66 The Journal of the Roval 
presence in this district at least would argue the 
greatest folly if not ingratitude, as the surrounding 
planters, through that estimable institution the Victoria- 
Belfield Agricultural Society, prove themselves to be the 
friends of the small cultivators. Should the present 
preference for cane farming continue, as I fully believe 
it will, ground provisions all over the colony will be 
placed on a better footing with respect to prices, as the 
production will be considerably reduced. It is to be 
earnestly hoped that the general awakening which has 
occurred in connection with agricultural pursuits, will 
lead to improvement in the conduct of our local 
farms. The farmer is ignorant of the lines along 
which success may be assured, both in the quality 
and quantity of the provisions the farm may 
without difficulty be made to yield. He is, however, 
teachable, and what is more, eager for information. 
It is encouraging to think that with our Agricultural 
Board, composed of some practical planters, and a 
Government that has evinced some interest in the 
welfare of the people, we are within measurable 
distance of the time when the farmer will have no 
excuse for not possessing a thorough knowledge of 
his craft, and a sound appreciation of the elements 
that conspire to adjust the relation between labour and 
its reward. 
The limits of this paper will not permit of my 
dealing with insect pests or with the keeping of live 
stock, the latter of which receives no attention what- 
ever from the local small farmer. In this connection, 
however, I may state that turkeys would probably be 
very useful on account of their habit of picking larvae 
