3x PART 11. 
(5) The general demonstration of better methods, and rotations. 
(6) The training of numbers of boys and, if necessary, women, in 
elementary agriculture. 
B. With stock: 
The present system of semi-nomadic living is not conducive to 
livestock improvement, but the feasibility of mass improvements may 
be given consideration: 
(a) Cattle: The ownership of the cattle of a tribe is naturally 
divided amongst families, if the tribe owned the cattle irrespective of 
persons the application of methods of improvement would be a simple 
matter. To begin with owners would have to agree to the examination 
of all their stock and the branding of culls. Arrangements for the 
disposal of culls within a reasonable period would need to be made, or 
a tract of country might be set aside for the reception of the surplus 
oxen, poor females, queens, and surplus poor bulls. There would 
arise grave administrative difficulties, but by means of Native Councils 
a commencement may be made. It would be wise to commence with 
voluntary culling in one group of cattle owners whilst applying the 
order for a reduction in the numbers of oxen, and the prohibition of 
the use of non-certified bulls. As stated, native ideals in cattle- 
conformation are not commercial ideals as yet. 
The disposal of the culls and surplus livestock has ever been a 
difficulty, particularly as the animals are so poor and of such low real 
value. No great loss would be made were the animals slaughtered 
for their hides and bones. There are other ways in which cattle could 
be improved (see the mass improvement of poultry below), but a 
general and steady improvement of the mass would result from the 
steady culling under instruction. It would also be important that 
some natives be trained in the recognition of better types of stock and 
of the conformation of superior types of native cattle. 
With the improvement in livestock should go hand in hand the 
improvement of pastoral conditions, particularly water supplies. In 
the matter of disease control the Colony is accumulating experience of 
great value, but it 1s a pity that expensive inoculations have to be 
done for some animals hardly worth the saving. It requires no great 
strength of imagination to visualise the enormous amount of work, 
organisation and tactfulness which would have to be exercised were the 
matter of mass improvement carried out. 
(b) Sheep: The Masai sheep of Kenya has been the foundation 
of a number of grade Merino flocks. Other native tribes, namely the 
Basuto, have managed to breed wooled sheep. The size and quality 
of Masai sheep could be improved by selection and the use of better 
rams. The betterment of pastoral conditions too would greatly help. 
(c) Poultry: As an inexpensive demonstration of the possibilities 
of mass improvement the Department made a number of issues of 
pure-bred Rhode Island Red cockerels in limited areas {rom whence 
all “ native ”’ cockerels had been removed. The results were good 
and quite up to expectations. It would be possible through the 
medium of Native Agricultural Societies and Native Councils to work 
over reserves location by location to effect a large permanent improve- 
ment in native poultry. 
/K