ao May, 1910.] .4 Pioneer Maize Crop in the '<Vimmera. 



301 



-(jf green fodder to the acre. Another very stxong growing crop of Yellow 

 Moruya, sown for seed purposes, was just coming into flower at the time 

 ■of my visit (26th February). It had stooled well and was cobbing freely. 

 In order to prevent cross fertilization this plot was planted in a suitable 

 site apart from the other varieties. Although late in coming to maturity, 

 its suitability for the Wimmera di-strict is evident. Eclipse gave a 

 return at the rate of 14 tons of gxeen fodder to the acre and, although 

 •coming to maturity about a fortnight later than most of the other varieties 

 sown, it would appear from its luxuriant growth to be another suitable 

 variety to grow in the Wimmera. By the remaining illustration it will be 

 ■seen that the crop of Hickory King was very even. This maize has done 

 remarkably well in most districts and bv its uniform grov/th of succulent 

 foliage has become a general favourite. In this instance it yielded at the 

 rate of g% tons of green fodder to the acre, and averaged between 8 and 9 

 feet in height. The difference in these weights is mainlv due to the advanced 



stage of the crop at the time of harvesting. The Eclipse, being later 

 than either of the other two, held more sap, and consequently weighed 

 heavier. If the weighing had been carried out a fortnight earlier, 

 the Yellow Moruya and Hickory King would have been heavier. 

 The Sunshine variety came to maturity earlier; it stooled and cobbed more 

 freely than any of the others, and was ready for feeding purposes early 

 in January. Sunshine averaged but 5 feet in height, being the shortest 

 of all. It would appear to be more of a seed, than a fodder, variety for 

 this particular district. 



Mr. Hutchings is very gratified with the results obtained and during 

 the coming season he intends to extend the fodder area, and to 

 include lucerne. That suitable varieties of maize and lucerne 



can be successfully grown on the Wimmera plains I feel sure of, especially 

 along the banks of the billabongs adjacent to rivers that frequently become 

 •flooded, and of w-hich at the present time, but little use is made. The 



