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Lyttelton Times, Volume IV, Issue 159, 21 January 1854, Page 6

Christchukch Market, Jaij. 14. —This market is again assuming a more business character than has pervaded it for the last few weeks, the usual dull time with agriculturists between late sowing and harvest. It must lie a source of great congratulation to every well-wisher to the prosperity of this province, to survey the numerous homesteads, and extensive corn fields on the plains of Canterbury,—land which only three short years ago was an unproductive* waste. It is beautifully expressed in Holy Writ that " the valleys shall stand so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing.'1 In our case, whilst there are just grounds for rejoicing, there are still stronger ones for thankfulness.

The wheat throughout the Plains is looking quite as well as last year, with the advantage, at present, except in a few cases, of the absence of smut, which was then so very general. The .appearance of the barley and oat crops is as .o-oori as could be desired, especially the former; indeed, we have never seen in the old country any thing like the yield which we think will be obtained on some farms where labour and expense have not been spared in tillage. There can be no doubt that the soil on the Plains is peculiarly adapted for the growing of barley, and ■we opine that in a short time some of our enterprising colonists will give to the world the proof of it Tn the form of" Canterbury ales," which will become a celebrated and staple article of export to the neighbouring colonies. The potatoes, mangold, turnips, carrots, and all root crops, are equally promising, the heavy dews at night supplying sufficient moisture, or the absence of rain would otherwise be much felt. The harvest has already commenced, and will be general in a few days.