regions, such as are cultivated in the open garden in England, and many tropical fruits. Those most to be noted at present are the grape, fig, olive, as producing articles of export, to which tobacco might well be added from the experience recorded at New Norcia, and the mulberry, as affording food for the silkworm.
Wine.—Since 1870 the acreage of vineyard has increased by 59 acres, which may represent the production of from 2000 to 3000 gallons. The demand for colonial wine is much increasing, and, as the produce has been spoken highly of in England and gained prizes at the exhibition at Sydney, this may be looked to as not only a future source of domestic supply, but of exportation also. The same may be said of dried fruits, raisins, figs, and of olives, all of which may be cultivated and cured to advantage.
Sericulture.—The mulberry is now being largely cultivated, with the view to sericulture. Silk exhibited at Sydney, 1873, which had been cultivated for amusement by John and George, sons of Mr. H. R. Strickland, obtained certificates, and immediately afterwards a Government plantation was formed as a nursery near Perth, at first under the care of Mr. Dale who was succeeded by Mr. Clayton, from which many thousands of young trees have been distributed. A nursery for the worm was also established, and cocoons and seed sent from thence to Europe have been highly approved. In 1876, M. Beurteaux exported the first bale of cocoons, weighing 1cwt. It may, therefore, reasonably be expected that sericulture will become an important industry in West Australia, and more especially because it may be considered as a domestic labour, affording employment for women and children.—Vide Appendix B.
