Schools of Agriculture and Experiment Stations. 309 



ELSENBURG, MULDERS VLEI. 



(limatic. — The first rainfall of any account since the beginning of the year 

 was on the 10th instant, when 0.82 inches was legistered. Though not 

 a very heavy fall, this was most useful as it softened the ground sufficiently to 

 enable the pushing forward of field operations so long delayed by drought. The 

 total rain for the month was 0.885 inches as against the normal average of 2.34 

 inches, and the weather on the whole was rather hot. The maximum tempera- 

 ture recorded was 92.5° F. on the 14th, and the minimum 48.3° on the 25th. 



Field Operations and Crops. — Considerable field work was accomplished after 

 the 10th instant, including the sowing of 50 acres of farm land to oats and 

 65 acres to soiling and grazing crops, additional ploughing and harrowing in 

 both farm and experimental sections, and cultivation and fertilizing of lucerne 

 lands. Approximately 100 tons of stable manure were spread and worked into 

 the soil. The bulk of the Algerian oat crop was threshed, a yield of 600 muids 

 being obtained from 85 acres; 35 tons of straw were chaffed for use as dry 

 roughage during the winter. 



Viticulfural Section. — A portion of the vineyard was i)loughed, manured, 

 and lined during the month, and the wines were racked. 



Iloitiryltuial Section. — The month of April completed the fruit season at 

 Elsenburg. The rest of the Keiffer pear crop was picked, part being sold on 

 the Johannesburg market and the remainder cut up for drying. The crop was 

 not as lieavy as in previous seasons, but the quality was good. A large amount 

 of seed of several varieties was sown in the vegetable garden. 



Live Stock. — The live stock on hand on the 1st April was as follows: — Cattle 

 (P"'rieslands and Jerseys), 86; sheep (Suffolks, Murrays, and cross-breds), 212; 

 horses and mules, 60; oxen, 6; donkey jack, 1; pigs (Large Black, Berkshires, and 

 Tamworths), 213; poultry, 716. Tn addition there were at Mariendahl : — Cattle 

 (grade), 101; oxen, 8; horses and mules. 17. 



K:i:perimental and Investigational Work. — Investigations relating to the 

 preservatioji of eggs (by the lecturer in poultry) and the keeping qualities of 

 various fertilizer mixtures (by the lecturer in chemistry) were started this month. 

 Other experimental work in the various sections as previously described is pro- 

 gressing satisfactorily. 



Staff. — During the month Mr. W. J. Lamont assumed duty as Principal at 

 Elsenburg, vice Mr. T. G. W. Reinecke, and Mr. B. S. Parkin was appointed to 

 the Lectureship in Veterinary Science. Mr. E. Baker, Lecturer in Botany, has 

 sailed for Europ;' on six months' vacational leave. 



GLEN, ORANGE FREE STATE. 



Crops. — The rainfall for the month was 1.44 inches. A slight frost was 

 registered on the 27th ultimo. Although the rainfall was small, crops and grass 

 continued to make normal growth. There is an almndant growth of grass, and 

 the prospect for the winter, as far as liulk feed is conc(>rned, promises well. 

 Maize planted at the end of January will give a fair return for ensilage pur- 

 poses, as no frost has ))een registered here during the month. A large quantity 

 of hay was gathered during the month. As a large acreage of the veld is 

 suitable for mowing it is proposed to cut a considerable quantity. 



Jjivc Stock. — All the live stock are in excellent condition. The Friesland 

 cow D.O.A. 41 T, whicli gave the highest yield of butter-fat in the official test 

 as a senior four-year-old, liiis just calved again. She is in good condition, and 

 there is every chance of her performance coming up to expectations. 



Extension Work.—A number of officers were absent on duty this month, 

 principally at shows. 



School. — Five more students were received foi- the one year course during 

 the month. The accommodation for the diploma course is fully taxed. There 

 are only a few vacancies at the one year hostel. 



