562 
The Farm-Prize Competition, 1884. 
The horses at the time of our second visit comprised — 
11 working horses, 4 of which had foals sucking. 
2 brood mares, one of which had foaled (not worked). 
7 three-jear-olds, broken in, and ready for light work. 
2 ,, unbroken. 
4 two-year-olds. 
3 yearlings. 
1 entire cart colt, two-year-old. 
1 two-year-old nag colt. 
1 yearling „ 
1 hackney. 
1 pony. 
39 total, with the foals. 
Pigs are bought in as stores, and are not bred on the farm. 
As the merit of Mr. Hawkins's management is quite as appa- 
rent in the treatment of his land, both arable and grass, as in 
the skilful handling of his stock, it is incumbent to give some 
details of the fields. 
The promise of our first visit was fully borne out at our 
second and more critical inspection on May 27th. The weather 
was, and had for some time been, hot and droughty, and here 
and there were indications that the gravelly loams at Sugways 
Farm would be much better for rain. Still no serious harm 
was then apparent, and the crops on the whole were most pro- 
mising, indicating high condition of land, and proving that 
good farming was the rule, and that extra condition had not 
been supplied for a special occasion. I may add that on our 
last visit in July, notwithstanding the serious and long con- 
tinued drought which extended to nearly the end of June, all 
the crops without exception were excellent, and indicated very 
large yields. Our inspection commenced with No. 568, 17^ acres, 
of which 7 acres nearest the buildings were in vetches after 
wheat, a most luxuriant crop, perfectly clean, dressed with 3 cwt. 
dissolved bones, to be mown for the horses, and followed by late 
turnips. The remainder of the field was being steam-culti- 
vated for roots. Mr. Hawkins finds great advantage from this 
power, from the rapid and thorough way in which spring 
work can be performed. It has been used for twenty years, 
having been introduced by the father of the present tenant, 
and comprises a 10-horse power engine, Rarford's roundabout 
tackle, Campain's self-moving anchors, and Fowler's cultivator. 
The windlass being coupled to the engine allows of one man 
working both, whilst two other men work the cultivator, and 
attend to the anchors and porters. The stubbles were horse- 
