weeks has been winterly : rain, snow, gales of wind, hail, and on two occasions heavy peals of thunder, with some casualties by lightning. The pre- sent week quiet, with light foggy rain. Land in good con- dition for autumn deep ploughing, but the wet has not pene- trated through the hard dry subsoil, and the surface spunges up with Ihe traffic. The youug turnips, which promised favourably a month ago, have received a check by the late se- vere frosts and gales. Pastures, which assumed a green surface after the first rain, afford a very scanty bite for sheep. Cattle on all exposed situations, if not under hovel shelter, will lose in health and condition. As a summary, we anticipate an ex- pensive and hard-feeding winter for all fiockmasters who care for the well-doing of out-door stock generally. The late corn crops have now been fairly tested, and the grain generally is sound, dry, and of full average quality. Barley, as the crop of the season, has been freely thraslied, and comes quite up to valuation in weight ; on strong land the colour is a little dark for the maltster, and the market value varies much. Wheat good in quality but hght of straw ; rather under average quantity per acre. Oats good and fine, but a very small acre- age return. Potatoes a fair crop, and quality sound. Our labour market is not over-supplied, and every willing, able- bodied man finds full employment. Barn and field female helps in request at fully fifty per cent, over tke rates of twenty years ago. As referred to above, deep tillage extends gradually over our district, and the " steam-horse" is in rather extensive re- quest. Machinery is making progress in every department of agriculture ; the sturdy flailman, the immense hoards of immi- grant reapers and scythemen, and last, though not least, the able-bodied whistling ploughman, are all dying out, to be superseded by educated mechanics. Still, as belonging to the old school of the early days of this century, we can recollect greater acreage crops of cereals and roots than we have yet seen produced by the new system, with all the extra expensive artificial auxiliaries. Have the seasons become less favourable, or our soils more exhausted P — Kov. 25. REVIEW OF THE CATTLE TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. The cattle trade has been free from any important feature during the month. The tone, generally, has been steady, owing principally to the prevalence of cooler weather, and the quotations have been fairly maintained. The stoppage of IVench and German beasts at the waterside continues, and naturally decreases the arrivals at the Metropolitan Market. It may not be out of place here to suggest that now that it is determined to detain stock at the waterside, the regulation may be extended to the receipts from all foreign ports, in which case the authorities could hardly refuse to rescind the order, so far as the arrivals from our own grazing districts are concerned, compelling the compulsory slaughter, within the four mile radius of Charing Cross, of all stock once exhibited in the market, an order which in many cases proves very irk- some to butchers. A decided improvement has taken place in the condition of the Scotch and English arrivals. At one time the best Scots and crosses were making as much as 6s. 2d., but at the present moment the top quotation does not exceed 5s. lOd. per 81bs. The supply of food in the pastures has in- creased, and as the root crops have yielded well, there is still a moderate quantity of hay untouched. As regards sheep the show has been about an average. Fine breeds have been in request at full prices, the best downs and half-breds selling at 6s. 2d. per Slbs., but for other qualities the demand has been inactive. Calves have been in limited request, and the pig market has been in a quiet state. The total imports of foreign stock into London during the past month have been as under : Head. Beasts 14,906 Sheep 43,838 Calves 2,177 Pigs 2,463 CoMPAEisoN or Impokts. Nov. Beasts. Sheep Calves. Pigs. 1869 9,964 32,091 1,713 2,208 1868 9,391 18,162 598 353 1867 10,761 33,202 618 2,069 1866 13,278 38,389 1,290 1,187 1865 16,254 52,517 2,526 7,770 1864 17,137 34,792 2,970 3,947 1863 11,020 30,347 1,770 2,203 1862 6,839 28,577 1,659 633 1861 5,295 27,833 946 1,241 1860 6,961 22,723 1,604 828 1859 5,927 21,907 997 159 1858 4,786 18,258 1,174 156 1857 4,409 17,830 2,687 136 1856 6,102 16,380 1,152 309 The arrivals of beasts from our own grazing districts, as well as from Scotland and Ireland, thus compare with the three previous years ; 646 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. From— 1867. Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire 8,760 Other parts of England 2,040 Scotland iS Ireland 1,350 Nov,, Nov., Nov., Nov., 1868. 1869. 1870. 9,500 1,950 635 708 9,550 2,048 158 2,312 5,250 1,450 1,020 620 The total supplies of stock exhibited and disposed of at the Metropolitan Cattle Market during the month, have been as under : Head. Beasts 15,570 Sheep 96,920 Calves 2,233 Pigs 1,670 COMPAEISON OF SUPPLIES. Nov. Beasts. 1869 21,390 1868 19,249 1867 24,080 1866 24,660 1865 36,820 1864 32,600 1863 27,704 1863 30,139 1861 26,590 1860 25,400 1859 26,492 1858 24,856 1857 25,383 1856 25,454 Beasts have sold at from 6s. 2d., calves 33. 6d. t Slbs. to sink the ofFal. Sheep Calves. rigs. 77,990 1,604 615 98,390 1,048 1,404 109,960 1,016 2,350 95,800 1,190 3.090 167,230 2,858 2,811 114,300 2,587 2,900 99,130 2,156 3,170 110,020 2,313 3,173 109,370 1,370 3,430 103,600 2,112 2,920 120,840 1,299 2,800 114,643 1,437 2,970 103,120 3,002 3,037 105 750 2,096 3,415 3s. 4d. to 63., sheep 3s. 4d. to lOd., and pi js 4s. 4d. to 6s. 2d. per Comparison of Prices. Nov., 1866. Nov., 1867. Beef from Mutton Veal Pork ... Beef from Mutton Veal ... Pork ... 8. d. s. d. s. d. 8. d. 3 6 to 5 4 3 3 to 5 2 3 8 to 6 4 3 3 to 5 0 4 2 to 5 10 4 4 to 5 8 3 10 to 5 2 3 4 to 4 3 Nov., 1868. Nov., 1869. 8. d. 8. d. 8. d. 8. d. 3 0to5 4 3 4 to 5 10 3 10 to 5 4 2 6 to 5 10 3 6 to 5 6 4 0 to6 2 3 4 to 4 6 4 4 to 6 0 The dead meat markets have been fairly supplied. The trade has been rather quiet at 3s. 4d. to 5s. 4d. for beef, 3s. 8d. to 5s. 4d. for mutton, 4s. 8d. to 5s. 4d. for veal, and 3s. 4d. to OS. 4d. per Slbs. by the carcase for pork. AGRICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE, FAIRS, &c. BARNET PAIR.— There was but a limited supply of horned stock, most of which was of inferior class ; young store cattle made good prices. The horse fair comprised a miscel- laneous class of animals ; sound horses for heavy draught work sold at prices varying from 15 to 35 gs., and nags and ponies 8 to 16 gs. There was but a small lot of sheep on sale, and the trade was dull. Grass feed in abundance in this district, and the pasture lands are studded with outlying cattle. BLAIRGOWRIE MARTINMAS CATTLE,— The num- ber of good cattle exposed was small, and prices were high. Best fat bullocks £20 to £23, others £14 to £18, Best beef ranged from lOs. 6d. to lis. per Dutch stone, second class 9s. ; best mutton was also dear, and sold from 8d. to 9d. per lb., and good demand. BOSTON PAT SHEEP MARKET.— Only a smaU supply ; prices (with anjthing but a brisk trade) ranged from 7id. to 8^d, per lb. CROWLE PAIR.— There was a large number of beasts for this season of the year, and a fair amount of business was transacted. The horses were of an inferior kind, and very few changed hands. Pigs sold rather in favour of the seller. DOUNE SECOND TRYST.— There were one or two good lots of Highland heifers, a lot of capital stirks which fetched the high price of £11, and a few good Ayrsliires. Otherwise the lots shown were of an inferior class — the residue of recent markets. The best lots of the West Highland stock were sold on Tuesday. The prices of these were reported to be quite equal to those current at the tryst at Doune in the beginning of the month. On Wednesday morning, however, the demand opened quiet, owing to the high prices which were sought, and as the day progressed the stiffness increased. Those who sold in the morning at the value then offered did best ; those who waited, thinking that the demand would improve, found them- selves deceived, because in the afternoon they were glad to accept less money than what (hey were offered at the begin- ning. In one instance a lot of two-year-old West Highlanders were sold at 13s. 6d. a head less after midday than could have been obtained at an earlier stage of the proceedings. High- land heifers sold best, there being a fair demand for those from Lancashire, i^irks were very stiff, as indeed were all the other classes of Highlanders. With the exception of a few lots, this class of cattle were back from 10s. to 25s. a head as compared with last Doune tryst, and a clearance could not be effected. For Ayrshire stock and crosses the demand was equally stiff, and a considerable number remained unsold at the close. Altogether the result would seem to indicate that store stock have for the present reached their maximum value, and lower prices may now be anticipated. The show of sheep was small, and consisted chiefly of blackfaced ewes. There was also a couple of lots of wethers and a few whitefaced tups. Gene- rally the demand was slow, but the prices obtained were much about the same as those current at the first market. So little business was done however in this department that the rates obtained can hardly be accepted as a criterion for future quotations. DURHAM FAIR.