Position of Chemistry as a Factor in Agricultural Advancement. 957 



With respect to the investigational work in the field, the results 

 already accomplished by this branch may compare with anything of 

 a like nature attempted elsewhere. To enumerate a few of its 

 achievements, it may be stated that the fertiliser tests in Northern 

 soils have been reported on and are well known. The tests in the 

 South, of a more recent date, have resulted in a harvest of facts of 

 equal importance. The beet has been tried for several years over a 

 very wide area, and with results which appear to establish, beyond a 

 doubt, the suitability of Southern Victoria for the growth of the 

 crop. The forage crop tests of last year embraced trials Avith over 

 20 crops, either unknown or little grown up to that time in Southern 

 Victoria. Their comparative yields as green fodders have been 

 secured on over 50 different farms, and the returns of grain also 

 obtained from a large number of fields. Nearly every crop has been 

 analysed, and its percentage of dry matter determined. In the hay 

 manuring experiments, the average returns from 50 fields are avail- 

 able for drawing conclusions on the results of a particularly interesting 

 and comprehensive set of tests. The beet experiments, hay manuring 

 tests and forage crop experiments, will each require a separate 

 report. 



In the protective sphere of its functions, the branch has been 

 equally active. 



An Amending Fertiliser Bill has been prepared for Parliament, 

 making provision for a rigid inspection of manures in warehouse, 

 store and farmstead, and prescribing prosecution, in case of fraud, 

 by the agricultural chemist or his deputy. 



A similar bill has been prepared by the chemist, for the inspection 

 and chemical control of all stock feeds. The bill provides that every 

 concentrated feeding stuff shall be sold on an analysis certificate in 

 the same way as a manure, and provides for the Department prosecut- 

 ing in the case of adulteration. This measure appeared necessary 

 owing to the presence of adulterations, revealed in certain feeds by a 

 large number of analyses made in the laboratory. If investigation 

 should prove that the insecticides and fungicides, so largely used in 

 the orchard, suffer from similar sophistications, the advisability of 

 legislation in this direction will also be considered. 



The protective power of the chemist has also been to a certain 

 extent exerted in the examination of our export produce. Analyses 

 have at various times been made of butters and fruit pulps sent in by 

 the responsible officers at the cool stores, and a comprehensive exam- 

 ination of all jams produced in Victoria carried out. 



The systematic analysis of the various honeys, preserved fruits and 

 meats, and other important agricultural products is also contemplated. 



The Educational Work of the Branch. 



The work of instruction by the chemist has found its opportunity 

 for expansion in the short agricultural classes initiated by the 

 Director, and placed under the supervision of the chemical branch. 



