https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/45959 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:49:09 GMT 2026-04-24T04:49:09Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46087 Title: Special education for the handicapped Abstract: The right of the physically and mentally handicapped to special educational treatment has not always been recognised; many, triumphing over their natural impediments have won through because of their own endeavours, but the great majority, as history only too well shows, were ignored by their fellows. Christianity however, particularly in the form of religious orders, sought out the handicapped in order to alleviate their lot. A survey of the history of philanthropic endeavour would provide an interesting introduction to the work that is now beginning in Malta, but space does not allow the mention of such projects as the Bruges College for the Blind as early as 1560, and provisions of the different Education Acts in England. Thu, 01 Jan 1959 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46087 1959-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46086 Title: Maltese flora Abstract: A full treatment of the flora of Malta would run into volumes, but the present writer, entering into the aims of The Year Book, which is to offer concise information about these islands, will endeavour to trace the salient facts. Thu, 01 Jan 1959 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46086 1959-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46083 Title: Landmarks in the history of Marsa Abstract: The aim of this short article is to show how Marsa, a small and sparsely inhabited area, developed into a populated urban district. Throughout the centuries there were various attempts to develop Marsa most of which failed, and it is not till this century that the long hoped for condition has come about. The name Marsa is of Arabic origin and means an anchorage, i.e., a place where ships can safely lie at anchor. The same name is to be found, in prefix, in many other Mediterranean places which at one time were dominated by the Arabs. It is common in the toponomy of Malta where we find that places such as Marsaxlokk, Marsamxett, Marsascala, etc., are close to the sea. In early times Marsa comprised the inner basin of the Grand Harbour and in the days of sailing ships this part of the Harbour must have been a true place of refuge from bad weather. Today the area has extended inland to considerable size and comprises the low land lying between Hamrun, Qormi, Luqa and Paula. Thu, 01 Jan 1959 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46083 1959-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46082 Title: Agricultural developments in Malta Abstract: According to local export figures, Maltese agricultural products, in the form of potatoes, grapes, onions, hides and skins, seeds, bulbs and flowers are now reaching countries as far afield as Northern Europe, Central Mediterranean and North Africa, reaching in 1955 the total figure of £214,410. For a country, the size of Malta, such exports are no small achievement and, indeed, are eloquent proof of the contention that, given proper direction, Maltese agricultural exports could be stepped up to such an extent as to become the island's chief exports. Unfortunately, the potentialities of Maltese agricultural exports have not been given the attention they deserve. Admittedly, the raising of our agricultural output is somewhat restricted because, basically the small size of holdings will always remain a serious obstacle. Nevertheless it is known that provided there is a steadier supply of water, the introduction of modern mechanical and scientific methods of cultivation and harvesting, the raising of present soil husbandry to a better level, the use of new 'seasonal' crops for export, through improved stocking, effective agricultural co-operation, extension and research work, the agricultural industry in this island could become a paying concern. Thu, 01 Jan 1959 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46082 1959-01-01T00:00:00Z