A quick search on the Internet finds one Dr J. Augustus Voelcker, who was chemist to the Royal Agricultural Society in the 1880s and a scientist involved in the founding of the Woburn Experimental Station in 1876 – a controlled farming environment used at that time for investigating crop growth, fertilisers, animal husbandry methods and farm equipment. One of the chief problems to be investigated was to discover the extent to which the productiveness of the soil was
influenced by feeding concentrated foods, such as cake and corn, to farm livestock.The station is still in use today.
In addition to its obvious interest to the agricultural community, the 20in x 2ft 31/2in (50 x 70cm) display had some obvious decorative qualities and sold at £620.
Decorative, down-to-earth price
One of the more unusual lots offered by Felixstowe auctioneers Diamond Mills (10% buyer’s premium) on December 16-17 was this framed and glazed Sutton & Sons educational display, right, entitled Analyses of Natural Grasses by Dr J. Augustus Voelcker.
