Dec. 2, 1908. \ Acfricultural Gazette of N.S.W, 1031 



The English Royal Horticultural Society's 

 Examinations in Horticulture. 



The Minister of Agriculture has received advice from the Agent-General for 

 New South Wales in London to the effect that, on the invitation of the 

 (government of the United Provinces of India, the General Examination of 

 the Society in the Principles of Horticulture is to be modified so as to 

 fulfil the local requirements, and a first examination will be held in April 

 1909, at Saharanpur. This has suggested the possibility of other countries 

 and districts considering it desirable to enter candidates for a similarly 

 modified examination, in which case the Council would doubtless be prepared 

 to organise it. 



The examiners are leading horticulturists in England, and for examinations 

 abroad, will be assisted by suitable experts acquainted with the special 

 horticultural conditions of the various countries desiring to adopt the English 

 tests. 



The General Examination is now an acknowledged standard of qualification 

 in Horticulture in Great Britain, and it is thought it may V)e of similar 

 advantage and assistance in New South Wales. Other details arranged 

 will be communicated on application for the examination, but the following 

 prospectus as arranged for 1909 will indicate its general lines and the sort 

 of knowledge required. 



If it should be considered desirable to adopt this proposal locally, tlie 

 Department of Agriculture will be willing to connnunicate with the English 

 Society, which would also greatly value the suggestion of the name and 

 address of a competent person in Great Britain versed in the horticultural 

 conditions of this country, who could be asked to co-operate with the 

 examiners appointed by the Society. 



The following is a prospectus of the examination : — 



Royal Horticultural Society. 



GENERAL EXAMINATION. 



Candidates must be 18 years of age or over 18. 



Elementary Principles 



On which liorticultural practice is based. 



1. Soils, good and bad : their mineral composition, chemical nature of fertilisers 

 and tlieir respective values. 



2. The physiological values of water, beat, and air in plant growth. 



3. The structure of seeds and their modes of germination ; the chemical phenomena 

 of germination ; the movements of seedlings and the uses of them'. 



4. The functions of roots, their anatomical structure ; hindrances to healthy root 

 action and their remedies. 



