MISCELLANEOUS CROPS. 591 



Fully 90 per cent, of the millet produced in this State is grown on the rich 

 alluvial hinds of the North Coast ; and on several of these rivers — notably 

 the Hunter, Manning, and Richmond — the industry may be looked upon as 

 lucrative and permanent. Many farmers have reported their success with 

 this crop, and would not think of reverting to the far less remunerative 

 occupation of maize-growing. The raising of millet need not be confined to 

 these districts, as, with the necessary care, and the aid of a few home-made 

 contrivances, any land which produces 40 or more bushels of maize to the acre 

 will yield profitable returns. The experimental cultivation of broom millet 

 on the irrigation areas in the western districts has been attended witli fairly 

 satisfactory results. It is advisable, before entering extensively into the 

 production of broom millet, to ascertain from agents or manufacturers tin- 

 probable requirements of the trade, with the view of obtaining an idea of the 

 prices likely to be obtained during the season. At the same time, should the 

 prices fall after the crop is harvested, the millet may, if properly cured and 

 baled, be stored for a considerable length of time without injury. 



Requirements of the Trade. 



In the manufacture of brooms, three classes of brush are required, which 

 are popularly known as "inside," "cover," and "hurl." 



" Inside " millet is used for forming the inside of the broom, and is 

 generally not more than 17 inches long. 



" Cover " is the class used for covering the inside and also for forming the 

 shoulders. It is longer than the former and must be from 17 to 20 inches 

 in length. 



" Hurl " is the longest brush, ranging from 20 to 25 inches. It must also 

 be fine and straight, and forms the outside covering of the broom. To give 

 a nice finished appearance, only prime hurl can be used. 



About 1| lb. of brush are required to make an ordinary broom, and the 

 three grades are used in about equal proportions. 



The soil, climate, and methods of cultivation determine largely the quality 

 of the brush, but in an average season there would be sufficient of each pro- 

 duced to satisfy the requirements of the trade. When grown under excep- 

 tionally favourable conditions, a larger proportion of long brush is produced. 

 It may be used as covers, but owing to its length a certain amount has to 

 be cut off, so that its use for this purpose causes unnecessary waste. On 

 the other hand, a dry season will have the effect of stunting the growth, 

 producing a large percentage of " inside " millet, which can only be worked 

 in the inside of brooms. Manufacturers hane consequently to purchase 

 elsewhere to satisfy their requirements. 



Condition of our Supply. 



A great deal of dissatisfaction often exists amongst purchasers concerning 

 the manner in which locally-grown millet is placed upon the market — so 

 much so that the export trade has been injured, and the attention of the 

 Federal authorities has been drawn to certain dishonest practices with the 

 view of bringing broom millet under the provisions of the Commerce Act. 



