«#-:.>^: >«f - -. ^ ^i^^ "l*^ ^■-■^.^'' y^ v^-A- /I 5 f'\-:gj^^> ^v/:; !?jO;?^*' i^. )^ ^i4_.^ ..X.- ■. [Supplement to The Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Victoria^ lOth January, 1917.] m. THE JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF viGPJCULTURE OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA. PUBLISHED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT BY DIRECTION OF THE HON. F. W. HAGELTHORN, M.L.C, Minister for Agriculture. VOLUME XIV. 1916. §V ^luthotitp: ALBERT J. MULLETT, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MKLBOURNB, 1917. 10350.-1 COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES. The Articles in the Journal of the Department of Agriculture of Victoria are protected by the provisions of the Copyright Act. Proprietors of newspapers wishing to republish any matter are at liberty to do so, provided the Journal and author are both acknowledged. The Journal is issued monthly. The subscription, which is payable in advance and includes postage, is 3s. per annum for the Commonwealth and New Zealand, and 5s. for the United Kingdom and Foreign Countries. Single Copy Threepence. Subscriptions should be forwarded to the Director for Agriculture, Melbourne. THE JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA. VOLUME XIY. Parts 1—12. INDEX. Pa^e Abortion, Contagious ... . ... 321 Agriculture — Agriculture and Science — A Remarkable Discovery — Peat Bacterized ... ... 249 Cost of Production of Field Crops— Wheat 296 Golden Wheat — Victoria's Re- cord Harvest ... ... 116 Green Manure Tests ... 290 Light and Heavy Dressings of Superphosphate, Werribee... 288 Lucerne Manurial Tests ... 449 Manure Tests, Longerenong ... 149 Nhill Agricultural Society's An- nual Crop and Fallow Com- petition, 1915 ... ... 79 Nitrogenous Nodules ... 161 Nodules, Nitrogenous ... 161 Permanent Fertilizer Tests, Werribee ... ... ... 148 Permanent Rotation Tests, Werribee ... ... ... 147 Pickling Wheat ... ... 275 Rate of Sowing and Time of Seeding Trials, Werribee... 294 Reclamation of Plain Land in South Gippsland ... ... 232 Researches in Wheat Selection 140 Results of Experiments, 1915, Werribee ... ... 147,288 Rice Cultivation ... ... 493 Rotation Tests, Permanent, Werribee ... Rutlierglen Experimental Farm — Farmers' Field Day Seed Wheat Varieties for Dis- tribution among Farmers ... Share Farnving Results Sowing aiul Seeding Tests 151,294 Sulpliate on Crops, Effect of 639 Time of Sowing and Rate of Seeding Tests, Wyuna Variations in the Plants from the Same Head of Wheat ... Variety Wheat Tests, Malice Wyuna State Farm, Farmers' Field Day ... Agriculture and Science — A Remarkable Discovery — Peat Bacterized 1G350.— 2 147 18 65 179 151 168 151 100 249 Page Ailments — ■ Contagious Abortion ... 321 Alcohol Tables, The New ... 487 Ammonia Accidents and Emer- gency Rehef ... ... 212 Ammonia Sulphate as a Fertilizer 595 Ammonia, The World's ... 710 Analyses and Approximate Value, Farmyard Manures ... ... 235 Apiculture — ■ Honey Flora of Victoria, The 170, 244, 479, 687 Nosema Apis in Victoria ... 629 Apple Culture in Victoria 471, 522, 577, 655, 711 Apple Drying ... ... ... 196 Archer, R. T.— Butter Fat in Cheese ... 120 Cha<)urne. A (•(iinplcte Hst of the various publications issued by the Depart mcnt oi .Agriculture will be -iippbcil by the l:itter. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. EACH CALF GETS THE SAME AMOUNT THE RIDD 'Foster-Mother' Calf -Feeder (PATENTED^ Calves Take to it Easily and Naturally {Special Literature mailed Free upon enquirv.) No Tubes or Pipes to clean or get sour. Can be thoroughly cleansed with a minimum of labour. No leaking of Calf Food or Skim Milk. THE importance of Calf Raiting to * the Dairy Farmer of Australia cannot be over-estimatfd. Last season's drought has made it im- perative that a bigger percentage of calves be raised than in the past. The future offers most excellent prospects to the Dairy Farmer who can build up his herd. For Calf Raising the Ridd "Foster-Mother" will be found a great time-saver and a boon to Dairy Farmers. Its action resembles absolutely the natu- ral process followed by the Cow in giving her milk to the Calf. Strong and Durable. Sanitary and Prac- ticable. Price, £4/10/- Feeds 6 Calves at Once. The only satisfactory device on the Market for Feeding Calves. THE RIDD COMPANY LTD. 495-497 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE. 10 Jan., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. "PERFECTUS" APPARATUS for the TREATMENT of MILK FEVER in COWS .•; BY THE METHOD RECOMMENDED IN THE :: JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE " I 'HE treatment by this apparatus ■^ is effective and easy to per- form, and it is indeed rare that the severest case does not yield to it. The treatment should be applied directly the symptoms of the fever become manifest. The set contains everything neces- sary to efifect a cure, including a thermometer for aiding the recogni- tion of the disease. PRICE COMPLETE, 12s. 6d. (Postage 9d.) Ask your nearest Chemist for it, and if he cannot supply, apply to us direct FELTON, GRIMWADE & CO., MELBOURNE WATER LIFTED 500 FEET AND PUMPED A MILE At a Cost of One Penny per Hour. OUR FARM PUMP Engine will do this as well as cut chail, saw wood, work shearing machines, &c. It can be attached to a windmill or almost any other pump in 3 minutes. Needs no mechanic to fix or operate, and worLs ail day without attention. Hundreds sold and giving satisfaction. Price £35, with "Bosch" Magneto. If interested in water supply or irrigation, state your workins conditions and we will quote. We stock Steam, Kerosene, Petrol, and Hot Air Engines, Centri- fugal f-'umps. and "Myers'," "Gould's" fit "Deming's" Pumps for all services. " Mackie's " Rock and Water Borer and plants for deep well and bore pumping a specialty. We erect it required and give easy terms. Catalogs and Expert Advice Free. Sole Agents for "Lister's" (British Built) Petrol and Kerosene Engines, " Bosch" Magneto Ignition, U. 3. 3, 7. and 9 HP. in Stock. Send for Special CatnloKUCs. Over 3.000 Easy Terms. Agents AVanted Everywhere. THE "CHALLENGE The High Quality — Low Price MiU. It's all steel, all galvanised, internal geared, fitted with forged crank, positive brake, sensitive govarnor, renewable bearings, and efficient lubrication. One customer has purchased I 17 mills. Scores have purchased 30 to 40. All give satisfaction. 6 ft. Mill, weight 330 lbs. .. £6 8 ft 420 £& 10 ft 526 itlO Other sizes in proportion. Towers from £3. Get Catalog. Pumps, piping, troughs, tanks, lank stands, all accessories stocked. Our Expert will inspect site, quote price, and erect if required. Easy terms given. Langw^ill Bros. & Davies Pty. Ltd. 110-114- STURT ST. (Near Prince's Bridge) SOUTH MELBOURNE W'-i Journal of Af/riculfvre, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. Special Weeder for Sugar Beets, Maize, &c. This tool is a great favourite with gi'owers, because it is Iniilt for that purpose. It is also used successfully for market gardeners. No. 35— I'aeked weight, 70 lbs. Price, 41/- Special side hoes are used to cut the surface close to the young plants, without injuring the plants by throwing soil on them — at the same time three 1| inch teeth thoroughly cultivate the soil in the middle. A rear sweep, 8 inch, destroys all remaining weeds, gives that much extra cultivation, and turns loose, mellow soil back to the plants (but not on them). As the crop grows the side hoes are taken off, and narrow cultivator teeth put on. Range of Cultivation. — A lever expands the tool to 22 inches and closes to 12 inches THREE PRONG HAY FORKS Bright and blue finish, selected (jualitj- handles, socket ferrule, 12 incli prongs. ^ ft. handle, 1/8 ; 5 ft. handle, 1/9 ; 5i ft. handle, 1/10 ; 6 ft. handle, 2/- The "I WAN" Post Hole Digger Is four times faster than crowbar and spade. No more pressure is needed than to lean on the digger and turn it to the right. Hard, dry ground, of couise, needs more weight. Six half-turns usually fills the digger, and six times filling makes your 3 feet hole. The " IWAN "' bores the hole just big enough for the post— thus you have practically no ramming, and the fence is firm right from the start. Empties with a shake. Has no loose parts, like other post hole diggers, to wobble about or rust up. 8 10 12 14 in. 7/6 7/6 7 6 7 6 8/- 8/6 9 6 10 27/- 34/- each SOLE AGENTS IN VICTORIA ^""^ Proprietary Limited ^- -^ 554-66 & SS2-S8 Collins St., Melbourne ESTABLISHED I860 10 Jan., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. Channel Irrigation. Prevents Seepage. Twice the Capacity at the Price I "HIS is the econ- •*• omy and effici- encyof Billabong Open Fluming as against closed piping. In other words, the material required to make 6 inch piping, will make 12 inch fluming, giving almost double the capacity, while the price is just half. Now for the uses of this fluming -You cannot afford to waste water. Every drop must be put to good account. Then you must prevent the two- thirds loss of water in that mam earth channel. You don't want the water to soak down there. Instal Billabong Fluming and stop this unnecessary waste. Billabong Fluming is made in a variety of sizes and gauges. Outlet pieces and elbows are also obtainable m many sizes. The various clips or bands for joining the lengths of fluming make thoroughly tight and rigid joints. These clips are available in two types one with feel or standard, as illustrated ; and a cheaper type without feet. The former is very handy and readily placed in position. The latter may be supported with wood chocks where necessary, and is peculiarly adapted forsetting in existing earth channels. (Patent No. 10336) Makers of Fluming, Troughing, Windmills, &c., &c 393-399 Bourke St., Melbourne Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. LIME I 0|||a7'C Finely Ground Pure Agricultural Lime is free from sand *^^^ "' ^ or magnesia, and contains 97 "6 percent. Carbonate of Lime (Ballarat School of Mines Assay). Will go through any Drill. Write for Sample and Booklet — Free. Price 12/6 per ton on trucks at Heywood. Works — Cave Hill, Heywood. A. V/. ROW, Proprietor. f^msKsmsm 'Phone 7419 Central The Australasian Mutual Insupanee Soeiety M. 400-2 COLLINS ST., MELBOURNE. Farmers and Breeders We will undertake to Insure your Live Stock at the Lowest Current Rates obtainable in Australia OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF BUSINESS. = Fire, .Marine, Fidelity Guarantee, Plate Glass, Personal Accident and Sickness, Employers' Liability, Workmen's Compen- sation, Public Risk, Motor Car ,Si Burglary, ^m- INSURE WITH THIS SOCIETY, AND RECOMMEND IT TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS JERSEY BUTTER BULLS SIRE-MABEL'S r>„ii_ Dam's Perfonnance under «„. '^""^- Government Herd Testing. •^*^'^- 1. LASSIE (509). October, 1914. Last Season . . 7,340 lbs. Milk. 425 lbs. Butter (5-08 test). This Season .. 6,997 lbs. Milk. 417 lbs. Butter (5-24 test). 2. LASSIE 2nd (1136). December, 1914. Last Season . . 9,385 lbs. Milk. 513 J lbs. Butter (4-79 test). This Season .. 8,544 lbs. Milk. 478 lbs. Butter (4-91 test). CHIEF (imp.). Bulls 3. Age. Dam's Performance under Government Herd Testing. ETTIE 4th (2889). December, 1914. This Season . . 8,743 lbs. Milk. 445 lbs. Butter (4-46 test). SILVER AUDREY (1378). January, 1915. Last Season . . 6,128 lbs. Milk. 34S lbs. Butter (4-98 test), (was on second calf.) SILVERMINE 5th (1386). February, 1915. Last Season . . 5,515 lbs. Milk. 322 lbs. Butter (5-12 test). Apply :-C. GORDON LYON, "BANYULE," HEIDELBERG, VICTORIA. 10 Jan., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. vu Give the Son a Chance OF ATTENDING THE WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE THE MELBOURNE TECHNICAL SCHOOL LATROBE STREET, OPPOSITE LIBRARY. Wool Sorting and Classing UNDER IDEAL CONDITIONS AND EXPERT INSTRUCTORS. WORTH YOUR WHILE TO INVESTIGATE. 1st Term 1916 starts Feb. 7th„ ^^rPR^s"pEc°Tus VETERINARY SUPPLIERS Denyer's "Eclipse" Drenching Bit Solid Brass, Nickel- plated, with Leather Bridle, and good rope, complete with Snap, absolutely un- breakable. Price, 1 5/- each. Denyer's "Eclipse" Emasculator Absolutely No Risk in Castrating Colts, Bulls, Rams, &c. (1914 Model.) The only perfect Castrator ; with it haemorrhage is impossible. Success guaranteed. Price, 33/- each. SICK ROOM SUPPLIERS.— Every article for Sick Nursing and Invalids kept in stock. DENYERS Pty. Ltd. 264-266 SW^ANSTON ST. (4 doors from Lonsdaile St.) 'Phone 902 Central. MELBOURNE Established 25 Years. »— ^^^ WRITE FOR CATALOG SENT POST FREE ^^^^— ^ gggH AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURE Seed Wheat and Seed Oat Cleaners &Graders (FOR HAND OR POWER) Proved conclusively by Practical Farmera that graded seed is hardier ir» growth :: and increases the yield per acre :: -Sthks, Straws & utiier lar;^c ■SliUalailCCS Small Oats, Seeds, Drake, eus, urake, to iftic ind itrokcn Improved Pattern for Season I91t) drain ^ Send for No. 13 Catalogue "Seed Wheat and its Treatment." containing fuller particular! and price*, and tettimoniali from latitfied uicrf. The SCHUMACHER Mill Furnishing Works Pty. Ltd. ^^■l^l^^HB^HBaH^H PORT MELBOURNE Hi^HHHHi^Hl^H^Hi Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON "THE FINEST WAGON EVER" PATENT STEEL WHEELS Patent Felloes. Kenewable Carron Boxes & Oil Caps. The only Steel Wheel that has stood the Test. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS Wheels Guaranteed for 3 years against Breakage, &c. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON.— Irrigationists, Orchardists, Farmers. This Spring Wagon to carry 2 tons, £30 up. Wheels, 36' and 32' dia. 4" Tyres. Table, 9J x 5J feet. Pole or Shafts. Weighs 10 cwt. Ordinary Block Wagon to carry 3 tons, £35. Weighs 12 cwt. These Wheels are guaranteed and will last for all time. HIGHER WHEELS IF NEEDED, and Wagons built to carry any weight up to 20 tons. TRACTION TRAILERS A SPECIALTY. TABLE TOP — Truck body, and all classes of little Wagons for Farm and Station work. Wagons Shipped to all Ports in Australia. WRITE FOR CATALOG TO-DAY. R. J. L. HILDYARD, BRUCE STREET, KENSINGTON, VICTORIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE r^^ Handbook of Potato Diseases in Australia — and their Treatment By D. McALPINE, government vegetable pathologist. With Appendices by W. Laidlaw. B.Sc. (Biologist), on Eel Worms; and C. French, Jnr. (Government Entomologist), on Insect Pests of the Potato. 235 Pages (Cl')th). 58 Full Plates. Pr'irt^ ^ /- Postage : Commonwealth, 2d.: New Zealand, 8d.; 176 Illustrations. II ICC, KJ>/ British and Foreign, 1/4. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to The Director Of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. Farmers ! DON'T NEGLECT :: YOUR EYES :: They are your most valuable possession, and neglect in the early stages may lead to something much more serious. DAIRY & INCUBATOR THERMOMETERS HYGROMETERS HYDROMETERS ARTIFICIAL THERMOMETERS BAROMETERS EYES, Etc., Etc. '^^QQD The Optician 'Phone 6778 Equitablc Buildings, 95 Elizabeth St., Melbourne 10 Jan., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. IX W & W. 503 Cyclone Fences and Gates are GOOD" L The illustPation shows one of the Cyclone Ornamental Fences with Handgate. Tha Cyclone catalogue contains 68 pages of such illustrations and other useful informa. tion. Get one to day— posted Free. CYCLONE PTY LTD., 459 Swanston Street, Melbourne LAND ON EASY TERMS (UNDER THE CLOSER SETTLEMENT ACTS). FARMS and Agricultural Labourers' Allotments in Country Districts. WORKMEN'S HOMES.— Allotments near Large Centres, Available Under Closer Settlement Conditions. Deposit, only 3 per cent; balance payable over 31 A years, at 3 per cent, half-yearly, covering principal and interest. Residence Compulsory for Eight Months in Each Year. Railway Certificates to Travel at Half Rates for Inspection of Land. -APPLY- Lands Purchase and Management Board; Or. INQUIRY BRANCH. LANDS DEPARTMENT. MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. Use Nunan's Patent Spray Irrigation System Be modem in your methods, and adopt the most up-to-date reliable of all appliances for thoroughly irrigating your land by using only Nunan's System Most Simple. Most Effective. Most Economical. Increases Returns. Increases Profits. Saves Labour. Saves Time. Saves Water. Leaves as well as Roots Watered. Remember any area can be equipped, and very little attention is required during operations. Send for full details to NEWELL & CO. 189 King St. MELBOURNE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. PAMPHLETS Obtainable from the Director of Agriculture, Melbourne, Free on Application NEW- - SERIES 2. HINTS FOR NEW SETTLERS. T.A.J.SmUh. 3. APPLE GROWING FOR EXPORT. P. J. Carmod'j. 5. CIDER MAKING. J. Kniqht. 7. CITRUS FRUIT CULTURE. E. E. Pescott. 8. BUILDING HINTS FOR SETTLERS. A. S. Kenyan, C.E., and others. 9. TOBACCO CULTURE. T. A. J. Smith. 10. SILOS AND SILAGE. G. H. F. Baker. 11. THE BEET SUGAR INDUSTRY AND CLOSER SETTLEMENT. U. T. Easterhy. 12. WORMS IN SHEEP. S. S. Cameron, D.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S. 13. CHEESE MAKING (Cheddar). C.S.Sawers. 4. FARM BLACKSMITHING. G. Baxter. 5. BROOM FIBRE INDUSTRY. T. A. J. Smith. 7. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1911-12. W. A. N. Robertson, B.V.Sc. 8. REPORT ON FIRST EGG-LAYING COMPETITION AT BURNLEY, 1911-12. H. V. Hawkins. 9. LIME IN AGRICULTURE. Dr. S. S. Cameron and others. 20. NUMERICAL SYSTEM OF PACKING APPLES. E. Meeting. 21. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1912-13. W. A. N. Robertson, B.V.Sc. 22. WHEAT AND ITS CULTIVATION. A. E. V. Richardson, M.A., B.Sc. 23. HINTS ON PACKING AND FORWARDING FRUIT FOR EXPORT. J. 0. Turner. 24. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS 1913-14. W.A. J!f. Robertson, B.V.Sc. 25. SUCCESSFUL POULTRY KEEPING, &c. A. Hart. 26. TOMATO CULTURE IN VICTORIA. S. A. Cock. 27. SUMMER FODDER CROPS. Temple A. J. Smith. A.1S0 Leaflets on Foul Brood of Bees, Transferring Bees, Feeding Cows for Milk Production, Utility o Testing: Cows, The "Escutcheon" — A Guide to Milking Merit, Sulphiting, Some Vintage Con siderations. Spring Frosts, Cut Worms, Insect Pests of the Potato. t 10 Jan., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. XI iC THE BEST is CHEAPEST— ALWAYS !" LYSAGHT'S CORRUGATED ROOFING IRON Look for the "ORB" Brand on every Sheet. Obtainable from all leading Ironmongers, Storekeepers, and Timber Merchants throughout Australia. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Burnley Horticultural School E. E. PESCOTT, Principal. ANNOUNCEMENT The curriculum and management of the Burnley Horticultural School have now been arranged »o that greater advantages and facilities will be given to students of both sexes in Horticulture and allied subjects. The present course of Horticulture for male students includes a two years' course, students being charged a fee of £3 per annum. Classes have been formed at Burnley, whereby students of both sexes may receive in- strudlion on two afternoons of each week — Tuesdays and Fridays. Instrucflion includes theoretical and pra(3ical work, and will commence at 2 p.m. This will be a two years" course, and the fee charged will be £2 per annum. It has also been arranged that several short ledure courses shall be given on subjeiSs which ■re suitable adjunds to Horticulture, such as Poultry Farming, Bee-keeping, and Fruit Preserving, and these courses will be open and free to the general public. The subjeds and date* of the Short Course Ledurcs will be announced in this Journal. STUDENTS SHOULD ENROLL WITHOUT DELAY Application for Admission should be n>ad« to the Director of Ajcriculture. Public Offices. Melbourne: or to the Principal. Jo^irnal of Aijriculttire, Victoria, [10 Jan., 1916. NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES ^= Will clear your land of trees, stumps, boulders, &c., in a fraction of the time required by any other means, and at less than half the cost. They are also invaluable for sub-soiling. If you are interested write to us and ask for Pamphlet, entitled. — ''EXPLOSIVES FOR THE FARMr DALGETY& Co. Ltd., Bourke-st., Melb. Sole Agents for NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES Co. Ltd., GLASGOW. N EW ZEALAND LOAN & MERCANTILE AGENCY 7 COMPANY LIMITED Head Office — Melbourne Office— LONDON. COLLINS ST. W. LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES Wool, Grain, Skins, Hides, Tallow, Bark, Stock and Station Brokers ON COMMISSION ONLY. BUTTER SHIPMENTS UNDERTAKEN ON OWNER'S AGCOUNT Agents for - - COOPER'S DIP FOR VICTORIA AND RIVERINA, PAGE'S Patent Wire Strainer and IRONSIDE'S Wire Cutter CHIEF AGENTS IN VICTORIA tor the PALATINE INSURANCE COY. 10 Jan., 1916.] Journal of Agi-icultui'e, Victork DOOKIE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE Provides Special Facilities for Practical and Scientific Agricultural Education. Notable Agriculturist* «ay that thii College offer* the be*t agricultural education and practical training in the world. The Se8*ions commence MARCH and SEPTEMBER, and Student* maj be enrolled at any time. Alternative Courses — (a) Diploma Course (i) One Year's Course. Three Years. Total Fees — First Year Second Year Third Year . . £34 5 0 29 5 0 25 0 0 The CoUese contains modern and well equipped laboratory and ledure hall, single bedrooms, recreation and sports grounds. Of the 5,91 3 acres of farm land at Dookie, 1 ,000 acres were put under crop by students last season ; and champion prizes were won for sheep and pigs at the last Royal Agricultural Society's Show. FARM SUBJECTS. — Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Fruit Growins, Butter and Chee*e Factory Management, Building Construction for Farmers. EACH BRANCH UNDER SPECIALLY TRAINED EXPERTS. LONGERENONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SESSIONS COMMENCE MARCH AND SEPTEMBER. This College is specially adapted for Junior Students from 14 years of age. AREA OF FARM, 2,336 ACRES. MAIN BRANCHES OF FARM WORK.— Grain Growing, Fat Lamb Railing. Dairying. Irrigation of Fodder Crop*. Fruit, &c. Total Fees— £25 per annum. Full particulars obtainable from T. J. PURVIS, Eiq., Secretary, Council of Agricultural Education, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, or the Principal* of the College*. LYSAGHTS WIRE NETTING MADE IN AUSTRALIA. All Sizes Manufactured. \ inch to 4 inch Mesh. The Standard Netting of the State LOOK FOR OUR MARKER IN EVERY ROLL. Our manufacture of Rabbit -proof Wire Netting Is known as the best throughout Australia. Better In quality, and owing to Its being loose rolled less costly to erect than any Im- ported Netting. U' uii.l li' MKSU. LYSAGHT BROS. & CO. Ltd. MANUFACTURER.S. SYDNEY. AGENTS : GIBBS, BRIGHT & CO., 34 Queen St., MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. LINES FOR THE FARMER!- I FOR ROOFS OF COTTAGES, STABLES. SHEDS, &C. INDELBBLO COLD WATER PAINT FOR ALL OUTSIDE PAINTING Wholesale Agents : — 'N ALL G^AL^iSVlU COLOURS FOR INSIDE PLASTERED WALLS Obtainable from all Storekeepers BROOKS, ROBINSON & CO. Ltd. - To FARMERS and OTHERS. For your House, Barn, Woolshed, Dairy, Fencing, &c. — M£! JARRAH or TASMANIAN ^ HARDWOOD TIMBERS THERE ARE NONE BETTER. Large Stocks of Scantlings, Weather-boards, Floorings, &c. ^iTuI- Millars* Timber & Trading Co. Ltd. QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE. BONEDUST, SUPERPHOSPHATE, And Other High-Grade Fertilizers. Poultry Bone Grit, Meat Meal, Cattle Lick Delivered at Railway Station, Footscray, or on Wharf, Melbourne Bonedust Manufacturer J. COCKBILL, OFFICE : 407 POST OFFICE PLACE, MELBOURNE BONES BOUGHT. CONSIGN TO ME. FOOTSCRAY. Telephone 2098. o o O l> tf ■i ^ 1- o o -* ■* ■* T*( M c^ IM C5 M ■"^ ■"^ ■^ ^^ P3 W fcT • N 1— ( 1— 1 '-3 H s P? fe . (a o • Eq s E=< pp O H «^ o 1— ( C5 D H 3 CO 03 h^ TJ PM p c Q O 1—1 cd Eia 05 _S 05 O < < '-tJ O Cn 1 . H O © • CO q 05 o 3 H o p:i s H r2 i5 ^ 05 be o ^ o >— 1 05 « to O !J^ H s "rt Q a c: W H .3 •^ Ph „ 3 _o 3 o O H O E Pm o c CO o c o pq G c O 5 O to to . q P < a a o 5 c o ^ O s o o • 5 P5 H 5 £ < -3 o o s i O O CO CS IS 'o 00 < CO < 'o <5l CO cS 'o s CO CS es CO a _o _o CO ^ C c c C c o c c o o o o ci o ^^ e„ £>„ i'. J o J= ^ K to c 50 c o to o o "o^ "H. to ^s CO cS -5 u &.I u u. o O 2 o 43 2 — O ^ i< sS s 2 s s Ph 5 Pu S.5 S Ph 05 _^ ■»j 4^ ^ ^ ^ u ^ .1^ o 2 a c c c c c c c C '"' C c fe o o o (U o o o o o O -3 o o o o o o u o o o o U C o o u ;^ ll u u L.< t^ u t., u CS u u s. ^ g. * o s. ^ E. H. o ». ^ __^ 1-^ < > H s D Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. H P3 P P P H P O I— I o < o P3 o O M P5 S I— I fi 6 Oh o I— I Ph Pm O Ph fi A H XJl h-H P? CO liisiiiis ill ^' i i . •S ^ o £ a 32.-e5Sfl2.t;2 .-ens a > ^ S 1 - :2 5 3 2 £ ^ ^ s ^ ^ g ,o r p, T3 S^ ■« O^O,, -O ^ O-iSQ., -is c Z- t^ "H lJ is h! Ph '^ M 2 a h! C4 i-l T3gh:i O Ph '-* -g g '-' S '-' a ^'gg|ft|5 ;s ^issfti ,g|§ -g c8 o a a O & S - 1 Pk "2 of^ oO' a? 3 C o . a a 3 ? J3 ^ ~^ .Q 03 S a ,1=1 .csa St; 3 .s ,c4B ^ ^.-s 3;^ a a a c ^«iS 3 3 Ph bd w C D^ ^^Q) >.IU I- ^ o s ^ ;h .a asked the ure ton. ■qOOOOOOOOOOOOO c^OOOOOOOOO iC o ^ o o o o o lO lO lO o o o r^ 1— 1 rH T-H rH rH T-t rH rH o o =2 S trt-^-^-^^OOOOOCOCOOO^O- to O CO CO in 01 tH o § ^ o p ^ o • ffq Pm o fto o o o o o o • o o o o O"- rH t-H rH rH rH J3 PM d oooooc. ocooooo O O O ".-J 1 lOinioico^oooioovoo 0-- o lO lO lO O O O O O l~ ^ t~ i-H l^ l^ l~ o ,1-3 rH rH i-l 1-1 C-l e-l 5-1 (M CI T^ rH T~i ;z; d 6 6 •d S . . o . . . . . . . o . . . 