This year, it is supposed, our wants will require to be supplied, over and above our home growth, with as much as was received in the famine year of 1847, which is a startling quantity to be paid for mostly in gold, and shows the need there is for every exertion being made to increase our own produce, the demand for which is continually progressing. In "Porter's Progress of the Nation," p. 43, a table shows that in the course of 49 years the increased production of wheat has been equal to the wants of 5,835,339 persons. It is said that our population will reach 40,000,000 by the end of the present century, and will require an increase of 150 per cent. of agricultural produce to feed it. According to the official returns, the following were the imports of live stock into England from abroad, during the first eleven months of 1844, 1845, 1846: All these things put together show the necessity for the agricultural interest being up and stirring—first for their own benefit, and next for the sake of the wealth, strength, and happiness of the country. They also show that there is little chance of overtaking the increasing demand for food. The public press has always done its duty in giving our past improvements publicity; and there is no doubt of such leading papers as the Marklane Express, the Agricultural Gazette, Bell's Messenger, and many others, too numerous to mention, giving their powerful aid to any useful plan for the formation of a great national club. I shall next, sir, make allusion to the agricultural wealth of England and Wales as set down in tables by M'Culloch. He gives the rental of England and Wales at £40,000,000. Therefore, assuming the land to be worth twenty-five years' purchase, the total value is twelve hundred millions of money; live stock, implements, &c., not being included in the calculation. There is Scotland and Ireland, too; but as my paper must be kept within reasonable limits, I must refer my friends to their own researches for extended information. I have given these details to show what a necessity there is for men so deeply interested as agriculturists are to form themselves into a great national club, for a union of their interests and the full development of their resources. We are required now to go far beyond the mere ploughing, sowing, draining, cattlefeeding, which for some time past have successfully progressed and been worked out by all agricultural societies in the kingdom, with the Royal Agricultural Society at their head. To effect the establishment of a Central Farmers' Club, both money and talent are required. In the former particular we are too apt to be parsimonious (Hear, hear). We should turn to the commercial community for an example in this respect; they know full well that if they subscribe liberally they are repaid ten and twenty-fold (Hear, hear). There is, without doubt, a large increase in the various productions of the earth; but I believe much remains to be done. Look at the large produce from garden ground as compared with field husbandry. This is obtained by more capital being employed in labour and manure; and, although we think ourselves the best farmers in the world, I very much doubt if we are not eclipsed by the Belgians and Dutch. The nearer farming approaches to gardening, be assured the larger will be our products. I have laid part of my own land to grass; yet I find my corn produce, &c., kept up to the same amount by farming the tillage land higher. More cattle and sheep are also fed. What we want, I repeat, is greater unity of purpose, extended knowledge, and larger capital, all stimulated by a Chamber of Agriculture (Hear, hear). As to manures-viz., guano, bones, and special manures of all kinds-they have greatly assisted in improving the produce of the kingdom; and other fertilizers may yet be discovered of immense benefit to agriculture. Our present club possesses many advantages, and I must say has done good service, and no doubt will continue to be of great use; but it wants strength, which surely amongst such weighty interests it must have, if every one deeply interested in agriculture will but give a slight helping hand. Should the scheme of a more extended club not meet with sufficient support, the present one ought to be put in a better position-by increased subscriptions, the publication of discussions, which ought to be printed and sent to each member, the increase of the library, and other improvements of a similar kind. I must now, sir, bring my paper to a close, as there seems to be no end to the reasons which may be given for extending the various branches of agricultural knowledge. In one word, agriculturists must become highly enlightened men, and not be contented to keep in the jog-trot of their forefathers (Hear, hear). This paper is only an outline, but I hope will lead many to think seriously on the plan it is meant to originate. With all its imperfections, I trust it will be as favourably received as my good intentions merit ; and, having thus laid a foundation, I am contented to leave the question in the hands of the members of the club (Cheers). Mr. CUTHBERT W. JOHNSON said he happened to be one of the very few who some years ago met in that house, to consider the desirability of forming a London Farmers' Club; and he thought the retrospect they were now enabled to take of the proceedings of what Mr. R. BAKER said no one could doubt that the existence of a club, at which the intelligence of farmers might, as it were, be centralized, would be advantageous to the agricultural body generally; but whether it would be politic to engraft such a club on the present one was another question (Hear, hear). That club was originally instituted, not for the purpose of discussing such matters as were excluded by the Royal Agricultural So ciety and other associations, but with the view of they must now, like other citizens of the community, endeavour to take care of themselves. In conclusion, he could not help thanking