408 Tlie Prize System as applied to Small Farmers in Ireland. 
to understand and appreciate the suggestions offered. One 
of the Judges offered to make him a present of as much grass- 
seeds as would sow a piece of ground which was suitable for them. 
In due time he reminded the Judge of his promise : the grass- 
seeds were sent down and produced a fine crop the year after. 
In 1875 and 1876, Johnston bought grass-seeds himself, and 
now his farm is cropped so judiciously that I have given 250 
marks for the cultivation of the land. 
In the " offices " several changes and improvements have been 
made. The manure-heap used to be in front of the entrance to 
the dwelling, and the piggery used to be next to the bed-room. 
A very suitable piggery was erected in 1875, in the most remote 
corner of the yard, and a nice wall was built in front of the 
house, and the manure-heap was removed to a site in front of 
the piggery. Johnston's holding and premises will bear com- 
parison with those of the prize-takers of the other districts. 
His circumstances are greatly altered. A few days before my 
last visit he lost two pigs, worth about 10Z. ; but he can bear 
the loss very well, large though the amount be to him. 
This man was easily led into pursuing an improved system 
of management. If all the small farmers of Westmeath, or 
even a large number of them, were encouraged in the same way, 
the amount of good done would be incalculable ; and that it is 
desirable to effect a radical change of some kind is well known 
to all persons who know the wants and feelings of the people of 
that county. 
The other competitors who deserve a passing notice, are 
Widow Anderson, Widow Paterson, and James Kavanagh, all 
of whom in 1876 ranked equal in the sum-total of marks. The 
holding of each of them now possesses a good deal of merit. 
Widow Paterson has the best field of artificial grass in the entire 
district, and the winter culture which is given by the Widow 
Anderson to her stubble land in preparation for roots and potatoes 
is everything that could be desired. The following figures will 
show the progress made by them since 1873 : — 
Marks obtained. 
1873. 1876 
Widow Anderson 325 
Widow Paterson 273 
James Kavanasrli 271 
) Each 430 
| marks. 
Gakkyhill, County Caklow. 
The Garryhill National School is on the Carlow estate of the 
Rt. Hon. the Earl of Bessborough, whose efforts to improve 
his property are well known. 
