TASMANIAN AGRICULTURE, ETC. 55S 



Draining is an important means for ameliorating the condition 

 of soils, and is much neglected. Soluble salts of iron and acidity 

 of the soil are connected with bad drainage and consequent sterility 

 of soils. Tasmanian soils are very variable and generally derived 

 from the rock immediately underlying them. 



Great difference is sometimes shown between surface soil and the 

 underlying one in Tasmania which may be due to want of earth- 

 worm action in equalizing surface and sub-soil. This is a subject 

 deserving further investigation. Arable sub-soils are frequently 

 too compact in Tasmania, and not much evidence of earthworm 

 action is shown. To neutralise this difficulty, sub-soil ploughing is 

 recommended. 



Of the manures used in Tasmania the phosphatic are largely 

 employed, bones and super being the chief of these. The ferruginous 

 soils of the basalt regions require phosphates, because iron renders 

 the phosphatic acid present unavailable to a large extent. Potash 

 and mixed manures are coming more and more into use, especially 

 upon the worn-out soils. 



6.— THE AUSTRALIAN ASPECT OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 

 By H. W. POTTS, F.C.S., F.L.S., Principal, Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Richmond, N.S.W 



In the pursuit of agriculture the great body of our pioneer farmers 

 have not accepted so far the full value of technical and mental 

 training, mainly for the reason that in the occupancy of a new 

 country, such as ours, with its vast areas and insufficient means of 

 communication, they have been compelled to endure all the hard- 

 ships of isolation, have had to struggle with the primitive stages 

 of settlement and face muscular effort under the most adverse 

 and discouraging circumstances. 



With the rapid formation of roads, the construction of railways, 

 the more reliable means of transport of perishable food to the best 

 markets of the world, increased population and closer settlement, 

 we find these rugged phases of agricultural life disappearing. 



The dull daily routine of the untrained settler is being steadily 

 replaced by one demanding greater skill and intelligent applica- 

 tion. The avocation is perceptibly changing. Applied science is 

 invading every section in which experiment, foresight, invention 

 and expertness combine to effect a progress startling in its effect, 

 and with the tendency to release the modern agriculturist from 

 the tedious drudgery so long associated with farm work. 



One is fully sensible of the fact that there are many aspects of 

 successful farming which cannot be taught in an academic sense, 

 and can only be acquired by experience. That experience, however, 

 it must be fully admitted, can be enriched by a scientific grasp of 

 the principles underlying all operations on the farm. It is a healthy 

 reflection to note the pronounced and welcome attitude of public 

 men towards the subject of technical and secondary education, 

 more especially towards that section devoted to the primary in- 

 dustries. 



