Farm-Prize Competition, 1880. 
515 
under Pooley Bridge, is just beneath the steep slope on which 
he stands ; but this comprises but a small portion of the 
landscape on which he can now feast his eyes. To the north 
and east lies spread before him like a map a country which 
from this height seems surely as attractive as almost anything 
England can show. The great wooded vale by which the 
Eden flows through Westmoreland and on to Carlisle is beneath, 
enlivened by a score of villages ; and here and there is seen 
the steam which marks the great iron highway of the North- 
Western Railway, along which a hundred trains thunder at all 
hours of the day and night. Skirting this more level region, 
Cross Fell and the great Pennine Range stretch out into Dur- 
ham, the pyramidal Dufton Fell standing out like a rampart 
into the plain ; while, turning still farther to the south is the 
great mountain chain which marks the borders of W estmoreland 
and Yorkshire, through which the Midland Railway, scorning- 
all obstacles, has pierced its way ; and all this superb view can 
be had within the space of a few yards, and standing on the 
slope of a pasture which, in the pretty character of its broken 
ground, might rival some of the most famous of English parks. 
A more enchanting scene for picnic party or summer excursion 
it would be difficult to find. To add to the interest of the 
scene, just to the east, beneath the farm, lies the romantic village 
of Askham ; and crowning the slopes of its rocky river the 
magnificent castle of Lowther, surrounded by its woods and 
park, stretching for miles in each direction. 
I shall perhaps be censured for giving my pen free rein, and 
making this feeble attempt to describe a scene of surpassing 
beauty ; but a Stoic could scarcely visit this farm without some 
note of admiration ; and I now descend from my soaring Pegasus 
to notice the more prosaic attributes which distinguish the 
agriculture of the farm. 
Size and Character of Farm. — The size of this farm is 355 
acres, of which about two-thirds are pasture. It is described 
by Mr. Lowthian as a strong soil, but the tillage land scarcely 
bears out this representation ; at least, a farmer of the clays of 
Essex or Suffolk would not admit its accuracy. Its appearance 
is rather that of a useful red loam, but it is near the rock, and 
therefore somewhat thin-skinned. It is upon the mountain 
limestone formation, and though situated at such an elevation, 
there are no steep slopes or pitches to interfere with its free 
cultivation. 
The House. — The house is stone-built, and of manorial 
appearance, with mullioned windows, and an ancient hall 
which is used as the living-room, with a characteristic deeply 
set " ingle," and much dark oak in keeping with its fashion, 
2 L 2 
