IN SCOTLAND.
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cheap publications: And, lastly , By furnishing essays, me*moirs, or communications upon interesting subjects, andreading and depositing these with the society, or printingthem for its use.
2. To encourage every improvement in the practical ope-rations of agriculture.
A variety of means has been devised and adopted forpromoting this’important end : These may all be includedunder the following particulars. 1. Promoting the most per-fect culture and rotations in arable soils. 2. Appointingploughing matches in the several districts of the society *.3. Introducing and encouraging the culture of green crops,where these are but partially known. 4. Promoting drain-ing of every description. 5. Explaining the proper prepara-tion and application of manures. 6. Improving the qualityof grain or grass, and introducing new species of both. 7.Encouraging the improvement of barren land, and mossesof every description. 8. Promoting the destruction of weedsof all sorts, not only in the cultivated land, but also alongsides of roads and fences. 9. Recommending the destruc-tion of all kinds of vermin, which prey on the seed or grainin spring or harvest; And, lastly , Animating the members, bythe distribution of premiums, or honorary marks of distinc-tion, to excel in these important particulars.
3. To promote tile improvement of Live Stock.
This important end is promoted by conferring premiumson those who excel in the following branches : 1. Introdu-
* The utility of ploughing matches is thus described in the StirlingshireReport, p. 384. In the districts of that county, where ploughing matches arc-unknown, the operation is generally performed in a slovenly manner, and theridges are broad and crooked ; whereas, within the bounds of the Gargunnockclub, by whom ploughing matches arc encouraged, the form of the ridges, andthe manner in which the furrow is turned, furnish a model.