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Two plots of land have been secured, providing space for
28 boys (forming two classes) to receive instruction in practical
gardening; each boy possesses his own plot and unites with
the others in the care of a propogating plot, under the direction
of the teacher.
All measurements of the ground into plots and formation
of paths are done by the boys, who also make careful drawings
showing the distribution of the crops.
Each plot is divided into three sections, with a view to provide
for a proper rotation of crops in successive years, and the boys
are thus taught how to obtain the maximum value from the
land at their disposal.
Careful notes are made of each day's work, and accounts
kept by each boy of the expenditure upon his plot, with the value
of the produce obtained from it The scholars are allowed to
have the produce from their own plots. An allowance of 1s. per
head is granted to provide seed. In the first year's working an
expenditure of 8½d. per head produced a return in garden produce
of 5s. 2d. per head, but it is estimated that when in full working
order a return of 10s. worth of produce may be expected from
an outlay of 1s. per head for seed.
A disused shed has been secured as a tool-house, and the
scholars are given directions on the care of their tools. As mentioned
in last year's report, a small greenhouse has been erected
in the playground of the school, the wooden portion of which is
mainly composed of disused school desks. Practical instruction
in gardening is given for two hours weekly, and the scholars
seem exceedingly keen on their work. This interesting scheme
has been drawn up by the Head Teacher, who has done much
practical gardening, and he is assisted in giving the instruction
by one of the class teachers.
We feel the educational advantages of this kind of training
for boys are as important as lessons in mothercraft are for the