578 PRK.SIDKNt's address. ciECTlON G". 



we are fumiliai', and point with satisfaction to the results of his 

 splendid work in increasing the character and yields of wheat, and 

 extending our grain-raising areas. Burbank's labours are world- 

 widely known. Quoting from one of his public uferanees, he states^ 

 in referring to his creation — the edible thornless cactus: — ''The popula- 

 tion of the world may be doubled, and yet in the immediate food of 

 the cactus plant itself, and in the food animals that may be raised 

 upon it, there w^ould be enough for all. The possibilities have an 

 enormous scope, whether on fertile lands or on the desert. It enables 

 the desert to be utilised Avithout the necessity for irrigation." 



Fortunately, the increasing evidences of helpfulness from applied 

 science are coming home to the sceptical farmer. The majority of 

 men on the land realise the need for systematic training in an avoca- 

 tion which is steadily emerging from one of increasing drudger}' to 

 the application of attractive and energetic skill. Real and accurate 

 knowledge appeals to the earnest farmer, as it does to all who assist 

 to consolidate a nation's well-being. Rivals in all countries in culti- 

 A'ation and production have to be met on an equal footing. Practical 

 and profitable production is steadily improving, and depends on 

 systematic training. Accuracy and precision must supplant the old 

 methods of ignorance and doubt. These can only be acquired by 

 technical education and the application of the most modern results in 

 scientific discoveries, combined with manipulative skill. Despite the 

 divergence of the paths which agricultural education has vigorously^ 

 trodden during the past 25 years, they lead finally to one desirable 

 goal — profitable production. 



A widespread knowledge of the general principles governing our 

 agrarian industries is becoming daily more apparent. This must of 

 necessity increase as we are brought into closer commercial relation- 

 ship with the outside world. An unmistakable and increasing demand 

 has manifested itself diu-ing the past ten years for agricultural educa- 

 tion. Existent facilities to meet this are insufficient. A wider scope 

 must be given to all educational sources already available, and this 

 will require to be originated and organised. This involves legislative 

 inquiry and increased financial aid. 



The subjects of Nature study and elementaiy mental training in 

 natural sciences are being included in the curricula of our primary 

 systems of education. The aim is being seriously undertaken to 

 develop a child's natural taste, ambitions, and love for rural life. The 

 introduction of the agricultural high school is undergoing all the trials 

 of initiation. 



The agricultural colleges alreadv established, with fearless and 

 rare forbearance, have been tactfully steered through a shoal of 

 doubts and unfair criticism to a stage in their growth of unassailable 

 stability and usefulness. 



The time, however, has arrived when a revision of the orthodox 

 curriculum must be discussed. ]\Iany weak phases that were tolerated 

 in the swaddling clothes stages must be replaced by a training in 

 unison with the outcome of sciei>tific research and advanced peda- 

 gogic method. 



It may be excusable here to quote tlie remarks of a prominent 

 English agricultural scientist, Mr. P. McConnell, B.Sc., who recently 



