The period witnessed many rapid changes in the development of farming methods, various schools and publications all advocated new methods and a new direction for farming practice. The advantages which this new innovation brought to farming were reflected in the changing methods employed. The benefit of efficiency driven profit manifested itself in all areas. As in other areas of the model farm development story, innovation and new inventions made their way into the public domain through journals and newspaper articles. A new development also was the origin of the experimental tour, where the latest machinery and implements were showcased on gentlemen’s farms.
The period witnessed many rapid changes in the development of farming methods, various schools and publications all advocated new methods and a new direction for farming practice. The advantages which this new innovation brought to farming were reflected in the changing methods employed. The benefit of efficiency driven profit manifested itself in all areas. As in other areas of the model farm development story, innovation and new inventions made their way into the public domain through journals and newspaper articles. A new development also was the origin of the experimental tour, where the latest machinery and implements were showcased on gentlemen’s farms.
A NEW MODE OF HAY-MAKING
A method has lately been tried in Germany, which, by the aid of a little salt, seems in a great measure to attain this object. Pits are dug in the earth from ten to twelve feet square and as many deep; these are lined with wood, and paddled below and at the sides with clay. They may obviously be made of any other suitable dimensions, and may be lined with brick. Into this pit the green crop of grass, clover, or vetches is put just as it is cut. Four or five cwts are introduced at a time, sprinkled with salt, at the rate of one pound to each cwt; and if the weather, and consequently the crop, be dry, two or three quarts of water to each cwt should be sprinkled over every successive layer. It is only when rain or heavy dew has fallen before mowing that, in East Prussia, this watering is considered unnecessary. Much, however, must depend upon the succulency of the crop. Each layer of four or five cwts is spread evenly over the bottom, is well trodden down by five or six men, and is especially is rammed as close as possible at the sides with the aid wooden rammers. Each layer is thus salted, watered if necessary, and trodden in succession, till the pit is perfectly full. Much depends upon the perfect treading of the grass for the exclusion of the air, and therefore for a pit of 10 feet square, four cwts are as much as ought to be put in for each layer. Between each layer may be strewed as few handfuls of straw, in order that when emptying the pit afterwards for the daily consumption of the stock, the quantity taken out may be known without the necessity of a second weighing. When the pit is full, the top most layer is well salted, the whole then covered with boards, or a well fitting lid, and upon these a foot and a half of earth, for the more perfect exclusion of the air. A pit ten feet square and as many deep, will hold about five tons of fresh grass, and each pit should, if possible, be filled in not less than two days.
When covered up, the grass speedily heats and ferments, and after the lapse of about six days when the fermentation has ceased, the whole has sunk to about one half of its original bulk. The lid must be examined during the fermentation, at least once a day, and the earth, as it sinks, carefully replaced wherever crevices appear; for, if the air be allowed to gain admission, a putrefactive fermentation will come on, which will in part a disagreeable odour to the fodder, though it will not prevent it from being readily eaten by the stock. When the first fermentation has ceased the lid may be removed, the pit again filled with fresh grass, trodden in, salted, and covered as before. A pit ten feet square, when perfectly full of this fermented grass, will contain nearly ten tons-equal to two or three tons of hay. The grass, when thus fermented, has the appearance of having been boiled, has a sharp acid taste and is greedily eaten by the cattle.
The pit should be kept covered for at least six weeks, after which they may be opened successively as they are required, and may be kept open till their contents are consumed by the cattle without suffering any injury from the contact of the atmospheric air. Of the feeding qualities of the this salted fodder, one experimenter says, that by giving only twenty pounds a day of it along with chopped straw, he kept his cows in condition during the whole winter. His green crop was vetches, and the twenty pounds of salted fodder were equal in, or would have made, less than 4 pounds of vetch hay.
