Report of the Viticultural Expert. 237 



grafting is done both by band and machines, the latter proving, if 

 anything, the more successful. The tongue of the hand-made graft 

 being small is apt in growing to push the scion out. The raffia was 

 found to be aifected with some fungus, and was treated with bluestone 

 before use. We have all the appliances for grafting, callusing, and 

 growing these vines, and to this work in future considerable attention 

 must necessarily be paid. The grafts made last season knitted well, 

 making splendid unions. Practically all callused, not more than 1 per 

 IjOOO failed, but the excessive drought that killed out entirely a large 

 number of the American vine plantations in the district, proved, in 

 the absence of a water supply, disastrous to many of the grafted 

 cuttings. Over 16,000 fine healthy plants were submitted for sale. 

 In Cape Colony the grafted rootlings are sold by auction, and prices 

 have gone to as high as £70 per 1,000, but ordinarily range from £17 

 to £30. It is proposed this season to graft chiefly those varieties in 

 greatest demand, as : — 



Wine varieties, Carbinet, Malbec, Shiraz, Burgundy. 

 Table „ Gordo Blanco, Red Prince, Walthani Cross, 



Drying „ Zante Currant, Sultana. 



The completion of the water supply scheme was one of the impor- 

 tant works of the year. An embankment was constructed to impound 

 the Hood waters of the creek. Engine, pump, and reservoir tank were 

 erected, and the work of reticulation by piping for the distribution of 

 water to the nurseries was carried out. This has given this station 

 facilities it never previously possessed to successfully deal with young 

 nursery stock, and was most urgently needed in this district of limited 

 rainfall. 



While the grafting operations were being carried out, public 

 demonstrations were given weekly at the station under Mr. Dubois' 

 direction on grafting in all its phases. These were well attended and 

 much appreciated. Mr. Wyatt has also given field lessons in this im- 

 portant, but little known subject, at Ardmona, Dookie, and Tabilk. 

 As the result of these lessons, which were of a high educational value, 

 much interest was aroused, as well as knowledge imparted, and several 

 grafting machines have been ordered by individual growers. 



As hitherto no varieties of table grapes have been grown here, 

 last year 2 acres were grafted with the best kinds for the production 

 of scions. 



Routine Work. 



The ordinary routine of vineyard operations has been carried out 

 here successfully as in former years. The pruning, disbudding, and 

 picking, are dore by contract. Other operations are carried out by 

 the staff. 



The value of keeping a loose surface, as well as the benefit of 

 thorough cultivation, were fnlly proved by the yield when compared 

 with other vineyards similarly situated, but not so well worked. 



