10 AGRIOULTURAL REPORT.

favored by the blessings of peace, brought into existence twenty- three, a number which, during the eleven years, from 1831 to 1841, under the continued influence of peace, was raised to one hundred and nine. The next period, embracing the four years from 1842 to 1845, the commencement of which is distinguished for the establish- ment of the Board of Rural Economy, shows the formation of eighty- five societies, followed by an increase of seventy-five during the five years ensuing. From that time, up to 1855, there was an addition of one hundred and eleven societies.

This statement shows that there were one hundred and forty-two societies organized prior to the establishment of the Board of Rural Economy, in 1842, while the number formed after that time amounts to two hundred and seventy-one—certainly a gratifying increase, and no doubt greatly owing to the energy and beneficent influence, both directly and indirectly, emanating from that board, and the general administrative organization of the agricultural affairs of the country.

Among these societies may be instanced the following, designed for special objects: 8

No. of Societies.

Horticulture................................ 13 Breeding, rearing, and management of horses.... 13 Bee-culture............................... 12 Cultivation Of forests......................... 8 Wine-culture.............................. 1 Fruit-culture............................... 5 Silk-culture................................ 20 Flax and hemp-culture............... 3 Cultivation of beet-root....................... 1

Collection, trial, and exhibition of the best agricul- tural implements and machines...........

Besides the above, there are a number of teachers' and villages' agricultural associations; also, seventeen societies for the improve- ment of the moral and social condition of servants; and an agricultu- ral work-house to afford practical and theoretical training to orphans and other children in want of care. There are also several agricul- tural banks for savings, as well as exchanges for ascertaining the best modes of selling products and providing for the protection of the interests of mechanics. There are four societies for the embellish- ment of private and public grounds; joint-stock companies for drain- ing and improving grass-lands; agricultural fire and cattle insurance societies, as well as companies for the importation of breeding animals.

It may be stated, moreover, that agricultural machinery receives a large share of attention from the government and societies in loans and donations of money, as well as in premiums and provision for the education of mechanics. There are fifty-five establishments of large size, worked either by steam or water-power, in the manufacture of machines, and twenty-eight smaller ones, principally engaged in repairing.

Among the societies. there are some which purchase and sell ap-

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