254, . QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Ocr., 1898, 
by want of water, owing mainly to the alterations being made in the system of 
reticulation, which has for a time put a stop to irrigation. Still, there igs 
always an abundance of vegetables for all College purposes and algo 
for sale. It is a remarkable fact that the superabundance of vegetables, 
especially of swedes, carrots, and rhubarb, is sold to be retailed by 
dealers mainly to farmers between Gatton and Helidon. Experiments 
are being made with thirty different varieties of lettuce, which will be 
fully reported on in due time, as will the results of experiments which 
are still being conducted with new varieties of potatoes. There is a good crop 
of onions of various kinds, as well as of swedes, asparagus, rhubarb, cabbage, 
beans, and general garden produce. The leaf artichoke appears to thrive 
admirably here. This vegetable, so universally esteemed in France amongst all 
classes, should take its place among the real table delicacies. The strawberry 
crop is, owing to the dry season, several weeks later than usual, but the crop, 
which is now being gathered, will be a heavy one and the fruit of good quality. 
A plot of velvet bean from seed saved from last season has been sown to 
test the value of the bean as a green manure; other plants will be grown on 
trellises for the purpose of obtaining seed for next season. 
Tobacco is being experimented on under the supervision of Mr. R. Nevill, 
Tobacco Expert. Four seed beds were carefully prepared by heavy burning, 
and on these, two varieties of imported seed were sown. One variety, “ Yellow 
Pryor,” will be grown on the poor sandy soil near the College buildings, and the 
second, “ W. Burley,” on the rich alluvial soil on the bank of Lockyer Creek, 
The seed in the two first beds has germinated well, and the young seedlings 
are growing rapidly. 
The orchard trees have quite recovered from the severe pruning and dressin g 
they received in July owing to the presence of the San José Scale, and are now 
growing vigorously. A strong permanent trellis for the vines has been erected. 
The latter are bursting into vigorous growth. 
In the orchard there are a limited number of suckers of the Adriatic Fig. 
Three plants of the wild Capri Fig were planted, but only one will probably 
survive, as they were received in an almost dead condition. Amongst other 
trees are Japanese plums, peaches, persimmons, quinces, nectarines, apricots, 
mandarins, mulberries, and, in fact, all kinds of trees suitable to the climate. 
The object of planting many of these trees is to afford instruction in the treat- 
ment of as many varieties of trees as can be grown in the district. 
The irrigation of the garden and orchard was carried on by the help of a 
temporary irrigation scheme initiated some time ago. ‘This is now being 
replaced by a thoroughly efficient system of reticulation with conduit Pipes of 
increased diameter and greater boiler power at the creek. The scheme provides 
for a water supply not only for the gardens, but also for the experimental plots 
on the farm, and for the College buildings and gardens. ‘The latter, which 
surround the buildings, are now bursting out into full beauty of bloom of 
creepers and shrubs. Many more shrubs, trees, and flowers have been lately 
planted, and an avenue half-a-mile long, between the creek and the Tarampa 
road (which intersects the College farm), has been planted on both sides with 
several varieties of pine-trees. 
BUILDINGS. 
The original buildings, having already been described in the Journal, need 
not be again mentioned here. But further additions will shortly be made in 
the shape of extensive cow-sheds, stables, piggeries, poultry-yard, a house on 
the garden site for the Horticulturist, a gymnasium and lecture-hall (which is 
badly needed), additions to the mens’ quarters, &c. ts 
A blacksmith’s shop has just been completed, and instruction is given 
to the students in the various operations carried on by the foreman smith in 
iron-working, as applied to farm implements, wagons, horses, repairs, &c. 
