AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES, associations for the purpose of promoting the science and practice of agriculture. Such societies were established in the n. of Italy in the beginning of the last century. As early as 1723 a " society of improvers in the knowledge of agriculture in Scotland" was instituted. This had a short existence ; but the necessity of such an association was felt, and another arose in 1755. This also did not succeed well; however, in 1783 a number of gentlemen met in Edinburgh and founded one destined for permanency, the well-known " highland society." The first annual meeting of this body was held in 1784, and it was incorporated by royal charter in 1787. Originally, designed for the improvement of the highlands, it extended its operations over the whole of Scotland, and confined its efforts more to the advancement of agriculture. Its title is now, under a royal charter granted in 1834, the "highland and agricultural society of Scotland." Its earliest efforts were aided by a grant of £3000 out of the moneys paid for the estates of the noblemen and gentlemen who were attainted in consequence of their accession to the rebellion of 1745. The funds required to defray the expense of the char ter, however, were raised by subscription, and the members then were only about 150. In 1799 the society began to publish its transactions or prize essays. At present its mem bers number 4500. The ordinary subscription is £1 3s. 6d. annually, which may be redeemed by one payment of £12 12s. Tenant-farmers are admitted on a subscription of 10s. annually, or £5 5s. for life. The more important objects aimed at by the society are 1. Agricultural meetings and general shows of stock, implements and dairy produce held in the principal towns of Scotland.
2. Encouraging a system of district shows, for the improvement of breeds of stock most suitable to the different parts of the country. .
3. The encouragement and promotion of proper system of agricultural and forestry education, by means of powers conferred by a supplementary royal charter in 1856, authorizing " the council of the highland and A. society on education" to prescribe a curriculum of study. and to grant diplomas and certificates to students of agriculture who shall pass the requisite examination..
4. The advancement art, by conferring the society's certificate on students who have passed through a regulated curriculum in the Edinburgh veterinary college, and who are found by a rigid examination qualified to practice.
5. The appointment of two chemists for the purpose of analyzing soils, manures, etc. to members, and for promoting the application of science to agriculture.
6 The establishment of an agricultural museum, illustrative of the vegetable products of the country; but this collection has been handed over to the Edinburgh museum of science and art.
7. The annual publication of reports and prize essays on all branches of agriculture and arboriculture, as well as the proceedings of the laboratory.
The general shows of stock, etc., are held once every year, at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, or some other principal town, and are attended by vast numbers of persons.
The business of the society is conducted by a secretary at an office in Edinburgh.
The writings of Arthur Young directed attention to the agricultural condition of Eng land, shortly after the middle of the last century. In 1793 the "board of agriculture" was incorporated. This was a private association, but being supported by parliamentary grants, it so far partook of the nature of a public institution. Its "surveys" of the dif ferent counties collected and diffused an immense amount of information of the most valuable kind. It latterly encouraged experiments and improvements of all kinds in agriculture, but was dissolved in 1816. Various societies have sprung up since then in different parts of England; of these, the " Smithfield cattle club," " the Bath and west of England society," and the " Yorkshire A. society," may be mentioned as the most influential. The growth and vigor of the national society, " the royal A. society of Eng land," has been beyond all precedent. It was established in May, 1838, and then con sisted of 466 members, but in 1873 the members were as many in number as 6000. The objects which it pursues are almost identical with those of the highland and A. society of Scotland. Ordinary members pay £1 annually, or £10 for life. The Journal, con taining interesting and original reports on A. subjects, is sent free to all the members. Ireland also boasts of its "royal A. society of Ireland." It was formed in 1841, and has Frehtly assisted in advancing the agriculture of the country, especially by introducing improved breeds of cattle.—Most of the countries of continental Europe have followed the example of Gt. Britain in the formation of A. associations of various kinds.
In the free states of America, where the land is mostly owned by those who farm it, A. S. have sprung up in great numbers. Every state has its central society, which in its turn fosters a number of local associations. Indeed, in all the chief grain-producing dis tricts, each co. boasts of its own society. These being all partly supported by state money, useful information is collected, published, and sold at a cheap rate in reports. Canada follows in the wake of her enterprising neighbors, and supports by grants of money a provincial show in each province, while the co. societies are numerous, and supply mate rials for the reports of the boards of agriculture at Toronto and Montreal. In Canada and the U. S. the A. S. are of a highly popular character. Prizes are given, not only for animals, implements and dairy produce, but also for fruits. Being more of a general nature, combining agriculture, horticulture and domestic economy, such exhibitions are frequented by all classes. They are usually denominated " fairs," though partaking little of the character and appearance of what is understood by a " fair" in Britain. The diffusion of education among the farmers of the free states has made them eager readers of A. writings, and the numerous societies soon diffuse a knowledge of improved stock, implements and seeds over their wide territories.