THE CROPS : THEIR CONDITION AND EXTENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1268, 18 March 1876, Page 9

THE CROPS : THEIR CONDITION AND EXTENT.

In our present summary we present our readers with the eighth of our annual series of crop reports, which are compiled specially for this journal. In some respects the harvest has been of a most satisfactory kind. The yield has been above the average, and farmers have been but little troubled with blight, smut, or insect pests. In nearly every district there has been a decrease in the area under wheat, and there will not be a very large surplus of this grain when all local requirements are met. From the northern part of the Province, where the wheat this year is of unusually fine quality, several thousand bushels will be exported to Great Britain, but it is unlikely that any other . district will bf able to send any away. X very large area is under oats, and the crop, as a rule, is a heavy one. How to dispose of the large surplus which will be left in the hands of farmers and merchants is the problem which ia at present engaging their attention. Buyers at eighteenpence per bushel in the country, it is said, are not to be found — the ruling prices being from one shilling to fifteenpence. Unless farmers, therefore, can see their way to obtaining more remunerative rates for this grain, we must expect to see a much smaller area under oats next year. It is true that a market exists in Melbourne, but the freight and other charges, together with the protective duty in Victoria of sixpence per bushel, bring the price realised to the producer down to something very small. A little more attention has been paid to barley this season, and, fortunately, not only has the crop been a very fair one, but there is a prospect of the price being remunerative. Pasture has been unusually rich, and all paddock-fed stock are therefore in prime condition. Root crops of all kinds are yielding above the average. In some parts, however, potatoes have proved light, although of good quality. A new feature in connection with the present harvest is to be found in the fact that in some of the large farms in the northern districts the grain has been thrashed out in the fields without suffering any damage from rain. Our Oamaru correspondent explains that this has been done partly because of the difficulty there is experienced in getting hands Capable of building stacks which will withstand a heavy rainfall. The acreage laid down in artificial grasses has considerably increased, and greater attention is now being bestowed upon the rearing of purebred stock. As the farmers in Otago can generally anticipate fair yields of hay and root crops for purposes of winter feeding, it is likely that more attention will be given to stook-breeding than hitherto, especially while the prospects of the oats market remain as dull as they are at present. The freedom of the crops from and other pests during the season is a source of great satisfaction. No cause for this state of things has been given by our correspondents, but in all probability the rapid spread of the birds imported by out Acclimatisation Society, such as the starling, the pheasant, and the partridge, has led to a material diminution in the quantity of inßect life which is to be found in ijf farming districts. Looking back at W$ year 1876, the farmer will no doubt hereafter speak of it as having been marked by "an abundant harvedt and a poor market."

Anderson's bay and tomahawk.

"Wheat and barley are each a fine crop. The area, however, in either is not large, ihe farmers in this district, as a rule, not aiming at the production of more than is sufficient to meet the exigencies of the poultry yard. The oat crop is a very fine one, being both in bulk and weight a very considerable improvement upon last year. The frequent showers in the forepart of the oeaocn proved very favourable to the growth of all cereals, in Some cases causing excessive luxuriance of growth, And consequent heavy yield. As much .15 80 and 00 bushels per acre is the estimated yield, in several instances, with corresponding magnitude of straw. Two causes have contributed to render the statement in regard to potatoes less pronounced. The former of these—the continuous early season rains — injured some of the sets,- and high winds blasted the haulms when the plants were in bloom, the development of the tuber being thereby checked ; but, on the whole, a better than average crop is expected. Turnips have a splendid show. These were •jtarted and established — the most of the seed being sown before tho wet set in. By the December rains grass is very abundant. In this particular 1876 will compare most favourably with that of any year in the Otago Peninsula's history. Much of the grazing ground has presented throughout the season, and still presents, an appearance of great luxuriance. The natural consequence of such a flush of grass is that all kinds of Btook are in first-rate condition, Which ought to mean good milk for townsfolk, and, with the plenitude of hay -h»y *Jmoit eywywht n ip an unuwaJJy

heavy crop — and of straw, with turnips, mangolds, and carrots galore, the condition of stock is likely to be upheld during the winter. As far as I have been able to ascertain, the crops have not suffered from the incidentals of blight or rust or the switching of high winds. Potatoes, on land with north-eastern exposure excepted, compare with last year. The area in the several crops, oats in particular, is greater. The bush, with which at one time almost the whole district was densely covered, is rapidly and surely yielding to the united energy of steel and muscle. The' brick industry in the district is creating a demand and affording a return satisfactory to the woodmen. There is not, however, except in a very few instances a plantation for shelter, any attempt at regular tree-planting, that timber, fencing, and firewood may be available in the time to come. Fencing timber has already become .scarce, and every year is becoming more difficult to obtain. Hedge culture, a v.cry important department of land improvement, is not receiving anything like the attention it merits. Much of the fencing in the district is getting into an advanced state of decay, and must be replaced without delay, which foresight in the matter of treegrowing would have rendered, and would render, unnecessary. Were the gullies at- d steeper hill sides, which are almost valueless for any other purpose, planted with only the speedy growing families of eucahjpti,not only wouldall difficulty in respect to a supply of suitable fencing be removed, but a source of revenue would be opened up which could not fail to prove other than satisfactory. Moreover, were the fences in general in this and other districts in a less unsatisfactory state, trespass would be lessened, the number of actions and cross actions from trespass, in the Resident Magistrate's Court, greatly reduced, and friendly relationship of neighbours less disturbed. There is another matter which is proving and is likely to prove a source of annoyance among settlers. I refer to thistles. There is nothing, municipalities included, anywhere which is spreading faster or thriving better than "Scotchmen." The manifest result of letting them alone seems to be that in a year or two they become an established fact, and secure a monopoly of the soil as thorough, the land yielding almost no more return than when the Maori was lord in the land, as when the primeval forest was as yet unmolested by axe or lucifer. In some cases the land is being perseveringly and very carefully cleared of them ; but negligence on the part of an indifferent resident or non-resident landowner makes the industrious effort repeat itself year by year. Harvest was general throughout this district a fortnight ago. All kinds of grain crops are almost all but cut, and very much of thesfl are already well spcured. The seasonable fine weather during the present month has enabled the grain growers to cut when well ripened, in the case of oaten hay, into which much of the oat crop in the district is converted, to cure with only short exposure, and to secure in the best order. Wheat, barley, and oats will yield up to sixty bushels per acre on the average, oaten hay, from three and a half to four tons per acre, while potatoes may safely be set down as likely to yield on the average over eight tons ; 10 tons and even above that not being unusual.

