74 WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND 



grown before Tuscan was introduced, and, although 

 the production of this variety has progressed rapidly, 

 Hunter's and Pearl, on account of their relatively 

 high "strength," are still produced in large quantities. 

 Tuscan wheats are the most prolific yielders of the wheats 

 of New Zealand and, as their milling qualities are fairly 

 high, farmers are favouring their production in ever 

 increasing quantities, where conditions are conducive to 

 profitable production. To such an extent has this course 

 been pursued, that it is stated that the introduction of 

 Tuscan into South Canterbury and the lighter soils of 

 Mid and North Canterbury enhances the value of land 

 on which it is grown by 1 per acre. 



In contradistinction to most New Zealand varieties 

 Tuscan can be used as a spring wheat, producing a good 

 crop if sown even as late as August. The common 

 practice, however, is to sow in May, or as soon after as 

 possible. Other varieties yield satisfactorily only when 

 sown in the late autumn, and are likely to have their 

 grain threshed out when nearly ripe by violent hot north- 

 west winds, while Tuscan resists the threshing action of 

 the wind to a much greater degree. In fact, this particu- 

 lar qualification is a very potent factor in rendering this 

 variety favourable from the farmer's point of view. 



The general characteristics of Tuscan are a very large 

 and long grain, with a distinctive ridge on the back. It 

 is quoted in Mark Lane as "New Zealand Long Berried 

 Wheat." 



(b) Pearl. The variety of wheat which has the highest 

 value from the miller's point of view is Pearl, known in 

 some parts as Velvet. In normal seasons the yield is 

 good and the sample is very clean and free from smut 

 and other pests. The grain is small, round, plump, 

 yellowish white, with a thin skin, a narrow and deep 

 sided groove, and generally a most attractive appearance. 

 As it hardens quickly and readily in the field, it is 



