The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-10-01 00:00:00

IMPLEMENTS

These were numerous, and for the most part of great
practical utility, combining much ingenuity of invention with
simplicity and ease of working. A large thrashing machine,
to be turned by hand, was shown, manufactured at the Earl
of Ducie's celebrated iron works. It appeared, however, to
be rather too heavy for two men to turn. Of ploughs and
horse-hoes there was a good assortment, but nothing new ;
the iron plough, on the Scotch principle, being still the fa-
vourite for general supplies. A new turnip-cutting machine
for sheep, in the form of an upright cylinder, with the knife
affixed to a horizontal wheel at the bottom, was much ad-
mired. It is by Mr. Richmond, of Salford. The cylinder
has two divisions. The turnips fitted into these are turned
out in uniform oblong square slices with great accuracy and
speed. Each revolution of the wheel makes two cuttings.
There were a considerable number of hay and straw cutting
machines, nearly on the same principle, with knives of con-
vex and concave edges affixed to a fly wheel. Machines or
mills for the crushing of beans, malt, corn, &c. were also nu-
merous and ingenious. We noticed a turnip cutter with a
vertical enclosed cutting wheel, the whole resembling a
French clock or time-piece, by Mr. Broadbent, of Staley-
bridge. A model of a tidding or grass-spreading implement
on wheels, was much admired; as was a pendulum churn,
easily moved by a lever like a pump handle. The pendulum
(a large ball of iron) is fixed under the fulcrum, and the
" piston rod" of the churn moves perpendicularly like that of
a steam engine. The contrivance is simple and effective. It
is, we believe, by Mr. Vickars, of Manchester. Messrs. J.
and C. Whalley showed some good implements of various
kinds.

Our townsman, Mr. Cartmell, of London-road, steam-
engine and agricultural implement maker, was on the ground
with some excellent machines, including an admirable turnip
cutter, with a vertical cutting wheel. By turning it one way
it slices the turnips in circles across; the reverse motion re-
duces them to oblong smaller slices, for sheep. Mr. C., at
the last national agricultural meeting, and at the Liverpool
annual exhibition, obtained four prizes,—one for a hay and
straw cutter, one for the improved double turnip cutter no-
ticed, and one for a mill for crushing oats, beans, &c., for
which last he obtained the prize from the Royal Agricultural
Society of England. The high finish and efficiency of these
and other machines by Mr. C. attracted much notice.

ROOTS, SEEDS, &C

The show of roots, (in the tent erected for the purpose,)
was truly excellent. Mr. Skirving, of Walton, exhibited
many superior sorts of Turnip and Mangel Wurzel, of great
size and symmetry. The roots of the improved Swede of his
new variety, surpassed all we have ever seen in bulk and
weight. Six of those, exhibited by this gentleman, weighed
together above 2401b.' the largest being as much as 261 b.!
He also showed a bundle of Italian rye-grass,fourth crop,
and upwards of 18 inches in length.
A fine sack of white wheat, of this year's growth, was
shown by Mr. Nelson, of Hale Wood. Mr. Taylor, of Bootle,
brought two drum-head cabbages, each weighing 301 b. Some
good Swedish turnips were also shown for a sweepstakes by
farmers. There were also samples of the new vulture manure,
or "Guano," from South America, the extraordinary chemi-
cal effect of which in inducing fertility, though used most
sparingly, has been fully tested by Mr. Skirving and others.
Amongst the stock, &c., shown, (not for competition,)
were a fine pair of buffaloes, sent by Arthur Henderson, Esq.,
of Walton. They are of a mouse colour, and almost destitute
of hair. Two very fine Alpachas, or South American moun-
tain sheep, were exhibited by Mr. Worrall, of Knotty Ash.
This interesting animal has a long neck, resembling that of
the deer. The wool is very long, black, and silky ; and it is
in contemplation to naturalize the species in this country as
a valuable adjunct to our farming stock, the climate, and the
commonest herbage of our sheep-walks being suitable to their
nature. Mr. Lynn, of the Waterloo, showed a pen of fine
young pigs, a cross between the Neapolitan and the Sussex.
The parents of both were with them. The Neapolitan is of a
dark colour, with few bristles. The litter was fine, and ex-
cited great attention. Amongst the curiosities exhibited
was an extraordinary fungus, brought by our townsmen,
Messrs. J. and C. Whalley, a native of the West Indies,
and in the form of a huge vase, chased in alto at the bottom
of the cup, and with a regular stalk to correspond. This
extraordinary production, a freak of old mother Nature, is
three feet and a half in height, and measures five feet seven
inches round the middle. The lip overhangs, in the usual
classical or bell style ; interiorly, it forms a perfect basin,
and it is in all respects a curious " variety" of the mushroom
tribe.