BLUBSKIK.

Wheat is very good ; barley, none grown ; oats, equal to last year, and then they were superior to former years ; potatoes, as a rule, inferior, owing to wet weather during the summer. Turnips look we'll — they cannot properly be judged of yet, being always a late crop. Grass, still plenty of it. Hay crop heavy, whac there was of it — a little difficulty in some cases was experienced in saving it. There is no appearance of rust, blight, or insects in paddocks, although, settlers complain of grubs and caterpillars being about their gardens. The imported insectivorous birds being wild do not go near enough to the homesteads to destroy the insects in the gardens, although in other respects they have effectually done so. The approximate extent under crop, and the increase or decrease this season compared with last, is : — Wheat, 5 acres, slight decrease ; barley, none grown this year or last ; oats, 320 acres, small decrease ; potatoes* 65 acres, slight increase ; turnips, 40 acres, increase of 5 acres ; grass, 2479 acres, increase of 300 acres ; hay, 30 acres, slight decrease. The harvest was general about three weeks ago, and the probable yield per acre ia : — Wheat, 40 bushels ; oats, 40 bushels 5 potatoes, 5 or 6 tons. The extent of newly broken up land this season is only about 30 acres. The bush here being on the ridges, when it is cleared off the land is sown down in grass. The settlers living so handy to the Dunedin market, go in for dairy produce, and what oats they grow is principally for home consumption. Turnips are grown for feeding the dairy cattle ih winter. JSo important improvements have been carried out, and no tree planting, there being an abundance of timber in the district. Hedges of gorse and thorn are taking the place of the old posts and rails, and settlers are improving their homesteads with new buildings. Reaping machines have superseded the scythe and sickle. So far aa stock is concerned a decided improvement in the breed is taking place year after year, particularly so in horses. The district, Being hilly, is not adapted for shorthorn cattle — only Ayrshire and Provincial bred, It may be mentioned that one of the settlers has been successful thfo sewon mi tho lwt in growing the

real horse-bean, the seed of which he got from Scotland some years back. He could never previously secure more than a trifle for such, awing to being pestered with aphis. The only harm the weather of the summer did was to potatoes, but that was more than counterbalanced by the good effect it had in keeping up such an abundant supply of grass, as also by the way in which the moisture brought forward the oaten crop ; and, fine weather setting in just when wanted, the season may be pronounced lo be on the whole the most successful we have had for years. The oaten crop has been in many cases cut for hay.

DUNSTAN.

There is no appearance of rust or blight, and the crops have not suffered from the weather or insects in any way. The approximate extent under crop, and the increase or decrease this season, compared with last, is : wheat, 250 acres ; barley, 100 acres ; oats, 3800 acres ; potatoes, 250 acres ; turnips and other crops about 50 acres ; grass and hay, grass, clover, and oats for hay, about 500 acres. There is a total increase of about one thousand acres this season. The probable yield per acre is — wheat, 30 bushels ; barley, 35 bushels ; oats, 35 bushels ; potatoes, 4 tons. As a rule the harvest is all in, and threshing pretty general in oats. The extent of newly broken up land this season is about 50 acres.

EAST TAIEEI.

It is only by an approximate estimate from personal inspection, and by talking with the farmers, that even a bare average can be arrived at, as but very little has been done in the way of handling the grain to the stacking. As yet, as it is early for the thrashing mill, and there is an evident dislike to give anything like a correct average of the amount and quality of the crops, as the farmers say it is only to show the merchants what is the available crop likely to come to the market, and the prices rule accordingly. The season has been very favourable for all kinds of crop, alternate rain and heat has given a great growth of straw, and there is no doubt it will yield well when the time comes. The bulk of crop has been oats and a fair breadth of barley, which in moat cases has done well. The amount of grass has been a good deal over the average of former years. The fields have not apparently had the' amount of stock they could have carried, but all kinds of stock are in extra prime condition. The root crops have also improved a good deal, and a large share has been sown in turnips and mangold wurtzels, and here and there a goodly patch of carrots, which have done well as yet and promise to give a fair crop. The potato has been a cause of many complaints, as of the first plant' ing very few came up at all, and what few there was would not pay the half of the trouble and labour. They were in many instances re-planted and have done well, and have very few wants. Rome were done this way till within a week of Christmas and they now look well and promise to be the best crop ; the quality is also very good. The harvest has been very irregular at first, but is now getting general, and. harvest hands have been more plentiful than in former years. Wages are ruling about 40s to 50s per week and found. Very few changes have taken place in the agriculture of the district, but on all sides a steady advancement has been made in housing stock and implements. In the rising townships on the Plain, is the evidence of house after house being added, and some of no mean pretensions either. With the branches of so many of the local Banks seeking to take care of the money of our population, whose hard-working and thrifty disposition has almost become proverbial, the Taieri people are looked upon as an example for othar districts. The folio wiig is an estimate of the various crops, &c, in the district :— Wheat, 11)00 acres 5 barley, 150 ; oats, 1600 ; grass, oaten, and wheaten hay, 300 ; potatoes, 20 1 > ; green crops, 170 ; pasturage, 4500. The following will be the approximate average— Wheat, 50 bushels ; oats, 55 do ; barley, 40 do ; hay, about 3 tons per acre, Potatoes will not be an extra heavy crop, but is generally set from 6 to 7 tons per acre, and there are a few acres of black crop in small pieces, but not in any quantity ; they do well, and should more attention be given to them, they would improve the condition of the horse in the winter. The boiler and its benefits have been gaining giound with the farmers, besides being a saving directly, and an improvement to the stable. The planting of hedges, them and whin, has been attended to, not forgetting the blue gum, which are thriving well, and are now affording their owners a good shelter from the wind around the steading, altering the face of nature, and adding to the comfort of things generally. TII9 improvements on the roade leading up to and around the steadings are also coming in for a fair share of attention that they long ago deserved — but better late than never.

