1 Sepr., 1897.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 237 
It would appear that over 1,400 varieties of rice are in the Calcutta 
Museum, and though the names of very many of them are merely local 
synonyms a large number unquestionably correspond to intrinsic and seasonal 
distinction. The Indian varieties do not seem to have found much favour with 
North Queensland growers. The varieties most in favour are the Malay or 
Jaya sorts, known as White or Red Java, the latter being a bearded kind, said 
to be a persistent grain, requiring considerable effort to detach it from the 
panicles, and consequently may remain in the field until it is convenient for 
the owner to harvest it. This is a virtue that but few varieties possess, for the 
rice that is spilled from the ears, is often to be seen growing in green masses 
on the area from which the rice has been removed. It would seem also that 
this variety is well approved of by rice-millers. It is perhaps impossible to. 
prove by what means or when this rice was obtained, or what is its Javanese 
synonym. LP. L. Simmons, in Zropical Agriculture (Java), page 327, says :— 
“Mhere are three principal varieties of rice recognised here: Oryza glutinosa, 
or Ketan; Oryza sativa, or paddy ; and Sawa (Oryza montana), with a variety 
called Puddy Girek. This last sort falls from the stem immediately after being 
cut. Besides these principal kinds, there are more than 100 varieties, some ot 
which are cultivated in upland grounds, but the greater part are grown in 
irrigated lands. The yield cannot well be fixed, for this depends on the kind 
of rice and the nature of the soil. A return of 80 to 100 for one is considered 
very good, although this is sometimes exceeded. The table rice is called 
‘Beras.’ ‘he glutinous rice is used for making pastry; the red rice is given 
to poultry and horses; the black rice is more remarkable for its colour than 
its quality.” 
Mr. Thomatis, of Carayonica Park, Cairns district, writes me that it takes 
‘about 40 lb. of paddy (rice in the husk) to plant an acre in his domain, so that. 
it would seem the return is not so good onthe Barron River as in Java. 
This is probably owing to the fact that irrigation has not been resorted. to. The 
rapid subterranean drainage in most of our North Queensland lands precludes 
irrigation except over very small areas, even where the necessary elevation of 
water is available; perhaps in the future Lake Eacham may be tapped. The 
waters in that natural reservoir are several thousands of feet above the sea 
level, and would lend themselves to irrigation perhaps more readily than has 
hitherto been presumed, A sure supply of water for irrigation purposes would 
ensure an eternal spring and harvest in North Queensland. The cultivation of 
rice is well worthy the attention of the farmer. Rice certainly has not the 
glamour that surrounds the growth of coffee, sugar, and some other tropical 
Spices, but there is possibly more money in it. Given fair land and favourable 
seasons, a comfortable living may be honestly looked for and expected without. 
the aid of a superabundance of alien labour. 
