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1
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5
6
WESTE
Pre|>ared
being t
Execul
ADDRESS
i
OP THE
DIRECTING PRESIDENT
X'
OF THE
WESTERN DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY.
/
t',:r
\ ,
Prepared to be delivered at a Special General Mefeting of the Society m July : but,
being then obliged to be postponed, now publish^ agreeably to a resolution of tbe
Executive Committee of tbe 26tl» of September, 1838.
I
I
\i ,
SANDWICH:
PRINTED BY HENRY C. GRANT.
1838.
: !
I!
>..,« ■:
'IV-i.
Th(
to the
the W
tract <
the\S
Sociel
«R
" havi
"the
" unce
" cons
" of tl
" recti
" disti
" well
"bep
" pub]
"and
" triol
"sani
" exp(
iC
as |]
W.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The foDowing Address is ilnreservedly submitted
to the indulgent attention of thi Agricultural public of
the Western District, — agreeably to the following ex-
tract of proceedings of the Eiecutive Committee of
the Western District Agricultural and Horticultural
Society, dated the 26th day of September, 1838.
" Resolved, that the embarransments of the times
" having hitherto prevented a meeting being held for
"the election of new Office-Bearers, and it being
" uncertain when that may take place, — and it being
" considered that the publicatioi, in the mean time,
" of the ADDRESS intended to b^ delivered by the Di-
** recting President at the meetiig of July last, and its
" distribution among the Membas of the Society, as
" well as the agricultural community generally, would
" be productive of beneficial results, by furnishing the
" public with desirable information on the subject of,
" and creating an additional lively interest in, the pa-
" triotic and useful objects of th^ Society ; — that the
" same be printed in a cheap pamphlet form, at the
" expense of the Society, and distributed as generally
'* as possible among the Farming Community."
. R.LACHLAN,
W. R. WOOD, Directing PresH,
Corresponding Sec^y,
-f li
1 '. >■■■
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■I
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'■•P i^.^r
ii
I:
*'
ADDRESS.
•'i
•f
Gentlemen: — '
* Amid the general bustle and anxiety attendant on the
late extraordinary events on this Frontier, it was not to be expected
that the interests of our Society would remain altogether unscathed ;
but it has, at the same time, afforded a most gratifymg opportunity to
a recent settler among you like myself t» witness, amid the general
suspension of agricultural operations, a^weil as of commercial en-
terprize, the existence of a noble, patriotic spirit among the inhabi>
tants of the Western District, which, properly directed^ would be
found equally successful in guiding the }eaceful Plough as in wield-
ing the Sword of valorous entetprize in lehalf of their country; and
therefore, instead of my ultimate hopes iaving been thereby balked,
I have been led to expect even moie tlvn I before anticipated, and
to trust that though our harvest may ht somewhat later than might
have been otherwise looked for, we shalyet — to follow up the Farm-
ing metaphor — have the pleasure of raping a more than average
crop, in the prosecution of our commeitJable objects, as well as in
the enlistment of numerous audicional kecruits in our Agricultural
Corps,
Permit me then. Gentlemen, before poceeding to the immediate
business of the Evening, to trespass for i. short time on your indul-
gent attention, while I state, that in coieequence of the very pro-
tracted interval alluded to, and to the tin^ having more than arrived
for the election of new Office Bearers, and ray retirement from the
prominent position in which your partiality has placed rao, I have
deemed it my duty, before giving an kccount of the little thai has
been accomplished by the Society during the by-gone year and lay-
ing before you a state of our Funds, to take a hurried retrospect of
the Constitution and leading objects of our Institution, — with a
view, not only to the more thorough reviewal of them in our oion
recollection, as far as attained, but to aflfoid such further information
regarding those in prospect, as may enable any one present who hap-
pens to be unacquainted with, or uninformed on, the subject, to un-
derstand clearly, and appreciate justly, the /^a^no^tc nature of our un-
dertaking.
%
6
In furtherance of this object, permit me in the first instance to ad-
vert to the meeting which took place here on the 20th of Febiuary,
last year, at which the Constitution of the Society was matured, and
by which the following Resolutions were unanimously adopted :
" Ist. That a great co-operative Agricultural Associaliouy for the
benefit of the Western District &{ large, be now duly constituted, un-
der the name of " The Western District Agricultural and
Horticultural Society,"— of which all Landholders, and other
residents in the District, shall be eligible to be members , and that
all present, who may feel disposed, do now give in their names.
"2d. That, with a view to the more extensive diffusion and bet-
ter fulfilment of the Patriotic objects in view, and as most likely to
meet the feelings, pursuits, and circumstances of all concerned, the
Society be composed of Three distinct Classes, — of all or any of
which all subscribers shall be at liberty to become members, on the
Terms assigned to each: viz. 1st. The first ^ or general Class, to
embrace both Agriculture and Horticulture, in all theii branches :
2nd. The Agricultural Cass, to be considered limited to Agri'
cultural or Farm concerns «nly ; and 3rd. The Horticultural Class,
to be more immediately coifined to Horticulture, including all the
Productions of the Orchari^ the Flower Parterre, and the Kitckm
Garden.
" 3rd. That an annual Sibscription of £1 Currency, with an en-
trance of five shillings, do onstitute the subscriber a Member of the
1st or general Class ; and hat a similar Subscription of ten shillings,
with an entrance of 2s. 6d. do constitute a member of the 2nd. or
Agricultural Class ; and tha a similar subscription of five shillings,
with an entrance of 2s. 6d. io constitute a Member of the 3rd, or
Horticultural Class : Each :la8s to be subject to such regulations as
may hereafter be deemed e:pedient.
" 4th. That a prompt Donation of £10 Currency, in addition to
a first subscription and entnnce, shall entitle the Donor to rank as a
Vice President for life ; aid that a similar donation of £5, besides
the first subscription and entrance, shall constitute the Donor a
Member for life, free of al further annual payments.
" 5th. That this meeting acknowledges with feelings of gratitude
as well as pride. His Excellency SIR FRANCIS BOND HEAD'S
encouraging acceptance of the honorary Office of Patron of the
Society ; and that he be unanimously elected such, accordingly.
" 6th. That the present Representatives of the District in the
Provincial Parliament be elected Honorary Presidents of the Socie-
ty ; and that all future representatives be, ex-officio^ Honorary Pre-
sidents, provided they be members of the Society.
