Voi.^xviiJ.-j Brookes, Spread of Prickly Pear by Scrub-Turkey. 29I 



Attached herewith is a photograph of the tray tests taken on 

 the 29th of October : — 



Germination Tests with Prickly Pear Seeds from Scrub-Turkeys 

 AND Ripe Pear Fruit. 



Test commenced nth July, 1918 ; photographed 29th October, 1918. 



Turkey No. i 



Turkey No. 2 



Turkey No. 



Turkey No. 4 



Turkey No. 5 



Turkey No. 6 



Crop. 



Gizzard. 



• • • 



• •• • 



• • ♦ 



Intestine. 

 * * « 



Seed from 

 Pear Fruit. 







V :\ ' 



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• ■-* 



• 



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• • • 



• •• • 



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# »• 



• • • 

 t • • • 



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» « 



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• «• • 



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• * V 



» 

 • 





V 



It was noted that a large proportion of the seeds obtained from 

 the gizzards and intestines were considerably worn down, many 

 being chipped and broken. To this fact may be attributed the 

 low germination so far recorded of the seeds taken from those 



organs. 



Deductions Arrived At. 



It will be noted from the investigations carried out that the 

 Scrub-Turkey is not, as alleged, an active agent in spreading 

 prickly pear. However, should evidence be forthcoming to the 

 contrary, it will be carefully inquired into. 



In regard to the germination tests, unless advised to the 

 contrary, those will be discontinued at the end of the present 

 montli. 



