AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS IN BELGIUM. 17 



improve existing methods of culture, and to devise new methods. The 

 commeicial side of the enterprise was, however, soon developed. 



The expositions which began in 181(5 were the chief means of dis- 

 seminating information concerning plants discovered by explorers. 



The publications 1 of the societies are numerous, and most of them are 

 encouraged by the Government. 



PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 



The private associations are of two classes, (1) those chiefly designed 

 to improve the agricultural population materially and morally, and (2) 

 those limited to some special purpose — for instance, the purchase of fer- 

 tilizers, the establishment of cooperative dairies, the formation of api- 

 cultural societies, etc. They are chiefly local commercial enterprises. 



The societies of the first class are of comparatively recent date. A 

 variety of causes led to their formation, among others the farmers' 

 need for assistance in the agricultural crisis, the inadequacy of the 

 local agricultural societies, as ordinarily conducted, to oppose the spread 

 of socialism, and the desire to protect the farming interests by lower- 

 ing the ground rents, etc. The founders of these societies were acta 

 ated by religions, political, and economic motives. Such a society 

 exists in almost every province. Detailed statements concerning some 

 of them follow. 



The province of West Flanders has a league of landed proprietors 

 and farmers, established in 1885. Its members number 2, <><><». The 

 chief benefits are free analyses, the economical purchase of fertilizers 

 and seeds, a weekly journal.-' insurance at reduced rates, and free legal 

 consultation. 



The Agricultural League (Ligue agricole) in East Flanders was estab- 

 lished in 1S91 to unite the local societies already in existence, to aid 

 agricultural progress by the formation of cooperative societies indiffer- 

 ent parts of the province, to represent the interests of the members 

 before the public authorities, and to furnish the members with advice 

 and information. This league is well governed by a central governing 

 body, assisted by delegates from all the affiliated societies. It has well- 

 equipped quarters at Ghent, in which meetings, discussions, and exhi- 

 bitions are held. Lecturers are also sent free to societies of farmers 

 requesting them. The members receive a weekly journal 3 and an 

 annual agricultural almanac containing much useful information. The 



'Illustration liorticole, Brussels. Lindemia, Icoaographie des orchidees, Brussels. 

 Revue de 1'horticulture beige et etrangere, Ghent. Bulletin de la Soci^te" royale de 

 botauique, Brussels. Bulletins d'arboricnlture de floriculture, et de culture potagere, 

 Ghent. Tydschiift over boointeelkundr, ldoementeelt en moeshovenierderij, Ghent. 

 (Flemish ed. of the preceding.) Journal des orchidees. Brussels. Moniteur liorti- 

 cole beige, Brussels. 



2 Dc West Flaamasche Landbouwer. 



3 De Landbouw, Gbeut. 