03 ■g •■ 1^' "§■■■*■■■ ■ a n rt 0-] =« . < ^ >H (A m mSiJ-S Md^i-4T3 T3t4 d ft ■^ -1 g S '^ g » s fe iSs s £ 1 ? H i ? t« s w s s fc o o c _2 ft, II Is e o 3 a <4H o S ft O ta ■d S •■§ "t ^5 12; ro n Q M w 10 Jan., 1916.] Artificial Fertilizers Act. « o M ^ fi ■■s a u a o t! S t- .,1-1 q p, * S 6 — a - o c32 lJS o s oo o 2 t. S !=?•-: 'o - s i 6 o - ;0^ - 2 s Is ^ -5 ag PL, a 1^1 o -a . 6 o '^ 3 ^ O _^ .<0 °20 «ij S H^ ^< O 0!0 O O I> IM IM IM (M <. d r/i d u 6 n a ^ C tfj ^ O --^ (^; 3 ^Ea IM o o "2 .a 5 o « 55 '1 bi ■^ » s £: : - = ^ ?i ^, ■S* 3 as o •a o c c! 4» o .a ^ B. c O o a. ■ft. - - a 2 - Q ft. 3 ■/J 1 B. a T3 2 = 22 c3 : o d § 6 ! S;2 o »> ft SI a ^ 5 a ■< o lO lA in o o o oo o o o o o o o o o o (S o o oo o o o o o o o o ^ o o^ CO CO o CJO CO m ■^ -f -* ^ t~ l~ [', I*, H '"' "^ (N rHIM "^ '"' ■* ■^ -* '"' •^ '^ '^ Q o o o ino o o o o o o S ;^.-= ^=3 0^3 '— 'C t3 +3 ■d £s^ S TJ Ai Cl^ ^ c; ■"I r°;ia ►": c O Is o o a o 0^ c 0^ si gp^ S ^ = p ^' c c -• "o *" *J H 1? ^ ~ "H *- wi .- _ = -b c • ^ s _ «* "^ i" «^ r "^ o ° g d g H) £ Ch ~~ in •= £■=5 S *f j£ =J d o C ci ' ■5 s d ^ O o t; P 5 ■■ •-J o o o o o o o CO O O O OO OO ^ 00 Irt CO ^O CO O lA in uo m iTi iri iO lio O lO lO i^ irt lO CO CO «c o o lO o iC o lO irt o t^ CO CO 4)1 w CO in 0-1 CO 3 S coco ??-; no 00 C5 CO CO CO in o ,. lO lO o ie^ !M o -* '^M ^3 ^ o o o o o o o o o o o o5 : : : : o o o o o o o lO u-O fSo • • (M Ol CO CO o c o (M 00 on 00 00 t» CM i-H rH i-H (N & KS£-=2» o 2 . one plio lood and m p. a pa P5 10 Jan., 1916.] Artificial Fertilizers Act. a o H O "w :a » c W u o a o 90 .t^ "c-- £ '^ C — ^ lJ uJ oi-:i I 6 5 s S'l'i eg — r o is^;so'|i^g3 eu g 6 o Is o s o o •— C ■— '-iJ S ■5-< S o 6 a '^O OO O OO O O O ^O O o o CO v^ -^ in (M r-< ^i \ri in lO wo c-i o c-i ^o ift irt lo o o o o o in »n m lo o c/7 ^ 6 -^m d >5 a d s'^S'^ HJ s-a i-J u<: .2?5.2iz; a Kf=. !^ a CO M-< rt ^ ^ S g a -3 :S3 III 2 §3 «S2 6iid| " "? c T:~5.^a ~ a t- g agcS-S .5.2"' S * ,-— -sS g^ d o.£|1 g.«- sJgs--^i --1 §0.2 -g g?:-e^o t^ J^ t^ |>o i^ t- I> m m H ^ ^ *"* r-l '"' rH rH 0 0 =3 QJ 0 in a-i m om r^ 0 00 mo in GO m 00 c 0 < i'-§ CO (NO i^ CO e-i 0 0 0 S^M T|( CO m 1,0 CO m CO mi> m CO m IM C5 •M CO is-o 1—* tH r-* 1-H cc fo om COI> § 00 mm m m m 00 mm 0 m •m 0 m § § § mo I^O 2 00 rH i-HiH 0 rH 0 rHrH rl 0 rH m m m j[^ =• : 3 rt i = 0 A .c:-3 iu'S Q c f^5o-5 — 5 = ^ a g 0 ■5. y.i< ^? ■^^ •5? C? '.' 5 : . If - KS « »m a n < n » 0 a xa Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. -r =i 5-= .9^ ;o oS o o o o "-•, r ft o '^ no - •^ ^ T ^ :2 o s t< 'A O C3 -^ CD o o o o *^ o o CI C^l O iJ^ W ijT^ -M •- =2 g ^ «CI> o uO O o o ..oo o o Pm — ci o^ o Ph iCO o lO o o o oo oo cS o CI c o o o o o o o o? O lO CO O) o to o i~o O CO o H r-< t— f '"' 1-H r-l iH i-H i-H fi oo o lO o o o oo o o .-HO I- o o o oo oo «1 ^ 5 3 o? o -* CO CO ~f CO CI CO o 5 o r-Irt ^ '-' '-' ^ ^,-H ,-Hrf o n 1 = roo c o o o o oo oo p< o° o CO in 0-! o o CO o CO oo 00 n oo if QO w •5^ >^ 6 C3 s o^ fS:o gen o o o o o o o oo oo oo o o oo oo c o^ ^ o lO o-i r.O 00 ^ (N CO CO CO !z; ^A fe CI --< . fq „,^ o 6 ■ =^s M !z; iz; *-^ o O (U ■<.a •^ H^ ^! !^^ ^.2 fH s s Si« «;^ I ft O o o "3 ai o "a SO, CO O as 10 Jai^., 1916.] Artificial Fertilizers Act. fis 1 i ^ s a cr .-. "SJ so i (^ ^ 5 c ". .2 S ^ "= S u ^ 2 >^ .a a ■6 £„& 2 1 *rt >13 . o 2 K o 2 W«^ ^ ^«S o O d, '^-■^oPiopq-fl li!!'! Walls' e asked ir the anure r ton. ^ o o=co o oooo w o oiMO o oomo I— 1 rH fH •^■"S c. t«l 1^ OOI- l> oo«to Ph o ooo o oooo o oco o oocoo t5 . 2o (-4 « o? o i'- o o c o ■^- i C-. 5 p: o -* w I- t- 'C -.C '-2 !zS S3 O >5 sS o oco o oooo c5 o ooo o cot>o 04 C-l s d o U500 o O'*«eo to o o t-hoo o ifti>oc?; : :-: : : : : : : d •6 o c •o ... . — . cj « c ■ • • ■ S '1 " 1? c?5t« a ««>!-; - ? o I* a -s pq ta 03 10 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. < ^ S J ttle ical rue >A 5 ^ .'^. i| . . 11 (^ •3 0£ oi -^ s s P^ a Hi OTS . -d . . a rt->^ a-.^ 6-s I-; O o o t « g «s g >-' 5 ' " p. 2 (1h o a ii ., o M ' Si P est; ^ 2 " " Jo 2 ■S o £0^0 £0 ^ ^ g O t^ O \a L^ lO :o irt iTi CO ^s^ ooo oooo oooo CO (MC^(M - "tJ^ (NO-* CO CO CO Ci ^ CO CO CO O OOO tH O O (N OOOO CO COvft 1-H ooo o ! 0 0 5-I iC, lO to ii ^ -^ 8-50 11-26 12-96 8-00 Ol rM 'M o oo e-io ■Jf 5.] ^ C-J O (MO ? CO-* CO CO ir; CO »n OOOiO -# -tvO CO O oo CI >o oooo vn T-i i-H CO !M in O S ° n l> vO ic r- t- 0 1.0 lo 0 m I- I- 1> 0 in in t^ in t-Ol t^t~ r> .2 ^ c« (_, rH r-i rH r-^ rH r^ g S ct! u:j 0 in lO 00 vn in uo in 10 CD cc 0 in in in 0 in 0 t^ 00 CO •^ c3 O o? '. c, o IM c moo c 00 1.0 I> 0 0 (M 00 0=000 ^ 0 IN4 in 0 I> i>-*^ 0 ■* t-OO t^to 00 'o C--0 OS i^ CiU5-^i i> OintO COOrH ooin CO 0 004 OCO rli d H "^ "^ i-t tH rH r-(i-( rH rH rHrHrHrH rHrHrH '"' f-i ■^ ^ o _aj in I> 00 00 CO 0 rHlrt oi -^in t^co w 10 00 0 t^CO CO O c3 3 o (N ■^ 00 -^ -^O -n* in -^ -* CO H^rH rHOCO ■* in (NCO (NOJ r~ << S a S 5S0 0 0 ^-oo AlO MOOOoAl Aiobo r-1 0 00 00 h\ 'o s o b m o j; i» I^ t~ (N CCC CMS 0 -^ in 00 CO rH in COM in in i>in c~co CO "S 3 10 IM -# CO •* ■* CO •* 0 -^ -^ CO rt 00 incOrH CO in 1M« INrH c» o ^ a c'-o 0 0 oco c 0 1H00000 OOM 0 0 00 00 0 a Ah 3 -73 t4 "^ 0 00 10 0(NOOO i>C50iooin oino ■* 0 00 rH ooe-j 0 3 -" rH 0 5D CO 0 CO ■*oco r-oco 000 00 CO rHin IM :S _3 o'o 0 0 fH -^ CO CO la Aioin iM-i (N ■-^ t> meocoor^ 0 CO (M M 0 (M rH inOi (M rH H(l (MO 0 0^0 t~ 0 ioKN JlO Ali-IO S^IMW rHOO CO 0 t*-.4)i OM « ♦+ ■1— 1' 1 1 ■1— w> ++++ • ■•" s_ 6 0 "3 ^ NJ a ■ • • ■ Zi S <^ -^ 1— t = 2 ' = ^ -'J s : : : : 0 0 : .- a '3 6 a 0 H 55 c a tta y.A tcsc .a — in 0 e a 00 ■h • ♦♦ .s e 12 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. P3 O f> CO 'A . I-H O HO ^ 2la r^ O O^ cCOOOOOO O O CD COCO o c^»n >n-^ -^ m o -^ '^ ^i* >rt "^ -^-^ ■^tj< in p03^Ut!It'no -.c(M CO — I r^ iM c-! —I — ■M O! IM rt 0 OO OO OS O O 01 (M (N C-l OJ .^ Ol (>< •punoj ^X OS CO M CO ■* lO (N CO ( .-H e-i -J —I -H paa^u'Bj'BBO •punoj .•paj^uBJt'uo lOO O O (M (M IM O) IM 'M lO (N CO ^ ^ >o -I ^ (M .-I r— -M (NO! lO (M OJ CO r^ .-I ,-1 Or - --I 00 >0 00 O w 1> O t~ l^ OSCOOSl-OOi-HClOCOiO r-l^t^I>I:^CO00O5 -,eO coS -* iM OS rH c-l CI 00 •* ooo cOi-H O o-a -* ^ r^\ o:) *•- '■' 5o CI i^ 1-- CO w i^ o CO CO i^ ^ i^ i^ la •poo^uBiBtio o ^00 o o OO o o m in O rt -M o CO CO !z; •pano^ o - o , . Tl< j^ IM o in 1^ com i-~r- o (M «0 O^IIV l^ C-I CO O in T— I in 00 -H r-H -^ o^ %% 5^. ^ 03 o> in o> 00 OS '- CO ■ OJ 00 OS OJO 03 O l^ d 6 6 '.A 6 O c;> O * u : ■a ■a o cS 6 « a c3 6 C3 r3 O tT r- r-, c o « j: u ,S If 3 -•a B r/3 1 1 c4 : a CO CO - S C3 -1 1 W 1-^ o CO Ml St ; ^ i-:i •«j &: ■< S ^ S 3 <^ B s •o^ laq'G'i CC ,^5it/3 2.*^ CO CO ►^ BB5c^-! • • O'jn cS c3 c« X O o O £^ B^^B'=i* , *B ;^ §^ ^^ >..2 :§" « e-!^; : j: ."•■ 5 A Jin 9 o, -■^ -g,- -Em p.i p-a ^'^ p-s "§■§ ^ '^^ p-w ^ p< '.2 .2 a.. . CD ft_o * |I? P- 2£-^ " B £ J3 Cl t~ 00 OS in in \n »n in o^ J](n5J(nci'nci j:jj:jj:3S2?2?h3 10 Jan., 1916.] Artificial Fertilizers Act. 13 ^T' o > o O en H BJ O & r. <» -) < H o C) s ] 0 r^ I^ CO csin ojin CO ^0 rJIOI coco _ ■punoj S? in — 1 ^ CO 00 CO t^(M t^ —1 0 05 0 i-^ rH as .-1 coo rt 0 00 00 <» IMO-I -101 C-I 0 0 0 000 000 00 00 00 0 0 a) •p99^aBJBno 5«! 000 OOJO 00 00 00 0 0 g o a (M M(Nl^ woaiM (NCO C^ 5;? '* "^ 0 CO OiM 0 rH CO-H CO -* CL4 nn ^ . • in —ceo coo • ^ it. 0 0000 00 0 CO^ 00 CO 00 ^ ^H i-H r-1 — * r-( l-H -H -■H —1 0 0 0 (M 0 0 0 0 is o § ■paa^uBj^no ??s in !N M oq CO '^ CO r-\ CO -f CO 01 _, 0 in ■punoj 5? to ~3 Jl • 0 ■ M M - « ^ _p 05C»C0 cot^ 000 eo ^« CS 0 " ai 0 ei 0 (Mcjin <3»00O 1^ r-\ t- 0 inco i-^ r-.l-CO I- 00 50l~ cot- CO 00 6 • 6 • • d d A s 1 0 0 -o • -o -0 0 > 0 -s TJ -r) * n "Cm - **!r 0 c s a a a o:" do II e3 ri J3 C5 c8 •^ j= 0 X 3 ^^ •a a •■§ a^ a =? . - -■3 =3-3 ■3"''= a "3 a a 0 CO to c r? CO Sm as . tio a "13 = J s 1 s 3 0 1-9 3:5 -a 3 0 §•55 3 5 ^ d 3 a CO 3 CO M f^ t-d^ oi'-^ j| II. C.3 0 S 3 1 C3 1 d c4 0 c 0 0 £.-3 a 3 0 3 ?"t d * 0 ca . a 2 '-^ 2 S. ?d 3 c a. 1 in 2^ ^ - ^ 25 : .=" : 3 - ■? i? - — ' ^ "^ '^ 3 i- i 5 ~^X? §."-.2 2 li-y. ii 0 £ a. 3 -/; ■3 c a 3 1, ■0}i ioq«l M «» ■M 0 11 0 (M -tin 1 V, (M lO CO Q (N w H o 12; l-I > c; o 7) a O p o >5 S2 M R o o fe < M H rn « « ^1 H N fR n n H rn PS w w Pi ;=^ s a <1 W C/J H o O P3 1-5 Ji^:5 3 o O CO o to ^ o o o O CO C !M 11 C (M •> o in o U-: -.:; i5 r- o o .^t!J^'nj[) ift o lo o c o I^ vO t^ o c o ^H O OOO OCir-iO CO GO lO CO OGO r-cccoco >-i t^ CD I^ OOO OOOO l^ Tt* OS 11 5 a -u'Bj'Bno > n CJ C « c'^^ ^a o s o H^^ i-sO s O <1 ^ ^ o-< ?^ Zi — 3 a OM « N3 1^; ■7-\ N O - ^ . ; c S ■j; _ 3 t; 5^ r! 1^ .s CJ 1= S W g ftg hi t/3 ^ - o <; r^ ■* • r? S ti 2 O u< 2.2-ss as 5^-71 S^S-S ■o^ST UiciT'I r^ 00 O^ fMoocor^ oo -^ 00 00 oo Oi Oi ^ Oi o o M C^ C<) C-1 C-1 CI CI ^ CI (N to < O O o «2 •*a CO ^ a ^ ja ZO <1 03 Ph s s eotjo • o osi a at t> ti P. S fl^ °°^ C H '- " ug a o cq P.P-^ I>00 « o-'S ■ax) " IS = O cS c4+i ee's'S S S 3 O O o as=" aa-s t8 cS {S §CS° fi a ■ o O aj O O c .S-Sc c4 cS 2 w O O 3 o OOO £ o &(1 . < o t-i o d fl o f> pi ? 10 Jan., 1916.] Inspection under the Artificial Fertilizers Act. 15 INSPECTION UNDER THE ARTIFICIAL FERTILIZERS ACT. Season 1914-15. By P. R. Scott, Chemist for Agriculture, and W. C. Robertson, Supervising Analyst. Owing to resignations from the staff and important special work carried out in the Laboratory during the past year, the usual thorough method of inspecting artificial manure stocks and consignments could not be undertaken. However, during the course of the year approximately 50 samples of the various manures on the market were collected. The majority were obtained at the consigning station in the metropolis, but as a safeguard one or two flying visits were made to the country and samples taken en route. In addition, numerous consignments were weighed when being consigned, and it is satisfactory to report that in every instance the guaranteed net weight was exceeded. In one or two cases technical breaches were observed, and a note of warning despatched to the offender. Whilst technical offences of the Act are, speaking generally, lightly regarded by merchant, agent, and farmer, it should be remembered that they offer loopholes for the practice of fraud. As an instance one particular case is cited. A consignmcvit of artificial manure was noticed, each and every bag of which had a label affixed as required by the Act. A closer inspection of the labels, however, disclosed the fact that the net w^eight in pounds had been altered, the printed number being deleted and a pencil number substituted. Alterations to the label cannot be permitted, simply because it opens up an avenue for fraud. The samples collected comprise mainly " Superphosphates," " Bone Fertilizer and Super.," and " Bone Fertilizers " ; but, in addition, samples of " Dissolved Bones and Super.," " Blood, Bone, and Super, mixed," " Nitro-Supcrphospliate," ''Animal Fertilizer," "Blood and Bone Fertilizer," and " Onion Manure " were obtained. In not one single instance did the analysis of these samples disclose any necessity to institute proceedings. The following is a comparison of tiie average analytical result of the collected samples against the average guaranteed analysis, together with tlie com]')arahve average value calculated on the season's unit values. SrPEKPFrOSPUATES. Average Guarantee. Phosphoric Acid. Water Soluble . i Citrate Soluble . , nJoIuble 17-10 •91 2-00 Total. 20-01 Average Analysis of Collected Sample Phosphoric Acid. Water Soluble. Citrate Soluble. iiJ^ol'ublc.l ^•***'- 17-25 1-04 1-83 20 -12 16 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. The average price paid for the manure per ton was £4 7s. 6d., the average value of the samples collected was found to he £4 7s. 3d., and the average value calculated on the average guarantee £4 6s. 5d. '' Bone Fertilizer and Supers." Phosphoric Acid. Nitrogen. Water Soluble. Citrate Soluble. Citrate Insoluble. Total. Average guarantee Average analysis of samples collected 1-33 9.56 1-58 10-76 2-50 3-18 6-31 18-37 4-73 18.67 The average price paid for the manure per ton was £5 10s. 3d., the average value of the collected samples £4 19s. lOd., and the average guaranteed value £4 12s. 6d. Bone Fertilizers. Nitrogen. Phosphoric Acid. Citrate Soluble. Citrate Insoluble. Total. Average guarantee Average ana lysis of samples collected 3-13 3-42 3-55 7-40 13-15 11-39 16-70 18-79 The average price paid per ton was £5 18s. 7d., the average value of samples collected was found to be £5 8s., and the average value, calculated on the average guarantee, £4 15s. 9d. Only one sample of " Dissolved Bone and Super." was collected. The price charged was £5 10s. per ton, the value calculated on the analysis of the sample was £4 15s. Id., and the value according to the guarantee £4 9s. 4d. The single sample of " Mtro-Super.," sold at £5 10s. per ton, was valued at £4 17s. 7d., whilst the calculated value on the result of the analysis was found to be £5 15s. lOd. per ton. Three samples of " Blood and Bone Fertilizer " were sold at the average price of £7 per ton, the guaranteed value was £6 lis., Avhilst the average actual value (average analysis of collected samples) was £7 4s. lid. In the single case of a complete or special fertilizer, viz., onion manure, the price charged per ton was £6 7s. 6d., the guaranteed value £5 10s. 2d., and the actual value calculated from the result of the analysis £5 19s. 4d. The fanner should remember that the annual unit values are not based on the agricultural value of the different fertilizers. The unit values are distinctly and decidedly commercial, and they may be controlled by the manufacturers. The Artificial Manures Act gives the procedure for calculating the unit values, and briefly it is as follows: — The Chemist for Agriculture, from the manufacturer's guarantee and declared prices as set out in the 10 Jan., 1916.] Inspection under the Artificial Fertilizers Act. 17 annual registrations, computes, from the simple manures only, the average unit value of each constituent having a commercial value. Whilst the present system has many disadvantages, the figures obtained from the samples of fertilizers collected this year are of more than ordinary interest. Taking the case of the simple manure Superphosphate, it Avill be •noticed that not only does the average guarantee and average analysis coincide almost exactly, but the difference between the price. charged for the manure per ton and the average value computed from both guarantee and analysis result is only a matter of Is. — that is to say, the farmer on an average has received full commercial value. The maximum value calculated on analysis result Avas £4 13s. lOd., whilst the minimum was £4 Is. 9d. per ton. Turning to the figures given under " Bone and Supers." we fijid a different story, for, whilst the average analysis compares more than favorably with the average guarantee, there is a marked difference in the commercial value. Commercially the average " Bone and Super." was valued at £4 19s. lOd., and Avhilst being guaranteed to be worth £4 12s. 6d., the price charged per ton was £5 10s. 3d. These figures mean that the farmer paid 10s. 5d. per ton for the labour entailed in mixing the two manures, viz.. Bone Fertilizer and '' Super." to produce '' Bone and Super." Again, in the case of " Bone Fertilizers," incorrectly termed the " Bonedust Substitute," we find the average guarantee much below the average analysis as found in collected samples, and yet the actual commercial value of the samples was found to be £5 8s. per ton, whilst the average price charged was £5 18s. 7d., and the guaranteed value £4 15s. 9d. In the case of " Xitro Super." and " Blood and Bone Fertilizers," it will be observed that the farmer came out with a credit balance of some 5s., whereas the samples of " Dissolved Bone and Super." and '^ Onion " manure show a commercial loss of from 8s. to 15s. Summed up briefly, this year's figures advise farmers to buy Siiper- phosphate, Blood and Bone Fertilizer, and iSTitro-Superphosphate ; but, as the commercial value is subject to alteration from year to year, no hard-and-fast rule can be laid doAvn. It follows that the farmer, in asking to be supplied Avith "mixed" or "special" fertilizers, is fully aware of the extra trouble and labour entailed in their jirepjiratioii, and consequently knows full well tliat be will have to ])ay for it. Taking Bone Fertilizer and Superjihosphate mixed in tlie proportion of 1 : 1 (i and 1), if the farmer buys the nuuiures singly and mixes them himself, he will save 7s. 6d. per ton. This is the price charged for the labour of mixing. In the case of " Tomplete " and "' Special" Fertilizers, this figure is considerably higher. A word on the jjractice of iiKiuuiMng with iiii.xed manures. Xo experiiucnts have as yet been undertaken by tlie Agricultural Department in the matter of manuring with these manures, and, taking tlie potato or onion crop as an example, it is a moot point as to whether the ])<)tato and onion manures on the market will ]iro(luce any additional profit over and above th;it jir(pduce(l by the simple nianun! su|i(>rphospluito IS Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. alone. Tlie outcome of appreciable dressings of Potash or Nitrogen fertilizers, or both in eonjnnction with the usual dressing of super- phosphate, is a horse of another colour. Taking into consideration the fact that the simple manures as a general rule analyze well, both as regards fertilizing constituents and value, the farmer is well advised who orders simple manures only, and compounds these on the farm as occasion demands. FARMERS' FIELD DAY. RUTHERGLEN EXPERIMENTAL FARM. 19th November, 1915. (Abridged from the Rutherghn Sun. ) The Department of Agriculture should feel proud at the unqualified success of the 1915 field day at the Eutherglen Experimental Farm (Viticultural College), on Friday, 19th November. Looked at in every way, it was just what one would desire for such a gathering. The weather was ideal; the attendance surpassed all expectations; the staff had everything ready; the season was favorable; the crops looked well, some exceptionally well, and this gave the demonstrator the best of opportunities to give the farmers a great object lesson, by explaining the different periods at which the different blocks were sown, and the different conditions that existed, thus demonstrating clearly how mistakes may be avoided. There were fully 500 people present, the great majority of whom were farmers, and interested in cereal growing. It was not a gathering of local growers only; farmers were present from Albury, Howlong, Balldale, and Corowa (N.S.W.), Eutherglen, Chiltern, BarnaAvartha, Wodonga, Springhurst, Wangaratta, Taminick, Boorhaman, ISTorong, Yarrawonga, and Gooramadda districts. Proceedings were timed to commence at 1.45, but the visitors began to assemble long before that hour; and when Hon. J. Bowser, M.L.A., announced that the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Hagelthorn, had been detained in Melbourne, owing to his presence being required at a meetin?' of the Wheat Harvesting Committee, there must have been fully 400 present. Among the visitors were Dr. Cherry, Professor of Agricul- ture; Mr. P. J. Moloney, M.H.K. ; Hon. J. Bowser, M.L.A. ; Mr. Temple Smith, Chief Field Officer; three representatitves of the Melbourne weekly papers, and leading district residents. The visitors were received by Mr. A. E. V. Richardson, Agricultural Superintendent; Mr. G. H. Adcock, Principal of the Viticultural Station; and Mr. G. Harmer, Farm Manager. Aiter the arrival of the party from Melbourne, no time was lost. Welcome to Visitors. Hon. J. Bowser stated that, in the absence of the Minister, he had great pleasure in extending a hearty welcome, on behalf of the Agricul- tural Department, to all present. He regretted that the Minister for 10 Jan., 191G.] Fanners' Field Da;/, Piutherghni. 19 Agriculture, Mr. Hageltliorn, had been unavoidably detained at a meeting of the Wheat Conference. It had been the Minister's intention 1o have been present and explain what had been done in reference to the handling of wheat during the present season. The Minister would have been delighted to have met so many residents of the district. It was a big question that the Minister was detained on, and he (Mr. Bowser) trusted that the deliberations of the conference would be to the general benefit of the producer. He had pleasure in calling upon Mr. Eichardson, Agricultural Superintendent, to explain the programme of inspection. Mr. A. E. y. Richardson, Agricultural Superintendent, stated that be had pleasure in welcoming the visitors on behalf of the Department of Agriculture. This was the third annual field day held at the farm, and the attendance showed that a big interest was being taken in the work. Since the last field day, two rainfall records had been established. 1914 was absolutely the driest season ever recorded — only 4^ inches of rain Portion of Crowd assembling at Woolshed on Field Day, Rutherglen State Farm. fell in the growing period. 1'his year was absolutely the wettest winter experienced at Rutlicrgleu, as no less than 17^ inches had fallen in the winter months. In one season the crops are starved for want of Avater; in another they are flooded out. He thought that those who were present two years ago would see that many changes had taken place. Since the last gathering 5S0 acres of land had been cleared, and at present 860 acres of flic 1,100 liold by the College^ were now under cultivation. Dur- ing the siiiiic |)(ii()d 8 miles of fencing had been erected, sluH'iwards and woolsbcd l)uilt, and water storage and dams have been jirovided in each jiaddock. During the ))res(Mit season 624 acres were soavu, consisting of 410 acres of sciil wlicat, 116 acres of oats, 47 acres of barley, 41 acres of forage crops, wliilst 297 acres are devoted to pastui-e and 202 acres \o fallow. Ill' u'onld ask \\\v visitors to acconi|>any him on ;i tonr of 20 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. inspection tlirougli the various wheat fields. The work undertaken at Rutherglen comprised ten distinct sections. Apart from the bulk wheat plots which were sown to provide seed wheat true to name for distri- bution among farmers, there were a series of plots dealing with such practical problems as (1) the top-dressing of pastures; (2) the impi-ove- ment of cereals; (3) permanent rotation plots; (4) permanent fertilizer trials; (5) cultural and tillage trials; (6) variety wheat, oat, and barley trials; (7) feeding off tests; (8) green manure tests; (9) soil moisture and soil nutrition tests. The outstanding features that would probably appeal forcibly to every one who inspected the crops may be stated as f olloAvs : — 1. The remarkable improvement effected in the stock-carrying capa- city of poor North-Eastern land by continuous treatment with super- phosphate and small dressings of lime. The results are so apparent to the eye that they could not fail to convince every practical farmer present. 2. The superiority in appearance and in probable net returns of wheat grown in rotation with forage crops fed down by sheep to every other form of crop rotation. Visitors inspecting Pasture Top Dressings, Rutherglen State Farm, November, 1915. 3. The value of lime as a soil ameliorator, both on crops and on grass in normal or wet seasons in typical North-Eastern country. 4. The value of heavy dressings of phosphates for profitable wheat- growing. 5. The success of all early-sown crops. 6. The superiority of mid-season and late-maturing varieties, such as Penny, Yandilla King, &c., in seasons such as those we have just passed through. The Inspection. By this time there were about 500 present, who accepted Mr. Richardson's invitation to inspect the plots. The procession through the fields was a long one, and 135 vehicles, including motors, drags, cabs. 10 Jan., 1916.] Farmers' Field Day, Rutherglen. 21 buggies, and gigs, were counted passing through a gate leading from one paddock to another. At one period, while an 80-acre paddock Avas being inspected, it was entirely surrounded by vehicles, and was an imposing sight. What the Farmers Saw. The Bulk Crop. The bulk crops, comprising 600 acres, looked very imposing, being beautifully headed, free from weeds, and well laden with grain, and excited most favorable comment from the visitors. Special interest was evinced in a particularly fine crop of Penny wheat. Other wheats show- ing remarkably well were the late-maturing varieties like Yandilla King, Marshall's ]^o. 3, Curraw^a, and Dart's Imperial. All oat crops, comprising over 120 acres, were particularly heavy, and astonishment was expressed on all sides as the long line of vehicles drove between an avenue of succulent well-headed Algerian oats standing 6 feet high, the average yield of which was estimated by farmers jiresent to exceed 3 tons of hay per acre. Mr. A. E. V. Richardson, M.A., B.Sc, Agricultural Superintendent, demon- strating to Farmers the value of Top-dressing Pastures and showing how Stock-carrying Capacity is increased by the application of Superphos- phate, Rutherglen State Fann. The Pastures. The outstanding feature of the afternoon was the interest manifested in the pasture toj) dressings. Wherever phosphates, in tlie form of super, or basic slag was applied to the natural pasture, an extraordinary impetus Avas given to the growth of clovers and trefoil, and the stock- carrying capacity of the pasture was more than doubled. As one practical farmer expressed liimself on witnessing the result of the dressing — " The addition of a few Inindrcdweight of super, or 22 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. basic slag has transformed this poor, natural pasture into grazing land equal to that of the Western District or Gippsland." The sight of the dense mat of clovers and trefoils on the plot treated with 1 cwt. of super, and 10 cwt. of lime, as compared with the paucity of herbage on the untreated plot, will long live in the memory of those who had the privilege of witnessing it. This demonstration was one of the most convincing of the afternoon, and was a general topic of conversation subsequently. The bearing of this experiment as a profitable business proposition can hardly be exag- gerated. It means that by the addition of a few hundredweight of super., supplemented with an application of lime, millions of acres of naturally poor grazing country in the north-east would be enhanced in value, and the stock-carrying capacity increased almost beyond belief. Stud Cereals. Great interest was manifested in the stud cereal section, which was really a nursery where new cereal creations were being evolved. 