270 Agricultural Journal of Victoria. 



various parts of the State. Favourable reports are now being received 

 as to its suitability in diiferent districts, but the season is not 

 advanced sufficiently to give definite information as regards its value 

 as a fodder plant. So far it has shown a quality worthy of notice, 

 viz., its winter growth. Some doubt arose as to the advisability of 

 sowing the seed in consequence of it being mixed with a so-called 

 weed, but this plant also may be regarded as a useful forage plant, 

 and appears to belong to the chicory family, but nothing definite can 

 be said until both plants have matured their season's growth. 



A quantity of seed w^heat has been distributed from this office, 

 varying from 1 lb. to 5 bushels per applicant. All seed distributed 

 by this branch, has been carefully cleaned before being sent out. 



The varieties consist of Bluestem, Barletta Hard, Defiance, 

 Haynes' Pedigree, Marshall's No. 3., Pui-ple Straw, Club Head, Dart's 

 Imperial, Early Para. These wheats are all imported from California, 

 Manitoba, Argentine, and South Australia. 



State School Plot System. 



Some short time ago an effort was made to have experimental 

 plots in or adjacent to the State School Reserves. A few of these 

 were attended and advice given, -but from some cause have not been 

 persevered with. 



As no great amount of expenditure is necessary, 1 think this is a 

 matter for regret, as the value of practical illustrations must have 

 effect not only on the children but also on the parents and others in 

 the locality. 



Many of the special products may be cultivated in a small way, 

 which would not only familiarise the students but also serve in a 

 manner to show what may be done in the varying conditons of climate 

 and soil. 



Attention to Visitors. 



Visitors from outside the State have to share the attention of the 

 Department, and, in some cases, trips have to be taken throughout 

 the country districts in order to show the various operations carried 

 on. As in the recent visit of the Boer delegates, Russian envoy, and 

 others, they also require statistical and general information bearing 

 upon the agricultural industries of the State. 



AoKICULTURAL EXHIBITS FOR LoNDON. 



It has been the practice for a considerable time to collect exhibits 

 of the products of Victoria for exhibition in the Agent-General's 

 office. Several requests have been made for a duplicate set of ex- 

 hibits to travel around the provincial shows of Great Britain. 



This has been complied with, to a limited extent only, during the 

 year. This is attributable to the unfavorable conditions of the season 

 for nearly all farm products. This work is one which should receive 

 more attention than my time permits me to give to it. 