" 7th. That the permanent office bearers of the Society shall
consist of at least three Presidents^ six Vice Presidents, a Treasurer,
a recording Secretary, and a Committee of twenty-four Members^
with
whoml
Quot
"8<
itfanal
for th(
difforc
"91
most
the g^
reguU
thed^
the ac
for thl
L
ance to ad-
Febi uary,
atured, and
opted :
ion, for tho
tituted, un-
URAL AND
and other
) and that
eir names.
n and bet-
likely to
erned, tho
or any of
-rs, on the
Class, to
branches :
to AgrU
fral Class,
ng all the
9 Kitehm
ith an en-
her of the
shillings,
>e2nd. or
9 shillings,
3 3rd, or
lations as
ddition to
rank as a
5, besides
Donor a
gratitude
HEAD'S
'N of the
ingly.
ct in the
e Socie-
rary Pre-
ety shall
redsurer^
with power to add to their number, if deemed adviiabie, — and of
whom a President or Vice President and six members shal! be a
Quorum ; regulated by rules to be adopted hereafter.
** 8th. That the gentlemen invited to be of the Co^nmiitce of
Management^ shall have power to elect a Corresponding Secretary
for the time being, as well as resident Corresponding Members for
different parts of the District, and
*^ 9th. To meet at such times and places as they may consider
most convenient, for the purpose of framing a Code of By-Laws for
the general guidance of the society, — whether connected with the
regulation of its internal economy, the management of its finances,
the delegation of inspecting sub-committees to report on pri:(e farms,
the adjustment of the number and ampunt of prizes to be awarded
for the best cattle, grain, and other cropst and the premiums to bo
given for the best fruits, flowers, and improved Agricultural Imple-
ments, Machinery, dec. &c. Such rules to be confirmed at a spe-
cial general meeting to be appointed hereafter for that purpose.
'* 10th. That, in addition to these rules, it be now dertermined,
that besides any special general meetingjr, there shall be, at least, two
regular general meetings of the societ}^ during the year ; the 1st,
to be termed the Spring Meeting, to be held on such day in June
as may be deemed most fovourable for ^ annual exhibition oi Early
Prize Flowers^ and the promulgation or' the number and amount of
premiums of all descriptions to be distributed in the following au-
tumn : Tho 2d, or Great Autumnal Meeting, and Pkize Stock
Fair, to be held on such successive da)b in the latter end of Octo-
ber as may be judged best suited for holding the Fair, the show
of Prize Cattle, the exhibition of Prizi Grain, Fruits, Flowers, and
Seeds, and the arrangements connectlid with the awarding of the
different premiums. These two annl/orsaries, for more general
convenience and benefit, to be held, a>,ernately, at three or more
convenient places in the District ; so tlat no two meetings of one
year shall be held at the same place, or any other undue prefer-
ence given to one part of the District aore than another : and the
proceedings connected with these occaiious to be subject to such
further regulations as the managing conmittee may deem advisa-
ble.
** 11th, That the Subscriptions for the current year be always
paid Into the hands of the Treasurer of the Society on or before the
1st day of May, to enable the Committee to be guided by the a-
mount in the arrangment of the Prizes for the season, before the day
appointed for the Spring Meeting.
•* 12th. That none but regular members of the Society shall
have the privilege of competing for the annual prize ; but that, tin;
general improvement of the breeds of Cattle throughout the District
being a paramount object with a patriotic association, the use of
their Male Stock Cattle shall, as far as possible, be extended to the
i\
I
8
iilil
\F
public at largo, subject to sucii stipulations as may heroafter be judg-
ed fair and reasonablo.
" 13th. That thu PresidentSy Vice- Presidents ^ and Secretaries
for tho time being of all Agricultural Societies in both Provinces
bo invited to be ex-ofticio honorary corresponding* members of th&
Society ; and that nay particular member of thcso or any other Ag-
riculitirali Horticultural^ or Uotanicul Societies^ existing elsewhere,
bo eligible to bo duly elected Honorary Members.
" 14th. That a special general Meeting of the Society, be held at
the Court House, Sandwich, on Tuesday tho 11th day of April next,
at 12 o'clock precisely, for tho purpose of receiving the Managing
Committee's Report of the completion of their labours, in carrying
the above resolutions into effect, and for confirming the same ; to-
gether with the discussion of such further measures as may be deem-
ed conducive to the welfare and interests of the Society."
With regard, then, to these fundamental Resolutions, allow me.
Gentlemen, to remind you particularly that by the 2d, it was deter-
mined "That, with a view to the more extensive diffusion and better
fulfilment of the Patriotic objects in view, and as most likely to meet
the feelings, pursuits, and crcumsttinces of all coiicerned,the Socie-
ty be composed of Tliree tistinct Classes, — of all or any of which
all subscribers shall be at lilerty to become members, on the Terms
assigned to each, viz : 1st. The Jirstf or general Claas^ to embrace
both AgricuUure and Hortimlture^ in all their branches. 2nd. The
Agricultural Class^ to beconsideied limited to Agricultural or
Farm concerns only, and 3rl, The Horticultural Classy to be more
immediately confined to Hoiticulture^ including all the Productions
of the Orchard^ the Flower Parterre ^ and the Kitchen Garden.^*
That by the 9th Resolution the Committee of Management was
empowered " to meet at suih times and places as they may consider
most convenient, for the ptrpose of framing a Code of By-Laws for
the general guidance of the Society, — whether connected with the
regulation of its internal eionomy, the management of its finances,
the delegation of inspecting sub -committees to report on prize farms,
the adjustment of the number and amount of prizes to be awarded for
the best cattle, grain and oiher crops, and the premiums to be given
for the best fruits, flowers, and vegetables, as well as for the invention
or successful introduction of improved Agricultural Implements, Ma-
chinery, &.C. Slc. Such rulels to be confirmed at a special general
meeting to be appointed hereafter for that purpose."
And that by the 10th, in addition to these Rules generally, it was
determined that, " besides any special general meetings, there shall
bo, at least, two regular general meetings of the Society during the
year the 1st, to be termed the Spring Meeting, to be held on such
day in June as may be deemed most favorable for an annual exhibi-
tion of Early Prize Flowers^ and the promulgation of the number
and amount of premiums of all descriptions to be distribuf; v' in the
>r bejudg-
Secretari9s
Provinces
bers of the
other Ag'
alsewhere,
be held at
Lpril next,
Managing
n carrying
same ; to-
be deem-
allow me,
was deter-
and better
ily tc meet
the Socie-
f of which
the Terms
embrace
2nd. The
ultural or
:o be more
reductions
irden."
