108 



in some cases from a wish to mislead, according as the party 

 may he a buyer or seller, and only goes the further to prove 

 the necessity of published and authorised statements, upon 

 which all can rely. Indeed I do not see bow a private indi- 

 vidual who has, at much cost of time, trouble, and expense, 

 gained information for his own private use, can be expected 

 readily to communicate it to the rest of the commercial 

 community, unless it happens to suit the purpose he has in 

 view at the time. 



Tn considering this question, I may, perhaps, be 

 expected to give some idea of the kind of statistics 

 required, and the best mode of procuring them. The 

 full developement of this part of my subject, requires a 

 greater knowledge of agriculture than I possess ; I shall 

 therefore confine my remarks to a few general principles, 

 in hopes that some gentleman connected with the Society, 

 more capable of doing it than myself, may hereafter make 

 up my deficiencies.* 



* Mr. Thomas Baines, whose practical knowledge of agriculture is well 

 Known, has, since this paper was read, kindly favoured me with a few sug- 

 gestions as to the mode in which agricultural statistics ought to be, and might 

 be, collected. 



Mr. B. suggests, 



1st. That the more they are simplified the better. 



•Jnd. That at the end of June, or the beginning of July, in each year, the 

 number of acres sown in each crop should be taken ; as every crop 

 will then be in the ground, and the farmer will have decided by that 

 time what grass he will cut, and what he will graze. 

 3rd. That in the month of December, the average yield ought to be taken ; 

 as by that time, enough of everything will be thrashed out to give 

 a fair average ; and the information would be in time to be of great 

 use as regards the general operations of the succeeding year. 

 4th. That in the event of there being a failure of, or a short yield or 

 growth of any crop, the amount of the deficiency should be shown, 

 and the causes should, as far as is possible, be assigned. 

 5th. That at stated periods, the manuring and drainage in the various 



districts should be shown. 

 6th. That every third year, or more frequently if practicable, a census of 

 live stock should be taken, which should include all horses, cows, 

 sheep, goats, asses, or mules, and pigs. 

 And finally- That all the information be procured from the farmers in such 

 a way as not to expose their private affairs or arrangements in any 



