50 REPORT OF THE SCOTTISH COMMISSION 



was passing from the farm to the factory. Tlie thne was therefore 

 opportune for assisting the farmer to make the necessary change. 

 The method was simple. Capital to the extent of £1500 or so 

 was wanted. Every farmer who became a member of a creamery 

 took usually a £1 share for every cow he had, whose milk of 

 course was sent to tlie creamery. The shares were paid in four 

 instalments. The first two were usually in cash and the last two 

 in milk. From the very first the creameries succeeded, because 

 they were able to pay more to the farmer for his milk than he 

 would have got otherwise. There is nothing makes co-operation 

 succeed like that. The following table shows the progress that 

 has been made since the movement began : — 



2. Agricultural Societies 



These societies are composed of farmers. Each society is 

 usually confined to a parish or a district. The limitation is made 

 so that the character and reputation of every member, which is all 

 important, may be known to every other member, and particularly 

 to the Committee of Management. The shares are £1 shares ; 

 2s. 6d. per £ is usually paid on each share, and, as a rule, there 

 are no further calls. The object of the society is to do for the 

 farmers M'hat it is impossible that each farmer could do for 

 himself. It receives orders from the individual members for seed, 

 manures, feeding stuffs, agricultural implements. It purchases 

 in bulk and, therefore, at a less figure than the farmer could 

 purchase. The goods are received by the society and distributed 

 among the members, each being charged 5 per cent, to cover working 

 expenses, etc. It acquires thoroughbred sires for the purpose of 

 improving the breed of farm stock. It purchases and hires out 

 costly machinery. It borrows money on favourable terms. It 

 disposes of the members' produce, and consigning produce in bulk, 