Mr. Ramsay for having brought forward the subject in so able a manner; and though he thought that whatever might be done towards establishing a Central Farmers' Club should be done without interfering with the general proceedings of that club; yet he was also of opinion that if that club could give any assistance in the advancement of the principles which Mr. Ramsay had propounded, it should not be withheld. It would, he thought, be unwise and impolitic for the club to alter the system it was now pursuing : the result of any such alteration as that suggested appeared to him highly problematical. | pected that Mr. Baker would go on to argue that still further improvements might be made; whereas he contended that, because the club was in the position it now occupied, they ought not to consider whether or not its advantages could be extended. Now, in his (Mr. Nesbit's) opinion, as the club was formerly made to include objects not contemplated at first, because a necessity arose for such an enlargement, so now it became them to consider whether, in the present state of things, it should not be extended so as to include a still greater variety of objects (Hear, hear). Again, Mr. Baker had stated that they were not allowed in that club to discuss politics. He believed there was, in fact, no such rule-he appealed to the Chairman to correct him, if he were mistaken; and, so far as the practice of the club went, he thought the principle by which it had been regulated was, that all subjects, whether political or non-political, that affected the farmer in his manipulations or calling in any way whatever, were fit and proper subjects for discussion by farmers (Hear, hear). If that were so, the club was already founded on a sufficiently large basis to admit all who were disposed to join it. The question really was, whether their regulations ought not to be such as to include as great a number of persons as Mr. PYLE (delegate from the Winchester Farmers' Club) said he had hoped to find the meeting in favour of the proposition that the London Farmers' Club should become the Central Farmers' Club of the whole kingdom. Mr. Baker objected to the discussion of political subjects. There was scarcely any subject bearing on the interests of agriculture that was not political; and they might depend upon it that farmers would never trouble themselves about any politics but those which did bear on their immediate interests (Hear, hear). He agreed with Mr. Baker that theywere not represented in the House of Commons; and "the reason why," to quote an expres-possible-whether they ought not to open their arms as sion of Sir James Graham, was that they were often driven to the poll as sheep were driven to market. The Legislature must begin at the right end, by enabling landlords to charge their estates with improvements, and by enfranchising copyholds. The cultivators of the soil could not be expected to sacrifice themselves for the good of the community (Hear, hear); and, on the other hand, if they had proper security for the investment of their capital, the increase of production would proceed at a most satisfactory rate. He did not agree with those who contended that leases comprised all that farmers required; many other things were necessary to draw out the resources of the country. As regarded agricultural statistics, he was an advocate for everything that concerned farmers being made as open as possible; secrecy had been their bane (Hear, hear); and, if farmers had anything to communicate, it was their duty to impart it freely to each other. He hoped the meeting would not conclude without having come to an unanimous decision that the London Farmers' Club should in future be the Central Farmers' Club of the kingdom (Hear, hear). Mr. J. C. NESBIT thought the remarks of Mr. Baker required some reply. Mr. Baker said the club was formed in order that there might be a place in the metropolis whither farmers, when they visited London, might resort, to discuss matters of common interest. He went on to say that the discussions were at first of a❘ more private character than they subsequently became. They were then told that this silent system, or private system-- widely as was practicable; and if this were done, the club would, he was convinced, become one of the most important institutions in the world connected with farming. He deprecated their allowing such an opportunity for union to pass by. If they ignored the kindly spirit which was attempting to unite them with the cultivators of the soil throughout the country, he thought they would regret it (Hear, hear). His knowledge of the local farmers' clubs of the country enabled him to predict that, if that club did not assume the position which was now proffered to it, some other association would arise and take its place. One result of its becoming the National Central Club would be that, when any subject arose in which all the farmers of the country had a common interest, it might secure a discussion and decision in all the local clubs within a week, and thus obtain an expression of opinion which could not but be of the greatest importance as regarded results (Hear, hear). The CHAIRMAN said, having been appealed to by the last speaker with regard to the existence or nonexistence of a rule in that club excluding politics, he begged to say that, as far as his memory served him, there was a rule by which politics were prohibited. As regarded the correct definition of this word "politics," he could only say that, in his capacity as chairman, it had always been his object to confine the gentleman who addressed the meeting to the subject immediately before it. Mr. SPEARING said, as a member of a local club, Mr. BAKER said he had not used either the word and also of the London Farmers' Club, he wished to "silent" or the word "private" (laughter). Mr. NESBIT continued: At all events, the result was that ultimately periodical meetings were held for diseussion. After such admissions, he