THE CROPS IN CANTERBURY, OTAGO, AND SOUTHLAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1479, 13 March 1886, Page 3

THE CROPS IN CANTERBURY, OTAGO, AND SOUTHLAND.

The following is a return of the estimated yield of grain for this year, and the decreases as compared with last year, both being given in bushels ; Canterbury, 1885. 1886. Actual Estimated DeYield. Yield. crease. Wheat... 4,459,679 3,611,729 847.950 Barley... 557,443 351,881 205,662 Oats ... 4,157,766 3,137,389 1,020,377 Otago and Southland. Wheat... 1,879,308 1,826,382 552,935 Barley... 331,018 161,787 169,321 Oats ... 7,369,326 5,168,272 2,209,991 The total estimated decrease is : In Wheat 1,400,985 „ Barley 374,883 „ Oats 3,230,368

The return was compiled by Mr Walter Reeves, of the Agricultural Department. His estimates are mainly based on the replies received to circulars sent by him to farmers and others capable of giving trustworthy information. It is estimated that there is a reduction of 10 per cent in the area of grain, and from 10 to 30 per cent in the yield compared with 1885 ; but the condition and color are greatly superior this year, though in some cases the grain, particularly oats, is rather shrivelled, owing to the drought and heat causing permature ripening. The showery weather of lebruary, however, seemed to have materially improved the latter crops, and a good sample is generally expected. A few very good crops of barley are reported in favored spots; the color and condition both being excellent, but as a rule both the yield and the straw are short. The turnip crop is reported a general failure ; from Waikara to Invercargil not a single good crop is reported, and the beat profits are in Southland, where the yield may be a third of the ordinary one. Potatoes are spoken well of, though the tubers are small.—Press.