Another experimenter says, that on a daily allowance of 28 pounds of his salted fodder, his cows gave a rich and well tasted milk. Farmers Gazette- Reprinted in the Constitution,Castlebar Tuesday January 30 1844
FEEDING
OF WHEAT
The members of the Maidstone Farmer Club, having discussed this question, were unanimously of opinion that no good is derived from feeding of wheat but that the treading of wheat, or rolling it with a cold crusher on light soils is considered extremely beneficial, and that good crops have resulted from these operations, by which the wire worm has been checked, and the soil effectually closed. - Farmers Gazette 1844.
The members of the Maidstone Farmer Club, having discussed this question, were unanimously of opinion that no good is derived from feeding of wheat but that the treading of wheat, or rolling it with a cold crusher on light soils is considered extremely beneficial, and that good crops have resulted from these operations, by which the wire worm has been checked, and the soil effectually closed. - Farmers Gazette 1844.
Rotation of Crops.
“K.G.” Dundalk, writes – “I have a small farm of land, containing 12 acres, Irish. I practised the old system of farming for many years, and my land is now completely exhausted by successive white crops. I have one field, containing 2 a. 2 r., Irish, which has been lea for the last three years, on which I am determined to try the improved mode of husbandry, by following a regular rotation of; the remaining 9 a. 2r, I will farm in the ordinary way for some time longer, till I am convinced that the rotation of cropping is the more beneficial to the small landholder. The soil is naturally a light, sandy soil, with a sandy subsoil, with the exception of one rood which is a sandy loam. Having good help of my own to assist me, I wish to have it all performed by spade industry. I would like to sow some turnips and mangels in part, also some spring vetches and oats in the remainder, with grass seeds. As I have already remarked, I would wish to have this portion farmed quite different from the other part of my holding, to see the benefit that would be derived from a regular system of husbandry. Now, would you advise me to dig up this ground at present, for all the crops I purpose sowing on it-namely, turnips, mangels, oats, and vetchs, in order that the upper or surface sod would have sufficient time to rot before spring? and what depth should I dig it? My judgement has led me to think that I should not turn up much of the sand, and after digging the depth that you would think would answer, what treatment should I give it afterwards in spring, to prepare it for the crops I have already described. I have already remarked that there is one rood of it a sandy loam; which of the root crops would you advise me to put in that part?-Divide the 2 a. 2 r. As near as possible into four equal portions, and for convenience of reference, we will number the divisions 1, 2, 3, 4. Dig up, with as little delay as possible, No. 1, to a depth of nine or ten inches or as you have plenty of help, two spadings deep will be much better, which will give you a depth of from sixteen to eighteen inches; manure this division well, and sow with green crops-viz., potatoes, turnips, mangels, parsnips, carrots, &c., in 1849 ; to be under grain crop in 5, laid down with clover and grass seeds. No. 2 to be dug one spade deep, which need not be more than eight inches, to be sown with grain in `49, and which is to be under well-manured green crops, same as No. 1., in `50. No.3 to be dug same as No. 2, and sown with vetches, mixed with oats for a soiling crop in `49, and to have them in succession, portions should be sown in February, April, and the middle of May. A little manure will be necessary to this division, if it can be spared, as it should be under grain in `50. No. 4 to be managed same as No.1, and sown with green crops in 1849, and vetches in `50. The division will stand thus-
In 1849.
1. Green crops
2. Grain
In 1850.
1. Clover, &c., for hay or soiling
2. Grain, laid down with seeds
And in 1852.
1. Grain on clover lea
1. Clover for hay or soiling
3. Vetches for soiling
4. Green crops
3. Grain crops
4. Vetches
3. Green or root crops
4. Grain
3. Grain after root crops, laid down with seeds
4. Root crops, well manured
The four-course rotation will be perfectly got on the fourth year, which should be kept up every succeeding one.
As you remark, it will not be so well to bring up much of the sand this year, but after digging the surface, the subsoil should be dug up and left there in those divisions in preparation for the manured root crops. The divisions for oats and vetches may be dug out flat, and the seed harrowed in, or thrown into six or eight feet beds and shovelled. In the portion allotted for green crops the manure should be deposited in drills twenty seven or twenty eight inches asunder, covered up, rolled, and the seed sown on the crown of the drill. That portion you denominate loamy sand is very suitable for any of the root crops, but more particularly so for carrots. – Farmers Gazette. Source The Constitution December 26th 1848.
