1891.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 275 



animals, whose careful and successful breeding must always 

 delight a lover of good live stock, although he may not use 

 the saddle for business or pleasure. The hunters there 

 shown were an exponent of the kind of horse that has made 

 a world-wide name for England in this class of animal ; and 

 whose pluck and spirit in its purity, or by judicious cross 

 breeding, has carried British troopers, many a time, to 

 victory. 



In 1779 the Bath and West of England Society, which is 

 now among their few societies ef prominent value in agricult- 

 ural progress, was founded. 



In 1780 the oldest horticultural society in Europe is said 

 to have been established. Probably it was the first in the 

 world, but I can only quote this statement. 



The ye&v 1784 saw the birth of the Horticultural Society 

 of London, whose methods and reputation are so high, and 

 whose financial standing so liberal and strong, that the 

 whole world must feel indebted to its founders for the 

 horticultural advancement that it has spread abroad. 



Also in 1784 was established the Highland and Agricult- 

 ural Society of Scotland, the nucleus for which was the 

 Highland Society, established the previous year. This 

 society received from the government upon i<"s organization 

 ten thousand pounds (fifty thousand dollars). The publica- 

 tion of its well-known " Transactions" commenced in 1799. 

 Its membership now exceeds five thousand persons. The 

 broad and practical views and objects of its founders are 

 well expressed in words as follows : — 



First. — Agricultural meetings, with a general show of 

 stock, implements, farm and dairy produce, to be held in 

 the principal towns of Scotland. 



Second. — Encouraging a system of district shows, for 

 the improvements of breeds of stock most suitable for the 

 different parts of the country. 



Third. — The encouragement and promotion of a proper 

 system of agriculture and forestry education. 



Fourth. — For the advancement of the veterinary art, by 

 conferring the society's certificate upon students qualified to 

 practice. 