The parties on the ground appeared to be highly gratified
by the show, which concluded about four o'clock.

THE DINNER.
The annual dinner took place in the evening at the great
room of Lucas's Repository. A sumptuous.and most profuse
entertainment was provided by Mr. Horne, the truly liberal
host of the Mersey Hotel. The tables literally groaned be-
neath the weight of the substantials and delicacies which his
care had prepared. We regret to state that the attendance
was unusually slender, not more than one hundred and sixty
gentlemen being present. This may be attributed to the un-
favourable state of the weather for a numerous muster, and

to the unavoidable absence of the right hon. Lord Stanley,
the secretary of state for the colonial department, who has
heretofore been the life and soul as well as the principal at-
traction of these meetings. Great numbers who live in the
country, and had come hither by railway and other convey-
ance:., returned to their homes just previous to the hour ap-
pointed for the dinner, on hearing that the noble lord was not
likely to be present. The chair was taken by Sir Richard
Brooke, Bart., of Ninton Priory, Cheshire. On his right
we noticed the Hon. Richard Bootle Wilbraham, M.P.,
John Ireland Blackburne, Esq., M.P., Richard Corbett,
Esq., James Aspinall, Esq., Richard Earle, Esq., Robert
Neilson, Esq., Arthur Henderson, jun., Esq., John Hornby,
Esq., Richard Ledger, Esq., James Green, Esq. To the
left f the chairman we observed the Mayor, John Wilson
Patten, Esq., M.P.,the Hon. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Edward
Cast, John Shaw .eigh, Esti, Richard Leigh, Esq., -
Norris, Esq., Peter Greenhali, Esq., M.P., Samuel Sand-
bar!), Esq., .R. Sandbach, Esq., &c. &c.

- .
The CHAIRMAN then gave the following toasts,—" The
Queen, Duchess of Lancaster," " Queen Dowager, and the
rest of the royal family," " Prince Albert," " The Army
and Navy," all of which were received with the most
enthusiastic demonstrations. Captain Durie acknowledged
the last toast.

The CHAIRMAN said he need not propose the next toast,
but would give it,—" The health of Lord Stanley, and pro-
sperity to the Liverpool Agricultural Society." (Tremendous
cheering.) No one regretted the absence of Lord Stanley
mole than he did. The number of meetings of this kind
over which Lord Stanley had presided would be remembered
by all present. The society had been established thirteen or
fourteen years, and he had taken the chair at every anniver-
sary. The company would all know the reason of his ab-
sence; it was occasioned by public business, and their regret
would be lessened by the recollection that he was serving his
country. The show had not been so large on this occasion,
but this might be attributed to the fact that the great agri-
cultural meeting of the Royal Society of England had been
so recently held in this town. There was one falling off in
the interests attached to thfh society, but he would leave
those gentlemen who had given their time, trouble, and at-
tention to its business, to explain how it was that there had
been so comparatively slender an attendance. He had only
been called upon at the eleventh hour to fill the chair, and
trusted the meeting would excuse his deficiencies.
Mr. J. W. PATTEN, M.P., rose to respond to the toast,
and was received with loud cheers. He said their worthy
chairman had observed, in proposing it, that they should all
feel regret at the absence from the dinner of Lord Stanley.
No one felt that regret more than he (Mr. P.) did, having
not only witnessed his lordship's conduct in the chair, but
the interest he took in whatever tended to promote the agri-
culture of the'county. But, in regretting his absence, he
confessed that he found some consolation in the reflection
that among the vice-presidents of the present year they had
the chairman, who, from his character and station, and the
respect he had gained of all the agriculturists, had proved
himself to be a proper substitute for his noble colleague who
was absent. (Hear.) In consequence of his having resided
in the neighbourhood of his hon. friend, the chairman, he
could bear witness in his behalf to his readiness on all occa-
sions to come forward and to take any share in the promo-
tion of the agricultural interests of the Country. Ile bad at
the present time taken the chair with his usual kindness, and
without having made any preparation. For these several
reasons, therefore, he would give them, with great pleasure,
the chairman's health, coupling with him the other vice-
presidents of the year—namely, the Earl of Sefton and Sir
Joshua Walmsley. The toast was drunk with loud cheers.

