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1BSSaj)S m\ti i^eportS prizes for 1857.— A11 Prizes of the 



Royal Agricultural Society of England are open to general com- 

 petition. Competitors will be expected to consider and discuss the 

 heads enumerated. 



I. MICROSCOPIC INVESTIGATION. 



Fifty Sovereigns will be given for the best Report on the 

 Results of Microscopic Observation applied to the Vegetable 

 Physiology of Agriculture. 



It is not thonci!;lit desirable to confine the observer too strictly to any 

 particular line of research, the only necessary limitation heinfr, that 

 the plants to be examined and reported upon shall be selected from 

 those commonly cultivated ; such as the cereals, or those usuallj' 

 known under the names of _?:)zjZse, root, and fodder crops. The 

 structural formation of these plants — their ordinary vital processes 

 — modifications of the above induced bj' climatic influences or the 

 application of manure — morbid changes of their tissues consequent 

 upon the attacks of insects or disease, — would all prove extensive 

 and interesting fields of inquiry ; ami it must be left to the writers 

 themselves to select those particular branches of the subject on 

 which they are able to supply the greatest amount of original 

 information. 



II. LEVELLING RIDGE AND FURROW IN PASTURES. 



Twenty Sovereigns will be given for the best Essay on Levelling 

 Ridge and Furrow Pasture Land after drainage. 



Any method recommended must be consistent with the preser^-ation of the 

 old sward, and must be accompanied by a detailed account of the 

 cost of the whole operation. 



III. ADMIXTURE OF SOILS. 



Twenty Sovereigns will be given for the best Essay on the per- 

 manent Amelioration of Soils by admixture with others. 



Claying, marling, dry-warping, or any similar operation by which soil of 

 one kind is mixed with land of a ditferent description in sufficient 

 quantity to effect a permanent improvement in its quality, may 



