AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS IN BELGIUM. 11 



improved varieties, the selection of the best methods of culture, and 

 the experience gained will increase the annual production at least 15 

 per cent over that obtained when ordinary unimproved varieties were 

 cultivated by the usual methods. This will bring the total profit up to 

 900,000 francs ($180,000.). It is generally conceded that in Belgium the 

 total annual value of the agricultural products approximates a billion 

 francs ($200,000,000), and that this value can be increased about one- 

 fifth. Nearly all the local societies are situated in larger districts than 

 that of Herzele. If each of the 200 local societies did as much work 

 as this one, 1 it would be an easy matter to insure the increased returns 

 mentioned above. 



This society has a section devoted to seeds which furnishes the mem- 

 bers with improved varieties. This is a very important innovation, and 

 would prove beneficial to Belgian agriculture at large if it were more 

 extensively followed. Until recently improved grain was imported 

 from other countries at a very high price. Such seeds were not, how- 

 ever, acclimated. Since Belgium is a country of small farming and 

 hand labor it is unusually well fitted for raising improved varieties of 

 seed for export instead of importing from other countries. 



The by-laws governing the society provide that the section for the 

 improvement and sale of seeds shall meet at least twice a year, namely, 

 in January and in August. The purpose of these meetings is to con- 

 sider the best plans for obtaining seeds and to audit the accounts. 

 The section is under the direction of an agricultural engineer, who 

 looks after the interests of the society. Each member is expected to 

 try to improve at least one variety, working under instructions of the 

 agricultural engineer and the director of the society. 



In order to obtain seeds of the best quality, the following factors are 

 taken into account: Method of fertilizing, preparation of soil, use of 

 improved seeds, careful cultivation, proper maturity of seed, careful 

 harvesting, etc. If any seeds are raised without following the pre- 

 scribed regulations, they can not be sold as improved varieties. Any 

 attempt to defraud is punished by expulsion from the society. If the 

 seed raised by a member is accepted, he receives from the society the 

 local market price and 1 per cent in addition for each of the points 

 scored. 



The secretary of the section attends to all the correspondence and 

 keeps the accounts. The director and secretary receive 1 per cent of 

 the net profits. A portion of the profits is kept as a reserve fund. 

 The director has the power to suspend or expel members for violation 

 of the rules. 



Scientific methods are followed in the work. The members are well- 

 trained, practical agriculturists, and by dividing the work it is possible 

 to accomplish a great deal, though each member is responsible for only 



1 Cultures speciales, experiences de Borsbeke-lez-Alost, 1890-91, P. de Vuyst (E. S. 

 R., 5, p. 232; 6, p. 890, 7, pp. 24, 579). Experiences snr les phosphates, 1894 et 1895, 

 P. de Vuyst, Brussels (E. S. R. ; 8, p. 388). 



