434: QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL, [1 Noy., 1899. 
These cattle have already been described through the public Press, and 
particulars of weights given, and I need not give these again. J may say, 
however, that, if proof were wanted of what can be done by natural grasses in 
Queensland, the fat stock exhibits at Rockhampton ought to satisfy anybody. 
I saw several of the prize-winners after slaughtering, and it was then that 
the wonderful quality and thickness of condition were revealed, 
The Peak Downs country was responsible for the cows and the champion 
heavyweight bullock, but I forget where the “ ballies”” were fattened. 
Other sections of the show I cannot say much about, as I did not give 
‘sufficient attention to them. 
While on the subject of shows, I may mention that the same society held 
a second one for fruit, flowers, and vegetables on the 2nd and 8rd August. I 
again had the honour of acting as judge for fruit and vegetables, 
This time, fruit was again in very poor evidence, for which I blame the 
apathy of the growers mainly. Vegetables, however, were to the fore, in really 
good fashion, and the display in most of the lines was most gratifying, and 
really showed how much could be done. Some really good prizes were offered, 
particularly.in the case of collections, and competition was fairly keen in 
consequence. Rockhampton folk should certainly learn, from the extent and 
quality of their exhibits on this occasion, that there is no need whatever, during 
a considerable part of the year at least, for the wholesale importation from the 
southern colonies of a great many articles they use very largely. 
Farming has not yet advanced to anything like a systematic industry in the 
Central district, and in some ways will always be beset by certain disadvantages, 
not the least of which is the uncertain rainfall, causing occasional severe dry 
spells. But against that must be put the fact that, even in bad seasons, the 
farmer can do very much to counteract adverse conditions by adopting only the 
very best methods of work on his land. 
Then, again, so far as the supply for the consumer is concerned, the Central 
district is a big place; and while one or more parts of the district may be at a 
standstill, other sections may be enjoying most satisfactory conditions for 
general production. This actually occurred this year, as over the coastal half 
of the country the season was remarkably good, while out West things have been 
at their very worst. J 
Tn the near future, when people get a more systematic grip of their work, 
and production increases as it is going to do, Rockhampton, and indeed the 
me towns along the Western line, should be well supplied with agricultural 
produce. 
For instance, down along the coast there is a considerable strip of sandy 
country of marine origin, partly covered by rather low scrub, and partly by 
forest. A. great deal of this land will some day be under cultivation. It is 
being taken in hand already, and the advantage of it is that it is the easiest 
stuff in the world to work whence once cleared. One horse can plough ib; 
it is perfectly sweet owing to its saline character ; good water can be got at a 
few feet by sinking ; it is always cool and damp underneath, and, being against 
the sea frontage, is almost entirely free from severe eold in the winter. 
Manure will be required to maintain the quality after a little while, but it 18 
land that will pay for a little judicious feeding. or early spring crops it is one 
of the best lines of country I ever met with. I saw on a couple of the 
homesteads here some most pleasing results in the shape of both fruit and 
farm crops. Along the coast where heavy ridges or mountains occur there 
are some very excellent patches of voleanic soil well suited for fruit-production 
and, in occasional instances, well adapted for farming. Thus at Yeppoon 
visited several places which ought, in the course of a few years, to be heard 0 
as thoroughly well-established orangeries. I went over a great deal of that 
country on instruction work, and a good number of the settlers I met with have 
uncommonly good opportunities ahead of them. Bananas and pines and several 
other fruits, as well as the citrus, can and will be grown exclusively an 
profitably. 
