580 Report on the Farm-Prize Competition of 1885. 
Class I. — Commended. . 
Mr. Mark Wright, Gill Moss Farm, Croxteth, lAverpool. 
A. P.. p. 
Arable 218 0 30 
Grass 3 3 10 
Total 222 0 0 
This farm is the property of Lord Sefton. It is hired on 
a yearly agreement, which binds him very tight, and keeps 
the tenant from deriving benefit from the Agricultural Holdings 
Act of 1875. The rent appears to have been raised since 
1866 at different times. There is no security for permanent 
improvements other than that provided by the Act of 1883. 
Ten years ago the premises were struck by lightning and 
burnt down ; and when rebuilt at a cost of about 2000Z., 
the tenant had to pay an increased rent of 98/. IQs. ; and 
though at the same time a piece of land of 8 acres was added 
to the farm, this was in such a bad state, and required so 
much doing to it, that it was hardly worth having. 
The tenant pays 21. \Qs. annual insurances on the buildings, 
and is not allowed land tax after paying it. The rent and 
tithe amount to 492/. 18^. 
The soil varies very much, from good heavy loam to worthless 
sand and clay, and the season has evidently been unfavourable 
for it. The greater portion is free working, and in a high state 
of fertility, producing a large bulk of hay, straw, green food, 
potatoes, and corn, and this nearly all goes to Liverpool, 
distant 6 miles, and more than an equivalent in plant food, 
viz. horse- and cow-manure is loaded back. 
The farm is heavily stocked with ground and other game, 
and sustains considerable damage. 
The system of farming is almost identical with that pursued 
on the First-Prize Farm in this Class, as will be seen from the 
list of live-stock. 
7 Carthorses, good. 
1 3-vear-old filly. 
1 Pony. 
2 Milking cows. 1 p 
3 Calves. I * 
9 Pat pigs. 
Selling everything, and bringing manure back, is a principle 
rigidly adhered to. 
