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education than the parochial school now affords is at the same time essentially necessary. In early life we have often heard our grandfathers (paternal and maternal), two lay elders in the parish, bemoaning heavily the great falling off of religion. At that time there was hardly a bothy in the whole county; nevertheless, amongst the upper classes, religion and morality were at a very low ebb, and, right or wrong, they concurred in the prevailing opinion that "England was the baneful source of all the extravagance, dissipation, and sensuality that was then spreading northward, demoralizing the land." And there cannot be a doubt that during the reigns of George III. and George IV, England herself suffered in this respect very seriously as well as Scotland, but that the latter perhaps suffered most. Happily, however, a change to the better is now taking place; and although progress is slow, bothies and bastardy are evidence of by far too superficial a kind to prove that

Scotland is at the present day much behind England in the march of moral improvement, for the fact is notorious that the worst characters of our rural districts in the north are neither bothymen nor those who are the parents of bastard children. However much we may deprecate the obscene stories and low standard of conversation in our bothies, and however black we may view the crime of bastardy, the greater portion of the former is of English origin, while abortion by drinks, &c., are crimes of a tenfold deeper dye than the latter, indicating a mucb lower standard of morality on the part of those who have recourse to such infernal means to hide their shame. It is, therefore, the duty of every agricultural journalist and writer not to pass hastily upon outward appearances a premature judgment militating against any class, but to advocate consistently the progress of sound principles. Thus all clubs are bothies in principle, &c. A MAN-O'-THE-MEARNS.

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Now that the consideration of Pedigree Wheat appears to be engaging the attention of the readers of the Mark Lane Express, it may be well if I take the opportunity to relate a few facts, collected during a recent visit to Mr. Hallett, respecting the methods pursued at Kemp Town.

I was first taken to see the garden which is the birthplace of the system. Many experiments are being tried there; and within its sacred precincts the progeny of last year's finest ear erects its splendid head. But, as my readers have probably an idea that this is all a hothouse system, it will be best at once to counteract the delusion by requesting them to accompany me to the field.

Leaving Manor House, and turning to the right, we face an acclivity-a chalk down, in fact, transformed by the plough. The rush of cloud-water from the higher to the lower levels has produced its usual effects. The summit has been denuded of its soil, to enrich the valley. In the latter, therefore, we find a fine deep staple; but as we rise from it, the staple becomes thinner and less suited to bear a wheat crop. Down the sweep of this undulation, however, are situated the plots of wheat now to be dilated

upon.

What

First of all we approach No. 7-a five-acre plot. crop does it follow? Clover ley. Was it manured? Yes, moderately. How and when was it planted? It was drilled ten inches apart, one bushel to the acre, on the 15th of October. What is the soil? Very thin, upon the chalk rock. The appearance of the crop is striking. The ears are remarkable. From an ordinary crop one would select them as something bespeaking wonderful vigour. Fourteen sets are of common occurrence. There seems, however, to have been too much seed to allow of the full development characteristic of this selection or family under the most favourable circum

stances.

Now let us pass to No. 12, a plot containing 1 acres. How was it planted, and when? Dropped in the seams of the presser, ten inches apart, on the 10th of September. At what rate? One gallon, or half-a-peck, an acre. Any manure? No. Previous culture? Wheat two years ago; ryegrass and clover in 1861, which was mown three times, and ploughed up for the present crop. What is the soil? The same as the last. This piece presents the most splendid appearance, notwithstanding that half-an-acre of it was virulently attacked by wireworm. It bears the stamp of a superior pedigree-of a further selection to No. 7. The eye leads one to anticipate at least 10 qrs. to the acre. Theoretical assumption might perhaps place the yield higher, since 15 sets plus 1 are of common occurrence, and 16 plus 1, and even 17 plus 1, are frequently to be met with. The ears and straw show the marks of great injury. The season and the sea-wind have been against them; but still, the ground seems thoroughly covered, and the straw gives signs of inability to sustain the piled wealth of the ear. One interesting circumstance concerning this plot is, that one acre of it sprang from one are of the growth of 1860. That is to say, on the 4th of October, 1860, an ear was planted in the garden, contain-,

ing 87 grains: the produce of these 87 plants, on the 10th of September, 1861, planted this acre!

