1 Drc., 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 437 
acknowledge, with thanks, the assistance afforded me by Mr. Richmond, Superintendent 
of the Reformatory, who sent a squad of boys to help gather the grapes. 
The various methods of pruning adopted by Mr. Rainford, who is in charge of 
ea branch of the farm, excite a considerable amount of interest amongst visitors to 
the farm. 
TuprovemEnts.—The following improvements have been completed during the 
year :—The buildings which had previously been used as the men’s quarters were 
enlarged into a structure of 70 feet by 48 fect dimensions, divided into eight com- 
modious rooms—i.e., one for the men, one kitchen, two for the experts, two for fruit- 
acking, one for fruit-storing, one fora seed store; also a back skillion 16 feet in width 
or an implement shed, and a 12-foot front veranda. y i 
More than 1 miles of new grape vine trellis, 5 feet high, strung with five wires, 
were erected early in the Spring. e 
The fodder-room behind the stables has been partly floored. : 
The stackyards and stockyards have been rearranged and other fencing completed 
with new material. C. ROSS, Manager. 
REPORT OF THE STATE FARM, HERMITAGE. 
Last cereal season was, on the whole, a most favourable one as regards rainfall, 
but towards the latter end, from the following period to maturity, we, among others 
in the locality, received a visitation of black rust (Pucimia graminis) among the wheat 
ores which seriously affected susceptible varieties both of spring and midseason 
class. 
Tt is of interest to record the fact that “spring rust” (Pucinia dispersa), which 
is apparently identical with P. rubigovera, appeared on the lower flag of the majority 
of wheats early in September, but the time when the fatal black rust did the damage 
was during the second and third weeks of November, when the sap and various 
functions of plants were completely checked. | ; 
Appended are the respective areas and yields from crops sown and harvested in 
1901, particulars of preparation of the land being given in the last report. With 
the exception of Canadian Bluestem, rye, Old English and Nepaul barley, the 
remaining portion were fed off by. BuegP during the latter end of July, being taken off 
finally on 3rd August. The land was then harrowed with the Ajax lever harrows. 
It is satisfactory to note that surplus quantities of grain not required for seed 
purposes brought up to 4s. 4d. per bushel at the Brisbane auction sales. 
Arras AND Yieups or Crops HARVESTED IN 1901. 
Arca, | Variety. When Sown. | Harvested. | Yield in Bushels per Acre, 
Acres. 
15 | Marshall’s No. 5 Wheat tye rs Ae May ae Nov. oe 
3 Canadian Bluestem tf te .. | 22nd June aie Badly rusted; failure 
23 | Rye ... ak ae aot He Pree Othieess 21st Nov. ral 
7k |Sea of Azov Barley... ie 4th May. 1st ,, si 
74. |Chilian Barley .. .. ... «| 16th ,, 28th ,, 4 
6} | Hallett’s Imported Chevalier Barley... | 24th _,, 13th ,, 73 
3% | Old English ,, 3 » «| 18th June | 19th ,, 395 
2% | Nepaul Barley _... Jr! 333 loth: 81st Oct. | 214 
Stup Wuears.—Preparation of land was detailed in last report. Areas, 3. 
acre each, except Nos. 35 and 36, which occupied 4-acre, and Nos. 37 and 38 4 
of an acre each. Seed drilled in at the rate of = of a bushel to an acre at a depth of 
1 inches. Sowing commenced 30th May. Owing to broken weather, Nos. 25 to 38 
had to be held over till 17th June before completion. The Cambridge roller was used 
after the drill. In all cases the seed germinated from the 8th to 12th day after 
sowing. Growth throughout was very rapid, and in many cases the crops became 
rank and lodged in patches after a ate Se oeedad showed the ravages of 
i latively greater degree. Particulars are ap ilo . 
Se Weer ia Croieeaue Weems! 1901.—Much attention has been given to the 
collection of wheats classed under the above heading. Some 500 drills, 1 chain 
in length, were occupied, allowing full room for cultivation, observation, and 
development. Sowing began on 1st June; harvested 21st. November and on the | 
three following days. As the various types of wheat are being fixed by selection of 
approved sorts adapted to local conditions and increased quantities of seed cise 
it is evident that many valuable varieties of wheat will, inthe near atid e added 
to those already existing, as individual sorts possess most attractive field qualifica. 
tions. Some likely-looking “ sports” have also been secured. 
