any other person should see those sheep, adding, shortly afterwards, that they had been put out of the way and buried. Professor Gamgee very properly pointed out to Mr. Simpkins the bad policy of such a line of proceeding, which he assured him would lead to unpleasant conclusions being drawn from his conduct. But as Mr. Simpkins persisted in his refusal, Mr. Gamgee and Mr. Coleman had no alternative but to go away. The matter however was not allowed to rest here: the sheep were disinterred (though without Mr. Simpkins' permission), examined by Professor Gamgee, and, having been identified as those Mr. Coleman had professionally examined at Mr. Simpkins' request, his opinion was fully confirmed, Professor Gamgee declaring both sheep to have been full of smallpox, and one of them in the last stage of the disease before it was killed. It should be mentioned that the statement made at the meeting that Professor Simonds had examined the flock, and pronounced them to be sound, was correct. He had examined them on the previous day, but he was not shown the two diseased sheep. What follows is more painful still. A part of the flock to which these two diseased sheep had belonged, and from which they had been removed after they had been pronounced to be infected with smallpox by Mr. Coleman, were sent off on Thursday morning to Wilton fair, which was to be held on the following day, there to be placed for sale among 70,000 others!! Professor Gamgee having learned this, telegraphed to the Mayor of Wilton and to Professor Simonds, to acquaint them with this circumstance early on Friday morning, the day of the fair. Unfortunately the message did not reach them till the evening, after the sheep were sold and driven away. They were, however, traced to some place beyond Woodford, and have been returned to Mr. Simpkins. To what extent, and in how many directions the driving of the flock from Stanton to Wilton, its intermingling with flocks there, and contact with others while being driven from the fair to Woodford, it is impossible to tell. It is to be hoped that it may not have spread the disease; but that hope is very faint indeed."

Now, surely, if this case be correctly stated, it is one which, even if only out of regard to Mr. Simonds' professional reputation, will demand some further inquiry. Here is a man said to have systematically deceived the Government Inspector, and then deliberately to have sent diseased sheep into a large fair! As put on the authority of a County Paper, there was no assumption of ignorance, but all proper examination refused, and it was only by stealth that the actual truth was arrived at. Neither the public nor the profession can have fair play if a statement like this is to pass unnoticed.

SHEEP DISEASES AND REMEDIES.-In the year 1853, a near relative of mine purchased 200 Spanish sheep in Smithfield market; the seller would not warrant them free from infection, the so-termed small- pox having prevailed amongst many lots about that time; they were two-shear sheep, and the price given was £1 per head without warranty. They were sent down to Beaurepaire Park, near Basingstoke, belonging to Mr. Oldfield, the feed of which was hired for the season. A few days after their arrival the owner, accompanied by my son, went to see how they were getting on, and found many doing very badly, backs set up, drooping heads, wool open, and deadened in colour, the usual symptoms of ill-health. The keep was luxuriant, but they fed little; their walk being also cramped and stiffened, it was resolved to examine them. when on the inward parts of the thighs and the forelegs, which are always free from wool, a thick eruption of whiteheaded pustules, with a red base of inflammatory appearance, was found on all which appeared to be suffering. The idea

