An Italian Agricultural School. 



a- quantity of gas), and vinegar fermentation starts. Again, 

 it has been noticed that the spiies sometimes leak a little, 

 the cider trickles down the barrel, and in hot weather a slimy 

 mass will be found where the cider has been. This growth 

 is injurious to the cider, and should never be allowed to exist 

 in a cider cellar. The outsides of the casks should be kept 

 scrupulously free from it, for when next a glass of cider is 

 drawn from such a cask, the chances are that in replacing 

 the spile some of the slimy growth w^ill be introduced into 

 the barrel, to carry on inside its destructive action. The 

 remedy for each of these evils is easy and obvious, it is to 

 keep the barrels flat, and not to spile them until it is neces- 

 sary to sample for sale. 



Mr. E. Neville-Rolfe, in his report to the Foreign Oflice on 

 the trade of Naples for the year 1896^ 

 An Italian states that several schools have sprung 

 Agricultural . ^ r 1 



School years m various parts 01 Italy, 



the most important institution being that 

 of Portici, about six miles from Naples. The school has 

 been in existence about twenty-four years, having been 

 originally established by the province, but it was taken over 

 by the State, and re-established by Royal Charter in 1885 ; 

 a portion of the disused Royal Palace was given over to its 

 use, the spacious grounds, gardens, and useful group of 

 farm buildings being especially adapted to the purpose. 

 The instruction is conducted by sixteen professors, each of 

 whom takes his own branch of the subject, and lectures 

 upon it. The course occupies three years, after which 

 students who satisfy the examiners obtain the degree of 

 " Laureato Agronomo," or bachelor of Agriculture. Besides 

 the lectures, practical instruction is given in the field, and 

 the making of cheese, wine and oil is systematically carried 

 on. It is, in short, an agricultural university. 670 scholars 

 have passed through the school, of whom 228 have obtained 

 degrees. Most of the laureates become professors in other 

 colleges in Italy, and some have gone to other places, such 

 as Cairo, Buenos Ayres, and San Francisco. One very 



