Joiinuil of Agriculture. [8 Jan., 1908. 



Considering that the large farms are dependent more upon grazing, 

 mostly sheep, than upon cropping, the necessiiy for sufficient latitude to- 

 draw distinctions between different classes and qualities of sheep, is 

 emphasized. In the matter of water supply,' the points could be ex- 

 tended with advantage. In regard to the arrangement of dwelling and 

 outbuilding, an extension of the present points might also be made. 

 Coming now to such matters as {a) system of cultivation, rotation, &c., 

 (b) system of manuring, I think that the practice in these directions varies 

 sj little that they might be grouped together and receive 25 pomts. Re- 

 garding {c) the best system of saving stable manure, I would exclude it 

 altogether. For {d) best and cleanest growing crop, I would extend the 

 points to 20, and would consider the oat crop with the wheat. I would 

 alter item " H ' to read : " The best system of boundary and subdivisional 

 fencing, including gates and sheep yards — 15 points." I would, more- 

 over, include extra points for fodder reserves, farm and stock insurance,, 

 and tree planting. 



To make a concrete suggestion, 1 offer the following scale of points for 

 the consideration of your Committee: — 



Points. 



Larg-e Small 

 Farms. Farms. 



(a) The best system of cropping, including cultivation methods, 



rotation, and manures ... ... ... ... 25 20 



(b) The cleanest and best crops, including oats ... ... 20 20 



(c) The fallow in best order, area to be considered ... ... 20 20 



(d) The best quality and serviceable classes of stock kept on the 



farm — Horses 20 points, sheep 20, cattle, pigs and 



j)oultTy 5 ... .-. ... ■•• ••■ ... 45 30 



(e) The most complete equijDment and class of implements and 



machinery ... ... ... ■■• •■■ ... 20 20 



(/) The best system of boundary and subdivisional fencing, in- 

 cluding gates and sheep yards ... ... ... 15 10 



(g) The best kept orchard and vegetable garden ... ... 10 10 



(h) The best arranged system of water storage, points to be 

 given for number of dams and windmills capacity, loca- 

 tion for catchment, accessibility to stock and ease of 

 watering 



(i) The best arranged dwelling and outbuildings 



(i) Best reserve of fodder of any kind 



[k] Best efforts in direction of tree planting ... 



(I) Farm or stock insurance 



45 30 



Total ... ... ... ... ... .•• 250 200 



Experimental Work. 

 This section might be made to extend over three years, and competitors would" 

 be required to submit to the judge any results obtained. I would be glad at some 

 future date, to assist your Committee in drawing up regulations which would clearly 

 define the objectives of each class of experiment. 



Conclusion. 

 In framing my report on such comprehensive lines as has been done, I 

 am guided by the far reaching value of competitions of the nature under 

 review and the necessity for continuous improvement thereon. The work 

 has been highly educative to myself, and the opportunities to discuss 

 matters pregnant with interest to the farmer, of the greatest value to my 

 Department. I cannot sufficiently thank my hosts during the judging for 

 iheir hospital! t\, nor can T over ^alue the great assistance rendered by 

 yourself in the discharge of the duties of honorary steward. The farm- 

 competitio!"!s of 1907 will long remain as a pleasant memory to me. 



