THE ORGANIZATION OF RURAL INTERESTS 513 



more important produce of the soil is concerned, is tending 

 to become more and more one market for the whole world. 



Therefore, considerable advantage might be derived from an 

 International Institute, which, with no political object, would 

 undertake to study the conditions of agriculture in the various 

 countries of the world, periodically publishing reports on the 

 amount and character of the crops, so as to facilitate produc- 

 tion, render commerce less expensive and more rapid, and estab- 

 lish more suitable prices. 



This Institute, coming to an understanding with the various 

 national offices already existing for the purpose, would also sup- 

 ply precise information on the conditions of agricultural labor 

 in various localities, so as to serve as a safe and useful guide 

 for emigrants; promote agreements for mutual defense against 

 diseases of plants and animals, where individual action is in- 

 sufficient ; and, finall3 T , would exercise an action favorable to the 

 development of rural cooperation, agricultural insurance and 

 credit. 



The benefits attained by means of such an Institute, a bond 

 of union between all farmers and consequently an important 

 influence for peace would certainly be manifold. Rome would 

 be a suitable place for its inauguration, at which the representa- 

 tives of the adhering States and the larger Associations con- 

 cerned might assemble, and harmonize the authority of Govern- 

 ments with the free energies of the farmers. 



I am convinced that the nobility of the aim will suffice to over- 

 come the difficulties of the enterprise. 



And in this faith I sign myself, 



Your affectionate cousin, 



VICTOR EMMANNUEL. 

 Rome, January 24th, 1905. 



In consequence of this letter the International Institute of 

 Agriculture was founded by act of the International Treaty of 

 June 7th, 1905. The treaty was ratified by forty governments, 

 and twelve others have since adhered to it, so that, at the 

 present time, almost the whole civilized world is included. 



The seat of the Institute is at Rome. According to the treaty 

 it is a " government institution in which each adhering power is 



