(3 ) 



GENERAL NOTICE, 



The Hiohland Society was instituted in the year 1784, and incorporated by Koyal 

 Charter in 1787. Its operation was at first limited to matters connected witli the 

 improvement of the Highlands of Scotland ; but the supervision of certain depart- 

 ments, proper to that part of the country, having been subsequently committed to 

 special Boards of Management, several of the earlier objects contemplated by the 

 Society were abandoned, while the progress of agriculture led to the adoption of 

 others of a more general character. The exertions of the Society were thus early 

 extended to the whole of Scotland, and have, for the greater part of a century, 

 been directed to the promotion of the science and practice of agriculture in all its 

 branches. 



In accordance with this more enlarged sphere of action, the original title of the 

 Society was altered, under a Royal Charter, in 1834, to The Highland and 

 Agricultueal Society of Scotland. 



The leading purposes of the Institution are set forth in the following pages, 

 where it will be found that Premiums are offered for Eeports on almost every 

 subject connected with the cultivation of the soil ; the rearing and feeding of 

 stock ; the management of the dairy ; the improvement of agricultural macliinery 

 and implements ; the growth of timber ; the extension of cottage accommoda- 

 tion ; the application of chemical science ; and the dissemination of veterinary 

 information. 



Among the more important measures which have been effected by the Society 

 are — 



1. Agricultural Meetings and General Shows of Stock, Implements, kc, held 

 in the principal towns of Scotland, at which exhibitors from all parts of the United 

 Kingdom are allowed to compete. 



2. A system of District Shows instituted for the purpose of improving the breeds 

 of Stock most suitable for dilferent parts of the country, and of aiding and direct- 

 ing the efforts of Local Agricultural Associations. 



3. The encouragement of Agricultural Education, under powers conferred by a 

 supplementary Royal Charter, granted in 1856, and authorising "The Council 

 of tne Highland and Agricultural Society on Education" to grant Diplomas 

 to Students of Agriculture ; and by the establishment of Bursaries. 



4. The establishment of Agricultural Stations for the ])ur]»ose of promoting the 

 application of science to agriculture, and the appointment of a chemist to super- 

 intend all experiments conducted at these Stations, and ])rei»are a Report of the 

 same to be ])ublishetl in the Transactions. Also to subsidise, under certain con- 

 ditions, Local Analytical Associations. 



5. The advancement of the Veterinary Art, by conferring Certificates on Students 

 who have passed tiirough a prescribed cuniculum, and who are found, by public 

 examination, ([ualififd to practise. Now terminated in accordance with arrange- 

 ments with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. 



6. The appointment of a Boanl of Examiners, and the granting of First and 

 Second Class Ccrtilicates in Forestry. 



7. The annual jjublicatiou of the Tran>Mictions, which comprehend the Trizc- 

 Rcports, and n^ports of exiMriments, also an abstract of tin* business at Board and 

 General Meetings, and other communications. 



8. The management of a fund left by Jolin, r>th Duke of .\rgyll (the original 

 President of the Society), to assist young natives of the Highlands who enter Her 

 Majesty's Navy. 



