336 
Steam Cultivation. 
circumstance of a considerable proportion being sown in springs 
after root crops, we think the fact speaks well for the prospect of 
profits from the adoption of steam culture. 
We do not, of course, entirely attribute the decided success of 
the root culture and the increased produce of grain to this agency. 
We believe that without thorough drainage such results would 
not have been achieved ; but it is certain that, even with drainage, 
minus the steam plough, they would have been equally un- 
attainable. 
In conclusion, we have no doubt as to the beneficial results 
arising from the application of steam to the cultivation of stroncf 
soils. The great object now is to simplify and perfect the appa- 
ratus and its mode of working ; to reduce the tendency to 
breakages, and thereby increase its capacity for work. Con- 
fessedly these breakages are the weak point of the system, and 
when obstructions exist in the soil, they are difficult to avoid. 
But, as has been alreadv pointed out, much of the inconvenience 
and loss arising from them mav be avoided by keeping in stock 
duplicates of all parts subject to breakage, and by a rigid 
attention to matters of detail. 
The system, however, is yet in its infancy and capable of 
further development. The ingenuity of the manufacturer is 
still ever on the watch to perfect his machinery, and we will 
not form so poor an estimate of the talent and enterprise of our 
modern agricultural machinist as to doubt the speedy accom- 
plishment of very material improvements. 
Yet the foundation has already been so surely laid, that in 
the mean time we would say to all engaged in the cultivation of 
a sufficient extent of strong impervious soils, who have the option, 
invest at once in tried implements alreadv provided, and chang(; 
the horse that must eat whether he works or not, for one whose 
consumption of food is limited to the hours of labour. 
Buscot, near Faringdon. ♦." 
XXI. — TTie Brcedinrj of Hunters and Roadsters. 
By J. Gamgee, Senior. 
Prize Essay. 
The subject to be treated of in this Essay is one which will 
undoubtedly repay the agriculturist for any amount of attenticm 
and skill which he may devote to it. 
In aiming to produce a horse of that stamp which will realise 
the highest price for hunting purposes, the breeder is on the 
safest way to exclude the chances of failure ; because the animal 
