PROPOSED TRIENNIAL SHOWS. 303 



gained ; and a wholesome spirit of emulation has been aroused. Above all, 

 numerous local associations, some of them possessing great influence and re- 

 sources, have gradually spread over the country, and adopting the practice and 

 following in the footsteps of the parent Society, have within their respective 

 districts beneficially seconded the more general efforts for the improvement of 

 the stock of the country. 



The Society had, therefore, arrived at an epoch in its 

 career, and the directors stated that they were of opinion 

 that the objects the Society had in view would be suffi- 

 ciently secured by the triennial shows. They pointed out 

 that, contrary to general opinion, these shows, instead of 

 being a source of revenue, were actually a cause of loss, 

 having up to that time absorbed above ^^^5000 of the 

 Society's funds. The report concluded by recommending 

 that, after the meeting at Edinburgh was held in 1848, the 

 shows should be only held triennially. The general meet- 

 ing, which was held on the 19th of July, unanimously 

 adopted the report. 



This resolution was, however, not carried into effect. 

 When it become known, considerable dissatisfaction was 

 created in the minds of the agricultural community, and a 

 representation, signed by eighty-three farmers against it, and 

 praying that the annual show should be resumed, was laid 

 before the directors. A report on the subject was again 

 submitted at a meeting of the Society in January 1849, 

 when, on the motion of Mr Home, convener of the com- 

 mittee \vho made a report to the directors, it was resolved 

 that the directors should be authorised to arrange, if 

 possible, for a show at Glasgow in 1850. It may be con- 

 venient to mention here that a system, not of triennial, but 

 of biennial shows, was continued in 1852, 1854, and 1856, 

 since which date they have been held annually except in 

 the year 1866, when no show took place owing to the pre- 

 valence of rinderpest. 



