land, where, by an extended system of drainage, and converting bogs and marshes into arable land, and reclaiming lands now submerged in water, the accumulation of vapour will be considerably diminished, and less vicissitude of clime likely to be experienced. This is, however, a speculative subject, which, physically, would lead to too lengthened a dissertation at present to work out; but, from natural causes, such a result would most likely ensue. All, however, who have the good of the country at heart--who are sincere patriots-ought to dedicate their earnest attention to the improvement of the agriculture of the kingdom, possessing, as we do within ourselves, not only the means, if properly developed, of finding our own subsistence, even for the rapidly increasing population, but feeding also our colonies, and vieing with America in exporting food to distant parts of the New World. These capabilities are still neglected, this mine of wealth still unexplored; and though much is being attempted, yet it is melancholy to reflect how much more good might be wrought with perseverance and application well directed. We are firm in the conviction, that it is by an improved system of education, by enlightening the prejudices still too prevalent, and enlarging the sphere of acquirements, that the rich resources now lying latent in the earth can be developed. The farmer in retired parts of the country has no opportunity of availing himself of the advantages derived from mixed society, or of extending his views and ideas from new topics of conversation presented to his attention. But, from the elementary principles of his profession imbibed during his growth, the germ would have been implanted, which, as he pursues his daily occupations amidst "Nature's walks," would be rapidly attaining strength and nourishment,-yielding in its growth constant materials of interest and attraction, either by affording the means of corroborating or controverting pre-formed theoretical opinions, which would gradually induce reflection, expanding the mental faculties and capabilities, and thus, possessing within himself those desirable resources of intelligence and information which he, in after life, seeks for in vain,--constituting him a thinking being, making him a bright example of the high prerogative man enjoys, and which exalts him above all other grades of animated nature. Do we not witness in Scotland illustrious and

bright examples of the effects of education? Look at the eminent and moral standard of the people compared with the English or Irish. Mark the metamorphosed state of the country during the last century, or even half that period. Low marshy lands have been drained and transformed from swamps and wastes clad with rank grass and rushes, into fine luxuriant meadows, while the higher grounds have been cleared of their whin bushes and decked and sheltered with plantations, and either brought under the plough or rendered valuable for sheep pasture. The work of draining, clearing, ploughing, manuring, and dressing, the land, in every way which experience and skill can suggest, has ultimately had the effect of yielding a bounteous return, and the best caltivated fields which produced only three-times the amount of the seed sown, now return eight-fold the amonnt.

Royal National Stud.-The royal stud, after all that was said to prevent it, has been brought to the hammer and dispersed. Every one who has the least regard for the horse, the noblest of all domesticated creatures, must regret the abolition of a royal stud. In England especially, where the breeding and possession of bloodhorses confers distinction, and is pursued and gloried in by the highest nobleman and wealthiest commoner, a valuable stud is a befitting appendage to the royal establishment. It forms the nucleus around which all other racing establishments can rally; the spring from which all others may be refreshed; the pattern by which all others should be guided. To possess such an influence, the stud ought to be a national establishment, national as patronised and fostered by the crown, the source of all honour and high bearing, and not by annual votes of Parliament, subject to be nibbled and grumbled at by every ascetic patriot, whose domicil shuns the light of day. Much exertion has been bestowed in establishing a national gallery in which all the works of taste and art, belonging to the nation, may be collected and exhibited for the enlightenment and refinement of the public mind and taste, and very properly. Let as zealous a spirit be exhibited in the establishment of a national stud of every description of horses, suited for every variety of work which the genius of the nation can call forth. Of the two national esta

blishments, we would lay any odds, the stud would excite the more general interest, in as far as the sight of a living, buoyant, blooming, graceful horse, is infinitely superior to any portrait that can be painted. And will not the public mind be enlightened by observing the habits of God's noblest creatures, and the public taste refined by contemplating beauty in the fairest living models? These need not, however, be rival establishments, farther than for the public estimation, for both the National Gallery and Royal Stud were instituted by the same munificent patron. Although the old stud was instituted on an objectionable footing, it was a noble act in George IV. to attempt to rescue, through his own private resources, the abstraction of the best blood from the country; and, as much as any individual could, he strove to lay a foundation for retaining that blood up on which a stud that would have reflected honour on the nation, might have been formed. But circumstances ruled it otherwise, and his disinterested and patriotic designs in this instance were frustrated. We own our disappointment at the small sum realized for the stud; 43 good brood blood mares ought of themselves to have fetched more than L.17,000, besides the stallions and Arabs. The circumstances under which the sale was introduced to public notice were probably unfavourable for bidders; besides the base attempts of a certain portion of the public press to depreciate the value of the stock, could not fail to engender prejudice against it. Many who attended the sale might perhaps have been purchasers, but for the uncertainty of how ministers intended to act for the crown. As to the termination of the whole mat ter, it was a disgraceful affair.