Let us now proceed to No. 8. This plot of ten acres is to be found higher up the hill, on a thinner soil. It is divided into two equal portions, and sown under different circumstances. The first bit reached is of five acres. How, and when was it sown? Drilled 10 inches apart, with turnip cups, the 2nd of October. The quantity? Fiveand-a-half pecks, or a trifle over 1 peck an acre. How was it treated? Top-dressed with 2 cwts. of guano on the 3rd of May; otherwise, no manure, but after fallow. What sort of wheat? Red nursery, 1860 selection, drilled in rows 10 inches apart.

One

Continuing the ascent, we find the other five acres, the wheat growing on a 4-inch staple. What seeding? bushel an acre, drilled December 12th. What preparation? After mangolds and cabbage, heavily manured. The wheat? Nursery," of 1860 selection, drilled 6 inches apart.

But we must not omit a plot of ten acres, which shall be called No. 3. The soil is about the same depth. How, and when was it sown? Drilled 10 inches apart, with turnip cups, on the 9th of December. What seeding? Four-and-three-quarter acres with 3 bushels, or 5 gallons an acre, November 23rd; and 5 acres with 4 bushels, or 6 gallons an acre. Previous treatment? Half after roots manured.

Here, then, we have 26 acres of wheat, which completely dwarfs all the crops around it into insignificance. The comparison, for instance, of No. 7 with a really beautiful piece of wheat on an adjoining farm, put-in in the ordinary way, is simply ludicrous. There can be no comparisons between things so dissimilar. That wheat was planted on the 5th of December, 3 bushels to the acre, on fine land carefully prepared, and manured with 25 loads of dung an acre. Both crops stand well; but what a difference in the vertical development of the ears! The one bushel an acre sown in October on No. 7 has not given the plants liberty to develope as they should have done; but even here, where the highest effects of the system do not show themselves, the average number of sets will reach 12, while in the crop sown in the ordinary course of husbandry, 6 and 7 sets will be found a very fair average indeed. The comparison of the plants amongst themselves is highly instructive, so far as it throws light upon the principles upon which wheat should be cultivated, and confirms the value of pedigree in this member of the cereal tribe.

There can be no longer any doubt about thin seeding as essential to the production of the greatest vigour in the wheat plant. It is necessary for growers to consult the aptitude of the individual; for, after all, their crops are made up of individuals, and it is on the strength and prolificacy of the members thus aggregated that the yield depends. If these are cramped and crowded together, we must expect a weak and puny progeny. But if we afford each plant room to spread in foliage and rootlet, not only will it occupy a space of 12 to 18 square inches, but also

the multitudinous ears with which it will signalize this boon of liberation will be richer in contents. From what I have seen, I am led to yield implicit assent to that part of Mr. Hallett's creed which affirms ear-development to be dependent on root-development. The truth is nowhere better shown than in No. 12, which was sown with half-apeck to the acre, compared with No. 7. The former was on poorer soil than No. 7, and without manure; while No. 7 had manure, and was sown with eight times the seed. This thinly-seeded bit was the best covered with the best ears throughout the whole slope, and invariably the plots seeded with one peck presented a more promising appear ance than those seeded with a bushel. The more the seed

the smaller the ear.

Of course, the quantity of seed depends upon the time of planting. To carry out this system with success, the seed should be in by September, if possible in August. If the grain is to tiller out over a space of twelve or eighteen inches, it must have time allowed for this purpose, and time during the genial autumn months. Some disciples of this system have carefully planted out their peck in November and December, and found themselves disgusted in spring-not with their own want of common sense, but with the " 'Pedigree" wheat for failing to occupy the ground.

