TESTING SEED WHEAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2399, 22 February 1900, Page 7

TEST ING SEED WHEAT.

WELLINGTON, February 17. Some two years ago the Agricultural department procured from the Government experimental farm at Wagga Wagga, in New South Wales, 40 varieties of wheat with the object of ascertaining which would prove most suitable for the requirements of New Zealand. -The department, having no experimental farm in Canterbury, which is the chief wheat-growing district, entered into arrangements with a private property-holder at Waihao Downs who takes great interest in such matters to grow these varieties for the Government under special direction of tho Agricultural department. The crops upon maturity were duly threshed out, great care being exercised in keeping them separate. The whole of the seed thus obtained was sown the following season. Mr Kirk, biologist of the -Agricultural department, has jusfc returned from a visit of inspection in the district, and states that the crojjs are looking well. He collected data regarding the two yearV growth of grain which will enable the department; to say which of the AMrieties will be most "suitable for the several wheat-growing districts in the colony. The areas: planted, ranging from one-eighth of an acre up to 10 acres, aie now boing reaped. The grain will be available for distribution to such fanners as are prepared tn cultivate it, but -whether it v ill be gratuitously distributed ov a small charge per bushel made, as in New South Wales, is not yet deckled. The varieties are all healthy, no disease having appeared amongst them.