Reclamation of Batman's Sivamp. 17 



An argillaceous soil is best adapted for the growth of this 

 root, and the presence of chloride of sodium still further 

 augments the produce. The major part of the swamp being 

 of that description of clay, heavy crops might be confidently 

 expected. If to that soil we add other fertilizers rich in so- 

 luble potash, such as the refuse of the city and its suburbs, 

 crops of from 30 to 40 tons per acre might be realised, more 

 especially as this root requires potash in large quantities for 

 the perfection of both leaves and bulbs. 



The quantity here stated approximates in weight to the re- 

 sults of the experiments I have made, making suitable allow- 

 ances for drainage and the application of manure. 



The cultivation of this root is successfully carried on in the 

 comparatively warm climate of the south of England, but 

 being less hardy than the turnip, it is easily affected by frost 

 — a disadvantage in Scotland, which I apprehend would not 

 be felt here. 



I write with deference to the opinion of others better qua- 

 lified to judge, when I say, that the cultivation of this root 

 would result in greater advantages to the producer in this co- 

 lony than in the British Isles. 



The scarcity of green meat caused by the arid heats of 

 summer in this colony, renders the growth of this kind of 

 food an object of importance, more especially to the proprie- 

 tors of dairies in the neighbourhood of large towns. 



By proper attention, a succession of crops of Cape barley 

 and mangold- wurzel may be obtained from the swamp, two 

 in one season, the one immediately following the other, and 

 by the application of liquid manure, the quantities per acre 

 might be increased in no ordinary degree. 



Both in a sanatory point of view and as a remunerative 

 speculation, the forming of an embankment round, and the 

 draining and cultivating of the swamp, would result in advan- 

 tages to the community at large, as well as to those who 

 might invest their money for that purpose. 



I am not aware whether the present Government has the 

 power of leasing the swamp in question ; but, in the event of 

 its being able to give a lease, the duration of which would 

 hold out sufficient inducements to capitalists, I doubt not of 

 being able, in a few days, to form a company and raise the 

 necessary amount of capital for carrying out the object in 

 view. 



The removal of the manure depot from North Melbourne, 

 &c, would meet with the cordial support of the medical 



c 