The facility with which I was able, after a little close attention, to single out the various families, somewhat astonished and made me a convert to the system before I was aware of it. Not that there is the slightest tendency anywhere observable towards a departure from the special fixity of type now thoroughly established for this "nursery" variety, but that every additional selection is distinguished by additional vigour. Thus the progeny of the favourite of 1861 in the garden is superior in tillering power and granular contents of ear to all that have gone before it; and when it comes to be planted in the field, it will retain that power, and not go beyond it. If you are coming upon a field of 1859 selection, Mr. Hallett will tell you at once that you will look in vain for an ear with more than fourteen sets. These families have thus

The first field, No. 8, contains 6 acres. What was the previous crop? Beans, manured with 32 one-horse loads of dung to the acre. How seeded, and when? Drilled (with common drillcups) with seven bushels of Nursery wheat, on the 7th of October; the "selection of '60."

Field No. 3 contains 18 acres, sown with the selection of 1861, at the rate of 1 peck to the acre. How and when sown? Drilled 10 inches apart (with turnip cups), on the 7th September. What previous treatment ? In 1860 the whole piece was wheat, trefoil mown and carried for hay last year, then simply ploughed and cultivated; no manure. I should estimate the crop to yield from 7 to 8 qrs. an acre. The parent ear of this selection contained 114 grains. Most of the ears I gathered contained 90; but the ears were fewer on the ground than they should have been, owing to the weeds with which the crop had to contend.

Field No. 12 contains 7 acres. How seeded? On the 5th October, with 8 bushels of Nursery Pedigree, drilled 10 inches apart. Previous management? After beans and roots, manured. This piece bore the visible character of the last selection, but having been much thinned by wire-worms the weeds have received the greater licence to grow. As a whole it is the most striking crop on this "off farm," and, taking the size of the ears into account, and the conformity of the whole crop to this highest type, no one could estimate the yield much, if anything, below 9 qrs. an acre.

But, it may be asked, how with respect to quality? Is assumption, but not the fact. When a naturally coarse not a coarse quality the result? This, I reply, is the ear is sown, its gross tendency is developed and strengthened; but if an ear of fine quality is sown, its virtue does ed. Mr. Hallett's selections commenced, as was natural, not become degraded, but is rather educed and establishmonstrous ears; but, as experience showed him he saw the necessity of changing his plan, and breeding from that this led to the production of an inferior kind of grain, a wheat of a naturally fine quality, like the "nursery.” There then, again, we have 32 acres of this Pedigree

from

their known productive value, and, by being true to them, pro-wheat, upon soil quite different to that at Brighton, and duce in the field a beautifully equalized appearance.

As I was making my way to a farm at a considerable distance from Brighton, in the parish of Linfield, for the purpose of further inspecting the results of this system, I was called aside to view a field of Talavera wheat on the farm of a neighbour. The seed was supplied by a celebrated seedsman as something pre-eminently true. Yet, on walking in the crop, we gathered in a short time thirteen varieties of wheat, and, curious to say, found a plant produced by a stray grain of the "Pedigree throwing up ears that could not fail once to be remarked as exceptional, even though forming part of a really splendid crop.

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The land at Linfield, though good, is not what is called wheat-land. Mr. Hallett entered upon it recently, and found it in a shockingly foul and impoverished state. The crops are all more or less foul: they evidently stand in need of more hoeing and manure,

thod of wheat culture should no longer be dealt with as which yet produces precisely the same results. This me theoretical. There can system which can produce exceller.ce with certainty and be nothing theoretical in that constancy. In the field it has now proved itself to be now labouring to pulverize and deepen the staple, has highly practical, and the auxiliary steam force, which is arrived just in time to prepare the way for its general adop tion. The early preparation of the seed-bed is as essential to Mr. Hallett's system as its deep cultivation and aëration; and neither of these operations is possible without the aid of the steam driven plough or scarifier. There are a few other matters which may be touched upon on a future occasion, together with the experiments being made in the garden, On the present occasion I only wished to give actual statements of fact concerning the practicability of this mode of wheat culture over extensive areas of land. F. R. S.

