1805.] History. 447

Consequence to the farming interest, from various parts of the na tion, and the west of England in particular.

r. A letter having been received from his Grace the Duke of Bedford, late presSident, Strongly expresSive of his Grace's regard for the interests and proSperity of the Society, and of his continued zeal for their promotion; but declining the ofiice of pr&Sident on aCCount of his remote Situation, and his inability to attend to the duty agreeably to his wishes. Benjamin Hobhouse, Esg. who had been nominated by acclamation, was unanimously appointed to SUC- Ceed his Grace in that office.

2. The Several committees of the Society, after vacancies had been filled up, and Sundry additions made, were re-elected for the year en- Suing.

3. Mr. Nehemiah Bartley, the Secretary, having, on account of Personal considerations, resigned his office,, Mr. William Mat- thews, the late Secretary, being Strongly requested thereto, undertook to discharge the duties of the office gratis, till a SuccesSsor Shall be AaPPproved at the Febryary meeting. ks

4. Sundry Committees were appointed to inspect the various lots of fat and lean stock, Samples of woollen manufacture, agricultural Implements,&c.&c. exhibited for the different premiums of the 80 Ciety, who afterwards made their reports in order.;

5. The revisals of the book of rules, orders, and premiums, for the enstying year, were brought forward, discussed, and deliberately Settled accordihg to the custom of the SoCIety; the new book was ordered to be printed, in readiness for the next meeting.in February«

Premiums granted to Sundries, as under.

. To John Billingsley, Esy. first prize, at the last trial of ploughs, 51X guineas.

To Ebenezer Ludlow, E'sq. Second ditto, at ditto, four guineas.

To Mr. Rodbard, third ditto, at ditto, two guineas«

To the first ploughman, a gratuity of one guinea.

To the zecond ditto ditto, half a guinea.

To the third ditto ditto, five shillings.

To J. G. Everett, Esq. forthe best and most profitable flock, ten guineas.

To Hannah Mortimer, for ploughinga hundred and twelve acres of land, five guineas.

To Mary Mazters, for reaping eight and a quarter acres of wheat, two guineas.|

To Rev. B. Richard4on, for a piece of navy-blue broad cloth, from improved Britizh wool, eight guineas.

To James Powell, Esq. for a piece,of zuch broad cloth of excel- lent quality, from wool of Ryeland Sheep, five guineas.

To John White Parsons, Esq. for a beautiful cow, with her of- Spring, of foreign admixture, five guineas.

To John Billingsley, E99. forthe best pair of working oxen, four years old, five guineas.

To the Right Hon. the Earl of Peterborough, for the best fat ox, four years old, five guineas. v

To Eldridge, Esq. for the best fat two-Shear Leicester wether Sheep, five guineas,|;

To Benjamin Grey, jun. Esg. for ploughing in a new district, with the double farrow plough, with and without a driver, zix guineas.

4Ag. Mag. Yol. 13. 3N

Kieu