)ment was
y consider
•Laws for
with the
finances,
rizc farms,
varded for
» be given
invention
lents, Ma-
al general
Ily, it was
leie shall
uring the
Id on such
lal exhibi-
le number
r;;vi
■ in the
following autumn. The 2d, or Grrat Autumnal Meeting, and
PiiizK Stock Fair, to bo hold on such successive days in the latter
end of October as i.i;iy be judged best suited for the holding of thr
Fair, the ^how of Prize Cattle, the exhibition of Prize Grain, BVuits
Flowers, and Seeds, and the arrangements connected with the awar-
ding' of the diflerent premiums. Tlieso two annivcrsiiries, for more
general convenience and benefit, to be held, alternately, at three or
more convenient places in the District ; su that no two meetings of
one year shall be held ot the same plnco, or any other undue prefer-
ence given to one part of the District more than another : and the
proceedings connected with these occasions to be subject to such
further regulations as the managing committee may deem advisable."
Without again adverting particularly to tlio remaining Resolutions,
permit rae to acquaint you, that in oixsdienco to these instructions, us
many members of the general Committee as could conveniently meet
together, assembled at Sandwich on the 11th of April of last year,
drew up a Kcport, and after mature deliberation, deemed it expedi-
ent for the more immediate despatch cf business, to elect a more
limited Executive Sub-Committee, cofsisting of a directing Presi-
dent, and Six Members, with power to carry on current details, and
adopt such further measures as might be thought for the interest of
the Society; — which proceedings and tepori were confirmed by a
special general Meeting held on the 2Jd of April, when the latter
Document was ordeied to be printed aijd circulated.
In this Report, to which it is now ne<^ssary to crave your particu-
lar attention, — for many reasons to be hereafter enlarged on, — ilio
Executive Committee respectfully subiiitted —
•' 1st. That sufficient time not having yet been afforded for as-
certaining to what extent the whole District will co-operate in tlu
objects of the Society, and it being \ky desirable that this should
be satisfactorily done, before attempting any delinitive measures
connected with the arrangement of the district into subdivisions or
circles, and the deciding on the severa places at which the an-
nual general meeting and Prize Fairs or Exhibitions shall be alter-
nately held, together with various otherliiatters contingent on thai
arrangement, it appears to the ExecutiveCommittee, after mature
deliberation, that it will be expedient to defer the embodying of the
JBy-Laws of the Society in a digested form, until after the Autuiri-
nal Meeting of this year ; and that in the meantime such general
measures should be adopted as may seem most likely to advance
and insure the prosperity and stability of the Institution.
"2nd. That, with a view to the bettfer furtherance of this im-
pottant object, the Exj'cutive Committee are of opinion that the
Spring Meeting of the present yeai might be dispensed with; that
the consi'^'e-ation of that great leading branch of the Society's oper-
atic '!s, the i?Mrc^a*c of choice Male Stock for breeding, should also
be postDoned; and that, iii the mean time, as soon as the probable
A2
■
il
10
>
extent of the Funds for the season shall have been sufficiently as-
certained, as large a proportion of them as advisable should be [set
apart for distribution into Premiums, on a moderate scale, for a
limited number of the best Cattle^ — the best cultivated Farms^ —
choice Jgricidtural and Horticultural Productions^ and a few other
select objects (hereafter specified,) to be awarded at the Autumnal
Meeting of ihe present year.
" 3d. That it being also desirable that the benefits derivable from
the Establishment of Annual Cattle Fairs in different parts of the
District should be put to the test, with as little delay as possible, the
Executive Committee fcommend ihoir being empowered, as a com-
mencement, to apply to Government in whatever way may be
deemed best, for authority or license to establish either an annual or
semi-annual Cattle Fair in the vicinity of Sandwich; if annual, to
take place some time in the month of October, and if semi-annual,
in April and October ; and that the first Autumnal Meeting and
Prize Exhibition of the Society be held at Sandwich during the
latter Fair.
" 4th. That, with a view to giving time for carrying this resolu-
tion into the most extensive pnd beneficial effect, the subscriptions
for the present year be pait in to the Treasurer, without fail, on or
before the first day of the Quarter Sessions in July, instead of on or
before the 1st of May ; md that the exact amount of the Pre-
miums allotted for each Aiimal or Article be immediately after-
wards definitively arranged and a List circulated, with such regu-
lations annexed as may be deemed necessary and suitable, for the
Show of the Season."
Having advanced thus ^r, the Executive Committee proposed an
extensive and sufficiently Iberal List of Prizes to be awarded at the
Autumnal Meeting, of whch 1 shall at present be content with enu-
merating the different hejds, viz : Ist. Premiums for the best Cat-
tle of every description, including Horse races ; 2d. Prizes for the
3 best cultivated Farms : 3d. Prizes for the best and second best
Farm Produce of every description ; 4th. Premiums for the most
choice Fruit Trees, anc best Orchards and Nurseries ; and 5th.
Prizes for the best ''peciraens of useful domestic Manufactures, such
as Corn Breams, and Strafv Hats. — Leaviing the prizes for young
Cattle, Ploughing Matches, Premiums for choice Fruits and Flow-
ers, and for various Domestic Manufactures, such as Canvas,
Linen and Woollen Cloths, Oils, &c., together with the Prizes for
the best Reports or Essays on the most advantageous and least ex-
pensive mode of clearing Lands, the most eligible rotation of Crops,
the m^st satisfactory flails of erperimfints, made for these purpo-
ses, and the best Agriadiural and Mdetr'^logical Diaries, to be post-
poned to the present year.— After which, the Committee concluded
their Report as follows :
ciently as-
Id be [set
jale, for a
FarmSf —
, few other
Autumnal
vah\e from
arts of the
)ssible, the
, as a com-
y may be
1 annual or
' annual, to
mi-annual,
eeting and
during the
his resolu-
ibscriptions
fail, on or
ad of on or
f the Pre-
itely after-
isuch regu-
ble, for the
imposed an
irded at the
t with enu-
le best Cat-
izes for the
second best
or the most
I ; and 5th.
;tures, such
5 for young
and Flow-
iS Canvas,
I Prizes for
id least ex-
I of Cropsj
lese purpo-
to be post-
i concluded
11
"In conclusion, the Executive Committee beg leave to sug-
gest, {or future consideration, the occasional substitution of Prize-
JVtedalSf instead of Pecuniary Premiums^ at the option of the suc-
cessful Candidate ; and they strongly recommend to the immediate
attention of the Society, that, in addition to the regular Prizes enu-
merated in the published List of the Season, a discretionary power
be vested in the Committee of management, to grant special prizes,
even beyond the pale of the Society^ to small Farmers, or Cottagers
of limited means, for any new or improved animal or vegetable Pro-
duction, or improved farming Implements, or Machinery, which
may accidentally come under their notice, and be considered by
them as deserving of that particular distinction, — the Competitor be-
ing liable to have the amount of the subscription of the Class to
which such article may belong, deducted from the amount of the
Premium awarded on the occasion."