The CHAIRMAN, in returning thanks, said that the flat-
tering manner in which they had drunk his health had given
him confidence and pleasure, as well as a feeling that he had
not given offence by taking the chair. He confessed that he
had always felt an interest in everything that related to agri-
culture, and to the benefit of his country at large; but, in
taking the chair, he had not come prepared for making
speeches. He was no spokesman, but he sincerely wished
to assist the society by every means in his power, and to pro-
mote its interests, and be earnestly hoped that the fact of his
having presided there that day would not, in any respect,
diminish its usefulness. In conclusions he wished them all
health and happiness, and prosperity to the society. (Cheers)
The CHAIRMAN next rose, and said he had much pleasure
in giving them the next toast. It was the health of the Earl
of Derby. (Cheers.) There was no doubt but that, as
the lord-lieutenant of the county, as well as in his capacity
of a private gentleman, his lordship's wishes were with the
society. (Drunk amid cheers.)
The Hon. Mr. WILBRAHAM, M. P., with the permission
of the president, rose to propose the health of a gentleman
who was present, and from whom, he hoped, they would
receive some useful hints. In conjunction with " Success
to the Royal Agricultural Society," he would give them the
" Health of Mr. Webb Hall," one of its members.
(Loud cheers.)
Mr. HALL returned thanks. He had only a few moments
to spare before his departure from Liverpool ; but, before he
left, he wished to express his gratefulness to the society for
the attention it had shown the visitors. He had been an
humble member of the Royal Agricultural Society from the
earliest period of its foundation, with an earnest desire to
foster the views developed by that society for the improve-
ment of the agriculture of the country. He felt that there
was not the slightest reason for supposing that the founda-
tions of the national society for the promotion of the scien-
tific pursuits of agriculture would trench on the more minute
usefulness of the various local societies of the kingdom, but
on the other hand he was convinced that the fact of the local
societies having one great centre of communication, through
which the desires of the various others could be carried
out, would create a tendency for information which would be
received and advanced in a way which could not be so suc-
cessfully accomplished by any other means. It was only
necessary to point to the Agricultural Society in Scotland
for proof of the great benefits to be derived from such a
source of communication. He might also point to Scotland
for an example of the manner in which the great landed pro-
prietors rallied round their tenantry and rewarded their
industrious labourers ; and he rejoiced to find, that not only
in the national society were the same dispositions prevalent,
but in the Liverpool society also. The tables before him
showed that the town of Liverpool had sincerely at heart the
general interests of the country at large. (Hear and cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN next proposed the health of " The Mayor
and Corporation of Liverpool," with thanks to them for the
use of the ground on which the show had been that day held.
Though that ground was about to be built upon, he had no
doubt but the mayor would take care they should he accom-
modated with a similar plot on future occasion,. (Hear and
cheers.) -- - _ -

