^04 Agricultural Journal of Victoria. 



is decreasing-, and tliere seems little desire on the part of vignerons 

 to make extensions. 



I think the position can be explained. The Government gave 

 bonuses for the planting of vines, and all sorts, profitable and un- 

 profitable were planted, almost ever}" vineyard containing many 

 different varieties. Vignerons were new to the business in many cases, 

 and much inferior wine was consequently made. Phylloxera came and 

 effectually stopped planting, and is still responsible for much of the 

 shrinkage that is at present taking place. We are now, however, in 

 this position, that as many varieties have been planted it is con- 

 sequeijtly well known which are the most suitable and profitable in 

 the different disti'icts. Vineyards, therefore, Avill not be indiscrimi- 

 nately planted in future. 



Phylloxera resistant stock is available in greater quantities than 

 the existing demand, and vignerons who cannot make good wine 

 can now as a rule sell their grapes to the larger growers who have 

 the necessary skill and better appliances. 



Two things are needed for the future, viz. : suitable varieties 

 should be planted, and vignerons should be able to make and mature 

 good wine. To enable growers to comply with, these two conditions 

 the Department is giving assistance in both directions. 



On my recommendation Mr. Burney, an expert cellarman, has 

 been engaged, and it will be his duty not to go about giving popular 

 lectures, but to continually move from cellar to cellar, staying, if 

 necessary, a day or two when needed to give advice and assistance in 

 making, curing, blending, and preparing wine for export. I have 

 great confidence that by this means much of the wine of the State 

 can be greatly improved. 



As to re-planting vineyards, the Department is now in a position 

 to give any number of phylloxera resistant cuttings and rootlings to 

 those intending to plant. We have also had more grafted rootlings 

 this season than have been asked for. If I am right that these are 

 the two means by which the industry can be assisted, then the 

 Department is working in the proper direction. 



During the year the Rutherglen Viticultural College will be filled 

 with boys who will be trained in all viticultural work, more especially 

 in grafting and raising phylloxera resistant rootlings, so that there 

 may ultimately be a good supply of trained laborers available for 

 employment by vignerons requiring assistance in skilled work. 



Burnley School of Horticulture. 



This institution has in attendance twenty-six pupils. An annual 

 fee of £5 is charged for tuition, and strange to say the numbers have 

 not decreased since a fee was charged. 



The surroundings of the school have been greatly improved, the 

 garden being laid out with great taste under the direction of the 

 Principal. 



