590 Remarks on the Implemeiit Department at Bury St. Edmund's. 



are annually becoming more keen. The results of tte last steam 

 contest must make steam-farmers wish that competing firms could 

 make, not engines only, but drivers. To return to the imme- 

 diate subject — exhibitors — they are not satisfied; and with 

 reason. As Englishmen they willingly submit to constituted 

 authority : they feel that time and chance happeneth to all ; but 

 they hate neglect and oversight, which after great preparation, 

 made in accordance with published conditions, is naturally aggra- 

 vating. They hate undue haste, and the appearance of undue 

 haste. There is moreover a falling to the ground between two 

 stools, or, in other words, between two classes of judges. It is 

 a question how far judges by their awards influence purchasers ? 

 That tbey do influence purchases I cannot doubt, as the ordinary 

 farmer requires a guide ; if my observation is just, that criticism 

 depends on comparison, then the judges, by the result of tlieir 

 comparisons, should influence purchasers. That judges sometimes 

 suggest improvements is a fact within my own knowledge. 

 Rotation is a law of nature ; the rotation prize system, the triple 

 division of 1856, works admirably, but perhaps requires extension. 

 However that may be, further division of labour, especially in 

 the Miscellaneous Class, is immediately necessary. Experienced 

 stewards know that when there are many exhibitors who complain, 

 there are more who are discontented ; notwithstanding much may. 

 be done by patient hearing and sympathy with the mixed multi- 

 tude. Indeed towards the last it became quite pleasant to go to 

 and fro in the yard, and on recognising familiar and intelligent 

 faces, to exchange friendly greetings. 



My task is finished ; only I would add two or three sentences, 

 not by way of empty compliment, but to express a hearty feel- 

 ing. For our great Society my wish is, may it ever be said 

 " Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety." 

 Of the honorary directory, need I say, I concur in the general 

 feeling — one of unqualified respect. The judges, they who 

 bear the heat and burden of the day, their disinterested labours, 

 command our appreciation and deserve our thanks. I can see an 

 eminent engineer judge, rain on one side, fire on the other, yet 

 all day wearing an expression of pleasant humour, as though 

 reflecting on " Man born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward." 

 To my friendly colleagues, one and all, I am indebted for many 

 agreeable and profitable hours : may 1 say, and trust the feeling 

 is mutual, should old acquaintance be forgot ? I do think a great 

 charm of our meetings is, that they so tend to blend the sym- 

 pathies of those whose best interests are really identical. 