A DAY AT THE ORWELL

On August 21, a large number of gentlemen from foreign countries, who are now in England, were invited by the firm of Ransomes and Sims to pay a visit to Ipswich, and inspect their manufactory. The invitations given were accepted by a large number of the gentlemen, and a special train left London on Thursday, bringing down nearly 200 foreigners, under the conduct of Mr. John Head, who has for some years represented the firm of Ransomes and Sims in various parts of Europe. The inner man" having been refreshed, the business or the pleasure, whichever it may be called, for both instruction and amusement were combined, of the day commenced; the party was divided into different companies, and under the leadership of Mr. Allen Ransome, Mr. R. C Ransome, Mr. J. Head, and Mr. George Biddell went round the Works, of which our readers have at one time or another read a description;

WORKS, IPSWICH.

space inside the entrance gates, Having duly gone the rounds, and all assembled in the

Mr. ALLEN RANSOME addressed them as follows :-Gentlemen from many lands, I have had the greatest pleasure and the greatest satisfaction of giving you an opportunity of seeing the men employed at this establishment and the work they have to perform; allow me to take this opportu nity of introducing them collectively to you. In the course of two or three minutes they will leave for their dinnera most important and a most pleasant part of the routine of the day, scarcely less pleasant than pay day when it to you, that they may take the opportunity of seeing so comes round (laughter). Allow me just to introduce them large a number of their great friends through whom they provide for the wants of their families.

The bell then rang, and the workmen swarmed out of the

various shops, and Mr. Ransome then performed the ceremony of introducing them to their foreign visitors by saying: I have taken the liberty of detaining you for a very few minutes from your dinner, to give you the chance of experiencing the pleasure of being introduced to these gentlemen from the various nations of the continent of Europe. They are the gentlemen who have contributed so largely to the success of these great works, and who have been so largely the instrument in providing us with work, which has tended to provide you with labour, and who by their liberal contributions to art in all its forms amongst us, have brought into this firm the money which has enabled you to support your families, and which has enabled us to keep you together, and to give them a hearty and a good welcome (cheers). I am quite sure you will not grudge the five minutes I have ordered the gates to be closed in order to testify to these gentlemen how they are valued by English workmen, and as they have seen you at work as English workmen, I should like to hear you cheer, and give three hearty English cheers to welcome the foreign gentlemen here.

The men gave such cheers as proved that if they have stalwart arms they have no less healthy and powerful lungs, and the visitors responded by giving three cheers for the work

men.

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The next part of the programme of the day's proceedings was the trial of a number of implements and machinery at the farm belonging to the firm Westerfield, The experiments were tried on a wheat field, and the first to which attention was directed was the patent self-raking Victorian reaper, The crop was in far from a good state for the trial of the machine: it was a piece of thin white wheat, which had been a good deal broken down; the straw, too, seemed rotten. The consequence was that the machine did not at first perform its work very neatly; later in the day, however, the machine seemed to get into better trim. The famous ploughs of the firm stood next in order, and the first of these was the plough manufactured by Messrs. Ransomes and Sims especially for Russia. It turns a furrow nearly double in width to that of the ordinary English ploughs, and is used on the fertile land in Russia, where it is not necessary to expose the soil very much to the atmosphere. This plough was drawn by two horses, and the fine animals received the praises of the foreign gentlemen-in fact, Suffolk horses at work seemed to create as much interest as the ploughs they drew. Another plough at work was the Scotch, which sets the furrows edgeways, the object being to leave a number of small trenches, as it were, into which the seed is thrown broadcast and then covered with the harrow. The man who worked this plough showed that he was a skilled hand, by the mathematical correctness with which the furrows were turned.

inventor. The principle of Fowler's plough is now wellknown; the engine and windlass are fixed at one side of the field, and the anchor, which is self-moving, opposite, and between them the plough is drawn by means of a wire rope. The ploughing was going on in the same field with the other operations, the corn having been cut by the reaping machine, and carried to be thrashed at another part of the field, and the land was then ploughed up by the steam and horse-ploughs. The steam thrashing machines were next the objects of attention, those present being an A 1 and a B 1; and the visitors took a deep interest in everything they saw especially in the steam machinery, and a remark was made how evenly and with how little vibration Ransomes' steamengines always work.