of “shab" or mange first suggested itself, but there was no biting or tucking of the wool, the invariable accompaniments of mange. Being puzzled as to the nature of the complaint, it was resolved to dip them in the usual arsenical solution, now universally practised for the destruction of ticks and other vermin, immediately after which operation the whole flock began to mend, and every symptom of the disease vanished, the speculation turning out a most profitable one. The first impression made on the owner and my son was that it might be the much-dreaded small-pox. Had it been, and that of the same nature as that known to us as such, would not the arsenical dipping have been instant death? And if these eruptions, as described, could be produced by other affection in 1853, may they not be so accounted for in 1862? I only moot the question in order to raise discussion and to induce the trial of the dipping-trough on some half-dozen sheep in the first stages of the now-prevailing malady.-J. F. TWYNAM, Winchester.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS.-Mr. William Rawle, of East Meer Farm, Minehead, was summoned at the instance of his neighbour, Mr. Thomas Kent, of Windon Farm, near Minehead, for keeping scabbed sheep among the defendant's flock on Minehead Common (on which the complainant, defendant, and others have a right to depasture sheep), contrary to the provisions of 38 Geo. III., cap. 61, sec. 1. Mr. Taunton conducted the prosecution. It appeared from the evidence of the complainant and his shepherd that on several occasions scabbed sheep, marked W. R., the defendant's initials, had been found on the common, mixing with other people's sheep, and had been driven into the defendant's enclosed land, and that complaints had been made to him, when he promised to have his sheep better washed and the evil avoided. On the 30th of August, however, three of defendant's hill sheep were again discovered to be scabbed, and a fourth was in a doubtful state, but it had evidently been "dressed" for the scab at a recent period. The defence set up and attempted to be proved by defendant's shepherd was a curious one, namely, that two only instead of three sheep were scabbed ; and the defendant called several witnesses to prove that they had since examined his flock, and that there were no scabbed sheep among them, but whether the four sheep complained of were then among them did not transpire. The case, which excited considerable local interest, resulted in the defendant being fined £.2 5s., including costs, and he was informed by the justices that on any similar occasion he would be much more harshly dealt with.

AVERAGE OF THE WHEAT CROP UPON WOBURN PARK FARM, 1862.

Sir,-Having ascertained the average of our wheat crop according to the plan detailed in your journal a few weeks since, I now send you it, and will leave your readers to draw their own conclusions. I am disappointed in the yield, although it is up to the average of the last twelve years, but it is not nearly so good as I antictpated, and my opinion is that this district is not an average crop, being, in some instances, much blighted, and of very inferior quality.

33 bush. per acre, 61 lbs. per bush. 334

Average of 12 years, 324 bush.

1862

1861

1860

301

JOHN COLEMAN,

1850

per acre.

Dig up the crop of potatoes with the plough or hand forks; best done with the latter implement, of which the sharp points pierce and open the under-soil for the permeation of air and water, whereas the sole of the plough sledges the undersoil and shuts the openings. Much of the benefit of digging the land, instead of ploughing, arises from the opening of the ground by the action of tools. Pull the haulm of the potatoes before digging, and carry it to the dung yards. Lay the tubers on dry ground, in long ridges of piles, thatched with straws, turfs, and earth. Secure beet roots, carrots, and parsnips in the same way. Remove Swedish turnips from land to be sown with wheat, and plough all these lands, and sow quickly. The soils that produce roots and wheat are most valuable, and give much employment during this month.

Put rams to the ewes, 1 to 50, assorted by the respective qualities. Mark each ram, and the ewes that are served by the animal, in order that the progeny may be distinguished; mark all ewes that are impregnated in each fortnight, which directs a regular lambing in the spring. Keep the ewes on good pastures; if the herbage be scanty, assist by giving turnip-tops. Allow the rams to remain six weeks with the ewes.

Put live stock to all kinds of winter food, unless the season be very favourable for remaining out overnight in the fields-the fattening animals in

On dry lands, as chalks and sand, fold the sheep on the turnips, giving fresh ground in every two or three days; or cut the roots into slices, and give the food in troughs, folding the sheep regularly on the ground behind. If the land be damp and poachy, carry the turnips to a stubble or grass field, and spread the roots thinly and regularly on the ground; allow an ample quantity to the lambs and the fattening flock, and to the ewes and store animals the one-half less, to keep them in good condition.

Put swine to fatten, two in a sty together, and use steamed food, meals and potatoes mashed and mixed; give the store pigs raw potatoes and light grains, with steamed food occasionally. Keep the steaming apparatus in good order and full employment for all animals, horses, cattle, pigs, aud poultry.

Anoint sheep during this month, to kill lice and vermin. Use a bathing of tobacco juice, with a wine glass full of spirits of tar to a bottle of liquor, and a bottle to one sheep. Sheep are now dipped in Bigg's composition, a chemical preparation, of which the patentee furnishes the materials, and the necessary descriptions.

Sow winter vetches for a late cutting in the spring, though heavily-sown spring vetches will often come as soon; but no farmer can have too inany acres of such a valuable succulent plant.

