NEW SOUTH WALES. 183 



of potatoes, carrots, turnips, very large pumpkins, cucumbers, cabbages 

 of different kinds and very fine, particularly the curled Savoy and early 

 York, tomatoes, celery, squashes, vegetable marrow, beets, capsicums, 

 and beans. 



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 

 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, granadillas, 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 vintage. 

 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 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 



