BY J. H. MAIDEN. 



751 



I could obtain no figures as to the yield of maize on the Island. 

 None is exported at present. The Island could produce a vast 

 amount of corn if required, but it must be borne in mind that the 

 New Hebrides and other islands can also grow corn even more 

 readily arid compete with New South Wales in the Sydney 

 market in regard to this commodity. 



Wheat. — The first record of the cultivation of wheat is Lieut.- 

 Govr. King's statement, on 3rd June, 1788, "Began breaking up 

 part of the ground on the N.E. side of the hill to sow wheat." 



As the settlement progressed wheat and maize were stored for 

 the use of the settlement, and also sent to Port Jackson. 



On the hill, at the back of the Church of England, are nine (9) 

 very large brick silos, locally known as " Mummies," with a deep 

 protecting drain. These were used for the storage of grain, and 

 it would be interesting to know when they were constructed. I 

 have a note, " On 8th June, 1839, the silos at the back of the 

 Commissariat store were filled with maize and sealed." 



The following hitherto unpublished table shows the return of 

 white crops for the twelve (12) years ending 1843: — 



Wheat is no longer a crop. Buckwheat and White Clover are 

 .on the Island. I saw a little Lucerne, but it does not appear to 

 be cultivated now. 



