( '^ ) 



GENEKAL NOTICE. 



The Hicjin.Axi) Socikty was institntfil in tlic year 1784, ami inrorporatedby Koyal 

 Chartor in 17S7. Its o|i(>ration was at !irst limited to matters (•oniiectcd with the 

 iniprovomcnt of tlie Jlighlands of Scotland ; but the supervision of certain depni-t- 

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

 special Hoards of Management, several of the earlier objects contenqilated liy the 

 Society were abandoned, while the jirogress of agriculture led to the adoption ef 

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

 extended to the wliolo 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 witli this more enlarged sphere of action, the original title of the 

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

 Agricultukal Sdciety 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 Reports on almo.st every 

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

 stock ; the management of tlie dairy ; the improvement of agricultural machinerj' 

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

 tion ; th(^ api)lication of chemical science ; and the dissemination of veterinary 

 information. 



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

 are — 



1. Agricultural ]\Ieetings and General Shows of Stock, Implements, &c., held 

 in the })rinci])al 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 ditferent parts of the country, and of aiding and direct- 

 ing the efforts of Local Agricultural Associations. 



3. The encouragement of Agricultural Education, under powers confen-ed by a 

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

 of the HiGiiLANi) AND AGiucrLTUKAL SOCIETY ON EDUCATION" to grant Diplomas 

 to Students of Agriculture ; and l)y the establishment of liiirsaries. 



4. The establishment of Agricultural Stations for the purpose of promoting the 

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

 intend all experiments conductetl at these Stations, and prepare a Report of the 

 same to be published in the Transactions. 



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

 who have passed through a prescribed curriculum, and who are found, by public 

 examination, ([ualitied to practise. 



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

 Second Class Certificates in j orestry. 



7. The annual jjublication of the 'I'ransactions, which comprehend the Prize- 

 Reports, ami reports of experiments, also an .abstract of the business at Board and 

 General ]\Ieetings, and other communications. 



S. The management of a fund left by John, 5th Duke of Argj-U (the original 

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

 ilajesty's Xavy. 



