12 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Jan., 1899. 
All these species, of which there are many varieties, are represented 
in Ceylon. The first by the superior full fruits found in our markets; the 
the second by the long, pointed (generally) curved chili; the third by the 
largest variety, with thick fleshy skin and little pungency, generally spoken of 
as ‘‘capsicums”’; and the fourth by the Sinhalese nayi-miris. 
Dr. Morris, in his Catalogue of Ceylon Plants published in Ceylon, gives 
the following with reference to chilies :—1. Capsicum frutescens, var. rubrum ; 
Red Chili (ratu-miris), var. luteum; Yellow Chili (gas or kaha-miris), var. 
atrum ; Black Chili (kalu-miris). 2. C. annum, Guinea pepper. Rata-miris, 
a variety (olive chilies) being called kalu-miris. 2 
Nearly 1,000,000 rupees’ worth of “curry stuffs” are imported annually 
from India, and a good part of this in the shape of dry chilies, the production 
of which should be encouraged in every way in Ceylon. We trust the newly 
formed Agri-Horticultural Society will see its way to offer, or induce Govern- 
ment to offer, rewards for the largest acreages of cultivated chilies, and for the 
best commercial samples of dried chilies. 
[The above remarks on chili-growing should induce someone to make the 
experiment of growing chilies for export, in Queensland. The plant grows to 
the greatest perfection in all parts of the colony, and bears heavily for many 
months. Nearly all the varieties are to be found here. A sample bottle of 
pickled chilies was sent from London to the Department of Agriculture lately, 
with an intimation that chilies put up in that form would be readily saleable in 
London. ‘Those interested can see the sample at the Head Office—Ed. 
Q.A.T.| 
HOW TO BUILD RICKS. 
By JOHN MAHON, 
Principal, Queensland Agricultural College. 
Brrore placing the material in the rick it must be thoroughly dry, as also any 
green weeds or grass that may be in the sheaf. Stacks may be built as long 
ekes or round stacks, the long preferable. One large rick is better than many 
small ones, as there is less exposure and less loss. The slovenly methods 
adopted by many farmers in building ricks should be discontinued. Large 
sums of money are lost annually in this colony through carelessness or want 
of knowledge in this respect, through the grain becoming damaged during wet 
weather. 
In commencing a rick, the area on which it is to be built should be lined 
out, and the work begun by forming a stook or cone in the centre, and the 
sheat kept gradually inclining downwards towards the outside of the stack, with 
the ends directed outwards. The middle should always be kept full, and higher 
than the outside. If this rule be adhered to, there will be no danger of the 
rain penetrating, as it will be carried off by the straw without doing any 
damage. 5 ‘ 
The builder must do the work on his knees, and the boy, or assistant, 
should place each sheaf within easy reach to enable him to pack the sheaves as 
closely as possible. In the absence of the carters, the builder should be on the 
ground beating in the ends of the sheaves that may be projecting, as by paying 
strict attention to this matter the rick can be kept as perpendicular as the 
walls of a house. The assistant should keep the stack well tramped down. 
The height of the rick to the eave should be from 8 feet to 10 feet. When 
this height is reached, and to form the eave, one row of sheaves should be 
allowed to project about 3 inches, after which the builder should begin to draw 
in each row of sheaves slightly so as to form a pitch similar to that of a — 
pitched roof, until the rick has narrowed to the width of a sheaf on top. If 
the rick is to be held over for a long period, I would certainly advise thatching, 
