138 HOLLAND 



the precautionary measures taken by their 

 various leagues and their central federation, is 

 estimated at from 10 to 30 per cent., as com- 

 pared with the gains secured under the methods 

 previously in force. 



A further development of the co-operative 

 principle in Holland has been the formation of 

 Agricultural Unions, each having its group of 

 local societies. Of these Agricultural Unions 

 there are now eleven in various parts of the 

 country, the main object they have in view being 

 to form a common centre in their respective 

 districts for disseminating information, and 

 otherwise promoting the interests of agriculture. 

 In furtherance of this aim each local society will 

 hold a meeting every fortnight or so to discuss 

 farming topics. These meetings are not only a 

 source of mutual improvement in regard to 

 agriculture, but they promote a community of 

 interest which in various ways facilitates the 

 development of the combination principle. In 

 some instances the landlords themselves join the 

 societies, and give a ready assistance in carrying 

 on the organization. Another purpose fulfilled 

 by the local societies is the purchase of seeds, 

 manures, or agricultural implements for the 

 members ; and still another is the holding of 

 periodical agricultural exhibitions on either a 



