284 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



barrel and scoop, results from this superiority of diluted over 

 undiluted applications. There is no economy of the latter 

 system, if the bulk is to be increased four-fold. 



It is a serious objection to night-soil as a manure for grasses, 

 and particularly cereals, that, when put on in considerable 

 quantities, say from twelve to twenty tons an acre, it causes 

 rank growth, which, if the season is rainy, makes the crop lodge. 

 But it seems to increase largely the percentage of nitrogen and 

 minerals in green crops, and it is probable that it has a like 

 effect on other crops. 



Farm-yard manure, applied in a liquid form, proved itself far 

 superior the first year to the same amount put on in the usual 

 manner, and but little inferior the second year. It was found 

 that tobacco, when grown with liquid manure, though fine in 

 appearance, will not smoke well, and is only fit for snuff, and it 

 had to be given up. 



In a financial point of view, the experimental farm is not yet 

 a success ; but it is hoped that it will throw much light upon 

 the questions it was intended to solve, and eventually pay. 



The government of the Emperor is alive to the encouragement 

 of agriculture by every means in its power. It pays a liberal 

 salary to the members of the Imperial and Central Society of 

 Agriculture : it awards large and generous premiums and 

 medals for stock and implements every year in the twelve 

 districts into which the country is divided ; besides the frequent 

 publication of elaborate and scientific works on agriculture, and 

 encouragement to various societies and experimental and model 

 farms under the direct control or patronage of the government. 



A prize of one thousand dollars in money, and a silver cup 

 worth six hundred dollars, was awarded last year to the owner 

 or holder of the best-conducted farm in one of the six or seven 

 departments of each of the twelve districts, besides medals and 

 smaller gratuities to the managers and servants on these' prize- 

 farms. All these agencies are stimulating enterprise and com- 

 petition in the highest degree. The amount given out in these 

 various ways, — not including the imperial farms, like Rambouil- 

 let, Vincennes, (fee, — was $127,920 in money, and 4,920 other 

 prizes and medals. Nor does this amount include the prizes for 

 horses. They have distinct shows and special prizes awarded. 