1 ^ ^ " ^^^y^^f^g„ 1 mM'i'm 1 ^^^HMHSHanHnmscnnii ^^l9f[^^^^^^^H £l wl WH HHBfilj'.-' ••'-^'J^ iiik*^ m ^~' ^^^B ■ i^Ff^^ nm • .*^KlHOS^^^^H^ Plots showing method of Testing the Yielding Capacity of Varieties of Wheat, Rutherglen State Farm. Here could be seen, in all stages of development, crossbred wheats of gieat promise. The long, square, compact heads of some of the new crossbred wheats appealed to the farmers with convincing force. A cross of Indian F. on Federation looked particularly well, and compared more than favorably with Federation plots groAvn alongside as checks. The study of this section was greatly added to by a blackboard demonstration and lecturette by Mr. Richardson, explaining how wheats are crossed and the results of the crossing, and a practical demonstration by Mr. T. M. Whelan, the wheat expert, showing how the pollen was transferred from one wheat to another. Soil Temperature and Evaporation Tests. In railed enclosure was an array of meteorological instruments, and the bearing of soil temperatures, evaporation, and transportation tests on ordinary farm practice was concisely demonstrated. The water 19 Jan., 1916.] Farmers' Field Day, Rutherglen. 23 requirements of various farm crops — that is, the amount of water required to produce one ton of hay or one bushel of wheat — was being tested in a series of pot tests, as well as the methods by which the soil moisture could be conserved and economized. Mr. Richardson further explained that from the records alreadj^ taken, one inch of rain, if it could be all utilized by the crop and none lost ill evaporation from the soil, would produce 2.5 bushels of wheat, 3.6 bushels of barley, 1.8 bushel of oats, and 2.6 bushels of peas. It would be seen from these figures the immense improvement possible in Victorian agriculture. The great part of the wheat area of Victoria has a rainfall of 10 inches in the growing period of wheat. By careful fallowing we find, by actual field tests, that in normal seasons an extra 3 or 4 inches of rain can be conserved from the preceding year. This brings the average effective rainfall up to 13-14 inches. Under the best conditions of farming, however, about one-third of the soil moisture is lost in evaporation during the growing period; consequently, this leaves 9 inches of water to be actually used by the crop. This is sufficient for an average yield of 22|^ bushels of wheat per acre. The average yield of Victoria is less than half this, however, from which it may be inferred that much improvement can be made in our average farm practice before we approach the limit of our soil resources. Although the tests were only commenced this year, it is already evident that the application of soluble phosphates, especially in moderately heavy dressings, makes the plant more economical in its use of Avater, and this probably explains why such a small dressing of super, as 56 lbs. has such an extraordinary effect in raising our wheat yield. The superphosphate most probably has the effect of increasing the concentration of the soil solution to sucli an extent that the plant does not need to take in such large quantities of soil water to get the necessary phosphate for building up its tissue. Pot Culture Experiments. In a ncAvly-erected pot culture house at the main buildings 150 pots were devoted to the determination of the water requirements of all our farm croj)s, weeds, and native grasses, and how far the water supply of the soil can be economized by the use of varying types of fertilizers and the methods of cultivation. Permanent Rotation Plots. These plots conveyed their lessons very clearly, even to the lay mind. One outstanding feature was the superiority of wheat croi)s grown in rotation, with forages fed off, over wheat growi after cereals, or even bare fallow. This should be a source of satisfaction to farmers in this district, in that it enables the non-i)roductive fallow to be disjiensed Avith, and at tlie same time improving the yields of their regular crojis. Tlie practice on the farm was to sow down crops like lye and vetclies, rape, peas, and barley, feed them down closely well into the spring, after which the land is Avorked up as a fallow for sowing Avheat the following \\ inter. FoRACK Crops. These crops not only assisted in im])roving the fertility of the soil, but also shoAved a considerable ])rofit due to their grazing value. 24 Jovrnal of AgricuHure, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. An Early and Late Study. The early and late sowing tests demonstrated very clearly the advan- tages of early sowing in a season such as that through which we are 10-, m'- View of Bulk Wheat Fields, Rutherglen State Faun, showing Varieties grown for Seed Purposes for distribution to Farmers. ■"':#-*'' Binders at work on heavy crop of Algerian Oats, Rutherglen State Farm. passing. It was noticeable, too, that early sowing, besides giving better crops, led to great economy in seed, for 60 lbs. of Federation seed sown in May gave an equally thick crop as 90 lbs. sown early in July. More- 10 Jan., 1916.] Fanners' Field Day, Eutherghn. 25 o'^er, tlie early .so\m plots, by reason of the fact that they get their roots well down into the subsoil Avhile the soil temperatures are congenial, give increased growth, which can be fed off by sheep with advantage during the winter months Avhen feed is so often scarce. Fertilizing Tests. The permanent fertilizer tests showed evidences of water-logging in parts. Still, the lesson they convey is clear and unmistakable. Super- phosphate, especially of dressings from 1 to 2 cwt., is still showing superiority over all other phosphatic manures. Plots treated with lime in quantities ranging from 5 to 10 cwt. per acre, especially when supplemented with 1 cwt. super., are showing up in marked contrast with unlimed sections. Nitrogenous fertilizers have shown little effect, j^ossibly owing to the activity of the nitrifying organisms which work so actively in well culti- vated fallows. Variety and Selection "Wheat Plots. These plots are in reality the testing ground and nursery of the bulk wheat plots, and were next examined. The prolificacy of the bulk wheats cri the farm is kept up by a process of continuous and uninterrupted selection in the smaller variety and selection plots. Seventeen varieties, all of high merit, w^ere here seen growing side by side. The produce from these plots will furnish next season valuable seed to replenish the farm stocks, and will ultimately be distributed among farmers as select bred seed. Other Plots. Green manurial and feeding off tests were sho"\ving the same differ- ences as were noticeable on the permanent rotation field. The effect of the prior treatment with forage crops on the present season's wheat is remarkable. Among many other features of interest were plots of selected malting and feeding barleys, oat varieties, and eight different varieties of peas. Sheep. Sheep men manifested interest in crossbred lambs sired by Suff'olk, Shropshire, and Southdown rams, and a useful comparison as to their relative merits was thereby illustrated. Afternoon Tea. On returning to the woolshed, from where a start was made, every one was ready to accept the hospitality of the Department at afternoon tea, and it was tbor(Jug]ily enjoyed. The Speeches. Mr. P. J. Moloney, ^I.TI.Ti., stated tliat it had been a pleasure to him to accej>t tlie Minister for Agriculture's invitation to be present that day. He had given up anotlicr engagement to attend, and felt that he had been niov(^ than repaid. Tt had lieen an afternoon of instruction and a 26 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. surprise to liim to see what was being done so thoroughly by the Depart- ment to assist the producer. Mr. Richardson had that afternoon explained everything so thoroughly that they all would leave v/ith a knowledge of what was required to get the best results from the land. The crops were excellent, and the management generally were to be congratulated. He was sorry that the Minister was not present to give a resume of what was being done in connexion with the big question — handling of the wheat harvest — as it would have been an opportune time. He was sorry that he was unable to give some reliable information, as the scheme was not yet fully developed. But he could say that it was necessary to do something in order that the grower was not exploited. It was not a party question, and he had been working with Mr. Manifold, Mr. Eodgers, and other country members to get the very best for the farmers. They had had several interviews with Mr. Hughes. This year it was estimated that there would be a yield of 150,000,000 bushels of wheat, which was an abnormal yield, as 100,000,000 bushels was View of Hay Wheat Tests, Rutherglen State Farm. estimated as the previous record yield. With this large increase of yield, and a decrease of 40 per cent, in shipping facilities, it was neces- sary to do something, as exporters would only have bought what they could ship away, and the farmer would then be left helpless ; therefore, it was the duty of the Governments to do something and get the best possible bargain for the producer. It was proposed to advance the farmers 3s. f .o.b., less 3f d. local charges. At normal times it was difficult to get the required shipping, and with a reduction of about 40 per cent, of bottoms available for oversea transit it was necessary to do something, otherwise there was the possibility of the farmers being exploited. The Government were advancing 3s. per bushel, less the 3|d. charges, and in ]S[ovember there would be a dividend on the prices realized on the London market if present prices were maintained. Until the final decision of the Conference was arrived at, no definite information was available. Mr. Hughes had informed him that as speedily as possible 10 Jax., 1916.] Farmers' Field Day, Rutherghii. 27 after the decision was finally arrived at a pamphlet would be issued and given to the press for publication. (Applause.) Hon. J. Bowser, M.L.A., stated that the visit of inspection that day was a grand object-lesson of the value of the Avork being carried out in the interest of the producers by the Department, under the direction of Mr. Richardson and his officers — Messrs. Adcock, Harmer, and Whelan. It was the third gathering of this character that had been held at the College, and each year the gathering was growing in importance, and its utility Avas being impressed upon the public. It had been a fine lesson, showing Avhat could be done by the application of science into practical AA'ork. The crops AA^ere a credit to the ofiicials. To look at the pastures and see the results of top-dressing Avas quite a revelation, and made one begin to think what the resources of Australia were if they could put three or four sheep on to land AA^here formerly there was only one. Besides the fine Avork that Avas being carried out bA' the Haymaking. — Carting a heavy crop of Wlieaten Hay (Huguenot i Rutherglen State Farm. Department in I lie intci'ests of the farmers and vine-groAVcrs, there was another branch — tlie social one — the training of the Avards of the State to be practical agriculturists and viticulturists. It Avas the only institu- tion of the kind in the State, and he had been informed that many of the lads avIio had been trained at the College had received good positions. These lads had been iraiiu'd to be good citizens, and they had shown tlicir appreciation of Avhat the Department and Mr. Adcock, the Prin- (•i|ial of the College, had done for them, and no less than 'M) avcm-c either at the front or on their way there to ujihold tlie honour of tlic Em])ire. (.Vpplanse.) He had to again exi)ress his regret at the absence of the Minister, but if the residents of the district wishtnl to hear Mr. Ilagelthorn's o])inion on the Aviieat-handling (pu'stion, he Avould be only too pleased to visit the district. Personally, he could not give details of the Aviie;;'-liandling i)ro]i<)sal of Australia until the 2S Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. Conference of tlie Prime Minister and State Ministers had concluded tlieir deliberations. But he understood that the final arrangement would be completed by Monday or Tuesday. He understood that the whole question turned upon the shipping freight available, which was 40 per cent, short. But whether the wheat could be handled better by the Government acting as a beneficent middleman, or by being dealt with through the ordinary channels, it was impossible to say until he knew the details of the scheme. But there was one thing, the grower would receive his 3s. per bushel, and in ISTovember a dividend if the prices of wheat were maintained on the London market ; there was also a proba- bility of the Government making a loss on the transaction. It was a great pity the producers were not organized in a thorough manner, so that they could speak definitely their requirements to the Government, Pot Culture House, showing the method of determining the Water Requirements of Farm Crops, Rutherglen State Farm. and assist in making their own arrangements. He would ask Professor Dr. Cherry to address the gathering. (Applause.) Dr. Cherry stated that he wished to congratulate Mr. Richardson on the excellent wheat crops, which were produced under circumstances not altogether favorable. Some present would remember the establishment of the College, which was perched up on the hill with 80 acres of land. At a later date 800 acres were taken out of the forest reserve and added to the College lands. In this State, lands that were put into forest reserves were not good enough for anything else, and be believed it was generally termed third class land, which was poor land, and it was on this land that Mr. Richardson had Avorked. They had no doubt noticed during the day the value of using superphosphate drilled in with the seed. Other interesting studies had been the pastures and the cultiva- 10 Jan., 1916.] Farmers' Field Day, Rutherglen. 29 tion of neAv varieties of wheat. In a season like this, when there was an estimated yield of 150,000,000 bushels, did they ever give time to reflect and consider what they were indebted to Mr. Farrer, of ^ew South Wales, who, by experiments, had introduced Federation wheat, which was estimated to have increased the yields of wheat production 10 per cent. Mr. Richardson was working on correct lines, and it may even- tually lead to the producing of a variety even more prolific than Federation. In the production of the wheat yield large quantities of phosphates were used, amounting to nearly £1,250,000 worth. The phosphates which they were putting into the ground were being sent away from the country, as most of it went into the Avheat, and four-fifths of it go into bran and pollard. He strongly urged the keeping of the phosphates in the State, and why could we not export our harvest in the form of flour instead of wheat ? It was knoA^m that Australian wheat produced the best bread in the world ; therefore, why should Australia Harvesting Experimental Plots, Rutherglen State Farm. not do its own milling, export the flour, thus causing extra labour and preserving the bran and pollard, which could be utilized for stock feed- ing during the months when the pastures Avere low, namely, from February to April. (Applause.) Cr. A, 11. Stewart (Mayor, Rutherglen) stated that he had great pleasure in moving a vote of thanks to ]^Ir. Richardson for the instruc- tive demonstrations that he had given, and to ^Ir. ^lolonoy, Mr. Bowser, and Dr. Cherry for tlieir excellent addresses. It was the first occasion that he had attended a field day, and the afternoon had been very interesting, and showed Avhat was being done in the intcre-^ts of the producer. Cr. Prentice, .l.T., in sccdiiding tlic nintion, statelil|)iiicnt better than Waltham Ci-oss. 17-_'81. i; 34 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. THE DAIRY COW AS A MACHINE. By B. A. Barr, Senior Dairy Supervisor. A macliine is a contrivauce which, if supplied with sufficient power, is able to perform work. By its use some of the potential energy of the fuel is transformed into work. The work performed by a milking coAV is in the form of milk production. To enable a machine to do work, it is necessary to supply it with sufficient motive power, such as steam, gas, petrol, electricity, &c., all of which possess varying capacities for work. The dairy cow requires food as fuel, and just as the different fuels used to drive machines vary in value, so do the different foods available to the cow vary in their value for milk production. Under similar conditions 1 ton of coal will perform a greater amount of work than 1 ton of wood, and similarly 1 cwt. of green oats will produce a larger quantity of milk than 1 cwt. of green maize, or 1 cwt. of bran will give a much greater return than 1 cwt. of lucerne hay. All the energy of the fuel which is burned in the furnace of a boiler or directed to the combustion chamber of a gas engine is not trans- formed into work. Some of the fuel is not completely burned, and some of the products of combustion escape in the air. This represents a considerable loss. In the most efficient internal combustion engine only 40 per cent, of the total energy of the fuel is transformed into work, and in many steam-driven plants not more than 10 per cent, is recovered. A similar loss results in feeding cows, when, according to the capacity of the individual animal, from 20 per cent, to 45 per cent, of the total energy of the fuel is transformed into milk. A portion of the food is not digested, and from this no milk can be secreted. Portion of the digested food is required to repair wastage and to maintain the body temperature. When wet cold food is given during cold weather a considerable amount of food is burned to raise up to body temperature the cold contents of the stomach. What is left after these demands is available for milk production. The fuel supplied to a machine is used only for the production of work. When any part wears, either it is replaced by a duplicate or taken out, turned, and re-fitted; but in the case of the cow the food is converted into work and also keeps the machine in repair; in other words, whilst supplying the secretory cells of the udder with digested food-material for conversion into milk it also maintains the bodily condition and health of the animal. The value of a fuel for driving a machine is determined by chemical mean? and by the rapidity and completeness of its combustion. The food value of a fodder may be somewhat similarly determined by its chemical constitution and its digestibility. Just as certain fuels give best results when directed to particular classes of Avork, so certain foods give best results for milk production. The dairy cow requires not only a larger amount of food, but also a diiferent kind of food from that of the dry or fattening animal. The larger amount is required because the Avork" ])erformed is greater ; the different kind is required because a different class of work is done. 10 Jan., 1916.] The Dairy Cow as a Machine. 35 111 one case tlie food is used to promote an excessive development of flesh and fat tissue and in the other for conversion into milk. If we were assured of a continuous growth of pasture grass throughout the year, in most cases hand-feeding would be a matter for small consideration ; but, owing to seasonal influences, a plenteous supply is followed by periods of scarcity, and in so much as dairying is only profitable when a long milking season is secured, the grass needs to be supplemented by grown or purchased feeds. The demand for additional feed usually comes in the early summer, to meet which maize and millet are usually grown, and complaint is made that these do not effectively check the decrease in the milk yield. Millet has a higher feeding value than maize ; it also possesses the advantage of being easily grazed, whereby labour is saved, and, in addition, is available for use at an earlier period than maize. Maize yields a greater amount of fodder per acre, and any surplus can readily be made into silage. Where suitable conditions obtain both crops should be grown, but alone these do not meet the demands of a good milking herd at this particular period. Usually when these fodders are fed the grass has shed most of its seed, and what remains in the paddock is a hard tough straw difficult to digest. The most valuable contents of the growing grasses have concentrated in the seed, which on ripening falls to the ground. Maize and millet do not contain, in the necessary amount and proportion, that nourishment of which the dried grass is deficient. For this reason each season the milk yield decreases more rapidly at this particular period than if sufficient suitable pasture or balanced feeds were available. To check this rapid decrease and to balance the maize and millet, some clover or lucerne, either green or as hay, should be given. To expect a cow to milk heavily when fed on a little dried grass supplemented by maize is as reasonable as asking oneself to perform hard and continued manual labour on a little dry bread supplemented by boiled cabbage. The reason in both cases is the same. The food does not contain the requisite constituents nor sufficient energy to do the work; and those constituents which the food contains are not present in that proportion Avhich ])rodnees the best return. Should home-grown lueerno or clover not be available, in most seasons it pays to give a small amount of bran and pollard or gluten meal; say 2 lbs. bran and 1 lb. pollard, or 3 lbs. gluten meal daily in addition to the green fodder. Wiiere maize is fed in the i)addock, these may be given dry or mixed with a very sm.-ill ;mi()unt of chaff in the bails or in boxes. The above amounts must not be blindly used. The value of every ration deiiends upon the intelligence of the feeder. The amounts fed are dctenninod by the price of butter fat, jirice of feed, and the amount of milk yielded by each cow. In many instances it is |)rofitabl(' to give a ninch greater amount, and in others a lesser amount will sullice. The object should be to maintain the milk flow, due allowance being made for the decrease resulting from the extending lactation period. If. as a result of the grass drying in the summer, the average decrease over one mouth bo S lbs. per cow, of 4.;") per cent, milk, when butter fat is selling at l.s. per lb., the loss per cow will be 4d. per day. In other words, if, on 1st Januai'v the cows averaged 20 lbs. milk, and on 1st Febniary a\er;ige{l IS ll)s. per cow, ciich cow would be yielding ;', lb. of 36 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916, butter fat less on the latter date than on the former, besides the loss in skim milk. This is a very frequent decrease, and in many cases much greater than in the case cited; in fact, in some districts, where the cows are forced to depend solely on grass, herds milking heavily in early January are almost dry in March, and are given four to five months' spell before calving. Under such conditions dairying is not i:)rofitable. N'ow, if 4 lbs. bran at £4 10s. a ton be added to the maize or millet it would provide sufficient nourishment to check this decrease, and not only is this gained, but a longer milking period is secured. The loss of butter fat has a value of 4d., whilst the cost of 4 lbs. bran at £4 10s. a ton is 2d., leaving a gain of 2d. per day in addition to more skim milk and an extended milking season. Each farmer has a good knowledge of his own district and when the pasture usually goes off. Just before this time hand-feeding should be commenced. It is easier and cheaper to maintain the flow than to increase it after a rapid decrease. It is expedient to supply feed in such amounts that, at least, it will equal the amount of nutriment lost to the pasture. In supplying purchased feeds to dairy cows, select those that are easily digested, as such give a quicker return. The cost of digestion in some fodders is very high, and by this cost will the value for milk production be reduced. The variety of food purchased should be regulated by the price, the amount of digestible matter, and its digestibility. The finer the condition of the food the more easily will it be digested. At the same price bran is always preferable to lucerne hay. When feeding bran to dairy cows the addition of a little pollard increases the value of the ration, but it must not be fed in such amounts that costiveness results. Its use is largely determined by the nature of the rest of the ration. Large amounts may be fed when the feed consists mainly of succulent food than when dry feeds comprise the bulk. During winter months from ^ to 2 lbs. crushed linseed meal or cocoanut oil cake may be added, according to yield. These contain a relatively high oily content, and are best suited for the production of body warmth during cold weather. Like a machine, the dairy cow should be kept working at her full capacity without over strain ; since, in each case, it is under this condition that the greatest profit is made. Just as a factory with sufficient motive power to drive twelve machines at full pressure is more pri^fitable than one with the same amount of power directed to twenty machines at half pressure, so the dairy herd of twelve good cows well fed is more profitable than twenty cows of the same quality underfed, whilst the initial cost and labour required is less. It is only when the cow is getting as much food as she can transform into milk that she is milking her best, and in the fair-conditioned animal any excess above the requirement is shown by the animal increasing in condition. 