WOMEN AND THE LAND.
[To TUN EDITOR. Or TUX " S =TATO II,"] SIR,—Your paper has always taken a broad and far-seeing view of public questions, and among others of the food supply and its possible serious shortage. Inextricably bound up with this is the question of shortage of labour. It is certain that as the war goes on the problem of labour for the land will become increasingly acute. How best can this problem be met? To a considerable extent women can replace the men who have jpinod the ranks. Many women are applying daily for work on the land. But of these only a certain number are fitted by physique or natural aptitude for work of this kind. Not every woman is a born agriculturist any more than she is a good sick nurse. Probation and training arc absolutely essential. In war time the training must obviously be reduced to a minimum, and this minimum will vary according to the aptitude of the probationer. By the kind- ness of Lord Rayleigh the Farm and Garden Union is in a position to offer training to a number of women in they next few months, provided the funds can he raised for their main- tenance. He has put at the disposal of the Union two comfortable and roomy farmhouses. The students will be e trained under his farm-bailiffs, with forewomen provided by the Union. The cost of each student's board for six months would be £18 to £20. We should hope in the course of the next six months to pass about fifty girls through these train- ings, according to their natural aptitude. We want £1.00 to £500. Will not some of your readers help us in this most valuable work P Subscriptions should be sent to the Honorary Treasurer, Women's Farm and Garden Union, 45 Queen Anne's Chambers, S.W.—I am, Sir, &e.,
CAROLINE GROSVENOR.
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