of German Landowners in 1841. 221 



were paraded in front of a stage erected for the judges. The 

 Mecklenburg mares have been very much crossed with English 

 horses, and are much improved; but the native breed is well 

 calculated for harness, their fore-hands and action being showy 

 and good, though they are usually deficient in carcass and hind- 

 quarters. 



The most interesting exhibition to me was the show of roots, 

 grasses, and seeds. The circular music-hall of the Grand- Duke 

 was appropriated to this splendid collection, of which there were 

 upwards of 1000 specimens. The Messrs. Booth of Hamburg, 

 who were the largest contributors, had 180 different varieties of 

 potato, and furnished to the silvicultural section 100 speci- 

 mens of pinus and abies from their justly-celebrated nurseries of 

 Flotbeck. Captain Carr sent some swede turnips, weighing 

 (September 1st) 6^ lbs. Messrs. Booth exhibited the Siberian 

 vetch, which is from 10 to 12 feet long; also the Siberian bear's- 

 claw, a new plant, said to be a strong one, very healthy for nursing 

 ewes, requiring but light land, with deep roots, and shooting 

 early in spring. Sheep like it so well that they leave no part 

 uneaten. Glass cases of wheats, oats, barley, &c., from various 

 countries, and samples in ear, combined to form a very interest- 

 ing and attractive exhibition. Every country has its enthusiast, 

 and much amusement was created by a gentleman whose ruling 

 passion was to raise a flock of merinos, fed on mulberry leaves. 

 He M^as followed about by an ancient ram, to which he supplied 

 his favourite food from a basket which he carried with him ; 

 but to the feeding qualities of which the appearance of the animal 

 did little credit. 



Some cows, both native and Ayrshire, and pigs of good size 

 and fair quality, were exhibited during the week, but they ap- 

 peared to be merely an average of the breed of the country, not 

 brought from any great distance, nor prepared to be shown in 

 competition. The object of the exhibitors appeared to be rather 

 to sell them ; and, in fact, the show of cattle had altogether 

 rather the appearance of a market than a show-yard. 



In the J)rogramme, issued prior to the meeting of the Society, 

 were 112 questions noted for discussion, under different heads. 

 The following were some of them : — 



1. After how many years may different plants, such as rape, clover, wheat, flax, be 

 repeated on each variety of soil, without injury to the crop? 



2. Is it immaterial to the quantity and quality of the dung, by what kind of stock 

 the fodder is consumed ? 



3. If two equal quantities of fodder, consisting of hay and straw, are consumed, the 

 one by beasts and the other by sheep, will the two kinds of dung, as long as they re- 

 main in the land, produce equal crops on a similar soil ? or if not, what will be the dif- 

 ference in their effects? 



4. What has been the result of dressing peaty meadows with earth? What proportion 



