594 The Farm-Prize Competition, 1884. 
farm of Mr, Goodwin's at Leominster, and was recommended for 
ability, zeal, honesty, and excellent character. The Judges were 
favourably impressed with what they saw of his management 
under great difficulties (see p. 580). 
Robert Silcock, Hill Farm, Stafford, was recommended by Mr. 
Holme. Aged 30, single. Three years' service. He takes great 
interest in stock, has good observation, always looks round first 
and last. He is sober and steady. His value and capacity were 
severely tested a year since, when Mr. Holme met with an 
accident in harvest, and was sent off for ten days to the Isle of 
Man. Everything was well managed in his absence at a 
critical time. 
Henry James, Penkridge, near Stafford. Recommended by Mr. 
T. J. Griffin. He is fifty years old, is married, and has brought 
up a large family. He is a day labourer, with charge of machinery ; 
he drives the engine, cuts fences, stacks, thatches, and can do 
all kinds of work — mending a clock, or a sewing machine, if 
required. Twenty years' service, he is faithful, honest, and tem- 
perate. Mr. Griffin says this man is deserving of everything 
that can be said in his favour. 
William Edwardes, of Ken wick, near Ellesmere. Recom- 
mended by Mr. Miles Woodburn. Aged 40. He is married, with 
6 children, ranging from 12 to 2. Edwardes has worked on the 
farm for 15 years, first as a labourer under Mr. Ryder, the 
former tenant, and latterly as Mr. Woodburn's hind, receiving 
18s. a week. He understands all kinds of work, is reliable, 
steady, and is interested in his master's wellbeing. 
James Dukes, of Sugwas, Hereford. Recommended by 
Mr. F. Hawkins, in whose service and his father's he has been 
since 1855. Age 65. He is married, and has brought up a 
family of 6 children under some difficulties. He is thoroughly 
trustworthy, has a good eye for stock and their ailments, and 
takes a great interest in his work. 
1 cannot conclude without expressing the high appreciation 
the Judges had of the kind and hospitable reception they met 
with from all the competitors, and the readiness evinced to 
answer questions and afford information. They will long 
remember their pleasant and instructive work in connection 
with the farm competition of 1884. 
