NEW SOUTH WALES. 193 



After the vegetables came specimens of native wines, and a silver 

 cup was given as a premium for the best. The white wine resembled 

 hock in taste; the red, claret. The climate is thought to be favourable 

 to the production of the grape. The first wine made in the colony 

 was by Mr. Blaxland, on his estate at Newington. 



The premiums were silver medals. A very handsome gold one 

 was also exhibited, which was to be given the next year for the best 

 crop of wheat. 



There was a large concourse of visiters, all seemingly much inte- 

 rested in the exhibition, which was open from one o'clock until six. 

 The proceeds of the exhibition of the following day were for the 

 benefit of the poor. 



There are a variety of other fruits and vegetables grown near 

 Sydney, which, being out of season, were not exhibited ; but to show 

 the great variety this climate produces, it is as well to mention them, 

 viz. : English cherries, plums, raspberries, figs, water and musk- 

 melons, filberts, citrons, lemons, strawberries, grenadillas, olives, and 

 a species of cherimoyer; and for vegetables, asparagus, cauliflower, 

 lettuce, radishes, spinach, broccoli, artichokes, egg-plant, mustard, 

 and capers. 



They have many imported varieties of grapes. Sir John Jamison 

 is now making experiments on his estate to effect their successful 

 growth, and manufacture wine. He has obtained cultivators both 

 from Madeira and the Rhine, to superintend his vineyard and vin- 

 tage. The reports made yearly to the Agricultural Society, hold out 

 well-founded hopes of success. 



Several good nurseries of fruit trees exist in the vicinity of Para- 

 matta, and the Botanical Garden at Sydney also furnishes trees to the 

 cultivators. 



The grains grown in the colony are, wheat, rye, barley, Indian 

 corn, and oats. The wheat yields from six to twenty-five bushels to 

 the acre, and on some low ground as high as thirty-five bushels. Its 

 weight per bushel is sixty-two pounds. The crops of this grain are 

 subject to great fluctuations, and the most promising appearance may 

 in a single day be entirely destroyed. 



Tobacco has been cultivated, and it is thought will succeed ; but 

 the frequent frosts render it a very uncertain crop. 



Cotton has been attempted, but with little success. The value of 

 pasturage, and its profitable yield in sheep-walks, will long be a bar 

 to the extensive cultivation of any plants that require much labour in 



vol. 11. 49 



