122 AyricuUural Journal of Victoria. 



with very little instruction, could manage a microscope suitable for 

 the purpose, and especially if sets of properly mounted slides of tiu^ 

 objects to be viewed were forwarded from the Agricultural Dejjart- 

 ment, accompanied by a leaflet containing practical and scientific 

 information that could be read and discussed at the meeting. If it 

 could be arranged it would be advantageous to extend this system of 

 instruction, working it somewhat after the style of a circulating 

 library. Thus models, charts or plans, a suitable microscope with 

 slides, also pamphlets and books could be purchased either by public 

 subscription, with or without government assistance, or solely under 

 the auspices of the state. In the latter case a complete system of 

 organisation could be arranged, and an active supervision maintained. 

 The educational set could be arranged by the individual experts in 

 order to suit the various industries ; thus, in the fruit-growing 

 districts, specimens of fungoid and insect pests, and leaflets dwelling' 

 on their life histories and remedies would form two sets ; plans of 

 suitable buildings, descriptions of irrigation methods, the packing and 

 grading of fruit, the planting and pruning of trees, may form others, 

 whilst, as far as could be managed, the other producing industries 

 could be similarly assisted. By placing the models, etc., under the 

 charge of the local state school teacher his pupils may also reap some 

 benefit, and help to extend the interest. The rural state school teacher 

 is usually a keenly interested cifzen, and will voluntarily do much 

 towards assisting in matters pertaining to the rural pojmlation, and 

 he, should there not be a member in the society who can undertake the 

 work, may attend to the microscope and models. The accompanying 

 leaflets and books would give all the necessary instructions and in- 

 formation, hence it would not necessitate the presence of the ex])ert, 

 though doubtless on occasions his presence would be a great advantage. 



It must not be inferred that we need the farmers to become first- 

 class scientists, nor could it be expected, but we hope to im])ress 

 them with the advantages of being familiar with the elementary 

 principles of some of the sciences, in order that they may be able to 

 adapt themselves to all the varying conditions under which they may 

 be placed, also understand what they read, appreciate the practical 

 experience of others, and apply their knowledge in an intelligent 

 manner. What is really needed is a committee of energetic men and 

 women, whose sympathies are strongly enlisted in the advancement of 

 rural industries. I believe it would be an advantage to have this 

 committee formed in conjunction with the agricultural society, but not 

 necessarily so. If it were, possibly the society's membership list would 

 be increased should the work be carried out successfully, by encourag- 

 ing the farmers not interested in the society to attend the educational 

 gatherings. Perhaps it could be arranged to charge a nominal 

 subscription for those not members of the society and class them as 

 associates. This may be the means of inducing associates to become 

 full members later on. 



By having a committee independent from that which governs the 

 annual show, men and women interested in the educational aspects of 



