XI.—Land under Cultivation.

I subjoin the returns for eight years ending 1876 of the acreage under grain of all kinds, also under green and other crops and sown grasses, together with land broken up and prepared for cultivation, but not under crop:—

[000's omitted.]

It is to be observed that land which has been cultivated, preparatory to its being laid down in sown grasses, is increased in value 8l, to 10I. per acre. I am unable, however, to state how much in the above table has been so prepared, and how many acres have been merely superficially sown without prior cultivation; but the increased area under the various stages of culture, together with fencing, buildings, &c., represent an addition to the value of the landed property of the colony of at least 1,500,000l. in the year 1875-76.

In addition to growing cereals enough for home consumption, the decennial returns show a steady increase in the exports of grain and flour, which for the year 1874 reached a total of more than 300,000l.; this source of wealth is, however, as yet in its infancy.