hours, and by the time everything had been seen, all were The inspection of all these implements occupied several ready to adjourn to the building where Messrs. Ransomes had provided dinner. On reaching this spot, it was found that the foreigners were to see some good specimens of the horses and pigs for which Suffolk is celebrated. Mr. Wolton, of a two-year-old entire cart colt Newbourne, had sent ("Ruler ") and the mare and foal which obtained prizes at the Battersea and Bury shows this year, the mare having also taken premiums at Ipswich and Framlingham. Mr. E. Gleed, Hoo Hall, had sent a four-year-old gelding which took the prize at Bury, the mare and foal which were the prize animals at the Norfolk Society's meeting at East Dereham, one of the geldings which formed the prize-team at Bury, and the animal which took the prize as the best three-year-old cart gelding at Bury. Mr. G. Tomline'a two-year-old filly, to which the prize was awarded at Bury and Battersea, was there; and Mr. Wolton, of Kesgrave, sent a year-old cart coit, and the year-old filly which took the prize at Bury. A fine nag stallion, belonging to Mr. G. Mason, jun., Ipswich, was also shown. The pigs were represented by several belonging to Mr. Stearn, of Brandeston-one ten months old, two four months, two three months, and two seven weeks old. There was also a sow and pigs belonging to Mr. Ransome, and of Mr. Stearn's stock. Mr. Stearn showed his ingenious model of a piggery. Two of Mr. Sexton's Cotswold rams were also on the ground; and, in truth, there was a display of a small agricultural show, in quantity and quality-including machinery and animals-something that we might have to go a long way ere we found them excelled.

The dinner was laid in a wooden building erected for the purpose, the exterior of which was decorated with the flags of the following nations:-England, France, Spain, Russia, Prussia, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Brazils, Sardinia, Austria, Greece, the States of Italy, Rome, and Japan. On the table was placed some bread made from wheat cut that day. The chair was taken by Mr. Robert Ransome, the senior member of the firm; and besides the foreign visitors The most attractive implement was, however, the steam- there were present most of the gentlemen of the neighbourplough (one of Fowler's), in the manufacture of which Ran-hood whose names are celebrated in connection with agriculsomes and Sims have been engaged in conjunction with the tural affairs.-From the Ipswich Journal.

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SIR,-As the variola ovila, or small-pox in sheep, has, again made its appearance in this country, and has shown itself in a virulent form amongst a flock in Wilts, I feel it is very necessary that we should do all in our power to prevent the spreading of so malignant a disease. I therefore hesitate not in calling public attention to the subject through the agricultural press.

In 1847 this disease was first brought into England by the importation of Merino sheep from Denmark and Holland, some of which were purchased in the Smithfield market for grazing purposes; the disease soon spread into different counties, causing great alarm and serious loss. A case occurred in this parish, where a lot of sheep having been purchased in an adjoining county, were sold to a farmer at 2s. 6d. each, turned into the parish roads by day, and placed in a field

IN SHEEP.

adjoining my land by night. Most of these sheep soon died, and some of them were buried close to my fence, but not until the disease had spread throughout the neighbourhood. I took every precaution which I considered necessary, by stopping up the gateways from the roads with furze or bush faggots, and by keeping my sheep as far as possible from the infected field whenever the wind came from that direction. However, I did not escape, but, amongst others, lost my best ram, although he had never travelled on the road nor been near the diseased lot. I therefore concluded that the disease was infectious, as well as contagious. The starling, as is well known, is in the habit of sitting on the backs of sheep, and thus, in the opinion of many observers, carries contagious disease from one flock to another. As an additional precaution shepherds armed themselves with guns to keep off the visitation of these

birds.

Some flockmasters in Suffolk adopted this course in 1848.

At that time Mr. Stanley Carr, of Germany, wrote a very able letter on the subject to the Royal Agricultural Society of England, which may be found in the 8th volume of the Journal; and Professor Simonds also rendered great service; as he spent much time in numerous experiments, and then published a practical treatise on the subject, which ought to be read by every flockmaster and grazier. It can be obtained of Ridgway, in Piccadilly.

