Coleman.] Report on Steam Cultivation. 393 



of ridge the same ; and yet, notwithstanding the frost, they were 

 perfectly sound. In the case of mangolds, the long red, with 

 their leaves on, were selected to form the sloping outside, and 

 were very carefully built up with a facing of leaves. The interior 

 of the heap consisted of topped roots.* The secret of success 

 was, doubtless, the exposure to the air preventing fermentation. 

 The corn and hay-stacks are all secured under Dutch barns, 

 cheaply constructed ; consisting of four oak-posts well stayed, 

 carrying a light wooden roof, capable of being shifted according 

 to the quantity of stuff underneath — a covering 8 yards by 5 

 yards, and 8 yards high, costs 20Z. 



No. 121. From Mr. Neilson's we made our Avay to Green Bank 

 Farm, Toxteth Park, where we had an interview with a Mr. Hor- 

 rocks, who, with his brother, on some 260 acres of variable land, 

 chiefly light, in two occupations, has worked Howard's tackle, 

 consisting of a 12-horse-power traction-engine by Roby, grubber, 

 with harrow and 3-furrow plough, since October, 1863, and 

 spoke with enthusiasm of the results. The cost of the whole 

 apparatus was 700/. The only addition has been 300 yards of 

 rope, not because the original ropes were worn out, but because 

 greater length was desirable. No account of repairs has been 

 kept, but they have been inconsiderable. The fuel consumed is 

 about half a ton daily. The average work is 5 acres of plough- 

 ing, and 6 of grubbing. The greatest depth 9 to 10 inches. 

 Seven hands are employed, at a cost of about 17^. Qd. a day ; 5 

 horses have been put down on the two farms; and we thus judge 

 that in this case, although the acreage is too small to allow of 

 very decided results, no loss has been sustained. 



No journal being kept, it is impossible to arrive at accurate 

 facts, but Mr. Horrocks is perfectly satisfied with what has been 

 done, and has found the drainage decidedly improve. The crops 

 have increased considerably. He considers the steam-plough 

 suitable for all operations, and prefers the "round-about" to 

 direct traction, inasmuch as work can be commenced sooner 

 after rain. Last autumn Howard's tackle was ploughing whilst 

 Fowler's was idle, on account of the difficulty of travelling the 

 engine. 



From Liverpool we proceeded into Shropshire, to inquire into 

 the results of two steam cultivation companies using Fowler and 

 Howard's systems. 



No. 122. The Whitchurch Steam Cultivation Company, Mr. R. 

 T. Smith, Manager, arose from a few landlords combining to 

 purchase Fowler's double engines (14-horse power), and apparatus, 



* The bulbs are stored with all the roots attached and whatever soil adheres to 

 them, if cleaned they would begin to dry and decay earlier in spring. The same 

 system will answer with swedes. — E. N. 



