Agricultural and Horticultural Resources. 33 



crops often average eight tons per acre ; and on the same land 

 wheat has been known to yield forty bushels per acre. 



The valley of the Yarra has already earned a reputation for 

 the production of fruits of all kinds ; among which may be 

 mentioned, as successfully grown, the vine and the mulberry ; 

 wines of excellent quality being made from the former. 



These facts point to a vast extension of the resources of the 

 colony, in this direction, at a future day ; and it is worthy of 

 mention that, owing to the facilities afforded, an attempt is 

 being made to commence a system of irrigation from the 

 Yarra, and with every prospect of success. 



Geelong and Western District. 



This important agricultural district exhibits a general 

 resemblance to those previously described. The average yield 

 of wheat is stated by the Agricultural Society of the district 

 to be twenty bushels per acre ; that of oats, twenty-six bushels 

 per acre ; the former succeeding best on the " chocolate," and 

 the oats (and barley, when grown) on the stiff clay soils. 



The influences adverse to cultivation are droughts, and 

 sudden changes from hot north to cold south-west winds. 



On that portion known as the Barrabool Hills the cultivation 

 of the vine, and the making of wine, has been carried on suc- 

 cessfully for some time, and is likely to progress. 



Melton District. 



The crops to which the attention of the farmers located 

 therein lias hitherto been directed are wheat, oats, and in some 

 few instances English barley. The average yields obtained 

 are — 



Wheat ... ... 25 bushels per acre. 



Oats 30 „ 



Barley 22 „ 



Of the crops experimentally tried, the cultivated grasses, and 

 trefoils, are mentioned by the Melton Society as having been 

 particularly successful, forming valuable auxiliaries (for the 

 feeding of stock) to the indigenous grasses of the colony; and 

 particular stress is attached to the advantages likely to accrue 

 to the district, could water be obtained for the purpose of 

 irrigation. 



Bacchus Marsh District. 



The most important crops grown are wheat, oats, English 



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