10 Jan., 1916.] Wheat Yield and Winter Rainfall 37 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE AVERAGE WHEAT YIELD AND THE WINTER RAINFALL. Bij A. E. Y. Bichardson, M.xi., B.Sc, Agricultural Superintendent. That the Victorian average wheat yield is dependent on the rainfall during the growing period of the crop is a matter of common ohservatiou. That there is a definite relationship between the two, and that this relationship may be used to forecast the probable average wheat yield early in November is probably not suspected by the casual observer. A comparison of the average wheat yields of Victoria for the past 25 years with the composite rainfall over the wheat belt from May to October throughout the same period appears to establish such a relationship. In order to determine the composite winter rainfall of the Victorian wheat belt, ten typical stations were chosen, and the composite average rainfall from these centres expressed in inches of rain was compared with Victoria's yield in bushels per acre. An extraordinary coincidence resulted. During the 25 year period the composite winter rainfall expressed in inches of rain at these centres corresponded almost exactly with Victoria's average yield expressed in bushels per acre. Thus the average rainfall for the period was 9.5 inches, and the average yield per acre 9.1 bushels, or for every inch of winter rainfall ap])roximately an average of 1 bushel of wlioat per ijcre was obtained. The centres chosen were ten in number, and rejiresented the chief districts in which Avheat is grown. The centres were Mildura, Ultima, and Beulah, representing the Mallee areas; ^SThill, Horsham, and Donald, representing the Wimmera; Shepparton, Echuca, and Bendigo, representing the northern areas; and Rokewood, representing the Western District. The Mallee, the Wimmera, and the northern districts produced in normal seasons roughly 30 per cent, each of the wheat yield, Avhilst the western and central districts produced the remaining 10 per cent. The composite winter rainfall of these centres may be taken as representative rainfall of tlie cliief wheat-growing areas of the State. That wide fluctuations in the rainfall occur Avill be a]i])ar('nt on considering the gra])h, which sunnnarizes the winter rainfall at these ten centres for the ]tast (piarter of a century. The lowest recorded winter rainfall was at Mildura in 1914, when .73 inches of rain fell in six montlis. The highest recorded winter rainfall at these centres was in 1906, at She])parton, when 19.13 inches fell in the six winter months. Tlie accompanying gra])li expresses the variations in tlie composite winter rainfall in inclies of rain, and the average yield in bushels per acre for each of tlie past 25 years. A close scrutiny of the grai)h will I'eveiil ;i nuiiibei- of interesting facts. Improvement in Victorian Agriculture shown .u:raphically. The ontstiiiidiiig realurc of llie gi'iijili is tlie ini])i-ovcnieiit in eiliciiMicv in Vi<'toii;in ulicil growing during the past decade. This is shown not only in the iiii|)i'oved averages reaped jier acre, but more jiarticu- lai'ly ill the nmnher of hiishels per aci-e won from each in<'h of available 3S Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. rainfall. Now, the graph shows that the past 24 seasons may be divided conveniently into two periods of twelve years, each culminating in a disastrous drought. Curiously enough, the composite average winter rainfall for the first period is approximately the same as the composite average winter rainfall for the second period, namely, 9.5 inches and 9.8 inches respectively; but whereas the average yield per acre during the first jieriod culminating in the 1902 drought was 7.4 bushels, the average yield for the second period culminating in last year's record drought was 10.88 bushels. Or, expressing the same facts in another way, whilst during the first period for every inch of winter rainfall our farmers secured .77 bushels of wheat per acre, in the second period they secured 1.12 bushels per acre for every inch of winter rainfall. In other words, with similar soil and similar rainfall the farmers of the latter period secured 46 per cent, more wheat per acre than those of the former period. I _ ooiOTc^oicnfDcDOia^jOOOOOooooo — — — — — — , Inches OF Kft^^' oooocooaoo aooDooaoai(T) Inches of i^aih BuiHELsorWHE^T ——— — — — — — — — — __ bosmels»wheat 16 I I I t I I I ' I I I ' I I I I I I ' i I I I ' ■! — t- 16 Graph showing Relationship between the Average Wheat Yield and the Winter Rainfall. And the graph shows this unmistakably. ]^ote the relative positions of the dotted line representing the winter rainfall with the continuous line representing Victoria's average yield. For the twelve years prior to and including 1902 the rainfall line is consistently above the line representing yield per acre. In other words, during no single year during the first period did our farmers secure anything like an average yield of 1 bushel of wheat per acre for each inch of rain. But the drought of 1902 had its lessons. It synchronized with the intro- duction of superphosphates, the more general adoption of bare-fallo^ving, and more thorough methods of cultivation. 1903-1907 was the transition period when the value of the new jDractices that were revolutionizing wheat growing was being demonstrated. From 1907 onwards, with the single exception of 1914 — the most disastrous drought within living memory — the line representing yield per acre is regularly above the 10 Jan., 1916.] Wheat Yield and Winter Rainfall. 39 line representing the average rainfall. In other words, during this period farmers never reaped less than 1 bushel per acre for each inch of composite winter rainfall. Lest it be supposed that we are approaching the limit of our produc- tion so far as yields per acre are concerned, it might be mentioned that carefully-conducted tests on the water requirements of wheat at Ruther- glen during the past two years demonstrate that 1 inch of rain is capable of producing at least 2^ bushels of wheat, providing the whole of the water is used by the crop and none dissipated by evaporation. At present, however, we in Victoria are securing less than half this amount, and the more widespread adoption of better methods of cul- tivation, systematic crop rotation, rational soil fertilization, and careful seed selection will gradually raise the average yield per acre until it approaches the above limit. Effect of Abnormal Seasons and Crop Conditions. The graph shows that the average yield per acre closely follows the composite winter rainfall. This is particularly true for normal seasons. Occasionally, however, we get an unusually wet season or a disastrous drought. The two wettest winters on record during the period under review are 1894 and 1906. In both these years the composite rainfall exceeded 14 inches at the ten selected centres during the six winter months. Many of the crops were waterlogged during the winter months, and ultimately the yields were much lower than in seasons of normal rainfall. During the two drought seasons, 1902 and 1914, there were whole districts where the crop was an absolute failure. The rainfall last year at Mildura during the six winter months was less than 1 inch. Little wonder that no crop was reaped. Looking over the chart, it is apparent that the best average yield is obtained when the composite winter rainfall lies between 10 inches and 13 inches. If a larger number of centres were chosen it is likely that the approximation of the graphs of rainfall and crop yields would be even closer. Absolute agreement could not be expected, however, for the reason that crop yields are dependent on other factors than rainfall, though rainfall is the dominating factor. For example, fungoid pests such as rust, smut, takeall, affect the crops in some degree every season, but in some years the seasonal conditions are highly favorable for fungus diseases, and heavy toll is levied on the wheat crops. Again, the premature appearance of continuous liot winds just as the croj) is filling depresses the yields. Untoward accidents, such as widespread heavy hiiilstorms and violent winds at the time of ripening of the crop, materially lower the yield. On the otluM- hand, a long cool spring, witli mild spring temperatures and opportune showers, as in the present season, following on a normal winter, would tend to un- usually heavy crops. Finally, good seeding rains and e;irly Xoveinher rains have a stimulating effect on the crop averages. Possibility of Forecasting the Crop. If the influence of these fjictors bo taken into considcnitinn, it is apparent that the graph suggests a method of forecasting approximately 40 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. the average yield per acre early in November, and witli a reasonable degree of approximation. Tims the winter rainfall at the selected centres can be determined on 1st November, and the composite rainfall multiplied by a given factor will give the apjiroximate yield per acre. During the past tw^elve years the average yield for each inch of winter rainfall has been shown to be 1.12. It has already been sho^\ai that this factor must gradually increase as farming methods become more efficient. Assuming, however, that this average ratio of the past twelve years will hold for this season, it means that the average yield per acre of Victoria for 1915-16 harvest will probably be 1.12 X 12.45 = 13.94 bushels per acre. The advantage of such a method of forecasting the harvest lies in the fact that it can be used to gain an idea of the approximate harvest long before the ordinary official statistics published by the Government Statist and the Railway Department are available. Moreover, the only data required is the rainfall figures for the ten centres. Early in November it was necessary to gain an approximate estimate of the wheat crop of Victoria, in order to allocate freights under the Common- wealth Wheat Marketing scheme. As official statistics showed that the area to be cut for grain would be 3,800,000 acres, the Agricultiiral Department estimated the new crop on 7th November at 3,800,000 X 13.94 = 53,000,000 bushels. Early in December the Railway Department estimated the crop at 52^ million bushels, and the Government Statist at 50^ million bushels. Summary. The main interest of the graph lies in the fact that it shows more or less completely — (1) The quantitative relationship existing between the average wdieat yield and the rainfall. (2) The gradual improvement in our agricultural methods, as illustrated by the increasing amount of wheat produced for each unit of rainfall. (3) That it is possible to estimate with some degree of approxi- mation the probable crop of Victoria early in November from a knowledge of the rainfall at typical wheat centres. When resting horses during the spring and summer work always turn their heads towards the breeze. They will cool off much more quickly, and will be more benefited by the short respite. While they are standing hold the collars oif their shoulders for a few miiiutes, and, at the same time, give each shoulder a good rubbing with the hand. This removes sweaty grease and dirt, cools and helps to toughen the shoulders, and is a great aid in the prevention of scalding. A DULL hoe never kills as many weeds as a sharp one, and is harder to use. Five minutes' work with a file or emery wheel will do wonders towards killing the weeds in the potato ox onion crop. ]0 Jan., 1916.] Transiwrtation of Peaches. 41 REPORT ON EXPERIMENT IN PICKING, PACKING, HANDLING, COOLSTORAGE, AND TRANSPORTA- TION OF PEACHES. Bi/ E. Meeki/if/, Senior Inspector of Fruit for Export. Introductory. During the visit of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission to the Irrigation Settlements in the northern portions of the State, in January of the present year, the Hon. F. G. Clarke, M.L.C., one of the parliamentary party who accompanied the Commission, drew atten- tion to the extremely large area recently planted, and in course of being planted, with fruit trees of various kinds, consisting mainly of peach and apricot trees. These all showed signs of the most vigorous growth, and gave promise of yielding, in the immediate future, prolific crops of high grade fruits. Considering tlie experience of Ardmona, Kyabram, Lancaster, and other old-establislied fruit-growing centres north of the Dividing Range, where for many years ])eaches and apricots of quality second to none in the world had been ]>lentifully and profitably raised, it would appear that the outlook for the owners of the new plantations was extremely bright, and that the path to prosperity, or even to affluence, lay right beneath their feet. The question of the profitable disposal of the jn'ospective crops, however, kept obtruding itself upon the mind of Mr. Clarke, and after careful inquiry into and consideration of the facts, he arrived at the conclusion that wjien the new areas came into full bearing, not only the new settlers, but the whole of the peach and apricot growers of the State, would be faced with the problem of over-production, and conse- quently diminished profits, or perhaps actual loss. He reasoned that tlie flourishing condition of the settlers in the old-established centres afforded no criterion as to the future prospects of the industry, as the limited supply had hitherto fallen short of the demand, thus insuring good average prices, with attendant substantial profits. So far, the local and Inter-State markets had absorbed all that had been produced, and by their easy accessibility had enabled growers to place their fruit on these in good condition, without adopting any means other than those wliicli lay at hand. Witli tlie over-supply of these markets wiiicli would invariably follow the greatly increased ])roduction, tlie disposal of the surplus crop elsewhere would become im{)erative, and would necessitate the introduction of special methods whereunder this could be ensured. This could be carried out in the five following ways: — (a) Marketing the fruit in its fresii stat« by the application of specialized methods in picking, packing, handling, and transportation. (/>) Drying. (r) Canning. {(1) Pulping. {(') Jam-makiiig. 4i! Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. No adequate provision to meet the prospective situation had been undertaken in any of the directions mentioned, and apparently the growers had not seriously considered the advisability of making a move. Up to the present, many of the Goulburn Valley growers have annually disposed of a proportion of their crop to Melbourne manufacturers for canning, pulping, and jam-making; but the outlet in this direction did not promise to be large enough to avert the threatened catastrophe. When in London, Mr. Clarke had noticed peaches offered for sale in the markets and large retail shops at almost fabulous prices, and it struck him that if peaches could be landed there in large quantities, and in good condition, not only would the necessary outlet for the surplus be pro- vided, but the growers would, in spite of the increased production, obtain even better returns than form.erly. With the idea of enlisting the assistance of the Department of Agriculture in this direction, he therefore approached the Hon. the Minister of Agriculture^ and suggested that, with the aid of depart- mental officials, a lecturing tour be undertaken through the Goulburn Valley, with the object of inducing the help of growers in carrying out a series of experiments in the cool-storage and transportation of peaches. The Minister and Director readily consented to this, and on the 5th January, 1915, Mr. Clarke, Mr. P. J. Carmody, Chief Orchard Super- visor, and the writer left Melbourne. Ardmona was the first place visited, and after the object of the visit had been explained to a repre- sentative meeting of growers, all present expressed their willingness to contribute fruit for the purpose of the experiment. Kyabram and Lancaster were next visited, with similar results; and a visit to the newly-formed settlement of Nanneella, near Rochester, completed the tour. Although the growers at the latter settlement were unable to contribute any fruit, they were fully convinced of the value of the experiment, and were heartily in accord with the object with which it was being carried out. It was arranged at Ardmona, Kyabram, and Lancaster, that the writer should return the following week and supervise the packing and despatch of the fruit to Melbourne. A sheet, on which the following was typed, was supplied to each grower who intended to contribute fruit to the experiment:- — 1. Name and address of grower; 2. Locality; 3. Variety; 4. If irrigated, date of last irrigation; 5. Rainfall during preceding twelve months; 6. Stage of maturity of fruit; 7. Date and hour when picked; 8. Temperature at time of pick- ing; 9. Kind of package used; 10. Wrapped or unwrapped (if wrapped, state number of wrappers used), XYZ and wood wool; 11. Type of car used (louvre, insulated, or ice car); 12. Temperature of car at time of despatch; 13. Date and time when despatched to Government Cool Stores; 14. Date of arrival at Government Cool Stores; 15. Temperature of car on arrival at Government Cool Stores. I accordingly revisited Ardmona on the following Monday, 11th January, 1915, accompanied by a departmental fruit-,packer, who attended to pack the fruit. The fruit was assembled at the orchard of Mr. A. Lonnie on the Tuesday morning, and, with the assistance of the growers, 20 cases were packed in various types of packages, then con- veyed into Shepparton, and at 3 p.m. on the 13th January, 1915, were placed in the chamber of the Shepparton Freezing Works, which 10 Jan., 1916.] Transportation of Peaches. 43 the manager Lad kindly consented to reserve for this purpose. These were run down to 31 degrees F., and twenty-four hours later were despatched in an ice-car to the Government Cool Stores, Victoria Dock. The trucks had been iced iii Melbourne before despatch to Shepparton, but as the bunkers were found to be nearly exhausted on the day when the fruit was loaded, the car was re-iced at Shepparton immediately prior to its departure for Melbourne, and left with the bunkers well filled. The temperature of the car prior to loading was 56 deg. F., and at time of arrived at the Government Cool Stores, Melbourne — fifteen hours later — the temperature was 50 degrees F., showing a fall of 6 deg. F. Kyabram was visited the following day, and the fruit, which was assembled in the goods-sheds at the local station, was despatched imme- diately after packing in an ice-car, which was also re- iced prior to departure. In this instance, the fruit was not pre-cooled, as no means were available at Kyabram for this purpose. The temperature of the car immediately prior to loading was 53 degrees F. ; and on arrival at the Government Cool Stores twenty hours later, the temperature was 60 degrees F., showing a rise of 7 degrees F. The difference in tempera- ture shown in the two cars at the conclusion of their respective runs was rather interesting, as illustrating the relative value of pre-cooling fruit prior to consignment against forwarding fruit in ice-car without :fi.rst extracting the heat from the fruit. As no thermographs were installed in the cars, the variations in temperature during transit could not be recorded ; but as the ice in the bunkers of the car forwarded from Shepparton showed less than 30 per cent, wastage at the end of the trip, the bunkers of the car despatched from Kyabram were found on arrival at the Government Cool Stores to be more than half empty, representing a loss in ice of over 50 per cent. Clear proof was thus afforded of the assistance which pre-cooling renders in holding the inside temperatures of ice-cars at a low uniform level during runs over long distances. The excessive melting of the ice in the case of the Kyabram ■car represented the work of extracting the heat from the fruit, and which, in the case of the car from Shepparton, had been effected by the pre-cooling; thus giving the fruit in this car the advantage of reaching a, low temperature many hours sooner than was possible in the case of the non-pre-cooled fruit despatched from Kyabram. Had the run been extended over a much longer distance, say, to Sydney, re-icing e7i route of the car from Kyabram would have been necessary to liold the fruit at a low temperature. The low temperature of the car from Shepparton, however, could apparently have been maintained throughout the run without re-icing the car. In future experiments, it is hoped that self-recording thermometers may be installed in cars, when tliei-mograph records may be kept of the fluctuations of temperature in cars in transit. It was originally intended to record fairly elaborate data in con- nexion with the experiment, so that the problem of successfully trans- porting peaches over long distances could be studied from all possible stand-points. Notes were therefore taken of all the circumstances incidental to the experiment which perhaps might directly affect the rcvsult of same. It was found, however, that owing to certain difficul- ties tliis could not he oai'vicd out; so the notes were confined to those headings shown in tlie list liereunder. No record was kept of tlie ages of the trees from which the fruit was selected, whether trees had, or had 44 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. not, been manured, or of the quantity, nature, and frequency or appli- cation of svicli manure. The fruit was placed in the Government Cool Stores, Victoria Dock, on the following dates: — Ardmona consignment, 14th January, 8 a.m.; Kyabram consignment, 16th January, 11 a.m. During the period of storage, the fruit was kept at a uniform temperature of 31 degrees F., in a chamber specially constructed for experimental purposes, which was fitted with the direct-expansion system. No tests were made under the air-circulating system, as all the chambers installed with that system were utilized for meat. The consignments were removed from the chamber on Friday, 5th March, 1915 — seven weeks from date of storage, a period which would cover the time required to ship fruit to any part of the world. The cases were opened in the butter-grading room adjoin- ing the storage chamber, in the presence of the Hon. the Minister of Agriculture, the Exports Superintendent, and a representative gathering of fruit-growers, merchants, agents, and departmental ofRcials. After the Minister had explained the object of the experiment, the fruit was examined by those present, and found to be remarkably sound and fine in appearance. As one or two days elapse before fruit sold in the London and Euro- pean markets can be disposed of by the retailers to the consumers, it was decided to keep the fruit for a corresponding period out of cool storage before examining it in connexion with the judging. A committee, consisting of Mr. A. V. McNab, Secretary, Ardmona Fruit-growers Association; Mr. F. W. Vear, member of the executive. Central Fruit-growers Association; Mr. S. A. Cock; Orchard Super- visor, Department of Agriculture; and the writer, were accordingly appointed to carry this out; and on the following Monday, 8th March, 1915 — three days after the original examination and removal from the cool chamber — the fruit was re-examined. It was decided to judge from the following stand-points: — {a) appearance, (h) soundness, (c) flavour; and the maximum points to be awarded with respect to these were appearance, 75 points; soundness, 75 points; flavour, 100 points — a total maximum of 250 points. The appended tables show results of analyses of the judging. Some of the data, which were given on the record sheets supplied to growers, are not shown in the headings to the tables, but are included in the foot-notes. This data, such as rainfall, type of car used, tempera- ture of car at time of despatch, date of despatch, &c., were uniform for each locality and grower, and their inclusion in the tables would have necessitated unnecessary repetition. It was tlierefore decided to include in the tables variable factors only, such as date and hour of picking, temperature and time of picking, kind of package, and number of wrappers used, to determine the influence which these might have upon the keeping qualities of the fruit. Nos. 1 and 2 Tables show the general results of the examination; No. 3 Table indicates the influence of the different types of package (see illustration) ; No. 4 Table shows the effect of double wrapping, single wrapping, or absence of wrapping; No. 5 Table shows the points scored by each variety. Regarding the above, it would appear that slightly better results were obtained through the use of nests of three trays than from the use 10 Jan., 1916.] Transportation of Peaches. 