1 May, 1898.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 385 
were scarcely ripe, and might gain a little more density by hanging longer ; 
and if selected varieties were planted, and the grapes allowed to hang until 
partly passolated, there is no reason why even the liqueur wines of the 
Rousillon and Graves type should not be made. 
These being the possibilities of viticulture and wine-making in the Warwick 
district, it is a matter of regret that the industry is not in as flourishing a 
condition as could be wished. There are a considerable number of vines 
lanted in various places, but the majority appear to be uncared for, and are 
in a very unsatisfactory condition. One of the reasons for this state of affairs 
is that vignerons have not given that care and attention to cultivation and 
prevention against disease that the vine requires; in the majority of cases I 
noticed a very irrational method of pruning had been carried out, insufficient 
scarification to keep down weed growth, and no application of sulphur or iron 
to keep the vines free from oidium and anthracnose. 
Several vineyards of from three to six acres I ¢ame across were devastated 
with oidium and anthracnose owing entirely to improper cultivation. Nor were 
the owners taking any steps to prevent the damage beyond sitting on a fence 
and grumbling. ‘This class of people appear to be under the impression that 
a vineyard is the same thing as a pear tree in the corner of the garden—when 
the fruit is ripe go and pick it. What is there beyond? 
Another reason for the decline of some of the vineyards appears to be 
that since planting their vines vignerons have gone in for other agricultural 
ursuits, such as stock-breeding, wheat, corn, &c., and sometimes other fruits. 
‘fhe inevitable result has followed in insufficient care in the cultivation of the 
vineyard. If the vigneron’s time is divided amongst several kinds of culti- 
vation, it is often the vineyard that suffers, as there appears to be a general 
opinion that anything done for the vine, at any time, will be all right. No 
greater mistake could be made; no plant responds more generously to good 
cultivation than the vine, and none sulks more if not properly looked after, 
and shows it by poor crops. With a declining return, the vigneron gives more 
and more attention to his other affairs, and so matters go from bad to 
worse. I venture to say that if the proprietors of some of the Warwick 
vineyards had continued to give the vines the same attention afterwards as 
they gave the first year or two, they would have been in a very different con-_ 
dition now, and this decline is to be attributed to their going in for too many 
things at once. A man who wants to raise stock, wheat, corn, and other 
similar matters, had better leave viticulture alone; he must fail in it, and his 
failure will deter others who would probably have done well. ' 
The climate of the Warwick district appears to be favourable for 
viticulture, the rainfall is ample, and the excessive summer heats of districts 
further west appear to be wanting. The temperature during the vintage time 
is particularly favourable for a sound healthy fermentation which is requisite 
to produce wines of finesse and bouquet. The rainfall before and during the 
vintage is a drawback but one to which the whole colony is exposed ; if it is not 
associated with a high temperature it should not prove more detrimental than 
a rainfall during vintage time in France and other wine producing countries. 
CONCLUSIONS. 
1. The Warwick district is equal to, if not better, than any other district 
in Queensland for viticulture and wine-making as regards both soil and climate ; 
as a proof, the writer points to the satisfactory character of some of the 
Warwick wines. : 
2. That it is a mistake for vignerons to make their own wine uniess pre- 
pared to devote all their time and attention to it; this conclusion is equally 
applicable to other viticultural districts of Queensland. ' 
3. That vineyards can be profitably cultivated as an adjunct to other agri- 
cultural pursuits, provided that the requisite care and attention be given to it, 
and the produce sold as fruit, or to other wine-makers, 
