The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality

MACHYNLLETH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. On Wednesday, the 5th instant, was celebrated the fourth anniversary of this interesting Society, a de, tailed account of which we now proceed to lay before our readers. It has been too much the habit with a portion of the English Press to speak of Agricultural Societies in a supercilious tone, as if they were only festive gatherings for corpulent farmers, and post prandial enjoyments for intellectual squires. Stupid misconceptions and ridicu- lous satires recoil upon their own authors, and strengthen the cause which they would disparage. Truly gratifying it is to see these valuable institutions piercing the mists which factious and unreasoning prejudices would collect aroud them, emerging into public notice, and claiming public respects In the Times of the day to which our account will refer, we have a leading article speaking of the tendency of these gatherings, as enhancing the productiveness of the country, having an effect upon the character of all classes, making the landlords more liberal and enterprising, the farmers more shrewd, the labourers more industrious, honest and hopeful. We must say, with regard to this district, that since the establishment of the Agricultural Society, though yet only numbering its fourth natal day, the beneficial effects of its influence, is extensively felt and duly ap- preciated. We regard it with particular respect, and hope to be able to report continued progress every year. We are glad to notice that the exhibition this year was opened under most favoured circumstances ?he day was particularly fine, the roaring blasts which had swept along with angry violence, had spent their fury, and the torrents of rain which overflowed for many days our beautiful vale, submerged in the swelling of the Dorey, had now ceased, and as of a nature emulous of its own fame and man's industry, had put on its sweetest smile, as tokens of its favour. How calm and beautiful come on The stilly hours when storms are gone, When warring winds have died away, And clouds beneath the dancing ray Melt off, and leave the land and sea Sleeping in blight tranquillity Fresh as if day again were born Ag i- upon the lap of mom. How delightful nature appears at this season of the year, for in spiie of the symptoms of coming desolation, there are few recreations more delightful than a walk in the country at the close of autumn, though it indeed scarcely presents a tithe of its wonted beauty, and yet with all the appearance of external drtariness, there is a 4moral beauty in theseefie. The contrast betwixt the youthful freshness of spring, and the matron graces of autumn, to some minds may be of too sombre and gl iomy a character, but to us, we must confess, the waning year is rich in associations that are not the less agreeable for the tinge of melancholy that surrounds them. How different is the situation of the labourer, in the country and in Lou don the toil of both may be bard, but the many long hours an artizan must pass in the tainted close atmosphere of a crowded city, must be miserable, compared with the countryman sur- rounded by everything that is rural and inviting, and after his daily toil to have time and health to trim his own garden, and superintend the cultivation of his small property. Well might Thompson exclairn- Ye generous Britons venerate the plough." As also Pope- Happy the man whose highest care A few paternal acres bound, Content to breathe his native air In his own ground Whose flocks with milk, whose fields with bread, Whose herds supply him with attire, Whose trees in summer yield him shade, In winter ifre." The town was early crowded with numerous visitants; and at nine o'clock the ploughing match commenced in a field a short distance in the country. Fourteen stal- wart ploughmen entered the list as competitors. The work was well executed, and gave great satisfaction. Mr. Rowlands, Dolguog, and Mr. Ryder, Cemaes, were judges, and the decision was received as just and impar- tial. THE YARD.. I The show yard was the same as that occupied on pre- vious occasions, which is a paddock adjoining Maengwyn- street. The door was opened for visitors at 2 o'clock, and the yard was soon crowded with company. The show of stock was far more numerous, and of su- perior quality than on former Yars but there was a drawback however upon the usefulness of the meeting, owing chiefly to the absence of all exhibitors of imple- ments of husbandry whose show were the last year and the preceding years the most prominent feature. We fear Mr. Hallord and Mr. Turner have not been suffi- ciently encouraged in the sale of those valuable articles they b ?'"?d' to induce them to make a trial again this time, but we hope they or others will be induced to come forward next meeting. Considering the long continued draught oflast summer, the show of vegetables and fruits was certainly, upon the whole, creditable, and, in some instances, very good. Among those deserving of particular notice was a quan- tity of field produce exhibited by Mr. Phelps; also a splendid specimen of curly greens, grown in a pot, shoot- ing out into four large stalks, whose united circumfer- ence measured above two yards, shown by Mrs. J. O. Jones, Dolcorlwyn (this it appears is one of many grown by the same lady in her garden); some fine potatoes by Mr. R. Thomas, Ty coch; turnips and swedes by M. E. Lewis, Esq Garthgwynion; mangolds and swedes by Mr. Davies, Dolcaradog; fine vegetable marrows, grown in a garden in the town, by Nlr. J. Ellis, shoemaker