18 



(4) Record any means adopted for eradicating pests and results. 



(5) Record observations upon all kinds of crops cultivated in the district, 

 weather, rainfall during' the month, character of soil (where new kinds of crops 

 are cultivated), progress, and prospects. 



(0) Inquire whether any diseases or ailments exist among live stock in tlie 

 district. 



(7) Report all observations to the council, in order that they may be included 

 in the periodical reports. 



(S) Consider any suggestions calculated to advance the prosperity of the dis- 

 trict. 



(U) Send as soon as possible report of all practical conclusions, digest of dis- 

 cussions, papers read, etc., to the secretary of the council for communication 

 by him to the press, and for publication in the Journal of the Council. 



The branches from time to time recommend to the council matters 

 of importance and of interest to agriculture for its consideration. If 

 the council approves the recommendation, it transmits the same to the 

 government for legislative action. 



In 1903 there were 48 branch bodies in the State, all holding 

 monthly meetings and sending in reports regularly to the central 

 council for publication. 



By means of these boards the council of agriculture is able to reach 

 the leading farmers of the State Avith information that is of value and 

 to secure their cooperation in its efforts to procure legislative assist-, 

 ance for the advancement of the agricultural interests of the State. 

 The fact that the membership of die several boards is composed of 

 the most influential and intelligent farmers in each connnunity adds 

 very greatly to the strength of any reconnnendation that may come 

 up to the council for its approval, and the frequent reports that are 

 made of the condition of agriculture and its needs in the various dis- 

 tricts, published and distributed to all of the branches, provides an 

 educative means that might well be adopted by ev^ry country that is 

 endeavoring to assist agricultural people. 



VICTORIA. 



Short courses of instruction in agriculture for farmers and farmers 

 sons were inaugurated in 190'2 by the director of agriculture for Vic- 

 toria. The classes were to be held during the winter months, as being 

 less likely to then interfere with farming work than at any other 

 season. In organizing the classes, use was made of existing agricul- 

 tural societies in the several districts, whose cooperation was solicited 

 by iuA'iting them to secure the names of farmers and farmers' sons or 

 persons working on farms who were desirous of having short courses 

 established in their district. 



The first class was organized at Tatura, August 26, 1902. The 

 course extended through two weeks. Three classes only were held 

 during that year. 



