17 



which shows the average size of wattles at the ages mentioned, 

 may be applied to the two different species recommended for culti- 

 vation throughout the colony : 



The following Table, which has been specially prepared by Mr. 

 Bosisto, one of the members of the Board, shows the quantity of 

 tan extractive in 100 parts of bark obtained from the districts 

 respectively mentioned. The percentage represents the extractive 

 matter useful to tanners only : 



Species of Wattle. 



Locality from which Samples were obtained. 



Percentage of Tan 

 Extractive. 



Acacia pycnantha golden 



or broad-leaf 

 Acacia decurrens black or 



feather-leaf 



Portarlington, Wallington, and 



Queenscliff 

 North Gippsland ... ... 



Wando Dale and Victoria Valley, 



Western district 

 Goulburn Valley 

 Buchan River, North Gippsland, 



limestone formation 



45 per cent. 

 40 

 34 



34 

 29 



As the Board are of opinion that the matter of wattle cultiva- 

 tion will attract considerable attention from many persons who may 

 be without the information necessary to enable them to engage in 

 the systematic sowing and rearing of the trees, they append the 

 following remarks on the subject : Wattles grow on almost any 

 soil, but their growth is most rapid on loose sandy patches, or 

 where the surface has been broken for agricultural or other pur- 

 poses. Where the soil is hard or firm it is recommended that 

 plough furrows should be made at regular distances of say five to 

 six feet apart, into which the seeds are to be dropped. The outer 

 covering of wattle seed is peculiarly tough hard and horny in 

 character, thereby forming a protection which renders the seed 

 comparatively impervious to ordinary germinating influences. It 

 will, therefore, be found necessary to employ a more direct agency 

 than simply covering the seeds with earth. Water, of a little less 

 than boiling temperature, should be poured on the seeds, and they 

 may then be allowed to soak in the water until soft. As the seeds 



