WHEATGROWING IN AUSTRALIA. 49 



sions in that State, principally because stock-raising proves so pro- 

 fitable, good average yields are obtained as compared with the 

 other States, and considerable scientific attention is being devoted 

 to wheat culture. At the Roma State Farm and Hermitage State 

 Farm extensive wheat experiments are carried out in the way of 

 manurial trials, variety tests, and methods of tillage. The greater 

 portion of the State Farm, Hermitage, is devoted to the production 

 of seed wheat true to type, thus making available a supply of tested 

 seed for the growers. 



Agricultural High Schools are also established in some States, 

 and agricultural teaching and agricultural education extends from 

 the classes in the State Public Schools, through the High Schools, 

 Agricultural Colleges, and finally the University. 



Agricultural Societies exist in practically every farming dis- 

 trict in Australia. They are usually subsidised by the various State 

 Governments, and conduct annual agricultural shows, which are a 

 source of education and social entertainment. They are the leading 

 functions in the different country districts. Usually experts from 

 the Departments of Agriculture attend these shows at times a 

 special exhibit is made by the State Experimental Farms and 

 lecture on agriculture. In the capital cities Royal Agricultural 

 Societies hold annual shows, which are magnificent exemplifications 

 of the resources of the States and the progress in agriculture. 

 Wheat competitions are naturally a strong- feature of these exhibi- 

 tions.. 



South Australia led the way in the formation of an Agricultural 

 Bureau, which has branches throughout the country districts. The 

 members meet regularly, and discuss farming subjects, are periodi- 

 cally addressed by officers of the Department of Agriculture, and 

 also hold an annual conference. The bureau has proved a valuable 

 means of education, as it brings the farmers together, and engenders 

 a spirit of co-operation and mutual assistance. In New South 

 Wales an Agricultural Bureau was formed within recent years, and 

 is now well established, having nearly 100 branches.. Farmers' 

 unions and associations are also powerful bodies in Australia, 

 exercising both an educational and political influence. 



SOCIAL LIFE IN AUSTRALIA. 



Australia is essentially a " White Man's Country." Over 

 90 per cent, of the total population of 4,872,059 people are of British 

 descent. The people are free and democratic, and their laws pro- 

 gressive and advanced ; in industrial and social legislation Australia 



