PREMIUMS OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1868. 13 



4. MANURE MADE WITH AND WITHOUT COVER. 



For an approved Eeport on the comparative value of Manure 

 made in the ordinary manner, and of Manure kept under cover 

 till applied to the Land — Twenty Sovereigns. 



The experiment may be 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 which 

 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 experimented 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. 



Eeports to be lodged by 1st May in any year. 



5. AUTUMN MANURING. 



For an approved Eeport on the comparative advantages of 

 applying Manure to the stubble in autumn, or in the drills in 

 spring, for turnips, potatoes, or beans — Twenty Sovereigns. 



The experiment must extend over two years, and comprise a green 

 crop and a grain crop. It must be conducted on not less than four 

 acres — one-half of which shall be dunged in autumn, and the other 

 in spring, with manure made as nearly as possible in the same way, 

 and of equal quantity and quality. The treatment and condition 

 of the land prior to the experiment must be mentioned. 



As the object of this premium is to determine the comparative advan- 

 tages of autumn manuring, there will be no restriction as to 

 labouring the land ; but the reporter must state how that was done 

 on each lot during the experiment, which, if possible, should be 

 repeated in duplicate. 



Eeports to be lodged by 1st May 1869. 



6. IMPROVED VARIETIES OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS. 



For an approved Eeport on the means successfully employed 

 for obtaining new and superior varieties, or improved sub- 

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

 agricultural plants — The Gold Medal, or Ten Sovereigns. 



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-known sorts, 

 should be stated. The reporter is further requested to mention 

 the effects that he may have observed produced by different soils, 

 manures, &c, on the plants forming the subjects of report, and how 

 far he may have ascertained such effects to be lasting. 



Should any improved variety reported upon be the result of direct 

 experiment by cross impregnation, involving expense and long- 

 continued attention, a higher premium will be awarded. 



Eeports to be lodged by 1st November 1868. 



