Reply. Through local Agricultural Improvement Societies. Ploughing an acre within 4 hours. Hedgingto pleach and ditch 12 yards within 7 hours. Sheepshearing-to shear 5, 4, or 3 sheep, according to the age limit of the class, in 24 hours; by machine 5 sheep. The competitions are arranged to take place at one farm, where all the competitors in ploughing, hedging and ditching, and land draining attend. Judges are appointed to criticise the work and make the awards. Ploughmen must plough an acre of land in 4 hours. Hedgers must each lay 3 poles of hedge and ditch, and land drainers must cut a drain, 2 to 3 poles in length, in 4 hours. Lincoln, Parts of Kesteven Prizes are generally provided locally, and the competitions arranged by the local committees. The amount of work required is also settled by the local committees, and varies in different districts. Lincoln, Parts of Lindsey Varies according to subject-usually competition covers from 6 to 8 hours. Each pupil makes two perches of hedge, and throws the ditch. Hedging and ditching-each pupil to cut and lay two perch of hedge and dig ditch. Thatching-one rick to be completed by competitor unaided, the work to be done on another in the presence of the judges; judged singly on master's farm. Hedging and ditching-2 perch. The competition takes place at a given farm; hedge chosen as uniform as possible all through the year, but type varied from year to year if possible. No competitions are held by the committee. The competitions are conducted in the presence of approved judges. The amount of work varies according to the kind. The Madresfield Club conduct competitions in pruning, woodwork (rough), and basket making. Monmouth Norfolk Rutland Expert farmers. These are selected locally-usually good farmers. All practical farmers. Expert farmers in district. Farmers who take an interest in the particular work they judge. Various practical farmers and the lecturer. Some local person of experience. Men selected by local committee as being of sufficient standing and possessing special knowledge. The local committees seldom fail to make a proper selection. Practical farmers outside the district in which the classes are held and who have no personal interest in those whose work is being examined. The judges are persons who have a practical know. ledge of the subject or have had experience in teaching it. They are appointed by the locality. The instructors. Somerset (N.E. Farmers' Practical farmers with a special knowledge of the Club). Somerset (Frome District Agricultural Society). subject. Local farmers. Somerset (Mid-Somerset Practical farmers selected by the society's executive Agricultural Society). committee. Prizes are awarded or withheld on the recommendation of the agricultural instructor. Agriculturists of recognised standing appointed by county committee and selected by local committee. Must reside outside the district served by the local committee. Various experts appointed from time to time. |