swedes by Mr. Anwyl, Llygwy; and some beautiful garden and field produce by John Jones, servant to Mr. Tbruston, Pennal Tower, which commanded much attention We cannot but, lament the absence of all vestige of horticulture in the yard, which, in other associations of the kind, attract so much notice, and tend so much to improve the taste of all classes, in what is at the time the decorating garment of nature, and the beautiful orna- ment of the cottages of the hnmble poor. Among the extra stock, we noticed-Two cows, be- longing to C. J. Ttirtistoti, Esq. a black Welsh cow, the property of Mr. Anwyl, Llygwy; a fine ox, the pro- perty of Earl Vane. In pigs-a fine boar, the property of Earl Vane; two pigs, the property of Mr. C. J. Lloyd and a sow and six litters, the property of Mr. Phelps, most highly commended. A fine ram, the pro- perty of Earl Vane, commended also two ewes, belong- ing to his lordship; and four fine ewes, the property of E. Davies, Esq., Gallt-y-llan. As the Society advances in wealth and influence, prizes will be given for exhibition in poultry, which will no doubt be an advantage in many respects. l'l.Ol'GHING. The following are the list of prizes awarded I he first prize of £3, to the best ploughman, with horses abreast, and plough without wheels, was awarded to Wm. Jones, servant to Mr. Thus. Brees, Estyrdeinion, Car- diganshire. The second ditto of £ I, to Rowland Williams, son of Mr. Richd, Williams, Penrhosbach, Penegoes. The third ditto of lOs, to Richd. Morgan, servant of Mr. J. Jones, Dolgadvan. 'I PLOUGHS WITH WHEELS. The first prize to the best ploughman, with horses a-breast, and plough with wheels, to John Davies, son of Mr. Davies, Brynclygog. The second ditto to Richd. Jones, Gwemstable. The third ditto to Win. Pugh, servant to F. J. Ford, Esa.. Llwvnewcrn. CATTLE. The first prize of X3, for the best bull of any breed, two years old and upwards, to Mr. Lurnley, Dolycers- llioyn. The second ditto of fl, the best bull of any breed, under two years; to itlr. Jones, Gribin. The third, pure Welsh, two years old and upwards, a prize of L3 to Mr. Lewis, !\laesleran, A prize of £2 for the best milch cow of any breed, to Mr. Pugh. Dolglynem. Secoiid (litto, a prize ofcl 10s. to Mr. Owen, Matb- avern. A prize of £ I I os. for the best two years old heifer, to Mr. D. ivies, Dolgradog. Ditto of E for the best one year old ditto, to Mr. Jones, Ceirimesbychaii. Ditto a prize of £2 for the best pair of one year old steers, to Mr. Jones, Cemmesbychan. A prize of £2 for the best pair of yearlings ditto to Mr. Davies, Dolfouddy. A prize of £2 for the best tat cow, Mr. Davies, Dol- fonddy lionsns. The first prize of 95 for the best cart stallion that has regularly travelled through the district of the Society, has been duly advertised, and has attended all fairs at Machynlleth, during the season, to Mr. Owen, Glyddynfawr, Carnarvonshire. Second ditto of £2 10s. for the best stallion calcu- lated for getting backs, that has travelled the district, to Mr, Hartley, Lampeter. A prize of X3 for the best cart mare, and foal at her feet, to Mr. Lumley, Dolcorsllwyn. Second ditto of X.i for breeding purposes, to Mr. Jones, Cemtnesbychan, A prize of E2 for the best yearling cart colt or filly, Mi. J ones, Cemmesbychan. SHEEP. The first prize of 4>2 for the best mountain bred ram (Welsh) more than a year old, to Mr. Evans, Mues- perthu. Second ditto of £1 for ditto ditto, under a year old, to Mr. Pugh, lVllglas.  A prize of .? for the best pen of five mountain-bred ewes (We)sh) bred by the exhibitor, to Mr. Evans, Maesperthu. HGS. I.OM'¡ I The first prize of fl lor tne uest uuai u. »..j u.«u, to Mr. D. Thomas, Machynlleth. Second ditto of JEt for the best ditto ditto, Mr Pugh, Melin y coed. ?" pri? of C I for the best breeding sow of any breed, to Mr. Llod, Machynlleth. Second ditto of Ms for ditto ditto ditto, to Mr. Da- vies. Dolcaradog. lon, CROPS. A prize to the occupier of the best cultivated farm, rental utider C50, an implement of the value of £5, given by Lady Edwards, to Mr. Evans, Maesperthu. A prize, and implement value 95, for the best two acres of swedes, or swedes and mangel wnrzel, to Mr. Lloyd, Wynnstay, Llanbrynmair. Ditto second ditto, E2, to Mr. Owen, Matbafarn. A prize of £3 for the best acre of swedes, or swedes and mangel wurzel, rent of farm not to exceed £40, to Mr. Ryder, Llanwrin. Ditto of E2 for the best acre of common turnips, to Mr. Owen, Mathafarn. Among the numerous parties present in the Show Yard, we noticed-the Duke and Duchess of Marl- borough, (who are now on a visit at the residence of their noble relatives at Plas Machynlleth); the Earl Vane W. L. Winder, Esq., and Capt. Corbett, Vaenor Park Berriew, Welshpool; the Rev. J. Evans, rector of Machynlleth, and Mrs. Evans; J. O. Jones, Dot. corslwyn Mrs. J. O. Jones and Mrs. D. Jones; S. Phelps, Esq., and Mrs. Phelps, Fronygog; S. Tripp, Esq, and Mrs. Tripp and family, Esgair-ifan, Llanbryn- mair T. Ellis, Esq., Brynllwydyn, and family; E. Davies, Esq., Galltyllan M. E. Lewis, Esq., Garth- gwynion; R. Anwyl, Esq., Llygwy; E. Anwyl, Esq., Llwynon. and Miss Anwyl: Jeffries, Esq.. Dovey Castle; Rev. D. Davies. Cemaes, and family Rev. D. Davies, Dylife; J. P. Evans, Esq,, Machynlleth; Rev. Mr. Pugb, curate of Llanwrin W. W. Jones, Esq., Machynlleth Dr. Griffith, Cemaes Mr. Larkin, Na- tional Provincial Bank, Machynlleth; Mr. Davies, Dolcaradog, and family Mr. Hughes, Aberhiraeth; Mr, Hughes; Mr. Jones, timber merchant, and Mr. Griffiths ditto; Mr. Parry, Corhet Arms, Towyn Mr. and Mrs. Jarret, Meirion House, Machynlleth; Mr, Pritchard, Aberdovey; Mr. Ryder, Cemaes; Mr. Ryder, Dan- wr