ENGLISH, EUROPEAN, AND AMERICAN SEED HARVEST, 1890.

Otago Witness, Issue 1927, 29 January 1891, Page 6

ENGLISH, EUROPEAN, AND AMERICAN SEED HARVEST, 1890.

The following particulars, which have an interest for growers, vendors, and buyers of clovers and gras3 seeds in the colony, are extraoted from the November circular issued by James Carter and Co., High Holborn, London, and Mark lane : — Ryegrasses — (Lolinm perenne and italicum) Perennial and Italian ryegrass seeds.— The crops of these are generally reported fco be inferior, whilst in oomeqneaoe of the abnormal prices that have ruled for the lack two or three seasons, a muoh smaller ecreag9 than usual has been under cultivation. At tb.3 present tima values of fine samples of perennial rycgrass have advanoed 50 per cent, on last year's price, but; it ia nob expected this extreme advance •Hillbofullymfiintained. Cocksfoot fDaeSyliaglonierata).— This seed Is not quoted In the circular referred to, or in the London reports • recourse is therefore had to Cross and Donaldson's (Edinburgh and Belfast) circular, which ea y B ._" From New Zealand the import to London alone of this sepd in IBBS amounted to about 50,000 fr.jj* i for 183J, 80,000 bags, atl of which ha§ been

sold ; and the total shipments this year (I8go) so far are about 0000 bags, very little of which has yet ? r^, V « d " l^ Ame *!? a tDe yield i» under average and indifferent in quality. Of Continental seed there is a fair supply, and although mixed with Fesfcuca pratensis to the extent of 8 or 10 per cent., it is remarkably plump and heavy seed. Prices are 15s to 20s per cwfc. higher than laofc year." Timothy (Phteum pratenie).-Thß quality of the new deliveries of this seed is eatisfaefcory, but' the American reports point to a ehorter croo than last year. This is accounted for by decrease in tho acreage under cultivation. At fche present moment prices of timothy are favourable to buyers ; ifc is nofi expected it will touch a lower figure.

NATURAL GRISSKS,

Agrostis Stolonifera (Fioria).— The home crop will be comparatively good, and an average quantity harvested. American reports speak of a very limited crop only. Alopecurua Pratensis (Meadow fcxfcail).— Average harvest and quality is satisfactory, though rather light. Prices favourable to buyers. Cynosurus Chrl«tatiis (Created dogsta!l).-Fair average orop, but the colour of tho seed U poorer ttmn anticipated.

FestucaDutiuscula(HarcLfeßcuo). - Crop harvested plentifully, but seed on the average rather discoloured. Bright samples r,lll command higher prices . - " ~ Featuca Pratensis (Meadow feßcu3) -Tfcii crop is reported much shorter than last year, and higher prices are being aGked. Poa Pratensis (Smooth stalked maadov grass).— Cr»p very short ladeed, even 6ms;ller than last seasons. American reports state that the crop Is almost a failure, aua therefore high prices are expected to rule. & v Poa Nemoralis (Wood meadow graaa)— Crop rather short, dark coloured, and prices rule high. Poa Tnvialia (Rough stalked meadow grass).— Crop favourable; prioes will not rule above those of former seatons.

Rtd Clover (Trifolium pratense, peronne).— Has proved a very irregular crop in Eu« iand and ia Europe with the exception of more southern districts. A considerable proportion of the new seed weatherstained. The American crop greatly reiuaed by drought, consequently the graia is small, more or le3B sickly and -wanting in colour. A smaller quantity reported in Europe, in consequence of provious low prices. White Olover (Trifolium reperls).— Very unsatisfactory reports of crop ; fn some districts almost a failure. In all prrfcs of Europe the samples are greatly damaged in colour by rain, and the average germination will be found to be lower than that for years past. American seed is small and deficient in colour.

Alsyke (Trifolium hybridum). — Early European report of crop satisfactory, but later rains damaged what appeared to promise a good harvest. At this moment exceptionally high prices are atlced both in Canada, the United States, and Europe, whilst it Is impossible to match the bright iample3 of previous seasons.

Trefoil (Medicago lupulina).— lt Is very short in quantity, and inferior in average quality; as a consequence prices have, during the past two or three months, jumped from 21s to 365. Lucerne (Medicago sativo).— This is only a moderate crop, and values may be expected to have an upward tendency, Eape.— Eelfable samples of rapo have baen scarce for some time ; the crop generally Ib certainly limited In extent, and for tha present somewhat high average prices may be expected to continue.