Report to the General Meetincj. vii 



The Council, in conclusion, have again the satisfaction of con- 

 gratulating the members on the gradual fulfilment of the objects 

 for which the Society was originally established. If practice is 

 slow in its development, the application of science for its im- 

 provement requires the greatest caution. In reviewing tlie active 

 exertions of the Society from its commencement, it could hardly 

 have been expected that so much real advantage, both directly 

 and indirectly, could have been obtained in so brief a period. 

 By means of scientific aid a clue is gradually being gained to the 

 operations of the natural influences on the soil, and to the pro- 

 cesses by which vegetable life is modified and maintained. The 

 ordinary operations of farmina: will no doubt eventually derive 

 full benefit from the discoveries of science, and become more 

 economical in their accomplishment, and more certain in their 

 results. 



By order of the Council, 



JAMES HUDSON, 



Secretary. 



