Report on tlie Waricickshire Farm-Prize Competition, 1876. 539 
In May we found the corn-crops, without exception, looking 
well — the fat tegs, for clipping, in a yard eating cut mangolds, 
which were very sound and good. The ewes and lambs were 
on the upland pastures, which are most inappropriately called 
"Thistly grounds." The cabbage was all planted, and the turnips, 
•swedes, and mangolds just showing themselves. 
The July inspection saw the May promises fully realised. 
-^^Idom have we seen grander crops of wheat and more promising 
ones of barley than adorned these fields. The wheat especially 
was erect, reedy in the straw, with finely developed ears filled with 
plump grain. Of barley there was just enough for quality with 
a good yield. The root-crops were promising, though somewhat 
needing rain, and the whole aspect of the farm was prosperous, 
neat, and business-like. I must not omit to notice a pen of 
shearling rams (of which Mr. Adkins annually breeds a few for 
market), which were fine big sheep, and did credit to the Milcote 
flock. The " Nimble Tailor" peas were fit to cut, and in looking 
over the large field which they covered scarcely a weed was to 
be seen. 
I have said enough to show that this beautiful farm, with its 
splendid crops (which were certainly not excelled by any which 
we saw in the county) and its perfect cleanliness, together with 
the excellence of its fences, roads, and gates, merits the highest 
commendation. When, however, we came to inquire into the 
cost at which this fine appearance is maintained, we were unani- 
mously of opinion that it was beyond the means of most tenant- 
farmers to meet such expenses and at the same time make a 
livelihood. The cost of labour and the great expenditure of 
horse-power were matters which it was impossible for us to 
omit in our estimate of the general management of the farm ; 
and high as was our appreciation of its many merits, these cir- 
cumstances, coupled with the indifferent character of the cattle, 
reluctantly compelled us to withhold from Mr. Adkins the more 
prominent position which he would otherwise undoubtedly have 
taken in the competition ; but we had the greatest pleasure in 
recommending that the extra Prize of 25/. for special merit be 
awarded to him, and we believe that — these drawbacks ex- 
cepted — it would be hard to find a farm distinguished by such 
excellent crops, by such perfect cleanliness, and by the many 
other meritorious details, to which I have had occasion to 
allude. 
Mr. Wakefield's and Mr. Simpson's Farms. 
The other two farms which entered into this competition, and 
which are both upon the estate of Lord Leigh, perhaps deserve 
