the field. 
on Tuesday and Wednesday last, and was exceedingly 
well attended, nearly £60 being taken in shillings at the door 
on the first day. The socond day's exhibition was almost 
os successful, the weather proving fine, thus enabling the 
country visitors to flock in in considerable numbers. The 
stock exhibited was of a first-class but varied description, 
and a large number" of pens were eagerly purchased. 
The Dorkings were unusually fine, and came in for a full 
share of attraction. Next to these the game' and fancy sorts 
seemed to rivet attention, more particularly the ptarmigan 
breed, of which there were six or seven pens. The Cochins 
were quite neglected. A pen of hybrids — a cross between a 
common bantam and a pheasant — reared by Edward Twy- 
uam, Esq. of Allington, near Bishopstoke, were much no- 
ticed for their singularity. Messrs. Hinxman, Higgs, and 
Andrews, acted as judges, and gave great satisfaction. 
Great Poultry Show.— The Third Annual Exhibition of 
Domestic Poultry, confined to the three counties of Kent, 
Surrey, and Sussex, was opened on Tuesday in the riding- 
sohool of the Pavilion, around the interior of which were 
placed numerous pens containing Borne of the finest speci- 
mens of poultry that were ever seen- -the Coohm-china, the 
Dorking, and the Spanish breeds, being most conspicuous. 
The utility of these shows, likethoso of fat and lean stock 
exhibitions generally, may be described briefly to consist in 
this, that they afford the means of judging of the merits of 
the different breeds; and such result we are told is already 
visible, and chiefly at the cottages in the neighbourlioo'd 
where the former shows wore held, namely, Reigate and 
Dorking. Dorking fowls are proverbial for their excellent 
quality. There are 73 pens of Dorking fowls, 60 pens of 
Cochin-china, 20 of Spanish, 14 of game, 9 of Polands, 16 of 
bantams, and 11 of other breeds; 16 pens of ducks, 32 of 
pigeons, 5 of turkeys, and three of geese ; so that our readers 
may judge of the value and extent of the exhibition, each 
pen containing three fowls. 
To make Hens Lay Perpetually.— Keep no roosters; 
give the hens fresh meat, chopped up like sausage-meat, 
once a-day— a very small portion, say half an ounce a-day, 
to each hen in winter, or from the time insects disappear 
in the fall till they appear again in the spring. Never allow 
any eggs to remain in the nest for what are called nest-eggs. 
"When the roosters do not run with the hens, and no nest- 
eggs are left in the nest, the hens will not cease laying after 
tho production of twelve or fifteen eggs, as they always do 
when roosters and nest-eggs are allowed, but continue laying 
perpetually. If the above plan were generally adopted, eggs 
would be as plentiful in winter as in summer. One reason 
why hens do not lay in winter as freely as in summer, is the 
want of animal food, which they get in summer in abundance 
in the form of insects. 
The Poultry Markets of London are Newgate and 
Leadenhall, the latter being the largest in the world, and 
about two-thirds of the whole number of fowls sold in 
London are vended there. 
Around Aylesbury the annual return for ducks is 
£10,000. One man has had 1,000 to 2,000 ducks, and paid 
£50 at a time for barley meal. 
Eoos. — The largest supplies to the English markets are 
obtained from Ireland, from which country the annual 
exports of eggs, according to official returns, amounted in 
1835, to seventy-two millions'; but now it is estimated that 
we yearly receive one hundred and fifty millions. Of this 
number London and Liverpool respectively consume twenty- 
live millions each. 
New York State Poultry Society. — This Society will 
hold its next annual poultry fair in Utica, on the 28th, 29th, 
and 30th of November inst. The premiums are liberal 
and extensive. No breed can be shown that will fail to 
to como under some classification for which pre mi u m a will 
be awarded. 
GOLD AND SILVER SPANGLED POLANDS. 
To the Editor of The Field. 
