686 PROCEEDINaS OF SECTION K. 



J. The Mission of the Agricultural College and the 

 University School of Agriculture. 



It is said that to speak a language one must get into sympathy 

 with the soul of the nation. 



A similar sentiment may be applied to the resident of the 

 city who wishes to go on the laud. He must live amongst agri- 

 cultural surroundings, and get in touch v/ith the spirit of the 

 work. The average city inan who takes up agriculture as a 

 livelihood pays dearly for neglecting an association with country 

 pursuits in his youth. Hence I believe it imperative that a 

 student on entering for the degree course should have some know- 

 ledge of practical agriculture. 



It is evident that the youth who has not been reared amidst 

 country pursuits should first enter the Agricultural College rather 

 than take up the degree course at the University without an 

 initial insight into practical agriculture. 



By having a grasp of this work, the incentive to intelligent 

 thought on the subject-matter of the lectures at the University 

 is stronger, and there are fewer misconceptions, since the mind is 

 tuned to the proper key for receptivity. 



The correlation of ideas is more obscure, unless there is a 

 motive force that makes memory easy, since his intelligence and 

 practical insight lighten mental effort. Again, we know the 

 powers of observation are naturally keener in youth than when 

 the adult stage is reached. The training of the hand and eye to 

 work in unison is better accomplished then, and when adult age 

 is reached there is then no awkwardness in handling live stock, 

 machinery, or implements. 



Thus a youth should be associated with live stock and agri- 

 cultural work as early as possible. He is less influenced by 

 ridicule than young men who start late in acquiring manual 

 dexterity on the farm, and his movements are not awkward and 

 laboured. As the greater number of students attending the 

 Agricultural Colleges and University Schools of Agriculture come 

 from the towns, I believe it should be compulsory that they first 

 enter the Agricultural College before commencing work at the 

 University. 



The education is free at all the Agricultural Colleges, and the 

 maintenance fee is not more than £30 per annum at any, and is 

 less at some. The incidental expenses are also relatively small, 

 being much less than in other educational establishments. 



There are many youths in the State who are unable to take 

 advantage of the High School, and who do not desire to take a 

 three years' course for the diploma, but who would be glad to 

 have a two years' course at the Agricultural College. In this 