KITCHEN GARDEN. Plant peas and beans, with the chance of early crops; transplant and sow hardy lettuce, according to the directions before given.

Give fresh air to cauliflowers in dry weather, in the frames; remove some of the best plants to beds or warm borders, to be covered by hand lights; place three or four in a pot, making the earth firm about the roots and stems; cover till growth be established, then give all the air possible in dry weather.

Plant hearting cabbages and colewort. Hoe and earth broccoli, cabbages, borecole, and Brussels sprouts. Thin out winter spinach, and make the ground clean. Tie up endive for blanching. Cut over the decayed stems of mint, balm, thyme, and

other sweet and aromatic herbs. Hoe the ground, and if needful, add some fresh earth to the spaces. Plant slips of the pot herbs, and divide mint.

At the close of the month dress the asparagus beds, cutting over the haulm, and removing it. If seed be wanted, select some of the best; but clean the beds of it, and then rake off and remove every weed, so that the crown of the plants be rather exposed than deeply covered. All enrichment must be made just before growth. Clear seakale and rhubarb beds in the same way. Begin to excite asparagus in frames, and seakale also.

Pleasure grounds: Remove all litter and rubbish, and preserve a uniform cleanness and a neat order.

B B

GENERAL AGRICULTURAL REPORT FOR
SEPTEMBER.

With the exception of the most northern counties, harvest work in England has been brought to a pretty general close' under somewhat favourable auspices. Although, as yet, only a limited quantity of new wheat has been thrashed out, owing to much of the farmers' time being occupied in the fields, and the depression in the trade, owing to the immeuse influx of foreign and colonial produce, we find very little difficulty in arriving at a pretty accurate conclusion in reference to the ageregate yield. In a comparative sense, the produce on the light soils exhibits a decided deficiency; but, on most of the heavy lands, the growth, although it is by no means a good sample-a portion of the grain being shrivelled and blighted is nearly an average. Apparently, therefore, the crop is a deficient one; but we must bear in mind that a much larger extent of land has been under wheat culture than in most previous years. This increase may bring the entire crop up to an average; nevertheless, it is evident that really fine wheats will be somewhat scarce for some considerable period, and that the wants of our first-class millers will continue to be met by the foreigner. It seems to follow, that the downward movement in the quotations is not justified by the available supply of fine wheat of home growth. From the fact that nearly the whole of last year's crop has been consumed, it is possible that a portion of the recent decline will be shortly recovered, although it is by no means apparent that there will be much activity in the trade whilst the imports of foreign food continue on their present enormous scale. The result of the harvest in France, Germany, Russia, and, indeed, most other parts of the continent, has been highly favourable. France has already commenced shipping produce to this country, and the pretty general impression is that we shall receive some quantity of both wheat and flour from that country during the next three months. In that event, there may be some pressure upon our markets, and inferior grain may rule lower in price than it now is. Clearly, France will not be compelled to purchase produce in our markets to meet consumption, as was the case in 1861.

Owing to the continued cotton famine, the wool trade has become in an excited state. Since the close of the last public sales of colonial wool in London-and at which over 100,000 bales were disposed of prices have advanced 14d. to 2d. per lb., at which holders are by no means anxious sellers, as an active continental demand may be fairly calculated upon. The stock of foreign and colonial wool now in London amounts to about 22,000 bales, which, together with future arrivals, will be offered in November next.

The fruit crop has turned out far more productive than during the last two or thre years. This is especially the case in Kent, Hereford, and Devonshire,

As regards the growth of hops, we may observe that it is very abundant in Sussex, moderate in Kent, and limited in Worcestershire. Good and fine new hops have sold at from £8 to £10, other kinds at £7 to £7 15, per cwt. The im ports from abroad have rather increased, and we understand that they will be very large during the next three months, The abolution of the duty on English hops is regarded as a great boon by the growers.

The demand for both hay and straw has ruled very inactive. Prices, however, have been fairly supported. Meadow hay has sold at from £1 16s. to £5; clover, £3 10s. to £6; and straw, £1 16s. to £2 per load.

