( xxxvi ) n 
ISSSapS an& iJleportS prizes for i860.— All Prizes of the 
Royal Agricultural Society of England are open to general com- 
petition. Competitors will be expected to consider and discuss the 
heads enumerated. 
I. AGRICULTURE OF BERKSHIRE. 
Fifty Sovereigns will be given for the best Report on the 
Agriculture of Berkshire. 
The principal geological and physical features of the county should be 
described ; the nature of the Soil and character of the Farming in its 
different districts or natural divisions ; its Live Stock ; Implements ; 
striking changes of Farm Management since the date of Eeport to 
the Board of Agriculture ; Improvements recently introduced or still 
required ; remarkable or characteristic Farms. 
II. APPLICATION OF MANURE. 
Twenty Sovereigns will be given for an approved Essay on the 
best period of the Rotation and the best time of year for 
applying the Manure of the Farm. 
m. INFLUENCE OF PRICES ON FARM MANAGEMENT. 
Ten Sovereigns will be given for the best Essay on the alterations 
rendered advisable in the Management of Land of different 
qualities, by low prices of Grain and high prices of Meat. 
Competitors will be expected to point out the best mode of maintaining 
the aggregate farm returns, by making increased receipts from live 
stock compensate for a fall in the value of grain. 
IV. LATE IMPROVEMENTS IN DAIRY PRACTICE. 
Ten Sovereigns will be given for the best Essay on recent 
improvements in Dairy Practice. 
A detailed account should be given of any improvements in the manage- 
ment or machinery employed in the manufacture of Cheese or Butter 
which have been recently adopted, and which have been found to 
increase the quantity or improve the quality of the produce. 
V. THE PROPER OFFICE OF STRAW ON A FARM. 
Ten Sovereigns will be given for the best Essay on the proper 
office of Straw on the Farm. 
The Essay must be based upon the teachings of both Practice and Science, 
in order that a proper value may be assigned to the nutritive quali- 
ties of Straw as cattle food, and to its fertilizing properties when used 
simply as manure. The extent to which it should be used as fodder 
and litter respectively, and the most approved and economical methods 
of employing it for either purpose, should be discussed. 
