The French Peasant- Farmers Seed Fund. 351 
ficial, and lasting result will accrue to tte agriculture of France 
from the distribution of a large variety of new seeds in the 
country. The value attached to the British varieties is indi- 
cated by the fact that the larger proprietors are already seeking 
to obtain, for future seed-times, their stock from the peasants 
who have been supplied by this Society ; this advantage is recog- 
nised by the various agricultural societies of France." (P. 36.) 
The result of the autumn distribution has turned out even 
more satisfactorily, for both the political and the meteorological 
conditions of the season have combined to give the seed sent 
by the foreigner a better opportunity of finding a home in the 
soil of France. 
From a purely agricultural point of view, the remarkable 
superiority of the crops grown from English seed, — testified not 
only by other observers than myself, but endorsed by the anxiety 
of French farmers to secure the crop for seed purposes, — must 
be highly gratifying to every one who has taken an interest in the 
Seed Fund either as a contributor or an administrator. The 
distinctive feature of the Seed Fund was its reproductive cha- 
racter. It helped those who would help themselves, not only to 
the amount actually given, but with the addition of a large 
usury. It was essentially a work of peace, and though necessarily 
coming after the horrors of war, it had a wonderful influence 
in promoting goodwill amongst men. Nearly every civilized 
nation followed the example set by England, and the peasantry 
of France have thus experienced the sympathy of the United 
States, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Italy, 
Switzerland and Austria. Ancient fr'ends and ancient foes 
alike joined in responding to the call of humanity. 
During the distribution of wheat last autumn in the northern 
departments of France, M. Drouyn de Lhuys, the President of 
the 'Societe des Agriculteurs de France,' and one of the Honorary 
Members of this Society, placed at the disposal of the Seed Fund 
the offices and staff of his influential Society. He observed and 
studied our work; he was our guide, philosopher, and friend; and 
I therefore feel that I cannot conclude this Report better than by 
quoting from his speech, made at a general meeting of the 
'Societe des Agriculteurs' about three months afterwards. He 
thus summarizes the history of the English seed funds : — 
"First of all I shall cite England : her vicinity, her numerous 
connections with us, her liberal and intelligent practice of orga- 
nized relief, all mark her place in the front rank. Two great 
societies formed in London undertook the direction of this move- 
ment [the collection of subscriptions for Seed Funds] which 
immediately developed itself in the three kingdoms. Numerous 
meetings resounded with the warmest expressions, and these 