Sir, — In the reports on (I think) the Cambridge Exhi- 
bition, referring to the Gold and Silver Spangled Polands, it 
i-i stated “that lacing should be carefully avoided.’’ Now, 
if this is allowed to pass nunoticed, it will be the meaus of 
detracting much from their beauty. I have paid a good deal 
of attention to this class of fowl, have been where they are 
extensively bred, and had opportunities beyond most people 
of learning their properties. I have no hesitation in saying 
that they should be “laced,” most especially they should be 
so ; in fact, I believe they are the only pure and original 
“ laced ” breed of fowls that we possess. Many persons may 
not be aware that the “laced” bantam— the beautiful edgiug 
of the feather — was obtained, in the first instance, from the 
Spangle! Poland; an additional proof of what I assert. If 
the statiment I complain of be the opinion of the judges, I 
hope th )y will re-cousider and revise it ; and, before layiug 
down a 'bitrary rules for this marking or that marking, they 
should look a little beyond their own ideas of beauty, and 
learn instead the natural and peculiar characteristics of the 
class ; which, had they done so in this instance, they would 
hive come to a different conclusion. 
The Pheasantry, I am Sir, yours &c., 
Nov. 24, 1854. S. C. Baker. 
NEW AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 
A New Thrashing Machine is now at work in this 
neighbourhood, which promises to be of great benefit to 
farmers. The makera are Messrs. Cambridge and Co., of 
Bristol, and this machine, the third that was made, has been 
brought in this county by Mr. Henry Seaman, of Gereteu, 
near Totues. It is worked by a steam engine of six-horse 
power, and thrashes from 40 to 60 bushels of wheat per 
hour. There is a straw bolting machine attached to it, and 
also a barley aveller. The grain is delivered into the sack 
by means of cups, and afterwards requires only one winnow- 
ing to fit it for the market. The engine consumes about 
four hundred of coal per day, and the charge, including one 
man for working the engine and another for feeding the 
machine, is four shillings per horn - . — Exeter Flying Post. 
NEW BOOKS ON FARMING. 
The Scottish Agricultural Almanac and Year Booh of 
Progress for 1854. By John Lockhart Morton, Civil and 
Agricultural Engineer. Edinburgh. — This is something 
more than a mere almanac ; it is a record of the past, and 
a guide for the future. The Calendar of the Month is fol- 
lowed by a page ruled for memoranda of farm sales and 
engagements, to which is appended a mass of practical 
instructions for farming, and useful agricultural intelligence. 
Tables of divers kinds required for ready reference by 
persons engaged in agricultural pursuits occupy a large 
portion of an annual which will be as welcome in England 
os in Scotland. 
1117 
PARISH MATTERS. 
MrORTANT TO POOR-LAW UNION AUTHORITIES. — Wo re- 
o men to all whom it may concern the following para- 
’ ' v lc . li .J ve from the Chelmsford Chronicle's report 
ot the local County Court proceedings Suing paupers for 
mamtenanco in tho Union-house The Guardians of the 
\Vitham Union v. J. Siegers— This was nu action by order 
of the giuuxlums, to recover £2. 16s. 6d. from tho defendant, 
a labourer, for the maintenance of himself mid family in tho 
Union-house haying been sent there from tho parish of 
lerlmg. Ihe defendant did not appear, but tho reliev- 
lug-otncer stated that he earned a great deal of money at 
draining, and spent it as quickly; he had seven children, but 
three of them were earning money. Tho Court mode an 
^ rfor , 1 ^’ amonth ' — * u another case, the Guardians of 
Mitham Union v. J. B. Edwards, for £1. 12s. 6d., also for 
maintenance of defendant, his wife, and two children, in the 
house ; it appeared he was a bricklayer, and au order was 
made for monthly payments. 
MISCELLANEOUS. 
Small Farms. — If you want a continuous supply of green 
food throughout tho year, tlien, after having put half au acre 
m lucerne, of your remaining five acres let one-sixth bo in 
vetches, sown in May ; one-sixth in ropo, sown in May ; one- 
fourth in turnips, sown in June ; one-sixth in Swedes, sown 
in June ; one-fourth in mangold wurzel, transplanted iu June 
after ; one-fourth rye, sown in September ; ouo-fourth in 
vetches, sown in September, before the turnips ; one-sixth 
Italian rye-grass, sown iu September, before Swedes ; besides 
this, you will havo half an aero, which may be in early 
cabbage, transplant iu September, and late cabbage to follow. 
— Agricultural Gazette. 
Bath and West of England Agricultural Society. — 
The committeo appointed to carry out the preliminary 
arrangements of the forthcoming year are indefatigable in 
their exertions to procure tho necessary funds. Upwards 
of £400 have already been received ; aud on Wednesday lust, 
Lord Pulmerston, the hou. M,P. for the borough, forwarded 
them his subscription of £40. This is his lordship’s third 
liberal contribution to the good of the town within a very 
short period. 
