86 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. 



destroyed. The right quantities are 1| to 2 per cent., or in other 

 words, 1^ to 2 lbs. of bluestone to 10 gallons of water. This is 

 sufficiently strong to kill the spores of smut, and at the same time injure 

 the grain as little as possible. 



Mr. Crouch, of Kaniva, favours formalin, and his results are cer- 

 tainly encouraging. The strength used being one in 400, i.e., 1 lb. in 

 '100 lbs. of water. 



Pickling with formalin requires more careful treatment than blue- 

 stone, as re-infection is more liable in smut-infested soil, or in seed in 

 •which the smut balls have not been removed. 



In conclusion, I must take this opportunity of thanking Messrs. T. 

 Walters, T. W. Durant, A.. F. McGill, and John Young for the r gene- 

 rosity in providing motors and drivers to facilitate the work, which 

 with horses would easily have occupied twice the time employed. The 

 usual Wimmera hospitality was enjoyed in all places visited, and a valu- 

 able interchange nf ideas thoroughly appreciated by the judge. The 

 Wimmera farmer takes a wide view of matters pertainino' to farir pur- 

 suits, and he should be grateful to the fate that enables him to live in 

 a part of the world where large aspirations are capable of fulfilment, and 

 where the acutal extent of his operations and surroundings has a 

 broadening influence. 



The success of the Nhill competitions is undoubtedly due in great 

 measure to the energy, perseverance, and excellent organization of the 

 Society's evergreen secretary, who spares no time or trouble in his efforts 

 to forward the interests of the district. 



I am. Sir, 



Yours faithfully, 



Temple A. J. Smith, 



Chief Field Officer. 



Mallee Crop No. 2. 

 There were two entries only in this section, Mr. D. R. McKenzie 

 securing first prize for a crop of Federation, even, thick, and clean. 

 This crop had the foreign heads picked out, and was healthy. Mr. 

 Miller's crop was also a good one, but contained some dead heads and 

 slight patches of takeall; it was, nevertheless, well worthy of second 

 prize. 



Fallow Competition No. 3. 



Mr. E. J. Hoffman scores a meritorious win in this section, his fallow 

 being as nearly perfect as possible, with the exception of an odd weed 

 or two. The moisture content was very fine, and cultivation even 

 throughout, both the red and black soil getting consistent treatment. 

 This was not the case in some of the other exhibits where the black 

 soil was in good order, but the red patches had become consolidated, and 

 were simply scratched over the surface by the implements used. 



Mr. Peter Bone also showed a very nice fallow which ran Mr. Hoff- 

 man's closely, but was slightly inferior in moisture content, and carried 

 a little more weed. It was nevertheless a fine exhibit. 



Of the others, Mr. Crouch was next best, while the remaining ex- 

 hibits in this class would have been better for further cultivation, and 

 were not as uniform. 



