( XXV ) 
lEssagS ani Reports.— PEIZES FOE 1863.— AE Prizes of the 
Eoyal Agricultural Society of England aie open to general com- 
petition. Competitors wiE be expected to consider and discuss the 
heads enumerated. 
I. AGRICULTURE OF STAPrORDSHIRE. 
Fifty Sovereigns wiU be given for the best Eeport on the 
Agriculture of Staflfordshii-e. 
The principal geological and physical features of the coxmty should he 
described ; the nature of the Soil and character of the Farming in its 
different districts or natural divisions ; its Live Stock ; Implements ; 
recent changes of Farm Management ; Improvements lately intro- 
duced and still required ; remarkable or characteristic Farms ; the 
influences exercised by neighbouring mines and factories on the 
cropping of the soil, the value of land, the rate of prices and wages, 
and on the demand for timber, and consequently on the profitable 
management of woods and plantations. 
n. BREEDING OF HUNTERS AND ROADSTERS. 
TwESTY-FTVE SOVEREIGNS wiE be given for an approved Essay ou 
the Breeding of Hunters and Eoadsters. 
m. RESULTS OF STEAM CULTIVATION. 
TwESTY-FiVE Sovereigns wiE be given for the best Essay on the 
Results of Steam Cultivation. 
The following points must be considered : — 
1. Tlte Percolation of Water: 
"Whether a more rapid escape of surface water on strong soils has 
been observed. 
2. Texture of the soil : 
Whether a deeper and more perfect tilth has been obtained. 
3. Crops: 