Whilst our own harvest has progressed somewhat rapidly, the cutting and carrying of wheat, barley, &c., in Scotland have been delayed, owing to the backward state of the crops. In the southern portion of the country the sickle is in full operation; but, in the northern, the whole of the grain cannot be cut for some weeks. As scarcely any wheat has as yet been thrashed out, no positive opinion can be formed of the acreable produce. Potatoes are represented as remarkably healthy.

In Ireland, harvest-work is now general, and in some localities the whole of the crops have been carried. Most of our letters are of an encouraging nature as regards the probable yield, and the whole of them represent the potato crop as almost wholly free from disease,

Taking the whole kingdom, it is evident that the green crops will prove the largest on record. Turnips, mangolds, and most other roots, including carrots, are looking unusually healthy.

REVIEW OF THE CATTLE TRADE DURING THE PAST MONTH.

plies may continue to reach us from abroad.

It is gratifying to be enabled to observe that the potato crap is turning out very large, and of excellent quality. A few losses have been sustained by the disease; but, they are trifling, compared with the present enormous growth. France is already shipping potatoes, and we understand that the crop in that country is considerably in excess of last year. On other parts of the continent, the growth is unusually large. We have to report considerable inactivity in the wheat trade, at drooping prices. The principal fall, however, has been in low and out-of-condition samples, which, hitherto, have formed the bulk of the supplies, Barley, oats, beans, peas, and flour have met a dull enquiry, on easier terms.

Advices from the continent state that wheat has sold at dedepressed quotations. In America, large quantities of grain continue to be purchased for shipment to England. During the year ending September 1, the total exports of wheat and flour to Great Britain amounted to 5,000,500 quarters. In the same period 1,367,782 quarters were forwarded to the continent. These supplies are exclusive of Indian corn and some other articles,

Notwithstanding that extensive supplies of beasts have been on offer in the leading markets of consumption, and that the imports of stock from abroad have continued on a full

polis has been by no means first rate; consequently, really prime animals have been taken off readily.

For the time of year, the receipts of sheep have been rather limited, and the demand for most breeds has been tolerably active, at extreme quotations to a slight advance. For the most part, the sheep have appeared in fair saleable condition.

The lamb season has been brought to a close, under favourable auspices; indeed, we feel justified in saying that since its commencement high quotations have been realized for nearly all descriptions of lamb.

We have scarcely any change to notice in the value of either English or foreign calves, but the demand for them may be considered tolerably active.

The pork trade has shown signs of firmness, and prices have had an upward tendency.

Owing to the prevailing distress in the manufacturing districts, rather large numbers of Irish beasts, which otherwise would have been disposed of either at Liverpool, Manchester, or Birmingham, have arrived in London; but, for the most part, they have changed hands at low prices, compared with

our Scots and Shorthorns. Evidently, the arrivals during the remainder of the season will be on a liberal scale. The receipts from Scotland have been trifling, but in prime condition.

Great excitement has continued to prevail in reference to the spread of small-pox amongst the sheep in Wiltshire and some other counties. In various quarters, however, it is contended that the extent of the disease has been greatly magnified; but we are decidedly of opinion that Government has done wisely in adopting measures to prevent its spreading. The losses, hithesto, have not been serious; but, unquestionably, stringent rules are absolutely necessary to prevent the contagion spreading itself throughout the country. The question has arisen, from whence has the disease sprung? It is well known that the German sheep are extremely liable to it. Indeed, many years since (before, of course, the examination rules were in force at the Custom House) we have seen from 500 to 1,000 of them exhibited in Smithfield suffering severely from it. When the merino sheep arrive in Loudon, they may, apparently, be free from disease; but that is no reason why they may not import it in the blood, and, in this way, inflict serious damage upon our own flocks. Government has not, in our opinion, struck at the root of the evil. We do not pretend to argue upon the impropriety of allowing German sheep to be imported for consumption; nevertheless, we maintain that an order in Council is necessary to compel the slaughtering of the merinos as speedily as possible after being disposed of in the Metropolitan Market. For some years past immense numbers have been purchased by persons having grass land in the neighbourhood of London, and even in somewhat distant localities, on speculation. In this way, they have become mixed up with English breeds feeding in the same pastures; and, in some instances, they have paid a moderate sum to the speculators, who, after feeding them for six weeks or two months, send them again into the market for sale. In this way, then, a great amount of mischief may arise at no distant period, because what guarantee have we that the German sheep will not breed the disease in this country as well as in Germany, where, frequently, the losses amount to from ten to

