20 Journal of the Department of Agriculture. 



THE SCHOOLS OF AGRICULTURE AND EXPERIMENT 



STATIONS 



ELSENBURG. MULDERS VLEI. 



The first coiisigiiinent of cocUiiig-motli larvae from Italj", in con- 

 nection with the attempted introduction of codling ])arasites from 

 Italy into South Africa, has arrived. Eighteen hundred codling larvae 

 have already been collected from orchards in the district, and these, 

 as well as others, will he exposed to parasites which may be success- 

 fully reared from the imported material in the first endeavour to 

 establish more parasites of codling-moth in the country. Owing tO' 

 the small amount of material Avhicli arrived, however, it is feared 

 that few parasites will be obtained. 



Insect pests are especially abundant in the Cape this year, because 

 the long period of cold weather has doubtless prevented parasites 

 from breeding as rapidly as normally. Heliothis ohsolefa, the risper 

 caterpillar, is particularly numerous, and has caused much damage to 

 rape, vetches, and tobacco. Advantage is being taken of the large 

 numbers to collect hundreds of the larvae for the purpose of deter- 

 mining the parasites. Considerable work was done in spraying for 

 control of codling-moth and Fusicladium. 



Cereal crops are still showing up exceptionally well on the farm 

 lands. Hariesting of early-maturing wheats was commenced during 

 the middle of the month. The condition of all live stock at present is 

 highly satisfactory. There is a further falling off in e^^g production 

 this month, due partly to the approaching end of the laying season 

 and also to the large amount of broodiness in the laying-house. 



On the 15th a demonstration was given at Elsenburg in the use 

 of the "Holt" caterpillar motor-tractor. The attendance was some- 

 what smaller than expected. Close upon eighty visitors were present 

 and were conducted over the various areas on which the ploiigbing was 

 carried out. 



During the month the senior students were taken ovei- the 

 National Botanical (wardens at Kirstenbosch, the Viticultural Station 

 and Tobacco Warehouse at Paarl, also the Royal Dairies at Worcester, 

 and the students obtained verv useful instruction. 



GLEN, ORANGE FREE STATE. 



ScJiool. — The first stud(mts comi)leting their diploma course leave 

 about the middle of Decemlier. Last year only 22.4 per cent, of the 

 total students came from the Orange Free State. Applications from 

 intending students for next year are now being received and con- 

 sidered. It is hoped that a larger percentage of Free State students 

 will take up residence when the new year begins. 



General. — Activities both in the farming operations and 

 experimental and research work are extending. This is due mainly to 

 considerable increases in the staff. The tAvo officer-, recently appointed 

 for extension work in the Orange Free State, viz.. Miss. R. Oosthuizen 

 for domestic science and Mr. Oliver for poultrj!- ore engaged in travel- 

 ling round the country districts giving lectures and advice. The 

 effect of their activities is already being felt, and has resulted in a 

 substantial increase in correspondence on these two subjects. 

 Associations or groups of individuals requiring the services of these 

 officers* should apply to the Principal of the school. 