i n Mr. Hughes, Coedyddol; Mr. Evans, Tymawr, Tn\l;g and Miss Evans, Maengwyn House; the Misses Owens, Machynlleth Mr. J. Meredith, Mr. T. Morgan, Mr. J. W. Lloyd and Miss Lloyd, Mr. R. Meredith, Penrhiw; Mr. Pugh, Dolglynen; Mr. Pugh, Cilgwyn; Mr. Owens, Mathafarn Mr. Pugh, Hendre- seeition; Mr. R Lloyd, Llanbrynmair; Mr. C. J. Lloyd, Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Machynlleth, and family Mr. A. Hunt, Mr. David Lloyd, Towyn Mr. D. Lewis and family, Machynlleth; Mr. Pugh, Caenhen; Mr. E. Jones. Llanbrynmair; and Mr. M. S. Jones and family. We regret the absence of many parties, both at the field and at the dinner, owing to the most melancholy visitation of death into two most respectable families in the town, who were extensively connected and much esteemed. THE DINNER, Which was provided by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd, ot the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, was of excellent quality and abundantly supplied, in fact, we never saw such a dinner for the money. It was laid out at the Town Hall, most tastefully decorated for the occasion with floral festoons, interspersed with characteristic mottoes, highly compli- mentary of the noble guests at the head of the table-and also suggestive of the best wishes of all for the prosperity of the Society. Much credit is due to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw for the artistic skill displayed by them in the orna- mental department of the room; for few who see the Hall in its usual dishabille, would suppose it could be made to look so smartly. The Hon. Earl Vane, the President of the Society, occupied the chair, supported on the right by his Grace the Duke of Marlborough and Lyon Winder, Esq., Vaynor Park, Welshpool-the Vice being occupied by S. Phelps, Esq., and J. 0. Jones, Esq. We also noticed in the room the follow- ing gentlemen Captain Corbett, Vaynor Park; the Rev. J. Evans, Rector of Machynlleth; J. Tripp, Esq., Esgair Ifan; — Jeffreys, Esq., Dovey Castle; E. Davies, Esq., Galltyllan; M. E. Lewis, Esq., Garth- gwynion; R. Anwyl, Esq., Lygwy; E. Anwyl, Esq. Llwynon; T. Lewis, Esq., Bryullwydwyn; D. Howell, Esq., Solicitor; Rev. W. Davies, Cemaes; Rev D. Davies, Dylife; Rev. Mr. Pugh, Llanwrin; R Griffiths, Esq.. Surgeon, Cemaes; W. Larkin, Esq.; Mr. Davies, Dolcaradog; Mr. Hughes, Aberhiriaeth; Mr. Hughes, Coedyddol; Mr. Jones, timber merchant; Mr. Griffiths, ditto Mr. Parry, Towyn; Mr. Pritchard, Aberdovey Mr. Vaughan Mr. Rowland Mr. Ryder, Cemaes; Mr. Owen; Mr. Ryder, Llanwrin; Mr, Jones, Cemaes-bycban; Mr. Jones, Auditor; and Mr. Meredith. The cloth having been removed, the noble chairman proposed successively, "The health of her Majesty," The Prince of Wales," "The Prince Consort," and «• The rest of the Royal family," expatiating in eloquent terms of the virtues of these distinguished personages, and the claims their names and virtue have upon the gratitude of Britons, in which he noticed their intended visit to Wales; hoping the day was not far distant, when our Prince would venture even as far as this into the principality, where there would be Welsh homes, and Welsh hearts ready to receive him, (Drank with enthusiasm). His Lordship then proposed "The Bishop and Clergy of the diocese," coupling the toast with name of the Rev. J. Evans, the worthy rector of the parish. The Rev. J. Evans rose and said, that at last year's meeting, he was the only clergyman present. He rejoic- ed to see three of his fellow clergymen now in the room. It became them well to meet their neighbours upon occa- sions of this kind, because the object was the promotion of the well-being of all classes, and they would be sure to be in the right, when by their presence, example, or aid, they furthered not only the spiritual, but the mate- rial and social welfare of the community. Much amuse- ment was caused by his saying in reply to their toast, that he did not know who his bishop was, or which his diocese. They were tossed between the sees of St. Asaph and Bangor, and they could in some-measure rea- lize the unsatisfactory state of transition, known as "half sees over." He bid good bye to the bishop of St. Asaph with great respect and regard for him, and he could only hope the example of the bishop's energy in his work, vigour, and self-denial, would not be lost upon him. He had heard much of the good effected by their future diocesan, the new bishop of Bangor, when rector of Merthyr Tydvil. His ability to converse, preach, and pray, in their mother tongue, would recommend him to the people, and very much add to his power of doing good. They ought not to be jealous at the admission of Scotchmen and Englishmen into offices of dignity and emolument in Wales, for we derive from them ten times more than we give,—he did not mean in money alone, but also in experience, and the examples of suc- cessful enterprize, which should incite them to go ahead. To the generous strangers who had settled among them, they were mainly indebted for their agricultural society. He thanked them for their kindness and ever-ready help to himself individually, and trusted they should live in concord and amity. The Duke of Marlborough rose to propose the Army and Navy," and with the toast he would join the name of his friend and relative, Earl Vane, and that of Mr. Corbett. The profession of arms was a capti- vating one to manly spirits, inasmuch as it furnished a field for the display of patriotic feeling, exciting emula- tion and deeds of daring, even at the hazard of IIfe- But still more noble was that profession when directed to the maintenance of