FLAG SWAMP.

Wheat is very good ; barley, do do ; oats, good ; potatoes, average : turnips, fair ; grass, good ; hay, good. Blight has manifested itself amongst some of the turnip crops, but the other crops have suffered slightly from the rain in the fore part of the season, owing to their heaviness, not sufficient, however, to injure them seriously. The approximate extent under crop is : — Wheat, 457 acres ; barley, 151 acres ; oats, 1360 acres ; potatoes, 49 acres ; turnips, 59 acres j grass, 4214 acres ; hay;, 108 acres. Regarding the total amount under crop this season, the farmers report a slight decrase, but not puJpcwat to affcet this jraporfc, in fiwfy not

worth mentioning. Harvesting is general at the present time, and the probable yield per acre is : — Wheat, 40 bushels ; barley, 40 bushels ; oats, 40 bushels ; potatoes, 7 tons. There is no newly broken-up land this season. There has been no addition to agricultural machinery, and planting has been confined to a few exotics at the different farmsteads.

GREEN ISLAND. No important improvements to report this year, no planting, and there has been no important addition to agricultural machinery or live stock in the dis* trict. Wheat, good ; barley, none ; oats, excellent ; potatoes, very good ; turnips, good ; grass, good ; hay, excellent. There is a little blight in oats. The crops have not suffered from the weather or insects in any way. The approximate extent under crop is : — Wheat, 15 acres ; barley, none ; oats, 335 ; potatoes, 71 ; turnips, 77 ; grass, 1147 ; hay, 485. There has been a considerable increase in the acreage of oats, and a considerable decrease in that of wheat this season. The harvest was general in the middle of February, and the probable yield per acre is : — Wheat, 40 bushels ; barley, 40 ; potatoes, 7 tons. There has been no extent of newly broken-up land this season.

HAMPDEN".

Cereals in good condition ; hay good ; other crops suffering a little from dryness at present. The crop in strong lands is badly laid in places, owing to too rank a growth ; great freedom from disease or insect of any kind. The approximate extent under crop is :— Wheat, 319 acres ; barley, 26 ; oats, 1876 ; potatoes, 35 ; turnips, 17 ; grass, 4768 ; oaten and grass hay, 35. In wheat, barley, and oats there is a decrease this year ; potatoes, turnips, and hay are about the same ; and in grass there is an increase. The harvest was general in February. The probable yield per acre is : — Wheat, 42 bushels ; barley, 40 lushels ; oats, 37 bushels ; potatoes, 3£ tons. The quantity of newly broken up land this season is very slight. Considerable improvement and enlargement have been made to farm steadings in the district, and more attention has been paid to live fences. But in other respects there is little alteration to report. A decrease in the cultivation of cereals, and a corresponding increase in the quantity of land under artificial grasses, is the most noticeable feature ; the quantity of wool produced by small proprietors still continues steadily on the increase. Oats remain the chief staple, although a much smaller area is under that crop this, than last year ; the low price of this grain last season (never ex3eeding 2s 4d, and only that for a short time), and the large quantity of last season's crop still remaining in growers' hands has had a discouraging effect. One of the most abundant grass seasons ever known with us, allowed stock of all discriptions to go into good order at once, a condition which has been maintained throughout. Owing to the prosecution of public works, there has been an improved home consumption for most articles. Butter, of which we formerly sent a considerable quantity to Dunedin, now finds ready sale with us at full rates. For some reason or other, the breeding of pigs has for a time back been bo neglected that young porkers of a size fit for stying up have been most difficult to obtain ; this neglect of the useful and profitable farmers' friend — coupled with the fact that we imported no less than five new pianofortes last year, clearly indicates the improved condition of our agriculturists, whose position and prospects as compared with what they were five years ago is unquestionably improved.

INOH-CLTJTHA.

The present condition of the crops is very favourable. • ome of the low-lying lands at and towards the bottom of the island suffered from inundation during the season. Other crops on the high land, which are very heavy, have been laid by the late heavy rain. The approximate extent under crop is — wheat, 5(59 acres ; barley, 70 ; oats, 408 ; potatoes, 40| ; turnips, 83 ; grass, 1090 ; haj', 19. Harvest was general in February. Early sowing seems to have been very general last season. The probable yield per acre is — wheat, 45 bushels ; oats, 55 ; potatoes, 12 tons. Very little land ha 3 been newly broken up this season. Regarding new machinery and stock, the Messrs Smaill have received one of Marshall's latest improved eight-horse power engine and threshing machine (portable), and Messrs M'Donald Bros, are importing from Europe a young prize bull.

KAIHIKU.

Regarding the present condition of the crops : — Wheat suffered much from the frost one evening in end of summer ; oa l s, very good, and have suffered comparatively little from either weather, rust, blight, or insects ; potatoes, suffered from frost ; turnips, splendid year for them ; grass, in abundance ; hay, good crops. But fur the weather, the wheat would have been the best ever seen in the district. Potatoes have been nearly entirely destroyed by frost. The approximate extent under crop is — Wheat, 100 acres ; barley, 4 ; oats, 1100 ; potatoes, 15 ; turnips, 150 ; grass, 1700 ; nay, 55. The extent under oats is about the 3ame as last year, and there has been a decrease in the acreage under turnips. The probable yield per acre is — Wheat, 26 bushels ; barley, 20. bushels ; oats, 45 bushels ; potatoes, 1 ton, About 100 acres of land have been newly broken up this season. Regarding important addi. tioß« to «tock; m $uth§ri»a6 ; the man',

ager of Albert Downs, Kaihiku, imported this year two valuable Leicester rams, which gained Ist and 2nd prizes when two-toothed, at the Border Union Show, held shortly before they were shipped. They were purchased at a high figure from Lord Polwarth, and are of the purest strain obtainable. The rams were kept in quarantine for six weeks, but, no disease appearing, they were handed over to Mr Sutherland about ten days ago. They are in splendid condition, and seem to take kindly to the climate of the Colony.

