252 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Aprit, 1902. 
There are now only two agricultural improvement schools in the kingdom. 
There are six female rural housekeeping schools, which were founded for the 
purpose of instructing peasants and workmen’s daughters in simple domestic 
economy, cleanliness, order, hygiene, and nursing. 
The wine-making school is intended to instruct young peasants to cultivate 
their vineyards in a rational manner. 
Courses of lectures are also given in Wiirtemberg by travelling lecturers 
and experts.—Extract from the Journal of the Board of Agriculture, England. 
REPORT ON WORK, QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, 
JANUARY, 1902. 
Farm.—Owing to the prevailing dry weather and the want of moisture in 
the soil, maize and potato planting had to be deferred until the end of the 
month, when fifteen varieties of maize were planted in three 5-acre plots. Six 
varieties of pumpkin were planted in another 5-acre plot. The season is late 
for planting such crops; but, should the maize fail to yield grain, it will be 
utilised to advantage for the silo and live stock feeding. During the month 
the ploughs were kept busy, and there are now 120 acres in fallow. The 
experimental crops were harvested—mangolds, swedes, and potatoes (seventy- 
six varieties) ; the results from these are being forwarded. A great deal of 
other work has been carried out—clearing ridges near piggery of dead timber, 
cutting and carting wood, cutting burr and other noxious weeds, chaffcutting, 
&e. Yhe rainfall for the month was 2°27 inches, the heaviest falls being 
12th January (24) and 27th January (1°78). 
Dairy.—During the month 1,460 gallons of milk were converted into: 
butter for a yield of 611 Ib., and 135 gallons gave a return of 144 lb. of cheese;. 
514 gallons were supplied to dining-hall, and 240 gallons were fed to calves. 
The increase in dairy stock was as follows :—Ayrshires, 2 (1 male, 1 female) ; 
Holstein, 1 female; Jerseys, 1 female; Shorthorns, 1 female; Grades, 3: 
(1 male, 2 females). The dairy cattle were grazed for one hour daily ona 
lucerne paddock, and were also fed each evening on green maize which owing 
to the dry weather did not yield any grain. 
Piggery.—The increase during the month was as follows :—Berkshires, 
5 boars, 9 gilts; Middle Yorkshire, 8 boars, 2 gilts; Grades, 4. Experiments 
were carried out in pig-feeding. The pigs are now in the hands of J. C. Hutton 
and Co., who have kindly consented to let us know the results, also the value 
of the different breeds for bacon purposes. 
Garden.—This branch of the College has not escaped the dry weather. 
The vegetables have been kept growing by the aid of water applied on dull 
days during the early morning and late in the evening. A quantity of seeds 
have been planted, and plants are now ready for setting out when the rain 
comes. The figs have yielded an extraordinary heavy crop, and have in no 
way suffered from the effects of the dry weather. The orchards and vineyards 
have been kept in a good state of cultivation ; they are now free from weeds, 
and the soil in good tilth. 
Mechanical Department.—The work done during the month was as fol- 
lows :—Assistance was given in dismantling the chemical laboratory. Forms 
and tables were made, and the asphalt footpath between the buildings was 
repaired. In the blacksmith’s shop and machinery department, now under the 
charge of Mr. A. Dennis, a great deal of work was done, and rapid progress is 
being made by the students, many of whom are now able to shoe horses and 
repair the implements used on the farm in a creditable manner. 
General.—The month closed with sixty-nine students on the roll. Every- 
thing is now working smoothly, and good progress is being made both in the 
field and classroom. 
