254 Agricultural Journal of Victoria. 



do well and suit our conditions here. Hence the necessity for testing 

 and tryinsf even the highly praised Garton varieties before introduc- 

 ing them into general cultivation. 



Stinking Smut Bxpekiments, 



The experiments were directed towards finding out the simplest, 

 cheapest, and most effective method of treating seed-wheat for the 

 prevention of smut. 



The substances used were narrowed down to three, viz., bluestone, 

 formalin, and corrosive sublimate, and the good results of the treat- 

 ment in each case were very evident. The check or untreated plot 

 yielded 91 per cent, of smutty ears, while that treated with bluestone 

 solution gave only j\^ per cent, of smutty ears, and in the case of 

 formalin ^-j per cent., but as details have already been given in 

 the Journal, they need not be repeated here. 



The two substances most practical for treatment are. bluestone 

 and formalin, and experiments are being carried out this season to 

 see how far the one or the other should be recommended for general 

 use. 



Hops. 



In connection with the improvement of the Hop industry it was 

 considered advisable to import some of the best varieties from other 

 countries in order to see if they were suited to our conditions, and 

 capable of being grown here profitably. Some of the best Kentish 

 varieties have already been distributed, and now the Californian 

 hop-sets, which arrived, on the whole, in good condition have also been 

 sent out. Since the climate of California is somewhat similar to our 

 own, there is every reason to believe that they will become established 

 successfully here, and I am supported in this opinion by an old and 

 experienced hop-grower, Mr. Donald Gow, of Harrietville, who 

 wi'ites : — " The introduction of the Californian hop to Victoria, is, 1 

 feel confident, a step in the right direction, which ought to have been 

 taken many years ago." 



II.— Principal Diseases of the Year. 



It might be imagined by those not familiar with the staying 

 powers of fungi, that the dry season through which we have ])assed 

 would keep them in check, and no doubt it has to a certain extent. 

 But, on the other hand, fungi are so capable of adapting themselves to 

 their surroundings, and so fertile in expedients, for withstanding 

 the effects of excessive drought, heat or moisture, that they often 

 survive when the higher plants on which they prey have succumbed. 

 They can do this in two principal ways, either by means of their 

 vegetative mycelium or " spawn," or by giving rise to reproductive 

 bodies. The mycelium may be so changed that it is capable of great 

 resistance, as in the case of sclerotia, or it may become perennial in 

 the tissues of the host-plant. On the other hand, reproductive bodies 

 may be produced often in great variety and in immense numbers. 