— Cattle principally, of which there was a large supply, but the demand was not in proisortion, Two-year-old heifers and steers £9 to £10, cows £14 to £23. FROME CHEESE FAIR.— The morning was fine, and there was a large attendance. There was an average supply of cheese. Prices, 56s. to 73s. ; Cheddar, 69s. to 75s. ; skim, 35s. to 30s. GARSTANG NOVEMBER GREAT CATTLE FAIR.— There was a very good show of cattle, which was well looked after. Lean stock sold at good prices, and soon cleared at from £15 to £30 per head. Tuesday's horse fair was not quite so good as in former years but of a better class. Anything use- ful was soou bought up, especially good cart colts ; 35 to 35 guineas for two-year-olds. GLOUCESTER FORTNIGHTLY MARKET. — There was a shorter supply of stock than at the two preceding markets. Trade in the best quality of beef and mutton was as at last market, but secondary sorts were dull. Beef, best quality, made 8d. to8|d. ; mutton, 8d. to 9d. per lb. I3acon pigs were in short supply, and met a dull sale ; prices 9s. 6d. to 10s., and porkers from lis. to lis. 6d. per score. GUILDFORD FAIR being the last autumn fair of this county, a large attendance of farmers and others was attracted. There was a large exhibition of horned cattle. The threaten- ing and warlike aspect of the Continent has had great influ- ence on the cattle trade, and the breeders anticipate that tlie importation of foreign cattle to this country wiU be materially checked, and the value of home-bred stock greatly enhanced, and dealers stood out firmly for an advance value of from 13 to 30 per cent. There was a good show of sheep hurdled up on the hill, and among which an active demand ruled. The horse show was moderate ; best class animals found buyers, but inferior horses were sold at discount prices. The follow- ing were the average selling figures : Cattle — Store steers and stock heifers £8 to £11, beasts for the fattening stalls £13 to £15, dairy cows in full profit ^16 to £22, cows and heifers to calve down £9 to £14, beasts in full condition £16 to £34, and rough stock £6 to £10 ; many droves were not sold. Sheep, young Southdown bred ewes 33s. to 43s, aged ditto 27s. to 30s., tegs and wethers 45s. to 55s., and lambs 18s. to 27s., Cotswold and cross-bred lambs 30s. to 36s., choice lots of lambs 40s. to 43s., and ram lambs 2 to 4 guineas each. Horses — Sound cart horses of good class 25 to 35 guineas, aged ditto 14 to 20 guineas, horses of superior stamp for light THE FARMER'S MAaAZINE. 647 liarness work 30 to 45 guineas, nags and roadsters 20 to 30 guineas, liorses of good blood and hunters 50 to 70 guineas, ponies 6 to 12 guineas. LINCOLN EAT STOCK MARKET.— Good show of beasts and sheep, many buyers, and both a good sale, at little under last week's prices, iieef 10s. per stone, ewe mutton 7d. to 7id., wether 9d. per lb. LOUTH FAIR. — Tliere was a large show of beasts, in- cluding fat and lean, the latter very lean, the former very good. Good fiit beasts sold well at from Os. to 10s. per stone. Fresh steers and in-calvers were good to sell, whilst drapes and in- ferior kinds made much less money. Heifers and cows wilh calves at their sides sold at from £16 10s. to £21 ; ewes sold at — say, 7^d., and wethers 8^d. per Ih. MALTON F'AIR. — The late exceptional droughty season, and the demand for good-conditioned cittle, caused all superior animals to be readily taken, but there was a slow sale for others. The show consisted chiefly of Irish cattle, the prices of which ranged from £6 to £14 each. English beasts were not numerous, but those ready for feeding and likely to come out at Christmas were eagerly purchased, at £10 to £18 per head. Scarcely any sheep. The pig market was heavily stocked : fat ones (live weight) fell to 6s. per stone, and small ones had dull sale. Beef Ss. 9d. to Os. 3d., pork 8s. to Bs, 3d. per stone ; veal 8d., mutton 8d. to S^d. per lb. The horse fair was a poor one, but there was a strong demand for animals fit for the military. Artillery and army horses were sought lor, but one dealer with a commission for fifty only purchased one. Prices were £28 to £33 each. MAllLliOROUGH FAIR,— There were fewer sheep penned than since 1864, not more than 4,000 being on the Common. Prices were 4s. a head in advance of Devizes October I'air, and in most cases Is. to 23. above Appleshaw and Andover ; whilst they were at least from 10s. to 12s. a head dearer than Marl- borough August Fair, Mr. F.iU exhibited a fine pen of ewes which made 50s,, and a pen of 100 very superior lambs at 56s. per head. Mr. Giddings, of Manton, made 45s. of his lambs at home the day previous to the fair ; these were resold by the purchaser in the fair at 47s. Mr. Godding, of Brimslade, made 40s. for 200 very matching lambs. Mr. Hillier, Granliam, 35s., &c. There were very few ewes penned. Mr. Moore, of Littlecot, made 50s. a head for the cull of everything, the usual run of other lots being from 35s. to 40s. MARTINSTOWN (DORCHESTER) FAIR. — Judging from the scant supply of both stock and sheep, there was an indication that the fair is declining in importance. But the short supplies are fully accounted for by the prevalence of the foot-and-mouth disease around Dorchester. The prices for every class of animals were maintained. The best beef — the supply of which w;is exceedingly short — realized fully from 14s. to 15s. per score, the quotations for in-calf heifers ranged from £8 to £12 each, good barreners fetched from £12 to £15, inferior ditto from £7 to £12. Horn ewes sold at from 40s. to 443., lambs at from 15s. to 23s. For several lots of chilver lambs 22s. 6d. per head was given. MELROSE FAIR,— Compared with late years, the exhi- bition of stock was fair, both as to number and quality. There was a great number of stirks sold at good prices, varying from £5 to £10 per head ; and one milch cow was sold for £17. There was a considerable show of horses, mostly very old, and of inferior quality, which were sold and resold at various prices; but the few young horses shown were readily sold at very high prices, but of this class of stock there was not a good animal on the ground. There were also a few sheep sold at current prices, MONMOUTH FAIR,— Stock plentiful. Good animals, beasts in particular, sold well. A large business was done ; three-year-old steers' average price, from £15 to £15 10s. Mutton, from 75d. to 8d. per lb. ; fat pigs — porkers, from 10s. to lis. ; bacon, 10s, per score. Store pigs lower than usual. NEWARK FAT STOCK MARKET.— We had a small market, but a brisk demind for all sorts, and late rates were fully maintained. Prime beef 10s., second quality 9s, to 9s, 6d. per stone ; wether sheep 9d., ewes 8d. per lb, ; pigs 8s. to 8s. 3d. per stone. RIPON FAIR, — A tolerable show of cattle. Calving cows scarce and dear. Bullocks and heifers £1 per head dearer. Lean stock plentiful, but bad to sell. RUGBY HORSE FAIR.— The supply was not equal to the demand, and consequently prices had an upward tendency. First-class hunters made various prices ranging from £80 to £200 ; good hacks fetched from £40 to £70 ; while the rough and inferior classes were quickly bought up at their full value, by French and German agents. The prices ranged from £18 to £30. There was a very short supply of all kinds of cart and town horses, and consequently they realised good prices, making from £40 to £70, Colts sold at from £20 to £44, and yearlings from £15 to £30. SLEAFORD FAT STOCK MARKET.