In 1848 the subject was thought of so much importance, that Parliament passed an Act (11 & 12 Vic., cap. 105) to prohibit the importation of sheep, cattle, &c., for the purpose of preventing the introduction of contagious or infectious disorders. At the same time, an Act was passed (11 & 12 Vic., cap. 107) to prevent the spreading of contagious and infectious disorders in this country. The two first clauses of the Act are the most important. The first refers to diseased animals exposed or offered for sale in any fair or market, which may be seized and destroyed by any inspector or other officer appointed by the mayor or by any two justices of the peace, with a penalty not exceeding £20. The second clause refers to sheep or lambs turned out, kept, or depastured in or upon any forest, chase, wood, moor, marsh, heath, common, waste land, open field, roadside, &c. If labouring under any contagious or infectious disorder, the owner shall be subject to a penalty not exceeding £20. The third clause refers to the sale of meat unfit for human food. There are altogether 22 clauses, but none which require special notice here, except clause 7, which inflicts a penalty of £5 or two months' imprisonment upon any person who wilfully obstructs any officer in carrying out the purposes of the Act. In 1853 this Act was extended and further continued by 16 & 17 Vic., cap. 62, with the addition of a clause referring to glandered horses, making the owners subject to like penalties and regulations as for sheep or cattle. In 1858 the last amended Act, by the 21 & 22 Vic., cap. 62, was continued, and remains in force until the 1st of August, 1863.

When the bill of 1848, cap. 107, first came before the House of Commons, the first clause was considered sufficient for the purpose. Sir John Tyrell, who was then member for Essex, and other county members, took much interest in the subject, and with some of them I had interviews, as well as with Mr. Labouchere, who, I believe, had charge of the bill. I expressed to them my opinion that the first clause did not go far enough; the second clause was consequently added, and the bill thus amended passed through Parliament. The additional clause is now generally admitted to be the most important part of the act.

In 1847 and 1848 I devoted some time to this subject, and my object in writing now is to call the attention of magistrates in the rural districts and in market towns to the act 11 and 12 Vic. cap. 107, so that they may be fully prepared, if necessary, to carry out the intention of the Legislature, as well as to assist the agriculturists in preventing the spreading of so contagious and infectious a disorder, and so great a calamity on the community at large. I remain, dear sir, yours faithfully, Boxted Lodge, Aug. 16. WM. FISHER HOBBS.

The following are the two important clauses referred to in Mr. Fisher Hobbs's letter:

Whereas a contagious or infectious disorder, known or described as the sheep pox or Variola ovina, now prevails among the sheep in some parts of the United Kingdom, and it is necessary to take measure to prevent such disorder from spreading: Be it therefore enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present

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Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, that in case any sheep or lambs infected with or labouring under the said disorder, or any disorder of the like nature, be exposed or offered for sale, or be brought or attempted to be brought for the purpose of being so exposed or offered for sale, in any market, fair, or other open or public place where other animals are commonly exposed for sale, then and in any such case, it shall be lawful for any clerk or inspector or other officer of such fair or market, or for any constable or policeman, or for any other person authorized by the mayor, or by any two justices of the peace having jurisdiction in the place, or for any person authorized or appointed by her Majesty in Council, to seize the same, and to report such seizure to the mayor or any justice of the peace having jurisdiction in the place; and it shall be lawful for such mayor or justice either to restore the same, or to cause the same, together with any pens, hurdles, troughs, litter, hay, straw, or other articles be forthwith destroyed or otherwise disposed of in such manwhich he may judge likely to have been infected thereby, to ner as he shall deem proper, or as may be directed in manner herein-after provided; and any person bringing or attempting to bring any sheep, lambs, oxen, bulls, cows, calves, or other horned cattle, into any such market, fair, or open or public place as aforesaid, knowing such sheep, lambs, or cattle to be infected with or labouring under either of such disorders as aforesaid, shall, upon conviction thereof, forfeit and pay for each and every such offence a sum not exceeding twenty pounds.

