WHEATGROWING IN AUSTRALIA. 47 



the season. The advent of these new varieties has brought about 

 a great change. Such an extensive range is provided that farmers 

 can begin their sowing much earlier, and finish with other varieties 

 much later than was the case before. The sowing season has been 

 lengthened by more than two months. Not only is the sowing 

 period considerably prolonged, but the harvesting period is pro- 

 longed also, for the late varieties sown early mature late, those 

 sown in mid-season are harvested in mid-season, and the early 

 varieties which have been sown late mature and are harvested 

 early. Thus instead of the whole crop becoming ripe at the one 

 time it ripens in stages, and is harvested accordingly. Such a sys- 

 tem has immense advantages over the old days, when practically 

 the whole crop ripened at once. 



The foremost variety bred by William Farrer is " Federation," 

 which has become a general favourite in New South Wales, Vic- 

 toria, and South Australia.. This variety is a very heavy yielder, 

 has good drought-resistant qualities, and withstands wind and 

 weather so well that it may be said to be storm-proof. It would 

 require a storm of exceptional violence to either cause the crop to 

 lodge or the ear to shed its grain. Consequently it is most popular 

 with growers, and a very large proportion of the wheat area is sown 

 with this variety. It is estimated that in New South Wales and 

 Victoria alone the increased value in yield obtained from this variety 

 is worth over $2,880,000.00 annually to the growers. It is estimated 

 that the yield of Federation is at least 3 bushels more per acre than 

 the next best yielding variety in New South Wales. 



Other of Farrer's wheats have been singularly successful, as 

 an instance " Bunyip," which can be sown safely a month later than 

 was the case with any variety previously. It must be recognised 

 that the result of such experimental work is of great value to the 

 grower. 



New wheat varieties are bred at the experimental farms, and 

 thoroughly tested and proved before they are put out to the farmer. 

 In New South Wales they are then grown on farmer's experimental 

 plots.. The State is divided into divisions, and in each an inspector 

 supervises the sowing and cultivation of these plots, which are 

 situated on private farms by special arrangement, the farmer carry- 

 ing out the work and the department finding seed, manure, and 

 supervision, usually near the roadside, where the plots can be seen 

 by district farmers and progress noted. The inspector advises 

 growers generally, while the plots are a silent teacher all the time. 

 They have proved a valuable medium of practical education 

 amongst the farming community, special attention being given to 