the freedom of mankind, and the security of nations. So long as the armies and navies of Britain Were so employed, so long as she did not in- terfere incautiously in the concerns of other states, did not harass those weaker than herself, or make arbitrary agressions upon those less civilized. so long as she ad. hered to this policy, she would sustain her prestige and influence abroad, and Providence would, as hitherto, bless her arms. He was glad to see the toast received with welcome and ardour at meetings like this, for it is to the ruial population that our armies must look to for their hardiest and most muscular recruits. As he con- sidered that the best way to preserve peace was to be prepared against war, be trusted there would be pluck enough to keep our ranks in full strength, and they would not fail in any emergency to deserve well of their country. The Chairman, in reply, said that he was sorry it had devolved upon him, retired as he then was from active service, both in the guards and the command of the militia, to return thanks for the army and navy of one of the most powerful nations of the world but he was proud to have his name associated and in connexion with that invincible power whose deeds of valour and hardy endurance have made the name of Britons to be honoured wherever its flag is unfurled, or its banners are afloat. And, as his noble relative had observed, that much as we detest war in this country as a trade or a pastime, we are ever ready to make the greatest sacrifices, and to endure privations, in defence of op- pressed nationalities abroad, when overawed by the de- gression of a more powerful and ambitious neighbours in protection of our foreign possessions, which are given us in trust, by Providence, from the design of rebellious subjects or covetous rivals-or, what is more, in a hearty, united, and in resistable efforts to resist ulterior designs of a foreign despot, whose ambition or avenge may tempt him to invade our shores. He hoped to see England in a proper state of defence; for expensive as it might be to maintain always an efficient army, so its to shew a strong front to our powerful navies, lie believed that the first expense would be the least, and the best method, he believed, to avoid war, would be to let the world know that England was always ready to defend her rights, when those rights were attacked. He should be glad to see a large number of volunteer rifle corps established in the country, and trusted that many in Machynlleth would join. (Cheers.) Mr. Corbett also suitably replied. Mr. Phelps then rose and said,—My lords and gen- tlemen, it devolves upon me to propose to you the next toast, and I rise to do it with much pleasure, although painfully conscious of my inability to make a speech; but I feel that this is so good a toast, it requires no elo- quence on my part to do it justice, and that you will I respond to it with as much pleasure as I propose it to I you. It is, Success to the Royal Agricultural Society of England and its noble President, his Grace the Duke of Marlborough," who so kindly honours us with his presence on this occasion. It is, gentlemen, to noble- men like his Grace the Duke of Marlborough, the Duke of Richmond, the late Earl Spencer, and many others, that the country owes the birth, the rise, and the great success of the Royal Agricultural Society. I have been a frequent attendant at its shows from its commence- ment, some twenty years ago, to that at Chester last year, and I cannot express to you my astonishment at seeing the rapid strides it has made in developing the vast agricultural resources of this country, When first established, the implement maker sold few implements to the tenant farmers, the landlords being the principal purchasers but now the demands of the tenant farmers are so great that they can scarcely supply them fast enough. When last at Bedford, I found Mr. Howard, who a few years since was a small ironmonger, now em- ploying 300 men in making ploughs; and in the north of England and the corn-growing countries, the tenant farmers are now almost as learned in steam and steam engines as the great Watt himself; and I can assure you, that many of our English noblemen are thorough prac- tical farmers, and suspect his Grace the Duke of Marl- borough knows much more about the matter than any of us. I well remember at one of the shows at Bristol, seeing a young farmer trying his plough, with which he found great fault. A nobleman rode up, and soon saw where the fault lay. I Young man,' he said, I think the fault is in the holder, not in the plough. May I try it ?' He did try it, and in his hands the plough made first-rate work. Gentlemen, I dare say many of you are not well up in Macauley, Allison, or Southey's History, I will not then allude to the brilliant victories of the first great Duke, but I can assure you his grace the present Duke of Marlborough fights as hard battles for his church and country, on the floor of the House of Lords, as his great ancestor did on the famous field of Blenheim. The Duke of Marlborough said that he felt much in- debted for the manner in which the toast of the Royal Agricultural Society had been received in conjunction with his name. The gentleman who had proposed the toast had alluded to the support which had been given to that society by the nobility and gentry of the country. He believed, however, that the existence of that society was due to the increasing interest which, some years ago, began to shew itself towards the practical application of science to agriculture and that the present enlarged and important position occupied