Windsor & Richmond Gazette, Saturday, March 3, 1900 - page 4 H. A. COLLEGE NOTES. In response to an invitation from Messrs. Angus and Son, of Minchinbury Vineyard, the diploma class, numbering about 30 students, accompanied by the Principal, journeyed to Rooty Hill to inspect the vineyard and witness the commencement of operations in connection with the vintage. A start was made from the College at 9.30 a.m. and Rooty Hill was reached soon after 11. Mr. and Mrs. Angus, senr., Mr. Angus junr., Mr. Brown, the manager, and a number of ladies gave the students a very hearty welcome. A commencement was made with refreshments. To which ample justice was done. The cellars were then inspected, the long rows of gigantic casks filled with port, claret, hock, etc., showing how extensive are the operations of this firm. A number of large casks made on the premises, of spotted gum obtained in the district, attracted considerable attention. The large wine presses, having a pressure of 30 tons each, were seen in operation. The students were very much interested! in these, and plied Mr. Angus and his son with numerous questions, to all of which they received ready answers. By the time the cellars had been inspected, the ladies had prepared a sumptuous luncheon. This was served in the new barn, and the students soon showed that they could keep up the reputation of the College in this section. The toasts of the "Host," "Hostess," and the "Ladies" were received with musical honours. After luncheon a young lady of 7 years of age (an adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Angus) sang several songs very sweetly, and with considerable talent. The students then responded with "Sons of the Sea," and "Soldiers of the Queen." A move was made to the vineyard and farm, the different varieties of grapes, systems of pruning, training, etc., being fully explained by Mr. Angus and his son. In several large blocks alternate rows of vines had been removed, Mr. Angus holding that thin planting is the best, and from a comparison of the crops on these! blocks with adjoining ones which had not been thinned, this opinion w as fully borne out. The large vineyard of about 70 acres was in splendid order, being well cultivated, quite free from weeds, and the vines healthy and bearing heavy crops. On the farm the crops of marigolds, maize, pumpkins, etc., all bore evidence of Mr. Angus' skill as a farmer. The new cow sheds, silo, etc., were objects of great interest. The silo is a circular pit, lined with 9 inch brick and concrete walls, and it is about 15 feet deep by 16 feet in diameter. Mr. Angus stated that in his opinion maize ensilage and marigolds were absolutely necessary to the dairy farmer in this district, and that until the farmers recognise this dairying will not be a success. A fine dairy herd of about 40 cows was seen, and also two splendid bulls, a Holstein and a Jersey. Several fine Ayrshire cows looked well, in spite of the adverse season. This breed is evidently Mr. Angus' favourite one, as he stoutly upheld that they gave better results in this district than any other br! eed. He is also greatly in favour of the Holstein, maintaining that with careful feeding they will put up as good a record for dairying purposes as any other breed, and that for general purposes they are superior to other dairy breeds. After inspecting the farm, sports were held, the tug-of-war proving the most interesting item. Afterwards an excellent tea was provided by the host and hostess, at which speeches were delivered by the Principal, Students Henderson and Pridham (representing N.S.W.), Student Burgess (Tasmania), Student Kanematsu (Japan), and Student Sampson (Victoria) ; also by a number of the visitors, including the Rev. Mr. Smith (Rooty Hill), and Mr. A. Thompson, J.P., (St. Marys). The whole of the visitors were surprised and delighted with the very great improvement made in all sections of the vineyard and farm, and Mr. and Mrs. Angus were warmly congratulated upon the efficient manner on which all the operations are carried out.