Inspired by the model of the Statistical Account of Scotland, published in 27 volumes in the 1790s, the Dublin Society initiated a county survey of Ireland and received a parliamentary grant of £15,000 towards the work. The surveys were to focus in particular on agriculture (including farming practices, livestock, farm buildings and tree plantations), with an analysis of defects and suggestions for improvements. Published surveys are available for most counties in Ireland (no volumes were published for Fermanagh, Louth, Longford, Westmeath, Limerick, Kerry and Waterford).