G42 SOCIETIES. [Feb. 



Mr. Watt, in proposing the toast of the " Agricultural Interests of 

 the Country," remarked on the universal and paramount importance 

 of agriculture as an industry, pointing out that the prosperity of 

 every other industry, hut especially that of the seed and nursery 

 trade, was intimately dependent on its being maintained in a 

 flourishing condition. He thought the legislation of the country 

 was against the interests of agriculture, sacrificing the well- 

 being of the producer to that of the consumer, and considered 

 that if the position of agriculture l3e neglected it would be 

 a serious matter for the country in the event of a maritime war 

 occurring, which would lead to our foreign food supplies being 

 jeopardized or cut off entirely. Alluding to the presence of Mr. 

 M'Culloch, the Parliamentary member for St. Kollox Division of 

 Glasgow, at the bancpiet, who was to reply to the toast, he con- 

 gratulated the Association on the fact that one so eminently 

 qualified to speak on Scottisli agriculture had been returned to St. 

 Stephen's from Scotland, and he hoped his voice would be heard in 

 its interests. He advised our legislators to turn their attention to 

 the utilizing of the waste lands of the country, and said if they saw 

 their way to creating a new class of proprietors, in that way there 

 would accrue considerable national advantage. He had lately been 

 in correspondence with Lord Iddesleigh on that subject, who had 

 promised to give it his consideration by the Commission. 



In replying, Mr. M'Culloch, M.P., said : Agriculture is passing — 

 and has not yet passed — through a crisis which will render many a 

 home unhappy, many a one desolate. Alluding to the causes of the 

 present agricultural depression, he believed that the currency had 

 little to do with the fall in prices, notwithstanding some high 

 financial and economic authorities held opposite views. He held 

 rather that the opening up of the new and fertile fields of the 

 New World and the triumphs of engineering reducing the cost of 

 hauling, in every way, the cheaper production and distribution by 

 sound economy, all tend to lower prices. Eeduction of rent and 

 taxes he thought the most imperative remedy in present circum- 

 stances. Fixity of tenure he thought unsound, being only an entail 

 of tenants, and that if rents were reduced by one-half, then it might 

 be possible that those engaged in agriculture might yet find it the 

 happiest as well as the oldest industry. 



Other toasts of local and general interest followed, concluding 

 with the health of the Secretary of the Association, which was 

 given by Mr. Watt, who was complimented by Mr. Hunter in reply 

 for having drawn out Mr. M'Culloch on a subject of such vital 

 interest to the Association and the public at large. 



