AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13211, 30 September 1915, Page 3

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

WORK ON THE ASSOCIATION'S PLOTS. . f f The Agricultural Experimental Association of Manawatu have now got the experimental plot on tlie corner of Te Awe Awe and Fitzherbert streets well under cultivation. The section has been greatly improved and presents a very busy and industrious scene on a Monday afternoon, when the Technical School and High School boys are busy carrying out the experiments, under the supervision of their instructors. On two sides of the plot (some 14 chains) about twelve different varieties of hedge trees have been planted, and in the near future should greatly improve the general appearance of the section. Ornamental trees have also been planted alo "g the banks of the creek at the west eira. The whole section has been ploughed up with a swamp plough, disced and harrowed. One acre has been planted in oats, which will be utilised for oaten hay. Another acre is being planted in potatoes, whilst two acres are being prepared for mangolds, carrots, swedes and field peas. Three-quarters of an acre at the east end is being reserved for various tests of different kinds of roots and manures. Two special new varieties of potatoes, viz., "Vitality" and "Queen Mary," are being planted in small plots by the Technical School boys, the balance of their plot being occupied with eight varieties of turnips. The High School boys are making good progress and have planted several tests with roots. Mr W. S. Baylis. Government Fields Instructor, is acting as the general supervisor of the work, while the High School boys are being instructed by Mr Brennand and the Technical School boys by Mr F. D. Opie. All seeds, manures, etc., are being supplied by the Government. The High School b9ys, under Mr W. Stephenson, woodwork instructor, have done some very practical work in building a shed for the/accommodation of "seeds, manures, etc. The shed tis 15 by 10 feet, and is very substantially and neatlv constructed. Another shed will shortly be built to accommodate the implements.