In conformity with a leading feature of these arrangements, the
Executive Committee applied without delay to Government in be-
half of the establishment of a semi-annual Fair at the Town of Sand-
wich, to be held in the months of April and October; and were,
happily so successful, that they had tie pleasure of receiving a
Charter for its establishment so early is to enable them to com-
bine with the first Sandwich Fair the jbrst Prize Exhibition of the
Western District Agricultural Society oi the 13th and 14th of Octo-
ber last, and they in the mean time colledted and paid into the hands
of the Treasurer, subscriptions to the aniount of £52,10s. ;-^ which
being reported to Goveinment in the pi|escribed form, produced an
increased return of i&105 more, making a total of £157,10s. aho-
gether.
Thus far the efforts of Jie Committee were successful and satis-
factory ; but in spite of their best endeav4rs, so little interest or spir-
it of competition had they been as yet abh to rouse among the Mem-
bers of the Society, that at the Prize Exiibiiion, the whole amount
of the few Premiums awarded fell short of £20.
Small as this was, it was a beginning; and the interest and ex-
citement at length evinced among thosf present on the occasion,
gave satisfactory evidence that though otr Plant might be of slow
growth, it had evidently taken root, a id required only time and cul-
ture to bring it to full maturity; and il^ in the meantime, affordf^d
some additioiial satisfaction to find, that, after deducting the amount
of the Prizes paid to the successful Competitors, and deducting all
incidental Expenses attending Printing and Postage, up to the close
of the present year, a disposable balance, independent of subscrip-
tions due, remained in the hands of the Treasurer amounting to
£125,7s., to be disposed of either in the purchase of choice seed-
grain and other seeds, or to remain in aid of the fund for the pur-
chase of choice Stock ; but, unfortunately for the attainment of the
former of these objects, so much time had elapsed, before th'^ neces-
12
sary measures could be adopted, that if was found too late to expect
a reply to any orders sent to New York or Europe before the close
of the navigation, and that vessels would arrive too late in the spring
o{ the present year, to allow any imported seeds to be turned to ac-
count this season, — the consequence of all which has been, that this
little fund has yet remained untouched, while owing to the paraly-
zing influence of the late disturbed times, the proper season for the
Spring Mettwgj as well as that for holding the second semi-annual
Sandwich Fair^ has been obliged to be allowed to pass by unnoticed
and unobserved.
Having trespassed on your patience with these necessary details,
I now arrive at the most important, as well as the most agreeable
part of the desultory observations to vihich I have considered it ad-
visable to invite your attention, namely, — to contemplate once more
the great, the inestimable good that may result from an honorable, in-
defatigable perseverance in the Patriotic objects we have in view, —
provided our efforts be met with a corresponding ge n reus and lib-
eral spirit by the Distric: at large. — But, Gentlemen, what I have
had to lament most, since Hiave had the pleasure of being domiciled
among you, is, not a wanXof individual inclinacion in any gentleman
to advance the prosperity of our District, but, — pardon me for still
insisting pn it, — a general absence of co-operative spirit and feeling,
to be tr^aced to various causes, but too frequently, it would appear,
ascribable to paltry local prejudices and jealousies of the most unac-
countable nature; and, ytt, believe me, Gentlemen, so long as that
continues to be the case, sich will be its blighting influence, — be the
praise-worthy and expen&ve efforts of our most influential private
individuals what they ma;, — that no great public object will ever be
accomplished among us. Not, however, to dwell altogether on the
most unfavorable feature of the picture, I would willingly acknow-
ledge, that, perhaps, the neans and manner by which the Society may
be expected to extend h gonial influence, as a great co-operative
Association, have not b<en sufficiently explained ; — more than one
gentleman in distant Tovnships having written to me to say that the
Farmers round him coulc not see what possible beneflt an Agricultur-
al Society could be of to them ; and I would at the same time admit,
that during ray official visits to different parts of the District, I have
myself frequently found th^ apparent apathy complained of, arising
from a very excusable cause, namely, — a total ignorance of the na-
ture of an Agricultural Society, or of any benefits being derivable
from it ; and the instances are not few^ in which a little quiet con-
versation conveyed to the worthy farmer, not only most unlooked for
pleasing information on the subject, but left him an ardent well-wish-
er to the success of our Society's labors. With a view, then, to the
farther benefit of any such, who may happen to be now present, let
us, with your permission, contemplate for a moment, a few of the
many important and substantial benefits resulting from well regulated
te to expect
ethe close
the spring
rned to ac-
m, that this
the paraiy-
son for the
emi-annual
y unnoticed
mry details,
t agreeable
ered it ad-
once more
norable, in-
! in view, —
Dus and lib-
k'hat I have
g domiciled
r gentleman
me for still
and feeling,
uld appear,
most unac-
long as that
ice, — be the
itial private
will ever be
ther on the
ly acknow*
Society may I
o-operative|
e than one
say that the i
Agricultur-
time admit,
rict, I have I
of, arising!
of the na-
g derivable!
quiet con-
nlookcdforl
well-wish-
hen, to the I
present, let
few of the
1 regulated
13
Agricultural Societies in general, and then bring the subject home to
ourselves.
1st. Then, if entered into with spirit. Agricultural Associations
sooner or later produce among their members a general desire of em-
ulation in the pursuit of honorary rewards and premiums, of even the
most triflng pecuniary value, which would perhaps never exist with-
out such a Htimulus, but which, once roused, gradually exteods its
genial influence throughout the fannivg commimily at large.
2d. They lead to an increased inclination to observe with a scru-
tinizing eye the progress of those around us, compared wi h our own;
and, as a natural consequence, to benefit, — even sometimes insensi-
^^yi — hy whatever wo at last perceive to be a more successful mode
of proceeding than that hitherto pursued by ourselves.
3d. They also conduce to more frequent discussions and inter-
change of opinions among friends and neighbors, regarding the as-
sumed merits or demerits of different modes of husbandry, as practi-
sed by different individuals, and the consequent unavoidable acquisi-
tion of additional information and experience on these important sub-
jects.
4th. They lead to the direct proof, through the medium of careful
practical results^ of the real value of aiy supposed Agricultural theo-
ry^ ending either in decided approval or condemnation, after due
investigation , — and, therefore, sure to be productive oi some good
results. I
5th. They, therefore, as a natural Consequence, have a powerful
influence in inducing the introductior^and fair trial of new or impro-
ved modes of husbandry, either by oulselves or our neighbors, — each
watching with jealous sohcitude the progress of the other; — but
which, without that active agency, would perhaps remain for ever
unnoticed and unknown.
