1 164 Farm Institute in Somerset. [mar., 



From an historical point of view the present buildings are 

 extremely interesting. Fomided about the middle of the 12th 

 century they were used for some centuries, until the dissolu- 

 tion of the monasteries, as a Benedictine Nunnery. Afterwards 

 they passed into the hands of the Roger family, but at the time 

 of Charles 11. the estate reverted to the Crown on account of 

 there being no male issue. It then came into possession of 

 the Clifford family, and for nearly a century and a half was 

 used as the family residence of Lord Clifford. In the 19th 

 century the buildings were again used as a nunnery and 

 afterwards as an industrial school for Catholic boys. 



On the completion of certain alterations there will be resi- 

 dential accommodation for the staff, and for 20 male and 10 

 female students, as well as suitable class rooms, laboratories, 

 a large dairy, and a carpenter's and blacksmith's shop. 



The courses of instruction are as follows : — The normal 

 course for male students will extend over two winter terms of 

 about 14 weeks each, and will comprise instruction in such 

 subjects as agriculture, agricultural and veterinary science, 

 farm accounts, surveying and horticulture. Part of each day 

 will be devoted to practical work on the farm and in the 

 gardens and workshops. A third or summer term will be 

 provided for such male students as desire to complete a year's 

 training on the farm. 



The usual course for female students will extend over one 

 term of 14 wrecks. Instruction will be provided in dairying 

 (including cheese- and butter- making), domestic science and 

 poultry-keeping. A senior course will be provided for such 

 students as desire to remain for an additional term. 



For county students the fee will be £1 per week, this sum 

 covering payment for board and lodging and instruction. 

 Students from other counties will be admitted, provided there 

 are vacancies, at a fee of £1 10s. per week. A certain number 

 of free places will be open to county students. 



The object of the instruction given at the Institute will be 

 primarily to prepare young men and women for the daily 

 routine work on the farm or in the farm household. With 

 this end in view theoretical instruction will be co-ordinated 

 with the practical work of the farm. Thus in book-keeping 

 actual farm figures and accounts will be utilised. The manage 

 ment of the different crops and stock kept on the farm, the 

 carrying out of experiments, the actual handling of labour 

 and the care and management of the gardens and orchards, 

 will all form the foundation of the theoretical instruction pro- 



