of Implements at Reading, 1882. 
613 
ment is subjected to a trial before carefully chosen mechanical 
and agricultural experts ; every point, favourable or unfavour- 
able, being noted ; and the prize of honour being finally awarded 
to that implement which, on a balance of points being struck, 
comes out the best. The prize is, however, withheld, whenever 
there is not a sufficient degree of merit to justify an award. 
In this manner the agricultural machinery of the country has been 
brought steadily and surely to its present state of perfection, to 
the benefit equally of the farmer and the exhibitor. 
The farmer, wishing to ascertain which, in the opinion of the 
Society, are the best implements, can find a list of them in the 
prize-lists of previous years, or in the case of implements under 
trial, can see them in the trial-field, and so form his own con- 
clusions as to their respective merits. He may, further, compare 
their constructional points in the Showyard, and finally read 
and digest the carefully considered Reports of the Judges who 
have tested the implements. 
The exhibitor of an implement under trial has an oppor- 
tunity afforded to him of observing the good and bad points of 
his implement, and of others competing with it, and of after- 
wards altering it in its parts, as far as he thinks it desirable 
to do so. 
To gain the First Prize or Gold Medal of the Society, has 
been the height of the ambition of all exhibitors at the Shows, 
as is abundantly proved by the eagerness with which these 
honours are sought after, and when obtained, made known to the 
public as widely as possible. 
To ensure accuracy of result, the Society entrusts the conduct 
of the trials to men whose honour, intelligence, and practical 
knowledge give special weight to their decisions. Those who 
have watched the work of the Judges in the trial-fields, con- 
tinued uninterruptedly, often for many weeks, in bad and good 
weather alike, can bear testimony to the fidelity with which they 
perform the responsible duties allotted to them. 
But fidelity and energy on the part of the Judges are not 
sufficient. The object of the Society is to give reliable opinions. 
In order to test with accuracy the merits of each implement, 
very delicate dynamometrical tests are indispensable. For this 
purpose the Society has from time to time, as occasion required, 
provided at great expense dynamorrfeters and other mechanical 
appliances made under the advice and direction of their eminent 
Consulting Engineer. 
The collection of this testing machinery was brought together 
at Reading for inspection by a Committee appointed for that 
purpose. It is worthy of consideration whether this valuable 
collection, if exhibited, would not furnish an additional interest 
at future Shows. I venture to express an earnest hope that, in 
