THE SEASONS THE CLIMATE. 17 



sufficient basis for feeding purposes. During a moist 

 spring, the growth of the cultivated grasses is very strong, 

 while the same weather that makes them grow keeps down 

 the heat that is necessary for the vigorous growth of the 

 indigenous grasses ; but by combining the two, that is, 

 by having cultivated pasture with the indigenous, the 

 seasons are very rare indeed in which continuous growth 

 cannot be maintained all the year round. 



Semi-Tropical Seasons. In the true semi-tropical 

 sections of the country, including the seaboard northwards 

 from Sydney, the whole of the settled portions of Queens- 

 land, and the Northern Territory of South Australia, the 

 seasons may be still further divided. In these warmer 

 sections there are in reality two growing seasons in the 

 year. One commences as the temperature moderates in 

 March, and continues through the winter months. It is 

 during this time that European grains and vegetables are 

 grown, and in sheltered situations where the soil is rich, 

 they come to extraordinary perfection during this short 

 season. In sheltered places, the time of growth for grains 

 and vegetables is extended through September and October. 

 In other places in the north, rain falls in April and May, 

 and semi-tropical vegetation, such as cotton, corn, &c., does 

 very well when planted at that time. The true tropical 

 spring of the country commences in September and October, 

 and summer continues until March. In very warm, moist 

 localities, such as the Tweed in New South Wales, and 

 Mackay, Mooroochie, and other places on the northern coast 

 of Queensland, the season of growth runs right through the 

 year ; the best time for sowing and harvest being selected 

 in accordance with the usual rainfall of the locality. 



There is but one planting season for fruit culture 

 April-May to August according to locality. Fruits come 

 into leaf in the true spring of the country, and mature 

 during the summer. 



Grasses indicate the Seasons. As the peculiarity of 

 our grasses as indicators of the soil, the seasons, and 

 the climate are better understood, there are fewer complaints 

 regarding the unsuitability of portions of the country for 

 cultivation purposes. Large numbers of the grasses speak 



