THE CROPS ON THE WINCHMORE ROAD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 32, 9 December 1879, Page 4

THE CROPS ON THE WINCHMORE ROAD.

The crops in this direction are looking well and giving promise of an abundant yield. We have not recently inspected the cultivated portions of Mr. Hart’s rim, but from the appearance of growth on inferior land, we have no doubt that that portion of the country under the able management of Mr. Stitt is doing well. Mr. Petty hiiallO acres of wheat of great promise, and some barley and oats almost as good.. The wire worm has affected portions of the oat crop, but we think the average yield on this farm may be fairly estimated at 25 bushels per acre. Mr. Spring has about 300 acres down in cereals, comprising wheat, oats, and barley. The wheat is late sown, but of a very healthy color and general appearance ; part of the oat crop is good, but the balance and t!ie greater part of the barley is only fair. The barley is sown •on new land not sufficiently worked, and to this the partial failure of the crop must be attributed. Mr Baldwin has 60 acres of oats, and about 40i of barley. The whole of the crop is looking fairly well, but about ten acres of the oats will not yield heavily. Mr. Hercock bos the best crops in the neighborhood, and wo think quite equal to any growing in the country. Ten acres of barley are really splendid, and will be an early crop, for which its enterprising grower should realise a high figure. Fifty acres of oats, and 70 of wheat are almost equally promising, and the lot cannot go much less than 40 bushels to tho acre. The land is quite light, similar to the x'est of the plains, biit Mr. Hercock is a thorough fanner, who would be an ac: quisition to any district, arid has worked his holding in an admirable manner. The Akaroa borough reserve is still unoccupied, but tho Ivuiapoi reserve of 2000 acres is leased by Messrs. Saunders Bros., and they have a large quantity in crop, looking very well. Mr. Campbell has 55 acres wheat, 20 acres barley, and 60 acres oats, all looking well, one piece of tuscan of about 28 acres being especially , good.