104 



Agriculture. 



By J. L. Thompson, Principal of Agricultural College. 



Agriculture, -wliicTi lias been described as " tbe foundation on wliicli 

 all civilisation rests/' is one of our leading industries. 



Climatp. 



Consecjuent upon tlie remarkably varied climates found in New 

 Soutli Wales, tlie products of cold, temperate, and sub-tropical 

 countries can be grown within its limits. 



For farming purposes we may consider three distinct climates — 



f((J Coastal. — Area, 38,200 square miles ; average annual rainfall, 

 44*98 inches, varying from G-t iuclies on the coast to 31 "48 

 at foot of dividing range. The northern portion is sub- 

 tropical ; chief crops, maize and sugar-cane. From Macleay 

 River to the south, with a cooler climate, the chief summer 

 crops are maize_, oaten hay, potatoes, lucerne, pumpkins, 

 melons, grapes, and other fruits ; winter crops, wheat, oaten 

 hay, and potatoes, whilst dairying is largely followed. 



fhj Tahlclands. — Area, 84,900 square miles ; average annual 

 rainfall, 30*84 inches, varying between 35 inches on the east 

 to 25 inches on the west. The northern tableland, New 

 England, grows sugar-beet and general English crops. To 

 the south wheat is the chief crop, whilst dairying is exten- 

 sively carried on. 



fc) Western Districts. — Area, 187,600 square miles ; rainfall 

 varying between 21 "6 inches at foot of the range and 9 

 inches west of the Darling. Characterised by dryness, long 

 hot summer, cool winter, irregular rainfall, and want of 

 uniformity in the seasons. Near the range wheat is largely 

 grown, especially in the Riverina; lucerne docs well, 

 exceptionally so under irrigation. The region is eminently 

 suited for drying fruit, of which many kinds grow luxuriantly; 

 cost of transport is, however, detrimental to growers. 



In surface contour. Eastern Australia may be compared with a 

 portion of an unturned plate ; the ridge representing the dividing 

 range forming the table-lands, with, outside, the coastal zone, and 

 inside, the western districts or interior. 



History of Agriculture. 



The earliest attempt at agriculture in New South Wales was made 

 by Captain Phillip, who, in 1788, endeavoured to raise wheat and 

 other crops at Sydney, with but indifferent success. In 1789 James 

 Ruse started farming at Parramatta. Later attempts were constantly 



