<^, 
 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATrON 
 TEST TARGET (MT.3) 
 
 k 
 
 // 
 
 4^ 
 
 ^ 4^ 
 
 u. 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 11.25 
 
 li;|28 |Z5 
 
 |io ■^" IMH 
 
 £f Ufi |2.0 
 
 ■lUU 
 
 ^iy4 
 
 V] 
 
 n 
 
 7 
 
 ^^^ a:^ > . 
 
 %^/ ^ 
 
 V 
 
 EC 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WeiT MAIN STREET 
 
 WP»S7t:R,N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
 ,\ 
 
 ;V 
 
 •^ 
 
 ^\ 
 
 
 o\ 
 
 '^ 
 
CIHM/ICMH 
 
 Microfiche 
 
 Series. 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 Collection de 
 microfiches. 
 
 Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 
 
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques 
 
 The Institute has attempted to obtain the best 
 original copy available for filming. Features of this 
 copy which may be bibliographically unique, 
 which may alter any of the images in the 
 reproduction, or which may significantly change 
 the usual method of filming, are checked below. 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured covers/ 
 Couverture de couleur 
 
 I I Covers damaged/ 
 
 Couverture endommage« 
 
 Covers restored and/or laminated/ 
 Couverture restaurie et/ou peiiicui^e 
 
 I I Cover title missing/ 
 
 Le titre de couverture manque 
 
 Coloured maps/ 
 
 Cartes gdographiques en couleur 
 
 Coloured inl< (i.e. other than blue or black)/ 
 Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) 
 
 I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ 
 
 Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur 
 
 Bound with other material/ 
 Reli6 avec d'autres documents 
 
 Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion 
 elong interior margin/ 
 
 La re liure serrde peut causer de I'ombre ou de la 
 distortion le long de la marge int6rieure 
 
 Blank leaves added during restoration may 
 appear within the text. Whenever possible, these 
 have been omitted from filming/ 
 II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajouttes 
 lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans ie texte, 
 mais, lorsque cela dtait possible, ces pages n'ont 
 pas 6t6 film^es. 
 
 Additional comments:/ 
 Commentaires suppl6mentaires: 
 
 L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire 
 qu'il lui a AtA possible de se procurer. Les details 
 de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du 
 point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier 
 une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une 
 modification dans la methods normale de filmage 
 sont indiquAs ci-dessous. 
 
 □ Coloured pages/ 
 Pages de couleur 
 
 D 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 Pages damaged/ ^ 
 
 Pages endommag6es 
 
 Pages restored and/or laminated/ 
 Pages restaurtes et/ou pellicul6es 
 
 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ 
 Pages dicolordes, tachetdes ou piqu6es 
 
 D 
 
 Pages detached/ 
 Pages ddtachtes 
 
 [~T| Showthrough/ 
 
 Transparence 
 
 I I Quality of print varies/ 
 
 Quality in^gale de I'impression 
 
 includes supplementary material/ 
 Comprend du materiel suppi^mentaire 
 
 Only edition available/ 
 Seule Edition disponible 
 
 Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata 
 slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to 
 ensure the best possible image/ 
 Les pages totalement ou partiellement 
 obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, 
 etc., ont 6t6 filmtes 2 nouveau de fa^on d 
 obtenir la meilleure image possible. 
 
 This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ 
 
 Ce document est film6 au taux de reduction indiquA ci-dessous. 
 
 10X 
 
 
 
 
 14X 
 
 
 
 
 18X 
 
 
 
 
 22X 
 
 
 
 
 26X 
 
 
 
 
 30X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 y 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12X 
 
 
 
 
 16X 
 
 
 
 
 20X 
 
 
 
 
 24X 
 
 
 
 
 28X 
 
 
 
 
 32X 
 
 
The copy filmed her* hat been reproduced thanks 
 to the generosity of: 
 
 Library of the Public 
 Archives of Canada 
 
 L'exemplaire filmA fut re».rcduit grAce h la 
 gAnArosIti do: 
 
 La bibllothique des Archives 
 publiques du Canada 
 
 The imeges appeering here ere the best quelity 
 possible considering the condition end legibility 
 of the orlglnel copy end in keeping with the 
 filming contract speeificetions. 
 
 Les imeges sulvantes ont AtA reproduftes svec le 
 plus grend soln, compte tenu de la condition et 
 de le nettet* de l'exemplaire flimA, et en 
 conformity avec les conditions du con;;rat de 
 fllmage. 
 
 Orlglnel copies in printed paper covers ere filmed 
 beginning with the front cover end ending on 
 the last page with a printed or lllustreted Impres- 
 sion, or the beck cover when appropriate. All 
 other orlglnel copies are filmed beginning on the 
 first page with e printed or lllustreted impres- 
 sion, end ending on the leet pege with e printed 
 or iiiustreted Impression. 
 
 The lest recorded frame on eech microfiche 
 shell contain the symbol ^<»> (meening "CON- 
 TINUFD"), or the symbol y (mearing "END"), 
 whichever eppiies. 
 
 Les exempleires orlglneux dont le couverture en 
 pepier est ImprlmAe sont filmAs en commenpant 
 par le premier piet et en terminent solt par la 
 dernlAre pege qui comporte una empreinte 
 d'Impression ou d'lliustretion, solt par le second 
 piet. selon le ces. Tous les eutres exempleires 
 origineux sont fllmte en conimen9ant par la 
 premiere page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'Impression ou d'illustrstlon et en terminent par 
 la dernlAre pege qui comporto une telle 
 empreint«^. 
 
 Un dee symboles suivents epperettre sur le 
 dernlAre imege de cheque microfiche, selon le 
 ces: le symbols — ► signifle "A SUIVRE ", le 
 symbols y signifle "FIN". 
 
 IMeps, pistes, cherts, etc., mey be filmed et 
 different reduction retlos. Those too lerge to be 
 entirely included in one exposure ere filmed 
 beginning in the upper left hend corner, left to 
 right and top to bottom, aa many frames as 
 required. The following diegrems Illustrate the 
 method: 
 
 Les certes, plenches, tebieeux, etc., peuvent Atre 
 filmAs A des teux de reduction diffArents. 
 Lorsque le document eet trop grend pour Atre 
 reproduit en un seui ciichA, 11 est filmA A partir 
 de i'engie supArleur geuche. de geuche A droite, 
 et de haut en bes, en prenenl le nombre 
 d'imeges nAcessslre. Les diegrammes suivents 
 illustrent la mAthode. 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 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 '. >■■■ 
 
 'f 
 
 ■I 
 
 !t SV- ! 
 
 y^tv,!,v 
 
 K 
 
 U.,;ti 
 
 ■H- 
 
 ^..:'t ,.< .If-- 
 
 ' » 1 '■ 
 
 I 1 ; 
 
 •< 1 ■■ 
 
 :^T' 
 
 
 
 ,' i ! 
 
 '■•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 
 
 \- 
 
 V'- . 
 
 i ■'-:■ 
 
I 
 
 ' '\: 
 
 ■)i 
 
 ¥ li 
 
 4-tt- ?' 
 
 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. 
 
 »