The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

AGRICULTURE. — -4- THE WEATHER AND THE WORK. It is really wearying both to readers and writers of agricultural notes to have the same monotonous story to record week after week during such a long period. But so it is; and as yet there seems to be no reaching the end of it. Certainly there have been indications of a more genial atmosphere, and the lengthening days put a little pleasanter aspect on the look-out; but then there comes the eternal wet to damp one's hopes and to cause more or less of a relapse to the old condition of impossibilities to the farmer. Never, we should think, in the memory of that time-honoured individual the "oldest in- habitant," was there such an accumulation of arrears in agricultural work as at the present time, with but small chance of overtaking it unless a most decided change should intervene. January brought five inches of rain" in soaie districts, and up to the time of writing February appears to be much inclined to continue the record of a perplexing seed time. Some ploughing has been possible at intervals on the lighter and high-lying soils, but as a whole it may be taken that the prospects of both farmers and market gardeners have never been more gloomy since 1879. As may very well be imagined, the continuous wet has not improved matters in the lambing dis- tricts, the miserable atmospheric conditions caus- ing the state of things in the sheepfolds to be about as bad as bad can be. Losses both of Iambs and ewes are reported to be numerous; suepherds and flock-owners have had and are having an arduous and dispiriting time, and unless a spell of dry weather should set in the season in this department of agriculture will prove most disastrous, oomparing unfavourably with the last few years. The seriousness of the state of affairs was never perhaps more emphatic than now, when we read that in consequence of the heavy floods at Sand- hurst, near Gloucester, a coffin containing a corpse had to be conveyed in one boat and the mourners in another from a riverside house to the nearest dry land, a mile away. The floods in the Thames valley and districts, about whioh we have heard so many sorry ac- counts, are said J-o be gradually subsiding, but so slowly that even in the absence of further rain it will take many days for the water to clear off the inundated country. Boats have been necessary on many of the roads. of Maidenhead, and great distress prevails. Members of the Corporation, assisted by the fire brigade, have been busy dis- tributing soup, bread and fuel to the inmates of about 350 cottages in the flooded area. From Montreal it is telegraphed that never in the history of Eastern Canada has railway traffic been so completely blooked, as the result of snow and wind storms. Freight traffic had to be aban- doned for the time, and passenger trains have been blocked up in snowdrifts in all directions. The Council of the Royal Agricultural Benevo- lent Society has resolved to increase at the next election the number of pensioners by 24 males, 15 married couples and 40 females. It is reported that several agricultural societies in different parts of the country are interesting themselves in the matter of adopting agricultural motors, and that probably before long many of these machines will be in practical use. The scarcity of agricultural labour has obviously forced this matter to the front, for though farmers as a rule are backward in taking up with new- fangled notions, it is recognised as absolutely necessary that something must be done to copo with the work, and in this way to surmount a difficulty that becomes more pronounced year by year. AGRICULTURAL IMPORTS. During the first month of the present year the returns shew that the value of the imports of living animals for food was £ 826,202, as against £ 587.398 in January last year. Cattle numbered 43,612, of which 36,767 came from America., against 23,452 last year, and 6,772 from Canada, compared with 5,884. Of shoop, 40,921 were im- ported, against 26448; the United States sent 36,629, compared with 21,073, and Canada 4,292, against 5 375. The value of dead meat imported during the month was £ 3,069,638, compared with £ 3,466,115. Of fresh meat, 342 284cwt. was im- .ported, against 304,384cwt.; fresh mutton, 247,415 cwt., compared with 200,036cwt. and of fresh poik 79,966cwt., against 84,721cwt. The