The Agricultural Statistics of the West Riding. — N o 
better proof could be afforded that the farmers’ minds are 
becoming awake to tho value of correct agricultural statistics 
than the fact that no refusals of occupiers of laud in the 
West Riding to fill up the Schedules forwarded to them 
have been reported to the poor-law inspector. There is, wo 
hear, every reason to believe that the whole of tho returns 
will be made up and placed in Mr. Faruall’s hands by the 
30th inst. — Leeds Mercury. 
English Oak, when it is used for church or other external 
doors, should be felled iu w:nter, when the sap is concen- 
trated. "When the sap is flowing through tho tree, it injures 
the timber, and leaves a vacuum iu the pores, which, being 
exposed to the atmosphere, imbibes the wot, and mixes 
with the acid and stringent quality of the sap, causing the 
discolouration of the wood. — The Builder. 
NOTES AND QUERIES. 
Poultry. — I have a quantity of Cochin-china fowls who 
peck off the feathers from one another, and swallow them 
greedily. They arc almost bare. What is the cause of this, 
and how can I jirevent it ? — A Lady. 
COUNTRY GRAIN. 
tameu, Tuesday. Tho supply of wheat Is not larp*: thoro U a 
slight check, both on demand and tho upward movement ; that whilst 
choice samples command about tho samo rates as bot'oro quoted, any- 
thlng below tho bo*t condition and best quality wo call is t<, o, Dor 
quarter cheaper. Barley In fair supply. Buyers did not a,. pCftr qu ,. Q 
so eager as last woek ; but o free sale existed at Is. to 2a. per quarter 
abatement on prices of lost market day. We saw no beans or peas, 
-,° 1 U ° U ' , ’ rlcc, t0 ,ho Stowers : Wheat, rc.l, 7 Is. to 78s. ; ditto, white, 
.Ca to 8 a. per quarter ; barloy, malting, 33s. to ,1,Ss. ; ditto, grinding, 
33a. to 3 Is. per quarter ; beans, 48a to 50s. per quarter ; peas. 4 Ga to 
! 7s. per quarter. Averages for tho week ending November 18 : Wheat, 
fis ™ ^ fi 1 ld • harK '- v ' worn, at Six fid. ; beans, 
68 quarters, nt o5v 9d. ; pcaa, 82 quarters, at lls. 8d. 
for ’ssbT.b? 1 ''. Satur ' 1 ^' — Ther >- wna a good supply of grain offered 
"t ,, , "T WM dU P MoJ 0f previous to closing tho 
Off Hn wT Uy 08 10 ‘"'Wrod after ; but there was not much 
Ofterlng. Hour meets with a dull sale. Quotations: Wheat, white, 
bSiew ata’toTfi^ ^ 8 .' 8 ' 1 m ’’ 7,i9 ' ,0 P° r darter! 
barley, 3 la to Jos. per quarter; out*, diaper quarter; flour, white, 
BOROUGH IIOP MARKET 
pri«r DM ~ A 80011 llUnm " a f0P h0pS ° f aU * orU at proving 
TminwAY.— There has boon a fair trade doing In all eliolco hops 
and the lato advance U fully maintained. Good now Belgians al*l 
command more money. 
HAY AND STRAW. 
SurruriELn Monday,— Meadow hoy, £2 12 s. to £l 15 s.; elovor 
ditto, £1 to £5 15 a ; straw, £l 5s. to £ l 10a. per load. Trade heavy. 
" iutlciiaiel, Monday. — Meadow hay, £2 I5s. to £( 1&, clover 
ditto, £1 to £ii ; straw, £1 5s. to £l 10s. per load. Trade stonily 
Portland, Monday,— Meadow hay, £•.’ 16s. to £ l 17s. ; clover ditto* 
£l to £5 15s. ; straw, £l 6s. to £l lie. per load. Market rather dull 
THE MARKETS. 
SMITHFIELD. 
Monday. — We had a much shortor supply of beasts ; the weather 
being favourable, tho trade consequently was active, and prices were 
better. The number of sheep was also smaller, hut trade was not so 
brisk in this department ; however, prices had rather an upwurd ten- 
dency. Good calves were still scarce anil rnther dearer. From Germany 
and Holland there were 1,279 beasts, 1,9-10 sheep, and 85 calves. 
Scotland, *150 beasts ; 2,000 from the Northern and Midland Counties, 
and 150 from Ireland. 
Per stone of 8lbs. s. d. s. d. 
