38 PEOCEEDIXGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS. 



eflfortj and the employment of local resources be the basis of the experiments (for 

 anything that would tend to pauperise the associations or take from them the re- 

 sponsibility and control of the experiments would directly impair their usefulness). 

 Let a list of experiments be also prepared, including any recent improvements in 

 agriculture practice, and let each association choose from among the number one or 

 move which its members would be willing to try, and let it be asked that the experi- 

 ment be done under the direction of the Highland and Agricultural Society, and that 

 the results be reported to it." 



Seeing the important work that was being carried on in Aberdeen through the 

 energetic co-operation of proprietors and tenants, and considering that it would be of 

 immense value that the number of such associations should be very much increased, 

 the committee issued the following queries : — 



1. Would it be possible to organise a series of lectures on scientific and practical 

 agriculture in your district ? Would they be likely to 1 e well attended ? And what 

 chance would there be of meeting expenses ? 



2. Could not a series of experiments suitable to the district be organised under the 

 guidance of a qualified chemist assisted by local committees ? Also trials of im- 

 plements ? 



3. Offer any suggestions. 



(1) Their views being that what had been done in one county might surely be- 

 undertaken in many more, either by the formation of new associations, or expanding. 

 the sphere of existing farmers' clubs or analytical associations. (2) That experiments, 

 likely to prove suitable to the district would be of great local value, and would enable 

 those in the district to realise the great advantage to be derived from such experiments- 

 (3) That by means of these associations a series of experiments throughout the country 

 might possibly be suggested and organised by the Society's chemist, whereby com- 

 parisons could be made with a number of centres or stations, instead of, as at present, 

 with only two. (4) That experiments should not be restricted to the application of 

 manures, but should include varieties of cropping, rearing and fattening stock, dairy 

 farming, trials of implements, and in every direction that would add to our knowledge 

 in all branches of agriculture. (5) That occasional lectures might be given, either in 

 illustration of experiments, or on any subject bearing on agricultural science, that 

 would be likely to prove interesting or instructive to those in the locality. (6) That 

 by collating and publishing annually the reports of experiments from the various 

 districts, careful comparisons could be made, and a mass of useful information would 

 be obtained. But beyond giving ad\'ice, if called upon ; suggesting such a series of 

 experiments as would prove generally important for comparisons ; or forming a 

 general centre of communication, — it was not in view of the committee that the Society, 

 from the very limited means at its disposal, either could or should assist pecuniarily 

 in the work of such associations. 



, Tlie committee regret to state that the answers to their queries are very disappoint- 

 ing. In only a few districts does there appear to be any real appreciation of the value 

 of experiments, or any chance of associations being formed, or of the expenses being 

 met locally. In many districts, while admitting that experiments and lectures might 

 be useful, it seems to be thought that such should be undertaken by the Highland 

 and Agricultural Society, or by any one else than those who would be primarily bene- 

 fited ; while from some districts the reply is that they do not consider either experi- 

 ments or lectures would be of any use. 



In spite of discouraging replies, the committee feel confident that the formation of 

 agricultural associations, on the Aberdeenshire model, would prove of incalculable 

 value, and that their establishment should be encouraged by the Highland and Agri- 

 cultural Society in every possible way ; and to this end, though their (stablishment 

 and maintenance should be through local effort and enterprise, the committee recom- 

 mend tnat in the meantime the fees of the Society's chemist should be paid to any 

 association asking his services to deliver an introductory lecture, and agreeing to pay 

 his expenses. 



Since the above was ■\\Titten, the committee have heard with great satisfaction of 

 the intention of associations to commence a series of experiments in Eoss, and by the 

 Galashiels Farmers' Club. 



Sir A. MuiR Macken'zie suggested that steps should be taken to publish in a cheap 

 form the accounts of their experiments connected with agriculture, as he thought they 

 would be of great advantage. 



The Rev. Mr Gillespie, Mouswald, said that one of the recommendations of the 

 report was that the results should be laid before the Agricultural Commission, and he 

 suggested that that should be done by means of a deputation, and he moved 

 accordingly. 



Mr ViLLiERS seconded the motion. 



Colonel Innes of Learney said they had had the experience of several years in 

 carrying on a technical school in the north, but they had at present found it desir- 



