generation before tested these advantages in the formation of the
first Foreign Mission Society, issued a Prospectus of an
Agricultural and Horticultural Society in India, from the "Mission
House, Serampore." The prospectus thus concluded:--"Both in forming
such a Society and in subsequently promoting its objects, important
to the happiness of the country as they regard them, the writer and
his colleagues will be happy in doing all their other avocations
will permit." Native as well as European gentlemen were
particularly invited to co-operate. "It is peculiarly desirable that
native gentlemen should be eligible as members of the Society,
because one of its chief objects will be the improvement of their
estates and of the peasantry which reside thereon. They should
therefore not only be eligible as members but also as officers of
the Society in precisely the same manner as Europeans." At the
first meeting in the Town Hall of Calcutta, Carey and Marshman found
only three Europeans beside themselves. They resolved to proceed,
and in two months they secured more than fifty members, several of
whom were natives. The first formal meeting was held on 14th
September, when the constitution was drawn up on the lines laid down
in the prospectus, it being specially provided "that gentlemen of
every nation be eligible as members."

At the next meeting Dr. Carey was requested to draw up a series of
queries, which were circulated widely, in order to obtain "correct
information upon every circumstance which is connected with the
state of agriculture and horticulture in the various provinces of
India." The twenty queries show a grasp of principles, a mastery of
detail, and a kindliness of spirit which reveal the practical
farmer, the accomplished observer, and the thoughtful philanthropist
all in one. One only we may quote:--"19. In what manner do you