— A tirst-class show of fat sheep, which met with a brisk trade. Small show of fat beasts, which were readily disposed of. Good show of pigs, which realised late prices. Mutton realised from 8d, to 9d, per lb,, beef from 9s, 6d, lo 10s. 6d,, and pork 8s. to 8s. 6d. per stone. TRURO FAIR was a very small one, and business was dull to begin with in all but fat cattle and fat sheep , but at the close the greater part changed hands at about former prices, viz,, 65s, to 68s,, store beef 35s, to 45s., and cows and calves 56s, to 63s, per cwt,; mutton Y^d, to 8d. per lb. In the horse fair business was more animated than usual, owing to some dealers present buying on French account, and several of the horses were sold at good prices. WHITCHURCH FAIR,— There was an unusually large supply of horned stock, most of which were in tolerably good condition. These realised fair average prices. Lean stock fared badly, aud few sales were effected. The pig market was filled with pigs of all descriptions ; there was, however, a notable preponderance of small ones. These did not com- mand very high prices ; they were, in fact, cheaper, if any- thing, than at the October fair. Fat ones met a ready sale, at from 10s, 9d. to lis per score. WORCESTER FAIR.— The supply of stock was compara- tively small, but the demand being brisk, a good clearance was effected. A good deal of the best went off as nsual by auction, one firm selling uearly £1,000 worth of fat stock. Beef fetched 7^d. to 8^d,, and mutton 7d, to 8^d. per lb.; fat pigs lis. per score. YEOVIL FAIR. — Beef 133. per score, average, and mutton 8|d, to Sjd, per lb. The supply of pigs was small compared with former fairs, and trade in them was not over brisk. The supply of store stock was large, and were in good demand, barreners selling from £10 to £14, The horse fair was not extensive. Cart horses realised from £25 to £40 each. YORK FAIR. — There was an average number of lean cattle. Business was slow during the day, and sales were prin- cipally confined to the better classes of stock. English beasts £12 to £17, Irish £6 to £12 per head. No sheep. The bulk of the horses were of only moderate quality, as the war now raging between France and Germany has helped to thin our markets of good animals. The better descriptions of horses went at remunerating prices, few of them remaining on hand. All the coachers, roadsters, and ponies were sold ; but the better classes of cart horses only attracted customers. Road- sters and coachers £25 to £32, cab horses £15 to £20, cart and agricultural animals £18 to £30. LONDON CHEESE MARKET.— We have only dulness to report this week. The demand for Cheshire Cheese is very limited at present, and unless it be for very choice lumps, at moderate prices, buyers can scarcely be secured on reasonable terms. We have, however, to refer to the season of the year as one reason for the present state of trade. The supply of English Cheese is not excessive, and when trade revives it wiU probably all be wanted at some price ; in the mean time some of it is getting out of condition. American Cheese of the finest and mildest character sell pretty readUy at 72s. to 74s., but all other descriptions are neglected ; a considerable quan- tity is out of order. The arrivals since our last statement are 25,773 boxes. — Cordeuoy and Co., Mill-lane, Tooley-street," CHESTER CHEESE FAIR.— There was rather more than an average pitch of Cheese, all was sold. The bulk of it was of middling quality, and the prices realised ranged from 553. to 70s,, and some exceptionally fine lots commanded 80s., aud perhaps a few shillings more, CHESTERFIELD CHEESE FAIR.— The market was not so well attended as in former years, prices ruling from 70a. to 85s. per cwt., or from 7d, to 9d. per lb. GLOUCESTER FORTNIGHTLY CHEESE MARKET was moderately supplied, about 30 tons having been pitched. S48 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. OHBESB, per cwt. : B. S. Cheshire, new.... . 70 to 84 Dble. Gloucester. . 74 80 Cheddar,old . 74 94 American . 60 74 HAMS; York ,112 .110 __ Cumberland _ Irish .100 124 There was a ready sale at 70s, to 73s. for best, and 65s. to 68s. for second qualities. GLASGOW, (Wednesday last.)— An excessively heavy stock of Cheese, wliich caused sellers to accept lower terms. This, however, had the effect of inducing purchasers to do more business. POULTRY, &c., MAEKETS.— Turkeys, 5s. to 8s. ; ditto hens, 3s. 6d. to 5s. 6d. ; Geese, 4s. to 6s. ; ditto Irish, 23. 6d. to 5s. 6d. ; Ducks, Is. 3d. to 2s. 6d. ; Wild Ducks, 2s. to 2s. 6d. ; Surrey Fowls, 3s. to 6s. ; Sussex ditto, 2s. to 3s. ; Boston and Essex, Is. 9d. to 2s. 6d. ; Irish, Is. to 2s.|; Rabbits, tame Is. to 2s. 6d.; ditto wild, 6d. to lOd. ; Pigeons, 6d. to 9d. ; Pheasants, 2s. to 2s. 9d. ; Partridges, Is. 3d. to 2s. ; Hares, 2s. to 3s. 3d. ; white Scotch, Is. to Is. 9d. ; Widgeon, Is. to Is. 3d. ; Teal, 6d. to Is. ; Woodcocks, 2s. to 3s. ; Snipes, 6d. to Is. ; Gold Plover, lOd. ; Black ditto, 6d. ; Larks, Is. 3d. per dozen. Eggs, best 13s., seconds 10s. per 120. PRICES of BUTTER, CHEESE, HAMS, &c. BUTTER, per cwt. : s. s. Normandy 134 to 154 Friesland 136 140 Jersey 114 184 Febsh, per doz. ... 17 20 BACON, per cwt : Wiltshire, green... 68 — Irish, f.o.b 64 68 ' HOP MARKET. BOROUGH, Monday, Nov. 28.— A healthy demand still continues for all fine and choice Hops, and the low price at ■which medium and low are offered attracts the attention of buyers. Pine Bavarian and Belgian samples are still in re- quest; low and medium of that class command little attention. Imports up to the present date amount to 10,612. A better inquiry prevails for 1868 and yearling Americans, wMch has resulted in some important sales. Latest advices from New York report trade as dull, witli a great scarcity of choice hops. Mid and East Kents £1 15 £3 10 £7 0 WealdofKent 115 3 0 3 15 Sussex 110 2 6 3 10 Parnham and Country ... 3 15 4 15 6 6 Olds 1 0 115 2 10 CANTERBURY HOP MAEKET, (Saturday last.)— The trade has been quiet this week for all but the best sorts, which sell readily at firmer prices. East Kent's £3 to £7, Mid do. £3 10s. to £6, Wealds £2 10«. to £3 10s., Sussex £3 5s. to £3 10s., 1868 £1 to £2, 1869 £2 to £2 10s. WORCESTER HOP MARKET, (Saturday last.)— Our market to-day is without any notable alteration in supply or demand, and prices are unaltered, the trade doing being en- tirely of a retail character ; 40 pockets passed the scale to-day, and 24 previously in the week, making the total up to this evening 23,270 pockets. ^~7~ POTATO MARKETS. SOUTHWAllK WATERSIDE. LONDON, Monday, Nov. 28. — During the past week the arrivals coastwise have been moderate, but a better supply by rail and road. Trade good for all best sorts at the following quotations : lorkshire Regents 70s. to 80s. Lincolnshire do 65s. to 75s. Dunbar and East Lothian do 75s. to 80s. Perth, Forfar, and Fife do 65s. to 75s. Kent and Essex do 55s. to 65s. Do. do. do. Rocks 55s. to 60s. BOROUGH AND SPITALFIELDS. LONDON, Monday, Nov. 28. — These markets have been but moderately supplied with potatoes. The trade has been rather quiet, at our quotations. Tiie import into London last week was confined to 30 packages from Amsterdam, and 8 from Rotterdam. English Regents , 60s. to 80s. per ton. Scotch Regents 55s. to 80s. „ Rocks 45s. to 55s. „ COUNTRY POTATO MARKETS, (Saturday last.)— Don CASTER; Only a moderate supply of potatoes on offer, and last Saturday's prices are fully maintained. Regents 8s. 6d. to 9s. 6d., rocks 78. to 8s. per load. — Malton : The prices for potatoes wholesale were flatter ; business was done at 56s. per ton, rounds. Quotations : 55s. to 60s. per ton. Pig potatoes dear and scarce ; wholesale buyers 40s. to 48s. per ton. Re- tail, table sorts 6d. to 8d. per stone: Manchester : Potatoes, Yorkshire, 9s. 6d. to. 10s. 6d., Scotch 7s. to 9s., Cheshire 5s. 6d. to 8s. 6d. per 2521bs. — York: The quantity of potatoes offering was only very moderate, and as there were more buyers for them than of late, the wholesale price rose to 7s. and 8s. per tub of 2801bs. In retail they were from 5d. to 6d. per stone of 141b. ENGLISH WOOL MARKETS. CITY, Monday, Nov. 28. — The tone of the wool market is steady, but the transactions in English wool continue to be on a moderate scale. The demand is chiefly for good wether and half-bred wools, for which prices are well sustained, they being very scarce. NoUs atid brokes are in demand for the manu- facture of army materials. CtJEEENT PkiCBS of ENGLISH WoOL, S. d. S. d* Flebcbs — Southdown hogs per lb. 1 Oitol 1^ Half-bred ditto „ 13 14 Kent fleeces , 1 U 1 2 Southdown ewes and wethers ... „ 0 10 0 11 Leicester ditto „ 11 1 1^ SOETS— Clothing, picklock „ 14 14^ Prime „ 1 2i 1 3 Choice „ 11 12 Super „ 10 1 OJ Combing, wether mat 1 2^ 1 SJ Picklock „ 1 OJ 1 1 Common „ 0 11 0 11^ Hog matching , 14 1 4^ Picklock matching „ 1 Oj 1 1 Super ditto „ 0 11 0 Hi BRADFORD WOOL MARKET, (Thursday last.)