268 Agricultural Journal of Victoria. 



frequently called upon to leave the office and attend to this work, 

 giving information when inquiry is made, and explaining the main 

 features of the exhibit. 



It has been the practice to forward these exhibits free on applica- 

 tion of the Society, but during the current year a new order has been 

 established, a charge being made to cover railway transit and this, 

 possibly, will lessen the demand for these exhibits. I think it is my 

 duty to point out that, whilst it may be desirable to charge in most 

 cases, it is, nevertheless, a hardship on small societies situated at a 

 distance fi'om the chief centres of population, as the residents of these 

 districts are unable to obtain information on such matters which is 

 available in more settled districts. Since these exhiliits are taken for 

 educational 2iur})0ses, in my opinion, some concessions shoiddbe made 

 to these distant places. The following centres have been attended 

 during the past year : — Melbourne (Eoyal Show), Geelong, 

 Waugaratta, Yarrawonga, Benalla, Nhill, Sale, Bairnsdale, Kyneton, 

 Mansfield, Kilmore, Cobram, Charlton, Echuca, Seymour, Yarram, 

 Traralgon, Birregurra, Cheltenham, Shepparton, Korumburra, 

 Leongatha, Eomsey, Warragul, Tallaugatta, Yackandandah, Oakleigh, 

 Eingwood, Box Hill, Somerville, Pakenham, and Castlemaine. 



Lecturing. 



This has received attention during the past year by myself and 

 Mr. Eobilliard. 



The subiects dealt with have been of a general character, bearing 

 upon the cultivation of ordinary and special produt-ts, but 1 regret to 

 say the many calls upon my time debar me from giving more atten- 

 tion to this class of useful work. 



The usual practice adopted is to attend the various places re- 

 questing lectures, and to give practical demonstrations in the field 

 where an opportunity oifers, and to lecture in the evening with the 

 aid of lime-light illustrations. This appears to meet the wishes of 

 the community and to give general satisfaction. 



Several lectures have also been given at the request of State 

 School teachers. The method adopted is to take a number of speci- 

 mens of products similar to those exhibited by the Department at 

 country shows, and their nature, method of cultivation, and value 

 are described. In some cases illustrated lectures are given by aid of 

 lime-light views during the evening ; this I consider a very desirable 

 work and one that should be extended, especially in country districts, 

 as it impresses upon the youths the importance of matters which are 

 of daily interest to them. 



Flax Seed. 



Some few years ago the Agricultural Department imported some 

 of the principal varieties of flax grown in Europe, one of which is 

 known as the White-flowering Belgian. This is an early or spring 

 variety, and matures its seed some two or three weeks earlier than the 

 so-called Winter flax. This seed has become neglected, and it was 



