APPENDIX D.

II. Appendix to Dr. Kirk

Carrick

In

15.-CARRICK MODEL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL, Co. Fermanagh. SIR, I send you, at your request, the First Annual Report patrick's Report. of the "Carrick Central Model Farm," for the year 1851. giving an account of the proceedings on this farm I shall Model Farm. be as brief as possible, noticing only a few of the most important operations performed on it since my appointment, as the Agricultural Teacher is at present in the Glasnevin Training Establishment. The farm contains 15A. 3R., statute measure, twelve of which are divided into four equal portions. Three acres are laid down this year for meadow, and the remainder is occupied by the garden. I need hardly advert to the highly exhausted state the land was in by the continual growing of grain crops; and the extra manuring and labour now necessary to be given to it, so as to make it produce an ordinary crop, will account for the small profit realized in the balance sheet. The rotation of cropping at present adopted is the four-course, viz., 1st year, grain; 2nd year, green crops, turnips, mangels, and carrots; 3rd year, wheat or oats, with grass; 4th year, grass for soiling, and hay. The same routine is followed in each of the other fields in succession. From this it will be seen, that one-fourth is under green crops, one-half white crops, and one-fourth under grass or hay. Though this may not appear a very profitable course, yet it must be admitted to be an initiatory step to the improvement of the land. In the course of a few years it will admit of a greater variety of crops being introduced, and also stolen crops, when circumstances become favourable for their production. The field intended for green crops is drained during the winter months, and as much of it as possible receives a deep trenching. The portions of the farm on which these operations have been effected, have yielded the most satisfactory results. These, together with the levelling of old and useless fences, (which is at present going on,) form the most important operations during the winter months. I need not enter into details with regard to the method of cropping, as the crops are all put in on the ordinary drill system, with the exception of some of the fields the extremities of which terminate in a peaty soil, and which are planted with potatoes in ridges. Since the failure in the latter crop occurred, early planting with the different varieties of the early sorts has been duly attended to, and it has been found that very little loss, as yet, has been sustained from that crop. Among those sorts that have best withstood the discase, I may mention M Mullan's, American early, Maydukes, and Ballygawley pinks.

The cattle are generally housefed, with the exception of a

few hours each day, when they are allowed to exercise them- Appendix D. selves in the yard, or, during the autumn, to range over the II. Appendix fields that the crops have been taken off. During the time to Dr. Kirkthey are in the sheds they are allowed six feeds during the patrick's Report. day, commencing at six, A.M., and ending at nine, P.M., allowing succulent and dry feeds to alternate.

The course of instruction given in this school comprises the various branches usually taught in elementary schools, together with the theory and practice of agriculture. The hours of opening and closing are nine, A.M, and four, P M., in summer, and ten, A.M., to three, P.M., in winter. The number in attendance varies with the season; so also does the Agricultural Class, which varies in number from twenty to twelve.

The Agricultural Class work two hours each day at the different operations of the farm; and they receive an hour's lecture or examination each day on the various subjects of agricultural science, such ass—the different kinds of soils, draining, trenching, subsoiling, rotation of crops, application of geology and chemistry to agriculture, &c., &c.

I may mention that the garden has been reclaimed, from a very unproductive peaty soil, to one suitable to produce excellent crops of garden vegetables, to the astonishment of every one that passes the way. The steps taken to improve it were levelling, draining, trenching, liming, and manuring. It is now divided into two unequal divisions: the smaller being appropriated as a flower-garden; the larger, which is used as a kitchen-garden, is subdivided into four equal divisions, by which means a rotation of crops is followed in the garden as well as on the farm.

As the buildings are now all complete, and as the site is very eligible, and as it is also on high ground, thereby rendering it very healthful, if the Commissioners would deem it proper to make a grant for the maintenance of a few agricultural boarders, it would greatly promote the utility and effciency of this establishment; and more widely and effectually diffuse the benefits of agricultural education in this locality.

I cannot conclude this Report without expressing my sincere thanks to the Rev. J. G. Porter, the Patron of this institution, for the great zeal he has evinced in its advancement, and for his kindness in presenting to the establishment a prime Berkshire boar. If other landed proprietors, who are Patrons of agricultural schools, would follow his example, it would be a means of disseminating a good breed through the country. I have the honour, Sir, to remain

To Thomas Kirkpatrick, Esq., M.D.

your

obedient Servant,

THOMAS JAMIESON.

Carrick Model Farm.

£182 1 5

£ s.

d.

By amount received for Grain,

109 16 0

for Potatoes, Roots, &c.,

1

8 10

21 3 0

for Cattle sold,

15 17 4

£182 1 5

(Signed,)

THOMAS JAMIESON, Teacher.

3rd February, 1852,