Farm Institutes. [Oct. 



seeds mixtures and crossing of sheep, as well as demonstrations 

 relatmg to fruit trees planted on grass. 



Courses of Instruction. ~k winter course lasting for 20 

 weeks from October to March is designed for farmers' sons 

 and others who propose taking up farming. The theoretical 

 teaching consists of lectures on soils, manures, crops, live stock 

 farm implements and machinery, veterinary science and land 

 surveying. This work is supplemented bv demonstrations and 

 prac ical work on the farm. Students attending this course have 

 ample opportunities of learning all the more important operations 

 obtaimng on a mixed farm, and the feedinc. and general manage- 

 ment of live stock. 



A summer course in dairying and alhed subjects, extending 

 over 12 weeks (May- July), is primarilv arranged to meet the 

 requirements of farmers' daughters. Modern methods of handhng 

 milk and dairy produce are taught. Butter-making and the 

 manufacture of ordinary hard and soft cheeses form an essential 

 part of this course, which includes also instruction in poultrv- 

 keeping and bee-keeping. 



Arrangements are made by which students attending either 

 of the above courses can receive instruction in practical garden- 

 ing. The garden attached to the School is over 4 acres in extent, 

 and is well stocked with fruit trees. Market gardening is a 

 special feature of the work. 



A course in school gardening and rural science for elemen- 

 tary school teachers is also arranged when necessary during the 

 midsummer hohdays. Much importance is attached to these 

 classes by the Local Authority, as it is reahsed that it is only 

 through the teacher that a proper " atmosphere " for agricultural 

 education can be created amongst the rising generation. 



The poultry department consists of about BOO head of the 

 leading breeds of poultry. A large number of ducks and a flock 

 of geese are also kept. Artificial and natural hatching are carried 

 on and the selling of day-old chicks and sittings of eggs forms 

 an important part of the activities of this department. 



The dairy is equipped with modern apparatus and opportunities 

 are thus afforded to train students in the most modern methods 

 in the management of milk. Milk recording and milk testing 

 receive special attention. 



Theoretical and practical instruction is also given in apiculture. 

 Carniolian, Italian and hybrid sw^arms are kept, and the apiary 

 consists of about 20 hives. 



