Oct. 6.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 2513

Records should be kept by the children in charge of each plot,
giving the operations of each day’s work, dates of planting seeds,
the names of varieties, &c. Observations of the weather, tempera-
ture, rainfall, &c., should also be carefully taken and recorded.

The produce of the plot may be disposed of at nominal charges
to the pupils or their parents. The money thus received should be
credited to the pupils in charge of the particular plot, and devoted
to the purchase of new seeds or prizes for the best results. Where
this cannot be done, the various vegetables may be distributed free
to the parents. The initial work of subdividing the ground, pre-
paring it, and cultivating some of the common garden crops will
probably be sufficient for the first year.

The work in the garden should comprise,—
(1.) Preparation of the land; digging and trenching; tho-
roughly working the soil; the proper use of tools.
(2.) Drawing drills for reception of seeds; preparing seed-beds;
methods of sowing seeds of various descriptions; depth
at which to bury them; distances apart for the rows.
(3.) Raising and transplanting seedlings; importance of thin-
ing early.
(4.) Experiments with various manures—e.g., dung, bonedust,
superphosphate, blood manure, sulphate of potash, sul-
phate of ammonia.
(5.) Rotation and succession of crops.
(6.) Watering, feeding, cultivation, and management of crops—
e.g., peas, beans, turnips, carrots, parsnips, potatoes,
kumaras, cabbages, onions, vegetable marrows, pump-
kins, tomatoes.
(7.) Prevention of diseases—spraying potatoes.
(8.) Insect pests and their destruction.
(9.) Importance of keeping land free from weeds.
(10.) Gathering and storing crops.
(11.) Cultivation of flowering plants.
Where circumstances make the instruction convenient, the care
of fruit trees and their methods of propagation may also be in-
cluded.

Lessons in the first principles of agriculture must be given during
the year. In all cases experiments and observation should precede
the explanation, so that the pupils may have the opportunity of
drawing their own conclusions.

Drawing will be found useful in all stages of the work—
systematic exercises under this heading are accordingly recom-
mended in connection with the instruction in practical agriculture,
and will be accepted as part of the usual requirements in drawing.

Teachers will find a number of experiments suggested in the
extract from the Regulations for the Inspection and Examination
of Public Schools contained in the Department’s Special Report
on Educational Subjects No. 6, “Rural Science and Nature-study,”
a copy of which is being supplied to all Native schools.

The following are the tools which are usually required for the
pupils in charge of a plot: One Dutch hoe, one draw hoe, one fork,
one spade, one rake.

In view of the desirability of minimising expense as far as
possible, teachers are requested to apply only for such tools as they
find to be absolutely necessary. Other necessaries such as lines,
kits for carrying away weeds, &c., will most likely be procurable
without difficulty, while for watering and other purposes kerosene
tins will no doubt be available.

(iv.) Needlework (for Girls).

14. The following are the requirements in sewing:—
    Class P. and Standard I.—Threading needles, and hemming as
    for a handkerchief.
    Standard II.—Work of Standard I, and seaming, felling, over-
    sewing, as illustrated in some small article, e.g., pillow-slip.
    Standard III.—The work of previous classes, and stitching and
    sewing on strings and buttons—a small article.
    Standard IV.—Work of previous classes, and setting in gathers,
    button-hole stitch, sewing on hooks and eyes—a small article.
    Standards V and VI.—The instruction in all the higher classes
    shall be directed towards giving the girls some practical tuition in
    the cutting-out and making of ordinary garments such as are useful