164 Journal of Agriciilt iiie, Victoria. [10 March, 1917. 



It will be seen from tlie above table that the value of imports in 

 vegetable oils is gradually increasing, and especially so of olive and 

 cotton-seed oils. No doubt some poppy and other oils are also imported, 

 and a certain amount of olive oil in bottle. The high price of olive oil 

 that obtained during the last few years no doubt leads to a certain 

 amount of adulteration with cheaper oils. Twenty years ago olive oil 

 was selling wholesale at from 6s. to 7s. 6d. per gallon. To-day it is 

 13s. to 13s. 6d. per gallon, with perhaps a little more for a specially 

 fine oil. 



The table giving the production of olive oil within the Common- 

 wealth shows a wide variation in the out])Ut of the different years. This 

 no doubt is mainly due to the light rainfalls, and to a heavy olive crop 

 being usually followed by a poorer one the following year. This latter 

 state is possibly more due to the little attention paid to pruning the 

 trees. In seasons when the effective rainfall is very low, new wood is 

 not formed to any extent, and so succeeding crops suffer, whilst any 

 fruit formed is undersized. In irrigable plantations this is not so mani- 

 fest, but as the bulk of the olive plantations are not situated in irrigable 

 areas, the fluctuations in yields are accounted for. Every eneouragfement 

 should be given to the planting of olive trees in the irrigable areas, as 

 in the years to come they will not only be productive of wealth, but 

 they lend a charm to the landscape, as well as act as wind breaks and 

 shade. With the advent of the great war, a looking forward policy is 

 essential in every branch of rural economy. The many letters from the 

 volunteers from rural districts at the front, are replete with observations 

 of the agriculture and horticulture of other lands, and many of these 

 soldiers are seized with the importance of what may be termed the 

 minor rural industries to the countries they have seen. 



In regard to the olive, its more general growth would lead to its 

 more general use in domestic economy, as it will be produced more 

 abundantly and cheaper. 



In respect to the other oil-producing j)lants and trees, the Common- 

 wealth, with its wide variation in climate, from tropical to sub-tropical, 

 could produce most of the oils now imported. At present the cost of 

 labour is the great drawback ; but, with many small areas devoted to the 

 growth of these plants, and with factories established in central districts, 

 much more could be done than at present obtains. It is here the rural 

 schools may play a fine part in making the child, and ultimately the 

 man, familiar with the oil-producing ])lants, and incidentally with their 

 worth. This, combined "with the good work done by the Agricultural 

 Departments of the several States, would do much to dispel the want of 

 faith in such industries. Again, the Governments of most countries 

 which have the right climate and soil have their parts to play in making 

 the conditions favorable for the establishing of new industries. 



If we take the production of linseed as an example, it will be found 

 to grow well in most parts of Victoria, if judgment be used in the 

 preparation of the soil and the time of sowing the seed. In the north, 

 it needs to be sown early — from the middle of April to the middle of 

 May — but, as wheat is the standard crop, linseed is only considered as 

 a side issue, and is neglected. With the rise in the price of meat, it is 

 possible that more attention may be paid to the growing of small areas 

 of linseed, and a certain amount of hand-feeding for topjiing off live 