— The tone of the market is still quiet ; but there is a healthy firm- ness that betokens no great alarm on the part of either buyers or sellers. The chances of peace being preserved are re- garded as rather increased since last market day, and conse- quently there is rather less depression. There is still a cer- tain consumptive demand for fashionable sorts of wool, al- though buyers are reluctant to commit themselves beyond the needs of their machinery. Wethers are still in favour, and bring fuUy late prices. The tone of prices at the colonial sales, and the great firmness still shown by farmers and coun- try holders, make any serious giving way here almost im- possible, and staplers hold by their stocks with confidence. — Bradford Observer. LEEDS (English and Foreign) WOOL MARKET Friday. — There has been a diminished demand for English wool during the week, partly owing to the public sales in Scotland and partly to the untimely and outrageous proceedings of Russia endangering the peace of England and other nations not at present engaged in war. The sales in Scotland indicate a moderate range of prices, which no doubt suffered from the above cause. Considerable loss must have been experienced by the holders of wool from last clip. There seems to be a rather spirited demand for some sorts at the London sales for Colonial wool, though it is not participated in to any extent in this district. Prices are moderate, and are kept up by the withdrawal occasionally by importers, who seem to have confi- dence that better prices may be got next year. THE TAUNTON FAT STOCK SHOW.— The annual show in connection with the Taunton Agricultural Association took place on Nov. 18. Some of the stock, notably the Devons and Shorthorns, were very fine specimens of their class. Mr. W. Farthing, of Stowey Court, Bridgwater, carried all before him with liis Devons, taking no less than five first prizes . The other successful exhibitors of Devons were Mr. J. A. Smith, Bradford Peverell ; Mr. T. H. Risdon, Washford ; and Mr. R. Farthing, Farringdon, North Petherton. Of Short- horns the principal exhibitors was Mr. J. S. Bult, of Dodhill, who carried off the cup offered by Mr. H. James, M.P., with a beast of the Prince Frederick blood ; Mr. O. Hosegood, of Dillingtou, taking a prize with a cow of the same breed. Mr. J. W. Paull, Knott Oak, Hminster, took first honours for the best buU of any breed. Horses were a very poor show, and the chief prizes were awarded to Mr. J. Dunning, Creech, and THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 549 Mr. R. Farthing, Farringdou. Some of the sheep were un- usually good, the principal prize-takers being Messrs. Bond and R. and H. Farthing, Pigs were also well represented : Mr. Taylor, Pool Farm, Taunton, and Mr. W. H. Hewett carrying off the leading prizes. The judges were — Messrs. J. Tyacke, Merthen, Penrhyn ; Mr. J. WippeU, Barton Alphington, Exeter ; and Mr. T. Bond, Perry Elm, Welling- ton. The annual dinner took place in the afternoon. Lord Bridport being elected president lor the ensuing year. IMPORTANT TO CATTLE AUCTIOxNEERS.— A case involving an interesting and important point was decided by the Sheriff at Nairn. An action was raised by Hamilton and Sons, cattle auctioneers, Inverness, against Mr. J. Simpson, for £7 17s. 6d., being the price of a cow sold and delivered by the complainers to defender in May last. Defender averred that the cow was sold when diseased and in an unsound state, and accordingly refused payment of the price. The de- fender's agent, at the first hearing, raised the preliminary ob- jection that the pursuers had no title to sue ; tliat the cow was not their property, but belonged to the man who put it into the pursuers' sale, and that he was the only party entitled to prosecute. The pursuers' agent replied as salesmen they were bound for the price of all bestial sold at their mart ; that they had already paid the owner the price of the cow ; and that they had no one to look to for the price but the de- fender. Tlie Sheriff, after hearing proof, held the objection as good, dismissed the case with 10s. expenses to the defender, and stated in his opinion the proof showed that the pursuers were not the owners ot the cow, and had tlierefore no title to sue, that it should have been the real owner who should have prosecuted. SHORTHORN SALES AND LETTINGS. BY PRIVATE CONTRACT. W. Ashburner's Jessie Catherine sold to J. Crowdson, and Baron Blanche to J. Patterson. Capt. Aveling's Moreen, Cashmere, Honeysuckle's red b.c, and Dora's red c.c, sold to Capt. Barker; Young Oxford to Capl. Catling. C. Baruett's Blanche 6th sold to W. Ashburner ; Phryne, Pepluin, and Pride to T. H. Colman ; and Alboni to J, Beattie. T. C. Booth's King Richard (26523) let to W. Bolton. J. B, Booth's Banner Bearer sold to Sir W. S. Maxwell, Bart. Lord Braybrooke's Heydon Duke sold to Lord Feversham. J. Brown's Ursula 10th, Duchess of Rutland, Guelder Rose 2nd, Florentia 23rd, Guelder Rose 6th, Ursula 33rd, and Earl of Collingham, sold to J. P. Clark ; Fairy Queen, Ursula 32nd, Beautiful Star, Marquis of Thorndale, and Earl of Thorndale to J, Turner ; and Second Earl of Collingham to Mr. Thomp- son. Duke of Buccleuch's Passion Flower's roan b.c. sold to R. Bruce. T. Cloudsdale's Nancy 7th and Jessie Caroline sold to W. Ashburner. Duke of Devonshire's Dunrobin sold to W. H. Wakefield. G. Drewry's roan b.c, by Eighteenth Duke of Oxford (25995), out ot Elvira 6th, sold toT. Gibbons, J. W. Larking's Duke of Kirklevington let to R. P. Davies. F. Leney's Grand Duke of Geneva sold to Sir C. M. Larap- son, Bart., and J. W. Larking. D. Mcintosh's Grand Duke of Havering sold to T. Brassey. A. Metcalfe's Grace sold to D. Webster, and Lady Cradock to W. Longstaff. T. Morris's Airdrie's Duke sold to J. V. Hornyold and R. Guilding. T. E. Pawlett's Rose of Hope's b.c. sold to J. C. Toppin. Lady Pigot's Lord of Branches and La Belle Helene sold, and Sidus let, to W. I. N. Angerstein, and Victorious let to Capt. Bar- clay. J. Richardson's Wild Eyes 27th sold to W. Ashburner. T. Stamper's Cornelian and her heifer calf sold to T. Brown, and Charm and her twin heifer calf to J. R. Singleton. J. Thorn's Amelia d'Eden, Maggie d'Eden, and Elsie d'Eden sold to T. Atherton. W. Torr's Warranter sold to H. F. Smith, and Bracelet to E. W. Meade Waldo. Col. Towneley's Royal Butterfly 34th sold to M. Whittington, and Towneley Oxford to Messrs. Hosken and Son. T. WUlis' Sea Gull and Venus sold to M. Ford. Earl of Zetland's Musician sold to M. Yeoman. — ThorntoiCs Circular, UEVIEW OF THE CORN TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH. The four \ieeks' business— which includes the last Monday in October, and excludes the 28th November — is the subject of the present review. The long-delayed rains had fallen plenteously, and with them came a mild growing temperature which some hoped might last to help them through the winter with their stock ; but all this presently gave way to snow and tolerably sharp and frequent frosts, which soon cut off such hopes ; and though with a return of rain it has once more become milder, it is not likely, at so late a period, that vegetation will again effectively revive. A fair amount of wheat, we hear, has been sown, and the early plants generally look well — and, maybe, the better for a timely check; but those who were late in sowing will have more difficulties to contend with. What has been done was mostly well done, and there we leave it, with the best hopes of a good gathering, and a remunerative price. It is a pity that the prosperity of British agriculturists should be so often identified with the existence of war, but this has been the case for some time past. This mighty evil has, indeed, been raging for some time close in our vicinity, and British sympathies have done much for the wounded of both nations, little dreaming that the curse might come upon themselves. But a cloud in the East, or rather the Black Sea, very portentous to England and to Europe, has suddenly risen, which, if not dissipated by peaceful diplomacy, may scatter ruin as widely as it is now seen in France, Till Russia avowed her intention to evade the treaty of 1856, the wheat trade, after some