should have ex see the club attain that eminence which he believed it could not reach without adopting the course suggested by Mr. Nesbit. There were, including himself, seven members of the Winchester Club in the room; and they were all impressed with the desirableness of such a change. They wished especially for increased means of obtaining information. It was not convenient to them to attend all the meetings, and the only information they could obtain respecting the proceedings of the club must come through the columns of the Mark Lane Express or Bell's Messenger. It was at least desirable that they should in addition have the advantage of reading halfyearly reports of the committee (Hear, hear). He believed there were men in the club fully competent to give in that form sound opinions on the questions most interesting to agriculturists. The effect of making the club a central one would be to bind tenant farmers together as one man for the common good (Hear, hear). Mr. HILTON said they had all heard a great deal about the want of union among farmers. It was owing to this "want of union" that they were not duly represented; and were that evil removed by means of a Central Club, farmers would soon be in a very different position. They all appeared to feel the desirableness of having a Central Farmers' Club. That point being settled, the next question was whether that association should be the Central Farmers' Club. He confessed he was one of those who thought that hitherto Farmers' Clubs had not answered the purpose for which they were designed; and he was anxious to see a reorganization of them, in order that they might take their proper position in the country. It was desirable not to multiply unnecessarily clubs of that description. The London Farmers' Club stood very high in general estimation; and justly so from the way in which it was established, from the men who had joined it, and from the discussions which had taken place at its meetings: and under these circumstances he should be sorry to see any new Club rise up to take its place (Hear, hear). He cordially concurred in what had been said with regard to tenant-right, but it was necessary to have a Central Club with a view to the satisfactory settlement of that question (Hear, hear). There could be no stronger reason for making this club the central one of the country than the fact that such a step would tend to give prosperity to the local clubs, which in many parts of the country required such aid. Mr. CUSSENS, of the Arundel Farmers' Club, said he could not allow that opportunity to pass without thanking the Committee for the manner in which they formerly entertained the proposition for the admission of some of the members of the Arundel Club. They had now the privilege of sending two of their members, which was one step towards pulling together; but it was only the beginning of a good end (Hear, hear.) He hoped that in future they would all be allied more closely together, that their views would be expressed at the same time in different places, and that when any measures had to be considered which concerned their interests, they would be able to show the legislature that, although a scattered class, they were not incapable of exerting themselves for their own benefit, as well as for that of the community at large (cheers). He trusted that the club would not throw cold water on the appeal which was now made for united action, and believed that its doing so would tend to wean from it the affections of the provincial clubs. He hoped he was not considered to be infringing the orthodox doctrine with regard to politics, if he referred for a moment to the malt-tax. That tax had been referred to by one or two speakers in a rather cursory manner. In his part of the country it was felt to be a great injustice to the farmer and the labourer (Hear, hear). A few months ago he was one of a deputation who waited on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to obtain its repeal; and he believed that one result of establishing a Central Club would be to secure the united action of farmers in claiming the repeal of that iniquitous impost (cheers). A public meeting was about to be held in Sussex, with the view of accelerating that end. Mr. W. BENNETT confessed that the subject appeared to him beset with difficulties. He did not deny that the agriculturists of England required to be placed in a better position; but he saw great difficulty in the introduction of general politics in meetings of agriculturists. The line of demarcation ought, he thought, to be drawn at all matters relating to improvement. The burdens of agriculture were legitimate subjects for discussion by farmers' clubs; but whether the representation of the country and other matters of that kind should be included, was perhaps matter for serious consideration (laughter). They must take care not to act in a manner which would tend to make them ridiculous in the eyes of the community. Farmers' clubs must not become mere debating societies on all subjects which might come before the Legislature. He feared that the meeting would not be able to come to any practical conclusion that evening; and perhaps the best course, therefore, would be to refer the subject to the committee, in order that they might take it into consideration before the meeting in January. He should greatly object to the formation of a second club. If the basis of that club was not sufficiently large and liberal, it had better be extended. The CHAIRMAN said: Having looked through the rules of the club since he last referred to the subject of politics, he wished to state that he could not find any rule on the subject. It had certainly been his impression that there was one. Mr. CORBET, the Secretary, said the exclusion of politics was a matter of custom rather than of positive rule. When he came there, in 1847, the rule had reference to the question of protection and free trade. A notion seemed to have