2 MAY 1931, Page 14

BEARDED WHEAT.

Now this experience indicates that the surrender of arable land is not due only to the low price of wheat. A smallholder wants the wheat for his poultry ; and this one wanted also the straw for his horse and cows. Indeed many cultivators are nowadays in straits for straw ; and for lack of it manure is wasted. Even the birds join the circumstances which make it difficult, at any rate for a small man, to cultivate amble land in a district where grass farming has grown popular. We shall probably see an increasing preference for bearded wheat. It is held, locally, to be better for poultry, yields heavily, has a good straw and is more or less sparrow- proof.