908 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION G. 
AGRICULTURE PAPERS. 
No. 1.—THE MAKING AND IMPROVEMENT OF 
WHEATS FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS. 
By W. Farrer, B.A. 
(Read Monday, 10 January, 1898,) 
Published in full, Agric. Gaz. of N.S.W., vol. IX., Parts 2 and 3. 
| Abstract. | 
Tue author gives an account of the origin of the work and the 
principles on which it has been conducted. The work of carrying 
out systematic experiments in the selection and cross-breeding of 
wheats was commenced by the author in 1886. The qualities whose 
improvement was specially aimed at at first were—(1) increased 
rust-resistance, and (2) increased gluten content of grain. 
The author then discusses the relative merits of the two 
methods of improving the wheat plant—First, by selection alone; 
secondly, by ecross-breeding, combined with selection ; summing 
up in favour of the second method. 
He next describes the details of the work, including his method 
of selecting, crossing, harvesting, making, &c. of the wheats ; and 
points out the advantage, in the case of the wheat plant, of cas- 
trating before pollinating. 
Detailed information is next given regarding the history of 
some wheats he obtained, whose behaviour was of special interest. 
An experiment is next described showing that when the 
authors are from any cause unable to effect self-pollination, ferti- 
lization takes place from outside. 
The author has found (1) that the male-element occasionally 
affects the appearance of the seeds which result from artificial 
pollination, (2) excessive drought has the effect of diminishing the 
potency of the pollen on its own stigma. 
The history and behaviour of a number of hybrids is next dealt 
with. ; 
The author then proceeds to discuss (1) the origin of our bread- 
wheat plants, and suggests a method by which the original 
ancestor or ancestors may be ultimately discovered. He thinks 
an indication as to the possible ancestry of our cultivated bread- 
wheats is afforded by certain “ grass clump” plants, which he has 
observed to appear occasionally when certain widely-distinct types 
of bread-wheats are crossed, and which appear to be of the nature 
of reversions to the original type ; (2) the duration in the wheat- 
plant of the increased vigour which results from a cross ; (3) the 
process of acclimatisation, the conditions which render it possible, 
and the manner in which the process may be expedited in the 
case of plants propagated from seed. 
