384 



G.E.R. Demonstration Train. 



[JULY, 



and explained in leaflets, while samples of washes and spraying 

 machines and specimens of such natural enemies to the pests 

 as the ladybird were also shown. 



Inquiries concerning many of the common pests were 

 numerous, and in many cases specimens were brought for 

 identification and advice. Special interest was aroused by 

 the specimens of potatoes infected with Wart Disease. This 

 disease, extremely common in the western and northern districts 

 is rare in the eastern counties, and growers were glad of the 

 opportunity afforded of seeing examples, which would enable 

 them to recognise the disease should it appear in their gardens. 

 It may be mentioned, however, that every effort is being m.ade 

 by the Ministry to keep these counties clear of the pest. 

 Another disease which has recently been made the subject 

 of an Order of the Ministr^^ is a new disease of onions, called 

 Onion Smut, and the specimens of onions infected with this 

 disease were also on view. 



(3) Fruit and Vegetable Preserving. — Perhaps the most 

 striking exhibit in this car was the display of bottled fruits and 

 vegetables, containing produce which in some cases had been 

 preserved by simple methods for several years, and was still in 

 excellent condition. The apparatus shown included various 

 types of bottles, cans, ovens and sterilisers, and frequent 

 demonstrations were given in their use. Simple methods of 

 fruit and vegetable drying, methods of canning, and the 

 preservation of stone fruit by means of sulphur fumes, were 

 also shown. Visitors were frequently surprised at the easy 

 nature of these operations and the simplicity of the apparatus 

 required, and there is no doubt that as a result of these demon- 

 strations fruit which might otherwise have been wasted owing 

 to the scarcity of sugar this season will now be preserved. 



(4) Dairying. — The dairy expert gave practical demonstra- 

 tions in cheese-making. All kinds of small cheeses were 

 made from time to time ; and the demonstrator showed 

 that the quick production of a small cheese was a good way of 

 using up a quart of milk. Larger cheeses were also made 

 as opportunity offered. 



(5) Poultry and Small Live Stock. — The poultry section 

 pleased a large section of the visitors, and there w^ere always 

 large numbers to listen to the lo-minute lectures on the various 

 subjects, including a lecture on " How to choose a hen for 

 laying purposes." The aim was to bring to the notice of the 

 small poultry keeper the best breeds and the best system of 

 feeding to improve the standard of egg production. 



