1890.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 287 



AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AND THEIR 

 MANAGEMENT. 



BY J. H. ROWLEY OF SOUTH EGREMONT. 



Agriculture, the first regular occupation of man, and the 

 parent of all other arts, has been encouraged in all ages of 

 civilization, by the adoption of various methods to promote 

 its interests and develop its resources. Leading minds in 

 all civilized countries have recomized it as the foundation of 

 property, order,* and the corner-stone of civil institutions. 

 " A spring that sets in motion the grand machine of business, 

 manufacturing and commercial ; nor can a sail be spread 

 without the assistance of the plough. Every other source 

 of independence or of plenty is perishing or casual ; this 

 the great art which every inquirer into nature ought to 

 improve." Poets have sung, — 



" Hail, Agriculture ! Heaven ordained, 



Of every art the source. 

 Which man has polished, life sustained, 



Since time commenced its course. 

 Where waves thy wonder-working wand. 



What splendid scenes disclose ; 

 The blasted heath, the ai'id strand, 



Outbloom the gorgeous rose." 



European governments have made its promotion and 

 development a governmental policy, and encouraged it by 

 loans, premiums, and the establishment of agricultural 

 schools and societies. Fully appreciating the advantages of 

 agriculture to the nation, Washington, in his annual message 

 to Congress, in December, 1796, said : — 



It will not be doubted, that, with reference either to individual 

 or national welfare, agriculture is of primary importance. In 

 proportion as nations advance in population and other circum- 

 stances of maturity, this truth becomes more and more au object 



