A SEED CAMPAIGN

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2525, 28 July 1915, Page 10

A SEED CAMPAIGN

WORK FOR. SCHOOL CHILDREN.

The Wellington Education Board is sending out to school committees the following circular, in an endeavour to carry out the. suggestion of the Council of Agriculture that school children should collect various grass seeds from the roadside:—'

"Aniong tho many industries -that have been affected by the war, that. of agricultural seed growing is likely to bo inoro and more seriously affected. We have for many years looked to Britain, France, Belgium, , and Germany for much of our agricultural seed. This season these countries will hardly ,bo able to supply their own needs. That the conditions obtaining in this country are suitable for seed production there is no doubt. In view of the coming shortage of seeds, which will seriously affect the welfare of the Dominion, it would seem advisable that some combined effort be mado to ensure a sufficient supply ofagricultural seeds at any rate. Many crops require that certain of the best plants be saved for seed production. This work of selection and seeding could be' quite efficiently carried out by the boys and also girls attending the primary and secondary schools. It is suggested that the pupils attending the schools of the Dominion ba encouraged to devote timo to seed growing, and during the coming summer to seed collecting. It is also suggested that tho proceeds of such work be devoted to a fund to assist with comforts the wounded and disabled! soldiers of Now Zealand.

"In the past many thousands of pounds' worth of grass seed has fallen ■to the ground on roadsides and in plantations. Some people have made a livelihood during tho summer months, collecting the grass seeds grown ,in waste places. Next season every able-bodied man will be required, either serving his country in far-off lands, or doing, the heavier work of the farm, and town in this country. Deft hands and willing young hearts could do much to assist in collecting Nature's gifis in the shape of seeds, and so provide for' tho inevitable shortage. That portion of seedgrowing requiring immediate attention would bo in connection with root and fodder crops. Most of the swede, mangel, turnip, carrot, krilo, and rape seed has been in the past imported from countries now'.belligerents'.-'.'ln-order to grow seed of these crops, the fields of swedes, mangels, .turnips, and carrots should be gone carefully through, aud bulbs and roots of gooft quality, sh'apo, and size selected aiid transplanted into gardens or reserve corners and there allowed to set seed during the spring. Portions of the kale and rapo crops could he fenced off and allowed to remain. untouched by stock. Those things would require to be dono in the immediate future. ■

"Those of the gentler, sex could save seed .of their , favourite flower, and garden plants, all of which would go to swell the fund which will he so needed. During the next summer combined efforts, made to collect seed of cocksfoot, rye, and prairie grasses, should surprise .oven the cole'ctors themselves_ as to what they_ could l do in this direction. Some districts may produce seeds of -tho less common grasses and clovers, and these, too, couJd be liarvested. In every case it is emphasised that such work wouln bo of tho hignest benefit to the country. Not only would tho hoys and girls he doing practical, healthy work. but. they would be educating themselves to the possibilities of this

country for seed raising; not only would they assist farmers by ensuring tho garnering of sufficient seed for next season's crops, but they would allow the farmers'more time to attend to heavier work; not only would tlioy save much seed falling to the ground on roadsides and unused places, but they would bo doing a patriotic work to provide com-, forts for those who ar<-- giving their best to protect the flag and their homes.'-