10 Jan., 1916.] Victorian Grapes at Panama-Pacific Exposition. 31 



developing era, aiming at enhanced agricultural production in the 

 north-eastern corner of the State. 



It is also clear that Farmers' Field Day bids fair to become a populav 

 annual event at Rutherglen, and it is to be hoped that the departmental 

 authorities will see their way clear to devote a whole day to future 

 inspections and demonstrations. 



VICTORIAN FRESH GRAPES AT THE PANAMA- 

 PACIFIC EXPOSITION. 



(By F. de Castella, Government ViticuUnrist.) 



With a view to further testing the possibility of developing an export 

 trade in fresh grapes on a large scale, advantage was taken of the 

 opportunity presented by the Australian display made by the Common- 

 wealth and several of the States at the recent Panama-Pacific Exposition. 

 Victoria contributed a considerable quantity of fruit, portion of which 

 consisted of grapes. 



Seventy cases of grapes of proved shipping varieties were purchased 

 by the Department of Agriculture. Of these, 62 were sent to the 

 Exposition. The balance was retained in the Government Cool Stores 

 for further observation. Fifty cases were growm by Mr. R. G. 

 Cameron, of Merbein, near Mildnra, and twenty by the late J. Grim- 

 mond, of Wahgunyah. 



The Merbein grapes were mainly Ohanez, but comprised also Purple 

 Cornichon, Flame Tokay, and Santa Paula. They were grown under 

 irrigation. The Wahgunyah consignment consisted mainly of Waltham 

 Cross, but included also Wortley Hall, Purple Cornichon, and Valensy. 

 These were grown on a sand hill vineyard adjacent to the Murray, and 

 were not irrigated. The fact that they stood the test so well after the 

 disastrous 1914-15 summer is further ])roof of the well-known resistance 

 to drouglit of vinos grown on deep s;indy soil. 



The following particulars as to conditions under Avliich th(^ grapes 

 were shipped may prove of use to intending exporters of grapes: — 



Tim package used was the West Australian export grajx' case, which 

 contains 2S lbs. of grapes and nearly 5 lbs. of granulated cork filler. 

 The outside measurements are 23 ^ x li'i x 7J inches, or 2,68S cubic 

 inches. It has a transverse ]iartition. The timber is white pine 

 (undressed), the partition and ends licing ;' iiifli iliick, whilst the bottom, 

 sides and toj) are ^tf inch. Py measurement there would he 25 cases to 

 the ton of 40 cubic feet, or 53 cases, by weight, to the ton, on the follow- 

 ing basis: — (Jrapes, 2S lbs.; cork, 5 lbs.; case, S.j lbs.; t(»tal 4U lbs. Tlie 

 internal capacitv, exclusive of partition, is ],snO.S4 cubic inches, or 

 .84 bnslicl. 



The Merbein gr;i]if"S wore seat "i t^^'*^ consignments; the first (eight 

 cases) leaving Mcilnin on llie 25th February, and th(^ bnhuH'e on 4th 