6tb. Though under these heads we have as yet had an eye to an
improved system of husbandry alone, tie same remarks will be found
to apply with equal force to the gradial, but rapid amelioration of
every description of stock, either by he introduction of improved
breeds of Cattle, through the direct medium of such Societies, or by
the encouragement held out by theqi to private individuals : and
such must be more or less the case witli us, should we in time be able
to possess a valuable breed of male stock Cattle, and periodical
Fairs be instituted in different parts of the District, for the exhibition
and sale of the produce of our own stock, as well as of others — for
of course, the Premiums would be extended to prime Cattle of eve^'v
breed ; and if these Fairs could be so managed as to be held quarter-
ly in difierent parts of the District, at times so as LOt to interfere
with each other,— and to become local standard markets of Farm
Produce of every description, — the benefits as well as profits to the
Farmer would be greatly enhanced; for independent of the actual
bargain and sale that would take place at these Fairs, — ^superiority,
''ml
i
'!
14
m
I
I? I
f
•
1
i
1
i
and even excellence being, in reality, altogether a matter of com-
parison, (hose assembled together on these occasions would have op-
portunities of at once deciding on the precise position in the scale of
general quality or improvement which they ought, in their own con-
scientious estimation, to assign to their own Stock or Produce, as
well as what intrinsic value to attach to those exhibited by others. —
But to return to the arguments in favor of Agricultural Societies
generally.
7th. Though last, not least, — the increased and expanded congen-
ial feeling produced by such Institutions, naturally tend to draw clo-
ser the bonds of social intercourse among the inhabitants of a neigh-
borhood, and to lay the foundation of valuable friendships and en-
dearing associations and connexions that last through after-life, and
serve to cheer and animate beyond previous appreciation, the other-
wise often care-worn and solitary tenor of our earthly pilgrimage.
If such, Gentlemen, bf a few of the inevitable, happy results of
properly organized and well regulated Agricultural Societies in gen-
eral, it becomes a matter of paramount importance to consider how
far our own Society may be entitled to lay claim to any of these es-
sential characteristics, in the estimation of those around us, — and
whether in the present state of the District, it be so constituted and
conducted as to afford a fair prospect of giving general satisfaction.
The general Laws or Fmdamental Constitution of the Associa-
tion may be considered as fi\x\y laid down and defined in the Reso-
lutions pj^ssed at the Meeting of the 20th of February of last year ;
but much, very much, must still depend on the materials as well as
the workmen employed to co^-nplete the superstructure; and, look-
ing to that eventfnl circumsance, I would candidly confess, that a
great proportion of our present Office Bearers may be regarded
more as zealous make-shift sponsors for the infant promise, than
(from many being »n-practiial men) as the best or most competent
conductors of such an Instituion. At the head of this list I honestly
and sincerely place myself for, whatever practical knowledge I
may hereafter acquire, £ maj say, I at present possess none whatev-
er; and that even ray theoreical acquaintance with agriculture is at
best very superficial, — thou^, perhaps, from having visited various
climes and quarters of the wwld, with not altogether an unobserving
eye, it may be more general than might otherwise be expected.
But, to proceed. Supposing the whole District to unite, what, —
let me ask, — would be the best superstrjcture to be raised on the
present foundation, whether as a single Society, or as the head of
several Associations within the limits of the District? Admitting
the former to be practicable, the simplest structure of a single Dis-
trict Society appears to me to be for a general Meeting to elect the
Presidents and Vice Presidents; — after which, each Township to
nominate one delegated Member of the General Committee of Man-
agement, or Board ofDirectors.-r-But Ihave all along advocated,
and cc
ofthel
otBi
formi|
Manf
tohai
but aj
lengi(
Toa|
cours
Shot
iive
lytol
succ|
the
not
Sto
trou
grei
San
sub-
ExV
er of corn-
el have op-
he scale of
own con-
roduco, as
others
Societies
•d congen-
draw clo-
f a neigh-
and en-
life, and
the other-
"image.
results of
's in geri'
"der how
these es-
us,— and
uted and
isfaction.
Associa-
»e Reso-
ist year ;
s well as
d, Jook-
5, that a
egarded
se, than
n potent
lonestlj
ledge I
I'hatev-
re is at
i^arious
serving
hat, —
)n the
Bad of
litting
Lt the
ip to
Man-
ated.
15
and considered as the most desirable and efTicient plan the partition
of the District into several co*operative, say three or four, Division
or Branch Societies, with a President and sub-Committee to each,
forming part of a General District Committee or Parent Board of
Management, — as may hereafter be more particularly noticed, — and
to have Prizes awarded to Competitors within each of these Divisions,
but at the same time giving to such Competitors the option of chal-
lenging the whole District, and thereby gaining a higher Premium. —
To allow of which arrangement, the Division Exhibitions should, of
course, have to take place a short time before the General District
Show.
Having glanced at the general principles on which our co-opera-
tive efforts might be conducted^ I proceed to apply them more direct-
ly to our purpose in detail. With this view, then, let us advert in
succession to the various heads in the Table of Prizes acted upon at
the last October Meeting, and at the head of which stands a list of
not less than 44 Prizes for the best Cattle of every description.
On so highly important a subject as the improvement of Farm
Stock, a volume might be written ; but 1 shall content myself with
troubling you with only a few words, namely-r- that in aid of this
great leading object. Periodical Fairs, similar to that obtained for
Sandwich, are hoped to be gradually established in each proposed
sub-division of the District, (besides t^ two great autumnal Prize
Exhibitions,) at whatever places may (:e selected as most suitable ;
and that, perhaps, the most eligible points for establishing these local
minor Fairs, m addition to Sandwic^, would be at the Town of
Chatham, — somewhere in Gosfield oi the Lake, and in Moore on
the St. Clair, or Wallaceburg on Befr Creek: and in addition to
what will be observed under the head (f Prize Farms, it may be sta-
ted, that until the Society possess a cl]|)ice stock of Breeding Cattle
of their own, suitable Premiums can bq awarded for the introduction
of prime Stallions, Bulls, Boars, or Ranos, by private individuals.
The next general head in the Prospef tus of the last October Prixe
Exhibition, aims at an improved systort of Husbandry generally, by
holding out Premiums for the TuTLEE^hest cultivated Farms in the
District— ihdin which there is, perhapsi, no object of higher agricul-
tuial importance ; for, though few Farriers may be so pre-eminent-
ly successful as to cairy off the Prize fqr any partlculat crop or pro-
duction, a reward for general good Husbandry is within the reach
of every Farmer, and will ever coinmand the willing tribute of ap-
plause ; at the same time a competitor for a Premium for this highly
desirable characteristic, will not thereby be debarred from entering
the Lists as a candidate for the prize for any particular crop, either
in his own sub-division Exhibition, or in that of the District at
large.
