PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS. 95 



wished to bring the matter under the attention of the Directors, so that they 

 might take it into consideration ; and also that possibly it might be connected 

 with the Chair of Agriculture, so that the young fanners might be able to analyse 

 these things for themselves. He made this proposal in sincerity for the use of his 

 brother farmers, well knowing the very large sum that was annually paid for 

 special manures and feeding stuff. 



Professor Anderson said he would be glad to join in any additional precau- 

 tions so as to enable the Society better to detect adulteration; but he thought that 

 if the Society took a more active part in the matter, it would be attended with 

 difficulties. It was at one time proposed that the Society should publish the 

 names of the adulterators ; but he was afraid that in many cases it would be an 

 unsafe and unadvisable course for the Society. He did not say that the question 

 of adulteration was in so satisfactory a state as they could wish it to be ; but he 

 thought that there was less adulteration than there was some years ago. He was 

 quite sure that the number of inferior manures in the market was smaller than 

 formerly. 



The CHAIRMAN said he was very glad to hear his friend Mr Harvey bring that 

 subject before the meeting. It was, in his opinion, one of the most interesting 

 subjects that could be brought before a farmer, and he believed it was one of the 

 subjects that was least understood in farming. Without entering further into the 

 subject at present, he would direct attention to a work written by Baron Liebig 

 on the subject, and to another published by his friend Mr Stephens and Dr Sellar. 

 He recommended these books for further consideration, particularly to young 

 aspirants looking to be farmers in the future. 



The report was approved of. 



Premiums for Reports on the Science and Practice of Agriculture. — 

 Professor Balfour reported the premiums awarded for reports since the General 

 Meeting in June, and stated the premiums to be offered in 1869. 



The report was approved of. 



Premiums for Reports on Woods and Plantations. — Dr Balfour an- 

 nounced the premiums awarded for reports lodged in competition under this 

 department, as well as the subjects proposed for the current year. 



The report was approved. 



Transactions for February 1869. — Mr Irvine of Drum, reported that the 

 next No. of the Transactions, viz., No. 4 of the Fourth Series, would he pub- 

 lished in February, and mentioned the reports it would embrace. 



The report was approved of. 



On the motion of Mr Walker of Bowland, a vote of thanks was given to the 

 Chairman, which terminated the proceedings. 



