49 
a considerable difference to be observed between these and the 
almost wild plants obtained from Sierra Leone. 
30. Bananas.—The best sort of banana is that known here as 
the Grand Canary banana (Musa Cavendishii), originally from 
China. It is dwarf-growing, seldom exceeding five feet in height 
2 yields large bunches of fruit of good quality. Several bunches 
fruit have been produced during the year, most of which have 
bons sold to persons residing in Bathurst, who are glad to be able 
to purchase bananas at a reasonable cost. The local varieties are 
steadily improving under cultivation, both in TO de size, but 
so far, they cannot be compared to the Chinese ban 
3l. Plantains (Musa paradisiaca).—These are sates well and 
are looking healthy. Fruit has been sold during the year. 
CATTLE. 
32. Two extra bullocks were purchased. The animals are in 
good conditiou and do useful work. They are chiefly employed 
in ploughing, and are able to perform this work during nearly the 
whole of the dry season as well as during fine weather in the 
rainy season. Should a cart be added to the Station, these animals 
will be able to do all the hauling that is required. At present 
this has to be done by means of wheelbarrows and baskets. 
PLOUGHS. 
33. A new plough was purchased, and an_ exhibition of 
ploughing was given before the native Chiefs in Bathurst during 
the Jubilee festi vals: 
NEED FOR IRRIGATION. 
34. It will be noticed that most of the crops produced here are 
from annuals. This is due to the long periods of drought to 
which the Colony is subjected every year. ie would be impossible 
to grow other plants without irrigation. At present, if an experi- 
ment is tried during the rainy season and is unsuccessfu 1, a whole 
year is lost because there is not sufficient water vitia for 
gr , either at this Station or within the Colo. But with 
nearly eight months of drought very few plants can be expected 
to thrive. This question of irrigation deserves to be taken up by 
the Governme ent. 
FrRE BELT. 
35. A tract of ground, 15 feet wide, has been cleared all round 
the station in case of bush fires. "This precaution is very necessary 
as the bush is often set on fire by the natives. 
