Report on the Exiiihition of Live-Stock at Derhij. 546 
Many interesting lessons were learned at the working dairy 
from the lectures of Dr. Voclcker, and from the practical lessons 
of Mr. Allender and his staff, illustrated by the best machines, 
and with the most recently improved and admirably working 
" Separator," which Mr. Jenkins saw at work in Denmark about 
three weeks before the Show, and for which Mr. Allender 
immediately telegraphed upon being communicated with in 
reference to it. This is a striking instance of perspicacity and 
energy. It is believed that next year there will be an Exhi- 
bition in connection with dairy work upon a much larger scale, 
to induce more farmers to turn their attention to this branch 
of agriculture, which may be greatly extended, and to effect 
much needed improvements in the manufacture of butter and 
cheese. 
The bee-tent attracted many, teaching useful lessons of 
activity and industry. The diagrams, showing the organs of the 
bee and the influence of the insect upon the fertilisation of 
plants, were most instructive ; while the cases of ostrich feathers 
hard by, showed the products of a profitable kind of farming 
in a tropical clime. 
After having bestowed due praise and credit for really good 
educational work in the right direction, it is a duty to point out 
the harm which the Council are doing by encouraging the clap- 
trap, sensational grass-growing exhibition in the Showyard, 
which is wholly misleading to the public. Rye-grasses form at 
least 95 per cent, of the mixtures sown to produce these rapid 
growths of brilliant green hue ; and every one knows that it is 
perfectly easy to make rye-grasses yield huge crops in quick 
succession by sowing plenty of seed, and manuring and watering 
well. In answer to questions, it was distinctly said that the 
mixture that produced these results would not be sent to farmers 
and others for laying land down to grass, nor to those who 
wished to make lawns. Then, it must be asked, what is the 
practical use of this cultivation of rye-grasses in an artificial 
manner? It is calculated to mislead, and can be of no benefit, 
and should not be encouraged. 
The success of the Meeting at Derby was very much enhanced 
by the admirable preparations made by the Local Committee, 
and the untiring efforts and hospitality of the Mayor, as well as 
by the presence of the Prince of Wales, who always takes a deep 
interest in the proceedings of the Society. It is satisfactory to 
know that there is a good balance of profit — the result of a large 
attendance of visitors and of wise retrenchment in the prize-list, 
and other items. The following statement (in Table I.) shows 
the gross receipts and expenditure in connection with the Show 
at Derby, and the number of visitors : — 
