Wheat Cultivation ¹

Abstract

THE most interesting sections of this number of the Journal are those bearing upon the subject of wheat cultivation. The permanent wheat and barley experiments at Woburn, reported upon by Sir John Lawes, Bart., is followed by a paper upon the condition of wheat-growing in India by Dr. George Watt, Reporter upon Economic Products to the Government of India. Next comes an article by Mr. W. E. Bear upon the Indian wheat trade. Lastly, in this connection, comes a highly interesting account of modern improvements in corn-milling machinery. These four papers occupy one-third part of the volume, and taken in connection with each other throw consider able light upon the difficulties under which the English wheat-grower is struggling. Dr. Watt and Mr. Bear both show the extraordinary extent of the wheat-producing area of our Indian Empire, and the rapidity with which this vast field is being opened up. With reference to the latter point men in middle life are scarcely likely to realize the fact that in 1853 there were in all only 201/2 miles of railway in India, that in 1873 there were 5695 miles of railway, while in 1887 there were 13,386 miles. Telegraphic communication with India was first opened in 1865, and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 was scarcely of less importance in developing her trade—first, by shortening the passage, and secondly, by mitigating the risk from wheat weevil. Another agency has been the development of irrigation works.