Sept. 1 , 1897 .] 
Supplement to the “ Tropical Agriculturist. 
221 
ceptional circura.stances, and need not be an annual 
expenditure. The trial in vine-growing at pres?ent 
going on is such an experiment. 
Agricultural Shows. — 1 would urge upon Govern- 
ment the importance of drawing up a scheme for 
holding agricultural shows at short intervals at 
different centres. These shows should be cf a purely 
agricultural character, held mainly in the interests 
of native agriculture. Such shows are frequently 
held in India, where it i.s acknowledged that the 
native cultivators have derived material benefit 
from them. 
Employment of trained Students. — Whenever 
possible students who have had a training at the 
School of Agriculture might be appointed to posts 
that would bring them in contact with the agri- 
cultural classes, particularly where sucii appoint- 
ments would give them a certain amount of 
influence over the people. Of this nature would 
be the appointments of native writers and other 
posts in the Revenue Department carrying salaries 
of less than R600 per annum, as well as of minor 
forest and irrigation officers and officers ap- 
pointed for special agricultural and veterinary 
work. 
Further development of the School. — I have 
thought that with the help and through the in- 
fluence of the Eevenue Officers it would be possible 
to arrange for a curriculum for vernacular students 
(to be nominated by the Eevenue Officers) drawn 
from the classes to w'hich the rural native officials 
belong, with a view to giving an agricultural 
training, lasting for one or two years, to those 
who would be eventually employed as police 
officers, peace officers, vel-vidanas, fiscals’ arach- 
chies, division officeis, constable arachchies, &c. 
Special provi.sion might al.«o be made at the 
school for the sons of wealthier landowner.s who 
may desire to avail themselves of a couTse of agri- 
cultural training. For such somewhat better 
arrangements as regards accommodation and diet 
might be provided on their paying a higher rate 
of boarding fee. It would be an advantage if 
surveying could be added to the subjecis in the 
agricultural course, by arrangement , with the 
teacher of surveying in the Forestry School. 
I would again einjihasize the importance of pro- 
viding for a practical veterinary training for the 
students. 
In case the recomm endations referring to 
changes in the school are approved of, 1 shall be 
prepared to revise the present printed syllabus and 
bring it up to date for re-publication. 
In conclusion, I may state that some of the 
suggestions embodied in this report have been put 
forward by me from time to time in my annual 
reports, in reports read at public prize givings, and 
in my official con espondence. A want of funds 
and other causes would seem to have stood in the 
way of any such suggestions being adopted. I 
would earnestly piess upon Government (1) the 
necessity for adopting some definite .scheme tor 
agricultural work in connection with the Educa- 
tional Department ; and (2) of providing the funds 
necessary for sati.-factorily carrying out all the 
details involved in such a scheme. With these 
provided, there will be an opportunity of doing 
really useful work. 
A. — Return of Government Dairy Stock for the Year 1896. 
Cattle. 
Balance 
on band on 
December 
31, 1895. 
Purchased 
during 
the Year. 
Born 
during 
the Year. 
Total . 
Died 
during 
the Year. 
- - 
Sold 
duriiig 
the Year. 
No. to be 
struck of 
the Li.st. 
B.alance on 
liand on 
December 
31, 1S96. 
Cows 
74 
18 
— 
92 
5 
22 
27 
65 
Calve.s 
65 
— 
52 
117 
31 
25 
59 
■ 
Stud bulls 
2 

— 
2 
— 
— 
— 
2 
Draught bulls .. 
2 
- 
2 
— 
— 
— 
2 
B.—Statement Showing Supply of Milk During 1896. 
Month. 
Supply. 
Month. 
Supply. 
Bottles. 
Bottles. 
January 
8,779| 
September 
8,8554 
February 
7,819 
October 
8,875 
Marcli 
7.552 
November 
9,04 U 
April 
7,495 
December 
9,2734 
May 
8,116 
June 
7,713f 
— 
July 
8,187i 
Total .... 
1(0,491 
August 
8,7624 

Of these 100,491 bottles. 
25,6924 bottles had to 
be purchased 
from outside 
sources. Total 
output of milk at the dairy 
= 74,7984 bottles of 
26 
oz., or nearly 
12,500 gallons. 
