SIXTH SHOW AT DUMFRIES, 1878. 411 



future of agriculture might be ; but he looked forward with 

 great confidence to the energy and skill of the Scottish 

 farmer for keeping his head above water, come what may. 

 Mr Sproat, Borness, whose name was coupled with the 

 toast, in reply, said the tenant farmers had to thank the 

 landlords very much for co-operating with them in their 

 enterprises ; and one of the principal ways in which they 

 were assisted was by the granting of long leases. With the 

 continued co-operation of the landlords, the farmers still 

 hoped to be able to meet the increased competition of 

 America and other countries. Mr Mark Stewart, M.P., 

 gave the Deputation of Directors of the Society, to which 

 Mr Gillon of Wallhouse replied. Before sitting down, 

 Mr Gillon proposed the health of the Local Committee of 

 Superintendence, which was acknowledged by Mr ]\Iaxwell 

 of Munches. The noble Chairman, in proposing the health 

 of the Secretary, hoped the testimonial Mr Menzies received 

 on a recent occasion was sufficient to acquaint him that the 

 Society thoroughly appreciated his eminent services. Mr 

 Menzies, in reply, said he had recently received a very sub- 

 stantial mark of the Society's favour ; and to know that, on 

 this occasion, his services had given satisfaction was to him 

 a very great gratification. 



