216 Agricultural Journal of Victoria. 



of tlie State, have had tlie effect of stimulating- a desire for infor- 

 mation on various agricultural matters. This has manifested itself 

 both by a large number of applications for the services of 

 lecturers, and a mai'ked increase in letters of inquiry, bearing" upon 

 the work of the office. The large part which officers from this 

 branch have played in the short agricultural courses initiated by 

 the Director has resulted in an output of work by this section of 

 the branch, which has never before been equalled. My travelling 

 assistant, Mr. Lee, has shown special activity, and the kindly 

 notices of the press are indications that he has mastered the duties 

 of a difficult position, and gained the confidence of the farmer. 

 The course of lectures he has delivered has been a comprehensive 

 and instructive one. The facts and literature I placed in his hands 

 rendered possible the preparation and delivery of addresses on the 

 following subjects, which were repeated at various centres : — 



The Manurial Requirements of Northern Soils. 



How to Cultivate for AVheat Growing. 



Rotations, and the Possibilties, in the North. 



Salt-bush as a Fodder for Dry Areas. 



Manure Experiments in Southern Victoria. 



The Beet as a Sugar and Fodder Plant. 



Forage Crops. 



The Principles of Manuring. 



Farmyard Manure. 



The Functions of Lime in Agriculture. 



Commercial Fertilizers. 



How to Value Artificial Manures. 



Humus in its Relation to Soil Fertility. 



Crops to Provide the Nitrogen Requirements of Southern Soils.. 



The Principles of Feeding. 



The Feeding of Sheep. 



Forage Crops for Pigs. 



The Food Requirements of Farm Horses. 



Silage and Silos. 



Rations for Dairy Cows. 



Lucerne for Milking Cows. 



Feeding for the Production of Beef. 



In addition to Mr. Lee, my junior analysts, Messrs. Osborne,. 

 Garnsworthy, Robertson and Trend, have also each prepared a series 

 of 20 lectures on theoretical and agricultural chemistry. This neces- 

 sitated a wide course of reading, a great deal of night work, the culti- 

 vation of the art of lucid exposition, and the mastery of a free and 

 easy delivery. They have faced, as a first attempt in lecturing, bodies 

 of men ofl'ering as a rule little sympathy for anything not showing a 

 direct connection with farm practice, and have come through the or- 

 deal in a manner of which the head of any branch might feel proud. 

 The enthusiasm and industry shown by these young men are in 

 striking contrast with the indifference to the value of their services 

 shown by their country. They are paid salaries of £50 to £75 per annum.. 