The duty of inspecting Prize Farms would have, of course, to de-
volve on competent Committees ; and it would be a matter of seri-
I
i ■
V.
I
p t
16
.'I
1.
'ir
ous consideration how such tribunals can be best constituted, and to
define the various points to which their attention would have to be
directed in the discharge of such an office.
With regard to the constitution of these Committees, they should,
of course, be as much as possible composed oi practical men, (say
three in number, headed by one of the Presidents or Vice Presidents)
not belonging to, but residing convenient to, those parts of the Dis-
trict in which Farms notified for competition may be situated ; and
their duty should consist of visiting and inspecting the same minutely
in all their departments, and embodying their observations in the
form of a written Report, to be laid before the general Committee
and read at the great annual Prize Meeting. And these Committees
should further be encouraged to ingraft upon their Report, any
imptovements which they may observe elsewhere ^ and deem worthy
of extra notice or encouragement.
The various matters to which inspecting Committees of Prize
Farms should direct their attention in this Report, may be as follows :
1st. The name or number and situation of the Estate, and how
long settled and in possession of its present proprietor or occupant ;
the quality of land on the Farm; how much cleared, and what kind
of natural forest.
2d. The description of luildings upon it ; and particularly those
belonging to the Farm-yard.
3d. The nature of the soil generally ; and of any particular parts,
if desirable.
4th. The quantity of land under tillage, and how fenced; the na-
ture of the difTerent crops, and the extent of each in acres ; and also
the quantity of grass and meidoiv^ as well as fallow land.
5th. The particular mode of tillage ; — what rotation of crops, if
any be particularly attended to ; the quantity of seed to the acre,
and how prepared for sowing ; the quantity and kind of manure used ;
the proportion per acre, anc when applied.
6th. What farming implements and cattle employed ; and what
machinery, if any, made use of.
7th. How far the tillage, generally, is of a tidy and cleanly descrip-
tion, and the land, on the wlole, kept well cleared ef weeds.
8th. Orchards; howsitueted; their extent and age, and the de-
scription and quality of the Fruits raised ; how far well laid out and
pruned, and kept free from weeds, suckers, underbrush, &c.
9th. Cattle; the number arid description; whether of horned cat-
tle, sheep, horses, or hogs ; and how fed and managed.
10th. Dairy; descriptionof, and state; how situated; the number
of Milch Cows, and the usual produce; and,
11th. Nature and state of the Public Roads in the neighborhood,
and the distance of nearest market and mill ; — the more remote from
these strong inducements to exertion and improvement, the greater
bemg the merit of the industrious farmers,
Jl«Jd, and to
have to be
they should,
i men, (say
Presidents)
of the Dis-
nated ; and
le minutely
ions in the
Committee
ommittees
eport, any
em worthy
of Prize
as follows ;
and how
occupant ;
what kind
arly those
ular parts,
I; the na-
; and also
* crops, if
the acre,
ore used ;
ind what
descrip-
1 the de-
out and
ned cat-
number
17
It may be further observed on this interesting head, that the mer-
its of Prize Farms being, of course, altogether dependant on matters
of comparison, they would have to be divided into at least two class-
es, viz :— '1st. Those aiming at pre-eminent distinction over all oth-
ers, throughout the whole District, and therefore challenging a2/, and
laying claim to the highest prize. 2d. Those confining their preten-
sions to the more limited sphere of a particular (/t'vmon, and therefore
aspiring only to a minor Premium: — for the same Farmer should
not be at liberty to c! ira both. Of the first class, os advertized last
year, there might be at least two, — to be entitled " the best" and
'* the second best" District Prize Farms ; and of the second class
there might be at least two, in each Division, — to be styled '' the
best" and " second best" Diiision Prize Farms. In case, howeve/,
a particular Farm should gain the great Prize, that Farm should, of
course, be excluded from entering the Lists again, either for the same,
or for a minor one of the same nature for a certain number of years
— say 5 years, — but any Farmer gaining a minor or Division prize,
ought, of course, to be eligible to compete the second year for the
highest prize, though if unsuccessful, he could not well gain a similar
2d rate premium, a second time.
The propriety of having some such explicit regulations as the
above, with a view to ensure a continued succession of new competit^
ors, must be too obvious to r;3quire tobtfurther enlarged upon here.
The encouragement of good plouohkg became, of course, a nat-
ural supplement to this important branii of the Society's objects. —
On this subject, it is only necessary toobserve, that in the Mother
Country, Ploughing Matches form an interesting part of many an-
nual Agricultural Exhibitions; and thafthe effects produced thereby
among Farm Tenantry in arriving at a|9 expert management of the
Plough, and creating a pride in good hftbandry, in general, is very
great; — and no where more than in Scotland — a country which, in
spite of many natural disadvantages, hai by a rapidly improved sys-
tem of tillage, within a very few years, litarted forth from a state of
comparative unproductiveness, to a pre-iminent station of high agri-
cultural character, and consequent well-Jeserved prosperity.
The next general head in the printedlist of Premiums, embraces
not less than 43 Frizes for the best and sicond best samples of Farm
Produce, whether as a general crop, or fVr the purpose of seed. On
this important and diversified subject, it Vill be sufficient to observe,
that all and each of these crops are, undoubtedly, worthy of particu-
lar attention, and that many of them arfc peculiarly so, as may be
more properly alluded to hereafter ; — but I may observe here, that
Vetches, Hemp, Flax, and Hops, appear to be well deserving of fur-
ther encouragement, as also Lucerne and Guinea grass, of which I
have yet heard little or nothing in Canada. Tobacco is already a
standard staple production of part of the District; but it might be still
further extended as a subordinate crop^ though certainly not as the
:V:
\y
r
}
I
I
18
.;/
it ■'•:
^.1
II
leading product of any Farm, — for I would have it distinctly under-*
stood, that, fronn all I can learn, I am persuaded that when the cul-
ture of Tobacco becomes the principal object of any Farm, it is but
too likely, from its uncertainty, to become a curso, instead of a
blessing; and for a confirination of the truth of this obseivation, I
readily appeal to any Farmer along the Lake shore who has, at any
time, turned his main attention to the culture of this fascinating
plant.
