152 president's address — section g. 



been instructed by Mr. M'Caffi-ey in the most modern methods of 

 butter and cheese making. Factories have been started in new 

 districts, and increased prosperity secured to them through this 

 profitable industry. Mr. M'Caffrey has also written, in conjunc- 

 tion with Mr. J. P. Dowling, a handbook on dairying in New 

 South Wales, which will, I believe, supply a distinct want. 



Farmers have been encouraged to experiment with new varieties 

 of seed and new economic crops by the issue of 13,235 packets of 

 seeds, plants, and cuttings to 3,182 applicants. 



I have endeavored to describe briefly the principal steps that 

 have been taken by the Department of Agriculture in New South 

 Wales to educate those now on the soil. 



Every man who has travelled throughout the agi-icultural dis- 

 tricts of New South Wales, and has noted with intelligent eyes the 

 progress of agricultm-e, both as an art and a science, must have 

 satisfied himself that there has been a steady, though perhaps slow, 

 progress in most of its branches during the past few years. He 

 notes improved agricultural implements being largely used, better 

 homes, brighter gardens, more extensive vegetable plots, more 

 convenient barns, better fences, more drainage, more skilful use of 

 the subsidiary aids on the farm, more economical conservation and 

 application of water, and more co-operation in matters of mutual 

 interest ; more markets have been opened up, and better access to 

 those markets has been provided. In short, since by beneficial 

 legislation men were encouraged to select portions of land suitable 

 for agriculture, and entered upon its possession as bo?ui Jide f^ettlers, 

 their positions have generally improved in every material direction, 

 till they have in many cases become independent freeholders, 

 enjoying most of the comforts and simple luxuries of the old 

 civilised countries, forming the sinews of this young country, and 

 supplying its greatest soiu-ce of strength in peace and war — an 

 internal food supply. But while recognising with thankfulness these 

 signs of improvement, it may not be out of place to inquire what are 

 the conditions essential to a still grander progress and prosperity. 



These, I think, might be defined almost on the same lines as 

 those laid down by Mr. Isaac Newton in his first report as Com- 

 missioner of Agriculture for the United States of America : — 



(1) Good government, which will continue to provide wise land 



laws, and favor in every way possible those who form the 

 great source of wealth to this as to every other country. 



(2) To increase the demand for agricultural produce at home and 



abroad, and to utilise in more ways our home products. 



(3) To increase the respect paid to honest labor. 



(4) To improve the condition ot reproductive labor. 



(5) To impart a better knowledge of the science and practice of 



agriculture by providing farmers, and more especially 

 their children, with a better education in all the branches 

 of agriculture and its allied subjects. 