II. And be it enacted, that if any person turn out, keep, or depasture any sheep or lambs infected with or labouring under the said disorder in or upon any forest, chase, wood, moor, marsh, heath, common, waste land, open field, road side, or other undivided or uninclosed land, such person shall, on conviction thereof, forfeit and pay any sum not exceeding twenty pounds.

SHEEP SALE AT ELSTON.-On August 13th, the sale by Messrs. Ewer and Winstanley of the flock of improved Hampshire Downs, the property of the late Mr. John Shittler, took place at Elston. This flock consisted of 2,000 ewes, chilver lambs, and rams. Mr. Shittler spared no expense in obtaining blood from the most renowned flocks in this country, and a large portion of his life was devoted to the acquiring of a class of sheep combining quality and size with superior growth of wool. Up to the time of his death Mr. Shittler was a most successful breeder of rams, and his annual sales of stock in Dorset were always conducted with great success. On all occasions he obtained for his sheep prices equal to the best ram breeders in this country. Under these circumstances his merits as a flockmaster were so generally recognized that a large gathering was the result. Elston is situated on Salisbury Plain, being about twelve miles from Salisbury, ten from Devizes, and ten from Warminster. During the morning the roads across the otherwise dreary plain were covered with vehicles, and the day being fine a very large meeting of the agriculturists and flockmasters of Wilts, Hants, Dorset, and the neighbouring counties took place. Shortly after twelve o'clock the numerous visitors partook of a substantial luncheon, in a tent on the ground immediately in front of the farm-house. The sale was then proceeded with. The chilver lambs were sold in lots of 20. The highest price was 458. per head, and the lowest 28s. The two-tooth rams were sold singly, the highest price being 13 guineas per head, and the lowest 3 guineas. Two four-tooth rams were sold at 143 guineas each, a six-tooth ram realized 16 guineas, another 8 guineas, and a third 7 guineas. The ewes were sold in lots of 20 each; the highest price for two-tooth was 60s. per head, and the lowest 40s. The highest price of the four-tooth was 66s. per head, and the lowest 41s. The highest price for the six-tooth was 628. per head, and the lowest 42s. The highest price obtained for the full-mouthed ewes was 50s. per head, and the lowest 40s. The sale, which included 139 lots, and which commenced about half-past one-oclock, was brought to a close, to the satisfaction of all present, at about six o'clock. Among the principal purchasers were Mr. W. B. Canning, Mr. S. Saunders, Mr. Fred. Sidford, Mr. Silas Taunton, Mr. Newton, Dogdean; Mr. Russell, Duckworth; Mr. G. Burge, Mr. Simpkins, Mr. J. D. Allen, Mr. Stamford, Mr. Ingram, Mr. Redmond, &c., &c.

THE STOCK SHOW OF THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, IN BATTERSEA PARK.

By ROBERT SMITH, a Member of the Council of the R. A. S.

The growing importance of English agriculture had | centred in an unmistakable interest upon this gathering; and the attention of breeders and connoisseurs of stock, both British and foreign, had long been prepared to discuss its merits. Rubbed and polished by the intercourse arising from such a Meeting, every man of observation is enabled to compare his notes with the great authorities of the day. Editorial reviews are sought for with avidity; leaders are discussed; chronicles of the week re-read; while we propose to complete these with an analysis running into six articles, thus classified: 1, Introductory matter, and comparative girths of the prize animals; 2, Cattle; 3, Sheep; 4, Horses; 5, Pigs; 6, Foreign Stock, and summary. The holding of the Society's meeting in London was a good idea, but many red-tape difficulties had to be overcome before it could be realized. At length Battersea Park was found to be about the only site the Society could have whereupon to display its products; yet the bleak position, and an out-of-the-way situation over the river, were held to be real objections. However, fine weather and the steamboats added materially to the receipts of the meeting, but there was so much going on in and about town, that many a greeting commenced with the familiar query, "Where shall we go tomorrow?-Battersea, International Exhibition, Dog Show, Farningham, Crystal Palace, or where ?" This competition for the shillings went far to detract from the Battersea receipts; while a country show is everything to everybody-an object of some twelvemonth's anticipation.

