The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-09-30 00:00:00

CATTLI

The bulls were, with scarcely an exception, excellent : we
never, indeed, saw so fine a stud at any show. The largest
and finest was a white bull, with a brown or roan curly neck,
'shown by Mr. Almond, afterwards noticed. A white bull,
2 years old, bred by Mr. Pilkington, Windle Hall, near St.
Helen's, was also much admired, and won a prize of 15 so-
vereiggs. A fine roan bull stood next to him, of larger size,
but deficient in symmetry. Mr. Richard Eastwood, of
Burnly, showed two fine young bulls for farming purposes.
One of them, 13 months old, obtained a prize of 10 sove-
reigns. There were also several excellent cows and heifers ;
but in this department Mr. Richard Almond, of Orrell
Mount (late of Standish), near Wigan, bore' off the bell.
This gentleman, who was well known some years ago as a
most successful breeder, had for a considerable time relin-
quished the pursuit, but has latterly, we are glad to say, re-
sumed it, and with such skill and devotion, that, successful
as he was in his earlier years, he seems to have surpassed his
former fame as a breeder and rearer. He last year won a
prize for a splendid team of waggon horses, and another for
a bull—the second prize at the society's show in that depart-
ment. At the show under review he produced horned cattle
only, and has carried off no fewer than six first prizes,
showing only seven animals, namely:—
The best bull, " Violet," which won the second prize last
year. A beautiful animal, of great weight, just sufficiently
fat for " active service." Prize, £2O.
The best fat ox—an amazing mass of prime English beef
the wonder of the show, £7.
The best two-year old heifer, £5.
The best yerling ditto, £3.
The best in-calf milking cow, £5. Making, in all, £45 in
prizes. Every one of these animals was scrutinously ex-
amined and admired by " the knowing ones ;" and it was
impossible, on viewing them, to come to any other conclu-
sion than that the judges had, in their award, acted with the
utmost impartiality.
We should not omit to notice a fine brown ox, bred by
Mr. Michael Ashcroft, of Bank Hall, near this town—one of
our best agriculturists—which obtained a prize of £5.

The pigs (of which there has all along been a good show
at the previous meetings) were, it may be said, tine on the
whole, though a few of them, it must be said, were too much
fattened up to make a more imposing show on the occasion.
We noticed a very large breeding sow, bred by Mr. Robert
West, at his " Belmont printworks," near Bolton. This
animal (which is to be pitied for its corpulency) weighs 30,
score 121 b., and shows an astonishing breadth and genets'
bulk. Though in perfect health, it could scarcely be induced
to get on its legs. It obtained a prize, as will be seen by the
list. It was, we were informed, fed on coarse flour, pota-
toes, and bran. A boar, of the large breed, also shown by
Mr. West, was much noticed ; but it appeared to us to ,be
too fat and heavy for service. There were several excellent
breeding sows. Several of the best boars and pigs were of
the Salford breed, and amongst the successful boar-keepers
of that town present were B. Martin and J. Seddon.
In SHEEP we have nothing particular to remark. The
show was but scanty, though on the whole good ; and we
must refer it to the list of prizes.
The IMPLEMENTS were ingenious, but we saw little that
was novel. Our townsman Mr. Cartmell, produced a num-
ber of grain bruisers, for oats, beans, &c., of a superior eon'
struction and manufacture ; an oil cake bruiser on an entirely
anew principle ; iron ploughs, one with a pair of wheels—much
cdmired,—a set of zig-zag iron harrows ; a capital turnip'
utter for sheep ; hay and straw chaff cutting machines, &C.
These machines, and a few others attracted much attention,
but the supply, with the exception of Mr. Cartmell, was but
limited.eff
THE ROOTS, SEEDS, &c. were shown in a commodious
tent, but the specimens shown were, we regret to say, el"
eeedingly scanty, from what cause we know not. A feW
sacks, and bundles in the straw, of fine wheat, and some
grass and other seeds were shown ; also some fine mangel-
wurzel, turnips, &c., but only a comparatively small portion
of the benches was occupied, and the show was rather unin-
teresting. We know not whether this arises from the Wad?"
quate premiums offered ; but the society should look to it.
We noticed a fine specimen of the Bokhara clover, grown by
Mr. Leigh, of Belmont, in Cheshire, and 10 or 11 feet 10
length.
Indeed, we must say, that the show wanted very much id
variety, as well as in amount of " produce," as con3Par_,e.,
with the last year and former years, though in some few u`
partments (as noticed) quite equal to the former shows, r
almost indicating a falling off. We missed many of 011,,
former contributors, and we hope that a strong effort will vv
made to render the next annual show more attractive, in the
several departments in which there has, on this occasion. a 1...
peared to be a deficiency. There are materials enough In'
an excellent agricultural show in this and the adjoining n 007..
ties, and it is for the committee, and the friends of agricu
tural generally, to " cultivate" them.

