494 Journal <if A;jriciilli(rc. \'irl(iriii. | 11 Arc,., 1911t. 



Trainees are catered for at their quarters, and their duties during 

 training are so arranged that they receive a routine of general farming 

 which should aid them if allotted land when they complete their 

 training. 



Besides the practical course evening lectures are given by officers 

 of the Department and farm staff on agi'icultural, live stock, and 

 dairying problems. 



Very keen interest in the work has been taken by most of th.^ 

 returned men, and it is particularly gratifying to see the rapid progress 

 of seme who have had no previous experience in farm pursuits. 



During the month nine trainees were given their clearance certifi- 

 ■cates, and ten new men were taken into residence. There are at present 

 eighteen imdergoing training. 



Poultry. 



During the ])ast month progress has been made with the work of 

 electing the poultry houses and yards for the poultry recently trans- 

 ferred from Wyuna State farm. 



Six incubators are now being actively employed for the first time 

 this season, and the necessary brooder equipment will be completed 

 during the coming week. 



The poultry are being temporarily housed in a large straw shed 

 built three years ago as a stock shelter. This cover has jM-oved to be 

 of great benefit to the fowls during the cold winter months, while the 

 permanent buildings are being completed. 



The breeding flock consists of over 600 birds of three breeds — White 

 Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Black Orphingtons. 



The main feed used has been dry mash and wheat, with libera! 

 supplies of green lucerne. 



Notes on Experimental Plots at Werribee for July. 



6r. S. (t07-(1ou, Field Officer, Research Farm, Werribee. 

 Seasonal Conditions. 



Bitterly cold weather, accompanied by frequent light showers, 

 occurred during the early part of the month. The rainfall has been 

 sufficient for the time, but there is little moisture reserved in the sub- 

 soil and to insure full crops a good soaking fall is required before' 

 spring. 



Seeding. 



All the experimental plots, excepting a few late seeding tests with' 

 flax, have been sown. Selected sugar beets of high sugar content and 

 prolific strains are being trans])lanted for seed production in the seed 

 improvement plots. • 



Croi'S. 



The benefits of early sowing are once again indicated by the advanced 

 condition and vigour of the early sown crops. Some of the bulk hay 

 crops have already provided splendid sheep feed while the late sown : 

 crops are not only backward but making comparatively little growth 

 In the green manurial I'otation field, Yandilla King wheat is making 

 very poor winter growth. This is usual at Werribee with this variety, . 

 b\it it picks up in the sjn-ing, and is a reliable yielder at harvest time 



