[List-Cumbria] Carlisle Patriot, 17 Aug 1816 - Workington Agricultural Society (3)

[Petra Mitchinson]

Saturday 17 Aug 1816   (p. 3, col. 3)

 

WORKINGTON SOCIETY. 

[FROM A CORRESPONDENT.-Concluded.] 

 

As an Agriculturist, few have persevered more steadily than J. C. CURWEN, Esq. in his trials. He did not support or relinquish any
system which he commenced in consequence of one or two failures, but after a repetition of experiments sufficient to satisfy the
most sceptical. On this account, his practise is justly entitled to the regard of every Farmer, and we must be glad to find he is
resolved not to relax in his exertions. In looking over the list of premiums, every person in the least acquainted with the farm and
stock of Lister ELLIS, must feel pleased with his merited success and exertions, since his example promises at no distant period to
excite a spirit of emulation and improvement in the valuable district where he resides. It is highly gratifying to find his stock
carried all the sweepstakes against -- GIBSON, Esq. and Mr. SIMPSON, except in the case of his one year old heifer. Mr. GIBSON has
been improving his breed with great care, and it is a strong proof in favour of Mr. ELLIS's stock, which he has procured from the
most eminent breeders in Durham. Had Mr. ELLIS's bull been exhibited, he would have been entitled to the premium. His improvements
on his farm are not inferior to his stock, and his very large crop of rape and turnips, must arrest the attention of all his
neighbours, and acquire their admiration. We are fully justified, from his past exertions, in looking forward to Mr. ELLIS as the
CURWEN of the north of Cumberland, in agriculture; and the only one from whom we have at present a right to expect those
improvements of the stock of the county, which have secured so much praise to a BAKEWELL, a COLLING, and a MASON. Every one in the
least acquainted with Messrs. BARNES' farm of the Close, must must [sic] rejoice at their being presented with a Cup by the
President, since they have long and steadily pursued the improved system of agriculture in the Abbey-Holm, before Mr. CURWEN's
presence called forth the spirit of improvement in that district. We entertain no doubt that their example had produced very
powerful effects before Mr. SAUL commenced the Holm Meeting, and since the commencement of that Society, they have never relaxed
their exertions. Joseph GILLBANKS, Esq. has great merit for his draining, and has made a very lasting improvement of his estate. Mr.
MILLER, a tenant of Mr. CURWEN's, deserves much credit, since it is the last year of his farm. The premium of ploughing was adjudged
to an Hibernian, which he received, against Scotland, Northumberland, and Cumberland. Such an example ought to excite a spirit of
exertion in the ploughmen of this county, and ploughing matches ought to be established in different parts amongst us, which have
produced such important and lasting improvements in both Scotland and Ireland. John SPEDDING, Esq. surpassed Mr. CURWEN in the
fatness of his Ox, which is a mixture of Highland and short horned breed. This system of breeding has been long and successfully
followed by Thomas BATES, Esq. whose uncommon exertions and expense in supporting the Bible Society, merit the highest praise. Such
gentlemen by making experiments with different breeds of cattle, extend the knowledge and accuracy of Farmers; and by such
comparative trials, the prejudices of agriculturists are removed. It is truly melancholy to reflect, that the breeders of cattle
divide into parties, which have always been the ruin of knowledge, liberality, and disinterestedness, and have produced lasting
mischief amongst families and friends. What has party to do with enquires resting on facts, not opinions?-There never was a period
when Mr. CURWEN was more numerously attended, and the presence of Sir Watkin William WYNNE, proved in how high estimation our
Society is held. In consequence of his appointment to the office of Steward, we have reason to expect his presence next year; and
the union of the three Kingdoms in support of the agriculture of this county, is a very powerful reason for our President's renewed
exertions. J. C. CURWEN, Esq. has long merited the praise of Farmers, by the numerous and expensive experiments he has made-the
great firmness with which he opposed the enemies of the Corn Laws-the deep interest he has always taken in the inclosure of Commons,
and his unremitting desire to promote the instruction of all engaged in agriculture. 

 

 

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