AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS IN BELGIUM. 15 



ment has instituted within each local society yearly courses in agricul 

 tine composed of fifteen lessons. In 1894 the local Society of Herzele 

 organized a course in rural economy 1 for the younger members of the 

 community. In all this work verbal instruction is supplemented by 

 printed matter. Attractive placards are found exceedingly useful. 

 The members receive each year a number of agricultural tracts, and a 

 very complete agricultural library in charge of the secretary of the 

 society is at their disposal. In 1895 a course of home instruction was 

 arranged for the members of the society. The secretary sent the 

 farmers lessons in pamphlet form requesting answers from them. In 

 this work 1,190 pamphlets were sent out, and GOO answers were received. 

 In addition to this the society organized among its members a reading 

 course in practical agriculture. 



The agricultural museum of the society contains a well arranged col- 

 lection, including specimens of fertilizers, feeding stuffs, and seeds, as 

 well as diagrams showing the progress of affiliated societies. There is 

 also a small laboratory. Making use of this equipment the society has 

 classes for more technical instruction in agricultural science, different 

 branches being studied by different groups of persons. The members 

 of the classes receive journals and other books, and are encouraged in 

 their ordinary work. Special annual premiums are awarded to those 

 who, having completed their course, make the most useful suggestions 

 for the improvement of the society. 



Arbitration. — Difficulties are apt to arise between tenants and farm- 

 ers. Eecognizing this fact the Society of Herzele has organized a 

 council of arbitration. The council endeavors in a friendly way to 

 adjust difficulties which arise. It is composed of 2 landed proprietors, 

 2 tenants, an agricultural engineer, and 2 other persons. The first 

 are elected by the landed proprietors of the society. They must be 

 possessed of at least hectares of land, three-fourths of which is 

 rented and the remainder cultivated by themselves. The tenant mem- 

 bers of the council are elected by the members of the local society and 

 such other citizens as rent at least three-fourths of the land which they 

 cultivate. Both the proprietors and the tenant members choose a sup- 

 plementary member. The agricultural engineer, who must be neither 

 a proprietor nor a tenant, is appointed by the board of directors of the 

 local society. This arbitration council elects its own president and 

 secretary. The members serve for a term of three years and may be 

 reelected. Meetings are held in April, June, and December. If neces- 

 sary, special meetings may be called. In order to appeal to the council 

 members of the society must first make a request to the secretary. 

 The difficulties to be settled must relate to agricultural matters. The 

 council examines into the points in dispute, and if there is sufficient 

 ground hears the case from the interested parties separately or together. 

 If it is deemed necessary, the council may request one of its members to 



*M. Versnick, Groudbogiusultju welko de paclitures iiict misseu kau, Brussels, 1890. 



