No. 149.] 97 



The committee also announced at the time the spading com- 

 menced that the prizes were to be given to those who did their 

 work the best, within the hour, and not to those who performed 

 it in the shortest period of time, unless their work excelled the 

 others. 



The spading commenced precisely at 12 o'clock, noon. The 

 weather was clear, with sunshine. Tlie air cool and bracing. 



At tliis time probably a thousand persons had appeared on the 

 grounds to witness the performance, animated by the best of 

 feelings. 



The spaders commenced working with great spirit, cheered on 

 by the spectators. 



The grounds selected proved to be a loam mostly free from stone. 



While the spading was going on a gage was held by Mr. Lock, 

 one of your committee, who constantly passed around from spader 

 to spader. 



It was thus proved, by actual measurement, that the spading 

 of the competitors was fall ten inches deep. 



Indeed it is but truth to say that most of the spading done was 

 eleven inches deep and more. 



At the end of forty-seven minutes from the time of the com- 

 mencement, Mr. Griffiths had finished his spading on lot No. 1. 



At the end of forty-nine minutes, Mr. Peacock declared his 

 work jfinished. 



At the end of fifty-five minutes and a half, Mr. Mulley declared 

 his work comi^leted. 



At the end of fifty-eight minutes, Mr. Henderson announced 

 his work was closed. 



The spectators were highly gratified ; all seemed pleased, and 

 went away abundantly satisfied with the performance. 



The committee minutely examined the ground spaded- 

 [Assembly, No. 149.] G 



