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AOTIVITIES OF THE INSTITUTE. 
Mecranicat Corron Picker. 
As a result of the laboratory tests carried out at Brisbane, a 
mechanical cotton-picker has been constructed with a view to carrying 
out field tests. Arrangements have been made for cultivating near 
Brisbane tractable varieties of cotton specially suitable for treatment by 
mechanical means. Owing to the adverse season, cotton planted for 
experimental purposes has not come up satisfactorily, and the work has 
thus been delayed. 
CaraLocur or Screntrerc PERIopicars. 
A catalogue embracing the whole of the scientific periodicals to be 
found in various libraries in the Commonwealth is now almost com- 
pleted, and will be of very considerable value to scientific workers and 
in connexion with industrial scientific research in the Commonwealth. 
Inprcenous Grassxs. 
The Inter-State Committee which is dealing with the collection, pro- 
pagation, improvement, and cultivation in suitable areas of the most 
promising indigenous grasses and fodder plants of Australia has made 
valuable progress in its work, and has completed the first stagé of its 
investigations. : 
Sr. Jonun’s Worr. 
Preliminary investigations are being carried out by the Institute in 
co-operation with the Imperial Bureau of Entomology, London, on the 
subject of insects which feed on and destroy St. John’s Wort. If these 
preliminary investigations result favorably steps will be taken to prove 
definitely by properly designed experiments whether the liberation of 
the insects in Australia would involve any risk to crops. 
Furr Economy. 
A considerable amount of preliminary work is being carried out, in 
the direction of collecting data and preparing abstracts of information 
on the subject of fuel economy. In view of the magnitude and im- 
portance of the problems involved, it is impracticable to make any sub- 
stantial progress in this field of work until the services of a full-time 
qualified technical assistant can be obtained. 
. Power Axrconot. 
A demonstration recently given in Adelaide at the request of the 
Motor Traders’ Association has excited a great deal of interest in this 
subject. A similar demonstration has just been given at the motor 
show in Sydney, and the Motor Traders’ Association of Victoria has 
asked the Institute to arrange for a demonstration in Melbourne. This 
will be done. 
Fast Dovens anp Breap Maxine. 
Investigations are being carried out in the bakehouse of the Sydney 
Technical College under trade conditions into fast doughs, and represent 
the application of the results of the experiments previously carried out 
4I 
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