The Farm Prize Compeiitlon 0/ 1891. 
569 
of pasture is to be seen on tliis low land, and proves nseful, as 
it runs right up to the yards, and the cows and horses can be 
turned out by opening the gate. 
The next square consists of beautifully cool loamy land, 
admirably fitted for growing potatoes as well as turnips, wheat, 
barlev, and seeds, and if a little more pains had been taken in 
weeding the spring corn (perhaps 5L would have done it) the 
Judges would have thought this a very successfully farmed por- 
tion of the occupation. 
The farther and hilly end is farmed differently, no potatoes 
being grown as the limestone rock is near. Evidently the 
tenant does not think this his best land, as not quite such 
pains are taken in the cultivation, with the result that one or 
two fields were very foul. 
The corn crops at our June visit were looking very well, the 
wheat after the potatoes promising a good yield, being stiff' in 
the straw, as is usual on such land after that crop. 
A portion of seeds had been broken up on the hill, in which 
the clovers had missed, and was sown with wheat in February. 
Mr. Townend seemed to think it the best piece in the district ; 
an application of soot had certainly given it a good colour, and 
it looked well. The oats adjoining were a fair piece, and the 
turnip land in the next field had been well worked, but was 
not sown on June 18. 
Altogether the crops on this hiVy part looked fairly well, 
but Mr. Townend had not used such energy as on the square 
of land nearer home, in order to make the twitch, &c., con- 
spicuous by its absence. 
The barleys on the lower portion were magnificent pieces, 
sown after the sheep had eaten the swedes, and our only fear 
was that the crop would be laid if a wet period followed. 
The potato land was in very good order. It had been nicely 
I'idged and was very clean, the plants coming up -with vigour 
and strength. Although there were few weeds, the hoes were 
being used round every set, loosening the soil, an operation 
which always seems to make the tops grow apace. 
Plenty of manure had been applied, and there was every 
appearance of a good profit on this somewhat risky venture ; for 
instance, Mr. Townend happened to sell his crop at 50s. per ton 
put on rails, and during the winter 120.s. might have been 
made. The year previous trade was bad, and thousands of tons 
were sold at 25s. or less, whereas luckily on this farm they 
were. cleared early at 54s. 
The seeds grazed by the ewes and lambs were a mattress of 
white clover, l l lb. being sown, with 2 lb. trefoil, 2 lb. cow- 
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