Report on the Farm-Prize Competition, 1871. 
309 
plishod by Mr. Forester's alternate crops, it will be found difficult 
to supersede it. 
In descending to details we would direct attention to the 
manaji^emcnt and application of the manure. First of all, we 
think that in cases where the absorption of the liquid element 
cannot be entirely effected by the straw, its collection in tanks 
and redistribution over the manure, according as moisture is 
required for the process of fermentation, is the very best system 
that can be adopted, as, in this way, manure can be ripened, 
without the necessity of carting into a hill, previous to its 
application to the land. Secondly, we are convinced that in 
cases in which the soil contains a sufficient percentage of clay 
to render it retentive, the application of manure on the stubble 
in autumn for the root-crop is good practice, inasmuch as you 
have thereby a chemical and mechanical effect ; the important 
manurial elements become thoroughly distributed through the 
soil, and are in the most available condition for the require- 
ments of plants ; and the soil is mechanically benefited by the 
presence of a large quantity of vegetable matter, which tends to 
keep it open, and assists atmospheric action. 
The management of live stock is also particularly worthy of 
consideration. Whilst the treatment of each class of animal was 
conducive to its progressive development and early maturity, 
the results were in all cases obtained without an extravagant 
outlay in artificial food. VYe believe that in no instance was 
more than 10 lbs. of meal and cake allowed for any animal daily. 
We must not omit to note an element which materially assisted 
us to arrive at our decision ; namely, the simple, comprehensive, 
and accurate details of the expenditure and returns of each 
department of the farm ; and we are very desirous that Mr. 
Forester's example in this respect may be more generally followed, 
as it would assuredly lead to more profitable results. 
Second-Pkize Farm.^ 
This farm is occupied, under yearly tenure, by Mr. Winterton, 
Alrewas Hays, near Lichfield, and contains about 408 acres of 
arable land, and 145 acres of grass and meadows. It is five miles 
north of Lichfield, and is bounded on the east by a road leading 
to Rugeley. The house and buildings are situated in about the 
centre of the farm, and are approached by a good road. The 
land is somewhat undulating and laid out in rectangular fields of 
varying sizes. A good stream of water runs through the farm, 
and is made available for the purpose of irrigation. The arable 
land is composed of three varieties of surface-soil, in about equal 
portions. The southern part is a thin peaty soil, resting upon 