value of butter was 21,939,168, against £ 1,850,313; mar- garine 2183,436. compared with £ 202.647; cheese £ 327,905, against £ 409,528; milk, condensed, un- sweetened, £ 5,238, against £ 6,861; milk, con- densed, sweetened, 9122,059, against £ 170,876; and eggs £ 441,846, against 2446 623. The value of grain and flour imported was E5,316,351, com- pared with £ 4.761,394. THE PRICES OF WHEAT AND FLOUR. The prices of wheat and flour have been ad- vanced in Liverpool during the week, in conse- quence, it is stated, of a report from America that the Armour interest intend to work a "corner" in the supply. Wheat was advanced lid. a bushel and flour 6d. a sack. A Reuter's telegram from Chicago states that considerable excitement has been manifested in the wheat market there during the week, and wheat has advanced four cents, per bushel. This strength of the market has been in- duced by the Sear that the war in the Far East will not be confined to Russia, and Japan, to scar- city of cash for wheat for milling purposes, and to "bulges" at Liverpool and Berlin. Trading was enormous. New York was also active. RECORD PRICES FOR SHIRES. Whatever may be the depressed condition in regard to some branches of agriculture, there would appear to be room for a considerable degree of hope still left for the stock-breeder, especially of horses, if the sale of the late Sir J. Blundell- Maple's shires at Childwickbury may be taken as a criterion. The late baronet was a great breeder of shires, and the estimate in which his judgment was held was seen in the large company which assembled on the occasion and the prices that were obtained. His Majesty the King secured Pilot's Hope" for 200gs., and the Hon. L. Greville, who was the largest buyer, paid 460gs. for the mare Queen of the Shires," and 300gs. for "Dunsmore Gloaming." Mr. Jaggars, of Bolton, purchased Childwick Majestic" for 400gs., and Messrs. Thompson, of Leicester, Old Times VI." for 200gs.; while Mr. Whitehead took "Cowdale Starlight" at 290gs., "Childwick Young" went to Mr. Leopold Solomons for 420gs., and Mr. Hudson, of Great Marlow, bought "Blythwood Laurel" for 310gs.. The remainder of the stock realised good values, an aggregate of 7,300gs. being obtained for the 50 lots which changed hands. There are still about 60 other finely-bred shire horses left in the stud. At the sale of the Dunsmore stud, when fifty- seven animals were offered, the highest price paid was 650gs. for a very handsome three-year-old tilly- Danesfield Belladonna—bought by Mr. Carrington Smith. Other prices were 320 and 300gs. down to 31gs., the average being 118gs. WHEAT CROP PROSPECTS. Under this head the "Field" remarks:—The present appearance and prospects of the wheat crop constitute a singularly melancholy subject for study. Examine it from whatever standpoint we like, it is impossible to extract from it any grain of comfort or encouragement, the whole scope of the situation as regards this particular crop—and it is perhaps advisable, at this stage, not to look too closely into the prospects of other cereals—being enveloped in oppressing gloom. From a very early stage in the autumn seeding season it became tolerably evident that the area under wheat this year would be considerably short of even the reduced modern normal; but hopes were still entertained that it might be found prac- ticable to add to the fragmentary autumn sced- ings, perhaps during the winter, or. at latest, in early spring. Fortified by this optimistic belief, farmers have endeavoured to view the position of things in as cheerful a manner as possible ,and even now, after their completed arrangements for adding to the sown area have been repeatedly and suddenly thwarted, they have not wholly despaired of being able to augment the wheat area before the present month expires. The drilling of wheat in spring is, of course, no unusual proceeding, and sometimes satisfactory crops result from the prac- tice. It cannot be said, however, that the pros- pects of spring-sown wheat are viewed with the same degree of confident expectation that is enter- tained in the case of autumn seedlings, and accord- ingly the operation is not carried through with the same sense of cheerfulness. There is always perceptible the feeling that the work is com- pulsory rather than voluntary, and thus the usually pleasant seeding time is robbed of much of its peculiar charm.

