180 
Obituary. 
of the Poor. Surely the legitimate cure is cultivation of the land. I sel- 
dom visit a parish where I do not hear of some farmers whose land is im- 
perfectly cultivated. For good cultivation labourers are wanted. They 
would not leave their villages if they could get work at home. 
I am, dear sir, your faithful and obedient, 
(Signed) Haeey Vernev. 
The Secretary, Royal Agricultural Society. 
I wrote in reply stating that as the early records of the Society 
were less complete than could be wished, the Council would be much 
obliged if he would favour them with any reminiscences as to his 
associations with the Society. With great promptitude Sir Harry 
sent from his sick-bed the subjoined reply, with a covering note 
saying : “ I have been very ill, but my doctor tells me I am to be 
well enough to attend the Windsor Meeting. It will afford me great 
pleasure to do so.” 
Claydon House, Winslow, Bucks : February 21, 1889. 
Deae Sie, — Y ou ask me, as “ Father of the Royal Agricultural Society,” 
for any recollections that I may have with regard to its establishment. 
There was, at that time, a very universal feeling in the country that 
one of its most important interests had not received that national attention 
which it deserved. There were small local agricultural associations, but 
none in which the whole community took interest. 
It was fortunate for the cause of agriculture that a man known as one 
of the best practical farmers was then leader of his party in the House of 
Commons. Lord Althorp was as much respected by his opponents as by 
his own party ; not at all eloquent, but possessing that truthful and practi- 
cal common-sense which gave him more influence than many an orator and 
than men of more talent. He was closely united as an agriculturist with 
the Duke of Richmond ; they were on opposite sides in politics. These two 
were the founders of the Royal Agricultural Society. There were many 
quite ready to second them, able, good men —Handley, R. Clive, Estcourt, 
Childers, Philip Pusey ; but it required two such men as Lord Althorp and 
the Duke of Richmond to bring together such a gathering as met at the 
Freemasons’ Tavern on May 9, 1838. 
Happily, party spirit, that bane of so much that would he good and 
admirable in England, was quite unknown among these pioneers of agricul- 
ture. When the members were to choose a chairman, 'no one asked whether 
such a man were Tory or Whig ; but his knowledge with regard to agricul- 
ture, or his capacity of judging the points of a fat beast, or of the merits of 
South Down or Leicestershire sheep, or of a Clydesdale mare or Norfolk 
punch, were much thought of. 
In those days Protection occupied the thoughts of agriculturists, as well 
as of the most thoughtful men ; how much of it would enable us to grow 
corn enough for our own consumption and to withstand the competition of 
the foreigner. No one at that time thought Free Trade possible. I am 
afraid that many bore a secret grudge against the most distinguished politi- 
cal economists of the day, as if they were trying to compass the injury of the 
whole agricultural interest. 
I was glad to hear a great number of my friends putting their names 
down for CO/, each, and I saw from the large sums subscribed at that first 
meeting how important a society this had become. . . . 
I have mentioned the name of Philip Pusey. There is no one to whom 
the Royal Agricultural Society has more reason to look back with regard 
and gratitude than to him ; he was a very clever and learned man, and he 
