( Ixxiv ) 



1ESSaj)S autr ^deports.— PEIZES foe 18G6.— All Prizes of tlie 

 Eoyal Agricultural Society of England are open to general cona- 

 petition. Competitors will Lc expected to consider and discuss tlio 

 heads enumerated. 



I. FARMING OF LEICESTERSHIEE. 

 Fifty Sovereigns will be given for the best Eeport on the 

 Fanning of Leicestershire. 



Tlie leading geological features and tlie cliaracter of the soil in diflercnt 

 localities should be briefly described, l\cfercnco should be made 

 to any older records of the state of agriculture in the county. 



The live stock kept, their breeds, numbers, and nianagement ; the state 

 of the pasture land — its enrichment or impoverishment, drainage, 

 manuring, decrease (to secure an admixture of arable) or increase 

 (from the influence of recent prices) ; the management of arable 

 land as subsidiary to pasture ; the state of farm-buildings, woods, 

 and plantations, fences, to be discussed ; characteristic farms to be 

 described ; improvements, lately made or still required, to be 

 stated. 



II. FARMING OF WORCESTERSHIRE. 



Fifty Sovereigns will be given for the best Eeport on the 

 Farming of Worcestershire. 



The subject to be treated as for Prize I., but with special reference to 

 the Management of Hop-grounds and Orchards, and to the varied 

 arable lauds within the limits of the count}''. 



Ill, TOWN DAIRIES. 



Twenty-five Sovereicns will be given for the best Essay on 

 Town Dairies. 



The comparative advantages and drawbacks of a Dairy in a town rather 

 than at the distance of a few miles ; the influence of crowded build- 

 ings on the health of the cows, or on the milk they produce, to be 

 considered. Suggestions for feeding and general management, and 

 the sale of milk, &c,, &c., to be offered. 



IV. MOUNTAIN BREEDS OF SHEEP. 

 Twenty Sovereigns will be given for the Lest Essay on Mountain 

 Breeds of Sheep. 



The effects of the increase of Cross-breeding among Hill Sheep-Farmers 

 to be considei'ed. Have the pure races merits which ought to 

 preserve them from extinction in certain localities ? 



