PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

in 1875 right prevailed, and Islanders were accorded the privileges of freeholders.

It is one of the mysteries of nature that her creations may adapt themselves to their environment. Man is no exception. Under the stunting influence of corrupt economic adjustment the little colony continued to grow in numbers, in industry, in intelligence and in national wealth. In 1839 Ireland sent out six hundred of her sons to help re- duce chaos to order, and only eight years later, these were joined by four hundred more. Again, in 1840, the population was increased by two hundred and eighty-one. and then in 1858 by three hundred more, our gain in these cases being a loss to the Isle of Skye. From 1756 to 1861, when the first census was taken, the population had in- creased from five to eighty-one thousand.

Sturdy men do sturdy deeds, and in spite of handicap and oppression, agriculture rose to the premier position in industrial activi- ties. In 182 5 and 1826 ninety-four new sailing vessels were added to the fleet to meet the needs of agricultural commerce. In 1849 the United States opened their markets to the free admission of Island produce, thus contributing a share to the progress of our main industry. Liberal-minded and progres- sive governors from time to time placed the potentiality of their wealth and influence to

the wheel of progress and encouraged the in- ,

troduction of new methods, improved live stock, and helpful organization. ,

The first organization for the dissemina- tion of agricultural truths was founded in 1827 under the recommendation of Gov— emor Ready. Plain “Agricultural Society” was the name of this organization, and its object was the publication of information, the importation of improved live stock, and the introduction of improved seed. States- men, professionalists and business men have

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never ceased to proclaim the greatness and goodness of farming, but the financial aid that has usually been meted out falls far short of being consistent with their profes- sion. The first grant to the Agricultural Society was £30, and the following extract from the report of the Society in 1828 shows the beginning of the modest pleas that ever since have been sent up to our legislative bodies. The report says: “Your committee further obServe the sum of thirty pounds (£30) has been placed at the disposal of the Committee of the Agricultural Society, and regret that a country so eminently agricul- tural should have so limited a sum at its dis- posal”, In 1830 the grant had increased to £150, but by 1865, when Government as- sistance was withdrawn, the grant had de- creased to £100. In 1845 the institution changed its name to “Royal Agricultural So- ciety” in honour of its royal patron, Prince Albert.

Agricultural education has ever been the last branch of training to receive public at- tention. Nature is so bountiful in her re- turns that it is not until her generosity has been almost exhausted and economic con- ditions become serious that anyone thinks intellect should assist muscle. It follows then that the education begins with the adult instead of the rational method of beginning with the youth. Cynicism would say that in spite of this treatment the farmer has made progress. But only such progress has been made as absolute necessity compels. The Royal Agricultural Society was the first organization to point the way to the husbanding of nature's gifts and the elimi- nation of drudgery from the farmer's life. The following extract is from their report for 1848:

“In conclusion your Committee would say to every farmer—‘put in requisition