§ 1. ON SUBJECTS CONNECTED WITH THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 6. Improved varieties of agricultural plants, 454 7. Comparative productiveness, &c., of Potatoes, 454 8. Comparative productiveness, &c., of Turnips, 455 9. Cultivation of Cabbage,. 455 10. Vegetable productions of India, China, America, &c., 455 11. Best modes of housing fattening Cattle, 456 12. Different descriptions of Food,. 456 §4. WOODS AND PLANTATIONS: 1. Extensive planting,.... 458 2. Formation and management of young Plantations,. 459 459 3. Reaping Machines,. 474 4. Medals in Aid of Premiums given by local Societies, 475 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELECTING SAMPLES FOR ANALYSES,. 504 505 GENERAL NOTICE. THE HIGHLAND SOCIETY was instituted in the year 1784, and established by Royal Charter in 1787. Its operation was at first limited to matters connected with the improvement of the Highlands of Scotland; but the supervision of certain departments, proper to that part of the country, having been subsequently committed to special Boards of Management, several of the earlier objects contemplated by the Society were abandoned, while the progress of agriculture led to the adoption of others of a more general character. The exertions of the Society were thus early extended to the whole of Scotland, and have, for the greater part of a century, been directed to the promotion of the science and practice of agriculture in all its branches. In accordance with this more enlarged sphere of action, the original title of the Society was altered, under a Royal Charter, in 1834, to THE HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND. The leading purposes of the Institution are set forth in the following pages, where it will be found that Premiums are awarded for Reports on almost every subject connected with the cultivation of the soil; the rearing and feeding of stock; the management of the dairy; the improvement of agricultural machinery and implements; the growth of timber; the extension of cottage accommodation; the application of chemical science; and the dissemination of veterinary information. Among the more important measures which have been effected by the Society are 1. Agricultural Meetings and General Shows of Stock, Implements, &c., held in the principal Towns of Scotland, at which Exhibitors from all parts of the United Kingdom are allowed to compete. 2. A system of District Shows instituted for the purposes of improving the breeds of Stock most suitable for different parts of the country, and of aiding and directing the efforts of Local Agricultural Associations. 3. The promotion of Agricultural Education, under powers conferred by a supplementary Royal Charter granted in 1856, and authorising "The COUNCIL of the HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY on EDUCATION" to grant Diplomas to Students of Agriculture (see p. 502). 4. The advancement of the Veterinary Art, by conferring Diplomas on Students who have passed through a prescribed curriculum, and who are found, by public examination, qualified to practise. 5. The appointment of a Chemist, for the purpose of promoting the application of science to agriculture. Investigations on subjects of importance are conducted in the Laboratory, and published in the Transactions. Members can obtain analyses, reports, and advice, on terms below those charged to others (see pp. 505-506). 6. The periodical publication of the Transactions, which comprehend the proceedings in the Laboratory, reports of experiments, and other communications invited and approved by the Society. |