“K.G.” Dundalk, writes – “I have a small farm of land, containing 12 acres, Irish. I practised the old system of farming for many years, and my land is now completely exhausted by successive white crops. I have one field, containing 2 a. 2 r., Irish, which has been lea for the last three years, on which I am determined to try the improved mode of husbandry, by following a regular rotation of; the remaining 9 a. 2r, I will farm in the ordinary way for some time longer, till I am convinced that the rotation of cropping is the more beneficial to the small landholder. The soil is naturally a light, sandy soil, with a sandy subsoil, with the exception of one rood which is a sandy loam. Having good help of my own to assist me, I wish to have it all performed by spade industry. I would like to sow some turnips and mangels in part, also some spring vetches and oats in the remainder, with grass seeds. As I have already remarked, I would wish to have this portion farmed quite different from the other part of my holding, to see the benefit that would be derived from a regular system of husbandry. Now, would you advise me to dig up this ground at present, for all the crops I purpose sowing on it-namely, turnips, mangels, oats, and vetchs, in order that the upper or surface sod would have sufficient time to rot before spring? and what depth should I dig it? My judgement has led me to think that I should not turn up much of the sand, and after digging the depth that you would think would answer, what treatment should I give it afterwards in spring, to prepare it for the crops I have already described. I have already remarked that there is one rood of it a sandy loam; which of the root crops would you advise me to put in that part?-Divide the 2 a. 2 r. As near as possible into four equal portions, and for convenience of reference, we will number the divisions 1, 2, 3, 4. Dig up, with as little delay as possible, No. 1, to a depth of nine or ten inches or as you have plenty of help, two spadings deep will be much better, which will give you a depth of from sixteen to eighteen inches; manure this division well, and sow with green crops-viz., potatoes, turnips, mangels, parsnips, carrots, &c., in 1849 ; to be under grain crop in 5, laid down with clover and grass seeds. No. 2 to be dug one spade deep, which need not be more than eight inches, to be sown with grain in `49, and which is to be under well-manured green crops, same as No. 1., in `50. No.3 to be dug same as No. 2, and sown with vetches, mixed with oats for a soiling crop in `49, and to have them in succession, portions should be sown in February, April, and the middle of May. A little manure will be necessary to this division, if it can be spared, as it should be under grain in `50. No. 4 to be managed same as No.1, and sown with green crops in 1849, and vetches in `50. The division will stand thus-
In 1849.
1. Green crops
2. Grain
In 1850.
- Grain, laid down with seeds
- Green or root crops
1. Clover, &c., for hay or soiling
2. Grain, laid down with seeds
And in 1852.
1. Grain on clover lea
1. Clover for hay or soiling
3. Vetches for soiling
4. Green crops
3. Grain crops
4. Vetches
3. Green or root crops
4. Grain
3. Grain after root crops, laid down with seeds
4. Root crops, well manured
The four-course rotation will be perfectly got on the fourth year, which should be kept up every succeeding one.
As you remark, it will not be so well to bring up much of the sand this year, but after digging the surface, the subsoil should be dug up and left there in those divisions in preparation for the manured root crops. The divisions for oats and vetches may be dug out flat, and the seed harrowed in, or thrown into six or eight feet beds and shovelled. In the portion allotted for green crops the manure should be deposited in drills twenty seven or twenty eight inches asunder, covered up, rolled, and the seed sown on the crown of the drill. That portion you denominate loamy sand is very suitable for any of the root crops, but more particularly so for carrots. – Farmers Gazette. Source The Constitution December 26th 1848.
The Butter and Cheese produced at the dairy on the farm at Castlebar were exported to markets in England.
Meeting at Glasgow
–Agricultural Education in Ireland.