prevailed that evening that the club was afraid of touching on important topics; but he believed it would be found, on an examination of the list of subjects already considered, that there was scarcely one of any real import mentioned by Mr. Ramsay that had not been discussed (Hear, hear). The CHAIRMAN said it appeared that the rule had died a natural death; but to show that, if any such rule had existed, the committee had not been very particular in enforcing it, he would remind the members that on the 7th of February last Mr. Cheetham was allowed to introduce the following question-"What course ought farmers, individually and collectively, to pursue under the altered circumstances of the times in which they were agriculturists generally. He believed the establishment of a Central Club would prove highly beneficial. Mr. W. FISHER HOBBS had to express his thanks to Mr. Ramsay for so ably introducing the subject. He (Mr. Hobbs) was not one of those who feared placed?" If that were not opening the door to the most ardent he did not know what would be (laughter). Mr. WALTON entirely concurred in all that fell from Mr. Ramsay, and trusted that the issue of the discussion would be highly beneficial to tenant-farmers. The time had come when they must look to their own inter-progression, nor was he for standing still while other ests, for thus only could they be secured. At present, farmers' clubs had done but little for the advancement of agriculture. Mr. Wood said, as an old member of the club, he hoped that nothing would be undertaken rashly. He agreed with Mr. Baker that it was a grave question whether amalgamation might not have the effect of damaging the club. At the same time, he considered the question worthy of the fullest consideration; especially as there was no other society on which the provincial clubs could be so well or easily grafted. Mr. SIDNEY said the meeting appeared unanimously of opinion that it was desirable that a Central Club should be established; and no person who watched passing events could be surprised that such was the case. Having been in the habit of watching the proceedings of local farmers' clubs, he had observed them for some time assuming a more independent tone, and asserting a right to express opinions uninfluenced by landlords. They all knew that the landlords of this country had extensive and frequent means of communication. Educated at the same universities, belonging to the same clubs and societies, it was impossible that they should not have frequent opportunities of conversing together on topics in which they were interested. When tenants met their landlords on festive occasions (which they did generally only once a-year) it might seem ungracious to introduce politics; and a Central Club was needed to afford proper facilities for representing their views. This would be best accomplished by extending the operations of the London Club. They might begin by sending communications to all the local associations, asking them whether they would co-operate, what subjects they had discussed, what resolutions they had passed, and so on. That would be a great step towards the attainment of the object. Mr. SPOONER, Secretary of the South Hants Farmers' Club, said it was a rule of that club to exclude all political subjects except such as had a direct bearing on the interests of agriculture; and he thought that in a Central Club such a rule as that would be quite sufficient to exclude everything that could lead to unpleasant results. They had long been convinced of the desirableness of having some better means of gathering the opinions of institutions were progressing. That the Committee, too, had no such fear, was proved by their selection of such a subject for the most important meeting of the year. For his own part, he should be most happy to assist in carrying out the views of Mr. Ramsay; and as to the character of the discussions which might take place, he should trust to the good sense of the farmers of the country to send persons to represent them who would bring forward their subjects in a proper manner, and do justice to the cause they professed to advocate (Hear, hear). With this conviction, he had no hesitation in saying that the Committee would endeavour to make the Club what in fact it ought to be, a representative of the practical farmers of the country (Hear, hear). It behoved tenant farmers to unite together whenever any great question affecting the agricultural interest was under consideration, and not to be behind the other industrial classes of the country in expressing their minds frankly and intelligibly, not only to the public at large, but also, if necessary, to the legislature (Hear, hear). Mr. CHEETHAM said, that in the paper which he read last February, he unwittingly introduced the subject of a Central Farmers' Club in fact it had long been a favourite theme with him, and he hoped the time was not far distant when the object would be fully realized. Mr. RAMSAY replied, and in doing so said he had no doubt that if the Club took the lead the Local Clubs would gladly assist in the attainment of the object which he had advocated, and a fusion would take place which would prove highly advantageous to all parties. Two or three resolutions were then proposed; but, on the motion of Mr. W. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Payne, the following one was, after some conversation, which showed that there was scarcely any real difference of opinion, unanimously agreed to, the others having been withdrawn:- "That this Meeting is of opinion that the London Farmers' and that the Committee be requested to take into consideraClub should act as the Central Farmers' Club of the kingdom, tion the best means of carrying out this resolution." On the motion of Mr. Tattersall, seconded by Mr. This terminated the proceedings. THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE LONDON FARMERS' CLUB. President of the Royal Agricultural Society; Mr. W. |