404r Journal op the Department op Agriculture. 



VETERINARY EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. 



Veterinary Education. — About eighteen months ago the Govern- 

 ment decided definitely to start a veterinary college in South Africa. 

 Details were worked out and a scheme was arrived at according to 

 which students would complete the first two years of their course at 

 one of the existing university colleges or universities and the last 

 three years at Onderstepoort. The scheme was carried into effect 

 immediately, and at the beginning of last year students were enrolh>d 

 in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Stelleubosch for the study of 

 veterinary science. The first year's course comprised the natural 

 sciences (zoology, botany, chemistry, and physics) and elementary 

 veterinary anatomy (osteology). These students are now in their 

 second year and are devoting most of their time to more advanced 

 anatomy and physiology. In addition to this, they have to take a 

 further course in chemistry and botany, a thorough knowledge of 

 these two sciences being absolutely essential for veterinary surgeons 

 in South Africa. 



There are at present about a dozen veterinary students in their 

 second year. This number should just about meet the normal yearly 

 lequirements of South Africa. They will complete their course at 

 the end of 1924, and will then be ready to take up their duties either 

 in Government Service or as private practitioners. 



Every stock farmer to-day realizes the value of veterinary 

 surgeons. The days are over when farmers viewed every veterinarian 

 with suspicion, and in many cases even accused him of spreading 

 disease ! All enlightened farmers know now that South Africa saves 

 millions of pounds annually through the activities of the two 

 Veterinary Divisions. The relationship between farmers and Govern- 

 ment veterinary officers is improving year by year. This relation 

 will no doubt develop into a harmonious co-operation as soon as the 

 South African farmer sees his own sons taking up veterinary science 

 and assisting the Government in its fight against animal diseases. 



BOTANY. 



Pasture Grasses. — At the agricultural shows numei'ous inquiries 

 were received with regard to various pasture grasses. Star grass is 

 attracting special attention, and a number of applications have been 

 received from farmers who wish to be supplied with cuttings. The 

 division is now in a position to supply a limited quantity of this 

 grass, and it is proposed to publish in the Journal a description of 

 star grass and the terms on which it will be supplied to the i)ublic. 



At the Drylands Station four additional acres have been planted 

 with various grasses, and twenty-acre plots are being fenced for the 

 veld improvement and grazing experiments. 



Tomato Canker. — This disease, which was described in the 

 November, 1920, issue of the Journal, is again very prevalent around 

 Pretoria. The humid conditions caused by the late rains have been 

 particularly favourable for its development, and tomato growers are 

 referred to the article in question for preventive measures. 



