24 



All this cannot be done at once, that is certain, but it can be begun, 

 and that without delay. Without much outlay, we have here a good 

 opportunity of being useful, both to the parish and to the indi- 

 vidual. (1) 



Farmers' Syndicates. 



Before concluding, one word on the agricultural syndicates for 

 farmers. They are likely to be a great assistance to us. Upright and 

 devoted brokers, or middlemen, experts in the goods that are to be 

 bought or sold, they will save both the cost of journeys and the 

 search or inquiries necessary to find out the thing required. The one 

 at Quebec has for its president, both honorary and active, His Lord- 

 ship Monseigneur Begin, who thus gives a fresh proof of his devotion 

 to the cause. The Montreal syndicate is presided over by the Hon. 

 J. J. Ross, president of the Senate, and Legislative Councillor. 



Both are composed of men well known to the public, as well by 

 their acquaintance with their special subjects as by their position in 

 society. 



Our farmers may trust these bodies, and confide to them all their 

 transactions both in sales and purchases. Quite unnecessary to sacri- 

 fice one's time or money in getting the grain, seeds, implements, 

 fertilisers, breeding stock that one wants, or in selling butter, cheese, 

 hay, etc. All this can be done, at very little expense, through the 

 post, those to whom the orders are entrusted being worthy of confi- 

 dence. 



This idea of syndicates came to us from France, where the system 

 has done wonders. They are associations of good citizens content 

 with a trifling remuneration, or with none at all, who place them- 

 selves devotedly at the service of farmers and of farmers' clubs. It is 

 easy to see cf how much use they may become. The person who 

 knows nothing at all about the article he orders, may order it all the 

 same, and trust the buyers to do him justice. The article he receives 

 will be all right. Through these syndicates, purchases will very often 



(1) While this is at press, I am very happy to find that the Colonisation Society just 

 formed at Montreal is especially engaged in filling up these vacancies in our parishes. I 

 heartily wish it success. The young settlers who shall leave their parishes thus rendered 

 prosp3rou8 and populous, will arrive at the new settlement amply provided with every- 

 thing necessary to immediate success. 