by the society was to be attributed to the increasing energy with which the pursuit of agriculture had ever since that period been followed, either as an amusement or a profession, by every class within the country. At the time of the commencement of the society an immense field lay open to the skill and energy of the agricultural society, which was nothing less than the task of developing the latent powers of the production of the soil-a task which in every way was cal- culated to elevate the mind of man, by taxing his powers of thought and skill, as well as affording him Jessons of dependence upon the hand which alone could crown his own efforts with success and he believed that though we must look to higher agencies as the primary means of supplying man's spiritual necessities, yet, by contributing to the enlarged production of the soil, the comforts of life were supplied, the physical condition of our country- men was raised; and, in a subordinate degree, their moral condition was made susceptible of improvement. He trusted that these effects would flow from the en- couragement given to agriculture by the Royal Agricul- tural Society of England; and, in meeting them that evening, he was reminded of one of the effeets of that society, namely, to produce kindred local institutions throughout the country that would be a vast result,lfor it was by the effect of these societies, taking the central parent one for their model, that the surest benefit would be derived, and the stimulus given to agriculture far and wide, which would but be fulfilling the objects for which the Royal Society had been instituted he, therefore, had great pleasure in concluding his remarks by propos- ing prosperity to the Machynlleth Agricultural Society. (Lond cheering). Mr. 0, Jones, on behalf of the Society, observed, that though the Association at Machynlleth was yet in its infancy, he was happy to say that the results had far surpassed the most sanguine expectations of its founders Their's were, as yet, the days of small things but he trusted that thty would make strenuous exertions to cul- tivate their own farms, as well as their own minds,- Though slow, he hoped the work would be sure and effec- tual; for in all those arts which contribute to the welfare, comfort, and happiness of mankind, it has ever been found that their progress towards perfection, has been slow or rapid, in proportion to the degree of knowledge of the principles upon which they are founded, posses- sed by those who practice. Of this, we have the most striking proof in the low conditions of our manufactures during many centuries, compared with their rapid ad- vancement, and the high degree of perfection they have attained in the course of a few years since the cultiva- tion and general diffusion of the sciences of chemistry and mechanics. The enormous power of late years em- ployed in the operations of mining, by which the trea- sures of the earth are drawn from previously unreach- able depths, and shaped into ten thousand forms of usefulness and coiivenience-its application in multiply- ing the production of the loom, in which its operations are made to exceed the skill of the finest touch-the employment of the same power in facilitating internal traffic and speeding the intercourse between distant na- tions -the perfection that chemistry has lately imparted to the art of dyeing and bleaching-the improvement it has effected in the practice of medicine, by which life is preserved, and suffering mitigated-atid lastly, the com- bined efforts of chemistry and mechanics in giving the lightning speed to the communication of thoughts in the invention of the electric telegritph-are amongst the most striking and familiar instances of the benefits man- kind have derived from the cultivation of these sciences, and the application of the principles drawn from them, to the arts and uses of life. At this stage of the proceedings, the list of the suc- cessful competitors in the different departments, was read over by Mr. Jones, the honourable secretary, and each received by the hon. treasurer his well earned re- ward amidst immense cheering, which was re-echoed most lustily by parties outside. The Rev. D. Davies, of Dylife, rose and observed, that he would have been highly pleased and satisfied to look in silence on the interesting scene in that Hall, but said, it was observed by a wise man of old, that it was better to do a thing indifferently than to leave it undone. When the toast I am about to give you, has met with no lack of Welsh fire in this room on former occasions, I have every confidence in introducing it for your cordial reception, "The health of our noble Presi- dent Earl Vane," (Great cheering). Time would fail me in enumerating the many noble offices which he fills in this district, but I may mention, that besides being president and hearty supporter of this noble society, he is also president of the Bible Society, and of the Society for the Propagation the Gospel, urging their claims amiably from that chair with that brilliant eloquence for which his noble house is distinguished. I can prove his patience in examining most critically the excellent school in this town; carefully arranging and comparing the merits of the papers, and on the following day rewarding with handsome prizes, the diligent and deserving. When I am told to say that the head of a noble house is so condescending to notice and improve the children of the poor, no language can be too strong to express the love and gratitude which he ought to, and does reclaim, at the hands of the inhabitants of Machynlleth. (Immense cheering). The