45 of any other type of package. The same remarks apply to the vise of double wrappers as against the use of the single wrapper or the packing of the fruit unwrapped. i^MMMlPaBMK»dl a=s ■ ' '■' * r ^ '"^^wfrn^mti^^^^mi^^y^ £— No. 2. No. 3 No. 1. — Nest of Three Trays, Hoop-ironed. No. 2. — Single Tray, showing Wood-wool Lining. No. 3. — Westwood Patent Case, Showing Moveable Partitions. No. 1. No 2. No. 1. — Type of Peach Tray used in America. No. 2. — Australian ' ' Flat ' ' bushel Case. No. 3. — Australian "Flat" half-bushel Case. No. 3. 40 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. Results of the analyses of the following factors, viz., date of irriga- tion, annual rainfall, maturity of fruit, date and hour when j^i^ked, temperature at time of picking, atmospheric temperature at time of storage, pre-cooling, or nou-pre-cooling, were even smaller than the results obtained in connexion with the types of packages, wrapping, or variety of fruit- — in fact, were too small to justify publication. In addition to the fruit included in the two main experiments, thref^ of the Ardmona growers, viz., Messrs. D. Simpson, V. E,. McNab, and H. Pickworth, forwarded a few cases of " Pullar's Cling " and " Nicholl's Orange Cling " varieties. The first lot, two cases of " J^iclioll's Orange Cling," consigned by Mr. D. Simpson, were placed in cool storage two or three days after the fruit included in the main Ardmona experiment. These were removed at the same time as the other fruit, and on being tested were found to be in such excellent condition as to appearance, soundness, and flavour that the writer, who made an independent ex- amination, awarded maximum points for appearance, soundness, and flavour. On 26th January, 1915, Mr. V. R. McNab forwarded six cases, consisting of four cases of " Pullar's Cling " and two cases of " Late Red " ; and on 24th Febrvxary, Tool used to Hoop-iron Trays. 1915, Mr. H. Pickworth sent two addi- tional cases of " Pullar's Cling." The first of these cases was removed from the cool stores on 3rd March, and thereafter were taken out at weekly intervals, the last being removed on 17th March. The " Pullar's Cling " variety were in such good condition that I awarded them full points on such examination. Samples were retained at my office, and were found to retain their flavour and appear- ance for eight or ten days. The " Late Red " variety were good in ap- pearance and soundness, but lacking in flavour. The results show that further experiments with the " Pullar Cling " variety are well worth a trial, as it appears to retain its keeping qualities and flavour better than any of the other varieties tested, not even excepting the " Crawford " variety. Summarized, it would seem that, with the exception of the variety of fruit used, none of the factors mentioned seem to have any impor- tant bearing on the result. All other varieties, excepting the " Craw- ford," " Nicholl's Orange Cling" and "Pullar's Cling," show a notable absence of flavour, irrespective of all the conditions under which the fruit was picked and packed. The " Crawford " variety, especially in connexion with the Kyabram experiment, showed fair results, even after the fruit had been kept for seven or eight days after removal from the store. The experiments generally show that the two varieties of clingstones, viz., " Pullar's Cling " and " Nicholl's Orange Cling," were far and aAvay the best peaches of the tests for retaining their keeping qualities in cool storage ; and, although the experiments might be continued in con- nexion with the " Crawford " variety, it would appear that the two clingstone varieties are the ones from which the best results may be hoped. The results obtained in connexion with " Elberta " variety were in particular very disappointing, as the " Elberta " is one of the most [Continued on page 54.] 10 Jan., 1916.] Transportation of Peaches. 4T •I«|OX •jnOABIJ -ssan I -punos ' •~(N ^N >«isisiKi >\>*bi «>HNI «>HSI M i> >. g ^ >> S=^ g 1 1 2 § g S g g 1 g g ■^ S ?§ S g o o o O 'h ^ U t t is 1^ "S = 3 ;^ - S 3 S ■*^ ^ ■ta O O X! .O J c s 0 !Z; ri ^ ^ !?; -t. -t. r^ iz; ^ )Zi tj bb til » to to ti) si ti ti 'O 'w "O "^ O § 00 i^ to to 00 00 00 to to CO fc. m : 2 : .-0 tn o"d O ID 1^ ■"! i?i "" 3 ^" « JM Pn H > . • > . 0 ff >. •J !3 k. - f ^ > ■? • '■ >- u: a < j: n o U « A i 48 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. •a3B:juaoi3d ^OCO W 5^ fN (M CO CO -t* M 03 fM -t^ -t C-J ri\ /M C-l fM -M IN IN-* 0 CD -2 o . I«?ox o^^ri^ lO lO ic »A '^ -i^ -* urimiCT}^'*u^inii-f:iOiOvn (S.2S •inOABlJ ^ Sp^S ^^'«i; •ssau v^otC O O O O -f -^ (M co:^:©^^]^^^^^^ OCO(N CO 00 g-!3 = -punog o-lM(M(M(NlNIMlM(N (M (M (M C^l G^l C-1 W (N iM CI G<1 r-l 1-1 IM "S s •aouB ^OIN O to O CO ■* "# (M ocoocM(NOOOc:;!:C':o COOIN 00 CO -inaddy o^(M (N (M IN i5 -* ■* -j'Baddv •pad dBJAHfi JO paddBJAi. 1^ >- N >< SI !^ >^ N KXI>^s;X>^ f^>HN; t^N tfi s c3 Oj O oj escription Paclcage ■^2 ■*^ 5t wood's tent cas ree partiti usliel case estwood's tent cases st wood's tent cases 6 «o tl " ^ t? -w P- J3 tc ti' si bc bl tJO o c^ c« -o -d TJ ■=! -C! Ti rS tJ f^ o o o o o o >ra 10 IC CD O O to CO o t> w l^ gcS t^ 12 o : o 0 ' ^^ ^ c-i n r-4 r4 "^ ^- 10 rH IS ^ ^ ,-H ■sa c s i ^ S § 0 0 "J - »~i ^ l{ c3 C3 S e ci ^ " " -M ^ ,_f l> I^ l-O t- t^ t- 1-1 '^ -& tC(4_, ^ s4_, •- * ;/:■ .^ f^ O O O 0000 0 0 s O.W.2 vn .n -)- 1.-5 vn 10 1 'I "^ '^ ShJ.SP r-l rH ■ 0 00 0 IM ■^ ^H § § 1 o o ^ Ti m o, 1 2 111 •2 S 3 1-^ 0 0 ipson ipson lar ai ■1? .&" ^ 1 £ £ ^ 1 fH d 0 0 • Oi 0 S '^. £ a a > w !:c w Q Q fi; d 6 W «^ -1 <) 1 >. s a .M n TJ > <^ . . . ^3 rt S " - s t^ i-^ (» <=^ H ^S6 p._gO o g-g S S c s s-s "^rH eS p. r> .ft«* oco o ° 0.-H " », fl o Sf'-2 F p, 1^ . g -d'-d 0:5' G -i-d — S t. o ^^ := o - J o ■ cj o o ^^=3 o o o^ a a e d"" o o 0-- t^ !- t- 5, 6C tl tf. CT" CI . t-, c- .-i ;= ■d c S* s P. ■ 00 P 0) ^1 c5 P* fl d C3 fl ce rt rt rt o oj ^j c; -*N , t- P 05 M Q ■"■ « o;^ "73 ^oo S Pco o ee 2 -^ fe P o -^^ "^ > S S . "3 g S ts fee's O ^ 1^ 3 li _ " tp o o S "^ Ih' o to p^o a PQppod Ph M 10 Jan.. 1916.] Transportation, of Peaches. 49 05 o o PS M < bid 3 p o H P H O <: < <: 55 rt m o . a o o S "o 1'^ ri p^;^ to a » t: SS P4 •IiJ^ox (OOX "x^K) •(Si 'x^W) 1 -pnnog I •(Qi -x^iM) I -I'Baddv ' Jim 3 9,'y. °J3 "§3 '3 m Ph o P^ •ItJ^oi •(OOX'X«W) JUOABia ■(Si -XBH) SS8U -punog (•gi -xtiTC) 331113 -iTjaddv •p9dd«x4iua jopadd^JAi S^Ph lec ^ 00 CD H^ 00 w 53 CC ^» ou uu uu "^ T '.^1 <*^ ^r T ^^ v-* ^-' "-^ '-- ■■ ^ '-' - ■- - " S2^S3S||g|555|SSSS||mSSS|SS§ ggg§ss§§ssggsggss§g§§ggg§§s§ss g§g§§g§ss§gg£S§ss§gs§sss§gs§ss 1 >H s: X t« N t>^ >< S! ;^ ^^ N Si >< S! >^ !>H ><>^ N >< N ^ >* f^^ ^ "^ N N o « 5 g ^ o S g S = ^ a ■d t:^ 'ti o m If ■a CO 60 o 5 ti; M M O o m '■'' C5 -* 1- o oo o o o o m ira m >o ^ -* '■'' ■O w s T ^ Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. •moi ^ N (M O COl-^CDt-5D«55CI>CDt>0000 •(001 •XBW) ^ • • (Nq(M(N(N(N(N(N(M(N(M(Nl>q(N „ ■ o ooioo <= o WOiCOOO»flOvo»rtOOOOOOOOO ■mox rH(NCq(NOt^l^l--«000t-I>I>Q0CD(35OC -3 O w ■(Si -xt'W) •sseu O O O C' lO ino OOOOOOi[^00000»ftiAu^iOOO "S^ o 5g (■9i -xhm:) flip O O O lA lO lOO lOKioooioifsioioooooooooo -i-Baddy iO»Al^t*COCOOCO?OI>t^l>COiCO?0 •paddfiAvufi JO padd^jJAV ;^>^>^>^N >^K1 ><1tSJX>^S!>.^^J>^[^]K^^•^>^N>>^ ^ 2 ^ >> ^j >i 5 5 O^H^ Of^ Cl-IQj(-< pq f^i"*^ « pq ^-^4. '^ J^ '^^ ■^^ go. ^l' gs.S t; be to ss ■^ M bi) bL bi ti tij sb I ^ ^ Klj-c! -d -iS ■Ox! "d 13 o o o o o o o o-e'^ H =* o-g UO »n O ift lO l^ Irt w^ CO 1-H IS r-H f— ' CH r -* ^ -f ^ ^ Tji CO ■* ■*fl e iH II o 6 s e s s 6 e s g p 00 =s ce c« (S cS cS c3 ft ce CO o o (X) t^ t^ 00 00 Tt< (30 « -^ • » 1 ^ o pq « o o o W P5 pq pq «-, d Ift lO iC rH r-( ■-I rH l-H iO 1-1 to ft £: tH u >-• % o F-i >> 2 •g; pq o Oj to be p^ "r; M W P ^ ^ 1 ^ 1 1 1 i-s l-s O Hj Vj m l-S Hs H plH : : : : "^ !- O > EH o CO «5 ill IM lO CO CO 5^5 -* Cl CI CO i-H I-H . « g-i" O o o o -sS 3.3 O o "•7 g s ° s-nt^ t^ i-H CO -i< H ° >s!: > > vO o o M < • pearanc( Possible aximum Points) CO ^ o CO Ti* Tj* >o CO CO C5 CO ^^aS d .3 o a <1 'S o 0) C3 Soundness (Possible Maxinmm 75 Points) o CI o o o CI 00 in 00 > < %o Sis- CJ o Cl t^ o o oo t- s c-S o O KfL, CI o o 00 lO ^--S t.H . O '■" t- o CO CO d S CI I^.H o c3 OS {0 o •g >> *3 c6 cd a 1^ +3 u tu o o a cS o M M "3 3 -a 'o s o 05 O o a; 3 .a V o c "JS ^ ?: O 'T' 52 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. p-i < « o o o o Ol o CO J- "3 o o o CO o CO o o Tt< o o CO o o LO H o v\ CO CO ^^ '"* '^ "^ '"' o o •CJ o tH rt lO O ^ fR o ^ o CO CO CO ^ S ■=* rn o o o CO CO o o B % Bh P CJ c~ o ^H CO o o la lO 1-0 t^ lO CO CO o , o ^ ^ o CO CO ^ i« o ^ UO o CO CO CO o ^=^ lO o t- o lO CO CO 6% o -' ^ CO CO '-' M ^H •■jn o o o „ o , ; <» o o "O o o rt o o o l^ o o •d H CI n^ o c "ti o , CO ^ Q) o o o 3 % CO o ^ o o 9 > KtH ^ d CO 1^ o m m LO o CO " o I> o CO CO to i* ' CO o ^ o o o < CO o 9 o o o S-s CO LO lO (M iCi LO 5"^ o >o t^ o CO CO 'c_t2 CO r-l ^H 01 01 T— 1 o o y,'^ Ol O J-, CO o o o •- -* o o CO o o o o H ^^ o o CO ^, (3 -f 1 01 CO o 01 CO ^H ■d ^ "^ '^ ^^ ^^ '^ J-, p _c3 o ^ o ^ CO o o o 'o T3 . t^ o o CO o o o X CL, o lO o CO LO lO tH CC " o o t- cs CO LO CO tc , -H o o (^ (^ ^ o o t- o o o o o o •< S-g o >c UO o >o LO tH P> o *!-< s > C3 Ut c3 o CZ2 P3 ^ _ce 12 J 6 CO C5 C5 CO o o CO -1< C5 (M o t^ '"' ^ ^ CO CO o LO CO CO "—1 CO o -* CO LO CO LO CO o CO CO lO CO '-I c LO lO o IM lO lO CO CO o CO Iffl LO lO >o (M o IM CO CO LO CO o 01 -* T(< LO o t- CO LO 00 CO 01 i-H 00 ^ ^ ■"^ CO oo o lO QO LO CO oo t^ CO CO CO 00 CO CO CO CO CO o ,_, LO -* CO LO CO o -^ CO Ti J 2. < H 1^ t— I P3 <) > W o >> 2 2 "ST 3 s 00 ■^ o LO o P^SP -<" oi . O w o C5 ^ 6 S CO 12;H rS ^ ^ ^ -^ o Ol o O w o t^ o o CO CO o o l^ CO o o *' "# c-l ^H ci iSs < cj s a ^ o ^ lO oo o >o o o o (M »-H o 00 ii^ o o '-0 1.0 > ^o St 3 u >■ o >■ _ "si.' u a ^v» o o _s u O » % W o c5 p; ;_j^ ^ ~ 54 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. extensively planted varieties in the Goulburn Valley. It, however, showed an almost total absence of flavour. In future experiments, it would be advisable to experiment with fruit more matured than the fruit which was used in these tests. This should be tried in connexion with all varieties. If the flavour were allowed to fully develop, it is possible that this would be retained until removal of the fruit from cool store. It must not be forgotten, however, that these experiments are only in their infancy, and that they may perhaps require to be conducted over a considerable period before any definite results can be arrived at. Addenda. In addition to the above-mentioned experiments, a series of tests, by direction of Mr. P. J. Carmody, Chief Orchard Supervisor, was con- ducted at Doncaster under supervision of Mr. A. A. Hammond, Orchard Supervisor for the Doncaster district. The fruit was carefully picked and packed, and was stored at the Government Cool Stores, Doncaster, at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Mr. Hammond has for- warded the following analyses of results : — Variety. Catherine Ann Late Crawfoid Early Late Crawford Nellie . . Elberta . . Belot's Late Petty's Seedling Royal George Crimson George Burger's Seedling Number Date of of Fruits. Storage. 12 29.1.15 5 29.1.15 5 29.1.15 10 j^ 5 ,, 5 16.1.15 6 ,, 6 ^, 5 ,^ 6 " Date of Removal. 22.3.15 23.3.15 22.3.15 Results. 3 peaches sound ; 9 peaches sound ; all lacking flavour All slightly gone in centre. All unsound. All gone round stone All unsound. Mealy and unsound. All sfone. Mr. Hammond further states : — " The above fruit was kindly presented by Mr. Hudson, of Doncaster. Some of each variety was naked, single wrapped, and double wrapped. The result in all instances was practically the same, viz., the exterior appearance of fruit was good, but, on being cut, all were found to be more or less decayed, and quite lacking flavour. It is worthy of note that some plums of the ' Picker- ing ' variety were similarly experimented with, and came out in excellent condition." Conclusion. The tests so far show that, with the exception of the " Crawford " variety, little is to be hoped for in the way of successfully shipping any of the " Slipstone " peaches over long distances ; but that the keeping qualities of the " Clingstone " varieties have been established. This is especially the case with the " Nicholl's Orange Cling." Many of the " Freestone " varieties, such as " Elberta," " Muir," &c., which have failed to retain their keeping qualities over the long periods covered in these 10 Jan., 1916.] Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants. 55 e3:perinients should, notwithstanding, be tested for the Inter-State and N"ew Zealand markets. Small consignments should be carefully picked, graded, and packed, pre-cooled, and shipped to New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand, in refrigerator accommodation. For such tests the fruit should be well on the ripe side, picked in the evening, cooled under an open shed over night, packed in the early morning, and placed in cool store immediately after packing. Ice car, or insulated car service, should be used to convey the fruit to Melbourne, and, on arrival, it should be placed in the cool chamber on board ship with the least possible delay. The charges involved in this method of trans- mission preclude the possibility of making a profit in connexion with small experimental shipments ; but if the results justify, consignments on a commercial scale could be undertaken later on. If the third rail tests now being conducted on the Murray prove efficient to overcome the lamentable existing break of gauge on our Inter-State railways, the fruit could be forwarded by rail direct to markets in the other States when the third rail system becomes established. In future experiments the question of development of flavour and the period over which this flavour is retained should be carefully noted for each variety tested. In conclusion, the writer wishes to thank all who have so materially and enthusiastically assisted in carrying out the experiments, and to express his confidence that their enthusiasm remains undiminished, despite the apparent failure of some of our most favoured varieties of peach to withstand the tests to which they were subjected. VERNACULAR NAMES OF VICTORIAN PLANTS. Communicated by Alfred J. Ewart, D.Sc, Ph.D., F.L.S., Chairman, and C. S. Sutton, M.B., Ch.B., Secretary of the Plant Names Com- mittee of the Victrrian Field Naturalists' Club. Continued from page 493, Vol. XIII. (10th Avgnst, 1915). Jiotiiniciil Xiimo. Popular Name. Use or Character. Olax- OUlCACV.M. stricta, R.Br. . . SANTALACK.t;. Exocarpos — cupressiforiiiiw, l,al)il. SYMPETALE/E PERIGYN/E. Cherry IJiilliut . . Of no known economic value, Wootl handsome ami ch>»e erainiMl. Use*! for turnhiR and cabinet work. 56 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jax., 1916. Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants — continued. Botanical Name. Popular Name. Use or Character. Sympetaleje Perigyn^ — continued. Santalace.!; — continued. Exocarpos — cont i nued . spartea, B.Br. . . aphylla, E.Br. .. stricta. Il.Br. nana, Hook. f. . . Omphacomeria — acerba, A. DC. . . Leptomeria — acida, R.Br, aphylla, R.Br. . . Choretrum — glomoratum, R.Br. spicatum, F.v.M. laterifloriim, R.Br. Santalum — obtusifolium, R. Br. acuminatus, R.Br. jwrsicarius, F.v.M. Thesiuw — australe, R.Br. . . LORANTHACE^. Nolothixos — incanus, Oliver . . Loranthus — celastroides, Sieber Exocarpi, Behr. linophyllus, Fenzl. pendnlus, Sieber Quandang, Lindl. Proteace^. Isopogon — anemonifolius, R.Br. ceratophyllus, R.Br. Adenanthos — terminalis, R.Br. Conospermiim — Mitchellii, Meiss. patens, Schlech. . . taxifolium, Smith Persoonia — arborea, F.v.M. . . salicina, Persoon. lanceolata, Andrews confertiflora, Benth. linearis, Andrews revoluta, Sieber rigida, R.Br. myrtilloides, Sieber oxycoccoides, Sieber Chamaepeuce, Lhotsky juniperina, Labill. GviteS' lancifolia, F.v.M. Broom Ballart . . Leafless Ballart Palefruited Ballart Alpine Ballart . . Leafless Som' bush Sour Currant-bush Leafless Currant-bush Common Currant-bush Spiked Currant-bush Dwarf Currant-bush Blunt -leaved Quandong Sweet Quandong Bitter Quandong Austral Thesium Yellow Mistletoe Common Mistletoe Harlequin Mistletoe Slender Mistletoe Hanging Mstletoe Grey Jlistletoe . . Tall Comebush . . Horny Comebush Hairbush Mountain Conosperm Slender Conosperm Yew-leaved Conosperm Tree Geebung . . Willow Geebung Bonewood Geebung Closeflowered Geebung Narrow-leaved Geebung Pale Geebung . . Hairy Geebung . . Myrtle Geebung. . Heathy Geebung Dwarf Geebung Prickly Geebung Alpine Orites ,• Of no known economic value. J Of no known economic value. \ The berries are edible, having a pleasant } subacid flavour. Of no known economic value. Timber is useful for cabinet work. (The timber takes a fine polish and is excellent for cabinet work. The fruit of the Sweet Quandong is edible, and makes an excellent pre- serve. Of no known economic value. Serious pests in forests. All are para- sitic on the branches of trees, spread- ing rapidly over the trees and eventually destroying them. In the larger members of this group the timber is beautifully or unusually figured, and hence useful for cabinet work. Of no known economic value. ) Worthy of garden culture, especially the ( first named Wood tough and useful for fishing-rods. Worthy of cultivation. Wood useful for tool handles. Might possibly be improved by culti- vation. All more or less worthy of cultivation. P. rigida has edible berries. Might be worthy of garden culture. 10 Jax., 1916.] Vernacular Names of Victorian, Plants. 57 Vernacular Names of Victorian ~P l Ayr s— continued. Botanical Name. Popular Name. Use or Character. ProTEACE.e — conlinued. Grevillea — pterosperma, F.v.M. Barklyana, F.v.:\r. rei)ens, F.v.M. . . Aquifolium, Liiidl. ilicifolia, R.Br. . . florilnmda, R.Br. alpina, Linrtl. Williamsoni, F.v.M. lanigera. Cunn. rosmarinifolia, Cunn. lavandulacea, Schlecli. Huegelii, Meiss. . . Miqueliana, F.v.il. Victoriae, F.v.M. oleoides, Sieber . . confertifolia, F.v. .M. par\'iflora. R.Br. australis, R.Br. triternata, R.Br. ramosissima, .Mciss. Bakea — criantha, R.Br. . . puaioniformis, Cav. vittata, R.Br. . . rostrata, F.v.^I. rugosa, R.Br. salisna, R.Br. . . nodosa. R Br. . . acicularis, R.Br. leucoptera, R.Br. microcarpa.R.Br. dactyloides, Cav. ulicina, R.Br. Hcxilcs, F.V..AI. Lomatia — ilicifolia, R.Br. Fras('ri. R.Br. longifolia, R.Br. Telopen — oroados, F.v.^M. Banlcsia — collina, R.Br, marginata, Cav. intogrifolia, L. . . scrrata, L. ornata F.v.M. . . Rirm.vcK.K. Morindu — iasmlnoidcs, Cunn. Nertfira — dcpressa, Bank.s rcptans, F.v.M. . . CoproHDiti — repcns, Uook. f. nitida, Hook. f. BillardiiTi, Ifook. I hirtclla, Lal.ill. .. Sympet.a.le.1; PERiGYXiE — ■Continued. Desert Grevillea Large-leaved Grevillea Spreading Grevillea I'rictclv Grevillea irollyVirevillea . . CiiMiu Cri-villea Afouiit.iin (iri'villea Sif I ra (Jii'villea Woolly (Irevillea Rosemary (irevillea Lavender Grevillea Comb (Irevillea Oval-leaved Grevillea Royal (irevillea Olive Grevillea . . Ijeiise-liaved Grevillea Small-flowered Grevillea Alpine Grevillea Needle Grevillea Branched (irevillea Tree Hakea Dagger Hakea . striped Hakea . I'.eaked Hakea . Wrinkled Hakea Willow Hakea . Yellow Hakea . Silky Hakea Needle Hakea . Small-fruited Hakea Finger Hakea . . Furze Hakea Flexile Hakea . . Holly Lomatia . . Tree Lomatia . . Long-leaved Lomatia Victorian Waratah Hill Banksia Silver Banksia Coast Banksia Saw Banksia Desert Banksia .fa-iinin Morinda Cushion Nertcra Dwarf Nertera . . Spreading Coprosina Shining Coprosina I'rickly Cuprosnia i Uough Coprosma Useful flowering shrubs or trees, of which G. -alpina G.floribunda G.-HuegelU, (i. -lavandulacea, G. -oleoides, G.-ros- marinifolia, and G. -Victoriae, are especially worthy of cultivation. All are worthy of cultivation in gardens and parks. Useful as a hedge plant. Timber is coarse-grained and soft. Some- times used for tobacco-pipes, veneers, &c. Worthy of cultivation. Timber hard, close-graine 1, and useful for cabinet work, but is usually only a shrub. j W'orthy of cultivation. Worthy of garden culture. Handsome timber useful for cabinet work. Worthy of garden culture. Furnishes an ornamental wood, an 1 is also worthy of garden culture. Worthy of garden culture. This wood is jjorous. soft, spongy, and light, but when thoroughly seasoned it is used for indoor ornamental work. Timber takes a gooil polish, is Ix-autl- fully grained and suitable for fancy work. Yields a purplish mahogany-coloured wocxl useful for makinir furniture. Worthy of garih'U culture. Wood yellow and prettily markeil, but usually only a shrub. Useful lor cultivation us a pot plant. Of no kiuiwu economic value. } The fruits arc edible, but arc too small •• to Ih' of much value, and C. Blllnr- \ di.Tl makes a roikI hedg.' plant . 58 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants — continued. Botanical Name. Popular Name. Use or Character, Sympetale^ Perigyn^ — continued. RUBIACE^ — continued. Opercularia — scabrida, Schlech. aspera, Gaertn. . . hispida, Sprang . . ovata, Hook. f. . . varia, Hook, f . . . Pomax — umbellata, Soland. Asperula — Gunnii, Hook. f. scoparla, Hook, f . Galium — parisiense, L. var. australe, Ewart umbrosum, Soland. Gaudichaudi, D.C. australe, D.C. . . geminifollum, F.v.M. Capkifoliace^. Sambucus — xanthocarpa, F.v.M. Gaudichaudiana, D.C. PASSIFLOEACE.!!. Passifiora — cinnabarina, Lindl. CUCTJIIBITACE.E. Melothria — Mueller!, Benth. Sicyos — angulata, L. Rough Stinkweed Thin Stinkweed Hairy Stinkweed Broad Stinkweed Variable Stinkweed Pomax Mountain Woodruff Common Woodruff Wall Bedstraw . . Mouri Bedstraw. . Rough Bedstraw Tangled Bedstraw Twin-leaved Bedstraw V^ellow Elderberry White Elderberry Red Passionflower Mallee Cucimiber Star Cucumber . . -Of no known economic value. Jliglit be worthy of garden culture. Plants of slight pasture value. 7 Worthy of garden culture. The fruits i are sweetish. A good climber. Worthy of garden culti- vation. Of no known economic value Of no known economic value. (To he continued.) A COLLAR to fit properly should come close to tlie sides of tlie neck, with just room to shove your fingers in between the neck and collar at the bottom. For a horse that has a very thick neck, and gets sore at the top of the shoulders, take a collar, and, after oiling it well to make the leather pliable, fit it on a block of wood that will spread it in the right shape, buckle up tight, and leave for a couple of days, when it will keep that shape. 10 Jan., 1916.] Fifth Victorian Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16. 59 FIFTH VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, 1915-1916. Commenced 15th April, 1915; concluding 14th April, 1916. CONDUCTED AT THE BURNLEY SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE. Six Birds. Pen No. 88 2 84 42 19 8 21 6 7 9 80 68 28 6 69 26 89 28 3 le 4 60 44 64 11 13 10 1 18 32 49 24 25 20 60 27 83 15 43 68 65 48 36 47 22 12 41 46 62 46 40 67 87 14 81 66 Breeds. Owner. 15.4.15 to 14.11.15 15 n 15 to 14.12.15 Eight months. LIGHT BREEDS. Wbt Mash. White Leghorns . . G. McDonnell . . ,, . . E. A. Lawson . . ,, . . H. McKenzie and Son „ . . W. M. Bayles . . ,, . . L. 0. Broadbent ,, . . C. J. Jackson ,, . . E. B. Harris ., J.J. West „ . . Marville Poultry Farm „ . . J. Schwabb „ . . A. B. Silbereisen (5 birds) W. G. Swift ,, . . Fulham Park „ . . F. Doldissen „ . . W. G. Osburne . . „ . . ! A. Mowatt „ . . i W. M. Sewell . . „ . . R. Lethbridge . . .. ' J. H. Gill N. Burston R. Hay John Hood Mrs. F. M. Oliver W. G. Clingin . . J. B. Brigden . . T. Hustler A.E. Tuttleby .. Mrs. H. Stevenson D. Adams F. Hodges (5 birds) Bennett and Chapman Lysbeth Poultry Farm (5 birds) Giddy and Son . . R. W. Pope H.C. Brock J.A.Stahl (5 birds) A.W.Hall H. N. H. .Mirams H.I. Merrick Thirkell and Smith W. N. O'MuIlane C. J. Bcitty Wcldon Poultry Yards J. C. Armstrong S. Bnscumb G. Hay man J. A. Donaldson R. Berry A. A. Sandland . . SouMi Van Yean Poultry l''arm C. C. Dunn B. Mitchell A. Ross W. Flood L. McLean (5 birds) C. Hurst Total Position In Competi- tion. 969 147 1,116 952 157 1,109 951 153 1,104 930 151 1,081 938 136 1,0 ?4 916 143 1,059 939 109 1,048 916 119 1 ,035 891 140 1,031 884 121 1,005 855 148 1,003 922 75 997 833 154 987 880 106 986 829 156 985 864 118 982 856 126 982 828 153 981 834 147 981 848 129 977 844 133 977 825 144 969 835 133 968 823 145 968 830 137 967 820 147 967 860 106 966 828 125 953 815 136 951 827 116 943 816 126 942 810 130 940 800 126 926 772 145 917 706 111 907 760 147 907 779 127 906 779 121 900 756 144 900 742 154 896 775 113 888 761 126 887 729 152 881 750 121 877 729 139 868 732 124 850 721 129 850 711 117 828 708 117 825 713 110 823 001 120 817 707 97 804 653 123 770 632 124 756 584 134 718 593 101 694 45,147 7,204 52,441 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 j« 1 20 22 }23 J25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 ]35 37 J38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 65 56 60 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. Fifth Victorian Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16 — continued. Six Birds. Breeds. Owner. Totals. Position In Competi- Pen 15.4.15 15. 