The MAYOR said he felt exceedingly grateful for the very
kind manner in which his health had been proposed and
drunk. He was sure he expressed the common feeling of
the inhabitants of the town, when he said that they felt gra-
tified in making the society an offer of the land on which
their exhibitions had taken place. (Hear, hear.) He wished
he could say that the corporation for some time to come would
have land for similar exhibitions at their disposal, but he
feared that such would not be the case ; nevertheless, as long
as they had any unappropriated land in their charge, so long
would they feel a pleasure in tendering it for such useful
purposes as the present. (Hear and cheers.) People were
much in the habit of contrasting the agricultural and com-
mercial interests of the community, but, in many respects,
he believed them to be identified one with the other. (Hear,
hear.) He had been for a long period a resident of Liver-
pool, during which he had witnessed the full tide of pros-
perity flowing in in favour of those interests, and he had
always rejoiced at the success of the landed property in the
neighbourhood, it being of immense importance, inasmuch
as it afforded a large amount of employment to the working
classes. He regretted that there was a cloud over the com-
mercial community at the present moment, but he believed
that it would be of short duration, and that there existed ma-
terials for still further improving and increasing the general
trade; and with the expression of such a hope, as well as
thanking them for having proposed and drunk his health, he
begged, in conclusion, to return them his sincere thanks.
Mr. LEDGER here read over the names of the successful
candidates of the day. Previous to so doing, he men-
tioned that the premiums offered for bulls last year would
be given this year, but that the committee regretted to be
obliged to withhold the premium from the party who had ob-
tained the prize last year, in consequence of his having re-
fused the use of his bull to certain subscribers on the condi-
tions named. The premiums for the three first bulls this
year would not he given until next, as they were to serve the
cows of the subscribers in the interim at 10s. each. When
the reading of the list of prizes had been concluded,
The Cu AIRMAN proposed the heaiths of " The Members
for the County."
Mr. PATTEN, M.P., rose in the first instance, as the
senior member, to return thanks. He confessed that it was
the power and not the will he wanted to be of equal assist-
ance with his three colleagues to the agricultural interests of
the country. Every member of the society had the greatest
reason to congratulate himself on the benefits which the Li-
verpool society had conferred on the southern division of the
county. Before the society had been established, it would
have been impossible for them to collect, within their show-
yard, such an admirable collection of beasts as they had that
day witnessed. The society had moreover afforded an im-
petus to that first principle of agriculture—namely, draining;
and, in proof of the fact, he instanced the case of Mr. Wil-
son, who, in his own neighbourhood, had, in two years, and
in 350 acres of land, laid down 73 miles of draining. Mr.
Patten concluded by offering a public reply to certain com-
munications which he had received respecting the Royal
Agricultural Society's recent meeting in Liverpool, and coin-
plaining of the regulations which were then entered into. It
should be recollected that that society had not been of 13
years' standing, and that it had not the advantage of making
the several salutary arrangements of which the Liverpool
society might justly boast. Having been in the council of
that society, and having seen the arrangements entered into
throughout, lie felt bound to say, in justice to it, that he ne-
ver witnessed greater assiduity evinced to render its opera-
tions efficient. (Hear.) He felt that the benefit which had
already resulted from that meeting would be felt for many
years to come ; for he had travelled through many parts of
the county since, and had seen many improvements in ma-
chinery and agriculture going on which never would have
taken place, if the farmers had not had an opportunity af-
forded them of coining to Liverpool, and seeing the im-
provements which had been brought together in the show-
yard of the Royal Agricultural Society. (Hear, hear.)
After assuring them that his services should ever be devoted
to the interests of the cause they had at heart, Mr. Patten
resumed his seat amid loud cheers.
The lion. Mr. WILBRAHAM next returned thanks. After
alluding, in highly eulogistic terms, to Mr. Patten's conduct
as a public man and a private gentleman, he proceeded to re-
mark upon the great improvement which had taken place in
the practice of draining and the culture of turnips. With re-
gard to the meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society, he
confessed it had struck him, from the commencement, that
they had not given sufficient notice beforehand of that meet-
ing, or taken means to obtain for it publicity ; because, had
it been generally known, the competition would have been
greater. He would not detain them further, except to ob-
serve, that whether as a private gentleman, or a member of
parliament, he would be happy to give his best services to
the success of the commerce and agriculture of this great
country. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN next proposed the health of " The
Judges." He felt highly indebted to them for their exer-
tions, ability, and impartiality. (Cheers.)
-

