S Jan., 1908.] 



Nhill Farm Corn-petition. 



A trial of different fungicides used in pickling wheat also forms an in- 

 teresting experiment. 



I am of opinion that in future competitions, the Xhill Agricultural 

 and Pastoral Society would materially assist the work the Department of 

 Agriculture is carrying out, by encouraging farmers to conduct experiments 

 on definite lines. Seed trials are useful to a certain degree, but alone 

 they do not constitute experimental work, and they might with advantage 

 be supplemented bv tests of different methods of cultivation, drainage, 

 trials of implements, and numerous other matters having a direct bearing 

 on the produciiveness of the soil. 



Novelties on the Farm. 

 Although not included in the competition, I have been much impressed 

 during mv inspection of both large and small farms by the enterprise, 

 ingenuitv and resourcefulness displayed bv most competitors in one form 

 or another. Messrs. Duftv and Son show commendable enterprise in the 

 building of farm waggons and general repair work. Mr. H. E. Dahlen- 

 berg has a cemented pit for wheat pickling, and a cemented swimming 

 tank for ducks. Mr. Stapleton displays great ingenuitv in the fastening 

 of gates, ^fr. Sanders is to be complimented on the installation of acety- 

 lene gas and sheep-shearing machines. Messrs. Crouch, Hoffman, 



FACTORS IN SUCCESSFUL WHEAT FARMING. 



Mcintosh and Eastick have also useful contrivances which help to mini- 

 mise the tedium of farm work. 



Some Suggestions for Future Competitions. 



I cannot conclude this comprehensive report without offering some 

 suggestions which the experience of three years' judging leads me tO' believe 

 would be to the general advantage of the competitions in the future. 



The present scale of points does not permit the judge to adequately 

 reflect his opinion in the important items of (/) best and most profitable 

 classes of live stock kept on the farm ; {g) the best implements and 

 machinery ; (;) the best provision for water supply ; {k) the best arrange- 

 ment and system of dwelling and farm building. 