PLOUGHING MATCH POSTPONED—The stress of weather necessitated a, further postpone- ment of the eighth annual ploughing match of the Upton-by-Chester and District Ploughing Society, which was to have been held at Waverton on Wed- nesday, in fields occupied by Messrs. Wright and Salmon. The fall of snow on Tuesday night ren- dered the ground completely unfit for the com- petitions, and after a short trial the committee were reluctantly compelled to put off proceedings until to-day (Wednesday), orshould the weather again inclement, until the first fine Wednesday. There was a large attendance at the fields, and great disappointment was felt. A new feature was the exhibition of an agricultural motor, which can be attached to ploughing as well as all other I machines used by the farmer. The motor will be tested with the plough on the day of the com- petitions.

§0X)P0NT FOR THE TEETH AND BREATH. Original large size (liquid and powder together), 2/6. SOZODONT LIQUID 1 S0Z000NT POW/DER 1/" HALL & RUCKEL, 46 Holboru Viaduct, London,

THE CHESHIRE SHOW. THE CLAIMS OF CHESTER. A committee of the Cheshire Agricultural Society have issued the following report:—Your Committee apointed to consider the position and prospects of the Cheshire Agricultural Society have had several meetings at Chester, and bog to make the following report. It is quite evident that it is becoming increasingly difficult to carry on the affairs of the Society with success. Ihe membership of, and subscriptions to, the Society are practically at a standstill, while the number of local and estate shows is increasing, aiicti at the present time number nille. These snows cover aimost the whole agricultural area of the county, and in several instances overlap. Local interest being so muc-n centred in the local snows, it 18 impossible to expect that tne necessary support will be extended to the county show when it visits io can tie s already tuliy occupied. Subscriptions naturally more likely to be given to tue show which directly appeals to local interests, and the County Society probably suffers accordingly. The only part of Chesnire not fully occupied see-rus to be in the neighbourhood of Chester, and alter much dieli'beration we are unanimously of opunon that it would be the best, and indeed t,.o only, solut-on of the difficulty which proniiscs to be successful if the County Si.ow was held at the county town for four or five years in succession, and possibly permanently if the plan be found to work well. Your Committee have reason to believe that this proposal would not be unwelcome to the authorities and citizens of Chester, tnat the neces- sary facilities for holding the show would be afforded, and that the adoption of this plan would result in an increased membersnip, even if some of the more distant supporters of the society fell away. Our patron, the Duke of Westminster, warmly supports the suggestion. Your Commit- tee strongly reoommend that an effort should be made to secure the support of the Corporation and citizens of Chester in carrying out this pro- posal. Any other recommendations we make are of quite minor importance, but we woud ,-utruest: — 1. That the present General Committee is far too large for business purposes, and that a small Executive Committee of members who can be relied upon to attend should be eleoted out of such General Committee to mauago the Society. 2. That if the show should' be located at Chester, the Mayor and Sheriff should be ex- offioio vioe-presidents of the Society, and that the Corporation should be invited to nominate a, certain number of gentlemen on the Ex-Com- mitt-ee. 3. That oollectors should be appointed in various districts of the county to canvass for members, and should receive 5 per cent. com- mission on all naQheS accepted, and that the secretary should attend all local shows (hi ex- penses being paid) for the purpose of assisting the collectors in their work, and also of secur- ing additional entries, and in any way of ad- vancing the interests of the Society. 4. That the- prize list should be revised, and that 5 per cent. instead of 2 per cent on value of first prize should be charged to members ex- hibiting. 5. That a penalty clause be inserted in agree- ment with contractors. As re'gardis the show day, we consider that:- 1. That the system of passes. giving re-admis- siom to the show yard should be more carefully regulated, and that, where desirable, a Gate Committee should be appointed. 2. That the prize list should be oarefully re- vised. 3. That the stewards in both horse and oattle classes should be allowed a paid assistant. These, however, are minor considerations which may well be left to the discretion of the Ex-Com- mittee. The main recommendation which we put before the Society is the desirability of making the County Town the meeting place for the County Show, and we look upon this suggestion as afford- ing the only possible means whereby the fortunes of the Society may be restored. Your Committee feel bound to mention that in som.e quarters a change in the secretaryship has been suggested, but we do not feel justified in making any recom- mendation on the subject, feeling that this is a matter for the members of the Society to decide. We have been much" indebted to Mr. Beckett not only for the use of his offioes at Chester for our meetings, but also for the assistance and informa- tion which he has given U3 during the course of our inquiry.