fluctuations, seemed sinking into calm, from the over- burdened state of the London granaries ; but a change then came over the trade establishing an advance of 2s. to 3s. ; and all depends on subsequent events whether this rise is to reach a higher importance, or whether we are to be left only to the effects of the waste already wrought in France. Against any material decline it is to be noted our English supplies have lessened in London, and the weekly sales have, in the course of the month, also fallen off 15,000 qrs., while our averages for the last five years have been 5s. above those at present noted ; and, be it remem- bered, in the last Russian war we rose to 80s. lOd. Such rates, if war should come, we hope will not be reached, for they would oppress the poor ; but farmers with bad crops of spring-corn certainly want better than present prices for wheat. Even with our recent advance, we are yet behind other countries. Low-quality wheat at Danzig has brought 60s., c. f. i., for Belgium. Hambro' is also higher. At New York they have advanced 5s. per qr. The scanty information now received in consequence of the war yet leaves these as the most recent prices at the several places named: Red wheat at Hambro' 54s. to 57s., f. 0. b. ; at Copenhagen, 55s. to 56s., c. f. i. ; at Antwerp, 503. to G3s., f. o. b. ; at Rotterdam, white new Zealand 51s. to 58s., f. o.b., fine foreign red being worth 3s. to 4s. more. Saxonska wheat at Petersburg 45s. 6d., f. 0. b. The best high-mixed at Danzic 67s., cost, freight, and insurance, included ; inferior wheat at Alexandria 43s. 9d., f, 0, b, Ghirka wheat has been selling off th 550 THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. coast from 463. to 50s. ; at Saa Francisco 39s. per 500 lbs., f. 0. b. ; and the last telegram from New York quotes 49s. 6d., c. f. i., for old No. 2 Milwaukee, per 4801bs. We opeu the present month with Monday, the 31st Oct. The London market then received moderate supplies of English wheat, and good arrivals of foreign. The weather for the previous week having been very rainy the condition of the Essex and Kentish wheat, then only showing moderately, was very much deteriorated, and town millers were averse to buy even at relatively less values, and the few fine dry lots on offer scarcely main- tained their former value. There was, however, a good demand for American and Russian sorts for the purpose of mixing, at the full prices of the previous Monday. Float- ing cargoes were unaltered. The condition of Ihe samples exhibited at the several country markets this week also continuing very bad, universal dulness was the rule. Some, to make way in sales, accepted a reduction of Is. per qr. Among these were Brigg, Gainsborough, Gloucester, Leeds, Louth, Lynn, and Stockton; while several quoted a decline of Is. to 2s. per qr., as Bir- mingham, Bristol, Market Rasen, and Melton Mowbray. Liverpool was 4d. per cental cheaper on Tuesday, and Id. more on Friday. Glasgow reported a decline of 6d. per boll ; but Leith was firm. The scarcity of native wheat at Dublin gave a firmness to Irish samples, but foreign was dull. The prices quoted at Cork wei-e Ss. 6d. to lis. 7d. per cwt. On Monday, the 7th Nov., the English supply was lessened, and the foreign further iucreased. Though but a moderate show of fresh samples 'was exhibited on the Essex and Kentish stands, and the condition was some- what improved, the best samples scarcely maiutaiued their value, while inferior were decidedly Is. per qr. lower. The foreign trade was much reduced by the un- welcome fact that the proposed armistice between Prussia and France was rejected, and prices were barely sup- ported. The values of floating cargoes was, howevei', maintained. The country trade this week was again heavy and generally weaker, though with a large demand for Belgium on the East Coast. Some farmers would make no reduction, preferring lo withdraw their samples ; yet Bristol, Gloucester, Gainsborough, Ipswich, Newcastle, and some others, were Is. down ; and Market Rasen, with a few more places, noted a decline of Is. to 2s. Liverpool, though dull on Tuesday, became firm on Friday. The trade at Glasgow was limited, at unaltered rates ; but Edinburgh was rather in favour of buyers. Dublin was again firm for home and foreign produce. On the third Monday there were but small supplies of English Wheat, and the foreign arrivals were much re- duced. The show of fresh samples from the near coun- ties during the morning was limited, and the condition much improved ; nevertheless, business was very limited, though rates were without change. In foreign, also, there was but little doing ; but holders were very careless about selling. With small arrivals ofi" the coast, values were much as previously noted. Ru- mours unfavourable to the designs of Russia had on Monday been circulating on the London market, but nothing then took a decided form. As the week pro- gressed, however, it was ascertained that the Northern Power designed partially to violate the Treaty of Paris, signed in 1856, neutralizing the Black Sea, against which our Foreign Secretary having protested, rumours of war became widely spread, and the latest markets noted a rise of 2s. to Ss. per qr. on the previous week's quotations : this was the case at Birmingham, Bristol, Wakefield, these rates being confirmed on the London market of Friday. Liverpool also advanced 2d. per cental on Tues- day, and 6d. more on Friday, making a rise of 8d. for the week, equal to 3s. 4d. per qr. ; and several of Satur- day's markets were up Ss. to 4s. per qr. Glasgow's Wed- nesday's market was only up to 6d. per boll; but Dublin on Friday noted a rise Is. per barrel on Irish samples, aud Is. to 2s. per barrel on fine foreign. Oa the fourth Monday the supplies of home-growth were small, aud there was only one cargo of foreign from Petersburg. The number of samples fresh from Essex and Kent was limited, and the condition not so good as ill the previous week. Yet the rumours of a possible breach with Russia kept up the values of Friday, which were 2s. to 3s. higher than oa the previous Monday, though there was less activity in the demand. The foreign trade was improved to an equal extent, but as buyers had pretty well stocked themselves on the previous market, and there were yet some hopes of peace, the business transacted was smill. Floating cargoes were quite as much dearer. The arrivals for four weeks into the port of London have been 23,701 qrs. English wheat and 68,474 qrs. fo- reign, against 22,048 qrs. English and 144,094 qrs. foreign for the same time last year. The imports into the kingdom for four weeks ending 12th of Nov. were 2,794,172 cwt. wheat and 357,308 cwt. flour, against 4,586,279 cwt. wheat and 626,143 cwt. flour for the same period in 1869. The general averages commenced at 47s. 3d., and closed at SOs. 5d. ; those of London be- ginning at 51s. 9d., aud ending at 52s. 7d. The exports from Iiondon in four weeks, were 11,381 qrs. wheat and 155 cwt. flour. The flour trade, well supplied through the month, both in country and foreign qualities, for the most part ruled dull till the fourth Monday, when Norfolks rose Is. to 2s., and barrels fully Is. dearer, being worth 27s., while telegrams from New York on that day quoted 26s. 6d. c. f. and i., and no doubt since the increase of warlike rumours there will be a further rise. As to Paris, all we learn is, that the stock there will hold out for several mouths, some say till April, and that prices are forcibly kept down by the Provisional Government. The imports into London for four weeks were 85,324 sacks English and 6,894 sacks 34,136 barrels foreign, against 94,008 sacks English and 11,161 sacks 25,416 Jbarrels foreign at the same time last year. The arrival of maize having been moderate, and the demand steady, prices have advance 2s. during the four weeks, the advance having occured on the first and last Mondays at the rate of Is. each market. As the supplies of oats are now likely to fall off from the closing of the Baltic, and fodder in the country is very scarce, we expect this grain will he dearer through the winter. The imports in four weeks were 21,536 qrs., against 48,596 qrs. for the same period in 1869. Though the United States have a large crop this year none of it can be available before the opening of the canals next May, and quotations now c. f. aud i. are 36s. 6d. per qr., while here it is barely worth 32s. in granary. Though the barley supply of home-growth has not materially exceeded that of last mouth, the malting trade has been exceedingly heavy, and none but the best sam- ples bring full prices. As we descend, however, in qua- lity, and come into competition with maize and oats, the value relatively increases, and grinding sorts readily have brought 27s. to 28s. per qr., and a large business has been done ia floating cargoes. The imports into Lon- don for four weeks were 19,360 qrs. British and 27,209 qrs foreign, against 14,366 qrs. British and 26,633 qrs. foreign for the same time in 1869. The malt trade has ruled dull for the month, and prices have receded fully Is., there being yet a large stock of old on hand, and brewers pretty full. