1 Dec., 1898.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 429 
other parts of the colony, appear to be immune or only slightly attacked. 
This district suffers in common with others in the North from having too short 
a winter, and the vine in consequence has not sufficient repose to enable it to 
recuperate and crop well; although in this respect Charters Towers is better 
off than some places. The long period during which the vine is in vegetation 
each season has the effect of producing infertility. In some cases I observed 
vines, which are all short pruned in this district, with a poor crop, although with 
a strong vegetation. Some trials with long-rod pruning are advisable with 
these varieties, as it might materially increase the fruitfulness of the vine. 
Remarks.—In all parts of this district isolated vines are to be found 
showing vigorous and healthy vegetation, especially if manure has been 
applied. Two vineyards exist, distant a mile or two from the town, 
and both are well cultivated and luxuriant. That belonging to Dr. Bir- 
mingham, under the management of Mr. James, of South Australia, 
can compare favourably with any vineyard in the colony for choice 
of varieties and knowledge and care shown in the cultivation, and 
should be an object lesson to those interested in vine cultivation in the 
district. The climate, except for the shortness of the winter, is favourable to 
viticulture ; the comparative dryness of the atmosphere for the best part of the 
year allowing the finest quality of European vines to be grown successfully. 
Fungus disease is exceptional, nevertheless I strongly recommend vignerons to 
dust their vines pericdically with finely-powdered sulphur to keep off the 
oidium, as experience! has shown that, although’ a district may be immune for 
some time, sooner or later these fungus diseases appear, and once having 
obtained a hold they are difficult to eradicate. Oidium is the most difficult to 
combat, and should be provided against by the use of sulphur as a preventive. 
A few shillings a year is all the cost for a vineyard. 
All varieties of grapes, European and American, can apparently be grown 
here successfully. Instead of the inevitable Isabella round the veranda and 
over the porch, here are found such grapes as Royal Ascot, Lady Downe, 
Chasselas, &c., healthy and vigorous, a sufficient proof that all or nearly all 
the choice European varieties could be cultivated successfully. 
BOWEN. 
Sort.—The soils of this district are principally of granitic origin, but on 
either side of the River Don are large tracts of alluvial deposits, deep and of 
great fertility. The soils of granitic origin comprise granitic sand and loams 
of a poorer description, with a subsoil at varying depths of clay more or less 
impervious to water, according as the clay is mixed with sand in greater or less 
quantity. As a rule, this class of soil drains badly, und is unsuited to 
viticulture, but in places the granite débris or loamy soil is of a sufficient depth 
to permit of the vine being cultivated, but care should be observed before 
planting vines in these soils to examine the clay subsoil to see if it drains well, 
and, if not, that it is at a sufficient depth not to cause root rot. 
But the soil best indicated for viticulture is the black alluvial found along 
the Don; it is fertile, well drained, deep, easily worked, and of considerable 
extent. ‘The fine citrus orchards which exist on these deposits testify to the 
excellent quality of this soil. 
Crimatr.—The climate for a coastal district is dry, whether from a 
comparatively small rainfall distributed over a short period with a consequently 
lengthy dry season, or from some other cause connected with its position and 
surroundings, I am not in a position to say. Asa consequence of this dryness 
of climate, there is little or no fungus disease of the vine. I did not perceive a 
single instance of oidium or black spot on any of the vines examined. ‘This is 
a point of considerable importance to the vigneron; it enables him to raise in 
the North of the colony European varieties of grapes which have been 
abandoned in districts further south in consequence of persistent attacks of 
fungus disease, due to a great extent to atmospheric humidity, but partly also 
to want of care in neglecting the use of preventives. 