Prices of Live Stock in Upper Canada.-It must be a curious sight to witness the colonization of a new and almost uninhabited country by emigration from an old. Many an alteration must be witnessed in the new which could not happen in the old country. How strange must the placid, the smooth, and half-indolent short-horn appear on the borders of the bush, or in the midst of forest glades, where one would expect to meet none but the fiercest of creatures, with shaggy coats, glancing eyes, scowling aspects, and long sharp-pointed horns, ready to impale you on the horn of either dilemma. The Leicester, one would never

dream of finding among blackened stumps, or indeed near a forest of any kind. In the old country, land must have been drained, fenced, sheltered, and long brought in and cultivated, before we would ever think of rearing a stock of short-horns or a flock of Leicesters. And yet, among our transatlantic brethren of the soil, these docile creatures are reared amidst the gloom of the forest and the roughness of a clearance, and seem to thrive withal, if we may judge by the prices which they realize.

In the Hamilton Gazette of 18th October last, we observe an account of a general cattle show of the Gore District Agricultural Society, held at Dundas on 11th October. Every species of breeding stock were exhibited, comprising draught stallions, entire colts, mares, and fillies, bulls, cows, and heifers, rams, ewes, and lambs, and boars and sows; and also yokes of oxen. Perceiving so high a number as sixty-six attached to one of the premium stock, we presume the number brought forward altogether must have been considerable, and it intimates pretty broadly that the district must now be well supplied with live stock. The premiums vary from ten dollars of 4s. each for the best draught stallion, to two dollars for the second best sow. Amongst the list of competitors the name of our friend Mr Adam Fergusson stands conspicuous, gaining five premiums out of twenty-four, from amongst fourteen competitors, the stock being short-horns, of which we know he had imported a number at the outset of his settlement in Canada. A Mr Joseph Ireland exhibited Leicester tups and ewes, and also a ram of the native breed. We would advise Mr Ireland to make mutton hams of his native rams, although we never saw the breed, and cross the native ewes with the Leicester tups, and the cross will repay his trouble and risk much better than the pure natives, and if the pure Leicesters thrive with him, which they must do else he would not have produced them in competition, or exhibited them at all, the cross cannot fail to succeed. The South Downs we would consider a valuable breed of sheep for Canada in its present transition state, they being, hardy, good feeders, yielding fine mutton, and casting a short valuable fleece, less likely to be injured than the long staple of the Leicester.

Mr Ferguson sold some of his breeding stock on the ground at good prices, namely, Short horn Bulls-Sir Walter, to J. B. Ewart, of Dundas, for L.32; Romulus, to A. N. Macnab, Esq.

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for L.21; and Washington, to Mr J. Watson, Woodstock, for L.28. Cows-Dairy Spot, to Dr Hamilton, for L.20; and Red Star, to the same gentleman, for L.23. Heifers-Miss Prue, to Mr Duff, for L.22; and Cowslip, to A. N. Macnab, Esq. for L.33.

On 6th October, Messrs Hoffman sold short-horn cattle, at New York, at the following prices: Bulls-York, 100 dollars; and Young Duke, 17 dollars. Cows-Fortune, 160 dollars; and Charlotte, 120 dollars. Heifers-Camilla, 75 dollars; Dahlia, 65 dollars; and Lilly, 40 dollars.

From these prices realized for short-horns, it is clear they are hardy enough for the climate, and must thrive in it. Indeed, it is only people entirely ignorant of their habits and constitution that ever complain of their tenderness, for they will maintain their condition in the low country, where most other cattle would scarcely pick up a subsistence. In this respect they are like Frenchmen, who could pick up a living among Englishmen's feet.

ON SOME IMPERFECTIONS IN SCOTCH FARMING.

THE farmers in Scotland have attained so much just celebrity for their management in rearing good crops in an inferior climate and soil, that some apology may be required from one who is not practically acquainted with agriculture, and yet attempts to point out where there appears still to be room for improvement. A mere theorist need not expect much attention; but it may, perhaps, be sufficient, on the present occasion, to plead that the experience derived from travels and visits to various parts of the country during harvest for many years, aided by the information and opinions of both proprietors and tenants, gives me a claim to submit the result of my observations, with a view to experiment or inquiry, especially as it is notorious that farmers as a body are not migratory, and the beneficial systems established in one district are often utterly unknown at a distance.

I have heard it remarked by an intelligent friend, that Scotch farmers are skilful in rearing good crops, but they do not seem to know what to do with them.

In this commendation I agree, with one reservation, that they have sometimes the defect of being later than necessary