234 Agricultural Journal of Victoria. 



REPORT OF THE VITICULTURAL EXPERT. 



G. H. Adcoch, F.L.8. 



I have the honor to furnish my report on the work of the Viti- 

 cultural Branch for the past year. 



Up till the 31st of January last, this branch was controlled by 

 Mr. R. Dubois, B.Sc, F.C.S., whose removal to assume the important 

 position of Viticultural Expert to the Government of Cape Colony has 

 been a distinct loss to Victoria. The introduction of American vines, 

 the establishment of experimental stations, the translation and dis- 

 semination of standard viticultural literature, and the present excellent 

 arrangements at the Rutherglen Viticultural Station are, among other 

 items, permanent records of Mr. Dubois' work in Victoria. 



Mr. L. Pilloud, the Inspector formerly in charge of the Bendigo 

 district, was transferred to the Vegetation Diseases' Branch during 

 the current year. 



The check in the extension of Victorian vineyards referred to 

 in the last annual report, has not been overcome, and, unfortunately, 

 the industry is not in so flourishing a condition as it should be. We 

 are at a critical period in matters viticultural. The invasion and 

 extension of phylloxera have disheartened many of the growers 

 whose vineyards are being devastated by this tiny but formidable 

 pest. It is at this juncture, if at any time, that the value to the 

 community of this branch should be made apparent, and, in my 

 opinion, all the resources at the command of the Department should 

 be fully utilised to assist in restoring the prosperity of the industry, 

 for which, it goes without saying, there are unlimited possibilities 

 in this State. If we no not wish to pay too dearly for our recon- 

 stitution experience, it is important that we do not procrastinate. 



Rutherglen. 



The distribution of American vines was continued last winter, 

 when 92,277 were sent out to various growers. The following are 

 the numbers and kinds : — 



Solonis . . . . . . 300 



Rupestris mixed . . . . . . 2,412 



Riparia, .... .. .. 300 



Hybrid. No. 101-14 .. ..800 



„ 3,309 .. .. 9,420 



.. 3,300 .. .. 14,663 



Riparia gloire . . . . . . 9,650 



grand glabre .. .. 22,130 



portalis .. .. .. 2,740 



Rupestris Ganzin . . .. 4,330 



Martin No. 1 .. .. 4,215 



No. 2 .. .. 5,585 



duLot.. .. 8,192 



,, metallica (Cape) . . . . 7,540 



92,277 



