GENERAL NOTICE. 



The Highland Society was instituted in the year 1784, and established 

 by Eoyal Charter in 1787. Its operation was at first limited to 

 matters connected with the improvement of the Highlands of Scot- 

 land ; but the supervision of certain departments, 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 Eoyal Charter, in 1834, to The 

 Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. 



The leading purposes of the Institution are set forth in the follow- 

 ing pages, where it will be found that Premiums are awarded 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 machinery and implements ; 

 the growth of timber ; the extension of cottage accommodation ; 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, 

 &c, 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 purposes of im- 

 proving the breeds of Stock most suitable for different parts of the 

 country, and of aiding and directing the efforts of Local Agricultural 

 Associations. 



3. The promotion of Agricultural Education, under powers con- 

 ferred by a supplementary Eoyal Charter granted in 1856, and 

 authorising " The Council of the Highland and Agricultural 

 Society on Education" to grant Diplomas to Students of Agriculture 

 (see p. 60.) 



4. The advancement of the Veterinary Art, by conferring Diplomas 

 on Students who have passed through a prescribed curriculum, and 

 who are found, by public examination, qualified to practise. 



5. The appointment of a Chemist for the purpose of promoting the 

 application of science to agriculture. Investigations on subjects of 

 importance are conducted in the Laboratory, and published in the 

 Transactions. Members can obtain analyses, reports, and advice, on 

 terms below those charged to others (see p. 62.) 



6. The periodical publication of the Transactions, which compre- 

 hend the proceedings in the Laboratory, reports of experiments, and 

 other communications invited and approved by the Society. 