THE DINNER

The dinner was held in the large room at Lucas's Reposi-
tory. The Hon. R. B. WILBRAHAM in the chair. We ob./
served the following gentlemen present :—To the right oi
the chairman—J. I. Blackburne, Esq., M.P.; Henry Bolt-
Houghton, Esq. ; Alfred Castellain, Esq.. ; Richard Earle,
Esq. ; Robert Neilson, Esq. ; Cottingham Moss, Esq''
John Formby, Esq. ; William Harper Formby, Esq. ; Pete
Greenall, Esq., M.. To the left of the Chairman—TV,
Mayor of Liverpool, John Shaw Leigh, Esq. ; Samuel Sand'
bach, Esq. ; Sir Thomas Deane, Bart. ; Richard Edwaru,
Esq.; and five gentlemen whose names we did not learn.
The CHAIRMAN, the cloth having been withdrawn, rose'
and said that in a country so noted for its loyalty as this, be
confidently anticipated that the toast he bad to proPc6e
would be received with enthusiasm ; it was "The Queeli'
Duchess of Lancaster."
The next toast was " The Queen Dowager, Prince Albert'
and the rest of the Royal Family."
" The Army and the Navy."
The next toast is " The Liverpool Agricultural Society
we are indebted to Providence this year for a season favour'
able to the farmer. I may now proceed to say that from
report of the judges the stock in the yard appears to be afl
improvement upon last year. Upon horses the inaproveli
ment, I am sorry to say, is not so apparent. The R 13,10
Agricultural Society last year offered a premium for the Re
seed wheat. He then stated some particulars respeco2;
Dr. Sillar's experiments with four selected sorts. I'Ra
Chairman then proceeded to remark upon the importance 4
draining, arid to congratulate the society upon the incrli'le
and the use made of the library of the institution. 4
funds of the society there was every reason to believe we,
greater than at any previous meeting. With a few other re'
marks, the speaker proposed " Prosperity to the LiverPc"
Agricultural Society."
The CHAIRMAN then announced that the Secretary would
proceed to read the

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1842*
" The period has again arrived when it is due from tub
committee of this society to report to the members su
re
changes in its state and circumstances as have arisen sip-,
the last annual meeting. The first subject on which to,,e)
feel called upon to speak, is one of congratulation and tbsel'•••
fulness that it has pleased the Almighty Disposer of good tg,
send such favourable weather, that the fruits of the earn
may truly be said this year to have been reaped in due ser
son. The next subject is one of regret, that a slight ditiiirda;
tion should have taken place in the number of their merebera;
There is nothing, however, 'in this to alarm the real frieehe
of the society as to its future prospects f‘nd usefulness. d„.
causes may partly be traced to the r( ent commercial Ze
pression, but more particularly to the establishment of tti
Royal Agricultural Society, to whom some, who do not feel
disposed to contribute to two societies, have given the PI:
ference • and to the formation of local agricultural assoeui_,
tions and' farmers' clubs, which, whilst they are, doubtles3_,
calculated to do much good in the district over which the 4
extend, and afford a nursery for additional claimadentts tIR!..,
the premiums of this society, are, if any thing,
from our supplies, by causing a few members to transfer
ate
their subscriptions to the association in their own imineutihß,
raeu
neighbourhood. At the time of the establishment of e
a
society, hi 1830, few, if
any, of these associations exist
whilst now nearly the
whole of that part of the district e?..fct,
of the Mersey is under their influence. The present dieL"

