8 Jan., 1908.] Agricultural Education. 49 



students by offering prizes, gold medals, etc., has been in some cases a 

 strong inducement to the closer application to the various subjects. The 

 practical work seems to be keenly appreciated and the demonstrations of 

 shoeing both of sound and unsound horses have been a useful accessory to 

 the veterinary lectures." 



Mr. T. A. J. Smith. — "The examination papers suljmitted by students 

 show that a very fair grip of the .S'ul>jects dealt with has been obtained. 

 The attendances were distinctly good, and the interest taken augurs well 

 for the future. Practical demonstrations were given in the field on 

 every possible occasion, and I am of the opinion that more field work in 

 connection with the branch I am engaged upon would be of advantage 

 when possible. " ' 



A.X.A. Gold Medalist. 



The Australian Natives Association has again donated a gold medal for 

 the student gaining the best aggregate of marks in all subjects, and the 

 honour of winning this belongs to Kyabram. Mr. C. De Groot secured 

 384 marks out of a possible 400, i.e.. 96 pt-r cent., a result to be proud 

 of. A glance at the points awarded at each centre will show that there 

 were many very eixcellent papers, and that the winner had no small task 

 to carry off the prize from 244 competitors, exclusive of a few informal 

 papers. Mr. E. R. Johnson. B.A., die winner of the 1906 gold medal, 

 was placed second with 372 marks, i.e., 93 per cent. Several local 

 prizes were offered by the various associations throughout the State ; the 

 successful students in these cases should make application to the asso- 

 ciation under whose auspices the class was held. 



Classes for 1908. 



The Classes to be held during 1908 will be conducted on similar lines 

 to those of 1907 except that no optional subject will be allowed. 



THE POULTRY EXPORT TRADE. 



A. Hart, Poultry Expert. 



The present indications are distinctly favorable towards the develop- 

 ment of a very extensive trade in the export of table ipoultry to the English 

 markets. The different shipments of chickens and ducklings which have 

 been sent from time to time from< Victoria, New South Wales, and South 

 Australia have returned very satisfactory results. These consignments 

 were, in most cases, only of limited numbers, and when small shipments 

 have been so successful there is everv assurance that larger consignments 

 must return a greater margin of profit. The poultry sent from Victoria 

 has been very favorably commented upon by the London bu3-er ; for both 

 chickens and ducklings there was keen competition and an extensive de- 

 mand. There is an unlimited market available for high grade table poultry 

 in England, and producers can have everv confidence in securing pavable 

 prices for their birds, providing the quality and condition are up to 

 standard. 



The breeding of suitable birds for the table is the first point towards 

 procuring an export trade. The different breeds available for the purpose 

 have been fully enumerated on past occasions, and farmers have now to use 

 their own judgment in the selection of stock. This should not be difficult 