11. 15 Eight months. tion. No. to 14.11.15 to 14.12.15 j LIGHT BREEDS. Dry Mash. 80 White Leghorns . , W. H.Robbins .. 1,013 138 1,151 1 68 »» H. McKenzie and Son 900 156 1,056 2 79 Lysbeth Poultry Farm . . 845 137 982 .3 64 W. M. Bayles . . 839 127 966 }* 63 A. H. Padman . . 814 152 906 69 E. MacBrown . . 837 128 965 6 76 A. A. Sandland . . 813 149 962 7 62 Benwerren Egg Farm 789 155 944 8 66 E. A. Lawson . . 815 109 924 9 78 H. Hanbury 811 108 919 10 72 Mrs. E. Zimmermann 790 123 913 11 61 Mrs. H. Stevenson 784 127 911 12 65 Thirkell and Smith 770 136 906 13 67 C.C.Dunn 746 147 893 14 71 Moritz Bros. 745 143 8S8 15 73 C. L. Lindrea 671 108 779 16 77 South Yan Yean Poultry Farm 653 125 778 17 74 J.H.Gill 587 98 685 18 75 (5 birds ) Fulhara Park Total 564 113 67/ 19 14,786 2,479 17,265 HEAVY BREEDS. WET Mash. 86 Black Orpingtons . j C. E. Graham . . 941 136 1,077 1 97 ). ] Marville Poultry Farm 919 114 1,033 2 300 ,, (5 birds J. H. Wright . . 869 111 980 3 85 ,, H. H. Pump 846 122 968 4 81 ,, Mrs. T. W. Pearce 876 86 962 5 89 Rhode Island Reds E. W. Hippe 832 121 953 6 93 Black Orpingtons . L. W. Parker . . 822 121 943 7 88 »» J. McAUan 817 101 918 8 92 J. Ogden 767 150 917 9 91 A. Greenhalgh . . 773 118 891 10 99 L. McLean 764 116 8-0 11 90 (5 birds ) Oaklands Poultry Farm . . 787 91 878 12 87 W. C. Spencer .. 779 82 861 13 84 Cowan Bros. 749 103 852 14 94 ! (5 bird's ) D. Fisher 741 64 805 15 95 Silver Wyandottes. W. H. Forsyth . . 689 86 775 16 98 Faverolles K. Courtenay . . 642 126 708 17 83 Black Orpingtons. G. Mayberry 620 99 720 18 96 White Orpingtons . Stranks Bros. . . 546 36 572 19 82 White Wyandottes J. B. Brigden .. Total 460 15,230 94 551 20 2,077 17,307 Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. A. HART, Chief Poultry Expert. 10 Jan., 1916.] Orcliard and Garden Notes. 61 ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. E. E. Pescoit, F.L.S., Principal, School of Horticulture, Burnley. The Orchard. Cultivation. The necessity for constant surface cultivation is apparent every summer, but more so in dry seasons. N^ot only in non-irrigable districts is this a necessity, but also in those districts vi^here the trees can be watered, and more so in the latter case. In irrigated orchards the tendency of the soil, as a result of artificial waterings, is to set and harden. Consequently, stirring the surface must be resorted to^ in order to keep up a good mechanical condition of the soil, and also to prevent loss of irrigation water by evaporation. • In non-irrigable orchards the cultivation is necessary to conserve what water has entered the sub-soil, as a result of the winter and spring rains. The soil crust should not be allowed to form. Summer showers are not alone the cause of these formations; dry weather conditions cause the soil to consolidate, and any tramping or vehicular tratfic tends to harden the surface, and thus to allow the escape of moisture the trees most need. Spbaying. Spraying for codlin moth will require to be very thorough. A spraying should be given during the second week in January, and another in a month's time. All infected fruit should be picked from the trees, or gathered from the ground, and destroyed by boiling. It is often a common practice to place the infected fruit in heaps, and attempt to destroy the larvge by building a fire on top of the fruit. This method cannot be too strongly condenmed, as it is almost inevitable that a nund)er of the larva? will escape. The only way to properly deal with such fruit by burning is to have it burnt in a furnace; failing this, boiling is the surest method of extermination when the larvsp are in the fruit. The cater])inars and chrysalids sliould be searched out of their lading ])laces under the bark, in the crevices of the tree, kc. All bandages should be well cleaned, and no chance whatever given to the insects to develop into the second brood. Owing to the cool weather experienced during the season, woolly aphis is becoming prevalent, particularly in sheltered situation.s. It is advisable to free the trees as much as ])0s Tt-u. tr-T ^1 wfsn'K '.■- .-^»'^ « Ay. tW •jA.i'..,^'T>. rS''vifT^"fi"'''''~ii'^'' Ji Jovrnal of AgriciiJfvre, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. fjLUTTERBUCK BROS. SOLE AGENTS FOR "BLACKSTONE" OIL ENGINES STATIONARY or PORTABLE FAMED FOR DURABILITY, ECONOMY, RELIABILITY. "OLDS" Petrol Hopper Jacket or Talk Cooling Type ENGINES ALSO PREMIER GAS ENGINES POWER GAS ENGINES GLUTTERBUGK BROS. 585 Bourke St., MELBOURNE. Writm or Call for Particalara. This Journal offers exceptional : : advantages : : To Stock Owners, Produce Agents and Stock Sales- men, Implement Makers, Sellers of Milking Ma- chines and Dairy Utensils, Orchard Appliances and Materials, and all Farmers' Supplies for Advertising 10,000 copies per month Guaranteed Circulation throughout the Country Districts of Victoria and amongst Farmers of the Commonwealtli, reach- ing also country professional men, tradesmen, schoolmasters, teachers, and the like. Exceptionally satisfac- torj^ results have followed the adver- tising of Stud Stock in this Journal. fh^oZTc::'::!^ Wlr. J. J. WRIGHT and Mrs. HEMMING c/o Editor, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne. 10 Jan., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. NATIONAL TRUSTEES Executors & Agency Company of Australasia, Ltd. DIRECTORS: HON. WALTER MADDEN. Chairman and ManaKing Director. EDWARD FITZGERALD. E.q.. LL.D. MICHAEL MORNANE. Esq. HON. DUNCAN E. McBRYDE. M.L.C. HENRY MADDEN. E.q. DAVID HUNTER. Etq. This Company Acts as Executor or Joint Executor of Wills, Administrator, Trustee of Settlements, and Agent for Absentees under Power of Attorney. MONEY TO LEND ON BROAD ACRES AND FARM LANDS Offices— 113 Queen St. (Comer of Little Collins-st.) Melbourne The State Savings Bank of Victoria INCREASE IN RATE OF INTEREST ON DEPOSITS the Rate of Interest payable FROM 1st JULY, 1915, will be 3| per cent, on sums from £1 to £350 (instead of 3^% on first £lOO, and 3% on excess up to £350). Also the Rate of Interest payable on VICTORIAN SAVINGS BANK DEPOSIT STOCK will be Sh per cent, on sums from i£10 to £1,000 From 1st July, 1915. Any depositor may invest lumi up to £l ,000 in this Stock, in addition to the amount in his ordinary Savings Bank Account. This Stock is Free of Income Tax. Head, Office. State Savings Bank. MELBOURNE. GEO. E. EMERY. Inspector-General. "1000TREES& STUMPS GRUBBED OUT" Thus wrrites Mr. J. Sutherland, Parwain. " I am very well jileaMed with the Ornlio^rs, as they are dointr very rocxI work. With mine I have cIoM OQ l.OCO trees and •tunipg KniMu'd out. I have done all Ihii work nuself without any a«ii»tance. So I coneider the Grubber haa more Ihiiu doubly paid for itself." FuU The "MONKKY WINCH" will save time, labour and money on partiCiilairi your land olaarlnc, la always raady, and onn be worked In Ao"»— tha vary rouchaat country and In any clusa of tlmbor. TREWHELLA BROS. pty. ltd., TRENTHAM Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Graded Seed Wheat :: 1916 Distribution :% Select Bred Graded Seed of the following varieties of Wheat will be available for distribution early in March. 1916 1. Early Maturing Wheats Comeback, Collegre Eclipse, Gluyas, klng^'s Early, Viking:. 2. Mid-season & Late Wheats Commonv/ealth, Currawa, Dart's Imperial, Special Federation, Marshall's No. 3, Major, Penny. 3. Hay Wheats Hug^uenot, Warden, Zealand Blue. For further particulars apply to the Agricultural Superintendent, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne. 10 Jan., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. therefore you need Plume Benzine the fuel that takes more air ; keeps the engine cool and clean ; gives maximum power, and more mileage to the gallon than any other benzine, whilst Gargoyle Mobiloils ensure frictionless running. Vacuum Oil Co. Pty. Ltd. throughout the Commonwealth and New Zealand Ask for our Booklets " Petrol and the Carburetor " What about Petrol " •'Your Ford" *■ Lubrication of the Automobile " Poil Fret upon request v< acuuin Oil Co. Pty. Ltd. 90 William Street, Melbourne Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT COOL STORES THE NEW STORES AT VICTORIA DOCK have a capacity of 310,000 cubic feet insulated, and are capable of holding 155,000 boxes of butter, or 105,000 cases of fruit, or 140,000 carcasses of lamb and mutton. Produce can be placed on conveyors at any point and mechanically carried to any chamber in the building, or conveyed from the chambers dired into the ship's hold. Eledlric motor power totals 820 H.P. The Railway Department Goods Sheds are adjacent to and connected with the Cool Stores by direcft lines ; delay and exposure ol produce through shunting in the Spencer-street yards, or cartage, are thus avoided. The Stores are situated in close proximity to the Victoria Dock, where vessels drawing up to 30 feet of water can be berthed ; excellent facilities for the efficient and economical treatment and shipment of frozen and perishable producfts are provided. EXPERT OFFICERS are conne(5ted with every Branch, so that any one requiring information regarding the produdtion, preparation, and shipment of produce can rely upon being promptly supplied with up-to-date information upon all matters. 10 Jan., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE I GOVERNMENT COOL STORES. FACILITIES are provided for producers and smaller exporters of the various kinds of produce, so that dired shipments on their own account may be under- taken. The Government ownership and condudt of Cool Stores places producers in an independent position, and, in addition, preserves an open channel for the carrying on of the export trade in perishable produdts. THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE will receive, handle, freeze, store, and ship Butter, Cheese, Eggs, Fruit, Meat, Poultry, Rabbits and Hares, &c., for producers and exporters. PRODUCE to the value of over £27,000,000 has been treated at the Govern- ment Cool Stores. Government Cool Stores. Telephones. „ r Office: 10383 Central VICTORIA DOCK (Dudley Street L , , ru in^R? {^Engineer-in-Chargt : \\JJOL Doncaster - - 397 Canterbury Ringwood - - 397 ,, Burwood East - - 651 Diamond Creek - - 151 Heidelberg Tyabb - - SCALE OF CHARGES, ETC. and further particulars may be obtained upon application to the Exports Superintendent. Department of Agriculture. Produce Offices. 605-7 Flinders Street. Melbourne. Telephone 9380 Central. XXIV Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Keci r oil Liairy rlercl (NOTE.— In order to lessen correspondence it is notified that the Department has now no Red Polls for sale. All the bull calves have been sold, and choices from cows still to calve this season have been booked ahead of calving. The demand for bull calves is so strong that farmers contemplating purchase are advised to study the records of the herd published in the September (1915) Journal of Agriculture and book their orders ahead, stipulating choice of bull calves from, gay, three of the record cows.) Bull Calves are sold at prices based approximately on the actual milk and butter fat record of the dam at the rate of Is. per lb. of butter fat yielded. LAST SEASON'S RECORD OF THE HERD cows. Days Weeks Milk, Average Butter Commercial in Milk. in Milk. in lbs. Test. Fat (lbs.) Butter (lbs.) Muria 365 52 14,972 5-9 884-6 1,007-94 £ s. d. 44 4 7 Persica . . 351 50 9,607 4-9 479-94 547-13 23 19 11 Cuba 337 48 10,464 4-5 478-14 545-07 23 18 1 Birdseye . . 321 m 8,522 5-5 473-79 540-12 23 13 9 Bullion 321 45i 10,928 4-3 468-99 534-64 23 8 11 Virginia . 344 49 10,252 4-4 456*76 520-13 22 16 9 Pennsylvania 348 49J 10,607 4-1 437-42 498-65 21 17 5 Sumatra . . 290 4U 9,232 4-6 431 - 49 491-89 21 11 6 Effypta . . 327 46J 10,646 3-9 418-55 477-14 20 18 6 Mexicana 282 40i 8,641 4-6 399-75 455-71 19 19 9 Europa . . 347 m 8,765 4-4 387-11 441-30 19 7 1 Goldleat 362 51J 8,415 4-4 377-67 430-54 18 17 8 Phillipina 284 40J 6,829 5-0 343-33 391-39 17 3 4 Vuelta 239 34 7,560 4-4 338-28 385-64 16 18 3 Connecticut 259 36} 6,878 4-7 3-25-48 371-04 16 5 6 Turka 279 39f 6,305 4-9 316-07 360-31 15 16 0 Ardath . . 332 47i 6,261 4-8 302-91 345-31 15 2 10 Asiana 279 39| 5,933 4-9 292-01 332-62 14 12 0 Netherlana 292 41J 6,903 4-2 291-78 332-62 14 11 9 Havana . . 325 46J 7,001 4-0 285-86 325-88 14 5 10 Cameo 303 43i 5,536 5-1 285-00 325-58 14 5 7 Alpina 2S6 40J 6,995 3-9 276-86 315-62 13 16 10 Atlanta . . 252 36 5,C35 4-7 266-90 304-26 13 6 10 Hispana . . 365 52 6,574 3-6 241-69 275-52 12 1 8 Kentucky 281 40 6,068 3-9 239-51 273-04 11 19 6 India Averages of herd 244 341 4,578 4-9 225-30 252-75 11 5 3 of 26 cows 308 431 8,084 J 4-6 374-03 420-39 18 14 0 HEIFERS. 1 Pipio 334 4ri 6,802 4-8 320 37 372 06 16 6 4 Tennessee 311 44i 6,706 4-2 282 88 322 48 14 2 10 Samorna 305 52 5,490 4-9 271 76 309 80 13 11 9 La Reina 342 48} 5,070 5-1 261 96 298 63 13 1 11 Mongolia 301 43 5,799 4-2 244 95 279 24 12 4 11 Sylvia 301 43 4,897 4-7 235 79 268 80 . 11 15 9 Tuckahoe Averages of herd 322 46 4,374 4-7 206-38 235-27 10 6 4 of 7 heifers . . 325 46i 5,591 4-6 201-44 298-04 13 7 1 Inspection of the Herd is invited. Visitors will be met at the Station on notification to :— Mr. R. R. KERR, Dairy Supervisor \ or — — - State Research Farm, Werribee. Mr. ED. STEER, Herdsman J Application for purchase to DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE. By Authority: Albeki J. Mullett, Government Printer, Melbourne. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VICTORIA PUBLICATIONS ^ JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 64 pp. Illustrated. The Journal is issued monthly, and deals with all phases of up-to-date agriculture. The subscription, which is payable in advance, and includes postage, is 3s. per annum for the Commonwealth and New Zealand, and 5s. for the United Kingdom and foreign couniries. Single copy, 3d. New volume commences with the January number of each year. A limited number of the issues comprising Volumes III. (1905), 8 parts, exclusive of February, March, April, and May, out of print ; IV. (1906), 10 parts, exclusive of Parts 7 and 9 (July and September) out of prmt ; V. (1907), and VI. (1908), 12 parts each; VII. (1909), 10 parts, exclusive of Parts 2 and 10 (February and October) out of print ; and Vlll. (19l0), 12 parts, are at present in stock, and will be supplied at the foregoing rales. The parts forming the current volume may also be obtained. A few bound copies of Volumes Vlll. (1910), IX. (191 1), X. (1912), and XI. (1913), are at present available. Price, 5s. per volume. Postage : C, 3id.; N.Z., Is. 2d.; B. & F., 2s. 4d. YEAR BOOK OF AGRICULTURE FOR 1905. 448 p.p., 200 illustrations, 2 coloured plates. Cloth, 3s. 6d.; paper, 2s. 6d. Postage: C, cloth 2id., paper 2d.; N.Z., cloth 9d., paper 8d.; B. & F., cloth Is. 6d., paper Is. 4d. AUSTRALIAN FUNGI. B. & F., Is. 8d. By Dr. Cooke. £l Is. Postage: C, 5d.; N.Z. lOd. PLAN AND SPECIFICATION OF SHEEP-SHEARING SHED. 2s. 6d. Postage, Id. MILK CHARTS (Monthly and Weekly;, 6d. per dozen, post free, farmers should mention "Monthly" or "Weekly." When ordering, dairy By Professor A. J. Ewarl, Qovernment Botanist. WEEDS, POISON PLANTS, AND NATURALIZED ALIENS OF VICTORIA. 2s. 6d. Postage: C, Ud.; N.Z.. 5d.; B. & F.. lOd. Vol. II., 10s PLANTS INDIGENOUS TO VICTORIA. 8d.. B. & F.. Is. 4d. Postage: C, 2d.; N.Z., By C. French, F.E.S., Qovernment Entomologist. DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA. Parts I., I!., III.. IV., V., 2s. 6d. each. M.i/age; ■ Parts 1. and 111., C. Id.; N.Z. ,3d.: B. & F. , 6d. each. Paris II. and IV.. C. lid.; N.Z.,4d.; B. & F.. 8d. each. Part V. , C. , Id.; N.Z.,4d.; B. & F., 7d. Application, accompanied by Postal Orders or Notes, must be made to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, M MELBOURNE. ^' VICTORIAN ^SUMMER=^ EXCURSIONS The Victorian Railways issue Summer Excursion Fares to the Seaside, Mountains, Rivers, Lakes, and Caves, from 15th November till 30th April. MOUNT BUFFALO First-class Accommodation at the Government Chalet. Excursion Fares all the year round. Special Inclusive Week Tickets covering Transport and Accom- modation at the Government Chalet, issued on Fridays by the 4.0 p.m. Express tram. First Class £S 1 0/- Excursionists wishing to travel by motor from Bright may do so, weather permitting, on payment at Bright o( 2/6 extra. Special inclusive Week Excursion Tickets all including Accommodation, &c. Bairnsdale and Cunninghame Coach and Motor Launch Trips, &c. 8 days - - £5 10/- Healesville Coach Drives, &c. 7 days - £3 Warburton Coach Drives, &c. 7 days, £3 5/- MoUnt Buffalo See other side. Write to the Government Tourist Bureau for full particulars. Victorian Government Tourist Bureau Opposite Town Hall, Collins Street, Melbourne Full Information supplied in regard to Excursions, Tourist Resorts, Accommodation, &c. Tickets issued daily. Handbooks, Maps, and Hotel Guides Free on application. Telephone Nos. 2898 and 2899 Central. GEO. H. SUTTON, Acting Secretary for Railways. Vol. XIV. SEED WHEAT. Part 2. [Registered at the General Post Office, Melbourne, for transmission by Post as a Newspaper.) FEDERATION fiM^i.iia)it»ffl»<»i'ii<>'i t*;>^ -.^^fl^fc^* YANDILLA KING #ilv SEED WHEAT RAISING. PRICE THREEPENCE. (Annual Subscription— Victoria, Inter-btate, and N.2., 3/-; British and Foreign, 6/-,) BRUNNINGS FOUR PURPOSE CROPS 1. For Winter Feed that can either be cut, fed off, or ploughed in as circumstances warrant. 2. Green Manuring. 3. Cleaning the Land. 4. For leaving the soil in a better condition as far as available nitrogen for succeeding crops is concerned. FULL PARTICULARS FREE ON APPLICATION STRAWBERRY GLOVER (Shelled Seed) The ideal fodder for damp land. Gives a wonderful amount of fodder, and IS thoroughly perennial. BERSEEM CLOVER (True Mesgawi Strain) The ideal plant for irrigated areas, and a splendid preparation for land to be sown later in Lucerne. Address all enquiries to the Manager Special Farm Dept., Box 857, Melbourne OUR GREAT SPECIALTY OUR GREAT SPECIALTY LUCERNE BRUNNINGS BROADLEAF UPRIGHT HUNTER RIVER COCKSFOOT PRAIRIE PHALARIS WHITE CLOVER BOKHARA RYE GRASS RIB GRASS RAPE ALSIKE SUBTERRANEUM PASPALUM TIMOTHY FESCUE COW GRASS CRIMSON 64 Elizabeth St., Melbourne THE JOITRNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUETURE, VICTOE-I-A., -A^XJSTI^^^niil^^- CONTENTS.— FEBRUARY, 1916. Seed Wheat Varieties for Distribution among Farmers A. E. V. Richardson, M.A., B.Sc. Nhill Agricultural Societ}' Annual Crop and Fallow Competi- tions, 1915 ... ... ... ... ... T. A. J. Smith Planting and Reconstitution of Vineyard.?, Conditions Govern- ing the Distribution of Phylloxera-resistant Vine Root- lings and Cuttings Herd Improvement .. ... ... .. ... B. A. Bai-r The Profit that Ari,ses from Dipping Sheep Ensilage— Its Value and Cost of Production R.R.Kerr Farmers' Field Day — Wyuna State Farm ... Potato Experimental Fields, 1915-16 ... ■/. T.Ramsay Golden Wheat— Victoria's Record Harvest Standard Test Cows Butter-fat in Cheese ... ... ... ... H. T. Archer Victorian Rainfall ... ... ... ... H.A.Hunt Fifth Victorian Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16 Orchard and (Jarden Notes ... ... .. E. E. Rescotl Reminders LWKAKr P.AGB 65 79 88 89 94 97 100 107 116 117 120 121 124 126 128 COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES. Tlie Articles in the Journal of the Department of Agriculture of Victoriii are protected Ijy the provisions of the Copyright Act. Proprietors of nowsj)a|>ers wishing to repuhlisli any matter are at liberty to do 8o, proi-ided the Journal and atUhor are both achnoir/ed'/fil. The Journal is issued jnonthly. The subscription, which is pavablo iu advance and includes postage, is 3s. per annum for the Coininonweaith and New Zealand, and 58. for the United kingdom and Foreitrn Countries. Single copy, Tlireepencc. Siiiiscriptions should be forwarded to the Director of Ajfriculturo, Molbowrn«. A complete bst of the v.irious publications issued by the Doi«rtment of Agriculture will be supplied by the latter. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Keel r oil Uaiiry oera (NOTE.— The Department has now no Red Polls for sale. All the bull calves have been sold, and choices from cows still to calve this season have been booked ahead of calving. The 1 demand for bull calves is so strong that farmers contemplating purchase are advised to study the records of the herd published in the September (1915) Journal of Agriculture and book their orders ahead, stipulating choice of bull calves from, say, three of the record cows.) Bull Calves are sold at prices based approximately on the actual milk and butter fat record of the dam at the rate of Is. per lb. of butter fat yielded. INDIVIDUAL RECORDS cows. Name. Davs V/eeks Milk, Average Butter Commercial Price of in Milk. in Milk. in lbs. Test. Fat (lbs.) Butter (lbs,) Bull Calf. Muria 365 52 14,972 5-9 884-6 1,007-94 43 Guineas. Vuelta . . 289 41i 7,750 6-2 485-10 553-00 24 Persica . . 351 50 9,6(17 4-9 479-94 547-13 ■ 23 Cuba 337 48 10,40+ 4-5 478-14 645-07 23 Birdseve . . 321 45J 8,522 5-5 473-79 540-12 23 Bu lii.n .. 321 45f 10,928 4-3 468-99 534-64 23 Vii yiiiia . . 344 40 10,252 4-4 456 -re 5-20-13 22 Pemnylvaiiia 348 49i 10,607 4-1 437-42 498-65 21 Sumatra .. 290 4U 9,2:« 4-6 431-49 491-89 21 Effypta . . 327 46i 10,646 3-9 418-55 477-14 20 Mexirana 282 40i 8,641 4-6 399-75 455-71 19 Euro;ia .. 347 iH 8,763 4-4 387 • 11 ! 441 - 30 19 Gola.caf 362 5U 8,415 4-4 377-67 430-54 18 Coniifi'ticut 283 40J 6,780 5-3 364-00 415-00 18 Phillipina 284 40i 6,829 5-0 343-33 391-39 17 India 273 39 8,146 4-1 335-20 382-25 16 Turka 279 39J 6,395 4-9 316-07 360-31 15 Kentucky 2S8 39| 7,904 3-9 313-25 357-00 15 Ardath .. 332 47i 6,261 4-8 302-91 345-31 15 Asiana 279 39} 5,933 4-9 292-01 332-62 14 Netheilana 292 41i 6,903 4-2 291 -7S 332-62 14 Havana .. 325 46J 7,001 4-0 285-86 325-88 14 Cameo 303 43i 5,536 5-1 285-60 325-58 14 Alpina 286 40| 6,995 3-9 276-86 315-62 13 Britannia 273 39 6,889 3-9 268-81 306-50 13 Hispana . . 365 52 6,574 3-6 241-69 275-52 12 Carribea . . 273 39 5,518 4-3 236-92 270-00 11 Japana . . 273 39 6,56S 3-5 229-74 262-00 11 HEIFERS. 1 Pipio 334 47* 6,S02 4-8 326-37 372 06 16 Guineas. | Tennessee 311 44i 6,706 4-2 282-88 322 48 14 Samorna 365 52 5,490 4-9 271-76 309 80 13 La Reina 342 48i 5,070 5-1 261-96 298 63 13 Monj,'-olia 301 43 5,799 4-2 244-95 27i) 24 12 Sylvia 301 43 4,897 4-7 235-79 268 80 11 Soudana . . 273 39 4,707 4-4 207-17 236 25 10 Laurel 273 39 5,006 4-0 201-41 229 50 10 Ontario . . 273 39 4,739 4-2 199-68 227-75 10 Inspection of the Herd is invited. Visitors will be met at the Station on notification to :— Mr. R. R. KERR, Dairy Supervisor ^ or \ State Research Farm, Werribee. Mr. ED. STEER, Herdsman 1 Application for purchas e to DI RECTOR OF AG RICULTl JRE, W ELB( )URNE 10 Feb., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. Ill "PERFECTUS"_ APPARATUS for the TREATMENT of MILK FEVER in COWS .•; BY THE METHOD RECOMMENDED IN THE JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE " I 'HE treatment by this apparatus •*■ is effective and easy to per- form, and it is indeed rare that the severest case does not \'ield to it. The treatment should be applied directly the symptoms of the fever become manifest. The set contains everything neces- sary to effect a cure, including a thermometer for aiding the recogni- tion of the disease. PRICE COMPLETE, 12s. 6d. (Postage 9d.) Ask your nearest Chemist for it, and if he cannot supjily, ajiply to us direct FELTON, GRIMWADE & CO, MELBOURNE WATER LIFTED 500 FEET PUMPED A MILE a Cost of One Penny per Hour. OUR FARM PUMP t.nginc will do this as well as cut chaff, saw wood, work shearing machines, &c. It can be attached to a windmill or almost any other pump in 3 minutes. Needs no mechanic to fix or operate, and works all day without attention. -_— Hundreds sold and giving — satisfaction. Price £35, with "Bosch" Magneto. H inlerefted in water supply or irrigation, state your working conditions and we will quote. We stock Steam, kerosene, [^etrol, and Hot Air Engines, Centri- fugal Pumps, and "Myers"," "Gould's" & "Deming's" F^umi>s for all services. " Mackie"«" Rock and Water Borer and plants for deep well and bore pumping a specially. We erect if retiuired and give easy terms. Catalog* and Expert Advice Free. .S„l,- AwnM f..r "Lister's" (British Built) Petrol and Kerosene Engines, " Bosch" Magneto Ignition, H. 3. 5. 7, .in.l 9 IIP. in .Stock. Send for Special CataloKUCs. THE "CHALLENGE The High Quality Low Price MilL It's .ill Mccl. all g.ilv.ini^ed, intern.ll geared, fitted with f'ltsed cr.ink, jKtsilive brake, sensitive governor, rinrw.il>le beatings, and efficient lubrication. C^M<- luslnnier has purchased I 17 nulls. Scores have purchased 30 to 40. .All wiw- sntisfnition. 6 ft. Mill, weight 330 lbs. .. £6 8 ft 420 .. . S.» 10 ft 526 .. £.\0 C)ther siiet in proportion. Towers from £3. (jet Catalog Pumpi. piping, troughs, tanks, lank stands, all accessories slocked. Our F xj>etl will inipect site, nuolc price, and erect if required. Fjisy terms given. Langwill Bros. & Davies Pty. Lid. (Near Prince's Bridge) SOUTH MELBOURNE 110-114 STURT ST. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1816. "" ^' « ■>>'* This is the Quick and Easy Way ! Once get an Earth Scoop on the job making Irrigation Channels, Drains, and Dams, and you'll wonder however you did without it. No laborious pick and shovel work. This Scoop of ours cuts its way quickly and cleanly. It enters ploughed and virgin soil readily, and is extremely light on the horse. The body of the Scoop is pressed cold from a solid plate of hardened steel, which is the right way; hot-pressed Scoops soon show their weakness, es- pecially at the corners. This scoop has steel runners and detachable handles. No. Capacity Weight Price 1 7 cubic feet 109 1 bs. 42 6 2 •^ »> » 97 >> 4-0/- 3 3 ,f }> 82 >> 37/6 Tilting Scoop for Making Dams No. 1—7 cub. ft., 82/6 ; No. 2—5 cub. ft., 77/6 The vast stock here presents a field of money-saving opportunities for Farmers, Graziers, Orchardists — in fact, all who use Tools. Write for detail of any Tool you require. MS^Phcrsons) ^"^^ Proprietary Limited ^^ ^^ Machinery and Tool Merchants 554-66 & 582-88 Collins St., Melbourne 10 Feb., 1916.] Journal of Ag^riculture, Victoria. Channel Irrigation. Prevents Seepage, Twice the Capacity at Half the Price ***v ,<^^»» HIS is the econ- omy and effici- T ency of Billabong OpenFlumingas against closed piping. In other words, the material required to make 6 inch piping, will make 12 Inch fluming, giving almost double the capacity, while the price is just half. Now for the uses of this fluming— You cannot afford to waste water. Every drop must be put to good account. Then you must prevent the two- thirds loss of water in that main earth channel. You don't want the water to soak down there. Instal Billabong Fluming and stop this unnecessary waste. Billabong Fluming is made in a variety of sizes and gauges. Outlet pieces and elbows are also obtainable in many sizes. The various clips or bands for joining the lengths of fluming make thoroughly tight and rigid joints. These clips are available in two types -one with feet or standard, as illustrated; and a cheaper type without feet. The former is very handy and readily placed m position. The latter may be supported with wood chocks where necessary, and IS peculiarly adapted for setting in existing earth channels. (Patent No. 10336) Makers of Fluming, Troughing, Windmills, &c., &c. 393-399 Bourke St., Melbourne VI Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Fep., 1916. ^ LIME D|1|*7'C Finely Ground Pure Agricultural Lime is free from sand **^^ '" ^ or magnesia, and contains 97 '6 percent. Carbonate of Lime (Ballarat School of Mines Assay), Will go through any Drill. Write for Sample and Booklet — Free. Price 12/6 per ton on trucks at Heywood. Works —Cave Hill, Heywood. A. 'W. ROW^. Proprietor. Tie Australasian Mutual Insuranee Society Ltd. 'Phone 7419 Central 400-2 COLLINS ST. MELBOURNE. Farmers and Breeders We will undertake to Insure your Live Stock at the Lowest Current Rates obtainable in Australia OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF BUSINESS. ^ Fire, Marine, Fidelity Guarantee, Plate =° Glass, Personal Accident and Sickness, Employers' Liability, Workmen's Compen- sation, Public Risk, Motor Car & Burglary m- INSURE WITH THIS SOCIETY, AND RECOMMEND IT TO YOUR NEICHBOURS JERSEY BUTTER BULLS SIRE-MABEL'S CHIEF (imp.). Bulls. 1. Last Season This Season Dam's Performance under a „„ Government Herd Testing. " " LASSIE (SOS). October, 1914. 7,340 lbs. Milk. 425 lbs. Butter (5 -OS test). 6,997 lbs. Milk. 417 lbs. Butter (5-24 test). 2. LASSIE2nd(1136). December, 1914. Last Season . . 9,3So lbs. Milk. 513 J lbs. Butter (4-79 test). This Season .. 8,544 lbs. Milk. 478 lbs. Butter (4-91 test). Bulls 3. Dam's Performance under Government Herd Testing. ETTIE 4th (2889). December, This Season . . 8,743 lbs. Milk. 445 lbs. Butter (4-46 SILVER AUDREY (1378). January, Last Season .. 6,128 lbs. Milk. 34S lbs. Butter (4-98 (was on second calf.) SILVERMINE 5lh (1386). February, Last Season . . 5,515 lbs. Milk. 322 lbs. Butter (5-12 Age. 1914. test). 1915. test). 1915. test). Apply :-C. GORDON LYON, "BANYULE," HEIDELBERG, VICTORIA. 10 Feb., 1916.] Journal of Afjricultxire, Victoria. NOW FOR IT ! ■WHAT ? Why a Course in Woolsorting at THE WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE THE MELBOURNE TECHNICAL SCHOOL Latrobe St., Melbourne — Opposite Library. FIRST TERM 1S16 STARTS FEBRUARY 7th. The university of MELBOURNE VETERINARY SCHOOL Complete Courses of Instruction are conducted in all Subjects for the Degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc), and for the License (L.Sc). Veterinary Surgeons possessing the above qualifications are eligible for registration under the Veterinary Surgeons Act (Victoria) and for Veterinary Appointments in the Commonwealth and State Services and in the Army Veterinary Corps. For full particulars apply — ■ The DIRECTOR, Veterinary School, PARKVILLE, VICTORIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE To Intending Vinegrowers ! PHYLLOXERA Resistant STOCKS Limited numbers of Resistant Vines are obtain- able from the Department of Agriculture at the following prices for each description of plant. £6 RESISTANT ROOTLINGS (Grafted), per l.OOO (packing extra) - Supplied from July to September, 1917. RESISTANT ROOTLINGS (Ungrafted), per i.ooo (packing extra) £1 10 - .Sup|)l"-J froni July to S.-i'lrmhcr, U)l(). RESISTANT CUTTINGS, per l.OOO (packing extra) - - 15 - Supplird in July and August. 1916. Application* mu»t be made on the offuial order forms, which may be obtained from The Director. Department of Asriculturc, Melbourne, or from the Principal, Vilicultural Collciic. Ruthcriilen. I'ull particulars concerning the dislnliulion, explaining ihr cnndiliont which must be complied with by applicants, are obtainablf on application to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE Vlll Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. AUSTRAL "THE FINEST WAGON EVER" PATENT STEEL WHEELS Patent Felloes. ■Renewable Carron Boxes & Oil Caps. The only Steel Wheel that has stood the Test. BEWARE OF MITATIONS Wheels Guaranteed for 3 years against Breakage, &c. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON.— Irrigationists, Orchardists, Farmers. This Sprinoj Wagon to carry 2 tons, £30 up. \Vheels, 36' and 32" dia. 4' Tyres. Table, 9i x 5J feet. Pole or Shafts. Weighs 10 cwt. Ordinary Block Wagon to carry 3 tons, £35. Weighs 12 cwt. These Wheels are guaranteed and will last for all time. HiQI-IER WHEELS IF NEEDED, and Wagons built to carry any weight up to 20 tons. TRACTION TRAILERS A SPECIALTY. TABLE TOP — Truck body, and all classes of little Wagons for Farm and Station work. Wagons Shipped to all Ports in Australia. — WRITE FOR CATALOG TO-DAY. R. J. L. H8LDYARD, .^NlmcT'oNTvfcT^^ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE Handbook of Potato Diseases in Australia — and their Treatment By D. McALPINE, government vegetable pathologist. With Appendices by W. Laidlaw, B.Sc. (Biologist), on Eel Worms; and C. French, Jnr. (Government Entomologist), on Insect Pests of the Potato. 235 Pages (Cloth). 58 Full Plates. Pvirp ^ /■ Postage : Commonwealth, 2d.; New Zealand. 8d.; 176 Illustrations. I I ICC, «-»/ British and Foreign. 1/4. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to The Director Of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. Farmers ! DON'T NEGLECT :: YOUR EYES :: They are your most valuable possession, and neglect in the early stages may lead to something much more serious. DAIRY & INCUBATOR THERMOMETERS HYGROMETERS HYDROMETERS ARTIFICIAL THERMOMETERS BAROMETERS EYES, Etc., Etc. tician WOOD 7'ftg opf ■Ph... S77a Equitable Buildings, 95 Elizabeth St., Melbourne 10 Feb., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. IX W 4 W. 503 (« Cyclone Fences and Gates are GOOD" The illustration shows one of the Cyclone Ornamental Fences with Handgate. The Cyclone catalogue contains 68 pages of such illustrations and other useful Informa. tion. Get one to day — posted Free. r CYCLONE PTY LTD., 459 Swanston Street, Melbourne . ■ ■ 1 LAS D ON EASY TERMS (UNDER THE CLOSER SETTLEMENT ACTS). FARMS and Agricultural Labourers' Allotments in Country Districts. WORKMEN'S HOMES.— Allotments near Large Centres, Available Under Closer Settlement Conditions. Deposit, only 3 per cent; balance payable over 31. \ years, at 3 per cent, half-yearly, covering principal and interest. Residence Compulsory for Eight Months in Each Year. Railway Certificates to Travel at Half Rates for Inspection of Land Lands Purchase and Management Board; Or. INQUIRY BRANCH. LANDS DF.PARTMENT. MELBOURNE. Journnl of Ar/riculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. MuNAN's Patent Spray System Enhance your profits, increase your returns, save trouble, save time, by laying down now Nunan's Patent Spray Irrigation System. Produces a Rainfall as Steady as Nature's Own. Nunan's is the simplest method known for soaking your ground readily and naturally. Send for full details to NEWELL & COY., 189 King St., Melb. VICTORIA PHOSPHATE Basic Phosphate intensely ground 15% and 17% Phosporic Acid 57 /6 and 63/6 per ton On Rail at Siding, Macaulay. Orders taken Now. This company, the erection of whose works was delayed by war difficuUies, has, however, been enabled to open up a very excellent deposit of Phosphate discovered by the Mines Department. The deposit was originally found by Mr. A. M. Howitt, Field Geologist, and is being developed in co-operation with the Scientific Officers of the Geological Survey. The Company is perfectly satisfied that a Cheap and First-class Fertilizer can now be offered to the Farmers and Graziers of the Commonwealth. SUPER AND OTHER TYPES TO FOLLOW^. Heathcote Chemical Company Proprietary Ltd. Telephone 10538 Central NORTH MELBOURNE 10 Feb., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. «^THE BEST is CHEAPEST— ALWAYS ! " LYSAGHT'S CORRUGATED ROOFING IRON Look for the "ORB " Brand on every Sheet. Obtainable from all leading Ironmongers, Storekeepers, and Timber Merchants throughout Australia. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Burnley Horticultural School E. E. PESCOTT. Principal. ANNOUNCEMENT The curriculum and management of the Burnley Horticultural School have now been arranged so that greater advantages and facilities will be given to students of both sexes in Horticulture and allied subjeds. The present course of Horticulture for male students includes a two years' course, students being charged a fee of £5 per annum. Classes have been formed at Burnley, whereby students of both sexes may receive in- stru(!hon on two afternoons of each week Tuesdays and Fridays. Instrudion includes theoretical and pradlical work, and will commence at 2 p.m. This will be a two years' course, and the fee charged will be £2 pc annum. It has also been arranged that several short hx'lure courses shall be given on subjects which arc suitable adjunc'ls to I lorticullure, such as Poultry Farming, Bee-keeping, and Fruit Preserving, and these courses will be op<-n and free to the general public. The subjects and dale-s of the Short Course l,ec'lurcs will be announced in this Journal. STUDENTS SHOULD ENROLL WITHOUT DELAY Application for Admission should be made to the Director of Agriculture. Public Offices, Melbourne: or to the Principal. Xll Journal of Af/riculfure, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. -D NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES — Will clear your land of trees, stumps, boulders, &c., in a fraction of the time required by any other means, and at less than half the cost. They are also invaluable for sub-soiling. If you are interested write to us and ask for Pamphlet, entitled. — ''EXPLOSIVES FOR THE FARM:' DALGETY& Co. Ltd., Bourke-st., Melb. Sole Agents for NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES Co. Ltd., GLASGOW. O' "D! NEW ZEALAND LOAN & MERCANTILE AGENCY W COMPANY LIMITED Head Office— LONDON. Melbourne Office— COLLINS ST. W. LIBERAL GASH ADVANCES Wool, Grain, Skins, Hides, Tallow, Bark, Stock and Station Brokers ON COMMISSION ONLY. BUTTER SHIPMENTS UNDERTAKEN ON OWNER'S ACCOUNT fr. COOPER'S DIP FOR VICTORIA AND RIVERINA, PAGE'S Patent Wire Strainer and IRONSIDE'S Wire Cutter CHIEF AGENTS IN VICTORIA for ths PALATINE INSURANCE COY. 10 Feb., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria, DOOKIE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE Provides Special Facilities for Practical and Scientific Agricultural Education. Notable Agriculturists say that this College offers the best agricultural education and practical training in the world. The Sessions commence MARCH and SEPTEMBER, and Students may be enrolled at any time. Alternative Courses — ■ (a) Diploma Course .. Three Years, (i) One Year's Course. Total Fees— First Year Second Year Third Year . £34 5 0 29 5 0 25 0 0 The College contains modern and well equipped laboratory and lecture hall, single bedrooms, recreation and sports grounds. Of the 5,913 acres of farm land at Dookie, 1 ,000 acres were put under crop by students last season ; and champion prizes were won for sheep and pigs at the last Royal Agricultural Society's Show. FARM SUBJECTS. — ^ Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Fruit Growing, Butter and Cheese Factory Management, Building Construction for Farmers. EACH BRANCH UNDER SPECIALLY TRAINED EXPERTS. LONGERENONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SESSIONS COMIVSENCE MARCH AND SEPTEMBER. This College is specially adapted for Junior Students from 14 years of age. AREA OF FARM. 2,336 ACRES. MAIN BRANCHES OF FARM WORK.— Grain Growing, Fat Lamb Raising, Dairying, Irrigation of Fodder Crops, Fruit, &c. Total Fees~*2S per annum. Full particulars obtainable from T. J. PURVIS, Esq., Secretary, Council of Agricultural Education. Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, or the Principals of the Colleges. LYSACHTS WIRE NETTING MADE IN AUSTRALIA. All Sizes Manufactured. J inch to 4 inch Mesh. The Standard Netting of the State LOOK FOR OUR MARKER IN EVERY ROLL. Our manufacture of Rabbit - proof Wire Netting is known as the best throughout Australia. Belter In quality, and owing to its being loose rolled less costly to erect than any Im- ported Netting. 1 !'• .iihl \\ Ml H'. LYSAGHT BROS. & CO. Ltd. MANUFACTURERS. SYDNEY. AGENTS : GIBBS, BRIGHT & CO., 34 Queen St., MELBOURNE. xiv Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. LINES FOR THE FARMER! RUBEROID FOR ROOFS OF COTTAGES, STABLES, SHEDS, &C. INDELIBLO COLD WATER PAINT FOR ALI- OUTSIDE PAINTING Wholesale Agents : — IN ALL CALCIMO COLOURS FOR INSIDE PLASTERED WALLS Obtainable from all Storekeepers BROOKS, ROBINSON & CO. Ltd. - To FARMERS and OTHERS. ^-^-^— For your House, Barn, Woolshed, Dairy, Fencing, &c. — !^ JARRAH OR TASMANIAN ^ HARDWOOD TIMBERS THERE ARE NONE BETTER. Large Stocks of Scantlings, Weather-boards, Floorings, &c. tJ";!- Millars' Timber & Trading Co. Ltd. QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE. BONEDUST, SUPERPHOSPHATE, And Other High-Grade Fertilizers. Poultry Bone Grit, Meat Meal, Cattle Lick Delivered at Railway Station, Footscray, or on Wharf, Melbourne J. COCKBILL, Bonedust :: Manufacturer OFFICE : 407 POST OFFICE PLACE, MELBOURNE BONES BOUGHT. CONSIGN TO ME, FOOTSCRAY. Telephone 2098. rivh LIME FOR THE LAND "MARSTON'S GROUND AGRICULTURAL CARBONATE OF LIME" Guaranteed 97% Carbonate of Lime (Grove Johnson, F.C.S., London, Analyst), bone dry, finely ground, put up in I cwt. bags, properly sewn. Price on application. Bags charged for and credited in full on return. Write for free sample and booklet. MARSTON'S LIME & CEMENT CO. LTD. Lime Manufacturers and Merchants. Works: CURDIE'S RIVER. Office: 31 QUEEN ST., MELB. Agents in leading centres. Depot: BURNLEY SIDING. 10 Feb., 1916.] Journal of Ar/ricultvre, Victoria. XV BEFORE YOU GO TO TOWN. USE Lifebuoy Soap before you journey in 'Bus, Train or Tramcar. It will protect you from the germs and microbes of disease, which Scientists say abound in thicklv populated areas. Lifebuoy Soap keeps >ou free from intection and enablc^ you to be a protection rather than a danj^er to those with whom you come into contact. 1 ifebuoy Soap is a germicide. Scientists have tested in the laboratory its power to destroy disease germs. Doctors and Nurses speak for its good service m daily use. So do wives and mothers. MORE THAN SOAP YET COSTS NO MORE. LEVr.R nROTHFRS llMITm. SYDNEY. mmmmJm Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. WINDMILLS — X ton's New Gearless I Is the Simplest Windmill [ion ever invented Only Three v/orking parts Ball Bearings Throughout All Moving Parts enclosed in Dust-proof Case and Run in Oil OiH 40,000 "ALSTON" Mills in use throughout Australia NO ATTENTION REQUIRED Expert Advice and Catalogues Free on application. James Alston & Sons Windmill, Trough and 'Pump Manufacturers QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA THe JOUKNAb OF T^fie department of Mgricuffure OP VICTORIA. Vol. XIV. Part 2. 10th February, 1916. SEED WHEAT. VARIETIES FOR DISTRIBUTION AMONG FARMERS. A. E. V. Richardson, M.A., B.Sc, Agricultural Superintendent. Owing to the disastrous drought of 1914 and the consequent failure of the crops, considerable difficulty will be experienced in securing for the 1916 seeding wheat true to name and free from an admixture of foreign varieties. The abnormal scarcity of seed last \q&.y resulted in large areas being sown with seed of inferior quality, which in nonnal years would have either been gristed or used for the feeding of stock. In view of this, farmers will be interested to know that graded seed of some sixteen different varieties is available for distribution by the Department of Agriculture. Importance of Good Seed. The importance of sowing and producing good seed is not sufficiently appreciated by the average wheat-groAvor. On the majority of farms the most that is done is to reserve the best grown and cleanest ])art of the crop for next season's seed. This is a step in the right direction, but is not .sufficient lo enable tlie grower to obtain the ma.ximnni yi(>lds the soil and climate will peraiit. Valve of Clrading. — In a number of cases the process of preparing the .seed is carried a stage further, and the whole of tlie seed is passed through a grader, with the object of eliminating small, slirunkrtion of the wlicat-growcrs fail to grade their seed each year. A typical illustration of the value of grading may be seen from the re.sults obtained at the Wyuna State Farm. Four plots wore 80\m side by side under identical treatment as regards manuring and cultivation. One plot was sown witli imi-mal Fcnleration seed just as it came from the 22H — A 66 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. harvester. The remaining three plots were sown with firsts, seconds, and thirds seeds obtained from this normal seed by a centrifugal barrel grader. The results were as follow: — • Grade I., 28 bushels 6 lbs. Grade II., 27 bushels 53 lbs. Normal, 25 bushels 27 lbs. Grade III., 23 bushels 50 lbs. Thus for the trifling cost of, say, 6d. per bushel an increase of 2i- bushels per acre, worth at 4s. per bushel 10s. per acre, was obtained. While possibly the majority of farmers choose the best grown and cleanest of their crop for seed, and a large number regularly submit this well-grown seed to a process of grading, it is safe to say that only a very small percentage of wheat-growers carry the process a stage further and subject the growing seed crop to deliberate, systematic, and continuous selection, with the object of increasing the prolificacy of the variety from year to year. Seed " running out." — Little wonder then that we hear farmers complaining that their seed is " running out," and seek a remedy in a change of seed. Such a change of seed may or may not be beneficial. If the seed is secured from a farmer equally careless in the treatment of the crop no material improvement can possibly result. If, on the other hand, the seed is secured from a source where grading and systematic selection go hand-in-hand, such a change will be accompanied by immediate and satisfactory results ; but unless pains are taken to maintain and improve the prolificacy of the seed the benefit arising from the change will only be temporary. Long experience and careful experiment have demonstrated that the best results are obtained by developing locally-grown seed rather than relying periodically on changes of seed from localities difl^ering con- siderably in soil and climate. There is no reason why seed should degenerate, even though it be ■sown year after year on the same farm. Indeed, by the application of systematic selection, the quality and prolificacy of the seed may not only be maintained, but increased. It is curious to note that whilst farmers are very keen on improving their stock by careful selection, they do not appear to give much thought to the possibilities of improve- ment of their crops by somewhat analogous methods of selection. Cer- tainly the improvement is slow, as with stock, but it is none the less sure. Selection of Otiion Seed and Beet Seed. — Though the wheat-grower may not be aware of the improvement effected by systematic selection of the wheat crop, the same cannot be said of the onion-grower and beet-grower. For many years past it has been a regular practice in raising sugar beets to sow seed obtained by rigorous selection from the very best plants. The raising of selected beet seed is now a most elaborate process, and it is owing principally to the increase in the prolificacy and the percentage of sugar of the beet that the industry has been able to compete with cane sugar grown by black labour in the tropics. Selection has improved the shape of the roots, increased the yield per acre, and raised the percentage of sugar in the beet. "With the onion crop rigorous selection is applied. The demand for the highest class of onion seed in this State' is such that a number of 10 Feb., 1916.] Seed Wheat. 67 expert growers make a speciality of the business. One prominent grower of onion seed in the .Beeac district regularly disposes of his whole crop of seed at just double the rates for ordinary seed. iDARTMWPERlftLl View of Bulk Area of Dart's Imperial Seed Wheat, Rutherglan Experiment Farm. View of Bulk Area ol Pcuny Seed Wheat, Ruther.t;lrii ijxijfiiiiu-iu ianu. With such prices l)0tli tlic grower of selected onion seed and the farmer are satisfied; tlie former because^ lie gets a price (•(•mnionsurato with his el]"orl>! jiiid the lal)oiir he puts into tlie work. :ind the latter A 2 68 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. because experience has taught him that the selected seed will return an increased tonnage over the unselected seed. Selection applied to the Wheat Crop. If such results apply to root crops, why not to wheat? As a matter of fact, similar improvement may be obtained with cereals. As a root crop, however, is generally of far higher value than a cereal crop, and as the rental for onion land is invariably much higher than for wheat land, the incentive and the necessity for systematic production of prolific types is greater in the case of the onion-grower than with the wheat-grower. But even with the wheat-groAver, costs of production are rapidly rising, and necessity, sooner or later, will compel him to increase the net profits per acre. One of the surest and unfailing aids will be the bestowal of adequate care on the preparation and selection of the seed. His fourfold task in this direction will be — (1) To find out the varieties of wheat best suited to the local conditions. This can be done by experimentation. (2) Grow these varieties on the cleanest and best worked fallows. (3) Grade the seed each year with a suitable grader, and sow only the best grade of seed. (4)Adopt a definite policy of systematic selection for improving the prolificacy of the chosen varieties. An important and necessary task for every progressive farmer is to make himself familiar with the leading types of wheat grown in the State. Soil conditions fluctuate so widely in different parts of the State, and even on parts, of the same farm, that it is not possible to indicate, except in a general way, the varieties that would be suitable to any specific locality. Moreover, new varieties are continually coming into cultivation ; hence each farmer should be an experimentalist, and carry out tests on a small scale with the leading wheat varieties and any new types that come on the market, with the object of determining in a practical manner the varieties best suited to his conditions. It is not uncommon to find the difference in yield between two varieties of wheat, grown on the same farm under identical conditions, is sufficient to pay the rent and interest on the land on which the crop is grown. The necessity for grading the seed has already been alluded to. There are still a number of fanners who believe that small shrivelled grain is as good for seed purposes as full plump grain. The result of the following test may assist in undermining this belief. Last season firsts and thirds Federation seed from a centrifugal barrel grader were sown alongside one another under identical conditions at the Rutherglen Experiment Farm in plots 30 chains long and one chain wide. Though sown late in June, the yield from the first grade seed was 26^ bushels per acre, while the third grade seed yielded only 20f bushels. The expenses of production were the same in both cases, yet the prime grain gave an increase of 5^ bushels per acre. Some Results of Selection. — So far as raising the prolificacy of seed by systematic selection is concerned, the evidence obtained at the Experi- ment Farms is convincing. Thus, at Longerenong, selected Federation seed has given increases of ]2 per cent, to 25 per cent, in yield over 10 Feb., 1916.] Seed Wheat. 