790 The Farm Prize Competition of 1890. 
The man who has much to do can always have more, ant 1 
not unfrequently does more, and does it better, than he who has- 1 
little to do. This is the case with Mr. Vosper, who not only I 
takes his daily part in the supervision and management of this l| 
farm, and the malting, and seed business referred to, but is a 
director of various other concerns, and in particular of the 
Western Counties Agricultural Co-operative Association, which has 
an annual turn-over of 140,000Z. in feeding stuffs, manures, seeds, 
and implements sold to agriculturists of the district, of whom 
some few of the present competitors form part. Mr. Vosper, 
further, is a member of the County Council, besides acting pri- 
vately as trustee for various friends and relatives. 
Class I. — Second Prize Farm. 
Occupied by Mr. J. N. Franklin, The Bassets, Huxham, Exeter. 
This farm comprises 454 acres, of which 250 are arable, 194 
pasture, and 10 orchards, and is the property of Lord Poltimore, 
whose residence (Poltimore House) and park are in close 
proximity to one end of it. The land lies in two divisions, 
separated about one mile from each other ; one (Poltimore Farm) 
is four miles, and the other (Bussels), where Mr. Franklin re- 
sides, is six miles from Exeter, in the eastern division of the 
county. Mr. Franklin' holds under a lease for 21 years expiring 
in 1901, and has been tenant for 20 years, having followed his 
uncle, who had occupied the farm for 30 years. 
About 80 acres are low-lying water meadows of which the 
soil is stiff clay, but which under present management is made 
very productive. Much attention has been given to the drainage 
of this land, and to the provision of the necessary gutters and 
carriers for its irrigation. One portion was drained 15 years ago 
at Mr. Franklin's sole cost, but of late the landlord has provided 
the tiles, whilst the tenant has carted and put theni in. The 
main drains are generally 5 to 6 feet deep, with minors rim- 
ing into them at various depths and distances. 
One long main drain of 400 yards deserves especial mention 
because of the difficulty of its construction, and the great appa- 
rent benefit which haa resulted. Owing to the very slight fall 
the work had to be most carefully manipulated, and naturally 
received Mr. Franklin's close personal attention. The drain, vary- 
ing in depth, is carried straight from point to point with as slight a 
fall as practicable, and at each angle, or change of direction, there 
is an inspection and flushing chamber, 2 feet 6 inches in diameter, 
with a wooden lid, which is mainly kept locked to prevent obstruc- 