LONG BUSH — SOUTHLAND.

The following report contains the agricultural statistics of sixteen farms in this district, held by a class of industrious settlers who, without the employment of much capital, apply all the resources of their practical knowledge to the successful cultivation of a soil which is far from being naturally productive. The returns are much below the average of some other districts which enjoy the superior advantage of possessing a rich alluvial soil, or a considerable depth of vegetable deposit. In addition to the permanent drawbacks, the long drought which has marked the past season must have had, to some extent, an injurious influence on the various crops, especially grass and turnips. I may remark, generally, that the grain crops have suffered in no appreciable degree from rust, or from the attacks of insects. Wheat is not a favourite here. On two farms only your correspondent found a patch of an acre each, and even this is double that of last year. It is in excellent condition, and the probable return may be set down at 35 bushels. Of barley there is none. Two year* ago one of our most enterprising farmers sowed down three acres 1 by way of experiment, but the return realised did not warrant him to continue its cultivation. This is to be regretted, as a ready market could be found for it in the town for malting purposes. Oats though present prices offer little inducement—is the staple grain of the district, and has been nearly all cut down in prime condition. It was well advanced before the commencement of the long drought, and both grain and straw are not so deficient as might have been expected. It has suffered nothing either from the weather or the ravages of insects. Nearly 500 acres, being an increase of f ally ten per cent., are in crop. The yield is variously estimated. On 100 acres which were in turnips last year, and eaten down by sheep during the winter, it is set down at 40 bushels. On the remainder, the average return may be safely stated at 28 bushels. On one farm is a patch of Norwegian oats, which showed well in comparison with the other crop in the same field. They are very prolific, and are saii to be excellent feed for horses, much superior to the common sorts. Potatoes have suffered to a great extent by a " nipping frost " which occurred one night some weeks ago, and which, with the exception of a few localities under the" shelter of the bu&h, to all appearance entirely destroyed the haulms. They have recovered their former verdure, but not their luxuriance, and the check which they suffered will operate most prejudicially on the return, which may be estimated at the low figure of 4 tons per acre. There are nearly 30 acres of green crop in the district, being a slight increase on that of last year. Turnips which were sown in the beginning of December, and had the advantage of genial showers, got a good start and°camo away rapidly. They are now well forward, the bulbs being of a goodly size. Those sown during the continuance of the long drought have had till lately a verydifferent appearance, and the long wished for rain fell just in time to save the crop from being a complete failure. Lately they have made rapid progress, and should favourable weather continue, it may yet be up to the average. The practice of sowing a large breadth of this crop in order to be eonsjiaed on the ground by sheep is now being followed by several farmers here, who have discovered that it pays well, not only at fhe time, bufc that it has a fertilizing effect on the grain crop of the sue ceeding year. The number of acrea occupied by turnips is nearly 180, being an increase of over 30 per cent, on that of the previous year. Grass suffered very much from the drought, and even now, after a few refreshing showers, it has not regained its former verdftre* Upwards of 1200 acres are now in grass, being fully 10 per cent, over last year. Owing to the low rates for oats in the market some of the farmers are directing their attention to sheep-graziag, which they consider will be more remunerative. Last year there was no hay made in the district. Nearly 40 acres have beeft cat this year, and are housed in excellent condition. About 70 acres of land have been broken up, and will be ready for next year's crop. During the last few years a very marked improvement has been effected on the implements used in husbandry, Manual labour is being gradually superseded by sowing, scuffling, reaping, and thrashing machines. Chaff-cutters are on every farm. The double-furrow is rapidly taking the place of single-furrow plough^ and most of these are by the best makero and of the newest construction. It woitfdl be unpardonable to conclude these agri* cultural notes without making mention oj the Long Bush Ploughing Association—* the oldest institution of the kind in Southland. Daring the time of the agri, cultural and commercial depresuion of the Province it underwent a corresponding period of adversity, but with the return « Fwperity it gradually mmi, tu#

now bids fair to resume its former important position. At the last match, in June, 1875, no less than £40 were distributed in prizes, and whether as regards the turn out, the quality of the work, and the improved implements, it may take its place side by side with those of greater pretensions.

MAUNGATUA.

Wheat is excellent, above an average crop ; barley, good crop, about an average ; oats, very superior, bulky in straw ; potatoes, good crop, every appearance of a good yield ; turnips, every appearance of a splendid crop ; grass has been abundant, and is yet good ; hay, very heavy, considerably damaged in making. There is a little rust and blight, but not much damage done. The approximate extent under crop is — Wheat, 240 acres ; barley, 20 ; oats, 650 ; potatoes, 50 ; turnips, 130 ; grass, 1250 ; hay, 60. The increase this year as compared with last year has b een _i n barley, 10 acres ; in turnips, 10 ;in hay, 30. The probable yield per acre is -.—Wheat, 30 to 40 busheis ; barley, 25 to 30 bushels ; oats, 40 to 55 bushels ; potatoes, 6to 9 tons. The extent of newly broken up land this season is about 20 acres. Several substantial buildings have been erected, and houses and farm buildings are gradually assuming a permanent appearance. A good deal of fencing and planting of live fences have been carried out. No important addition to machinery or stock this past year except a few reaping machines.

MERTON.

No wheat or barley has been grown. Oats and potatoes are good. Turnipssome pretty good ; in some cases so very late sown that no opinion could be given ; grass very good, on account of the late spring rains ; hay— a considerable deal of oaten hay this year, on account of the cheapness of oats. No rust whatever, but crops slightly blighted. The approximate extent under crop is — Barley, 5 acres ; oats, 524 ; potatoes, 25| ; turnips, 32J ; grass, 1282 ; hay, 645. The harvest was general in the middle of last month. The probable yield per acre is — Barley, 35 bushels ; oats, 40 bushels ; potatoes, 6 tons. A considerable quantity of land has been newly broken up this season. A good deal of gorse and thorn fencing has been done. A Joint-stock Company has been formed, and, as a consequence, the fine entire horse (draught), Sir George Grey, is a valuable addition to the draught stock in the district.

