962 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION G. 
20.—FARMERS’ INSTITUTES. 
By Water S. Camppett, F.L.8., Chief Inspector, Department 
of Agriculture, N.S.W. 
(Read Wednesday, 12 January, 1898.) 
| Abstract. | 
Mr. CAMPBELL is greatly in favour of Farmers’ Institutes, and 
graphicly described ‘the benefits of the bringing together of the 
farmers and the talking over of their various practical experiences, 
which must be highly beneficial to all concerned. He pointed 
out that it must be patent that the advances made in the science 
and practice of agricultural and horticultural pursuits have been 
most remarkable during the last few years. Old practices that 
have obtained from time immemorial are giving place to new and 
improved methods, for the farmer and horticulturist is enabled 
to base his work on sound principles and act accordingly. Mr. 
Campbell urged that the necessity for improvement is thoroughly 
recognised by the governments of all civilised nations, for it is 
bey ond question that the welfare of the people depends to a vast 
extent on skill and industry, and that the very best use shall be 
made of the land through the liberal diffusion of knowledge. The 
paper concluded by asking all to render what assistance they 
could in the formation of Farmers’ Institutes. 
No. 21.—NOTES ON #MEX AUSTRALIS. 
By R. Hexms, Biologist to the Bureau of Agriculture, Western 
Australia, 
(Read Wednesday, 12 January, 1898.) 
Aurnoucu the flora of South Africa and Australia has many 
genera in common, and even a number of identical species occur in 
both countries, still from the outset it was doubted whether Hmex 
australis?was an indigenous plant of Western Australia, whence 
first it was recorded from our southern continent. The foremost 
Australian botanists, Bentham and Baron v. Mueller, were un- 
certain on this point ; and whilst including the plant in their works 
on our flora, they considered it a probable immigrant. 