The approach was pleasant, the entry well arranged, and when once within the yard no difficulty occurred. An interpreter's station told one that an international gathering was at hand, and the numerous stands of our implement makers demonstrated the progress in their art; until at length the eye was relieved by the attractive occupants of the live stock department.

cup," to be won by the same exhibitor three consecutive years.

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The judging over, a general scrutiny ensued. Gossip ran high as to the whys and wherefores, as party met party on their anxious search. The disappointed to his "Who were friend : "We have yet enough to learn." the judges ?" "Did they ever breed a good one, or go from home before ?" Not so so with the lucky one; he had a smile for all; he knew his animals; nothing like the old line of blood to secure the prize; the judges are fond of good ones!" "The price is raised to guineas!" Such is the effect of an award. Thus, on the one hand joyous letters are written, messages despatched, and sojourn lengthened; but on the other no hurry ensues, no telegram is used, for the exhibitor's stay is short in town. Such were the results arising from open judging that every master, man, and customer had alike their chance of studying the animals and the decisions of the judges. The visitors who had paid their pound, the breeders who had reared the animals, the foreigners who had come to purchase, and the amateur whose curiosity had led him to the show were loth to leave the class, even when daylight disappeared.

Some 6,000 visitors entered the yard on Thursday. Here again followed a severe review. The oft-told story was repeated again and again, but there was an air of business about this day's show. The breeder, with his "Herd Book" and "correct list" of laurels won, met the purchaser from a distance upon even ground, whose mission lay with the class of animals best adapted to his country. This is important, inasmuch as every breeder should endeavour to aid the works of nature by accepting her dictates-hence England's district and county breeds.

First determine upon the class or sort of animal to be bred; then purchase the best of the sort, and procure the right sort of herdsman to take charge of them; but in no instance depart from the sort, however tempting the many artificials may have made them!

Even a casual stroll through the yard impressed us with wonder. Breed after breed-cattle, sheep, and In establishing a herd, an eye should be had to com horses-in all 2,372 animals, drew forth our admi-mercial principles; and the question asked, Shall we ration. Over 1,000 visitors, chiefly foreigners, paid for admission to one yard or the other. Groups of interested men and favoured animals were to be seen in every aisle, for the public judging was in progress. This will work on to better results, and suitable rings will doubtlessly be arranged hereafter.

The work of about 80 judges was proceeding simultaneously. This, the most exciting feature in the show, was watched with intense interest. While the red or "first card up" denoted the A. 1. of the class, curiosity and anxiety grew even stronger as to No. 2 and No. 3. Many were the sporting offers, even amongst the herdsmen, previous to the subsequent "tug of war" for the medals; first-prize animals alone competing for the golden honours. If one sought a friend, he was sure to be found at or about his own country breed.

The gold medals were evidently given with a view to illustrate the qualities of some few of the leading animals as specimens of their several breeds. In continuation of the gold medal experiment it would be more interesting if the Society were to offer a 50 guineas challenge

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produce male animals, beef, milk, or working oxen ? also with the flock, Shall we produce rams, mutton, wool, lamb, &c.? or shall we blend the qualities by crossing, to produce a suitable dash of each? This is a money question, and must be done well, or not at all. "Little boats must keep near shore,

The larger ones may venture more." These remarks bring to our memory the works of a new beginner: "Give me a pair of sharp shears, some singing tools, and a sack of old beans, and I will show sheep with the best of you." Another friend had done his best to win, but all was of no avail. Prize animals had been purchased, and a fortune spent in cooking them up, when the very natural thought of changing his shepherd suggested itself. The new man came: he had been behind the scenes, ran off with the tools, and The result was a win. It may be set to work anew. said, "What's in a shepherd" more than a name? The foreign stock claimed a full share of patronage, some as a matter of business, some for curiosity. The disparity of numbers, and feeding qualities, as compared

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