40 Journal of Agriculture. Victoria. [lo Jan., 191 i. 



is similarly lighted. The other homesteads inspected are on a smaller 

 scale, but show signs of progress in the way of recent additions. 



In the matter of outbuildings, Mr. Chaplin has the most convenient 

 and most suitably arranged stables, shearing shed, implement shed, barn, 

 and dairy. Wherever one looks there is marked evidence of thrift ; 

 there is the absence of bags and rubbish lying about that was to be seen 

 on some of the other farms. 



The rough pole sheds, thatched with scrub and straw, erected on the 

 majority of the farms are not in keeping with the other substantial im- 

 provements. The erection of silos for the conservation of the enormous- 

 quantities of green succulent herbage that are now being allowed to gO' 

 to waste is strongly advised. When they are not used for this purpose 

 they would be of great value for storing grain. Profitable returns would 

 be secured by the use of silage in the feeding of sheep and the fattening 

 of early lambs for market. 



K. — The next section is that dealing with the best system adopted of 

 conserving a reserve of fodder for dry seasons. There is not the care 

 displayed that one would expect to see after the severe lessons taught 

 during the droughts of 1902 and 1903. Messrs. Chaplin, Dart, and 

 Heinrich have each a good standby in the way of large stacks of hay. 

 Mr. Chaplin's large stacks are well protected from fowls and properly 

 thatched. I could not but help admiring the thorough manner in which 

 every kind of work about the stack-yard is done. 



The system adopted for saving bags is akso worthy of note. Two 

 posts, about 6 feet high, and 10 feet apart, are stood upright in the 

 ground, and then capped with a stout long sapling. The bags are spread' 

 over the sapling, covered with a tarpaulin, and further protected with sheets 

 of galvanized iron lashed down with wire. The posts have pieces of 

 tin tacked around them about 2 feet from the ground to prevent mice 

 from crawling up. This is much better than to have the bags lying all 

 over the place. 



L. — On most of the f.nms care is being taken to save small belts of 

 native trees for shelter. Messrs. Chaplin. Cust. and Heinrich have shown 

 much forethought by growing plantations of young shelter and ornamental 

 trees around their respective homesteads. There is nothing that im- 

 presses one so much on entering a farm as to see the homestead and 

 surrounding paddocks snugly protected with shelter trees. 



In the open paddocks there is a great want of trees for shelter and 

 wind breaks. Domestic animals instinctively seek the grateful .shelter of 

 trees during the intense heat of summer, and the fierce winds of winter. 

 A few plantations of sugar gum trees and pines would be ornamental as 

 well as effective. 



M . — Farmers are adjusting themselves to changed conditions of farm 

 work and are beginning to realize the importance of keeping a set of 

 books for the purpose of ascertaining at the end of each season which 

 are the most profitable crops to grow and stock to breed and feed. Some of 

 the competitors appear to rely solely on- their bank book for information, 

 but this is not sufficient ; others keep a day-book and ledger and are 

 able to give details of tlieir receipts and expenditure. There is great 

 room for more business-like methods on the part of the majority of 

 farmers. It would be well to introduce a system of planning ahead, so 

 that the work of the whole year will be seen at a glance and the necessary 

 provision made. Incidently, I think that there .should be more reading- 

 of agricultural popers. For instance, if the Journal were read more br 

 those interested in agriculture better results would be .secured. 