, , •
Mr. JONATFIAN BINNS returned thanks. He had been
one of the judges of the horses, and perhaps that was, at all
times, 'one of the most difficult duties to perform ; because
there were so many opinions as to the particular description
of horses which ought to be selected and adopted. They
had had that day some very heavy-legged as well as light
horses ; but, according to the directions of the society, the
judges had adhered to its rules by selecting those which were
best adapted for agricultural purposes. He could not help
feeling a wish that many of the horses which had received
premiums had had more bone. Some of them were more
powerful, and had greater strength without activity, than
others. Some had heavy legs with much hair upon them,
and were not calculated to go speedily, but would flag on
heavy work. Some of the horses he had given premiums to
would do as much work in a day as many of the heavy-
legged horses would do in a day and a half. Many of the
horses were so intractable that they could not be drawn
along—they were obliged to be followed and made to go. It
would be advantageous to the farmer if horses, when they
were fillies, were accustomed to be led about and have some-
thing on their backs, and be kindly treated, instead of being
gagged and having bits in their mouths. He thought that
the treating of horses generally was very often cruel, and
that great improvement might be made with respect to the
breaking of them in ; in fact, the treatment of that noble
animal ought to be conducted in a much more generous
manner than it .was at present. (Applause.) Nearly every
horse, when young, might, by treating him in a proper spirit,
be made docile and quiet; but, in consequence of the cruel
treatment to which they were subjected, by putting bits in
1 their mouths and fettering them, they became vicious and

some of them nearly useless. He suggested that, in future,
horses should be brought to the show-yard with halters in-
stead of blinders, as the latter prevented the judges from
seeing their heads. With respect to the neat cattle, he had
only to observe that some very beautiful animals had been
exhibited. (Hear.) After remarking upon the excellency
of Mr. Almond's bull, he proceeded to state that the show
of pigs at that day's exhibition had been far superior to those
exhibited when the Royal Agricultural Society were in town.
He then proceeded to remark upon the general use of marl,
which he condemned. With regard to the feeding of cattle
within doors, on green fodder, he strongly advocated such a
course. He then concluded amidst loud cheers.
The CHAIRMAN, after the health of "The Members for
the Boroughs of Lancashire" had been drunk, and acknow-
ledged by Mr. Blackburne, M.P., for Warrington, and Mr.
Greenall, M.P., for Wigan, proposed the health of " The
Managing Committee."
Mr. JOHN FORMBY said the anxiety evinced by the com-
mittee of management to gain information was deserving of
admiration; they were equally desirous to impart that in-
formation to every one who asked or sought for it. (Hear,
hear.) They met with very great farmers, men of informa-
tion, and clever in every department of farming—thev saw
that their farms were not well cultivated. How could this
be? Why, it was because their occupiers were short of capi-
tal; there was not money enough; these men undertook
more than they could manage. Such a farmer as those he
had spoken of was more anxious to be a large farmer than a
good one. (Hear, hear.) If this was not the case England
would produce twice the produce, and feed double the in-
habitants which it now did. (Hear, hear.) Let them con-
sider how many farmers there were who would be glad to
maintain farms, but could not, for the land was occupied.
(Heat.) Let them look at a crop of turnips—Mr. Jones's,
for instance; did they for a moment suppose that it was
farming alone which had produced this ? No; it was not
farming, but his bank in Brunswick-street. (Laughter.) His
object was in the address he was then delivering—and he
cared not though his words went throughout England—to
advise all the gentlemen in that society to divide their farms
into two. He earnestly hoped they would consider this.
Why should not England be, as it ought and might be, a
garden ? He would say that turnips ought to be generally
cultivated; for how much more was a crop of turnips worth
than a crop of hay ? The reason was this : To produce a crop
of turnips a great deal of money was required; and, notwith-
standing, a crop of turnips paid, and paid well too. (Hear.)
With the permission of the company he would Offer a few re-
marks upon one or two other subjects, and amongst them, in
the foreground, was draining, which was highly essential to

a farm. - The subsoil plough-had been brought into notice.
He hoped they would turn their attention to this. He had
been requested to introduce another subject to their notice.
A person that day had said to him, " I am completely eaten
up by game." His (the speaker's) reply was, " I shall get
into a desperate hornet's nest if I tell the country gentlemen
they should not preserve the game." He scarcely knew whe-
ther or not he ought to have made the representation ; but
let no man take it for granted that because a practice was
ancient it was right. The matter was deserving of considera-
tion. The observation he was about to make would, perhaps,
make them laugh ' • he could not conceive why moles should
be destroyed and rabbits protected—that sparrow heads
should be paid for, and crows considered useful birds.
(Laughter.)
Several other appropriate toasts were then proposed, and
the company separated a little before nine o'clock.