MOUNT IDA.

The crops are very good, they have not suffered in any way, and the season has been most favourable. The approximate extent under crop is— Wheat, 2 acres ; barley, 2 ; oats, 438 ; potatoes, 32£ ; turnips, 1U ; grass, 462 ; hay— the crop of oats is so good that it will all be threshed, straw used for general purposes. The grass crop is . good. The harvest was ueneral in the beginning of last month. The probable yield per "acre is— Wheat, 50 bushels ; barley, 50 bushels ; oats, 50 bushels ; potatoes, 5 tons. There have been no important improvements in planting, agricultural machinery, or stock. Since last .year there has been a large area of ground broken up on the Maniototo agricultural blocks, a number of sections having been taken up on the deferred payment system, and the selectors having pushed their privileges to the fullest extent, as will bo seen by the return furnished herewith. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the pioneers on the much-spoken-of Maniototo Plains, which have been considered to be a failure as agricultural ground, owing to a mistaken idea as to want of water. A more fair country for agriculture does not, our local correspondent believes, exist in New Zealand : witness the sample of crops grown on Mr Millar's farm — only broken up last winter — section B—as8 — as an example. Mr Miller, with his confrere, Mr Glenn, gives an example of what can be done by enterprising men — not to leave out other settlers on the land mentioned in this agricultural block. This instance is mentioned to show what really can be done by energy and perseverance. It is really wonderful to see the homes and farmsteads as compared with last year. What was then a barren plain is now a series of smiling homesteads. This success may be a lesson to the Government to give every facility for settlement on the land.

OAMAKU.

Contrary to the anticipations, or, rather, the fears of many, the harvesting in this district has proved neither to be so late nor so meagre in yield as appearances indicated in the early spring. The longcontinued drought, accompanied with hard winds, in the months of September and October, and the consequent stagnant vegetation almost warranted the apprehensions of a late and deficient grain crop ; but, after the weather broke in the second week of November, there has been a continuance of successive showers, most unusual during tho summer here, that have had the effect of developing an exceedingly bulky crop of all the varieties of grain. -<t the same time, there has been some very dry hot weather, which brought the crops to maturity at a period not many days over tin? normal time for commencing the harvest. A very large portion of the grain crop ia now cut down, and in fetook, aud should the present favourable weather continue for a week or two longer, the harvest will be all but concluded. There is not, however, a great quantity carted and stacked, most farmers preferring to keep the reapers going, to cecure the standing crops from the dasffeet* el m wia&, which *w

apt to prevail during this month. The use of the thrashing machine on the field has been adopted this season to a large extent, and hence one notices in his travels through the district many stacks of straw from the new crop. The most obvious reason for the practice of thrashing from the stook is the extreme > difficulty of getting hands capable of building stacks to withstand any heavy rainfall, although in the case of many there may be other and more pressing reasons for the speedy realisation of the year's labours. About ten days _ ago there was a heavy gale of wind, which not only shook a considerable quantity of grain, but did an infinity of damage to the crops, inasmuch as the straw has been much broken down and twisted about, so that it is difficult for the most perfect form of the reaper to make speedy work, and which, when done, is most incomplete and unsatisfactory. Despite, however, this drawback, the harvesting has, upon the whole, been progressing without much interruption, and possibly at a smaller cost for labour than in previous years — hands neither being so scarce nor so saucy — attributable to the fact that a large proportion are new arrivals, who have not yet acquired the Colonial trick of securing the greatest possible pay for the least possible exertion of industry and care. The potato crop this season bids fair to be most abundant, the weather since planting being specially favourable for its vigorous growth, and as there are happily no indications of the "potato rot" of the home country, we may confidently look forward to an ample and cheap supply of this chief of the vegetable tribe. A very limited area of land is sown with turnips, the safer, more valuable, and nutritious root crop of mangold wurzel being almost everywhere substituted therefor, and for the luxuriant and remunerative growth of which the soil and climate of Oamaru are singularly well adapted. As a point in good husbandry, it i 3 now considered essential to have a supply of roots towards the close of winter and early spring to maintain stock in good condition until there is abundance of grass. Since the showery weather, commencing in November, the pastures have been good, and at present the grass is fresh and green offering a full bite for all kinds of stock. The crops of rye-grass hay were far from good this season, as the drought checked the growth of the grass at its mo3t critical stage, and hence the quantity of ryegrass seed for sale is very limited, and the prices high. I have endeavoured to ascertain from various parts of the very large district for which I have to report, whether the crops have suffered much from insects or disease, and it is satisfactory to state that, with a few solitary exceptions, there never was a season in which, there was less loss from these causes. Even tho barley crop, which is peculiarly delicate and liable to attacks of greedy caterpillars, whose ravages are singularly destructive, inasmuch as they make a whole decapitation of the ears, has not been affected to any appreciable extent. The prevailing grain crop this year is, as last, of oats, no great extent of wheat bsing grown except on the table land of Maerewhenua and in the fertile valley of Waiareka. Barley is much more largely cultivated than in past years, and as it relatively fetches a higher price than other grain, with a good local demand, it seems probable that the extent of land sown with it will annually increase. The soil and climate are well suited for the production of a fine quality of malting barley, and the introduction of some superior varieties a few years ago enables anyone who may wish to cultivate this grain to procure seed of the most approved and reproductive kinds. The total acreage of wheat I should aproximately estimate at about 12,000 acres, including, of course, the districts of Papakaio and Awamoko. The number of acres under barley cannot be far short of 2000. As previously stated, oats are most largely grown, and I do not think it an error to give an increase to this crop over last year of nearly 2000 acres, making the acreage about 12,000 acres. The inducements to farmers for laying land down in grass for pasturage, although somewhat lessened by reason of the fall in price of wool, are still sufficient to keep the acreage at the average of last year. The high price of beef, and the large demand for dairy produce at most remunerative rates, with the prospect of low figures for grain, are besides leading factors in keeping the largest proportion of the land as pasturage. And hence, from 30,000 to 40,000 acres may be stated as a near approach to the area under grass. A few patches were cut towards the end of January, but harvesting could not be said to be general until about the 10th inst. Harvesting hands were obtained without difficulty at from £2 to £2 10a per week, but many of them are, without doubt, costly at these figures, considering their inexperience and carelessness. It is next to impossible to state the probable yield per aero of tho various crops, but it seems to be admitted by most people that the return will be fir beyond, our average. No new wheat has come to market, and of oats there have only been a few parcels. The wheat crop on the table lands beyond the terminus of the Waiareka Branch Railway, is mcßt magnificent, and will, in all probability, thrash out from 50 to 60 bushels per acre, but with the lesser returns from' other localities, allowing for casualties, I put the average at from 30 to 40 bushels per acre. Barley may very fairly be estimated at from 45 to 55, oats at from 50 to 65, and potatoes to all appearance will give about 8 tons, per acre. Almost the only wddiiico to (Jw wea <?f tend jpwUn uj>

