THE PROPOSED CLASSES IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE.

Southland Times, Issue 19036, 2 May 1903, Page 2

THE PROPOSED CLASSES IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE.

H is a muttor for general satisiuctiofi that the project to institute c lasses in agricultural science ha.s assumed dclinite- workable 1 shaipi?, and the satisfaction is increased by tho manner in which that stage has been reached. It is another .sign of the skill with which the Farmers' I.'nion is managed in Southland that its cooperation should have been sought by the Education Board arid the High Schools Board in this matter. That the Farmers' l.'nion>has established itself, and that its Executive has an acknowledged status among public bodies can no longer be questioned, when negotiations such as those under notice have taken place. The Southland Farmers' Inion has made a name for enterprise, and its prestige. Me think, will be enhanced if by hearty support it now assists to make the proposed classes successful. The advantages that farmers may derive from instruction in the scientific basis of agriculture hardly need to be explained or enumerated. It is recognised that in all branches of agriculture, as well as in dairying, breeding, etc.. an elementairy knowledge of chemistry, botany and like subjects are of inestimable value. In farming the man who kno.ws the nature of the soil and the habits of cereals call get most profit out of the land. He can either grow the crop to which the land in its natural state is. best adapted, or he can add the necessary ingredients to make it produce the crop for which there is the keenest market. Moreover. in this part of the world farming is a mixed pursuit. The farmers, besides cropping the laud, raise sheep and young cattle and perhaps breed horses. To these farmers the lectures that Mr Patcrson, a highly-qualified veterinarian, and Mr Hilgendorf, an experienced agricultural chemist, could give would be invaluable. The Government, m-'cognising the handicap imposed upon competitors in the world's markets who are destitute of expert knowledge, have circulated widely leaflets dealing with the products of the land, the orchard, the stockyard and so on. In addition, the experts of tho Agricultural Department have lectorcri in different districts, disseminating information that enables the intelligent farmer to correct his methods, avoid loss, and make production fruitful. Mr Cilruth, chief veterinary expert, is endeavouring to awaken the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies to the importance of classes such as it is proposed to establish in Southland. The President of the Hawke's Bay Association has given Mr Gilruth's suggestion his heartiest approval, and the Wai mate A. and P. Association has asked the Department of Agriculture to arrange that they may receive a course of lectures from the experts. The Southland scheme is much more strongly supported, as it has behind it the Education Board, the High Schools Board and the Farmers' Union. To these the A. and P. Association might appropriately be added, and -under such muspices success should be assured. When the classes are started, we hope to see that the farmers appreciate the value of them, and the visible mark of appreciation will be large attendances of fanners, and especially yo.ung farmers, at the lectures in the various centres that will ho visited. ..

The revising committee of the Southland Poultry, Dog, and let Society ha» added several classes, including an incubator contest, the machines hatching j chicks during tho progross of the show ; : alao four classes for poultry for 'farmers and four for amateurs. The chaldron's pet class has also received attention, tho cat division being clauses to give each an equal chance, and a special prize of £1 Is given to the owner of the. pe*« that scores the greatest number of visitors' votes. Tho show will extend over two days, the dogs being on view the second day only The Zealandia Hall has again been secured, mid there is every prospect of a successful show. Thd Homing Club has arranged a race from Waikouaiti iv ronnoction therewith, a special prize of £1 going to ihe winner, in adtiition to a sweepstake. Our Fairfax correspondent writes : — The cold stormy weather of last week caused a break in harvesting operations; and it is to be feared that considerabledamage will result. The last two or thrc« days have bran perfect ; but tho long nights and heavy dew« allow the corn very little time to dry now.