Co-operatice Forage E.vperimenfs in ^Southern Victoria. lO^J 



results of a second cut from the field of Mr. Henderson, which might 

 be regarded as typical of a large area of the better class soil of 

 Gi]:)]island. 



Considering then the large quantity of fodder procurable as a 

 second cut from the sorghums, an additional reason becomes apparent 

 for the dairyman giving some attention to the growth of at least 

 amber cane and Planters' friend. Maize will always claim a superiority 

 over all the sorghums in regard to its great earliness, but as a later 

 fodder, giving a greater yield of produce, the two sorghums referred' 

 to will, I think, take an important place in the successional forage 

 crops which should be grown as a regular jjractice on every farm in 

 Southei-n Victoria, naturally on a small scale at first, and fed with 

 caution. 



'Maize Comfaked with the Millets. 



In addition to the proved suitability of Southern Victoria for the 

 cultivation of the sorghum family, the experiments last year gave prti- 

 nounced evidence of the splendid success that might be obtained from 

 another class of plants — the millets, frequently grouped with the sor- 

 ghums. Only two varieties — the .Japanese and pearl millet — were 

 obtainable (in the Melbourne market at the time the experiments were 

 undertaken, but the two, I think, have proved sufficient to pave the 

 way for the introduction of a crop which will be taken up as a 

 favorite throughout the whole of Gippsland and the Western District. 

 Quick in growth, fine in foliage, and of great adaptability to a wide 

 range of soils, even the poorest with manure, the Japanese millet 

 especially will, I feel sure, rapidly catch on among dairymen. The 

 pearl millet, while giving heavier yields, is much slower in growth, 

 and a little more particular as regards its soil, but on the rich flats^ 

 with a sufficiency of moisture, yields of 30 tons and perhaps more to 

 the acre might be procurable from the first cut. From the second cut 

 very large yields ought also to follow. The Japanese millet in a 

 favoral^le season, and got in early, would certainly give two and pro- 

 bably three cuts. Of the two varieties I should recommend it as .the 

 most generally suitable for Gippsland. A comparison of the yields 

 of the millets with maize and amber cane will show the po.sition the 

 crops hold in productive power to these two crops. 



