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speedily transformed what was a comparatively sterile soil into 
one of great fertility and a perfect state of cultivation; but the 
process by which this was effected has been so often described 
that it is not necessary to repeat the details. A new steading and 
other buildings for the farm were erected by the tenant at a cost 
of some £6000; and, as already said, they are models of their 
kind. Within the buildings, and in the adjacent parks, were 
seen admirable stocks of dairy cows, and other cattle of all ages 
for fattening purposes, sheep and pigs, all of which evoked the 
heartiest commendations from the agriculturists. In regard to 
the numbers of the stock, it was stated that of cattle alone there 
were upwards of two hundred head of different kinds on the farm 
—both Jerseys and shorthorns being kept for dairy purposes; a 
herd of 80 of the small white Berkshire pigs, and between 350 
and 400 sheep. Both steam and horse ploughs are used in the 
cultivation of the farm, which, along with the Flemish Farm, is 
under the sole charge of Mr William Tait, the Queen’s Farm- 
Manager, who in 1882 succeeded his father, who had held the 
same position from the year 1858. At the inspection of the 
Home Farm, Mr Tait courteously acted as cicerone to the visitors, 
and was most active in showing them everything of interest, 
as well as ready to give explanations upon every point of 
inquiry. 
Mr Tait’s handsome and commodious residence stands close to 
the homestead, and contains a suite of rooms for the use of the 
Queen when she visits the Royal Farm to inspect the prize stock 
and other matters in which Her Majesty takes great interest. 
Everything that was seen about the farm exhibited the great in- 
telligence and skill with which it is so successfully managed. 
THe LUNCHEON. 
At the conclusion of the inspection of the Shaw Farm, the com- 
pany were hospitably entertained to luncheon, by the instructions 
of Her Majesty, in a large and handsome marquee specially erected 
for the occasion in a field near to the manager’s house. The 
interior of the tent was tastefully decorated with appropriate flags, 
banners, and gay draperies; and the tables were beautifully dressed 
with roses and other flowers, among which the Scottish emblems— 
the thistle, heather, and Scots fir—were ingeniously wrought, in 
compliment to the visitors, a feature warmly appreciated by them. 
