XXIV 



Essays and Reports on Various Subjects. 



for the best Account of Experiments on the application of Nitres as 

 Manures, including Saltpetre (the nitrate of potash) and Cubic Nitre 

 (the nitrate of soda). 



Competitors will be required to state — 



1. The quantity and mode of these applications, whether used before 



sowing, along with the seed, or after the blade is up. 



2. Every particular of each experiment ; and a comparison made with 



the same quantity of ground sown both without manure and also 

 with common yard-dung; stating the value of the manure in 

 every case. 



3. The result at different periods of the growth. 



4. The conclusion come to from the experiments. 



5. Not less than a quarter of an acre to be taken for each experiment ; 



and to be varied as much as possible. 



8. Improvement of Peat-Soils. 



Twenty Sovereigns, or a Piece of Plate of that value, will be given 

 for the best Essay or Report on the most successful means by which the 

 Improvement of Peat Soils may be effected. 



Competitors will be required to state the following particulars : — 



1. Description of the mode, so far as it can be ascertained, in which the 



peat has been formed, whether by rain-water lodging on the sur- 

 face, the oozing of springs, or under a body of stagnant water. 



2. Description of the plants, from the decay of which the peat appears 



to be formed, and of the state of decomposition in which they are 

 found. 



3. Chemical account of any acid or bitter principle injurious to vegeta- 



tion which may be found in the peat. 



4. Account of any substances applied to the peat, either for correcting 



its chemical defects or improving its consistence. 



5. Level of the water in the neighbouring ditches in winter and sum- 



mer. 



6. General treatment and mode of cropping. 



On Agricultural Operations and Implements. 



9. Subsoil and Trench Ploughing. 



Twenty Sovereigns, or a Piece of Plate of that value, will be given 

 for the most satisfactory Experiment on the Comparative Merits of the 

 two processes of Subsoil and Trench Ploughing. 



The Society will require from Competitors — 



1. An accurate description of the ploughs used. 



2. Of the quality and state of soil and subsoil, with an estimate of its 



annual value before the commencement of the operation. 



3. An account of the drains cut (if any), their depth and distance from 



each other. 



4. A detailed statement of the subsoil and other ploughings to which 



the grounds have been subjected. 



