542 The Berkshire Farm Prize Competition^ 1882. 
every promise of abundant feed. oNIangolds were fairly forward, 
but from some cause, inexplicable by Mr. Ratcliff, were not a 
perfectly regular plant, and had been filled up by transplanting. 
The whole of the grass-land is mown for hay, and receives 
in rotation a dressing of 4 cwt. of bones per acre. The meadows 
lie on the bank of the Loddon, and at the commencement of 
Mr. Ratcliff 's tenancy were intersected by open ditches, in 
which water constantly stagnated ; these have been filled up 
with pipes 20 inches deep, draining into the river, the surface 
has been levelled, and now, in place of the former sour grass 
and rushes, is found a thick sward of sweet and nutritious 
herbage. For such a season Mr. Ratcliff was singularly fortu- 
nate in securing his hay ; the carting was being completed at 
the time of our last inspection on the 28th June. 
Mangolds and swedes are drawn off the land for consumption 
by cattle. The mangolds of last year's growth we found of large 
size, superior quality, and carefully stored. 
The sale of milk by contract to Messrs. Huntley and Palmer's 
biscuit factory is one of the main sources of income from the 
farm, realising last year nearly 1000/., and a grander lot of 
Shorthorn dairv cows than those from which the supply is 
obtained would be difficult to find in any county. 
The cows are kept in an admirably arranged, well ventilated, 
and roomy house, having a wide central pathway from which 
the animals are fed. The winter food consists of a liberal 
allowance of bran, pea-hull, grains, and mangolds mixed with 
cut chaff ; this is prepared in a convenientl}- adjoining shed. 
The cows are not turned out to grass until the rowen is ready, 
but trifolium and vetches are brought to them in the shed and 
yards, upon which they appear to thrive and milk well. 
Two bulls are in use in the herd ; " Grandee," a remarkably 
massive animal of fine quality, bred by Messrs. Leney and Son 
from a cow of the Knightley strain, so well known for milking 
properties, and " Priory Duke," a handsome straight two-year- 
old, from one of ]Mr. Ratcliff's best cows. The herd is re- 
plenished by Aveaning the most promising only of the female 
calves. Bull calves, and those not of the favourite roan colour, 
or approved form, are sold at a few days old, and realise about 
two guineas each. 
The pigs are capital specimens from the best strains of the 
excellent native breed of blacks, with white terminals. The 
youngsters, well kept from birth, until they attain a weight of 
from 65 to 80 lbs., then find a ready sale as London porkers 
at about ^d. per lb. 
These useful creatures are housed in dry, comfortable, and 
airy quarters, with well paved and drained outside courts. The 