fifteen per cent. per annum of entire flocks? This is a question deserving immediate attention, not only on the part of the Government, but, likewise, flockmasters in general. With the exception of the disease here referred to, the health of the sheep bas continued remarkably good; whilst the great abundance of pasture food in all parts of England has prevented any inroads upon the hay crop.

Letters from Holland state that the numbers of both beasts and sheep in process of fattening for the English market continue large. Our correspondents in Scotland inform us that very large supplies of beasts are on hand in good condition. Apparently, therefore, the metropolis will be well supplied with Scotch meat during the winter months.

The following return shows the imports of foreign stock into London during the month:

HEAD.

46,006

The arrivals of beasts from Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire have comprised 12,400 shorthorns, &c.; from other parts of England, 2,870 various breeds; from Scotland, 99 Scots and crosses; and, from Ireland, 2,900 oxen and heifers. In September, last year, Scotland furnished 135, and Ireland 2,170 head.

Beef has sold at from 3s. to 4s. 8d., mutton 3s. 8d. to 5s. 4d.-in some instances 5s. 6d., veal 4s, to 58., and pork 3s. 10d. to 48. 10d. per 8lbs. to sink the offal. Lambs have ranged from 4s. 6d. to 6s. 4d, per 8lbs.

8 to 4

2....3

4 to 5

2 to 5

0 to 5

0 to 5

4....3 2....4

6 to 4 8

Sept., 1861.

8. d. s. d. 8....2 10 to 4 8 4....3

0 to 5 0

Beef.. from 2 8 to 4 10....2 Mutton.... 2 10 to 5 Veal 3 4 to 4 8....4 Pork......3 6 to 4 6....4 Newgate and Leadenhall markets have been well, though by no means heavily supplied with meat, and the trade generally has ruled steady, as follows: Beef from 2s. 8d. to 48. 2d., mutton 3s. 4d. to 4s. 8d., veal 8s. 10d. to 4s. 8d., and pork 3s. 10d. to 5s. per 8lbs. by the carcase.

SOUTH LINCOLNSHIRE,

We have nearly completed the best harvest we have had in this district since 1857. The three past years have been very defective ones, and it is truly encouraging to find ourselves once again likely to experience a remunerative year. The crops are by no means extraordinarily good, but they are above an average. The crops of beans and oats are exceedingly good. We are in the course of harvesting the bean crop, but the white corn crops are nearly all secured, and in excellent condition as a whole. The bulk of straw is great, and, as mowing is the general practice, we have had much labour expended in leading and stacking. The prices for cutting have not been high-the average from ten to twelve shillings per acre; the harvestmen to mow, tie, shock, 'rake, tie rakings, and set them at the end of the shock. In this way a much larger proportion of manure is made than cutting by sickle and permitting the stubble to decay and become dissipated in the air. Game-preservers should think of this. It is all very well to compel a tenant" to leave a good stubble" for the game, but it is at a great sacrifice on his part. As usual at this season, the thrashing machines are in full work, and much wheat will be brought into the market, which, together with the large arrivals from abroad, will, we fear, bring down the price to some extent; but we think ultimately it must rally considerably; for, taking into consideration the melancholy state of things in America and the defective crops in various parts of this country, farmers may fairly calenlate upon a remunerative price. The fineness of the weather tends much to increase the general activity. We never saw more implements at work in cultivation: all are endeavouring to break up the soil to atmospheric influences, as well as for cleansing pur poses. The fields tell sadly of the past two seasons, and much land shows out of order now the crop is off. We think this season may be favourable to autumnal fallowing, which is much needed. The crops of mangolds are at last improving, and will yet be a tolerable one. On mild soils and well managed they are growing very fast. Swedes are progressing very satisfactorily. Common turnips show