1 Ave., 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 79 
channels as constructed extend for about 60 miles from the reservoir, and serve in 
their course the requirements I have mentioned. As instancing the value of this 
unlimited water supply as a national asset, permit me to point out its unquestionable 
value in this direction. Taking but a single instance—that of the region contiguous 
to the Harcourt Railway Station. In this vicinity there are about 50 persons engaged 
in fruitgrowing, all with the aid irrigation furnishes them. 
Last season’s traffic from this railway station realised from these few fruit- 
growers a sum of about £1,500 for the transport of fruit alone to Melbourne, or at 
the rate of about £30 for each holding. This, with the earnings from passenger 
rates, freights on goods inward, goes to show to what an extent irrigation enterprise 
is of service to the railway system of Victoria. 
The Victorian Government is evidently alive to the importance of in every way 
encouraging these irrigation settlements, as instanced by the enterprise now on foot 
and mallon towards completion—viz., that of constructing a long railway line to 
connect Mildura with one of the lines connecting with Melbourne. 
The method of irrigation in this district is in most instances that by gravitation, 
as, generally speaking, the areas of orchard lie below the course of the water 
channels. In some cases, however, where areas of suitable soil are situated above the 
course of the water channel the usual practice is to supply the water to these higher 
eleyations by use of steam pumps. -These water channels are for the most part 
excavations on the hill sides to a depth of from 2 feet 6 to 3 feet and about 2 feet 
wide. The usual depth of water passing along, as measured by myself, was about 9 
inches. These channels are not in any way ined or cemented, as the nature of the 
soil is such that simple excavation is sufficient for the proper conveyance of water. 
The soil in this district is of a granite formation, and hence of a porous nature. 
This, at first glance, would suggest difficulties through percolation; nevertheless, 
experience has proved that little if any loss is occasioned from this cause. 
The distribution of the water is in charge of an officer who is called the water- 
master. His duty lies in turning into such channels as are required the needed amount 
of water to supply the area proposed to be irrigated. His duty also is to see that the 
races are kept in good order, and that the flow of water is not restricted. This person 
also checks and allocates the amount of water each orchardist uses, furnishing him 
with the cost of such water, which is paid into the State revenue. 
Notice to the water-master is given by each orchardist of the amount of water 
required, and of thedateon which heproposes to begin his operations. The water-master 
then turns the water into the particular channel required, and by means of an adjust- 
able stop bar locks a shutter so that a given quantity of water shall pass through the 
intake pipe. The price paid for the water in connection with this scheme is the very 
reasonable one of £4 per million gallons, a price that makes irrigation in this district 
a very profitable investment to all engaged. 
The few particulars which I propose now to make use of have been furnished me by 
Mr. J. R. Warren, a gentleman well known to many Queensland fruitgrowers as a 
successful grower, and whose fruit commands, wherever it goes, the highest market 
price. As illustrative of this fact, I need only point to his success in the Brisbane 
market, and more recently on the London market, where this season’s fruit shipped. 
by him reulised from 16s. 6d. to 18s. 6d. per case for apples, the result of his 
irrigation, without which this season his crop, in common with others without water, 
would have been scant in quantity and poor in quality. I make special mention of 
these London prices more to illustrate the value of the fruit despite a contention (made 
with some degree of truth) that irrigated fruit, especially apples, is deficient in 
Begeoeidualites. This instance and others that have come under my notice tend to 
prove that, whaever may be the case regarding fruits produced in other districts, the 
character of Harcourt apples for keeping quality and appearance cannot be easily 
surpassed. 
The area irrigated by Mr. Warren comprises about 23 acres, comprising cherry, 
apple, pear, and plum trees. 
Water is not applied as a general rule to young orchards. Until the trees are 
five or six years old they are simply well cultivated and manured. Then when the 
trees come into bearing, which they do at this age, water and chemical fertilisers are 
used in such quantities as appear necessary, having due regard to the nature of the 
soil and character of the crop. To reticulate the water to the various points needed, 
furrows are drawn from the intake to a distance of from 6 to 10 feet away from the 
trees and allowed to run until sufficient absorption takes place. In some orchards, 
dams are constructed at convenient places, and are filled from the irrigation channel 
as an auxiliary supply for emergency use should anything occur to interfere with the 
usual progress of watering. 
