10 March, 1919.] Wheat Variety and Manurkd Trials. I6iif 



It is thus seen that, while the use of 30 lbs. of superphosphate has 

 resulted, on this basis, in a net profit per acre of 13s. Id. as a direct result 

 of using the manure, a further dressing of 30 lbs. has given an addi- 

 tional net profit of 3s. od. In other words, the use of this extra quantity, 

 besides paying for itself and inducing heavier feed as a residual effeo:r 

 on the stubbles, more tbnn pays for the rent of the land on which the 

 crop was grown. 



THE FLAX INDUSTRY. 



The 1918 flax crop purchased by the Commonwealth Flax Committee 

 at the guaranteed price of £5 per ton for crop of specified standard, is 

 now being delivered to the mills. The mills at Drouin are in full swing, 

 while those at Dalmore and Buln Buln will very shortly be in operation. 

 With regard to the 1919 crop, for which £6 per ton has been guaranteed 

 by the Commonwealth Government for crop of standard quality, the Flax 

 Committee is desirous of last year's area under flax being considerably in- 

 creased, and will be glad to get into touch with farmers in suitable locali- 

 ties, either individually or through local unions and societies, with a view 

 to the cultivation of this crop in their districts. The Flax Committee con- 

 sists of Dr. Cameron, Director of Agriculture in Victoria (chairman) ; 

 Mr. A. E. V. Richardson, Agricultural Superintendent; and Mr. J. E. 

 Robilliard, of the Victorian Department of Agriculture; Mr. A. C. 

 Dov/ns, cordage manufacturer, Brunswick; and Mr. E. Tl. Morton, 

 farmer, Drouin, who represents the interests of the growers on the 

 Committee. The Committee is having the seed care+'ully selected for 

 rhis year's sowing, and intending growers may rely on clean, first- 

 quality seed being supplied. The price of the seed has been fijced at 

 12s. 6d. per bushel at mill or on rails, Drouin, and applications for 

 seed requirements should be made to Mr. R, B. Ward, secretary to the 

 Flax Committee, 51 Spring-street, Melbourne, who will supply any 

 further information desired. Experience has proved that the best time 

 for sowing flax is from the middle of April to the middle of May, though 

 this may be varied somewhat according to the locality and situation, 

 but early seeding is advisable in order to have the plants well established 

 before the winter. 



A samjjle of the fibre flax on view at the office of the Director of 

 Agriculture fui'nishes ample evidence of the suitability of Moe Swamp 

 for tlie production of flax. In the sheaf, the flax was appraised at £1 

 above the Commonwealth guaranteed price of £5. The sample is 4 feet 

 high, showing beautiful fibre, is well seeded, and is free of weeds. 



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