of this society is described by a tadius of forty miles,
Liverpool being the centre, and the premiums given, with
very few exceptions, are open to the competition of all parties
residing within the limits of this circle, whether subscribers
or not. It will, therefore, be a matter to be well considered
by the future committee how far the altered circumstances
alluded to call for a revision of the present rules and pre-
miums.
" The inspectors of the society, for reasons of a private
nature, have been induced to tender their resignations. The
committee regret that any circumstances should have de-
prived them of the services of two officers who are so well
acquainted with the rules and requirements of the society,
and have been so long connected with it. The gentlemen
appointed as their successors are Mr. William Longton, of
Rainhill, and Mr. Henry White, of Warrington.
" It will most probably be remembered that the Royal
Agricultural Society, at their meeting held in this town last
Year, offered a prize of thirty guineas for the best seed
wheat. The prize was not then awarded, it being considered
necessary first to make a trial of the seed. For this purpose
four of the best kinds were selected, and intended to be sown
in different parts of the kingdom ; and a member of your
committee (Dr. Sillar) procured four bushels of each sort,
which were sown in the same field, on his own farm, at Rain-
ford, and to which public inspection has been invited. Any
persons wishing to see the produce may still do so by applying
to Dr. Sillar, and thus form their own opinion of the relative
merits of the new seeds, as compared with the old varieties
usually sown in this neighbourhood.
" The following is the substance of the report made to the
committee by Messrs. Robinson and Pemberton, the inspec-
tors of farms and crops :
" Having already reported to the committee and other
members of the society who have attended this meeting, the
various particulars required from us as to the crops and cul-
tivation of those farms, the occupiers of which are candidates
for the society's prizes, it now remains for us to make a few
remarks upon the state and progress of agriculture in the dis-
trict generally. In doing so, we would first acknowledge the
goodness of Divine Providence, in graciously giving us a sea-
son so favourable for all the operations of the farmer, and
such as we do not remember to have had for the last sixteen
years. Corn has been better ripened than usual, and the
gathering accomplished earlier, the harvest being, with few
exceptions, completed by the second week in September.
The prospect of having good bread must be a subject of
thankfulness, not only to the farmer, but to every member of
the community.
" Your inspectors have pleasure in stating that the under-
draining of land continues on the increase, and although
much has already been done, and is now doing, very much
still remains to be done. The establishment of draining the
manufactories in various parts of the districts, and the mode-
rate price of which tiles may now he purchased, are great in-
ducements both to landowners and occupiers to continue this
system of improvement. Draining with broken stone, and
with cinders, is also carried on to a great extent, more par-
ticularly in situations where these materials are easily ob-
tained, and answers remarkably well. The advantage of
draining is felt in another way. Being generally done during
the winter months, it affords employment for labourers at a
time when the farmer would probably have nothing else for
them to do, thereby rendering a great service to the poor
man's family, and probably keeping them from the parish.
Men of experience are engaged upon some estates solely for
the purpose of superintending the draining. The landlord in
these cases pays the whole expense, and charges the tenants
what he considers a fair per tentage on the outlay. The
practice is much to be commended. We believe the Noble
Patron of this society was the first to begin it in this neigh-
bourhood. The new system of cutting the drains in a longi-
tudinal direction, as recommended by Mr. Smith, of Dean-
ston, in Scotland, seems to be obtaining favour. A portion
of the work of excavating can be performed by the plough,
and a consequent saving of expense effected.
" The subsoil plough has been so little used in the district
of this society, that your inspectors cannot report either fa-
vourably or otherwise of its effects at present.
" The claimants upon large farms are more numerous this
Year than usual, and the management and cultivation of the
land is of a very superior order • very different, indeed, to
what it was when the Liverpool Agricultural Society was
first established.