During the late agricultural meeting in Glasgow, a number of gentlemen favourable to the establishment of elementary schools for the purpose met in the Merchants Hall; when, besides gentlemen connected with agricultural Chemistry Association of Scotland, several strangers attended, including Lord Wallscourt, Lord Clements, Lord Ranelagh, Sir Robert Bateson, Sir R.Houston, and others. The Lord Justice clerk took the chair, and Professor Johnston explained the object of the meeting. Mr Skilling, superintendent of a model farm at Glasnevin, near Dublin, under the Irish Board of Education, made a statement of the measures carried out by that board since 1838. There are now three thousand teachers under the board, there are seven training establishments to supply teachers, but there will shortly be 25: and it is intended to plant one in every county of Ireland. Mr.Skilling described the plan pursued at the Glasnevin training school established in 1838. The class of labour is limited to spade husbandry, only the spade and wheelbarrow being used-
The scholars, amounting to sixty or seventy, were lodged near the farm, and fed from it. After being engaged on the farm in the mornings of five days in the week, they went into town for their literary education; but the whole of Saturday was appropriated to examinations. They had a garden, and, in connexion with it, a competent gardener, who lectured for one half an hour in the morning; and he (Mr.Skilling) also lectured to the young men on agricultural subjects. At stated periods the teachers attended the farm, and witnessed every practical operation which was going on upon it. They observed every system of cropping, and got explanations on every subject with which they were unacquainted; the result was that when they went away at the end of the course, they were found to be vastly improved in the scientific knowledge of agriculture and its practical details. During the course they were enabled to obtain a considerable knowledge of agriculture, chemistry and geology; they also received practical information as to the principals of rotation in cropping, the cultivation of green crops and the like. The practical errors which existed as to the management of land were also pointed out to them – Such as the loss caused by bad fences, seedling beds for weeds, &c.; and, on the other hand, they were showing the advantages of draining, and opening and turning the land ,and the beneficial results of these on the general management.
The model farm had not only paid its rent, but returned a profit of £150 or £170 a year. Afterwards five boys educated in a training school at Larne, in the North of Ireland, were introduced and examined.
The seemed to belong to the better class of peasantry, being clad in homely garbs; and they appeared to be from twelve to fourteen or fifteen years of age. They were examined, in the first instance; by Mr Gibson (Inspector of Schools) on grammar, geography and arithmetic; and scarcely a single question did they fail to answer correctly.
They were then examined by Professor Johnston on the scientific branches; and by Mr Finnie, of Swanston and Mr. Alexander of Southbar on the practical; departments of agriculture. Their acquaintance with these was alike delightful and astonishing. They detailed the chemical constitution of the soil, and the effect of manures, the land best fitted for green crops, the different kinds of grain crops, the dairy and the system of rotation. Many of these answers required considerable exercise of reflection; and as previous concert between themselves and the gentlemen by whom they were examined was out of the question their acquirements seemed to take the meeting quite by surprise; at the same time that they afforded it the utmost satisfaction, as evincing how much could be done by a proper system of training. The youths and their teacher retired amidst much applause.
Lord Clements bore testimony to the eagerness for instruction evinced by the peasantry near his property, in the wildest part of Connaught; men twenty years of age coming from a distance of many miles to attend the school. Mr. Atlee, the teacher of an agricultural school on Lady Noel Byron’s property at Ealing reported the success of that establishment; there were at that moment five hundred applicants for admission to the farm as boarders.
Colonel Lindsay, of Balcarras, declared that the people of Scotland must make haste lest they should be behind in the progress of improvement. He must congratulate these young men from Ireland on the admirable display they had made. To be a Scotsman was often found a recommendation in procuring employment elsewhere; but these young men from Ireland would soon show Scotsmen that they were behind the Irish, and that, if they would maintain their high character for industry and intelligence, they must be instructed as they were. These lads from Ireland had evinced so much agricultural information, that, when ready for employment they had only to ask to obtain it. He was almost ashamed to admit his belief that there was not a similar of youths in Scotland, who would answer these questions as these Irish lads had done.
The Constitution September 3rd 1844.
