314 
on a large experiment farm is obvious, as a demonstration or 
experiment loses much of its significance without a knowledge of 
the cost. 
The operations are designed to give practical instruction and 
demonstration in the best methods within the reach of the average 
farmer of the district. With this end in view, appliances and 
machinery have been kept to the standard of economy reasonably 
attainable by those whose capital has to be replenished by the 
fruits of their labor. For instance, the shearing shed is . fitted 
up each year in a building which is used during the remninder of 
the year for other purposes. This avoids the maintenance of an 
expensive permanent establishment; and, moreover, the fitting 
up of the yards, etc., is an annual lesson to the students. 
Particulars are given in the article of the operations of the 
farm with results. Goodly profits are shown for the many pad- 
docks into which the farm is divided. Last year the farm orchard 
yielded a net balance of about $1890. 
Very interesting is a description of the system for fighting 
bush fires which is maintained on the farm. This is always 
available for assisting neighboring settlers in need as well as sup- 
pressing any outbreaks on the farm. A fire cart is always ready 
at the farm, with a large supply of hide beaters, wire-cutters and 
other appliances kept in the cart ready for use. There is no 
special fire brigade, but certain students are chosen to work under 
directions. During the dangerous months two fire-cart horses are 
specially kept in the stables, and are not allowed to be taken away 
for any other purpose. Keys of all the gates of the farm are left 
available, so that stock can be readily mustered, and plans are 
fully organized for meeting fire at any point. On receipt of tele- 
phonic or other intimation of a fire within ten miles of the farm, 
the cart is sent out. In the event of an outbreak on the farm, 
neighbors would naturally be expected to help the staff. When 
a fire is seen, observations are taken with instruments at the farm, 
and information as to similar observations is obtained from a 
neighboring station by telephone. The readings from the two 
different points are then plotted on a map with threads, the 
junction of the threads showing the position of the fire. Every- 
body within reach of the telephone is informed at once. By com- 
municating with headquarters of bush fire brigades in different 
localities, the farm officials assist in enabling all available forces 
to be concentrated at the seat of the fire without delay. 
In concluding the summary of the work done at Wagga experi- 
ment farm — the largest under the control of the department, 
situated in the center of the granary of the state — the author 
(Mr. J. E. O’Grady) says: ‘‘As the years pass by, Riverina be- 
comes more and more valuable to New South Wales and to the 
Commonwealth — a home for those who wish to leave the city 
and rear their children under healthy conditions of agricultural 
life. What irrigation can do for New South Wales has yet to 
