THE PROGRESS OF AGRICULTURE. 
445 
one exhibited at Newcastle, and only three at Northampton ; 
but, at the present meeting, no less than thirteen engines were en- 
tered for the Society’s prize, and their comparative strength was 
tested scientifically by the use of a dynamometer. 
The application of mechanical science and skill thus not only 
meets with reward and encouragement through their institution, but 
greater facilities are provided for the more full development of the 
capabilities of the soil. Viewed in this light, and estimating the 
many advantages which may be diffused around, agricultural asso- 
ciations are worthy of the highest encouragement ; and, under simi- 
lar judicious management to that which distinguishes the Royal 
Agricultural Society, they will do much to place the science of 
Agriculture in that exalted position to which it has so many claims 
from its own essential importance, and to confer upon it that reward 
and encouragement to which it is fully and indisputably entitled. 
The Progress of Agriculture, and the Royal 
Agricultural Society. 
[From “ The York Herald.”] 
Of the antiquity of Agriculture we cannot write without 
going back to the first man that ever dwelt upon the earth, for it is 
coeval with creation, having formed the leading object of public 
and private anxiety in the primitive ages of the world. The 
Scriptures frequently allude to it ; and not only sacred but profane 
history contains most interesting accounts of men of importance, 
who have contributed to its honour, and aided its propitious ad- 
vancement. It descended, in its pristine simplicity, from age to 
age, amongst our venerable forefathers, ere the general deluge 
swept man and beast from the face of the earth ; and when the 
mighty waters subsided, the green carpet of Nature again soon 
covered alike the hills and the vallies, proving that the pastoral 
life was renewed; whilst the waving corn-fields also proclaimed the 
bounty of the Creator, and the renovated powers of his rescued and 
intelligent creatures. Egyptian hieroglyphics recorded the immense 
value of Agriculture. Athens re-echoed its praise. The histo- 
rians of Greece and Rome produced powerful evidence to the same 
interesting fact; and their seers placed amongst their idols various 
heathen deities in honour of the productions of the earth, whilst 
their poets sounded their praises in spirited and classic song. 
Passing further down the stream of Time, through ages of intel- 