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 551 Though the supplies of English oats havebeen small, and those from Scotland and Ireland trilling, yet foreign arrivals have been free. On the lirst market there was a decline of 6d., aud in the last a rise of Is., leaving the gain in prices about 6d. to Is. for the month ; and as much more cannot now be expected from the Baltic, rates may yet improve, and the more so if any war should break out with llussia ; 381bs. Russians are worth fully 2Is. 6d. per qr. ; 401bs., 23s., and others proportionately. There is, however, a heavy stock in the London granaries. The imports for four weeks were 2,696 qrs. English, 13 qrs. Scotch, 1,200 qrs. Irish, and 259,603 qrs. foreign, against 3,346 qrs. English, 860 qrs. Irish, and 206,167 qrs. foreign last year. The trade in beans has been slow, with little change of value, excepting on tlielast Monday, when they rose fully Is. per qr. With a poor English crop, and but scant ex- pectations from Egypt, we seem likely to be yet dearer. Imports into London for four week were 3,056 qrs. English and 5,74-l qrs. foreign, against 3,909 qrs. English and 8,888 qrs. foreign in 1869. The market for peas, with much smaller supplies, has only improved lately to the same extent as beans, viz.. Is. per qr. ; but if the navy should contract largely for boilers, there must be a good rise. They are now worth 38s. to 40s., while duns are worth 38s. to 39s., and maples 46s. The imports for four weeks into London were 1,693 'qrs. English and 1,453 qrs. foreign, against 3,407 qrs. English, and 7,622 qrs. foreign last year. The last Manday having brought a large arrival of linseed from India, prices gave way Is. per qr., but no further decline was expected, and cakes were firm. The month's imports were 72,291 qrs., against 24,274 qrs. qrs. in 1869. Though not much has been passing in cloverseed, or other agricnltaral seeds, the tendency of prices has been gradually upwards. America may, however, yet send some quantity of red cloverseed. COMPARATIVE AVERAGES. WHEAT. Years. Qrs. 1866... 69,837i , 1867... 63,39 1| 1868... 66,6131 1969... 57,506 1870... 73,662 V. d. 57 6 63 11 51 6 46 8 49 10 BARLEY. OATS. Qrs. 76,2071 78,252| 74,8871 72,221 1 A. 45 6 41 5 47 3 38 8 Qrs. 5,049| 8,464 4,616 4,0771 s. d. ,23 9 ,25 8 ,28 4 .23 5 85,699J ... 36 8 4,648^ ... 23 11 AVERAGE S Fob the past Six Weeks : 15, 1870 22, 1870 29, 1870 5, 1870 12, 1870 19, 1870 Aggregate of the above The same week in 1869... Oct. Oct. Oct. Nov Nov Nov Wheat. B. d. 47 0 47 3 43 6 49 9 60 S 49 10 48 9 46 8 Barley. 8. d. 36 7 38 5 36 9 36 8 36 11 36 8 36 8 38 8 Oats, s. d. 23 11 22 10 23 5 FLUCTUATIONS in the AVERAGE PRICE of WllEA'l'. Fbice. 50s. 5dr 49s. lOd. 49s. 91. 488. 6d. 47s. 3d. 47s. Od. Oct. 15. :U Oct. 22. Oct. 29. -:-:-Ji Nov. 5. Nov. 12. Nov. 19. ^I CURRENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LANE. Shinings per WHEAT, now, Esso.x and Kent, white rod Norfolk, Linclnsh., and Yorksh., red BARLEY 31 to 34 Chevalier Grinding 30 31 Distilling MALT, Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk Kingston, Ware, and town-made Brown RYE OATS, English, feed 22 to 21 Potato., Scotch, food 00 Irish, feed, white 21 Ditto, black 20 BEANS, Mazagan ...38 Harrow 41 PEAS, white, boilers.36 00 Potato, 22 Fine 21 Potato 41 Ticks 45 Pigeon 40Maplo 41 to 42Groy,now FLOUR, per sack of 2801bs., best town households... Best country households Norfolk and Suffolk Quartei-. 65 to 57 50 62 51 52 36 42 35 38 60 67 60 67 49 64 36 38 26 33 00 00 24 26 2S 31 38 41 45 50 36 38 45 47 38 40 36 37 FOREIGN GRAIN. ShiUiiif^s per Quarter. WHEAT, Dantzic, mixed 56 to 57 extra 69to63 Konigsberg 64 66 extra 57 58 Rostock 54 66 fine 67 58 Silesian, red 51 54 white.... 53 57 Pomera., Meckberg., and Uckermrk. ...red 54 56 Russian, hard, 43 to 44. ..St. Petersburg and Riga 45 49 Danish and Holatein, red 50 53 American 48 63 Chilian, white 60... Californian 60 ... Australian CO 62 BARLEY, grinding 27 to 30. ...distilling and malting 34 36 OATS, Dutch, brewing and Polands 23 to 21 feed 21 23 Danish and Swedish, feed 23 to 25.... Stralsund... 23 25 Canada 20 to 21, Riga 21 to 23, Arch. 21 to 23, P'sbg. 22 27 TARES, Spring, per qr small 00 00 large 00 00 BEANS, Friesland and Holstein 44 45 Konigsberg 40 to 43.. .Egyptian 38 40 PEAS, feeding and maple.. .34 36. ..fine boilers 38 89 INDIAN CORN, white 30 33.. .yellow 30 32 FLOUR, per sack, French. .41 44. ..Spanish, p. sack 00 00 American, per brl 23 25...extraanad'ble.26 27 IMPERIAL AVERAGES. For the week ended Nov. 19, 3870. qrs Wheat 73,662 Barley 85,699^ Oats 4,64^4 493. lOd. 36s. 8d. 23s. lid. LONDON AVERAGES. Wheat 2181 qrs. 51s. 2d. Barley 1221 ,, 378. 6d. Oats — ,, OOs. Od. BRITISH SEEDS. MusTABD, perbush., brown 123. to 133., white 98.tol0s. CAirABY,per qr 623. 66s. CLOVBESBBD.new red 688. 768. CoBiANDEB, per cwt 21s. 22,^. Tabbs, winter, new, per bushel Ss. Ss. 6d. Tbbeoil, now 21s. 23s, Rybgbass, per qr 283. 308. LiNSBBD, per qr., sowing 638. to 708, .crushing 578. 6l3. LiNSBBD Cakes, per ton £11 Os, to £12 68. Rapesbbd, per qr 703. 723. Rape Oakb, per ton £5 loa. 0d.to£6 lOs. Od. FOREIGN SEEDS. CoBiAKDEB, per owt 2lB.to228. Cabbaway ,, new 3l8. 328. Clovbbsbed, red 61s. to6l3 white 683. 763. Hbmpsbed, small 423. to 43s. per qr.... Dutch 483. 478. Tbefoil 218. 223, Rybgbass, per qr 28s. 303. Linseed, per qr., Baltic 56s. to 608. ..Bombay 60s. 6I3. Linseed Cakes, per ton £11 O3. to£12 58. Rape CAKB.perton £5 168. Od. to £8 10s. Od. Rapesbbd, Dutch 683. 70a. END OF VOLUME LXVIII. Friuted by Eogersou aud Tuxford, 265, Straud, London, W.C. DEATH OF MR. G. P. TUXFORD. We regret to have to record the death of Mr. G. P, Tuxford, of the Strand, a geatlemau well known in the agricultural world as one of the chief pro- prietors of the Mark Lane Express and the lar- mers' Magazine, Mr. Tuxford was also one of the originators of the Farmers' Insurance Office, of which he had been for many years a director ; one of the early members of the Farmers' Club, and a life governor of the Eoyal Agricultural Society of England. He was a man of much abOity, sound judgment, and great integrity, and was consequently frequently called upon to act as arbitrator in disputed matters of business. He died on Monday, October 24, in the sixty-first year of his age. — The Illustrated London News, October 29. Neither his long residence in London nor the busy occupations of an eminently successful career obliterated his attachment to his native town (Boston; or rendered him indifferent to its pros- perity. To the last he took a lively interest in its welfare, and his purse was frequently opened in support of worthy objects. — The Stamford Mer- miry, October 28. We feel inclined to let such testimony as this, and as borrowed from others, speak for itself. Into the sacred privacy of home we dare not in- trude, nor more than glance here at George Tux- ford's worth as a son, a husband, a father, or a brother, in which relations he was, so far as human nature can be, almost without reproach. In his more public life, as already intimated, he was ever careful, even jealously so, in the discharge of his duties — a steady friend, a considerate employer, with a fancy to see old faces about him, but still ready to give the beginner an encouraging word and a helping hand. " Without your kind advice and solid aid," as the late Mr. H. H, Dixon (The Druid) wrote on the dedication of his last work, " I should never have faced all the weariness and anxiety of an author's life," and there are others who could speak still more strongly to such aid and advice. As identified more especially with the proprietorship of this Journal we may quote again from a contemporary. The Gardeners' Chronicle, which in an agricultural leader of a few months since said, " Everybody knows the perfect independence and straightforwardness of The 3Iark Lane Express. We say so with the most cordial admiration of it," and we venture to borrow these words as an act of justice to the dead. It was Mr. Tuxford's great pride that such a character for the Paper should be maintained without fear or favour, as, it is hoped, it still may be. He died at his house at Barnes after a sudden attack of only two days' duration, although he had never thoroughly recovered from a fall which he met with about twelve months since. It will be noticed that we have preferred, in some degree at least, to let others speak to the worth of our departed friend rather than to suffer our own sympathies to colour the sketch. From an intimate knowledge of him for six-and-twenty years we could more than confirm all they have said, as we can only the more keenly lament his loss. The funeral took place at Kirkby-on-the-Bain, near Horncastle, in Lincolnshire, where the late Mr, Tuxford's father and mother are buried. — • The Mark Lane Express, October 31. THE FAEMBE'S MAGAZINE. DECEMBER, 1870. CONTENTS. Plate I.