200 Journal of Agriculture. [8 April. 1907 



Second week — • 



Compulsory subject — " The Care of Farm Animals." 

 Optional subject— One of (a) " Poultry Breeding and Management," 

 {h) "Agricultural Engineering," {c) "Orchard and Garden 

 Work." 



These classes are already beginning to have an influence on the practice 

 of agriculture in various centres. As an example of the effect of the prac- 

 tical instruction now given to farmers, it may be mentioned that small clips 

 of wool are now often prepared for the market as carefully as those of 

 large stations. Consequently, the price obtained by the farmer is propor- 

 tionately much better than formerly. The development of the short 

 courses of instruction for farmers promises to- become a marked feature in 

 agricultural education. 



Agricultural High Schools will be opened at Warrnambool, Sale, and 

 Wangaratta within the next few months, and active steps are being taken 

 to establish others at Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, and other centres. 

 The conditions Laid down for the establishment of these schools are that 

 half the cost of the buildings shall be provided locally, together with 20 

 acres of land, and that an attendance of at least 50 pupils be guaranteed at 

 a fee of ^8 8s. a year each. 



Flax and Sugar Beet. 



The calls on the services of the lecturers and experts of the Department 

 are steadily increasing; such inquiries cover matters connected with drain- 

 age and the impro\'ement of land, and the development of new lines of pro- 

 duction for export. The cultivation of flax and sugar beet are two ques- 

 tions which have received much attention during the last twelve months. 

 A large number of farmers are growing small areas of flax with good 

 returns both from the linseed and fibre. A plantation has been established 

 at Leongatha for the propagation of New Zealand flax, and it is hoped 

 that in a few years a trade which represents ^^700. 000 a year to New 

 Zealand will become a profitable industry here also: 



During the past three vears experts have been appointed to take charge 

 of the following branches of the Department: — Potatoes, poultry, cheese, 

 sheep, and pigs. 



The scientific work of the Department has been represented bv further 

 volumes of Mr. French's work on " Destructive Insects," and of Mr. 

 McAlpine's on the " Rusts of Australia." 



Dairying Industry. 



For many years the importance of legislation to foster and control the 

 Dairying Industry had been recognised. The passing of the Milk and 

 Dairy Supervision Act 1905 promises tO' have great influence in raising the 

 general standard of work amongst the farmers. Nearly all the recom- 

 mendations of the Butter Commission are embodied in this Act. The 

 educational aspect of the work has been emphasized, and the inspections 

 carried out without friction. The Act has been in force in the Metro- 

 politan Area, and in Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine. and Geelong since 

 ist July, 1906, and it has recently been extended to 47 shires for the most 

 part adjoining the milk areas. Already 25.000 cows have been examined 

 twice, and the condition of each one, as to general nrofit and to freedom 

 from disease of the udder, has been noted. The professional staff of this 