With regard to the prizes for the best seed-grain and seeds : The
paramount importance — nay, positive necessity — of the Farmer
having at his command the best seed of every description, to entitle
him to ensure superior produce, is so self-evident, that it would be a
waste of words to say more at present, than that the different Fairs
and Meetings, and particularly the great Autumnal ones, would fur-
nish excellent opportunities for these being collected in one focus, as
it were, ready to be distributed wherever most to be desired, or
wanted ; for, no doubt, Farmers having such articles to dispose of,
would soon make use of tiese occasions for making it known, and
bringing them forward, eitjier for sale, or to exchange for seed of a
similar or other descriptiots ; — even a simple change of soil being
universally allowed to he o^en productive of the most beneficial and
productive results ; — and, on the other hand, gentlemen zealous for
so good a cause, who happfn to possess choice or rare seeds, plants,
or fruits, which they woul^ wish to distribute among the Farming
community, would naturally take the opportunity of doing so at these
meetings, and of at the same time selecting those who would be like-
ly to do the greatest justice .0 their gifts. I need scarcely add, that
gentlemen so disposed, oug^t to be particularly invited to do so. —
And to encourage this des^able object still more, Premiums might
be given for the importation, in quantity, into the District, of the
best kinds of new or rare sied-grains, of every description.
We now arrive at the 4)h interesting class of Prizes, namely :--<
those to be awarded for ch(|'ce Fruits and Fruit'Trees^ Flowers, ana
Flowering Shrubs, With regard to the first branch of this head,
the same general remarks, may well apply, as have already been
made on that of Agricultu^I Produce, in general; but some refer-
ence to particular Horticiktural productions, regarded more in the
light of desiderata than others, may be made hereafter.
With regard to the cuiture of choice Flowers and Flowering
Shrubs, which may well be termed the 2>oe<ic ground of Horticulture,
it may not at ^.rst appear necessary to attach much importance to it
in a young and still forest-flad country like ours, — where
" Full many a lower is bom to biush unseen,
And waste its fragrance on the desert air."
But, independent of many direct, and sometimes important benefits,
resulting from a Ihtle encouragement of this pleasing branch of the
Society's objects, the fascinating influence of annual floral exhibi-
ings,
soul-
19
tions, will be found equally great and beneficial in an indirect way,
as may well be remembered and appreciated by any one who has wit-
nessed, in the Mother Country^ their magic power, not only iu the
culture and improvement of indigenous plants in any oarticular
neighborhood, and in the introduction of new ones in endless variety,
but in the estimable moral effects often produced thereby in the feel-
ings, and even minda^ of the amateur cultivators, — for where is that
soul-less creature to befound, — of whom,<«l4»fi*contemplating the va-
1 legated beauties of the Flower Parterre, it could be said, —
" Hast thou the wondrous scene surveyed,
That all around thee is displajred ; —
Aud hast thou never raisea thine eyes,
To Him who caused these plants to rise V
Add to which, are we not indebted to these fascinating nr.eans, for
bringing together those smiling and brilliant assemblages of Nature's
loveliest and most perfect work — the Fair Sex — which generally
grace such Exhibitions, and who, indeed, often become the most suc-
cessful competitors in the Floral Departnent.
The floral Prizes are very properly succeeded by those for domes-
tic manufactures, as tending to increaie, materially, the comforts
of the Farmer's family circle. Among Ihe objects deserving the at-
tention of an Agricultural Society in a tew and thinly settled coun-
try, must, of course, be the encouragenent of the application of as
many of its productions as can be made available, to such useful do-
mestic manufactures as can be conveijiently carried on at leisure
hours by members of the Farmer's fan|ly, whether for the purpose
of home conaumptiorif or eventual exchange or exportation. Among
these, for instance, may be reckoned G|nvas and Linen, from Hemp
and Flax grown in the District ; Sugar ^om the Maple Tree, as well
as from the Beet; Oil from the Lintse^d, the Sunflower seed, the
Mustard seed, and the Poppy, — the lastof which furnishes excellent
Sallad Oil; Flannels, and other wooUeis, from the native Woo);
Dairy Produce; and even Leather ; as Jso those temperate bevera-
ges, Cider and Perry : — any of which, i| not the whole of those enu-
merated in the printed Listy might vetf properly be made distinct
objects of competition. In making this remark, I would not for a
moment have it inferred, that I conceive that an agricultural country
like the Western District, or indeed Canjida at large, should, for ma-
ny a year to come, attempt to assume a direct manufacturing charac-
ter,— for that, I conceive, would be foan^ as impolitic and unprofita-
ble, as impracticable ; but there are miny little things, suited for
immediate domestic consumption, for which we may as well be in-
dependent of our neighbors, when our own productions can be made
convertible to that purpose ; and among these, are the articles above
enumerated. Would that, in Canada, we could muster enterprize
suflicient to add, also, more of that iiuportant article. Salt, — -for
which, as well as for the greater part of our salt provisions, we are^
i .,
•
\- '
^0
tt,f
20
1
*'
I).
( •
:il
I
in a great measure, dependant on our American neighbors. As re-
gards manufactures, genorally, it will be GUI business, for many years
to come, to export whatever we can with advantage, — whether as
mere surpUis, or grown expressly for the purpose, — and in return, to
trust chiefly to importation from the Mother Country, for whatever
we may want in the way of manufactured luxuries or conveniences.