— TROJAN, a Prize Hereford Bull: Bred by Mr, Philip Turner, of the Leen, Fembeidge. Plate II.— PERFECTION, a Prize Pony: The property of Mr. Allen Ransome. Descriptions of the Plates . . , The Ayrshire Cow. By the Northern Farmer The Agricultural Labourer. — By Cuthbert W. Johnson, F.R.S. The Foreign Cattle Market . No Politics ! . The Scottish Chamber op Agriculture Steam Cultivation .... Ross Agricultural Society Sale of the Castle Fraser Herd of Polled Cattle Sale of Mr. Lynn's Shorthorns. By Mr. H. Strafford Sale of Shorthorns in Aberdeenshire The Bath and West of England Society, and Southern Counties Echoes from the Autumn Meetings . , The Smithfield (!!lub Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland The Wenlock Farmers' Club : Award of Prizes Royal Agricultural Society of England Ayrshire Farmers' Club : Farm Fences Capital in Agriculture The Friendly Society Association . , The Central Veterinary Medical Society The Supply of Troop Horses . The Value of our Live Stock and Agricultural Prodi The Central Farmers' Club : The Fen Country The Central Chamber of Agriculture The Central and the Local Chambers of Agriculture Hungerford Chamber of Agriculture Double-Furrow Plough v. Single-Furrow Plough The Double-Furrow Plough Trials at Alford The Diseases of StocIc . The New Forest .... Sale of Mr. Cox's Shorthorns. By Mr. John Thornton Calendar of Agriculture . . , Calendar of Gardening . . , The Railways and Country Corn Dealers , Foreign Agricultural Gossip . . . Rules for Milking . , , , Agricultural Reports Review of the Cattle Trade During the Past Month Agricultural Intelligence Review of the Corn Trade during the Past Month Market Currencies, Imperial Averages, &q, , Ass OCIATION PAGE 459 460 461 466 467 470 475 479 480 481 482 483 484 503 504 505 506 508 511 514 518 520 521 523 534 539 540 540 540 541 541 541 542 543 543 544 544 545 545 546 548 550 THE MARK LANE EXPRESS AND A GTUCVJ.TVRAJs J O U B. N A I. IS THE LAEGEST AND THE LEADING FARMERS' AND GRAZIERS' NEWSPAPER, PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY EVENING IN TIME FOR POST. ROGERSON & TUXFORD, 265, STRAND, LONDON. May be had of all Booksellers and Newsmen throughout the Kingdom, price Sevenpence, or £1 10s. 4d. per annum DR, J. COLLIS BROWNE'S CHLORODYNE. THE ORIGINAL AND ONLY GENUINE. QHLORODYNE is admittod by the Profession to be the most wonderful and valuable remedy ever discovered. QHLQRODYNE i'^ the best remedy known for Coughs, Consumption, Bronchitis, Asthma. QHLORODYNE effectually checks and arrests those too often fatal diseases — Diptheria, Fever, Croup, Ague. CHLORODYNE acts like a charm in Diarrhoea, and is the only specific in Cholera and Dysentery. CHLORODYNE effectually cuts short all attacks of Epilepsy, Hysteria, Palpitation and Spasms. CHLORODYNE is the only palliative in Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Gout, Cancer, Toothache, Meningitis, &c. From LoKD Feancis Conykgham, Mount Charles, Donegal, 11th December, 1868. " Lord Francis Conj-ngham, who this time last year bought some of Dr. J. CoUis Browne's Chlorodyne from Mr. Davenport, and has found it a most wonderful medicine, would be glad to have half-a-dozen bottles sent at once to the above address." Earl Russell communicated to the College of Physicians that he received a dispatch from Her Majesty's Consul at Manilla to the effect that Cholera has been raging fearfully, and that the ONLY remedy of any service was CHLORODYNE." — See Lancet, 1st December, 1864. CAUTION.— BEWARE of PIRACY and IMITATIONS. Caution. — Vice-Chancellor Sir W. Page Wood stated that Dr. J. Collis Bbowne was, vmdoubtedly, the Inventor of CHLORODYNE ; that the story of the Defendant, Fksbman , was deliberately untrue, which, he regretted to say, had been Bworn to.— See Tin.ee, 13th July, 1864. Sold in Bottles at Is. lid., 2s. 9d., 43. 6d., and lis. each. None is genuine without the words, " Dr. J. COLLIS BROVVNE'S CHLORODYNE " on the Government Stamp. Overwhelming Medical Testimony accompanies each bottle. Sole Makupactoebe :— J. T. DAVENPORT, 33, Great.Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London. POPULAR MEDICAL WORKS, PUBLISHED BY MANN, 3 9, CORNHILL, LONDON. Post Free, 12 Stamps ; Sealed Euds, 16 Stamps. DR. CURTIS'S MEDICAL GUIDE TO MARRIAGE : a Practical Treatise ox ITS Physical and Personal Obligations. With instructions to the Married and Unmarried of both Sexes, for removing the special disqualifications and impediments which destroy the happiness of wedded life, founded on the result of a successful practice of 30 years. — By Dr. J. L. CURTIS, M.D., 15, Albemarle Street, Piccadilly, Londojt, W. And, by the same Author, for 12 stamps ; sealed ends, 20. MANHOOD : A MEDICAL ESSAY on the Causes and Cure of Prematuue Decline IN Man ; the Treatment of Nervous Debility, Spermatorrhoea, Impotence, and those pectdiar infirmities which result from youthful abuses, adult excesses, tropical climates, and other causes ; with Instructions for the Cure of Infection without Mercury, and its Prevention by the Author's Prescription (his infallible Lotion). REVIEWS OF THE WORK. " Manhood. — This is truly a valuable work, and should be in the hands of young and old." — Sunday Times, 23rd March, 1858. " The book under review is one calculated to warn and instruct the erring, without imparting one idea that can vitiate the mind not already tutored by the vices of which it treats." — Naval and Military Gazette, 1st February, 1856. " We feel no hesitation in saying that there is no member of society by whom the book will not be found use- ful, whether such person hold the relation of a Parent, Preceptor, or Clergyman." — Sun, Evening Paper. Manhood. — " Dr. Curtis has conferred a great boon by publishing this little work, in which is described the som*ce of those diseases which produce decline in youth, or more frequently premature old age." — Daily Telegraph, March 27, 1856. Corwultfttions daily, from 10 to 8 and 6 to 8. 15, Albemaele Street, Piccadilly, London, W. HARDING'S FLEXIBLE ROOFING. REDUCED TO ONE PENNY PER SQUARE FOOT. The BEST and CHEAPEST COVERING for HOUSES, SHEDS, FARM and other BUILDINGS, &c. Suitable for all Climates, and adopted by the English and Foreign Governments, Railway Companies, Metropolitan Board of Works, &c. Awarded the Silver Medal, Amster- dam Exhibition, 1869, for its Cheapness and Superiority to Felt, although the price was then 50 per cent, higher than at present, and is proved to be a much more Durable, Efficient, and Weather-tight Roofing than Corrugated Iron, at One-third the cost, and can be most easily fixed by any unpractised person. Please send for samples of present make. PRICE ONE PENNY per Square Foot, or 23s. per Roll of 25 yards by 4i inches wide. DRESSING, 2s. 6d. per gal. ; ZINC NAILS, 6d. per lb. SAMPLES AND TRADE TERMS FREE. HARDING'S COMPOUND GLYCERINE DIP. CONTAINS NO POISON, AND IS DESTRUCTIVE TO INSECT LIFE ONLY. [t is a certain cure for Scab in Sheep, who thrive and increase iu weight after the use of this Dip. It also presei-ves the alth of all animals belonging to the homestead. [t increases the growth of the wool, and cleanses it of all offensive accumulations which always cause functional derange- jnt, it being a weU known fact that acrid and corrupt humours allowed to remain on the surface are the cause of a great iny diseases which afilict animal life. This preparation is most easily applied, perfectly harmless in use, and most deadly to Ticks, Lice, Maggots, and a sure re for Foot Rot. It also prevents the Fly striking ; avoiding the Animal being troubled with Maggots, and heals all Sores, &c. old in Tins of 511>8. an«l 1011>s., at Od. per ll>. ; and in ]>i'nuis of 351f>i»., 50II)s. and up^vards, at 5d. per lib, ; Iby all Clieniii»ts, Seeds- men, Ironniongrers, and others tliroug'lBout tlie KLing-dom. A 51b. TIN IS SUFFICIENT FOR TWENTY-FIVE SHEEP. 