Best Scots, Horefords 6 0 — 5 4 
Best Short Horns 1 8—6 0 
Second quality beasts ..3 0 — 1 l 
Calves I -1 — 6 1 
Pigs 3 8—5 0 
Best Dns. & Half-breds. 5 0 — 5 
Per stone of Slbs. s. d. s. d, 
Best Dns.A Half-bds.Sh.O 0—0 0 
Best Long Wools 1 8 — 1 10 
Do. do. Shorn 0 0-0 0 
Ewes and second quality. 3 fi — 1 2 
Do. do Shorn 0 0-rt fl 
Lambs .0 O—O | 0 
Beasts at market, 4,388; sheep and lambs, 24,730; calves, 12-1; 
pigs, 310. 
Friday. — The number of beasts has rnther increased, and trade Ls 
scarcely os active as on Monilny ; but we ennnot quote lower for the 
choicest qualities. The supply of sheep is also larger. Prices are 
about tho same as on Monday, with a slow trade. Good calves are by 
no means plentiful, and there is very little reduction In price. 
COUNTRY CATTLE. 
PranT SsnTnnrxD, Tuesday. — Thcro was a short supply of fat 
beasts to-day, high prices were asked, and a clearance was effected. 
The number of sheep was less than it has been for somo time, and 
better sold. Fnt calves also a less supply. Pigs were very plentiful, 
both English and Irish, and were sold nt a reduction In price of about 
6d. per score. Beef made fid. to fijd. ; mutton, fijd. to 7d. ; veal, 7d. 
per lb. ; pigs, 9s. G(L to lOd. per score; rough fat,* Gs. fid. per stone, 
commencing 23rd of October; hides, young, 86 and aliovc, 3j<L per lb.; 
ditto, young, under 85, 3^d. ; old cows, all weights, 3d. ; cut hides, 2 jd. : 
calf skins, 10lb. ; and under, Id. ; above 10 and under 16, 4ld. ; above 
16, 3$d. ; all cut calf skins, Id. less. 
DUBLIN SMITHFIELD CATTLE MARKET. 
TurnsDAY, November 23. — There was a largo supply of both beef 
and mutton at market to-day ; the demand was, however, dulL Mutton 
may l*e noted a shade lower, and hard to sell. Beef rated from 48s. to 
GOs. perewt; mutton, 5d. to 6 Id. per lb. ; veal, 7jd. to 8d. per lb. 
Pigs; n Bmnll market, and little doing. Stores sold IYom 16s. to 48s. 
MARK LANE. 
Monday. — The supplies of foreign wheat and flour continue short ; 
but the tone of the country markets coming lower towards the close of 
the last week, trade in Mark-lane this morning was dull for white 
wheat at last Monday's currency, and Is. to 2s. per quarter lower for 
red. Flour was unchanged In value. Barley was more plentiful than 
of late, and prices gave way ls. to 2s. per quarter Oats also were 
easier to purchase, and Gd. to Is. cheaper. Beans and peas maintained 
firmer prices with a steady demand. 
Arrivals into London from Nov. 13 to Nov. 18. 
Foreign. 
2104 
130 
0865 
Quarters. 
Wheat 
English. 
Scotch. 
Irish. 
4290 
500 
85 
1072 
33912 
Malt 
4028 
20 
121 
Flour, 2,018 sacks, and 300 barrels. 
Fbidat. — There was not much wheat fresh up for this morning's 
market ; the demand was trifling in tho extreme, nevertheless holders 
were firm, nnd buyers had to pay former prices. Flour was unchange- 
able in value. Transactions In barley were not so numerous as on 
Wednesday ; its value, however, was maintained. Old onta scarce, and 
Billy as dear; new, with a good fercign supply, gavo way 6d- per 
quarter. Beans and peas firm. 
SALISBURY AND WESTERN COUNTIES’ 
CATTLE-SHOW. 
Tho Annual Exhibition of Fut and Brooding Stock in 
connection with this society took place on Monday and 
Tuesday, within tho temporary urection used for the chccdo 
market, and whether as regards tliouumbor of fluiiuals outored 
to complete tho previous prizes, or the arrangements mado 
for their accommodation, a great improvement was manifest. 
