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PROGRESS OF AGRICULTURE. 21

the more intelligent class of farmers, as well as that of the merchants and Political economists of the day.

The first association of this kind formed in the United States, so far as is known, was“The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agri i- culture,“ established on the 1st of March, 1785, by a body of citizens, only a few of whom were actually engaged in husbandry, but who were convinced of the necessity and of the assistance which an asso- ciation, properly managed, would afford to the interests of agricul- ture. rhis society continued to meet regularly for several years, and published numerous valuable communications from practical men in the newspapers of the day, thereby contributing to diffuse the knowledge of many improvements in rural affairs, the general adop- tion of which visibly tended to augment the fertility and to increase the products of the soil of Pennsylvania. Premiums were proposed and conferred for the elucidation of subjects upon which information was desired, and for the adoption of approved systems and modes of European culture, as well as for the improvement of certain articles of domestic manufacture. Among the latter, for instance, may be mentioned cheese, for the best sample and greatest quantity of hieh a gold medal was awarded to Mr. Mathewson, of Rhode Island, 1790.

After several years of active exertions, this society was unfor- tunately permitted to slumber until the winter of 1804, when it was revived under the laudable and patriotic efforts of the late Judge Peters, through whose indefatigable exertions regular meetings were resumed, new subjects for premiums proposed, and numerous com- munications received, which were published in the Memoirs in 1808-11, and afterwards. The society was incorporated by the legis- lature of Pennsylvania on the 14th of February, 1809.

The first agricultural association incorporated in this country was the“Society for the Promotion of Agriculture,“ established in South Carolina, in 1785, the objects of which were to institute a farm for experiments, to import and distribute foreign productions suited to the climate of Charleston, and to direct the attention of the farmers and planters of the State to economical purposes, as well as to reward those persons who should improve the art of husbandry. Among other subjects of interest which received the attention of this society were some cuttings of the olive and of the vine. The former suc- ceeded very well; but the climate near Charleston proved too moist for the perfection of the grape.

In 1791, a few patriotic citizens founded in the city of New York a Society for the Advancement of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufac- tures.” This association was in operation only about 10 years, having ceased at the close of its incorporation.

Next in chronological order stands the““ Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture,“ which was incorporated on March 7, 1792. The design of this institution was to promote useful improvements in agriculture, and the association was empowered by law to hold, pur- chase, and receive in fee simple, or any less estate, by gift, grant, devise, or otherwise, any lands, tenements, or other estate, real and