388 EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE. 



3. INSPECTORS OF AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS. The next 

 provision made by the government is the division of the king 

 dom into four agricultural districts, to each of which an intelligent 

 and experienced agriculturist is appointed, as inspector or com 

 missioner, whose duty it is to go through his district annually at 

 least, observe carefully its condition, and report it to the govern 

 ment ; and at the same time, in his journeyings, communicate 

 every where advice and information, as he may see that they are 

 needed. This is certainly an admirable mode of dispensing 

 knowledge and exciting emulation.* 



4. IMPORTATION OF IMPROVED STOCK. The government 

 likewise have imported from other countries some of the most 

 valuable animals, such as bulls and stud-horses ; and stationed 

 them in different parts of the country, that the farmers may avail 

 themselves of the advantages which they offer for the improve 

 ment of their stock. On account of the large demands made by 

 government for horses for the cavalry, this becomes a matter of 

 great importance. Whether the keeping of bulls would not be 

 better left to private enterprise, is a question much debated. 

 That which belongs to the public is seldom cared for like that 

 which belongs to an individual ; but the government have met 

 this objection by disposing of their improved animals occasionally 

 nt public sales. 



5. AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCHOOLS. France has 

 likewise several agricultural schools, established in different parts 

 of the kingdom, of which I shall presently give an account, 

 designed to furnish a complete scientific and practical education 

 in agriculture. In addition to this, they have veterinary schools, 

 where comparative anatomy is thoroughly studied, and the dis 

 eases of all the domestic animals most carefully treated. These 

 likewise may be supposed to grow in a great measure out of 

 their army, where the medical treatment of their horses is obvi 

 ously of great importance. 



* At one time, several persons were employed by the government to visit 

 foreign countries for the purpose of seeing their improvements, gathering agri 

 cultural information, and bringing home such plants and seeds as were likely to 

 be useful to the country. It is proposed by the provisional government to revive 

 this excellent plan. March, 1848. 



