ii2 Fruitgrowing under Irrigation 



Depreciation. 



s. d. 

 On drying plant .. .. v . . ,. 2 10 



On channels and otherwise .... . . 130 



On vineyard at 3 per cent, of capital 

 outlay . . . . . . . . . . 220 



Total depreciation . . . . . . 5 15 



Total expenses .,. -..' .. 28 10 



s. d. 



Net profit per acre at 4d. per Ib. net . . 13 10 

 Net profit per acre at 4d. per Ib. net . , 8 16 8 

 Net profit per acre.. at 3f d. per Ib. net . . 6 10 



The annual working and harvesting expenses are 

 estimated at 22 15s. per acre for sultanas, in- 

 cluding a charge of 2 per acre for management 

 and supervision expenses. 



Regarding depreciation, it is notorious that the 

 depreciation on drying plant hessian, sweat boxes, 

 and dipping tins is great. Channels will also have 

 to be looked after, and lime or cement washed 

 occasionally. Holdings situated on the sandy 

 slopes, of which the greater portion of the Murray 

 lands consists, will probably require draining at 

 some time or another, and a portion of the income 

 from the land be used for that purpose. 



In the irrigation colonies of America the profit- 

 able life of a vineyard is usually put down as a little 

 over thirty years, after which period the vines start 

 to go off, and are no longer a paying proposition. 

 Allowing for a bearing life of thirty-three years, 

 the depreciation on the vineyard amounts to 3 per 

 cent, per year on the capital outlay. 