during the past year is confined to the lands of Messrs Borton and M 'Master on the Tables, and to those of Messrs Roid and Menlove, in the Waiareka. Farmers are more generally disposed to cultivate rape as a preparatory crop for whest, previous to the land being sown with English grasses — the profitable experience of the pioneers in this practice leading to its adoption by the more cautious. There are very satisfactory indications that our cultivators are beginning to realise the necessity of paying more attention to maintain the fertility of the soil, and therefore the charge of overcropping is les3 applicable to this district than to some other parts of the Province and Colony. There is, however, no fixed practice of rotation of crops ; but the principle seems to be generally admitted, and in time we may look for this along with some other needful improvements in the system of agriculture. I apprehend that the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which has done so much towards the improvement of stock of all kinds, will in the future give more marked encouragement to agriculturists who may manifest the disposition and skill to improve the practice of agriculture. The mode adopted in England, and more recently in Victoria, of offering prizes for the best managed farms of varying extent, seems to me one of the most likely, and certainly the most economical plan of developing skilful and profitable farming. Since the adoption of grazing in connection with the cultivation of cereal crops, there is a great deal more planting of live fences, as it is found essential for the welfare of the stock that shelter should in some way be provided. It is to be regretted that the planting of trees does not proceed on the scale which is requisite in this district for climatic purposes, as well as for the beautifying of the scenery, which, without the advantages of natural bush, is, as a rulo, rather bald and nakedlooking. On the estates of Mr Reid, of Elderslie, and of Mr Menlove, of Windsor Park, there is, however, a regular annual addition to the forest trees, and it may be inferred that the good example will be, ere long, copied by the smaller landowners. The subdivision of the grand estate of Messrs Lees and Moore into farms of from 50 to 500 acres — to be sold soon — is looked forward to by many with eager purpose to secure a piece of good agricultural land so finely situated, and our townspeople are delighted with the prospect of additional customers in the shape of thriving settlers. It is confi dently hoped that others holding large tracts of land will go and do likewise ; for it cannot be questioned that the monopoly of land in this district has had a prejudicial effect on the advance of the town of Awa Moa. The additions to agricultural machinery and implements are chiefly confined to reaping machines and doublefurrow ploughs. Mr Hassell, who is now in Scotland, has recently sent out a new and greatly improved thrashing machine by Robey and Co., which is reported to be more economical in consumption of fuel, and more efficient and speedy in working. Oamaru still maintains its character for enterprise and skill in the manufacture of reapers and ploughs, and the local firms of M 'Nab and Aimers, and Jack, Steel, and Hendry, are largely employed in this way. In all kinds of live stock there is a progressive improvement, but the prohibitory provisions against the importation of live stock from England and elsewhere will retard the required development of purity of breed, as within the Colony the selection is too limited. As I notice in last year's report, the sale of the Awa Moa herds and flocks — although not so largely availed of as might have been expected by our local stockowners — had the effect of distributing some fine specimens of shorthorn cattle and Leicester sheep. It is premature to state with any certainty what the prices of grain will be during the current year. It may be assumed as nearly correct that the figure for oats wili be extremely low, and farmers will have to reconcile themselves to a price barely adequate to cover expenses. There is more uncertainty about wheat, and it would not surprise me to find that this grain will be in demand at a fair price. The losses sustained by the Adelaide growers, together with the poor average this year in that wheat-growing Colony, will ease other markets, and perhaps Otago may derive some advantage. Barley, it is presumed, will fetch a good payable price. From the abundant crops of potatoes there is scarcely any probability of their ranging high. When writing about our pasture lands, mention was omitted of the increasing prevalence of that noxious and ugly weed, " Cape weed," and which, in some parts, seems as if it was determined to usurp the total possession of the soil. The thistle has also, this season, been unusually numerous and strong, and albeit there are those who hold that it is positively beneficial to the soil, I am bound to admit that the greater number of farmers express a docided dislike to it as an adjunct to their pasture fields. Taking a general view of all the circumstances connected with the business of the agriculturist and stockowner, there is reason for the opinion that the prospects of either or both are not quite so encouraging and satisfactory as in the two past years.

OTBPOPO.

The present (February 24th) condition of the crops iB : — Wheat, very good ; barley, quantity nominal, but very good crop ; oats, excellent j potatoes, a very good crop ; turnips, quantity small, but looking well ; grass, very good ; hay, a fair crop. We are not avaw of the existpuyo oi my rue* ot Wight, but several

of the heavier crops have been laid by wind and rain. The approximate extent under crop is : — Wheat, 400 acres ; barley, 100 ; oats, 4500 ; potatoes, 140 ; turnips, 10 ; grass, 1800 ; hay, 60. The foregoing acreages represent, as comparod with last year — fn wheat, a decrease ; in barley, a great decrease ; oats, potatoes, and turnips, about the same as last year ; grass, a considerable increase ; and hay, less than last year. Harvest was general from the first week in February. The probable yield per acre is : — Wheat, 30 bushels ; barley, 25 bushels ; oats, 50 bushels ; potatoes, 6 tons. There has been very little new land broken up this season, but a good deal of land formerly laid down in grass has been again ploughed- Nothing to report in the way of additions to agricultural machinery or stock, important improvements, or planting.