__T. INDIGNANT DAIRY FARMERS.—The an- nuai report of the Cheshire Milk Producers' Asso ciation was submited to the yearly meeting of the East Cheshire and North Derbyshire branch or Thursday, at Chapel en-Ie-Frith. From the dis- tricts covered by this association. ManchHter do rives most of its milk supply. It. has a member- ship of 1,200, and a nett balance in hand of £ 415. The report complained of the refusal of the Man- chester Corporation to allow reasonable compensa- tion for oows affected with tuberculosis of the udder when they desire to slaughter them (which their Act does net give them power to do). I. also condemned the action of certain public officials in making highly coloured statements as to how dairy farmers conducted their business. A statement had been prepared rebutting these allegations. DANGER OF SOWING WEEDS —Owing to the great scarcity of English Clover Seed this season it is quite evident that farmers will need to take the greatest care to avoid purchasing the samples of utterly worthless seed which will doubt- less oe offered during this scarce year. To sow the land with weeds is a most fatal process, involving years of trouble and loss. Clover seeds are never pure as naturally grown, and it is only by the most unique and expensive machinery used by such firms as Sutton & Sons of Reading that perfectly pure samples can be offered. Notwithstanding the bad harvest of the past year this firm have secured a splendid supply of the finest seed, which they are able to offer at very moderate rates. The ger- minating power of the seed has been proved to be exceedingly hipli, and its purity and freedom from weeds remarkable. If samples are desired they will be gladly sent on receipt of a request to that effect. Prices and full particulars are given in "Sutton's Farmers' Year Book," which may be obtained post free from Reading on application. FLINTSHIRE AND DENBIGHSHIRE SHOW.-A meeting of the local committee, for the purpose of electing officers, etc., to assist in carrying out the local arrangements in connection with the Flintshire and Denbighshire Agricultural Society's Show, was held at the Town Hall. Rhyl, on Tuesday, Mr. A. Sheffield presiding.—On the motion of Mr. W. Conwy Bell, seconded by Mr. R. Oldfield, the meeting elected Mr. Thos. Whit- ley, J.P. (chairman of the Rhyl Urban. District Council), to be chairman of the local committee.— Mr. P. J. Ashfield was elected vice-chairman — On the local executive the following members of the Rhyl Council were elected:—Messrs. A. Tay- leur. R. Oldfield, J. H. Ellis, J. A. Williams and J. Hughes; and Messrs. J. Gratton, J. L. Mus- pratt, H. Holbeche, A Foulkes and E. B. Jones, members of the society, were also placed on the I committee to act co-jointly.-A discussion ensued as to fixing the radius for the local prizes. It was explained that at the Wrexham show last year the local prizes were opened for competition to the United Kingdom. Some members opposed that being repeated at Rhyl, because it would mean prize-winners from long distances taking the money away and others considered that as the money was oontributed locally the prizes should only be competed for by local exhibitors. Upon a vote it was carried by a largo majority that ihe local prizes be placed for open competition.

BOVRIL, LIMITED.—Presiding at. the seventh annual general meeting, held at the general offices of the company at Old-street, E.C.. the Chairman, Viscount Duncannon, C.V.O., C.B., said that not- withstanding the loud complaints heard on ail sidles as to dull times and depressed trade, they had to report reoord sales, larger profits and pios- pects of better times to come. The net profit amounted to £139,370, being Lll,915 more than that of last year. Another satisfactory feature was the disappearance from the balance-sheet of the items "creditors for loans covered by warrants for raw material" and "creditors for other loans," which together last year amounted to £ 69,000. While their trade and sundry creditors stood this year at £ 33,000, being E14,700 less than the pre- vious year, cash at bank and on hand stood at £ 54,749, or about £ 26,473 more than 1902. The reserve fund was to be increased by the addition of £ 20.000, bringing the total reserve up to £ 125.000. A feature of the year's trade was the expansion ot the Canadian business. They had been manufacturing and selling bovril for the past six years in their Canadian establishment, and he was glad to find the company had benefited by the wave of prosperity which the Dominion had been enjoying. The question of substitution was one that had always considerably exercised the attention of the board, and he was glad to inform them that though no meat. extract contained the nourishing qualities bovril possessed—and the company did not regard meat extract as a com- petitor—yet during the year Bovril, Ltd., had, in the interests of the public, exposed and eventually checked the sale of some worthless substitutes which had been imported for sale under the cate- gory of "Meat Extract" by Continental firms. Another satisfactory feature of the business was the still growing demand for bovril among hos- pitals, infirmaries, institutions and private medical men. Speaking of the subsidiary enterprise, the Chairman stated that the accounts of Virol, Ltd., would be made up as usual to the 31st March, but he was informed that the sales up to the 31st December shewed an increase of more than 50 per cent. over those for the same period of the previous year, and that Virol, was being very largely used in hospitals and sanitoria in place of cod-liver oil. Looking back over the past seven years since Bovril. Ltd., was formed. it would be gratifying to them to know that during that period the com- pany had earned in net profits the amount of £ 1.039.161, being more than one-half of the en- tire share capital. The report and accounts were unanimously adopted, and payment, of dividends of 7 per cent. on the ordinary and 2 per cent. on the deferred shares sanctioned.

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