it drew at first no
government funds direct. It commended itself to the people, for on July
28, 1847, the provincial parliament in session at Montreal passed an act
incorporating it under the name of the Agricultural Association of Upper
Canada, and in the charter named as members a number of the leading
citizens of the province. It was governed by a board of directors, two
of whom were chosen annually by each district agricultural society. The
objects set forth were the improvement of farm stock and produce, the
improvement of agricultural implements, and the encouragement of
domestic manufactures, of useful inventions applicable to agricultural
or domestic purposes, and of every branch of rural and domestic economy.
Out of this provincial association came all the further agricultural
organizations of a provincial nature, and ultimately, some forty years
later, the Ontario department of Agriculture.

The second provincial exhibition was held at Hamilton in 1847, and Lord
Elgin, the governor-general, was in attendance. He was also a generous
patron, for his name appears as a donor of $100. The address which he
delivered at the banquet has been preserved in the published records and
is copiously marked with cheers and loud applause.

The third exhibition was held at Cobourg in 1848. The official report of
the exhibits indicates that pure-bred stock was rapidly increasing and
improving in quality; but the most significant paragraph is that dealing
with implements, and this is well worth quoting in full.

Of implements of Canada make, the Show was deficient; and
we were much indebted to our American neighbours for their
valuable aid on this occasion. A large number of ploughs,
straw-cutters, drills, cornshellers, churns, etc., etc.,
were brought over by Messrs Briggs & Co. of Rochester, Mr
Emery of Albany, and a large manufacturing firm near
Boston. Mr Bell of Toronto exhibited his excellent plough,
straw-cutter, and reaping machine. The first prize for the
latter article was awarded to Mr Helm of Cobourg for the
recent improvements which he has effected. Mr Clark of
Paris exhibited his one-horse thrashing-mill, which
attracted much attention.

At the fourth exhibition, held at Kingston in 1849, the show of
implements was much more extensive, and comment was made on the
improvement of articles of home manufacture. At this meeting Professor
J. F.