0 Dipping Apparatus necessary, common Tubs being all required. (See the simple Directions for Use on each Tin.) Y. HARDING, Sole Manufacturer, 20, Nicholas Lane, Cannon Street, London, E,C. lTHANIEL ALEXANDER, Esq. TYRINGHAM BERNARD, Esq. [ILIP PATTON BLYTH, Esq. HN WM. BURMESTER, Esq. P. P. BLYTH, Esq | WILLIAM JARDINE, Esq. ONDON AND COUNTY BANKING ESTABLISHED 1836. COMPANY. SUBSCRIBED CAPITAL... £2,500,000, in 60,000 SHAEES of £50 EACH. PAID-UP CAPITAL... £1,000,000 RESERVE FUND... £500,000. DIRECTORS. THOMAS STOCK COWIE, Esq. FREDERICK FRANCIS, Esq. FREDERICK HARRISON, Esq. LORD ALFRED HERVEY. TRUSTEES. J. W. BURMESTER, Esq. | AUDITORS. WILLIAM NORMA.N, Esq. WILLIAM CHAMPION JONES, Esq. E. HARBORD LUSHINGTON, Esq. JAMES MORLEY, Esq. WILLIAM NICOL, Esq. W. CHAMPION JONES, Esq. I RICHARD H. SWAINE, Esq. General Manager— WILLIAM McKEWAN, Esq. CHIEF INSPECTOR. INSPECTORS OF BRANCHES. CHIEF ACCOUNTANT. W. J. NORFOLK, Esq. H. J. LEMON, Esq., and C. SHERRING, Esq. JAMES GRAY, Esq. Solicitors— Messrs. STEVENS, WILKINSON, & HARRIES. Secretary— F. CLAPPISON, Esq. HEAD OFFICE, 21, LOMBARD STREET. Manager— WHITBREAD TOMSON, Esq. I Assistant Manager— WILLIAM HOWARD, Esq. THE LONDON AND COUNTY BANK opens— •RAWING ACCOUNTS with Commercial Houses and Private Individuals, either upon the plan usually adopted by er Bankers, or by charging a small Commission to those persona to whom it may not be convenient to sustain an agreed •manent Balance. •EPOSIT ACCOUNTS.— Deposit Receipts are issued for sums of Money placed upon these Accounts, and Interest is iwed for such periods and at such rates as may be agreed upon, reference being had to the state of the Money Market. IRCULAR NOTES AND LETTERS OP CREDIT are issued, payable in the principal Cities and To^vns of the Con- : mt, in Australia, Canada, India, and China, the United States, and elsewhere, he Agency of Foreign and Country Banks is undertaken. he PoECHASH and Sale of Government and other Stocks, of English or Foreign Shares effected, and DrriBBKUSj ifTJiTiES, &c., received for Customers of the Bank. reat facihties are also afforded to the Customers of the Bank for the receipt of Money from the Towns where the Coni' ij y has Branches, ^he Officers of the Bank are bound not to disclose the transactions of any of its Customers. By Order of the Dii ectors, WM. MoKEWAN, Greneral Manager; IMPORTANT TO FLOCKMASTERS. THOMAS BIGG, Agricultural and Veterinary Chemist, by Appointment to His late Royal Highness The PrLaco Oonsoi't, K.G., Iieicester House, Great Dover Street, Borough, London, begs to call the attention of Farmers and Graziers to his valuable SHEEP and LAMB DIPPING COMPOSITION, which requires no Boiling, and may be used with Warm or Cold Water, for effectually destroying the Tick, Lice, and all other insects iujm'ious to the Flock, preventing the alarming attacks of Fly and Shab, and cleansing and purifjong the Skin, thereby greatly im- proving the Wool, both in ciuantity and quaUty, and highly contributing to the general health of the animal. Prepared only by Thomas Bigg, Chemist, &c., at his Manu- factory as above, and sold as follows, although any other quantity may be had, if required :— 41b. for 20 sheep, price, jar included £0 61b. 30 81b. 40 101b. 50 201b. 100 301b. 150 401b. 200 601b. 250 601b. 300 80 lb. 400 100 lb. 500 (cask and measui'e included) 0 10 0 15 1 0 1 3 1 7 1 17 2 6 Should any Plockmaster prefer boiling the Composition, it will be equally effective. MOST IMPORTANT CERTIFICATE. From Ml". Hehepath, the celebrated Analytical Chemist :— Bristol Laboratory, Old Park, January 18th, 1861. Sir, — I have submitted your Sheep Dipping Composition to analysis, and find that the ingredients are well blended, and the mixtui'e neutral. If it is used according to the directions given, I feel satisfied, that while it effectually destroys vermin, it will not injure the hair roots (or " yolk ") in the skin, the fleece, or the carcase. I think it deserves the numerous testimonials published. I am, Su-, yours respectfully, William Heeapath, Sen,, F.C.S., &c., &c., To Mr. Thomas Bigg, Professor of Chemistry. Leicester House, Great Dover-street, Borough, London. He would also especially call attention to his SPECI or LOTION, for the SCAiB or SHAB, which will be fo^ a certain remedy for eradicating that loathsome and ruin disorder in Sheep, and which may be safely used in] climates, and at all seasons of the year, and to all descripti( of sheep, even ewes in lamb. Pnce FIVE SHILLINGS ! gallon — sufficient on an average for thirty Sheep (accord to the vu'ulence of the disease) ; also in wine quart botf Is. 3d. each. IMPORTANT TESTIMONIAL. " Scoulton, near Hingham, Norfolk. A irU 16th, 185 "Dear Su-, — In answer to yours ot th h inst., wh would have been repUed to before this had j. en at hom<[ have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the efiicac your invaluable ' Specific for the cmeof Scab in Sheep.' ,^ 600 sheep were all di'essed in August last wjr.h 84 gallOTi the 'NoN-PoisoNous Specific,' that was so highly recq mended at the Lincoln Show, and by their o'vn dresser.l best attention being paid to the flock oy my shepherd a^ dressing according to instructions left ; but notwithstand the Scab continued getting worse. Beiug determined to 1 the Scab cured if possible, I ^vrote to you for a»supply of j^ Specific, which I received the followUig day; and althoa the weather was most severe in February duriT your Specific proved itself an invaluable three weeks the Sheep were quite cured j ana _^^uj l, say the young lambs are doing remarkably w<3d at prauu In conclusion, I believe it to be the safest and best rei^H now in use. " I remain, dear Sir, |H "For JOHN TINGEY, Esq., ■ " To Mr. Thomas Bigg." "R. RENNBY, B^ Flockmasters would do well to beware of such pre- parations as " Non-poisonous Compositions :" it is necessary to appeal to their good common sense and j ment to be thoroughly convinced that no " Non-poisonoj article can poison or destroy insect vermin, particularly < as the Tick, Lice, and Pcab Parasites— creatures so tenacii of life. Such advertised preparations must be wholly usele or they are not what they are represented to be. DIPPING APPARATUS £U. £6, £4,, & £3. CHEAP SUNDAY AND WEEK-DAY HEADING FOR THE PEOPLI Now PubllsHng, Wi)t €i)\mij of dijfflauti :;paaij:anne, A VERY CHEAP RELIGIOUS PERIODICAL. Containing original contributions by several of the Bishops and many other distinguished Divines ; Narratives ; Sketches of Natural History ; Biograijhy, Missionary Proceedings, Juvenile Reading, Poetry, &c., with a Register of Eccle- siastical Intelligence ; the whole combining amusement with instruction, in a style suited for all classes of readers. A series of Parish Chuixhes, with Illustrations of a superior kind is in com-sa of publication. This series, which will be of a very extended character, will be foimd of particular interest. Vol. LXVL, Imperial 8vo., Embossed Cloth, 480 pages, with highly-finished Illustrations of Parish Churches, price os. j London : Published in weekly numbers, price l^d., and in monthly parts, price 9d., by S. EWINS & SON, 9, Ave ] Lane; ROGERSON ^ TUXFORD, 265, Strand, W.C. ; and sold by all BookseUers. Intending subscribers are requested to send then- ofl without delay, as the back volumes and parts are J becoming veex scaece. As the Magazine enjoys a circulation far exceeding 1 any other chm-ch periodical, and is read by all class society, it will be found a very eligible medium for Atl tisements, which are conspicuously printed, and insert the most reasonable rate. Now Ready, Cloth, in two Volumes, 782 pp., with four steel Portraits, Price 10s., uniform with " SCOTT AND SEBRIGHT," " SILK AND SCARLET," &c., FIELD AND EEM, OR SCOTTISH FLOCKS AND HERi BY H. H. DIXON. «■) With Steel Engravings of Mr. Hugh WatsoD, Professor Dick, Mr. Nightingale, and the late Du Richmond, &c. i -v.,. The Volumes, "North" and "SdhA" (of the Frith of Forth) may be h&c sepai-atelv— Price SHILLINGS each. Copies will be scut by Post on application to the Author. PUBLISHED BY ROGERSON AND TtJXPORD, 265 j STRAND.