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Ageicultuee.—Subtropical and othee Industries. In accordance with the practice of the department in procuring and disseminating information bearing on the introduction of new agricultural industries suitable to the varied soils and climate of New Zealand, three thousand copies of an interesting pamphlet on orange and lemon culture, by Mr. Aldredton, was issued during the year, and extensively distributed; a perusal of which shows that, while great care has to be observed in the culture of .the orange even in New South Wales, where the cultivation is now well established, the portion of the colony north of Auckland, comprising about three million acres, is pre-eminently well adapted for that profitable industry, as, indeed, the produce of a few trees here and there in private gardens already well attest. Through the agency of another specialist, Mr. Federli, a great deal of information was afforded the public during the last few years in the cultivation of the olive, the vine, the mulberry, and silk culture, with the result that many settlers in both Islands have turned their attentionto those industries. With the view of insuring to settlers a sufficient supply of plants, inquiries were made of nurserymen last year on what terms they would grow plants in quantity for sale and distribution, subject to a price. The result of the inquiry showed that it was best to leave the matter to the law of supply and demand. Mr. Federli, who has recently settled at Hokianga to engage practically in these industries, can still be called on by the department to visit districts, and advise settlers who may require practical information in a cultivation which the majority of the colonists, coming as they do from the colder climate of the British Islands, have no knowledge of, and are apt to get discouraged for want of a little guidance at the needful time. A good deal is being done in a quiet way in the introduction and cultivation of subtropical industries, and in connection with this it is a pleasure to refer to the report this year of the Inspector of Native Schools, Mr. James H. Pope—B.-2,1885, page 4—where Mr. Yon Stunner, Eesident Magistrate of Hokianga, states : " I observe, in visiting the different schools, that the mulberry and olive trees supplied by the Government are thriving very well indeed." And, again, at page 14 Mr. Pope states : " The work of introducing useful plants into Native districts is bein:.:; steadily carried forward. The mulberry and olive trees sent to Native schools are nearly all doing well. This year black wattle seeds and arrowroot plants are being distributed, and to favourable localities a few date-palms. Ceratonias (carob bean) and cinchorna plants will shortly be forwarded. Arrangements are being made to secure other suitable plants for next year. By such means it is hoped that in a few years most of the Native-school glebes will contain trees and plants that are likely to be useful to both Natives and Europeans residing in the several districts." Linseed. In the southern districts of New Zealand, where the natural conditions are more like those of the Home-country, the cultivation naturally takes to cereals, root-crops, and grasses. But there is need for more variety of products there as well; and when Mr. "Frederick Singer, a German gentleman who introduced an expensive plant of machinery for the manufacture of linseed oil and oilcake, but failed to induce the farmers to grow the raw material in quantity, applied to the department to assist him by allowing the use of a piece of Crown land for cultivation, he was offered a piece at Hindon on yearly license, which he accepted as suitable for the purpose, although it is about 1,200 ft. above sea-level. He has had it for two years, and has expended a considerable sum in fencing and preparing the ground. Last season he had 530 acres under linseed, an account of which will be found in Mr. Singer's report to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Otago, in Appendix No. 4. Most unfortunately, the crop was recently burned in the stack; but this will not wreck the enterprise, regarding which further interesting particulars by Mr. Maitland will also be found in same Appendix. The products of common flax or lint, as is well known, are the oils used m mixing paints and varnishes, oil cake for feeding cattle—and no food fattens so quickly-while the straw may be used in the manufacture of linen, sailcloth, twine, and paper. The introduction and cultivation of this valuable plant is well worthy of every encouragement, affording as it does such varied products, and developing both agricultural and manufacturing industry. Grasses. Certain progress has been made by Mr. Thomas Mackay with the work on grasses and forageplants best suited for agricultural purposes in New Zealand, which was referred to in last year's report; but, owing to a pressure of work in connection with his other official duties, he has had virtually to lay aside the work for a time, but hopes to resume it before long, and complete the first part probably within the current year. Forests. Professor Kirk for several months past has been engaged in examination of the natural forests of the colony, with a view to reporting on the best means for their conservation and future management. The drawings to illustrate the report are now being prepared by the Survey Department. Fisheries. Mr. James Eutland, Crown Lands Eanger, Marlborough, prepared a report on sites for fishingstations in the Pelorus and adjacent sounds. His recommendations have been given effect to by reserving the Crown lands at the places selected as suitable. The report has been published in papers relating to the development of colonial industries (H.-15, 1885). Thermal Springs. Eeference was made in last year's report to the hot springs at Hanmer Plain, Amuri District, Middle Island, and to Mr. Gordon's description of the bathhouse, water-supply, enclosure of grounds, and other works. Although the journey to Hanmer Plain is still attended with consider-