264 



French Agriculture and State Establishments. 



and speculated upon as to all their consequences^ agricultural, 

 social^ and political. There is no doubt that in several articles of 

 produce^ and especially in that of wine^ the increase has been 

 considerable under the new order of things. But again^ no culture 

 makes so small a return in manure as wine^, and it does not appear 

 that^ with increased quantity^ there has been an improvement in 

 quality^ and in no product is quality so important as in that of 

 wine."^ Mons. Chaptal^ in his able work on the " Application of 

 Chemistry to Agriculture/' enters at length on the subject of 

 large and small properties ; and in deciding in favour of the sub- 

 division of lands^ after enumerating many of its favourable features, 

 thus escapes from the difficulties of the question : — 



After all," he says, we do not see the principle of subdi- 

 vision prevail in those districts peculiarly suited to the larger cul- 

 ture, the vast domains of La Bauce, of La Brie, of Soissormais, 

 of Haut Languedoc, remain without division, and are still the 

 gi^anaries of France. The rich pastures of Normandy, of Poitou, 

 of Anjou, feed the same number of cattle, our large forests con- 

 tinue in their integrity, the population and the means of subsist- 

 ence are both considerably increased, our markets are abundantly 

 supplied. Ease is on every side extended over our fields, industry 

 makes rapid progress, the public imposts are readily and regularly 

 paid. Let us take care how we disturb, by laws affecting pro- 

 perty, this general harmony, and this public well-being, which 

 assure the happiness and prosperity of our country." f 



This inquiry in all its branches is full of interest, but to pursue 

 it would lead us into too wide a field, and into the discussion of 

 topics in some respects beside the purposes of this publication. 

 We must confine ourselves on the present occasion to the agri- 

 cultural considerations alone. 



In this state of divided means throughout the country the go- 

 vernment steps in, and, partly by establishments maintained en- 

 tirely at its own cost, partly by aiding local institutions with its 

 patronage and funds, leads the way in the path of improvement. 



The establishments maintained entirely by the government are — 



1. Sheep Farms 3. Veterinary Schools 



2. Model Farms 4. Haras or Studs. 



The institutions aided by government funds and patronage are — 



1. PubHc Lectures 3. Local Associations 



2. Agricultural Societies 4. Departmental Model Farms. 



la.* The quality can rarely be improved by manure. Not many years 

 since a celebrated growth of Burgundy was greatly injured by a profuse 

 application of dung to the land. The vintage was abundant, but the wine 

 fell so materially in price, as to occasion a heavy loss to the proprietors, 

 until the soil recovered its natural state. — F. Burke. 



t May not all this be attributed in some degree to the prevalent system 

 of spade-culture ?--F. Burke. 



