lo April, 1909.] Report of Wheat Iniproveincnt Committee. 



249 



Characteristics of Varieties. 



In order that readers may learn something of the general character- 

 istics of some of the varieties dealt with in this report, the following brief 

 descriptions may be of interest : — 



Bobs. — Stated to be a cross between Blount's Lambrigg and Nepaul 

 barley, susceptible to frost if sown too early. A quick grower, fair yielder, 

 drought and rust resistant. Has a slight tendency to shell. Produces tall 

 straw of excellent quality. A good hay wheat. Ears good size, white. 

 bald, grain rather exposed. Grain is small, white, plump, hard, and 

 translucent. 



A PLOT OF comeback. 



Bunyip. — Is a cross between Rymer and Maffra, the former having 

 Fife and Purple Straw blood. A jemarkably early ripening variety, produc- 

 ing plump grain when all other varieties show pinched grain. Not a par- 

 ticularly heavy yielder as a rule. Escapes rust, but somewhat liable to 

 smut. Straw rather short and harsh for hay. Ears medium size, white, 

 bald, holds grain well. Grain of good size and attractive appearance. 



College Purple Straw. — A variety created by Mr. Pye from crosses be- 

 tween Dart's Imperial, Purple Straw, and Fife-Indian varieties. A prolific 

 early mid-season variety, drought resistant, and holds grain well. Straw 

 somewhat short. Likely to be liable to smut. Ears tip Ijearded, rather 

 short, broad, and clubbed. Not liable to shell easily. 



Comeback. — Created by the late Wm. Farrer, from Fife x Fife- 

 Indian X Indian varieties. An early ripening, fairly prolific wheat. 

 Drought resistant, and withstands rust and smut fairly well. Produces a 

 very vigorous growth early in the season. Slightly inclined to shell. Straw- 

 medium height and good quality. Ears medium to small, tapering, white, 

 and bald. Grain small, white, plump, and hard. 



