64 Report on Sheaf-Binding Machinery at Shrewsbury. 
of " Independent Sheaf-Binders " must be reported upon as a 
failure on the part of the competitors. 
The " Independent Sheaf-Binders " having been so summarily 
disposed of, a move was made to Montford Farm, which is 
situated in the valley of the Severn, about seven or eight miles 
from the Welsh border. Standing upon Montford Bridge upon 
the Holyhead road, and facing west, you see Ponsert Hills 
standing out prominently and somewhat lion-like in shape ; on 
the left, and extending towards Wales, are the Stiperstones, 
upon the summit of which range is an ancient cairn called the 
Devil's Chair. A range of hills, named the Long Mountains, 
continue the line of vision into Montgomeryshire, where the 
view terminates with the three coned pinnacles of the Brudden, 
Moelygolva, and Middleton, usually called the Breidden Hills. 
Upon the summit of the Briedden is an obelisk erected to the 
memory of Admiral Rodney, and known as Rodney's Pillar. 
This scenery and district grew upon us, as day after day we 
travelled to and from Shrewsbury, ever discovering some new 
source of interest. 
Mr. Minton's Farm of Montford, where the real " tug 
of war " took place, was awarded third prize in the Arable 
Farm Competition, and has been well described by Mr. J. 
Coleman in his admirable Report which appeared in the last 
number of the ' Journal.' I cannot forbear to add my testimony 
to the spirit of enterprise and indications of good farming which 
met us at every turn on this farm. The quiet decision, which 
only required to know the wishes of the Stewards and Judges 
to have them immediately carried out, was quite in keeping with 
what we saw of Montford Farm and its management. The 
diplomas of the Royal Agricultural College and of the Royal 
Agricultural Society have both been conferred on Mr. Minton, 
whose agricultural career does credit to both Institutions. 
This neighbourhood may fairly be called the heart of the 
original breeding district of Shropshire sheep. The flock of 
Mr, R. Gittens, which flourished on Ensdon House, was cele- 
brated long before anything was heard of the breed except 
locally. Mr. J. Bowen-Jones's famous flock, now on Ensdon 
House, is directly descended from that of Mr. Gittens. Mr. 
Minton's rams carried off first honours at Derby and Reading, 
and have let at extraordinary prices. 
This district is also identified with the breed of Hereford 
cattle, the Montford and Ensdon House herd being well known 
in Hereford circles. 
The appended plan of Montford Farm will show the posi- 
tion of the trial-fields and also the relative positions of the 
