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(xiv) Kikuyu-grass Evidence was presented to us by the Director of tlie Grasslands Division, Mr. Bruce Levy, that this grass would be very suitable for planting to stop erosion in Hawkes Bay and other districts. We were consequently very concerned when farmers in other districts in New Zealand informed us that the same grass was a menace and should be outlawed. We examined carefully some pastures which had become overrun by this grass at Dargaville, Opononi, and Bulls. Having seen what happens when the grass gets away, we consider that it is very dangerous, and despite the advice given by the Director of the Grasslands Division, we strongly recommend Hawkes Bay and other farmers not to introduce it. It is a matter to which the DirectorGeneral of Agriculture should give more attention. We know it is considered by scientific workers that the grass is manageable, but having seen it under the conditions mentioned in North Auckland particularly, we very much doubt whether that is so, We think it wiser not to introduce a grass which has such dangerous tendencies. (xv) Weight of Seed Sown We were particularly interested by the results obtained by Mr. F. K. Pearce, of Upper Waitotara, from sowing a rye-grass - clover mixture drilled in 7 in. rows at the rate of 10 lb. to the acre. It appeared to us that the result was quite as good as that obtained from a 35-40 lb. sowing and would involve a great reduction in costs. We were informed that the lighter sowing would require to be well husbanded until thoroughly established. This is a matter on which the Department of Agriculture could make further trials before it can be recommended for general application. (xvi) Casting Worms Evidence was presented to us in several places about the value of casting worms in raising fertility. This was particularly demonstrated to us by Mr. A. Ashmore, of Raetihi. At the present time the Department of Agriculture is collecting information on. this subject, and these investigations should be pursued. There is a division of opinion among farmers whether the worms actually raise the fertility or whether they follow when fertility has been raised. This is a matter which can only be established by research. (xvii) General Survey The foregoing examples of problems requiring research have been brought to our notice, although we believe there are many more. The proposed Sheep Industry Board, in collaboration with the Director-General of Agriculture, should make a complete survey of the industry to define the problems needing research and place them in their relative order of importance. Then the staff available for research can be allocated to the best advantage. This has already been done in the dairy industry, and has given a valuable lead to those directing research in that industry. A survey is now required to give similar information about the sheep industry. 13. IMPORTATION OF WEED-SEEDS Despite all precautions, it appears that weed-seeds are still being imported into New Zealand. We have had evidence that the seed of saffron thistle was found in shipments of fowl wheat, and that the thistle has already made its appearance in some areas where the wheat was fed to fowls. We realize