support of that beloved church, of which am so humble its minister, is only equalled by his distinguished relative now amongst us, The new and beautiful church at the Corris slate quarries, will be a monument of the united interest wherein he and his most amiable lady are taking in the spiritual welfare of a poor and populous district, hitherto without church recommendation. (Cheers). Is it I ask, on this account that our noble chairman has been so well receiv- ed by the Welsh nation ? I believe I have yet to mention the secret of his success. It often happens that English gentlemen get no favour with the Welsh ladies, (great cheering) and a people who as they say, never were conquered by the sword, gently yield to an arrow from a distance. The kingdom of Powis was once governed by a lady called Hawys Gadarn, but passing by the nobles of her nation, she chose a Dr. Charlton for the honours of her hand, heart, and government. The Lord Lieutenant of the county, though hearing a saxon name, owes his position to his mother, a Welsh heiress. And happy was the choice made in every instance, and I am glad to say we can appreciate it. (Great cheers). Before I sit down, I must mention his lordship's great exertions in promoting the railways to this town, which you far- mers ought to hail as a great boon. (Cheers). You will be able to command the best market, and instead of riding as I have seen some of your class, two on the same horse, along bad roads, you can take your wives and daughters with you and effect, a vast saving in time and money. (Cheers) In conclusion I callnpon you all to give hononr to whom hononr is due, and drink the health of our noble prL?sid,?"t, with cordiality and e.tl,u?iaFm, for wInch our race is distinguished. (Immense cheering.) The President, in reply to the toast said, that he was always glad to meet them on occasions of that sort, and he was ready to assist, whenever assistance was required, and to do anything that tended to the benefit of this society. (Cheers). He congratulated them all on the steady progress of the same, and he trusted that ere long they should become not only practical, but scientific farmers j and that the gradual diffusion of general know- ledge among agriculturists would enable them to found their plans of improvement, and direct their operations upon rational principles, drawn from a more intimate and perfect knowledge of the nature and properties of the agents they employ, upon the right use of which the improvement of the soil, and the full developement of the power and resources of cultivation, and conse- quently, upon which there own success entirely depend. A knowledge of the means which nature employs in the production of the numerous useful and beautiful forms of vegetable life which we see around us, the support of all animal existence, may well attract and deserve the atten- tion of every mind capable of reflection, and the pleasure of mental exercise, and the acquisition of such know- ledge, will amply reward the application of the rational inquirer, for at every step of his progress, he will dis- cover new cause for that of that infinite power and wis- dom, whose laws control alike the enormous masses of the rolling worlds, and the motions and combinations of the invisible atoms of which they are composed, rend. ering them subservient to his beneficient purposes, by the continual renewal of innumerable forms of vegetable and animal existence, which minister to the support and happiness of the rational part of his creation. And in conclusion, he begged to thank them most sincerely for their kindness in drinking his health; and before he sat down he would wish to give a hint to that gentleman who proposed the toast, who was still a bachelor, that the sooner he went to England and find out a Miss Chalton, the better in his (lordship's) opinion it would be for him. (A laugh.) The Duke of Marlborough proposed the" Health of Lady Vane," which was duly acknowledged. Mr. Anwyl, Llygwy, after paying due and complimen- tary reference to the distinguished parties then present, proceeded to propose the Health of the Judges-Mr. Edmunds and Mr. Vaugban,' who were justly deservin g of their highest esteem, and sincere thanks. for the dis- interested manner in which they had performed their arduous and inviduous duty, in a manner which did cre- dit to themselves, as men of uprightness and integrity, and was of immense benefit to themselves as agricultu- rists, if they took in good part the kind suggestions which were made by these men of practice and experience, and he hoped they would all persevere in the good cause. ( Drank with due honours.) Mr. Edmunds, on rising, said-My lords and gentle- men, I feel deeply the kind manner in which the health of the judges has been received by the company, and the complimentary way in which their services have been alluded to by his lordship, and for which, on behalf of my brother judge and myself, I beg most sincreely to thank you. In justification of our own conduct, we would observe that, with the exception of one or two, I do not know any of the tenant farmers who were exhi- bitors in the yard to-day, nor who are their landlords; neither did I know the owner of a single head of stock till after the prizes were awarded, my only object being, with the able assistance of Mr. Vaughan, to decide impartially in every class that came before us, and I hope we have been enabled to give general satisfaction-it is all we have a right to expect. As all cannot be winners some must feel disappointed; but I trust the disappoint- ment will only act as a stimulant to greater