4 8 



duties is one which calls for immediate attention. The 

 present difficulty which Governments find in filling such 

 posts would be removed by the establishment of the 

 College of Tropical Agriculture, since each year a 

 number of thoroughly qualified men with the diploma 

 of the college would be available to select from. There 

 are, therefore, strong reasons why Governments should 

 do everything to support, financially and otherwise, a 

 scheme for providing technical education in tropical 

 agriculture, destined to promote objects which it is to 

 the interest of Governments to secure. 



Apart from the contributions of Governments and 

 of companies there is need for private benefaction, 

 especially on the part of the many in this country who 

 owe their wealth to their association with tropical 

 agriculture. It is therefore desirable to give some 

 details of the scheme which has been prepared by the 

 London Committee for the establishment of an Imperial 

 College of Tropical Agriculture. 



It is proposed, if the proper arrangements can be 

 secured, to place the College at Peradeniya, in Ceylon, 

 in proximity to the famous Gardens and also to the 

 Government Agricultural Department. Here, at an 

 elevation of 1,600 ft. and in a healthy climate and 

 fine surroundings, will stand the college buildings, with 

 laboratories and lecture rooms. The courses of instruc- 

 tion will be supervised by the Principal. Instruction 

 will be open to all those who produce the diploma of 

 an agricultural college or other evidence of possessing 

 the preliminary knowledge requisite for attendance at 

 such special courses. As educated and otherwise 

 properly qualified native students will be admitted, as 

 well as European students, it is intended to erect by 

 separate subscription in proximity to the college at 

 least two residential hostels, one for Europeans, and 

 others as required for native students, each in charge 

 of a bursar. 



In addition to the teaching given at the' college, 

 arrangements will be made for the students, in groups, 

 to visit for short periods other agricultural centres in 

 the island, and there study agricultural problems on 

 large estates. The entire course of work will occupy a 

 period of one year, which will be continuous, and 