" The marling of land is less frequently met with than for-
merly, other manures of a lighter character being preferred.
An objection has also been started in some places, and not
without good ground, that the permanent damage done by
making pits, is, in some instances, equal to the temporary
benefit conferred on the soil by the application of the marl.
In the laying down of land to grass we observe great
improvement, both in the ploughing and preparation of the
surface, and also in the description of the seeds sown.
" Reservoirs for the reception of dung water are becom-
ing more general, and many of them are proving useful ad-
juncts to the farmer's other means of improvement.
" In the planting of new hedges your inspectors regret to
say little progress is making,—at the same time they are well
aware there are many places in the district where they are
much required, and would, if made, prove a great con-
venience, if not an ultimate saving. One great obstacle to
tho farmer undertaking much of this work is, the expense of
protecting the young quicksets, which require to be fenced
with rails or hurdles for at least four or five years after
planting.
" The cutting and laying of hedges is not so much prac-
tised, nor so well done, as might be wished. The prize given
11 the Right Honourable Lord Lilford, to whom the society
Is much indebted, has not always be claimed ; and when it
has, the competitors have never been numerous. His lord-
ship's agent, Mr. Selby, of Atherton, having a desire to see
the work performed more scientifically, has sent for an ex-
perienced man from Northamptonshire, who has already cut
and laid a considerable length of fencing in a first rate
manner.

" The crops of wheat have generally proved thin upon the
ground this year, which is chiefly attributable to the un-
favorable weather in October and November last when the
Seed was sown ' • the grain, however, is finer and better than
usual, and we think, upon the whole, the yield will not be
less than what is generally described as average crop. Oats
are also a good sample, but we do not calculate on more than
an average quantity. Barley we consider much better, al-
though but little is grown in this district. Beans are
moderately well podded and a fair average crop.
_ " The second crop of clover is good, and the weather has,
fortunately, proved fine for gathering it, which has rarely
been the case of late years. It is hoped this crop will make
up in some measure for the farmer's deficient hay crop.
`Potatoes have grown very luxuriantly this year, and are
likely to prove better in quality and greater in quantity and
than usual ;—yet some little rot is perceptible.
" From what your inspectors have seen this season mangel
worsel is becoming less cultivated, and yet it must be ac-
knowledged there is no green crop socceeds better upon peat
soils.

" The growth of Swedish turnips is very much on the in-
crease; nearly all the early potato ground is now planted
with this valuable root as a second crop, the greatest part of
which have been transplanted from the seed bed.
" An unusual quantity of land is also sown with this and
other kinds of turuips, and we think the quantity produced
in the district of this society is more than quadrupled since
the establishment of the society in 1830. The mildew has,
unfortunately, made its appearance, and the crops will, con-
sequently, be more or less deteriorated.
" Having only met with the application of the new ma-
nure, Guano, in a few instances, and that only in this year,
your inspectors are not able to speak decidedly of the per-
manent good which is likely to be effected by it. Appear-
ances are at present in its favour. It is doubtful. however,
whether it will ever be extensively used, unless it can be ob-
tained at a more moderate price than what it has hitherto
been sold at."

Abstract of the Treasurer's Account for the year ending
31st July, 1842.

RECEIPTS. £ s. d.
Subscriptions received 4OO 5 0
Admission of non-subscriber► into the show-yard,
1842
Entry of live stock, implements, &c., 1841 l7 0 6
Balance due to the Treasurer l2l 8 2