1 1 Agricultural Gazette of N.S. W. [Feb . 2, 1 920 . 



good, rain was badly needed, and it arrived too late to be of any material 

 advantage. The growth attained up to the time when the grass was cut 

 for seed was only about 10 inches. 



" On 31st July five rows of Italian rye-grass were sown in an adjacent 

 plot for comparison. This is not yet mature, bub it appears to stool 

 much more profusely than the Wimmera variety, although at the time 

 the Wimmera was cut the ' stand ' was about the same for both. From the 

 appearance of the two grasses throughout the small trial, it seems that the 

 Italian would prove superior from every standpoint under favourable 

 conditions in this district, provided it was sown at the proper time. This 

 cannot be corroborated, however, until further trials have been conducted. 

 The rainfall during the growing period was 1009 inches. 



"■ A palatability test was carried out with the grass at a very advanced 

 stage. A portion of it was spread about one of the dairy paddocks amongst 

 the cows which were about to be milked, but which had not been fed. All 

 positively refused to touch the grass, but it was very dry and harsh, and 

 consequently the experiment was inconclusive. 



" Sufficient seed should be available foi- continuing the trial of this grass 



next season, when it is hoped that data of a more definite and reliable 



nature may be gained.'' 



Conclusion. 



It must be admitted that the results during the past year in this State 

 have therefore been very disappointing, and strikingly out of proportion to 

 the results obtained in Victoria. The comparative growths of the different 

 i-ye-grasses, and also of Winnnera rye-grass, grown at Minyip, Victoria, as 

 shown in the accompanying illustration, indicate how far short the grass 

 falls in this State as compared with perennial and Italian I'ye-grasses, and 

 also how inferior it is to the Wimmera rye-grass as grown in Victoria. The 

 very sparse and short leaf and the large amount of the plant taken up by 

 seed head have been very characteristic features with us, and have greatly 

 militated against its success. 



At the same time, it should be pointed out that all the trials suffered 

 from two serious disadvantages : (1) The seed was Victorian grown, and 

 therefore not acclimatised to this State ; and (2) it was not possible to sow 

 at the right time (autumn). It is therefore too soon to turn the grass 

 down for New South AVales, and it is quite possible that under improved 

 conditions more favourable reports as to the present year's trials will l)e 

 forthcoming. 



One of the greatest responsibilities that falls on either the Federal or 

 Provincial Departments of Agriculture [in Canada] is the conservation of 

 the great wealth that lies in the virgin soil. Innumerable considerations 

 are involved in this one problem, but the whole affair can be accom])lish('d 

 if we engage in mixed farming with live stock as a basis. This is the funda- 

 mental principle underlying success in agiieulture. — The Hon. S. F. Tolmie, 

 Minister of Agriculture, Canada. 



