TABLE showing the CROPPING of the CORNAFULLA ORDINARY AGRICULTURAL NATIONAL SCHOOL FARM, for 1851.

5th January, 1852,

(Signed,)

FRANCIS DURNEY, Teacher.

I certify that the above Returns are correct, according to the best of my knowledge and belief,

WALTER HUSSEY WALSH, Manager.

11 1 1

58.-GEEVAGH ORDINARY NATIONAL SCHOOL, County Sligo. APPENDIX D. 1st January, 1852. II. Appendix SIR,-In conformity with the instructions received from the to Dr. KirkEducation Office, I beg to furnish you with the following brief patrick's Report, statement of the proceedings on the farm attached to the Geevagh Geevagh Ordinary Agricultural School, during the past year. Model Farm. The farm contains two Irish acres, rent free; and consists of a deep clay loam resting on a gravelly subsoil. It is perfectly dry, and has a sloping declivity towards the south-west.

The four-course rotation is that which I adopt, as I consider it best suited to a farm of such small extent, where the object is to house-feed as conveniently and as profitably as possible. The crops which I cultivate are, oats, turnips, mangels, potatoes, cabbages, clover, and grasses. In the accompanying return I have shown the amount of produce of the different crops, together with the estimated value of the whole. The "Agricultural Class" consists of fourteen boys; and though they seem generally anxious to become acquainted with the improved system of farming, yet I find it extremely difficult to divest them of the notion, that they derive no advantage at all from working on the farm; I would, therefore, respectfully venture to suggest the propriety of forming a permanent "Industrial Class," receiving a small sum weekly, in order to encourage them to take part in the farm operations. The text books I use in affording them instruction in this important branch are, the "Agricultural Class Book" sanctioned by the Board, "Hodges' Chemistry," "Johnson's Catechism," and a number of useful pamphlets published at the Farmers' Gazette Office, under the authority of the "Royal Agricultural Improvement Society."

The degree of success which has hitherto attended my exertions on the Model Farm, has induced many persons in the neighbourhood to visit it from time to time, and inquire much into the system adopted; still, I regret to say, that the prejudice in favour of the old and absurd system of culture is so deep-rooted, as to render the introduction of any thing like a general improvement both slow and difficult. The small farmers have, however, latterly cultivated green crops to some extent. This indicates a step in the right direction, and there is reason to hope, that eventually they may be induced to abandon the old system so utterly wretched and ruinous.

I append the Inventory and Valuation taken at the commencement and close of the year, together with the Balance Sheet. The profits may appear unusually large, considering the small extent of the farm, but, as the land is rent free, the profits for the year are necessarily augmented.

I remain, Sir, your obedient Servant,
THOMAS CLARKE,

Thomas Kirkpatrick, Esq., &c., &c.

TABLE showing the CROPPING of the GEEVAGH ORDINARY AGRICULTURAL NATIONAL SCHOOL FARM, for 1851.

(Signed,)

THOMAS CLARKE, Teacher.

I certify that the above Returns are correct, according to the best of my knowledge and belief,

31st December, 1851.

DOMINICK NOONE, P.P., Manager.

APPENDIX D.

II. Appendix to Dr. Kirk

patrick's Report.

59.-UPPER ARIGNA ORDINARY AGRICULTURAL NATIONAL SCHOOL, County Sligo.

January 3rd, 1852.

SIR,-In compliance with the instructions received in a Circular from the Education Office, relative to the proceedings Upper Arigna Model Farm, on the above farm, I respectfully beg to transmit to you a statement thereof for the year 1851.

This farm contains six acres, three roods, Irish, whereof. three statute acres are in course of cropping, the remaining part not being yet reclaimed. The soil consists, in part, of a light clay resting on a subsoil of mica slate.

The portion reclaimed is divided into five parts, upon which a five-course rotation is followed. The crops cultivated are potatoes, turnips, cabbages, oats, clover and grasses; I have given the mangel a trial, and I find that the soil is not suited to the production of so delicate a plant, I have accordingly abandoned its cultivation. The district where my farm is situated lies in a valley between two ranges of mountains, and I may observe that the system of husbandry pursned there was extremely wretched.

I can safely affirm, that before I commenced operations, there was no such thing as green cropping known in the district, and it is equally certain, that at present almost every occupier cultivates green crops to a greater or less extent; still, I regret to have to say, that I find it difficult to introduce the system of house-feeding here, on account of the facilities afforded for rearing cattle on the unreclaimed mountains, particularly young stock; yet there are hopes that this important department will yet be properly estimated and

attended to.

I have twelve boys in the "Agricultural Class," who receive instruction daily in the school, but who, for obvious reasons, evince much reluctance in working on the farm.

From the knowledge they have acquired respecting the value of the liquid manure of their cattle-houses, &c., I am able to say that, in few instances, can a trace of this valuable liquid be seen running its once useless and unchecked 'course. I venture to say that, if a small sum were awarded them for working a short time each day on the farm, it would be productive of much good, and likely to do more for the spread of improved farming than many other modes yet offered.

On the other side, I give the Inventory and Valuation at the commencement and close of the year; also the "Balance Sheet" of the farm accounts for the past year.

I am, Sir, your very obedient Servant,
MICHAEL GRADY.

Thomas Kirkpatrick, Esq., M.D.,

Agricultural Inspector, &c.