SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 
is obtainable from seed merchants, and that at a prohibitive price 
(up to 8s. per lb). The seed of one of our best native grasses 
(Danthonia) is obtained from New Zealand, and harvested from 
varieties far inferior to our own. This native grass seed is avail- 
able in any quantity during good seasons and only requires the 
facilities for harvesiing it. A great deal could be gathered with 
the ordinary wheat harvester; some varieties would require bind- 
ing, and to be flailed or stripped in some manner, while other 
varieties would then require hand stripping in ‘the field) A 
mixture of a few good native grasses would serve the purpose as 
well as a single variety. There are many pastoralists who would, 
for a reasonable remuneration, lend their paddocks out for this 
purpose if the labour and machinery were provided. To be done 
quickly and effectively the areas at the various State experiment 
farms are not available, and all that can be done at these institu- 
tions is to prove the value of certain varieties, and harvest the seed 
in limited quantities. 
In conclusion, it might be stated that Australia requires a much 
greater population in order to carry out thorough and intense cultiva- 
tion. It is safe to say that over 50 per cent. of the dairying and other 
farming areas would support twice the population, and produce twice 
as much as at present under a system of intense culture. When the 
areas are large, weeds hold sway, pastures become neglected, crop rota- 
tion is ignored, and the farm presents an uncared-for appearance. In 
many cases the farmer has not the labour to remedy this state of things 
and he simply endeavours’ to do the best he can to keep the farm going. 
If population and labour were available intense cultivation could 
become more practicable, weeds would disappear under constant 
ploughing and working the soil, pastures would be treated so as tc 
produce to their full capacity, crop rotation would be practised, and 
principles of good farming brought into operation. 
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