exertion. My advice to all would be, get a well-bred heifer bull (I do not mean one that has got a white face), and after having used that for two or three years, have it exchanged for another, but on no account rear a calf for your own use from your own stock, or you will have some Hereford, some Welsh, and some that are neither. You had much better then go back to a thorough-bred black one. For the higher classes, I last year recom- mended a cross with the West Highland Scot, and I cannot do better than repeat the advice. But, my lord, I should not be doing my duty in the situation you have placed me, if I did not caution the successful candidates not to rest satisfied with their laurels. Without aiming at greater improvement in their stock, they would have but a small chance of winning a prize far from this locality; but I hope sufficient has been said and done to convince any one open to conviction, that the better an animal is bred the faster it will thrive. I could wish to impress upon the farmers in the association the absolute necessity of growing more turnips and mangolds for without the aid of root crops you cannot possibly keep your young stock in a growing state in the spring, and when turned out poor to graze, the best part of the sum- mer is lost before they get into good condition. I would here wish, my lord, to call the attention of your lordship and the committee to your rules for distributing the prizes for turnips; you gave a prize for the two best acres of swedes or mangolds, in accordance with which we have given the first prize to Mr. Lloyd, Wynnstay Arms, Llanbrynmair, when, if the judges had a discretionary power of their own, they would have given the first prize to Mr. Owens, Math- avarn, for the uniform and husbandlike manner in which he has cultivated an unpromising field of seven or eight acres of swedes and turnips. It is too much the practice to cultivate a portion of a field just to qualify to shew for the prizes, when, in many instances, the remaining portion is shamefully neglected. We think the example set by Mr. Owen justly entitles him to some special mark of approbation from the society. Your cart horses are remarkably useful, and give great credit to breeders, though not sufficiently large to command dray horse prizes but for agricultural purposes they are everything that can be required. There is an old trite saying with which I perfectly coincide, the large horse eats more meat, but the smaller one does more work." With respect to the sheep, I would ask, has the cross with the blatk-faced Scotch sheep ever been tried here ? It is as hardy an animal as any on the face of the earth, and by changing the colour of their faces and increasing their size, would make them more saleable, and consequently more valuable. To those gentlemen who do not like to part with the white faces, I would recommend the Che- viot-that would increase the size and preserve the favourite countenance. I am sorry to find the improved breed of pigs introduced into this neighbourhood by your worthy secretary and other gentlemen are not much used. You may depend upon it, you will raise more bacon, of a better quality, and with less food by changing the breed. There was an old patriarch of a boar in the yard to-day that I should recommend the committee to get photo- graphed of the breed of pigs at Machynlleth in the olden time. I again thank you, my lords and gentlemen, for the compliment you have paid me. His Lordship, in rising-observed that he highly ap- proved of the sensible remarks that fell from Mr. Ed- munds, and hoped they would be fully sensitive of the disinterested motives whichinduced them to accept of an office which was in itself unpleasant and inviduous, and which was rendered much more so, by unjust remarks which were often made upon the manner in which it was performed. He fully acquitted them of all impu- tation of impartiality and favour, and considered their decision to be, as far as human judgment can determine, just and proper. With regard to the field of turnips to which they alluded he must say that he fully concurred in the judicious remark they made, and wished they had the discretionary power with respect to that field. But however, as a military man, and accustomed to the obser- vance of rules and orders, he would not wish the regula. tion to be infringed on any account. At the suggestion of his noble relative who sat beside him, he would himself, give as a prize, to the owner of the best field of turnips of any size, for two succeeding years, a silver challice cup, of the value of £5. The cup is only given next year conditionally, and the following year virtually, if the same person gets it,-the judges for the time being, having discretionary power to decide. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Phelps felt assured of a hearty welcome cheer when he proposed the" Health of Lady Edwards and the Duchess of Marlborough." The first-named lady they bad long had the happiness of knowing, and it would be pure supererogation to dwell upon her worth- the last estimable and distinguished lady appeared among them at their shew, and exhibited the kindest interest in their proceedings. (Drank with bojiour&) Mr E. Anwyl, in a brief and sensible speech proposed the he ,Ith ? t,e successful candidates, to which a suitable reply was made by one of the candidates. Dr. Evans, in proposing the "unsuccessful candidates," facetiously observed; My Lord Vane and Gentlemen- I do not find it an easy task to expatiate on want of suc- cess. Mr. Judge Edmunds,—in this case, I am counsel for the" Unsuccessful Candidates. You