We note with entire approval a sensible letter from Sir
C. T. Dyke Acland in Friday's papers calling attention to the wasteful method of prize-giving adopted by the larger agri- cultural societies. The object of prize competitions, as he rightly contends, is not the money thereby gained, but the increase in the value of the prize-winning animal and of its produce. But the Royal Agricultural Society gives no less than £6,000 in small prizes of £15 and under, a great propor- tion of which go to wealthy exhibitors, who do not in the least require money prizes to induce them to exhibit. It is other- wise in county shows, where the prize-money goes mostly, and very properly, to the tenant-farmers ; but in the larger shows they have no chance against the capitalists. Hence the suggestion that money should be given in the county shows, and medals only in the larger ones. With the case of Park Royal before us, considerations of economy combine with common-sense to support Sir C. T. Dyke Acland's suggestion.
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