Report of the Department of Agriculture. 517 



percentage of lambs has been high. The lambs mature at an early 

 stage, prove very hardy, and keep in excellent condition all the 

 year through . 



Studies conccniiug ihc nitrification of soils were continued and 

 much important work done in connection with tobacco soils in the 

 Rustenburg District. The lime requirements of soils were also 

 investigated. A number of entomological experiments were com- 

 pleted, including- the control of grain-eating- birds and methods of 

 destroying- rats and other vermin. The research work on charcoals 

 made 'from exotic timbers grown in the Union was completed and 

 the results published. Some promising- botanical studies are in 

 progress, including- the vitality of maize seed, potato diseases, seed 

 degeneration, rust in cereals, and general breeding work in wheat. 



The crop experiments were extensive — some 30 different experi- 

 ments being conducted in this section, variety and fertilizer trials 

 predominating. 



The Farm. — The season was unsatisfactory in seveial respects. 

 Altogether 867 acres were steam-plouglied and ploughed with oxen, 

 including- 74 acres at Brakspruit ; 267 acres were manured with 

 Government guano. 297 acres with superphosphate, 1002 acres were 

 irrigated, and 1476 acres were cultivated. Owing- to drought, several 

 crops were complete failures, and in most cases the ground was 

 reploughed and other crops sown. The ground prepared and planted 

 to the different farm crops during- the year was 500 acres in extent. 

 In addition, 50 acres, which form the experimental plots, were under 

 plot tests. There were 224 acres under maize of the Chester County 

 and Potchefstroom Pearl varieties. The former and portion of the 

 latter gave a good yield of grain. Both the silos were filled and a 

 quantity of green maize which failed was fed to the dairy cow-s. 

 About 50 per cent, of the whole crop was blank; stalks growing to 

 over 6 feet in height failed to produce cobs. This was general 

 throug-hout the district. 



Good progress was made during the year with the different breeds 

 of live stock. Except in the case of horses the natural increase was 

 satisfactory. Five herds of pure-bred cattle were maintained, also 

 a herd of cross-bred cattle used for experimental purposes. 



Totals of the different herds on hand at 30tli June, 1922, were 

 as follows : — 



Friesland, 70; Ayrshire, 51; Hereford, 71; Sussex, 75; African- 

 dei , 64; Hereford-Africander, 18; Sussex-Africander, 20; other cross- 

 breds and oxen, 78 — total, 447. There were also 75 pigs on hand. 



The year was a particularly good one for sheep. The lambing 

 season was a record one, 115 ewes giving 110 lambs, an average of 

 95 per cent. As in former years it was difficult to get the Romney 

 sheep to breed at a season suited to this district. 



The annual sale of pure-bred stock was held on the 7th Sep- 

 tember, 1921, and considering- the adverse conditions then prevailing, 

 the result was satisfactory. The total amount realized was £2054. 



Development. — A portion of the farm Noydjons, some 1000 acres 

 in extent, was acquired from the Lands Department for grazing 

 purposes, and several miles of new fencing erected. Approximately 

 200 acres of the school farm were enclosed Avith dog-proof fencing-. 

 Electric light was installed in several of the staff residences and in 

 the educational block. 



