79G 
The Farm Prize Compeiition of 1890. 
Mr. Franklin ranks deservedly high in the respect and good 
opinion of his brother farmers, by whom hil business and other 
capacities, and kindliness of disposition, have frequently been 
recognised in most flattering ways. For many years he has acted 
as Vice-chairman of the Local Highway Board, and has taken 
an active part in the superintendence of the road repairs. At 
the first County Council election he was returned by the largest 
majority of any of the members. In 1884, a gold watch wat 
presented to him by his political and other friends, in lieu of one 
of which he had been relieved when leaving a political platform. 
In the present competition he has run his successful competitor 
very close, and is thoroughly entitled to the honours awarded him. 
Class I. — Third Prize Farm. 
Occupied by Mrs. Hill and Son, Newtake Farm, Stacerton, Tobies. 
This holding consists altogether of 3GG acres, of which 221 
are arable, 107 pasture, and 38 orchards. The chief part 
belongs to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, who are owners of 
a considerable estate in the district. The late Mr. Hill (hus- 
band and father respectively of the present tenants) entered 
upon one portion, including the house, at Lady-day 1851, and 
upon a second (130 acres) in 18G5. In 1873, seventy more 
acres were taken, and in 1880 a further addition was made, 
which brought the farm up to its present dimensions. Upon 
the death of his father, the present Mr. Hill, then a lad of 14 
years of age, was brought home from school to assist his widowed 
mother in the management of the farm, and when old enough 
was made a joint tenant in the occupation. Together they have 
for several years carried on the holding, each taking an active 
part in the work which falls to his or her share. The condition 
of the farm, and the excellence of its whole management, reflect 
much credit upon both mother and son. for having so successfully 
overcome the trying difficulties in which circumstances had 
placed thein. 
The farm is situate about 3i miles north-west of Totnes, 
and half a mile from Staverton Railway Station. It is very 
undulating, but the soil being light, and overlying a dry rocky 
subsoil, the work of cultivation is comparatively easy. One 
feature in which the farm is so thoroughly representative of 
Devonshire is the number and smallness of the fields, and the 
height and width of the numerous division feuces. The total 
number of inclosures is 90, of which 13 are under one acre 
(mainly orchards), 14 others under two acres, 17 between two 
and four acres, 23 between four and six acres, and 23 between 
