New Buildings at Rothamsted

Abstract

THE annual inspection of the experimental plots and laboratories at Rothamsted on June 21 was made the occasion of the official opening of a new block of buildings at the farm and the inauguration of an extensive electrical installation in the farm buildings. The Right Hon. Sir John Gilmour, Minister of Agriculture, declared the buildings open, in the presence of a large gathering of guests representing all branches of agriculture and the allied industries, and many of the visitors came from distant parts of the Empire. The new block of buildings will serve both the field experimental and demonstration sides of the farm. It contains an artificial manure store, working and office accommodation for the field experimental staff, and equipment to deal with the drying and preparation of the numerous samples taken in the course of the modern experiments. The purpose of the demonstration room is to facilitate the presentation of the field results which have direct practical interest in a way which is easily grasped by visitors. Diagrams and models take the place of tables of figures. Good types of machinery are illustrated, successful rations fed on the farm are on record, and exhibits of plant disease are set up as they become available. The electrical installation, designed by the General Electric Company, Ltd., will be of the most modern and complete kind, and will provide very valuable information as to the cost and general efficiency of motor-driven farm machinery in comparison with the older oil-driven type. The many visitors to Rothamsted are always interested in the excellent collection of modern implements loaned or presented by the makers. The installation of electrical equipment will greatly add to the demonstration value of this side of the farm.