12 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. {1 Jury, 1901. 
To get good attendances and greater interest in society work, practical utility 
must receive more recognition from us, or many a society will find itself in financial 
difficulties. 
Many young members who attend these societies’ meetings do not like to 
openly ask questions. To obviate this, my society has adopted what is called a 
“question box,” so that anyone desiring information on any subject relating to the 
objects of the society has simply to write the question ona slip of paper, drop it in 
the box, and the required information will be given him by those present, if possible. 
For instance, in my own personal experience I have been surprised at the 
simple questions that have been asked. This proves that many of the cottage and 
market gardeners have yet to learn the alphabet of gardening. This, I contend, is 
why monthly meetings should be encouraged (for the purpose of imparting informa- 
tion to those desiring it). There are many whose means will not allow them to send 
their sons to agricultural colleges; these are the persons our societies are trying to 
benefit, as the information given will suit the district in which they reside. 
It is to be regretted, but it isa fact, that many good housewives express great 
pleasure in looking at the vegetables, &c., at show time, and often remark thatit is the 
only time they see them. This is a matter that could be easily rectified if the different 
societies would educate their members so that they would be competent to start a 
cottage or market garden for the benefit of themselves, their families, and the 
community at large. 
Often have I seen a young person sow seed in his garden in a very slipshod and 
haphazard manner, and if the seed does not germinate he at once blames the seed and 
the firm he bought it from. He does not think that the ants have taken it away, or 
the ground not suited to the class of seed he is putting in, and lots of other Title 
matters. These are details that societies can teach them, and, instead of making 
gardening a source of disappointment, make it a source of pleasure and enjoyment. 
Even in turning over one’s garden soil, which seems a very simple operation, 
very few do it properly. Digging, it must be understood, means more than mere 
loosening of the il After the top layer has exhausted its producing properties, it 
naturally requires a rest; therefore if the top layer is placed at the bottom and the 
bottom soil at the top, say to the depth of a spit, a very decided gain will accrue to 
the cultivator. 
There is nothing so honest as the earth when properly treated ; rob it of its dues, 
and it will rob you of its products. 
The other day a friend of mine wrote to me asking for written information how 
to prune his trees. Ireplied: “If you will call upon me the next time you are in town 
I could teach you more in half-an-hour by practical demonstrations than I could in a 
whole mailbag of letters.” ‘This is another matter that could be explained and 
illustrated at the monthly meetings of societies. 
Insect pest is another very troublesome matter that could be dealt with. There 
are a great number of remedies now being used by various growers, but I believe that, 
if a vote were taken, the majority would be for Paris Green or London Purple as the 
best for all purposes. I wish here to give a warning note to those who are using, or 
who intend to use, them for spraying. The mouth and nostrils should be covered up, 
so that none of them is inhaled, as they are exceedingly injurious to health. 
There are a number of other matters, such as the seasons, rotation of crops, &e., 
that could be discussed at these meetings. 
Of late years the State school authorities have introduced a day set apart to plant 
trees to ornament their playgrounds, called ‘“ Arbor day.” This opportunity could 
be made the means of imparting to the children not only the proper method of 
planting trees or shrubs, but I would go further and urge the necessity of having a 
plot of ground set apart to be cultivated by the children themselves. 
This would engage their attention and develop in them habits of usefulness, 
diligence, and observation which would be the basis of future instruction, and if 
encouraged by societies would be the means of making many a home attractive to 
themselves, their families, and the district generally. 
It is well known the height of the young Australian’s ambition is to possess a 
horse, and his love for that animal is most remarkable. Could not something be done 
to induce him to give some of that love to horticulture? I am of opinion that a farm 
or cottage could be made more attractive if an effort were made by their parents to 
instil into their sons and daughters a love for growing plants, and that would draw 
their attention to greater things and help to keep them at home. It should be every 
parent’s ambition to improve and beautify it and surround it with every comfort 
within his reach. I am speaking in this strain because it was under similar circum- 
stances to the above that I got a start. 
