president's address. SECTION G". 575 



In 1900 less than 6 pea- cent, of the area of New Mexico was farm 

 land, and only 7 per cent, of the farm area was returned as 

 '■ improved.'' 



This helps us to understand why, in spite of the fact that many 

 of the States have a greater percentage of improved land than some 

 of the densely settled European countries, the proportion for the whole 

 republic is so low. 



While it would be difficult to estimate the value to agriculturists 

 of the scientific services of eminent men like Sir William Crooke, 

 their statistical calculations and prophecies, from a social economic 

 point of view, do not necessarily carry the same weight as the 

 results of their scientific labours and investig-ations. The com- 

 plete utilisation or partial exhaustion of what is estimated to be all 

 the available or suitable wheat land is a matter very difficult to deter- 

 mine. Statistics showing decreased areas, or stagnant operations, 

 in various countries, do not indicate it by any means. Modern farm- 

 ing is veiy largely dependent on physical and social conditions, 

 which are subject to variations. The farmer has to study commercial 

 conditions, and to consider the prices which his different products will 

 realise. Why has the cultivated area of New South Wales increased 

 at so slow a rate during the last seven years as compared with the 

 astonishing leaps and bounds it took during the preceding septennial 

 period? Most assuredly not for want of available land, and not even 

 so much on account of physical conditions. The truth lies in the 

 fact that very many landholders cultivating big areas, as well as 

 others with small holdings, have found sheep temporarily more profit- 

 able. A big slump in wool prices would make all the difference. 



On the other hand, South Australia has, by reason of climatic 

 and other conditions, found it advantageous to foster the wheat 

 industry. 



Of late years a marked improvement in yield is shown, and is 

 mainly due to improved methods of cultivation, careful selection of 

 seed, and the proper use of manures. 



The folowing table gives the average yield per acre : — 



In England we know that a serious decline has taken place in 

 agriculture, but it is certainly not due to the exhaustion of the soil. 

 It is quite within the bounds of reasonable possibility that a reaction 

 may set in. Notwithstanding the remarkable fertility of its soil, no 

 other countr}^ in the world shows so small a proportion of its popula- 

 tion engaged in agrarian pursuits. This is a matter for grave reflec- 

 tion when it is considered how entirely dependent on foreign supplies 



