PREMIUMS AND COMPETITIONS — 182I-1829. 195 



the scholar reported at the pubHc examination of the 

 School to have made the greatest proficiency in friendly 

 society book keeping. 



It was in 1827 that the Society first offered prizes for 

 swine at district competitions. The premiums were first 

 offered in Dumfriesshire, and the first awards w^ere made 

 in 1828. The competition was held at Lockerbie, and the 

 premiums stood thus: — Boars — ist Jas. Bell, Woodhouse- 

 lees ; 2nd Charles Carruthers, Mouswald Place. Sows — ist 

 Wm. Biggar, Hairgills ; 2nd John M'Neill, Whitehill. The 

 premiums for swine have since been in operation in several 

 counties or districts. They are given for three consecutive 

 years. The amount awarded in premiums for swine ex- 

 ceeds ^400. 



Evidence that the Society had early drawn attention 

 to the value of bone manure is shown in the award in 1829 

 of plate of ten sovereigns value to the Duke of Portland, for 

 having, in competition for the premium offered by the 

 Society, raised a considerable extent of turnips by means 

 of bone manure. 



N 2 