During the late agricultural meeting in Glasgow, a number of gentlemen favourable to the establishment of elementary schools for the purpose met in the Merchants Hall; when, besides gentlemen connected with agricultural Chemistry Association of Scotland, several strangers attended, including Lord Wallscourt, Lord Clements, Lord Ranelagh, Sir Robert Bateson, Sir R.Houston, and others. The Lord Justice clerk took the chair, and Professor Johnston explained the object of the meeting. Mr Skilling, superintendent of a model farm at Glasnevin, near Dublin, under the Irish Board of Education, made a statement of the measures carried out by that board since 1838. There are now three thousand teachers under the board, there are seven training establishments to supply teachers, but there will shortly be 25: and it is intended to plant one in every county of Ireland. Mr.Skilling described the plan pursued at the Glasnevin training school established in 1838. The class of labour is limited to spade husbandry, only the spade and wheelbarrow being used-
The scholars, amounting to sixty or seventy, were lodged near the farm, and fed from it. After being engaged on the farm in the mornings of five days in the week, they went into town for their literary education; but the whole of Saturday was appropriated to examinations. They had a garden, and, in connexion with it, a competent gardener, who lectured for one half an hour in the morning; and he (Mr.Skilling) also lectured to the young men on agricultural subjects. At stated periods the teachers attended the farm, and witnessed every practical operation which was going on upon it. They observed every system of cropping, and got explanations on every subject with which they were unacquainted; the result was that when they went away at the end of the course, they were found to be vastly improved in the scientific knowledge of agriculture and its practical details. During the course they were enabled to obtain a considerable knowledge of agriculture, chemistry and geology; they also received practical information as to the principals of rotation in cropping, the cultivation of green crops and the like. The practical errors which existed as to the management of land were also pointed out to them – Such as the loss caused by bad fences, seedling beds for weeds, &c.; and, on the other hand, they were showing the advantages of draining, and opening and turning the land ,and the beneficial results of these on the general management.
The model farm had not only paid its rent, but returned a profit of £150 or £170 a year. Afterwards five boys educated in a training school at Larne, in the North of Ireland, were introduced and examined.
The seemed to belong to the better class of peasantry, being clad in homely garbs; and they appeared to be from twelve to fourteen or fifteen years of age. They were examined, in the first instance; by Mr Gibson (Inspector of Schools) on grammar, geography and arithmetic; and scarcely a single question did they fail to answer correctly.
They were then examined by Professor Johnston on the scientific branches; and by Mr Finnie, of Swanston and Mr. Alexander of Southbar on the practical; departments of agriculture. Their acquaintance with these was alike delightful and astonishing. They detailed the chemical constitution of the soil, and the effect of manures, the land best fitted for green crops, the different kinds of grain crops, the dairy and the system of rotation. Many of these answers required considerable exercise of reflection; and as previous concert between themselves and the gentlemen by whom they were examined was out of the question their acquirements seemed to take the meeting quite by surprise; at the same time that they afforded it the utmost satisfaction, as evincing how much could be done by a proper system of training. The youths and their teacher retired amidst much applause.
Lord Clements bore testimony to the eagerness for instruction evinced by the peasantry near his property, in the wildest part of Connaught; men twenty years of age coming from a distance of many miles to attend the school. Mr. Atlee, the teacher of an agricultural school on Lady Noel Byron’s property at Ealing reported the success of that establishment; there were at that moment five hundred applicants for admission to the farm as boarders.
Colonel Lindsay, of Balcarras, declared that the people of Scotland must make haste lest they should be behind in the progress of improvement. He must congratulate these young men from Ireland on the admirable display they had made. To be a Scotsman was often found a recommendation in procuring employment elsewhere; but these young men from Ireland would soon show Scotsmen that they were behind the Irish, and that, if they would maintain their high character for industry and intelligence, they must be instructed as they were. These lads from Ireland had evinced so much agricultural information, that, when ready for employment they had only to ask to obtain it. He was almost ashamed to admit his belief that there was not a similar of youths in Scotland, who would answer these questions as these Irish lads had done.
The Constitution September 3rd 1844.