PORTOBELLO.

The settlers of this dairy-farming district have this year, aa in 1874-5, had the advantage of a moist atmosphere and frequent rains during the spring and summer. These circumstances have had the effect of producing a most luxuriant growth of most of our products, though these, as regards the cereals, are of a very limited amount. "Wheat occupies only fifteen acres, and barley a less area than that. Oats cover 150 acres, the half of which is hay, the rest for grain. A larger proportion would have been reserved from the hay crop had it not, from the heavy growth and the wet, been so laid that there was little chance of its ripening. The potato crop, about 30 acres, is very unequal. In some cases the yield is very large, as much as 15 tons ; while, in other instances, it has been almost a failure, there not being more than § ten to the acre. This is no doubt owing to the excessive wet, which has been the cause of the large return in some situations, and the comparative failnre in others. Turnips, of which only about 20 acres have been sown, are a most excellent crop. The grass crop, covering over three thousand acres on the permanent pasture3,has been so abundant that, in many cases, the stock has been insufficient to prevent its lying or being trodden down, a mass of decaying vegetation. The grass hay is one of the most abundant crops ever seen in this locality, but the weather prevented some of it being stored, except in a very deteriorated state, while a part was entirely lost ; so that the average on the 160 acres mown- is only a little over two tons to the acre. The abundance of grass has led settlers to save a larger quantity of seed than usual. A purchase of over 4000 bushels of cocksfoot for exportation has been made. The constant demand for sawn timber making a steady inroad on the pines as well as the ordinary bush clearing, have increased the area of cleared land by about 150 acres. The brisk demand for fat stock, and the high prices that have ruled during great part of the year, have induced the farmers to sell to an extent which leaves the district less heavily stocked than usual. The same causes have rendered it a matter of considerable difficulty to obtain a sufficient supply of store pigs to consume the dairy waste and meet the demand for pork. The manufacture of cheese, which has been allowed to fall into abeyance owing to the steadiness of the butter market, has been resumed. The acclimatised birds, such as the pheasant, quail, and the insectivorous species, have steadily increased. The last of these, especially the starlings, are doing good service, as they may be seen in. large flocks on the paddocks devouring the larvae and Blugs that are unfortunately so abundant.

PUEUUA.

A considerable portion of harvest work has already been done in the district, and the fields are whitening so fast that the reaping machines have stiff work to keep pace with the ripening crops. There are, however, some patches of late sown oats which, fudging from their green appearance, will require three, or perhaps four, weeks yet to ripen completely. With a very few exceptions, the district has been free from smut or blight. A few grasshoppers are to be seen is some warm dry nooKS, but the crops have not suffered to any appreciable extent from insects or weather. Owing to the frequency of warm rains during the summer months, the crops are exceptionally heavy, especially oats, hay, and pasture. Green cropa, also, are very promising. There iB no increase in the extent under wheat and potatues ; of barley there is almost none grown. There is a considerable increase, however, in the extent under oats and turnipß compared with last year. The wheat crop will probably average per acre from 25 to 30 bushels ; oats from 30 to 40 bushels ; and potatoes from 3 to 5 tons. There has been more than the usual quantity of land broken up during the past year, but there is little to report in the shape of tree-planting or additions j to agricultural machinery, except that,, double-furrow ploughs are coming into general use.

SADDLE HILL.

Wheat good, with some blight ; oats, on the whole, good, with some blight but little rust ; potatoes, in general, rather poor ; turnips good ; grass fair ; hay good. There is a little blight, but no rust or smut. The approximate extent under crop is — wheat, 60 acres ; oats, 400 ; potatoes, 25 ; turnips, 20 ; grass, 700 ; grass hay, 30 ; oaten hay, 300. The probable yield per acre is — Wheat, 40 bushels ; barley, 0 ; oats, 45 ; potatoes, 4 tons. The extent of newly broken up land this season is about 40 acres, A o\* planting mi building have been.

done, but nothing considerable in the way of additions to stock and machinery, with the exception of a few reapers. In this mountainous district, the harvest operations are (Feb. 23rd) proceeding as could be expected. The weather being favourable, the industrious settlers are taking every advantage of it, being astir late and early. Oats are the principal crop of the district, but, the price of them being so low, much more oaten hay ia being cut than ever before, a great deal of which is in sheaves for chaff. The crops are, in general, very good, with a little blight but no rust. Potatoes are, on the whole, a very indifferent crop, with the exception of some in newly broken-up land. There are very few turnips at all in the district, but the quality is good. A considerable portion of land has been broken up during the winter, and there is a slight increase of crop this season, compared with this last. There has been very little building or planting throughout the district during the year, and Mr Finnie's threshing milt has returned here from the Oamaru dis* tricts. The cutting is generally performed with reapers, but the uneven nature of the land causes the scythe to be used a great deal. The greater portion of the district, is now \inder cultivation ; all honour to the persevering efforts of the hard-working settlers.

SHAO VALLEY.

The present (February 27th) condition of the crops is : — Wheat, considered good ; oats, universally heavy ; potatoes, turnips, grass, and hay, a good, average. The crops have not suffered from rust, blight, weather, or insects, to any extent worthy of mention. The approximate extent under crop is : — Wheat, 1400 acres ; barley, 400 ; oats, 3600 ; potatoes, 600 ; turnips, 420 ; grass, 200 ; hay, 600. Compared with last season, there has been an increase of wheat about 200 acres ; barley, 100 ; oats, 100 ; turnips, 100 ; hay, 100. In grass and potatoes there has been no increase. Harvesting was in full operation in February. The probable yield per acre iB — Wheat, 35 to 40 bushels ; barley, 28 ; oats, 50 ; potatoes, 10 tons. About 600 acres have been newly broken up this season. Two new thrashing mills have been imported into the district, and are located there.

TOKOMAIRIRO.