The Prizes for improved domestic manufactures, are succeeded
by various premiums for the best reports of practical agricultural ex-
periments on the clearing of land, the most approved rotation of
crops, the best general agricultural essays, and the best agricultural
and meteorological diaiies. This diversified head, Gentlemen, is of
far more importance than may at first be apparent; but when duly
considered, it will be found to yield to few. In fact, practical expe-
riment is not only the touch-stone of theory and the test of truth, but
the parent of improvement, as well as of new discoveries; and in no
science does it afford more beneficial results, than in that of agricul-
ture. Of the truth of this observation, a whole host of evidences
and proofs might bo adducd, if necessary ; but such is not required;
and it is, perhaps, equally beyond a doubt, that there is no part of
Canada in which experiments of the kind are so likely to be product-
ive of direct and immediatelwood effects, as in the Western District:
To enable the members of tlte Society, however, to have a fair chance
of carrying on such experiments with success, it apppears to me that
some measures should be alopted for putting them in possession of
the opinions^ as well as eoepHmentSj of the scientific agriculturists of
Europe, together with the luer and nearer, and therefore more con-
genial ones of those in the aeighboring American States; and that
it would therefore be advisable that the Society should, in time, pos-
sess a tolerable Jigriciiltural Horticultural, and BotanicalhiBRARY;
but that in the interim, a lirtited number of the most approved Eng-
lish and American standard '«Aorks and periodicals on Agriculture and
Gardening, should be purclased in duplicate or triplicate, for depo-
sit for reference, if not fon circulation, at what might be called the
Head Quarters of each Dvision of the District; — and none seem
more desirable than the G\nesee Farmer, — not only on account of
its intrinsic worth as an iml)artial and successful general gleaner of
every kind of agricuhural ilkformation and experiments, but as ema-
nating from a part of the Uifited States so similar to our own country,
in climate and parallel of Utitude, as to hold out every prospect of
whatever has been found successful there, yielding similar results with
us. j
The mention of Prize EJssays may also, at first, startle some, — as
giving, in conjunction with the last mentioned head, too much of a
literary character to the Society ; but in this, I am little disposed to
acquiesce ; for I can perceive no good grounds why there should not,
at least, be Premiums for the best reports of well authenticated, sue-
cessful experiments ; and if that be admitted, why should not good
21
Theoretical Essays^ also bo acceptable t The drawing up of such
papers, however, not to be by any means confined to members of su-
perior talent as mere writers^ but to be more particularly encouraged
among those who, though loss educated, are, in general, far more
correct and able observers, — as practical Farmers, — and whose de-
ficiencies, in mere composition, will ever be substantially made up
for by the superior value of the well approved facts communicated,
or the convincing arguments adduced, in favor of experiments prom-
ising to lead to the direct test of theoretical speculations. Indeed, at
all events, any trifling defects in language or arrangement in these
valuable Essays, can easily be rectified, by the writers submitting
them for private revision to any competent member of the Commit-
tee, previous to the day of competiton. The writers, of courje, to
be at liberty to choose their own subjects, in whatever department of
Rural Economy may suit them best. But, it may be added, that
special Prize Essays might also be expressly called for, — even be-
yond the pale of the Society^ — on any fubjects that might be more
immediately regarded a& t/estc^erafa, oijotherwise deserving of par-
ticular investigation ; and these Papery ought, of course, either to
claim the highest Prize, or a distinct Piernium.
With reference to this arrangement, ^nd to enable members of the
Society to be prepared to enter the Lif s with credit, either among
themselves, or with the Province at lage, it would be the more de-
sirable to have at hand among them, thi various publications already
alluded to; and, in addition to the P^ze Medals proposed by the
Executive Committee, it might furth^' be advisable to purchase a
few standard Agricultural works, for thp purpose of bestowing a copy
of particular Treatises on successful co|npetitors, in the name of the
Society, in addition to whatever may b^ the pecuniary Premium a-
warded to them.
With regard, also, to the proposed ^Agricultural and Meteorologi-
cal Diaries, it may be observed that, iniependent of the direct value
i& the Farmer of a thorough recorded acquaintance with the general
range of climate and seasons in the neigiborhood of his residence, in
guiding the routine of his Agiicultural .operations, there are many
indirect advantages attending a more |idely diffused knowledge of
these matters, which it is the object of |iis head to endeavor to sup-
ply in a systematic manner, by ofTerini Premiums for the encour-
agement of the keeping of regular simulpneous Agricultural and Me-
teorological Diaries in different pre-arranged parts of the District,
more or less distant from the shores of our Lakes and Riveis, with
the view of ascertaining the comparatite temperature of mild and
cleared or open lands, as well as of inland and maritime, or rather,
Lake-vard situations, together with the usual extent of the influen-
ces of the late and early frosts in different places inland, compared
with others in the vicinity of the Lakes, &c. &c. Independent of
the great interest that would attach to a published series of such Dia-
r. i
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22
rles, in a ph'ilosopliical point of view, tho direct benefits to bo derived
from thero woula alio be very considerable, — in not only fiirnishing
a ready mediunn standard of the climato and seasons of the District,
including the daily range of the Thermometer, and a register of tho
prevailing winds, weather, rain, frost, snow, dec, but as often af-
fording intended purchasers of new property, as well ai Farmers
changing their location, the means of ascertaining beforehand, pret-
ty correctly, how far, in many respects, their contemplated purchase
or removal will suit their purpose. — Nay, even the benefit derivable
from the ascertainment, within any thing like tolerable accuracy, of
the general range of the '3arly frosts so fatal to some crops, but more
especially to Tobacco and Indian CorO) would soon prove worth ten-
fold the trouble and expenss attending a few sets of observationi,
such as those contemplated.
Considering, Gentlemen, tho very unmerciful trespass I have com-
mitted on your time and patience, 1 rejoice to find myself, at length,
arrived at the limits of ths desultory observations, which I have
thought it my duty to subnit to you, before winding up the business
of the Evening ; and I thatk you sincerely for tho indulgent attention
with which you have kindljl received them. If they have been much
longer, and proved more vdious than ought to have been the case,
let me entreat you will, in the same kindly feeling with which you
listened to me last year, astribe it solely to the still unwearied zeal
and deep interest and anxiey felt by me in the success of the objects
of your Society, and not to 'iny vain wish to appear a prominent act-
or in the scene. In the sane spirit, also, though retiring from the
Presidency of the Society, '. shall ever be most happy to s've it all
the assistance and support, U my humble power to bestow. Before,
therefore, proposing the neessary Resolutions of the Evening, allow
me to conclude these obsevations by the reiteration of th<3 closing
paragraph of my last year'i remarks: —
** Lotus, then, Gentlemln, hencefoiward, burying in oblivion all
petty local prejudices, or mrrow- minded jealous feelings, connected
with the pretensions of one particular quarter of the District in pref-
erence to others, and unitiijg in one great burst of generous rivalry in
the promotion of the genetil welfare, — with " Speed the Plough"
for our motto, and *' Perseverance** for our watchword, — look for-
ward with perfect confidence to the Western District, ere long,
assuming that pre-eminentstation among the component sections of
the Province, which Provijlence has evidently assigned to it, as not
only the fruitful garden, jbut also the teeming granary, of Upper
Canada.**
w
WESTERN DISTRICT AGRICULTURAF.
SOCIETY'S AUTUMNAL EXHIBITION.
Notice is hereby given, that in consequence of the
unsettled state of the District having rendered it in-
advisable to call for any subscrif tions from the mem-
bers this season, there will be m exhibition of stock
or farm produce this Autumn ; lut that it is intended
that the interesting and important objects of the So-
ciety shall be speedily resumed and prosecuted with
renewed vigor and success ; and that, with this view,
a collection of fresh choice ieeds is about being
ordered from the Mother Country and elsewhere, for
the purpose of being distributed among the members
at the Spring Meeting of next fear.
R.LACHLAN,
^ Directing President.
Sandwich, lOth Sept., 1838.
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