238 Agricultural Journal of Victoria. 



Manuring experiments have been again conducted, and the value 

 of green manuring, referred to in last annual report, has been amply 

 demonstrated. 



Meteorological records are systematically taken, and enabrace 

 Barometric readings, Rainfall, Temperatures (Sun and Shade, Maxi- 

 mum and Minimum, Dry and Wet Bulb), as well as observations 

 regarding Wind, Cloud, etc. 



Provincial Experimental Stations * 



The work of these stations has been carried out as usual, but 

 owing to the lack of pence, as the result of retrenchment, but little 

 could be spent on each. Trellising is most urgently needed on all 

 the plots. The vines are now prostrate, and the canes grow in a 

 tangled mass, which is detrimental to the wood. The vines planted 

 in former years, and now established at these stations, may be 

 expected to yield annually a large number of cuttings suitable for 

 either grafting or planting. Those cuttings not distributed have 

 been planted and rooted, and this year we have sold from Geelong 

 station all the rootlings we could spare. 



My sincere thanks are due to all the honorary managers for their 

 unremitting efforts in carrying out experiments, often at considerable 

 inconvenience, and collecting datii that will, ere long, be regarded as 

 valuable national assets. 



As he has done since its inception, the Hon. Hans Irvine, M.L.C., 

 carries out, in a most thorough manner, all work on the Great Western 

 Expei-iment Station, free of charge, and provides the site on the 

 same generous terms. 



The data gathered last year, so far confirms the statement made in 

 last report regarding the growth and adaptability to different soils of 

 the various varieties of the resistant stocks. 



IVo new stations were opened during the year, viz., at Leongatha 

 and Longerenong Experiment Farm. The strike and growth of 

 cuttings at Leongatha were very encouraging, and it is proposed to 

 root cuttings there and despatch the rootlings to such other districts 

 as are not yet invaded by the phylloxera. This season it is proposed 

 to extend the area at Longerenong to 5 acres. Rootlings are to be 

 planted as mother stocks for the production of wood. The land has 

 already been thoroughly prepared for that purpose. 



We have four stations, viz. : — Great Western, Ararat, Leongatha, 

 and Longerenong situated in districts remote from any phylloxer,-. 

 infection, and these will be utilised to furnish cuttings for clean districts. 



The Experimental Stations now in existence are : — Rutherglen, 

 Mooroopna, Bendigo, Great Western, Ararat (Mooney's Gap), Geelong 

 (Batesford), Leongatha, and Longerenong. In addition to these, and 

 by the courtesy of the Directors and Manager, we are allowed to 

 inspect the various plots at Chateau Tabilk Vineyard, and record data 

 of their experiments. 