Occupying, as it docs, an important position in uuo of tho 
most influential agricultural districts in tho kingdom, thoro 
is no reason why Salisbury should not boast of an association 
for improvuig tho breed of all kinds of stock, socond to 
nouo of tho societies established for a similar purposo 
either in far or neighbouring counties. By tho adop- 
tion of judicious and well-timed regulations— by tho exorcise 
of unceasing activity and unremitting diligence nu the part 
of those entrusted with tho management — ami by an equal 
aud impartial distribution of its patronage, tho Hociety before 
us may bo brought to occupy this position, and to command 
tho undivided support of tho majority of tho influential 
agriculturists by whom wo aro surrounded , but without 
those highly essential requisites au unabated degree of 
success cannot be expected. Although tho exhibition of fut 
Btock on Monday was not extensive in point of numbers, tho 
general quality of the animals was superior. Tho most 
deserving boro away tho prizes, but there wore many others 
shown eminently calculated to reflect credit upon tho 
grazier, as well os to delight tho eye of tho butcher. A more 
spirited competition could have beeu desired iu soveral of 
the classes, but, taken os a whole, tho exhibition may bo said 
to have been satisfactory. In stock sheep there was a more 
spirited competition, and the judges experienced soiuu little 
difficulty iu making their award. For the names of tho 
successful competitors the reader is referred to the subjoined 
list of prizes. There were some good specimens of swinish 
obcBity exhibited by Mr. H. Smith, aud the pigs belonging to 
the labourers attracted u considerable share of attention. 
Tho allow was only thinly attended on Monday, iu con- 
sequence of the lato hour at which tho judges completed 
their award. Messrs. Duckworth and Oliver, two of tho 
gontlomen who had consented to act as umpires, did not 
arrive, iu consequence, it is supposed, of their having mis- 
taken tho day. Mr. Wyatt, the other umpire, was in 
attendance, and during the nftomoon, at tlm solicitation of 
tho committee, Messrs. Atkius and Burgh kindly consented 
to supply tho places of tho gentlemen who were absent, in 
deciding on the claims of the stock. They completed their 
task about four o’clock, and their decision? appeared to 
afford general satisfaction. The anuual dinner of tho society 
took place on Tuesday evening, at tho White Ilart Hotel, 
under the presidency of the most noble the Marquis of Bath. 
The following is tho 
List of Prizes. 
Class A. — For. the best Fat Devon Ox or Steer, a prize of 
£10, to Mr. Gearing, Bishopstoke. 
Second ditto, a prize of £5, to Mr. J. King, Nursling. 
Class B. — For tho best Fat Hereford Ox or Steer, a prize 
of £10. There was no competition in this class, but the 
Committee recommended the award of a prize of £5, to 
Mr. Ford, Rushton. 
Class (.'.--For the best Fut Short-horn Ox or Steer, a prize 
of £10, to Mr. J. Futoher, jun., Fovunt. 
Second ditto, a prize of £5, to Mr. J. Stratton, Monningford 
Bruce. 
Class D. — For tho best Fat Cow, a prize of £5, to Mr 
Frampton, Blandford. 
Second ditto, a prize of £2, to Stephen Mills, Esq., Elston. 
Class E. — For the best Fat Heifer, having a sucking-tooth, 
a prize of £5, to Mr. F. King. 
Second ditto, a prize of £2, to Mr. James Futcher, jun., 
Fovant. 
Class F. — For the best Pen of five Fat Southdown two* 
teeth Wethers, a prize of £5. — No competition. 
Class G. — For the best Pen of Five Fat Southdown Ewes, 
a prize of £5. No competition. — Highly commended, Mr. 
J. Moore, Littlccot. 
Class H. — For the best Pen of five Fat Hampshire two- 
teeth Wethers, a prize of £5, to Mr. J. Futcher, jun., I'ovant. 
— There were five competitors. 
Class I.— For the best Pen of five Fat Hampshire Ewes, 
a prize of £5, to Mr. H. Pain, Houghton. 
Class J.—Pat Pigs. 
For the best Pen of throe Fat Pigs, bred and fed by tho 
Exhibitor (a member), ami under twenty -six weeks ol<lj a 
prize of £3. No competition.— Commended, Mr. Smith, 
Baverstock. „ , , , 
Class K.— For tho best Ten of three Fnt Pigs, fed by tho 
Exhibitor, and above twenty-aix weeks' old, a prize of £3. 
No competition. — Commended, Mr. Smith, Baverstock. 
Labourers' Prizes. 
For the best Fat Pig, a prize of £3, to Bryant North, a 
shepherd in the employ of Mr. J. Futcher, jun., Fovunt. 
