556 Journal of the^Department op Agriculture. 



the previous year. For this purpose the figure 100 always 

 represents the acreage under crop the previous season. 

 Thus, for instance, if the acreage under maize in 1919 is 

 the same as in 1918, he will report 100; if it is, say, 50 

 per cent, greater, he will report 150 ; or if it is, say, 

 10 per cent, smaller, he will report 90, and so on. 



Upon receipt of this information the Department's 

 estimate is made of the season's prospective normal yield. 

 (/;) After the above report has been furnished the crop corre- 

 spondent sends in monthly during the growing season a 

 report as to how the crop is progressing. If it is growing 

 as he would expect to see it in an ordinary favourable 

 season it is normal. Thus, if the crop is considered to be 

 making normal growth (in other words, has such appear- 

 ance as to promise a return per acre expected in an 

 ordinary favourable season), he reports normal, represented 

 by the figure 100. Variations from 100 indicate that the 

 condition of the crop is either above or below normal, as 

 the case may be. 



Upon receipt of this information, the Department's 

 original estimate of the yield is amended month by month 

 as required should it be found that the crop growth is 

 above or below normal. When the crop has reached 

 maturity the estimate is finally fixed as a rule by accept- 

 ing the latest monthly report (for example, June in the 

 case of maize) as showing the final condition. 



The success of the scheme depends upon the public spirited co- 

 operation of the farming community. The service is small. It 

 entails no letter-writing, but at the most a few minutes only in filling 

 in once a month a few items on a post card. Since the introduction 

 of the system the Department, with the assistance of Magistrates, has 

 steadily been educating the farmer in the method of reporting, per- 

 fecting the proper representation of each district, and generally 

 building up a system of crop forecasts which will be of great value to 

 our country. There is evidence that the Crop Report is attaining its 

 object and is becoming recognized as an indispensable adjunct of the 

 machinery of State. 



Adulteration of Wines, Spirits, and Vinegar. 



The administration of Act No. 15 of 1913, which prohibits the use 

 of certain substances in wine, spirits, and vinegar and regulates their 

 manufacture and sale, is carried out by the Department. A vigorous 

 pursuance of the provisions of the Act is fraught with much 

 importance to the viticultural industry, for it ensures the production 

 of a good article, protects the consumer, and prepares this country for 

 competition in the world's markets with the produce of other countries 

 by insisting on a standard of excellence in our viticultural products. 

 During 1914-15 770 samples of wine, brandy, whisky, gin, rum, and 

 vinegar were analysed, and 13 per cent, (mostly rum and vinegar) 

 were found to be adulterated, deficient, or not genuine. In addition 

 221 liquors were analysed on impoi'tation. In 1915-16 

 742 samples were analysed; again 13 per cent, (mostly vinegar and 



