in Lancashire, Cheshire, and Nortli Wales. 499 
fallow again, &c. High farming will, in time, overcome the 
difficulties of soil. Large applications of good manure amelio- 
rate the soil, and to a great extent change its constitution. 
Manure may almost be likened to Charity, in rendering a two- 
fold blessing, it gives an increase of body to light land and renders 
stiff land more yielding and pliant. I have not attempted to 
detail the systems of cultivation practised in regard to the 
working of the land for the various crops, nor the quantities 
of seed applied per acre. The maxim to adopt for the former 
is, as far as possible, to allow nothing to grow but ivhat you 
wish to grow, and for the quantity of seed, the doggrel lines — 
" There was a cobbler in Dunoon, 
And all lie wanted was elbow room," 
are true for cereals as well as for cobblers. 
One of the most pleasing features of our experience connected 
with this competition was the strong feeling of " entente cordiale " 
which we found to exist between the tenants and their land- 
lords. The farms are all taken on fair terms. The rents vary 
from 45s. to 60s. per acre, inclusive of tithes and taxes, accord- 
ing to the quality of the soil. The buildings on most farms are 
excellent. In some instances an increase of cottage accom- 
modation might be of advantage ; and it might be of great 
advantage to many farmers to erect covered sheds for hold- 
ing a large portion of the crop. The expense of thatching, 
especially owing to the increasing value of straw, which is now 
being so largely used in the manufacture of paper, would be saved, 
and thus more than repay the interest on the buildings every 
vear. The workpeople on these farms seemed to do their duty 
with energy and good-will, this, I believe, being caused in a great 
xneasure by the example of industry shown them by the energy 
of their employers. There is a dignity in labour ; without this 
personal application there is no hope for success. I cannot close 
this Report without allusion to the immense benefits derived 
from these competitions. There is honour even in defeat. 
Like Antaeus, the competitors may receive renewed strength 
from the earth after a fall, and rise refreshed for renewed com- 
bats. The agriculture of every district where these competi- 
tions take place is encouraged — a spirit of emulation is infused 
and fostered. The Judges themselves will frankly acknowledge 
that they are taught many profitable lessons from the varied 
experiences of new districts and new systems. 
In the name of my colleagues and myself, I have to thank all 
the competitors for their uniform kindness during our inspec- 
tion. The duties of judging are both difficult and arduous, and 
it is hard to give satisfaction to all ; but we feel assured that in 