Wheat good ; barley do. ; oats inferior ; potatoes do. ; turnips do. ; grass good ; hay do. Potatoes suffering from frost about the middle of January. Turnips are suffering from blight, more especially Swedish. The approximate extent under crop, and the increase this season, compared with*last, are :— Wheat, 1578 acres, increase 326 ; barley, 130, do. 18 ; oats, 6021, do. 310 ; potatoes, 126, do. 22 ; turnips, 745, do. 75 ; grass, 8734, do. 692; hay, 163, do. 21. The probable yield per acre is wheat, 40 bushels ; barley, 30 bushels ; oats, 30 bushels ; potatoes, 5 tons ; about 400 acres of land have been newly broken up this season. Drain ploughs have been tried in the district, but the general opinion is, that they want to be improved upon before they come into general use.

WAIKOUAITI.

Wheat, very good ; barley, good j oats, very good; potatoes, indifferent; turnips, fair; grass, very abundant throughout the season ; hay (oaten), very good ; rye, very good. No appearance of rust of blight, but crops slightly shaken in exposed places by a gale of wind recently. The approximate extent under crop is — Wheat, 1500 acres ; barley, 300 } oat», 1200 ; potatoes, 90 ; turnips, 85 ; grass, 4000 ; hay (oaten) 100, (rye) 280. The probable yield per acre is — Wheat, 34 bushels ; barley, 34 bushels ; oats, 36 bushels ; potatoes, 4| tons. Only about 250 acres of land have been brewn up this season. Harvesting was general in the middle of last month. No improvements of importance have been carried out by the farmers, but there is an increasing desire on their part to improve the breed of their stock. Fine horses, cattle, and sheep are now to be seen in the district. The Road Board is making great progress in the repairing and making of roads, which will be a great con» venience to the settlers in tho district*

WAIRUNA.

The cereal crops are pretty well advanced in reaping, and are a full average, wheat especially. Potatoes are perhaps scarcely an average, frost having injured them in aome cases. Turnips are looking pretty well, but are not iar advanced. Grass has been unusually plentiful. Bay is not grown in any quantity. There ha& been little appearance of rvist or blightthis year, and the crops have suffe rod but> little from insects, except, it might be, the turnips from grasshoppers. The earlier ripened crops were a little shaken with the wind. The approximate extent under crop, and the increase or decrease this season, compared with last year, is: — Wheat : The extant of wheat grown is about 64 acres, being an increase on last year ; barley, only abeut four acres ; oats, 900 acres, being an increase ; potatoes, from 20 to 30 acres, being much about last year's produce ; turnips, 190 acres, being a considerable increase over last year ; grass, about 2000 acres nominal, some of the first sown out having almost gone back to the tussock ; hay* between grass hay and oaten, there mightbe about 100 acres. The probable yield per acre is— wheat, 30 bushels; barley, 20 ; oats, 40 ; potatoes, 4 tons. There has been a little breaking up of land, but not to any great extent. Double-f unwed: ploughs an«J reapers are. becoming very plentiful, and will sow* be to tho hand* o l evwy iwrnf*.

WAIPAHEE.

With the exception of a few acres of potatoes and turnips, the only crop is oats, the number of acres of which will be about 130.

"WAKATIPTJ.

Wheat, excellent ; barley, fair, ripening too quick ; oats, excellent ; potatoes, good ; turnips, good ; grass, good ; hay, good. There is no appearanoe of rust or blight. The crops are excellent. The season has been every way favourable.

The approximate extent under crop, is — Wheat, 945 acres ; barley, 300 acres ; oats, 1876 acres ; potatoes, 260 acres; turnips, 26^ttorea; grass, 6700 acres; hay, 560 acres. Owing to the want of cheap conveyance to market, and the larger quantities in the hands of the millers and farmers, there is a decrease in the area sown in wheat this year as compared v.'ith last The harvest was general early in February. The probable yield per acre is— Wheat, 45 bushels ; barley, 40 bushels ,' oats, 42 bushels ; potatoes, 5£ tons. No land has been broken up this season. Farming has been at a standstill for the past two years. The railway construction and expenditure drew away a large portion of the population, and curtailed the local market, and carriage is too high for export. No important improvements to report.

WINTON AND FOREST HBL.

Wheat, very good ; barley, oata, turnips, grass, and hay, good; potatoes, middling. There are complaints, of rust and caterpillar injuring the wheat and oat crops in some parts. High winds six weeks ago injured oats and severe frosts the potato crop. The approximate extent under crop is : — Wheat, 300 acres ; barley, 100 ; oats, 1950 ; potatoes, 75 ; turnips, 350 ; grass, 3170 ; hay, 171. In wheat as compared with last year there

has been a decrease, potatoes about the same as last year, and in the extent of other things under crop there is an increase. The probable yieid per acre is — wheat, 40 bushels; barley, 30 bushels ; oats, 45 bushels ; potatoes. 4

tons. 700 acres have been newly broken up this season. The harvest prospects on the whole are very good, notwithstanding some complaints of rust, frost, and caterpillar, and should the present fine ■weather continue the grain crop will be cut and secured in a fortnight from 21st February. Every available hand is employed, and there is a continual cry regarding the scarcity of labour. The

single-furrow plough and the scythe seem to be now things of the past, double-fur-rows and reapers taking their place everywhere in the district. Three three-furrow ploughs have been in operation In the district and doing excellent work. One of them is manufactured by a local firm, Lampert and Wilson. The latter gentleman has not been long in the district, but since he came he has sent out work, in the shape of agricultural implements that will bear favourable comparison with any manufactured in the Colony. One three-fnrrow plough, several doublefurrows, 19 sets diagonal harrows ; and just now two grubbers and cultivators are being manufactured to order, for the special purpose of pulverising the ground after the first ploughing. Our local correspondent has seen two fine samples of hops grown in the district — one grown in the township by Mr Price, and another at the Lime Hills, by Mr Benchley. Both samples were pronounced by judges

to be excellent. The soil and situation

seem to be admirably adapted for the - ; *£fearing of this valuable plant, and our correspondent believes the time is not far distant when it will form an important article for export. Would it not be wise, he asks, in the Government to offer a bonus for this industry as it has done for others 1