ANNUAL GRANT TO AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES— cone^mec/. 



C— That the Society— 



(1) arrang-e for the carrying out of field experiments on an 



area and in a locahty to be approved by the Depart- 

 ment ; or 



(2) provide and ofler a substantial prize (the amount to be 



approved by the Minister of Agriculture, but not less 

 than five pounds) for improvements in farm practice 

 and management, or the cultivation of special crops 

 in the district. 



(C.i) Experimental Plots. — The plot of land should be about 5 acres 

 in extent, so that the amount of produce may be of value to the Society. 

 It is desirable also that arrangements be made for the use of the land 

 for a number of years, so that a definite scheme can be worked out ; the 

 Society to furnish the land, with a written guarantee from the owner that 

 it will be available free of charge to the Department, members of the Society 

 to plough, harrow, and do the main part of the cultivation. The Department 

 will supply the manures and the seed free of cost, and superintend the sowing 

 and harvesting, two-thirds of the produce to belong to the Society, and 

 one-third to the Department. A committee of the Society to be appointed 

 to arrange the details of the work in conference with an officer of the 

 Department. This committee to inspect the crops at stated intervals, and 

 to sign the repyort drawn up by the officer of the Department. 



It is suggested that one or more experimental plots should be developed 

 in each district. Three main lines of investigation may be carried out ; 

 first, the determination of the manurial requirements of the district; second, 

 the introduction of new methods of management and of new crops ; third, 

 by introducing new varieties of crops not already grown in the district. 

 The area of land selecteu should be typical of the district, if anything, 

 rather on the poor side. The location of the plot should be such that 

 it can be seen by as many farmers as possible. An area adjacent to the 

 principal town, or close to the railway station of the district, is therefore 

 suggested. The details of the experimental work carried on by the Depart- 

 ment are published from time to time in the Journal, and will be furnished 

 for the information of members on application to the Secretary for 

 Agriculture. 



In the case of those Societies which select experimental potato plots, 

 it is requested that the Department be notified, and the site offered before 

 31st March each year. All such sites are subject to approval. 



. (C.2) Special Prize. — In carrying out this section, the words "sub- 

 stantial prize" are to be interpreted in proportion of the income and 

 prize list of the Society. It should amount to from 2J to 5 per cent, of 

 the total amount distributed in prizes at the show. The objects aimed at 

 should be to make a distinct advance in farming methods as carried on in 

 the district, and it will therefore be advisable to state the amount of the 

 prize and the purpose for which it will be awarded several years in 

 advance. Several Societies at present award prizes for the best-managed 

 farms under and over 200 acres ; others for the best farm under irriga- 

 tion. These Societies fulfil all the conditions required. Suitable subjects 

 are— (a) The best 10 acres irrigated by a private scheme; {b) The best 

 5 acres of lucerne, maize, or other fodder crops grown with or without 

 irrigation ; {c) The best-managed dairy herd of ten cows or upwards ; or 

 {d) The best 5-acre crop of flax or beans, &c., &c. Two or three objects 

 should be suggested by each Society in taking up this condition. The 

 Department will, as far as possible, assist by arranging the details of the 

 competition, give instruction as to the best methods in attaining the object 

 sought, and, if required, an officer of the Department will judge the com- 

 petition, and a full report, wnth criticisms and suggestions for improvement^. 

 Avill be forwarded along with the award. 



