Report on Agricultural Exhibition at Hamburg. 
217 
or in part, the same invitation that France gave in 1855 and 
1856. Last year our agriculturists were invited to take part 
in three International Meetings — at Lille,* in France; at 
Odensee (Funen), Denmark ; and at Hamburg. At the two 
first named, our contributions were limited to implements and 
machinery ; but the Exhibition at Hamburg was upon such a 
large scale — so exceptional in its locality and in its character, and 
so satisfactory in its results — that the following sketch of its history, 
arrangements, and general details may not only be interesting, 
but also of advantage, if taken merely as a standard of comparison 
for future as well as past agricultural exhibitions, whether at 
home or abroad. 
The territory of the Free State of Hamburg is very limited, 
and its direct interest in the promotion of agricultural industry 
reduced to the smallest proportions. Neither could the agricul- 
tural status of the neighbouring countries of Holstein, Mecklen- 
burg, and Hanover be looked upon as of sufficient importance 
to have originated the great scheme undertaken by the citizens of 
Hamburg for its honour and advancement. 
There is no doubt that, although not directly for her own wants, 
still indirectly for her own benefit, Hamburg is deeply interested 
in the development of the agricultural resources of Northern Ger- 
many. The Elbe is the great outlet for the surplus produce of her 
soil, and at the same time the entrance-gate for the admission of 
machinery for the better preparation of her produce, and of stock 
for the improvement of her farms. At Hamburg commerce exacts 
a toll from all that passes along her water highway, whether 
exports or imports ; and her merchant citizens at once recognised 
the policy of a movement in the results of which, though not 
directly concerned, they would indirectly so largely participate. 
The idea of an International Agricultural Exhibition appears 
however to have originated with Baron von Nathusius, of Hundis- 
burg (Prussia), the President of the German Agricultural Society, 
well known here, as at home, for the lead he has taken for many 
years past in advancing the agriculture of his own country, by 
the introduction of improved breeds of stock, and improved 
implements and machinery. Hamburg offered by far the most 
advantageous site for such an Exhibition, not more from its 
geographical than from its political position. A free and neutral 
city, situated on a large tidal river, with lines of railway stretch- 
ing far and wide throughout the length and breadth of Germany, 
all the local natural conditions for success were present ; while 
the liberality and business habits of her merchants, unfettered by 
traditions or the established practices on such occasions, were 
likely to render the organization of such a meeting more com- 
* See Report on the Lille Meeting at p. 209. 
