1908.] Agricultural Education. 



375 



The Irish Department of Agriculture have arranged for 

 young men who intend to become farmers and who desire- 

 to acquire a practical knowledge of the 

 Agricultural Educa- several branches of farming to be 

 tion for Young Men in admitted to several of the Irish agri- 

 Ireland, cultural stations as apprentices. The 

 farming operations are conducted by an 

 experienced agriculturist, under whose direction the apprentices 

 are required to take part in all the work of the fields and of the 

 farmyard. In the class-room, instruction is given in the 

 evenings, and at other times when outdoor work is not pressing, 

 in English, arithmetic (including surveying), bookkeeping 

 and technical agriculture. This instruction is not intended 

 as a preparation for any examination, but is of such a character 

 as to continue the general education of the apprentices and be 

 useful to them in their future careers as farmers. Each applicant 

 must be not less than 17 years of age and must provide evidence 

 of a sure prospect of obtaining a farm of his own or bona fide 

 occupation on a farm. Admission is conditional on passing 

 a simple entrance examination and producing certificates 

 of good health and character. At one of the stations no 

 fees are charged at present ; at the other two the fees for 

 apprentices whose parents or guardians derive their living 

 mainly from farming in Ireland are proportional to the aggre- 

 gate tenement valuation of their holdings and vary from 

 £3 to £15. Other apprentices pay £20. The fees include 

 board and residence for about eleven months. 



Arrangements have also been made for the training of 

 apprentices to the poultry-fattening industry. The apprentices 

 will be instructed in the preparation of suitable foods, the 

 fattening, cramming, killing, plucking and dressing of poultry 

 for market, and the management of poultry generally. They 

 are required to devote their whole time to the work. They 

 must pass an elementary examination and be otherwise 

 suitable. Successful candidates receive wages at the rate of 

 16s. a week, and are required to find their own board and 

 lodging. 



