Wheat-Straw and its Value to the Land. 717 



Elsewhere Storer observes that it may be possible to purchase 

 with the proceeds of the sale of straw four times as much manure as 

 the straw itself actually contains. 



It will be seen that the above paragraph lays down two condi- 

 tions : one has to do with the existence of suitable means for com- 

 pressing- and transporting', and the availability of a ready market; 

 the other refers to the employment of the proceeds of the sale of straw 

 in t])e i)urchase of other fertilizers. It would certainly be worth while 

 selling the straw under such conditions as these, but for the average 

 vSouth African grain farmer virtually they do not exist. 



Many South African farmers are themselves fully aware, as we 

 have seen above, of the advantage of returning cereal straw to the 

 land : the pity is that it is not realized more extensively and that 

 there is not a more widespread adoption of a practice which will go 

 far not only to maintain our principal grain lands in good physical 

 condition, but will also render them more letentive of moisture and 

 thus better fitted to ])r()du<e sturdy crops and vigorous ears of corn. 



A Sussex Group. 



Valuable Exhibit of Manufactured Wool and Mohair. 



The Department is greatly indebted to Mr. C'has. Mallinson, who, 

 it will be remembered, was at one time Principal Sheep and Wool 

 Expert for the Union, for his services in collecting in England for 

 the Shee]> Division a most comprehensive exhibit showing the different 

 stag-es through which wool passes from the grease to the finished 

 article, both in worsteds and woollens, also one of mohair in the 

 different stages of manufacture. Mr. Mallinson experienced con- 

 siderable difficulty in obtaining the various samples, but writes that 

 the collection is much more elaborate and valuable than any that has 

 hitherto been seen in South Africa, and, of its kind, is unique. It 

 is proposed to house the exhibit in Pretoria and send it also to the 

 leading agricultural shows, where it will serve a valuable^ educative 

 purpose. 



