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upon raw food ; the average gain per day, per week, per month ; 

 the best construction of a stye ; the best modes and macliines for 

 cooking food for swine ; the diseases and accidents of swine ; the 

 cost, and the profit and loss of such experiments. All these are matters 

 on which information of an exact and authentic character is greatly 

 needed ; and the obtaining of it would constitute a very proper sub- 

 ject of premium. So also the best experiments in raising early 

 lambs, and managing ewes ; in raising calves and young stock, and 

 in fattening cattle, with all the particulars and details incident to those 

 operations, being made matters of premium, might elicit the most 

 valuable information. 



The application of manures, the composting of manures, the com- 

 parative efficiency of different kinds of manures, with exact records 

 and observations of their application, and their particular results on 

 different soils, are subjects on which information, practical knowl- 

 edge, is greatly desired, and should be sought after by every practi- 

 cable mode. 



I might proceed to other matters of inquiry worthy of being sub- 

 jects of premium with this enlightened and enterprising society. 

 But after these suggestions it may be best left to their own judgment. 

 The great object of all agricultural premiums should be to awaken 

 agricultural experiment and enterprise, in cases where information is 

 most needed ; and to obtain that information in so exact, detailed, 

 practical and authentic a form that it can be made at once available 

 to all the farmers in the county. This rule being made paramount, 

 the lists of premiums in all our agricultural societies might be 

 amended and enlarged ; and a strong spirit of inquiry awakened by 

 the objects proposed, and the particular form of interrogatory in 

 which these proposals should be presented. 



I know I shall not give offence to the public-spiriled and intelligent 

 farmers of the Berkshire Agricultural Society in directing their atten- 

 tion to these points, which I do with all possible respect. 



The practice of giving the premiums in some durable form of 

 plate, and of announcing and bestowing them in public, is a peculiar- 

 ity of arrangement highly to be approved. It creates a strong interest 

 and excites a noble emulation. The usefulness and permanency of 

 the article of premium grealy enhances its value. I was often, 

 in my visits in the county, delighted with seeing these honorable re- 



