544 Report on the Exhibition of Live-Stock at Derby. 
reasonable limits, and to bona, fide agricultural requirements,, 
attracted a large concourse of persons, a goodly proportion of 
whom evidently came to see, and not merely to be seen. More 
than an average number of the visitors appeared to be agri- 
culturists, or connected with that peaceful art in some way, and 
clearly meant business ; either to buy, or to learn where to buy, 
the best stock, machines, and implements, and to inform them- 
selves generally to the utmost. From some notice of the 
movements of the visitors, and from conversations and hearsay 
evidence, it is concluded that the Show was of more than 
ordinary advantage to them, and, moreover, of much educa- 
tional value. After an experience of a dozen Royal Shows in 
the North, South, East, and West of the country, the impression 
has been left on my mind by that of Derby that it was one of 
the most instructive that has ever been held, also that there was 
an unusual keenness on the part of those who came to it to be 
instructed, and a realisation of the fact that altered and altering 
conditions of agriculture require new methods, improved sys- 
tems, and the adoption of any subject and mode of cultivation 
that will put money in the purse. In the history of the Society — 
an eventful record of agricultural progress — there never was a 
period when its Council and its members, from the highest to 
the humblest, were more exercising their minds to discover how 
to bring renewed prosperity to agriculture. Among all the 
Shows there never has been one at which more grave and 
earnest discussions have been held, or more anxious thought 
given to schemes and projects calculated to make land-culture 
again profitable. Among these the extension of the growth of 
seeds was suggested, particularly of turnip, grass, clover, mangel- 
wurzel seed, and peas for market-gardening, not only lor home 
use, but also lor foreign use, as it appeared that great quantities 
of seeds are sent to America and other countries. One grower 
stated that he had recently had a large order from America lor a 
new kind of pea. Also the cultivation of vegetables was advo- 
cated, as well as that of fruit, which might be much extended, 
as there is a growing demand for fruit in England for various 
purposes : the possibility of exporting fruit to France and other 
parts of the Continent also was considered, seeing that English 
fruit is better than foreign fruit, and comes to maturity at a time 
when the Continental fruit-season is over. We do a great 
export trade with all foreign countries in stock and implements. 
There is no earthly reason why we should not enormously extend 
the export trade in seeds and selected grain for sowing, and in 
fruits, which we can grow well if we try. Foreigners, and 
above all Americans, like the best of everything, and England 
has a reputation for producing most things well. 
