660 Report on the Horse-shoeivg Competition at Newcastle. 
The seed mixtures of which we obtained particulars seemed 
to contain a fair variety of Clovers and useful grasses, but very 
commonly the crops were overburdened with Rye-grass and 
deficient in Clovers. In one field which had been sown with 
an expensive mixture, there was hardly a sign of anything but 
Italian Rye-grass. 
After this slight criticism of Northern farming, I must 
conclude my Report by thanking my colleagues for the assist- 
ance which they have so freely and kindly given me. 
XXVI. — Report on the HorseShoeing Competition at Newcastle. 
By Charles Clay, of Walton Grange, Wakefield, Steward 
of Horse-Shoeing. 
The Royal Agricultural Society must be congratulated upon 
the successful issue of their new departure, the improvement of 
the Horse-Shoeing of the country. It would be difficult to 
point out a field of operations which, though of apparently 
minor consequence, so seriously affects the well-being of the most 
useful of our domestic animals, and is of so vital importance to 
agriculturists. 
That this question of horse-shoeing should only just have 
come under the purview of the leading Agricultural Society of 
the kingdom is perhaps somewhat remarkable ; but the Society 
having recognised its importance, promptly organized a com- 
petition at Newcastle, which all interested in horseflesh, and 
the public generally, agree was carried out in a most thorough 
and satisfactory manner. The prizes offered were undoubtedly 
considered very liberal, in proof of which I may state that the 
competitors passed a unanimous resolution, " thanking the 
Council for the very handsome prizes offered on this occasion." 
This resolution I was requested, as Steward, to bring under the 
notice of the Council, who ordered it to be entered on their 
minutes. 
The entries were 42 in number, divided into 4 classes : — 
1st, Agricultural Horses ; 2nd, Dray Horses ; 3rd, Hunters ; 
4th, Roadsters. In each of these classes five prizes were 
offered : 1st prize, 6/. ; 2nd, 4/. ; 3rd, 3/. ; 4th, 2/. ; and 5th, 1/. 
Of the 42 competitors 41 actually appeared in the arena, one 
being absent from illness. 
It will be the province of the .ludges, whose report I have the 
pleasure to append, to remark upon the character of the work, 
but it may be permitted to me to say that the competition, was 
