Instrucfion to Farmers and Farmers^ Sons. 391 



THE SHORT COURSES OF INSTRUCTION TO FARMERS 

 AND FARMERS' SONS. 



Bij F. E. Lee. 



The short courses of instruction to farmers and farmers' sons, 

 held throughout the State during the past winter months, have met 

 with such unqualified success, that a I'e'siew of the aims and objects 

 of the movement is apjjropriate. 



It has been apparent for years past, to students of Victorian 

 agriculture, that a radical change was necessary in order to place the 

 standard of farming on a higher scale. How to bring about this 

 change, and to still retain the sympathetic co-operation of the 

 farmer himself was the problem. The proverbial aversion of the 

 farmer to innovations was the chief obstacle to overcome — this done, 

 and the monetary advantages of the change made manifest, the 

 rest was easy. 



Matters were at this stage some few years ago, when the use of 

 artificial manures, imprt)ved methods of cultivation, and use of the 

 grain drill were advocated throughout the Korthern grain districts 

 by a series of vigorous lectures. There is little need to recall the 

 enthusiastic response that was accorded to the efforts of those who 

 formulated and carried out the pioneer work in these directions. The 

 restoration of his almost worn out soils by artificial aids, revealed to 

 the practical farmer the advantages of the application of scientific 

 methods to his business. The demand for information in the shape 

 of lectures increased rapidly, and the advice was eagerly made use of. 



Following (ui the practical benefits derived from scientific methods 

 properly applied, came as a natural sequence, the desire of the farmer 

 to have his sons instructed in modern methods of agriculture. 



To meet this growing demand for information, the present short 

 course system of lectures was instituted, and judging from results, 

 seems to have filled a long-felt want. 



Inauguration in Victoria. 



Inaugurated by Mr. Williamson Wallace, shortly after his appoint- 

 ment as Director of Agriculture, the idea was first put into effect 

 during the winter months of 1902. 



The winter months were selected in which to hold the classes, as 

 at that time farm work is less likely to be disturbed tlian at any other 

 period of the year. 



It was decided by the Director to conduct the classes under the 

 auspices of the country Agricultural Societies whose co-operation 

 in the movement was secured by an invitation addressed to them to 

 secure the names of farmers, farmers' sons, or persons working on 



