22 PEOCEEDI^sGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS. 



number of chilclrc-n got the smattering of education wliicli accorded with a certain code, 

 the higlier branches were tlirown on one side. He saw no reason whatever wliy in tlie 

 parochial schools, as formerly, the higher branches of education should not be taught. 

 The first elements of botany, he might say, would be a very essential thing for children 

 to learn in an agricultural country, so that they might know the diiference between the 

 useful plant and the noxious weed. He believed that some of the unfortunate accidents 

 to children had occurred from ignorance of that subject. He thought there Avasa good 

 deal in what had been said. Whether they should as a Society move in the matter was 

 a question to be considered ; but it was a subject Avhich a Society consisting of between 

 4000 and 5000 members should not entirely ignore. Whatever they found it their duty 

 to do he hoped they would not hesitate to express the opinion of so large and influen- 

 tial a body of educated men npon a subject not only to interesting but of such vital 

 importance to the Avelfare of the country. 



Professor Balfour said that the Society was at present doing good work in the way 

 of education by encouraging young men to come forward and get prizes. Perhaps they 

 might do more good that way than by petitioning. 



The Noble Chairman said that from what had been slated he thought it might be 

 ■within the power of the Directors to apjoroach the Government on the subject. He 

 would suggest, therefore, that the meeting approve of the question being referred to 

 the Directors with powers to take such steps as they might deem expedient. 



Mr Charles Duncan, Rothesay, expressed his approval of what had been suggested- 

 by the Chairman. 



The proposal was then agreed to. 



Veterinary Department. — Captain Tod of Howden said — It will be in the recol- 

 lection of those "who attended the general meeting in June last, that on that occasion 

 I reported tliat a deputation from the Society had waited, on the 24th of May, on the 

 Lord President, at the Privy Council Office, for the purpose of supporting a petition 

 for a charter to the Society empowering it to grant veterinary diplomas. I regret 

 that I have now to intimate that the prayer of the Society's petition has been refused. 

 The letter from the Privy Council Office is in the following terms : — 



'' Privy Council Office, 12th December 1876. 



" jMy Lord, — I am directed by the Lord President of the Council to inform you that 

 the Lords of the Council have given their careful consideration to the petition of the 

 Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, praying for the grant of supplemental 

 charter ; and I am instructed to state that their Lordships have felt it their duty to 

 advise her Majesty -not to comply with the prayer of the petitioners. — I have the 

 honour to be, my Lord, yonr Lordship's obedient servant, 



(Signed) " C. L. Peel. 

 •• " The Earl of Strathmore, Vice-President, ' 



Highland and Agricultm-al Society of Scotland. " 



This communication was before the Directors on Wednesdaj- last, when it was re- 

 mitted for the consideration of the Society's Veterinary Committee. It is not for me 

 to say what further steps the Committee may recommend, or the Directors adopt ; but 

 I may venture to state that I consider the Society is in a manner bound, in the mean- 

 time, to continue the examinations. 



The Duke of Buccleuch asked if there had been any reasons given for that decision? 



Captain ToD — No. 



The Duke of Buccleuch said it was perhaps nothing more than jealousy on the part 

 of the Veterinary College in London that anything better than itself should be tolerated. 



Agricultural Reports. — Mr Irvine of Drum (in the absence of Mr Walker of 

 Bowland, Convener) reported the premiums awarded for agricultural reports, and 

 those oflered for competition in 1877, which were approved of. 



Forestry Department. — Professor Balfour reported the awards in the Forestry 

 Department, as well as those offered for competition in 1877, which were approved of. 



The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the President, which was pro- 

 posed by Mr Hunter of Thurston. 



