3oi 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[lo May, 1910. 



plantations are generally receiving much greater attention in these re- 

 spects, a,s well as in the initial preparation of the land, than the older 

 ones did, and the results cannot fail to be satisfactory and payable. Too 

 much emphasis, however, cannot be placed on the necessity for constant 

 cultivation in a dry district such as this, to conserve the sparse and erratic 

 rainfall, and also allow the atmospheric agencies to assist in the good 

 work of rendering active some of the dormant constituents of the soil. 



As the writer has so constantlv insisted, the best land cannot long 

 stand the steady withdrawal of its most important constituents unless some 

 of these are renewed from time to time bv judicious manuring. It is just 

 as reasonable to expect one's bank balance will stand a constant drain with- 

 out corresponding additions. Many vineyards, orchards and farms, by 

 •their impoverished appearance and diminished yields, unmistakably proclaim 

 what the odious letters N.S.F. signify on a dishonored cheque. 



During the past year, as formerly, we have had a large number of in- 

 terested visitors who watch with the keenest interest the success of our ex- 

 periments and the progress of our reconstituted vineyard. Without a single 

 exception, all have been lavish in their praise of the results obtained which 

 are due largely to :\Ir. H. Wilkinson's unflagging and intelligent interest 

 and energy. 



To insure a fair comparison with the former records, the value of the 

 crop has again been computed at ^5 per ton — a price that can be rendily 

 exceeded in this district at the present time. 