ought, sir, decidedly to have given us all the prizes, but we admit, sir, you have decided with impartiality; therefore, we cheerfully succumb. My instructions are, that we are made of that plucky stuff, that we will try again and again, until we reach the top of the tree, and carry off all the prizes. I beg leave to give you the Unsuccessful Candidates." I am told to couple with it, but am loath to do so-the name of" Ryder." Mr. D. Howell in proposing "The health of the Sec- retary and Treasurer" Mr. Jones, and Mr. Phelps, most justly observed, that the society was lately indebted for -its success, to the untiring exertions of their excellent treasurer and secretary, whose names would ensure a warm reception to the toast he had the honour of propos- ing to them, These gentlemen had laboured hard and with unwonted zeal in the cause, and he trusted they would manifest by the warmth of their enthusiasm, the high appreciation in which they were held by them. (Drank with enthusiasm.) Mr. Phelps sid-My lords and gentlemen,—I beg to thank you very sincerely for the extremely kind manner in which you have received my health, and I could only wish to deserve your cheers; but I cannot consider that even a moiety of them are due to me (yes, yes), for I can assure you that the success of the Society is much more owing to the exertions of my hard working col- league, Ilr. 0, Jones, than to any efforts of mine; and you are indeed under a great obligation to him, for while I am leading an idle life, every moment of his life is fully mp oyed. and it must be at great personal inconven. ience and self-denial that he devotes the time be does to this Society. We must, no doubt, expect to meet with difficulties and disagreeables in whatever we undertake; and I can assure you that collecting subscriptions for this Society is a most distasteful and thankless office; I am often made to feel that the money is paid to me as a personal obligation, and not for the benefit of your country and neighbourhood. 1 have also been much an- noyed at being told, at more than one farm-house, that favouritism is shown. Now, gentlemen, I do not think the judges know a single farmer in the district, and I am sure it is impossible for them to know to whom any of the stock belongs. In Mr. O. Jones's, and my own de- fence, I will not say a word, except that I hope you will, in time, know us well enough to believe that it is possi- ble for a person to try to do good from purely disinter- ested motives. My intention in taking the part I do in the Society, is that I have always seen that such societies do great good, and there is such great improvement called for in this neighbourhood. You will, I hope, pardon me for saying, that I think you are bad economists—pennywise and pound foolish. For instance, you have a fine bale of grass to convert into money. I do not think it economy to give such good grass to such inferior stock-that make such a slow and small return. Surely, it would answer your purpose well for two or three of you (instead as you now do, to give £ 10 each for two or three bulls) to make a common purse, and give-say t30 for a good Hereford bull and calf, to save for as many farmers or more. You might not get a perfect animal for so small a sum as fSO, but you might get one that would im- mensely improve your stock. With regard to your arable land, I think it bad economy to suffer such a fine competition to go on between rank weeds and sickly corn. Surely it is the corn that pays your rent, and the weeds can so easily be got rid of with cheap and im- proved implements now to be obtained Your unfortu- nate difference in language is, no doubt, a great bar to improvement, as you cannot read and avail yourselves as English farmers so eagerly do of the information con- veyed through the Press; aud that is one reason, no doubt, that our tables have thinned so early this eveu- ing. I will therefore not tresspass longer on your pa- tience, but I feel deeply grateful for the kind manner in which you have drank my health, and can assure you that I shall always be glad to do my best in aid of your Society. (Cheers.) Mr. Jones was truly obliged by the: complimentary manner in which his name has been associated with Mr. Phelps, in connect i on with the interest of this smiety, e:tiI\;f:c much ltd:tg Obi\:rd in promoting its welfare. In his capacity as secretary, he found much to contend with that was very unpleasant and most galling to bis'feelings,froin the ignorance of some of the farmers, who did not know in instances that what was done by the associations, was for their own improvement in the art of cultivation, and in the breed- ing of their stock. They were often so blinded with prejudice, as to consider it some personal advantage of his own friends, or at all events they thought in many cases, an obliging act on their part, to send their cattle to the yard, and would do it to be sure for their sakes. He hoped however, to see this wanton ignorance entirely removed, and he trusted that with the successful, and their more unfortunate competitors this year, would each and all, laying aside all jealousy and ill-feeling, endeavonr to come next year with a fixed determination to gain the prize. He was glad to notice in his rides through the country, that there was a decided improvement out of doors—the growing of green crops, &c., &e. He begged onee more to thank them for drinking his health. To our next merry meeting was given by the noble chairman, and the company separated, Mr. Phelps entertained the fourteen ploughmen to dinner at his residence, Fronygog, with an abundant sup- ply of" cwrw da," &c.