22 PEEMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1876. 



6. On the comparative advantages in Scotland of Ploughing 

 in Manure in Avitumn or Winter immediately after it is spread 

 on the land, or of allowing it to remain on the ground for some 

 weeks before it is covered — The Medium Gold Medium, or Five 

 Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November 1876. 



7. On the results of Experiments for ascertaining the com- 

 parative value of farm-yard INfanure obtained from cattle fed 

 upon different varieties of food, by the application of such 

 manures to farm cwps — Twenty Sovereigns. To be lodged by 

 1st November in any year. 



The Report must state the effects produced on two successive crops by 

 the application of manure obtained from cattle fed on different sorts 

 of food, such as tiu-nips and straw alone ; and tiunips and straw, with 

 an addition of oil-cake, linseeil, bean-meal, grain, or other substances. 

 The animals should be as nearlj" as possible of the same age, weight, 

 condition, and maturity, and each lot should receive daily the same 

 quantity of litter ; and, except as to the difference of food, they must 

 be treated alike. 



The preparation of the manure, by fermentation or otherwise, should be 

 in every respect the same ; and it is desirable that not less than two 

 several experhnents l)e made with each kind, and that the gTOimd to 

 which it is to he applied be as equal as possible in quality and con- 

 dition. 



8. On the comparative value of Manure made in the ordinary 

 manner, and of Manure kept under cover till applied to the 

 Land — Twenty Sovereigns. To be lodged by 1st November in 

 any year. 



The experiment maybe conducted either with manure made in the open 

 straw-yard, contrasted with that made in covered hammels or boxes, 

 or with manure made in feeding houses, part of wliich shall have been 

 placed under cover, and part removed to the open dung-pit, and kept 

 carefully unmixed with any other manure. Preference will be given 

 to experiments embracing both of these modes. The cattle must be 

 fed and littered alike. There must be at least an acre of land experi- 

 mented on with each sort of manure — the different lots must be 

 manured to the same extent, and be equal in soil, and the crops must 

 be accurately weighed and measured on two separate portions of each 

 lot, not less than 20 poles. The result, as given by two successive 

 crops, to be reported. 



9. On the means successfully employed for obtaining new- 

 Agricultural Plants, or new and superior varieties, or improved 

 sub-varieties, of any of the cereal grains, grasses, roots, or other 

 agricultural plants at present cultivated in this country — jMedals 

 or Sums of Lloney not exceeding Fifty Sovereigns. To be lodged 

 by 1st November in any year. 



It is necessary that the varieties and sub-varieties reported upon shall 

 have been proved capable of reproduction from seed, and also that the 

 relation they bear to others, or well-knoM-n sorts, should be stated. 

 The reporter is further requested to mention the effects that he may 



