556 The Cumberland and Westmoreland 
operations of the farm. But, however little necessity there may 
be for it as a rule in this favoured region, a prize farm should 
at least be free from those devouring plants which not only 
offend the eye, but leave a legacy of trouble for succeeding years. 
This remark is not intended to be more applicable to Mr. 
Parker's oat-crop than to many other farms which were entered 
in the Competition ; but although Moss End showed generally 
such excellent cultivation and stock that it deservedly took 
a very high place, the loholc of the crops had to be considered, 
and the Judges were forced to note the unsatisfactory state of 
these oat-crops in making their decision. 
One point more : it was a matter of remark by the Reporting 
Judge in making his round in the spring, that were such 
"hollowness" of soil permitted in many parts of England as 
is common here, the whole of the oat-crop would probably be 
lost by the ravages of grub and wireworm ; and we cannot help 
thinking that more pains in consolidating the land would be 
amply recompensed by increased crops. The pests which 
infest less favoured districts, whether insect or vegetable, seem 
little feared here, but a little more care perhaps might prevent 
many a catastrophe, even to a Westmoreland crop. Verbum 
sat sapienti ; and I am sure our friends of the North will not 
object to this little homily. 
Meadow and Pastures. — About 20 acres of meadow land arc 
mown annually. This land is regularly manured in winter 
with compost made of Preston night-soil and ashes (for the 
conveyance of which the canal through the farm offers great 
facilities), and farmyard-dung. The grass-land is generally of 
good quality, but will not stand much drought. Some of the 
hay is occasionally sold. 
Herd. — Let us now turn to the live stock. A good Shorthorn 
herd is kept. No less than 10 of the cows are entered in the 
Herdbook, and the remainder have all three crosses of pure 
blood. The stock at our February visit consisted of — 
22 Cows in-milk and in-calf, 
10 Fat ditto, 
10 Yearling heifers, 
6 Two-year-old ditto (one in-calf), 
23 Calves, 
1 Bull. 
72 
The cows are of grand frame and good condition and colour. 
The whole of the oat- and barley-straw is eaten by the cattle, 
and the milch-cows get swedes and some crushed maize and 
