278 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. {1 Ocr., 1897, 
The Hercules has only been grown here for one year, and therefore little 
can be said about it, as a single year proves nothing. 
Budd’s Early is a more rust-resisting wheat than Allora Spring, and has 
had a great run in the colony. It is of much better quality than the latter 
sort. 
There is a large number of wheats in another experiment plot, but they 
are principally duplicates of the above-mentioned. The method adopted for 
improving the varieties of wheat is to cull out all the best seeds from the 
strongest heads likely to contribute strength to the subsequent plant, and to 
cull only from a true strain. 
One matter in connection with these valuable experiments with wheats is 
worthy of notice. There is not the slightest sign of rust in any single variety, 
and, so far as the Indian wheats are concerned, they are beyond the stage when 
they might be affected by too much rain, 
From the wheat we move on to a 10-acre field of potatoes. These 
are just appearing above ground with very few misses. he soil being 
exceedingly rich and friable, a heavy crop may be expected with anything like 
a favourable season. In this same section, the nucleus of an orchard has been 
planted. The trees already established consist of well-selected sorts of peaches, 
' persimmons, Japanese plums, guavas, mandarins, apples, pears, &c. A vineyard 
has also been started. 
In the vegetable garden, which is under the charge of Mr. Gorrie, ample 
evidence is given of what can be effected by skilful management. Magnificent 
cauliflowers, superior to the best imported, and cabbages of phenomenal size 
are successfully grown. Brusselg sprouts, broad beans, peas, rhubarb, and 
asparagus are all looking healthy. A large bed of strawberries has been 
planted, and, although only in their first season, are bearing well, and are 
rapidly ripening. No manure is required on this rich soil, but plenty of water 
and constant cultivation have resulted in splendid returns. The students do 
the whole of the work under Mr. Gorrie’s superintendence, and take evident 
pleasure in the results of their labour. Water is pumped up from Lockyer 
Creek, which runs just below the garden, and can be supplied ad lid. 
Besides the crops mentioned, which are either experimental or preliminary 
to permanency, there is a nice patch of rye for green feed for the stock. 
‘ sauceme is just coming up, and an experimentis being made with a new kind 
of vetch. 
The areas at present under crop are—Orchard, 8 acres; vegetable and fruit 
garden, 6 acres; wheat and rye, 4 acres; lucerne, 3 acres; potatoes, 10 acres; 
whilst, as before stated, from 50 to 100 acres are ready for maize, and 200 acres 
are now being harrowed and cross-ploughed. 
The College dairy herd has representatives of four milking breeds— 
Holsteins, Jerseys, Ayrshires, and South Coast cattle—in all, about fifty head. 
They are well-bred, quiet cattle, and take very kindly to their diet of chaffed 
maize-stalks from the silo and green rye. They look sleek and contented, and 
yield ample supplies of milk for College use. The newly arrived Jerseys have 
proved a fortunate investment—five calves having been dropped since arrival, 
all of them heifers. It has been decided that all surplus stock of bulls 
shall, at the proper time, be placed on the market for sale by auction, and will 
be sold to the highest bidder. This will enable farmers to procure undoubtedly 
good cattle at reasonable prices. 
Next year there will be increased facilities for the study of particular 
branches in the science and practice of agriculture. There will be a splendid 
laboratory excellently equipped, which is expected to be in full operation 
before the end of the year. Allis ready for the construction of the building, 
and for the completion of its equipment. This will be under the direct charge 
of Mr. J. C. Briinnich, Agricultural Chemist of the College. 
The dairy—the fittings and appliances for which, such as cream separators, 
pasteurizer, cheese vats, and presses, &c., are all ready—will be begun at once. 
This will furnish practical instruction in the use of modern dairy machinery 
