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THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. 



cows on sorgho, be corroborated we must conclude from them 

 that this plant is injurious ; since it hinders or diminishes 

 all kinds of production by interfering with the becretions, 

 which must necessarily provoke a perturbation in the aninuil 

 organism; all morbid causes having their origin in suppres- 

 sions of this nature. 



I know that no improvement of the soil is possible with- 

 out an abundance of green food ; ;ind their production regu- 



larly successive by a course ot cropping, is not always an 

 easy matter. I should therefore regret being obliged to 

 abandon the sorgho. The desire of preserving for a plant so 

 luxuriant, a place in the production of green food, and also, 

 on the other hand, tlie fear of introducing into the midst of 

 our cultivated plants a dangerous auxiliary, ought to operate 

 as a doubly powerful motive for prudently and honestly 

 renewing the experiments. MAUiiUis de Vibrave. 



MPROVEMENT IN THE BREED OF SUSSEX STOCK. 

 TESTIMONIAL TO MR. EDWARD CANE. 



On Tueaday, May 3rd, there was, at the White Hart Hotel, 

 Lewes, one of those gatherings which are truly characteristic 

 of Englishmen — the occasion being an acknowledgment of the 

 services of a spirited and persevering agriculturist and breeder 

 of stock, and the individual Mr. Edward Cane, of Berwick 

 Court. We have rarely, if ever, had the pleasure of witnessing 

 so large and influential an assemblage of country gentlemen, 

 agriculturists, farmers, and others ; and, considering the ob- 

 ject in view, and the great cordiality with which the compli- 

 ment was paid, the whole of the circumstances attending the 

 presentation must have been peculiarly gratifying to the re- 

 cipient. We shall briefly state that the testimonial, which was 

 singularly appropriate, comprised : An elegant and richly 

 chased silver epergne or flower-stand, about 2| feet high, with 

 scrolls and foliage rising from a triangular base, with three 

 shields for engraving. On one side is this inscription : " Pre- 

 sented to Mr. Edward Cane, of Berwick Court, with a silver 

 punch bowl, and portrait of h's prize steer, by his numerous 

 friends, for his successful efforts in improving the breed of 

 Sussex Cattle, April 20, 1859." On the second medallion the 

 initials E. H. C, in entwined ornamental cyphers ; and on the 

 third a fox, characteristic of Mr. Cane's love for the chase. 

 Also a masaive and handsome silver punch-bowl, richly gilt 

 inside ; a beautifully-framed portrait of Mr. Cane's prize steer, 

 by Davis, of Loudon ; and a neatly executed list of the names 

 of the subscribers. The epergne, which is a splendid work of 

 art, was furnished by A. B. Savory and Sons, goldsmiths and 

 watchmakers, 11 and 12, Cornhill, London. We understand 

 that the testimonial was subscribed for by about 400 admirers 

 and well-wishers. 



Soon after four George Darby, Esq., took the chair, sup. 

 ported on his right and left by the guest of the day (Mr. 

 Edward Cane), Viscount Peveusey and J. G. Dodson, Esq. 

 (the candidates for the eastern division of the county), Henry 

 Brand, Sir C. W. Blunt, Bart., and R. J. Amphlett, Esq., 

 QL.C, (candidates for the borough of Lewes). 



After the uaual loyal toasts the healths of Mr. and Mrs. 

 Cane were given. 



Mr. Cane, on rising to acknowledge the honour which had 

 been done him, was again loudly cheered. He said— Gentle- 

 men, I feel particularly gratified for the compliment you have 

 just paid me in drinking my health, coupled with that of Mrs. 

 Cane and my family ; and I also feel particularly obliged to 

 my old friend Mr. Darby for the kind way in which he has 

 proposed the toast. I beg to say, gentlemen, that this ought 



to be, as it really is — the happiest day in my life. I had no 

 idea, six weeks ago, of any intention to present this testimonial 

 to me ; it has, I know, been got up by the beat of friends, and 

 I assure you that it is highly gratifyiug to me, more particu- 

 larly as it is got up in acknowledgment of my exertions to im- 

 prove the breed of Sussex stock. So far as regards that im- 

 provement, permit me to say that for twenty years I have taken 

 great pains, and for this reason, that in my opinion few animals 

 were so well adapted to the great object we have in view as 

 the Sussex stock. I believe it is now about fifteen years ago, 

 that in going into Mayfield and Rotherfield, I found teams 

 with six, eight, or ten oxen, where I now find horses ; there is 

 some cause for this ; at all events, this particular stock was 

 got rid of, and perhaps some of the parties could not regain it. 

 Gentlemen, for this testimonial I thank you very kindly, more 

 particularly as regards my efforts to improve the Sussex stock. 

 As my friend Mr. Darby has said, 1 took a prominent part in 

 endeavouring to get a class at Smithfield, and we were success- 

 ful; I mentioned the subject at Hailsham, Arundel, and I be- 

 lieve at Rye, and I asked my friends to assist me in getting a 

 class ; they did so, and I feel obliged to them for it, for I 

 could not by my own Viuaided exertions have accomplished 

 what we have succeeded in accomplishing. Now, gentlemen, 

 we have got a class ; and our show at Smithfield is no disgrace 

 to any county in England, or indeed to any part of the world. 

 I have been successful in carrying off the laurels from time to 

 time, and I do not see, gentlemen, why we should not suc- 

 ceed still further. I can bear my friend out in what he has 

 said in reference to Sussex stock in the market, for I believe 

 there is no better stock comes into the market than a good 

 Sussex bullock. I think, gentlemen, we in this neighbour- 

 hood know what good living is •, at all events, we are close to 

 Brighton, and 1 rather think they know there what it is, and 

 fully appreciate our Southdown mutton. Gentlemen, for this 

 testimonial I cannot express to you my feelings, and when I 

 look upon it, allow me to say that 1 don't value it for the sum 

 which it cost, though it is not to be valued lightly on that 

 account, but on account of the motive from which it proceeds, 

 and more particularly that portion of your testimonial which 

 bears the names of the subscribers. In the future, gentle- 

 men, I trust we shall live in the same relation, and that the 

 associations which have been begun will continue with equal 

 advantage and honour to all. Gentlemen, I thank you all 

 once more, and beg to driuk all your very good healths. Mr. 

 Cane resumed bis seat amid loud cheers. 



