In the present infancy of colonization of this part of the Province of Otago, it may be correctly presumed that agriculture has advanced but little; indeed all such operations are simply confined to meeting the wants of home consumption for the few European and Native communities now settled in the district, and the productions hitherto have been confined to wheat and potatoes.

Of these products Jacob’s River raises the greatest amount; and having been at this settlement during harvest, I will state shortly what I observed of the same. Of potatoes I need say little, as this is a production universally congenial to the climate and soil of New Zealand. Of wheat I observed the following,—that forest lands, in small plots, having been constantly under crop for 14 years, were yet bearing enough to induce the settlers to cultivate the same. On the more recent virgin soils, the crops of white wheat were yielding 40 to 50 bushels per acre, and the heads carried from 40 to 70 grains of excellent quality. The harvest was principally secured by the 6th of March, the spring crops being considerably later. I had various accounts of the nature of harvest weather from the settlers; but any difficulties that they may encounter, I have no hesitation in saying, are owing to the want of proper means and appliances; and I am informed by a practical agriculturist from the best district of Scotland, that in such a climate as that of South New Zealand, no fear for the security of the crops need be entertained if improved methods of farming be resorted to. This opinion was invariably supported by such disinterested settlers as I spoke to on the subject; they declaring that during their residence, sometimes extending beyond twenty years, crops had never been known to fail in the district. Excellent clover pasture is also to be seen at Jacob’s River.*

• All grain crops are now grown in these districts with perfect success, though as yet in limited quantities. Settlers have mostly given their attention to pastoral pursuits.

At Omawi, Owi, and Tewais Point, I also observed crops of wheat; all of which had been secured at the time of my visit, which extended over the 24th to the 27th of March. The plot of wheat at Tewais Point, situated near the Bluff, from being on a very exposed position, I held to be of considerable importance in proving that neither the winds nor rains were sufficiently strong to injure the same. Small crops of wheat and oats have also been reaped by the settlers at Invercargill. Mr. Rowan, one of those having wheat, intimated his satisfaction of his crop, and the perfect ease with which it was secured in good order. He accompanied his remarks with the following observation, “that there was no still moggy weather to sprout the wheat in the stook, and the prevailing breezy hot weather of this period soon dried off any effects of a day’s rain.” The crops of oats that I saw were reared under great disadvantages; yet the returns promised so well that there is reason to believe that this district will excel in the production of this species of grain—a fact of some importance in this hemisphere.

As practical facts will be of most value to the Board, I will confine myself to the above observations on the agricultural capabilities, which, I must admit, are very imperfect for so important a subject; and in conclusion may state that the lands named under the head of Agricultural, being generally undulating and well wooded, with frequent intersecting streams, on the merits of the new settlement at Invercargill being generally known, such as its geniality to the European constitution—its temperate climate, and extensive area of superior soils—it may be presumed, that under the protecting care of a liberal Government, the adoption of the settlement as a home by the children of the Anglo-Saxon race will not be tardy.

Survey Office, Dunedin, 2nd June, 1857.