69 ordinary Federation seed. In 1915, the selected Federation seed gave a yield of 52 bushels per acre, as compared Avith 45 bushels for ordinary Federation seed sown alongside. At Rutherglen a block of 4^ acres of selected Federation seed gave 204 bushels of grain, a yield of over 45 bushels per acre. ISTo block of ordinary Federation gave over 36 bushels. The following are the yields of selected and ordinary prime Federation seed sown alongside one another for the past four years at Longerenong Agricultural College: — Selected Unselectcd Increase in Federation. Federation. Yield through Selection. Bushels, Bushels, Bushels, per acre. per acre. per acre. 1912 43.25 34.5 8.75 1913 36.39 24.66 11.53 1914 9.77 5.03 4.72 1915 52.16 46.5 5.66 Acre. 1913. Stud Plot. / Acre. A Simple Method of Selection. — The methods of improving wheat by selection have already been dealt with in detail in former issues of the Journal (March and April, 1913), and there is therefore no need to refer to the methods in detail. A brief description of one method applied on the State farms may be of interest. The basis of the method is that tlie selection must be continuous and uninterrupted, and at the same time require the minimum of time and labcur. The method is known technically as mass selection, and to apply it three series of plots are provided for each variety of wheat, and each year the produce of one series of plots is sown on the plots of the succeeding series. Thus, for Federation wlieat three plots are provided, namely, "stud," "seed," and "bulk" plots, respectively 1-lOth, 1, and 10 acres in area. To provide seed for the stud plot about 12 to 15 lbs. of the largest and best heads of the best developed plants in a field are hand-picked and threshed. The seed is care- fully graded with hand sieves, and the pi-oduce sown at seed time in a plot one drill- width wide in the " stud " ])lot. The following harvest the \n-o- cedure is repeated, and the process of selection of the best /S/4. Stud Plot. Seed Plot. I Acre /O Acres. 1915. Stud Seed Plot. Plot Bulk Plot Diagrammatic Scheme for Improve- ment of Wheat at Experiment Farms by Selection. 70 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. S on heads being made from the " stud " plot. The selected heads are again sown the following year in the " stud " plot, whilst the rest of the " stud " plot is stripped and the seed sown on the " seed " plot, 1 acre in area, the following year. The third year the pro- cess of selection will be complete. As before, selected heads are again taken from the elite plants of the " stud " plot for a corresponding plot of the following season. The rest of the " stud " plot is harvested and sown the 1-acre " seed " plot, whilst the produce of the " seed " plot is sown on the bulk plot of 10 acres to insure the seed for the whole farm for the following year. In this way there is a regular rejuvena- tion of seed each year, and the full area is ultimately sown with seed which sprung from the best selected plants each year. The ultimate effect of such selection will become clearly apparent, and in- creased yields may confidently be anti- cipated. What the increase will be de- pends on the per- 10 Feb., 1916.] Seed ^Yheat. 71 sonality of the iu- dividual perform- ing the work of selection. The scheme rests on the principle that the best and most prolific types of plants are annually selected as the progenitors of the strain. All the plants actually selected will not, of coursft, be superior. Some that are in- cluded may have been accidentally favoured in the struggle for exist- ence by having more room to de- velop or a greater supply of plant food to develop than others. But with careful atten- tion on the part of the operator the greater number of plants chosen will prove to be in- herently superior, and not merely the exj)ression of a favorable environ- ment. It is not claimed that this is the best metliod of improv- ing the variety, but it is a method within the reach of every farmer. It has been practised extensively during the past four years, and has resulted in a material im- provement in yield. Moreover, it does not involve much added work. 72 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. Wheat Varieties. Three years ago a series of co-ordinated tests were commenced on the Eutherglen, Werribee, and Wyuna State Farms and the Longerenong Agricultural College. Every available variety of wheat was tested in field plots, with the object of determining the varieties most suited to local conditions. At the same time a commencement was made to raise pure bred seed, true to type, and free from any admixture of foreign varieties, of twenty of the most prolific types that were in general cultivation. Moreover, an effort was made to raise the standard of each variety by subjecting it each year to a rigorous and continuous selection by methods to be presently described. ttfe^awb^h t:^^^;^- View of ' ' Stud Selection Plots, ' ' Rutherglen Experiment Farm. The produce of these plots is sown on the ' ' Seed Plots, ' ' which in turn furnish material for the bulk areas. The prolificacy of each variety is maintained by selecting year by year the best plants appearing in these plots. (Vide diagram, page 69.) As a result, the Department is now able to distribute a considerable quantity of each of these varieties among farmers, which will furnish each farmer with material from Avhich he can ultimately raise sufficient seed to sow his whole farm. For the purpose of convenience, the varieties that are being dis- tributed may be classified as follows : — Early Wheats. — College Eclipse, Comeback, Gluyas, King's Early. Mid-season and Late Wheats. — Bayah, Commonwealth, Currawa, Dart's Imperial, Federation, Major, Marshall's I^o. 3, Penny, Yandilla King. Hay Wheats. — Hugenot, "Warden, Zealand Blue. The following varieties were also tested, but the yields have not been consistently high enough to justify further trials: — Bunyip, Thew, Genoa, Viking, Firbank. 10 Feb., 1916.] Seed Wheat. 73 Notes on Varieties. The following notes on these varieties may prove of use : — COLLEGE ECLIPSE. — This variety was evolved at Koseworthy from Carmichaers Eclipse — a variety very popular in the northern districts of South Australia. It does not mature as quickly as Gluyas or King's Early, but is a good growing variety of fair stooling capacity, and fairly resistant to fungus diseases. The ear is dark-browai in •colour, almost beardless, and holds the grain well. Though somewhat unattractive in appearance, it has given good returns in departuicntal tests, and will probably prove a good wheat to grow in the drier districts. COMEBACK. — This is an early variety, of fair stooling capacity, moderately tall, with clean, hollow straw, and makes a very nice sample of hay. The ears are creamy -yellow, beardless and smooth, of moderate length, fairly compact, but with a long tajjering tip. The gram is small, somewhat shotty in character, with hard semi-translucent endo- sperm. The grain is of high milling quality, and is eagerly sought by millers, making a good percentage of high quality flour very suitable for blending purposes. It has been sold on the Sydney and Adelaide markets at various times at 3d. to 6d. per bushel above ordinary f.a.q. wheats. The Victorian Mill-o'vvners' Association agreed to purchase Comeback wheat at 3d. above ordinary market rates. It has the repu- tation of being a shy yielder, and on this account is not popular with Victorian farmers, though in some of the drier districts it has done re- markably well. GLU Y'AS. — This variety is very popular in the Mallee districts of South Australia on account of its early maturity, general immunity from disease — particularly its rust-resisting powers — and its capacity for yielding well in dry seasons. It is a vigorous, moderately tall grow- ing, early variety, of fair tillering power. It is, however, somewhat weak in the straw. The ears are dark-bronze in colour, moderately compact, and possess a slight tip beard. As the grain a])proac]ies maturity the dark heads become pendent, but do not shell on account of the firmly closed envelo])ing glumes. It is a very useful variety for sowing in dry districts in a late season, and is one of the most promising of the early varieties for Mallee districts. Large quantities of seed of this variety have been sent to South Africa, where rust-resistance is a quality that is highly prized. There have been a number of inquiries from Queens- land regarding this variety. KING'S EAKLY. — This is another very popular early variety in South Australia Mallee country, and yields well in dry sea.«iOus. It is a selection made many years ago by the late Joseph King, of George- town, South Australia. It is a vigorous tall-growing variety, of moderate stooling capacity, ])oss('s.sing semi-solid straw, with a fair amount of flag. The ears are beared, white, somewhat open, and the grain large, pluni]), and of low strength. In spite of its beard, it is ))ri/.cd as a hay wlu^at on account of the soliditv anrl sweetness of its straw, and the capacity ol' i'ct:iiiiiiig it< colour \\(>11. It is ;i vtjry oil variety, but during recent yen is it li,is bcrn gi-eatly improved in yielding ca])acity by selection. It i< n-^ct'nl l'ni- late .sowing when .seeding ojierations are backward. BA^'.\1I is a ci-oss-bi'cd wheal with im|iro\C(l Fit'e ami .lonalhau ]ia rent age. It is a niid-.season \ariety which xcrv closely rescnd)les 74 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. Federation in the colour of the chaff and the short, upstanding straw. It is a very vigorous grower, of good stooling capacity, with well- developed, shapely dark-brown, compact ears with clubby tips. The chaff is smooth, but the spikelets near the tip are slightly awned. The grain is plump, soft, and white. On account of the short stiff straw it is not suited for hay, though its grain yields have been very satis- factory. COMMONWEALTH. — This, is one of the new varieties produced by Mr. Pye, Principal of the Dookie College, by cross-breeding. It is not unlike Federation, both in habit and general appearance, being short in the straw and possessing a bronze beardless head, somewhat prone to shed its grain. It is a promising variety, has done well in departmental tests, and is worthy of trial in the northern areas. It has yielded well during the past season. FEDERATION | -\:\?yT- V View of " Seed Plots," Rutherglen Experiment Farm. The produce of these plots is sown on the bulk areas for distribution as seed. CURRAWx\. — This is another of Mr. Pye's crossbreds. and in the field is an attractive looking wheat. It is a free-growing variety, of good tillering power, producing a fair amount of straw, and has bald, creamy-white, compact, square, well-developed heads. This variety has given very good yields in the northern areas, and is likely to achieve considerable popularity in these districts. It should certainly be worthy of trial by farmers in the northern areas, and may be expected to give good yields in seasons with late spring rains. DART'S IMPERIAL. — This popular variety was originated by Mr. Thomas Dart, of Nhill, Victoria, formerly of Lucindale, South Australia, and is a selection from a purple straw variety. It is one of the oldest varieties in general cultivation at the present time. It is a good all-round grain and hay wheat, and is a very reliable yielder in most wheat districts. It is a tall-growing variety, with good stooling powers, but hollow stemmed, and possessing considerable 10 Feb., 1916.] Seed Wheat. 75 foliage. Tlie lieads are well developed, square and compact, with broad, smooth, cream-coloured spikelets, somewhat crowded towards the tip, giving the top a club-like appearance. The chaff is smooth, but possesses slight awns towards the summit of the head. The grain is soft, white, and mealy, and not of high strength. The grain is easily milled, and it belongs to the weak flour group of wheats, though the colour of the flour is excellent. In Departmental variety tests the yields of Dart's Imperial have usually stood out prominently, and con- firm the opinion that this variety is a good prolific standard type for most of the wheat areas. FEDERATION. — This is, without question, the most popular and prolific variety of wheat in general cultivation at the present day. It was produced by the late Mr. Farrer, Wheat Experimentalist, of N'ew South Wales, from a cross between Purple Straw and Yandilla. Yandilla is a cross between Improved Fife and Etowah, an Indian variety. The production of this wheat Avas probably the greatest of Mr. Farrer's many triumphs in wheat breeding, for none of his many successful crossbred wheats have enjoyed such a wide measure of populai'ity as Federation. Indeed, during the last six years the golden yellow characteristic ox old-time Australian harvest fields has been gradually changed to a dull bronze through the ever-increasing popu- larity of Federation wheat. This popularity has been won by sheer merit, for Federation, when seen in the field for the first time, is ■decidedly unattractive in appearance, especially when grown side by side with the shoAvy wheats of the Purple Straw type. Most farmers in growing it for tbe first time have expressed great surprise at the yielding capacity when the wheat was taken off, for the yield invariably exceeded the expectations based on pre-harvest estimates. As a matter ■of fact, Farrer's main aim in producing Federation was to produce a variety suited to the Australian methods of harvesting with the stripper. Federation is a short, erect-growing variety of moderate stooling capacity, with broad, semi-erect, light-green foliage. It has short, upright, stiff' straw, unaffected by some of the most violent storms. It may be regarded as a variety in which there is a maximum of grain to the minimum of straw. Its chief feature is its extraordinary prolificacy. It was not intended for nor recommended as a hay wheat. It is essen- tially a grain yielder. It possesses a bold, square, beardless, compact bead, with a peculiar and characteristic bronze cast, broad, well- developed, SMiootli spikelets. As might be expected, there are numerous strains of Federation on the market. In many, the original squareness and blocky nature of the head, characteristic of the varietv when it emerged fresh from the breeder's hands, have to a large extent disa])- pearcd. Federation is susceptible to fungu^^ diseases — esiieciallynist and flag smut, and, to a lesser extent, " take all " {Ophwholus fjraminh). Were it more disease resistant and earlier in nialuring, it would be ideally suited for the more arid areas. The grain is very liable to •suffer from bleaching, especially in a showery harvest, owing to the fact that, unlike many of the older wlieat varieties, tlie car stands upright when ripe, and allows rain to readily i)enetrate the ear. Its grain is soft, Avhite, and plump, and yields a good percentage of fl«uir of creamv-vellow colour. Thougli the strength of tlie flour is con- siderably* lower than Comeback aiul Bobs, it is higluM- than the Purple I~>traw wlieats. 76 Jou-nial of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. MAJOR.. — A late maturing variety, with good stooling powers, creamy-yellow, compact, bald heads, spikelets rather densely packed near the summit. This is a new variety, bred by Mr. Pye, of Dookie College, and promises to be of value for late districts. MARSHALL'S ISTo. 3. — This is one of a large number of varieties originated by that successful wheat breeder, Mr. R. Marshall, late of Templars, South Australia. It is a late wheat of good tillering capacity, but rather slow growing when young, with a somewhat spreading habit, and broad, dark-green, drooping leaves. It is somewhat rust resistant, but its late maturity is an objection for the drier districts. The straw, when ripe, has a purplish tinge, stands up well, and bears a beardless, somewhat open head of fair length, carrying smooth, broad spikelets. View of Bulk Area of Federation Seed Wheat, Rutherglen Experiment Farm. with a slight tip beard. The grain is soft, white, plump, and of fair size, and of fair milling quality. It is very popular in South Australia, N"ew South Wales, and Queensland, and has been very widely grown for hay. PEISTI^Y. — This variety was introduced from Bungaree, South Aus- tralia, by Mv.. E. H. Lascelles, Geelong. It has done remarkably well in the Mallee. Mr. Lascelles grew it at Tyrrel Do-^ms in 1912, and averaged 7 bags to the acre on a year's rainfall of 9.9 inches, the next best variety giving but 5 bags. In 1914, though only 5 inches of rain fell for the year, the average yield of Penny was 5 bushels per acre, whilst no other variety gave more than 2^ bushels. It is a strong upright-growing variety, maturing rather late, and looks very attractive in the field. The heads are well developed, compact, beardless, creamy-white in colour, Avith rather densely crowded spikelets near the summit. 10 Feb., 1916.] Seed Wheat. 77 It is likely to become a popular variety, and has the dual qualifica- tion of being a good grain yielder and a fair hay wheat, and, in addi- tion, it appears to give satisfactory returns in the driest seasons. YANDILLA KING.— This is another of Mr. Marshall's crossbred wheats, and is a half-sister to Federation. It was obtained by mating Yandilla and Silver King (a white-strawed variation of Marshall's No. 3). It is a late wheat, with good stooling propensities, and, like Marshall's No. 3, is a somewhat slow grower in the early stages. The ripe straw is stiff, hollow, and upright, on the short side, bearing large, well-developed, shapely, beardless heads, creamy-white in colour, Avith broad, close-set smooth spikelets. The chaff adheres closely to the grain, and renders stripping somewhat difficult. The ear is slightly tip bearded, and the grain large, plump, medium hard, white, and of good milling quality. It has been a consistently heavy yielder, and has done well in departmental variety tests, and must be regarded as one of the most prolific and reliable grain varieties in general cultivation. View of Bulk Aiea of Yandilla King Seed Wheat, Rutherglen Experiment Farm. HTJGTJENOT is a very tall-growing wheat of the macaroni or durum class. It stands up well, frequently growing to a height of G or 7 feet. Its straw is practically solid, and very sweet in cliaractor. It is a poor stooler, and must, therefore, be sown very thickly. Tliis is the more necessary on account of the large size of its gniin. Its early growth is erect, and of light-green colour, and the leaves broad and stiff. Unless sown thickly, the straw goes up like miniature bamboos. The head is A^ery dense and compact, being dark-brown in colour, witli a cast of purplish black. The spikelets are densely crowded, and give the Ciir a club-like appearance. The grain, which is long, hard, horny, angular, and slightly pinclied, adheres closely to the chaff, and makes the wheat diflicnlt to strip. This dilliculty is increased by the fact that the wlieat is invariably a tiill grower, and possesses very prominent top nodes, which latter often choke the cond) of the stripper or harvester. 78 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. It is a macaroBi wheat, and not a milling wheat. Its gluten content is high, but the colour of the flour is very objectionable. It is a very poor yielder, and will not pay to grow for grain at f.a.q. rates. It is -essentially a fodder variety, being grown either for hay or ensilage. As a hay wheat it gives an exceedingly heavy cut, yields up to 4 and 5 tons per acre being frequent in South Australia. Mixed with varieties like -Baroota Wonder, Majestic, or Calcutta Cape Oats, it gives heavy cuts of good quality sweet hay. It is smut resistant, and relatively rust resistant. The cost of seed wheat of this variety is usually high, but it could not be produced with profit at ordinary f.a.q. rates on account of the low yield of grain per acre. It is suitable for forage or hay pur- poses, but should not be grown for grain. WARDEIST. — A late-maturing variety, noted for its fine hay quali- ties. A tall-growing wheat, with nice thin straw, makes good quality hay, and retains its colour well. The head is open, beardless, white, and tapering; grain hard, dark red, and glutenous. It is a. very popular hay wheat in Victoria. ZEALAND BLUE. — A cross between Tardent's Blue — a good hav wheat — and Zealand — a variety of the Lammas type. It is a tall- growing, medium late variety, with good stooling powers, and strong straw. This variety has done well as a hay variety, especially in the cooler wheat areas. The head is long, beardless, slightly tapering, with characteristic velvety chaff. The grain is large, plump, and medium hard, of very attractive appearance, and of good milling quality. It should always be remembered that the best cows pay the best for looking after. They pay for better food and more of it than the poor ones, and should have the greatest amount of attention generally. The capability of responding to this good treatment is greater than that of a poor milker. Senator Sherman, of Illinois, United States of America, said in a recent speech that the day had gone by when the boys who were not bright enough to make lawyers or doctors stay on the farm. ISTowadays it is the boy who is not smart enough to make a successful farmer who goes to town to become a doctor or lawyer. Cows with their third or fourth calves should be carefully observed after calving, especially if they are deep milkers, as at this period they are very apt to develop milk fever. If a cow is lying down with her head turned into her side, you should go to her and place her head in a different position. If she persists in returning it to the old position again, you may know that she has milk fever. 10 Feb., 1916.] Nhill Crop and Falloiv Competitions, 1915. 79 NHILL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY ANNUAL CROP AND FALLOW COMPETITIONS, 1915. Report of the Chief Field Officer, Mr. Temple A. J. Smith. The Secretary, Nhill Agricultural Society. SiK, It affords me much pleasure to submit herewith my report on the Nhill Crop and Fallow Competition for the year 1915. The elimination of the competition for best farms, owing to the serious drought of 1914, has naturally robbed this function of a considerable amount of its usual interest, and though the Society probably acted wisely under the cir- cumstances, the wonderful recuperative powers of the district, as evidenced by the very fine crops and natural growths seen during the recent inspection, go^ to show that the farms might well have competed again in 1915 without loss of prestige as compai'ed with pi-evious years. General Impressions. The marvellous recovery in one short season from the greatest drought ever experienced is perhaps the outstanding feature of the past two years. The crops now in the field are exceptionally fine, and the area to be harvested is considerably above the average. The prolonged ripening season just experienced will give the wheat crops every oppor- tunity of filling well, thus causing heavy yields of good plump grain. Oat crops are also finer than usual, and an enormous quantity is being cut for hay. Some idea of the quantity taken off is conveyed by the fact that in many cases over large paddocks of 100 acres and more a ball of twine per acre was required to tie the crop ; on one field of 40 acres no less than 55 balls of twine were found necessary. In addition to the oat crops grown for hay a quantity will be stripped for grain, and here a pertinent question may be put with advantage as to the disposal of oats when prices are low, as compared with their value when fed to stock on the farm. The prevailing opinion amongst farmers is that oats will be saleable at anything down to Is. 6d. per bushel. Victoria does not export oats to any extent, consequently, when the supply exceeds the demand values are low. When such condi- tions prevail, there can be no doubt that feeding oats to stock on the farm will pay better than selling at 2s., and some experienced farmers say 2s. 6d. per bushel. The effect of such a practice would be not only to make the greater profit at home, but also to maintain a better market for those who sell. With meat at high prices, and likely to remain so, the feeding of oats to stock is a still better proposition. At the present moment the suj^ply of natural feed is in excess of tlie demand made upon it by stock, but the winter months will tell a different tale. nni\ as every practical man is aware, the prices for fat stock are, geiuMallv speaking, at tlieir iiighest at tliat lime. Another pleasing feature was the cutting of wild oat crops on a mucli larger scale tlian previously for hay. Yields of 2 tons per acre from this natural growtli were not uncommon. IMany of the lanes were gnnvine wild oats which would cut 1.^ to 2 tons of hay, and in sonio cases crops 80 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. were cut in them of these dimensions. This practice might be extended with advantage and profit. The cost of conserving hay of this descrip- tion amounts to about 10s. or 12s. per ton, consisting of cutting, cart- ing, and stacking; as a reserve supply for bad seasons its value would be ten times that amount, while under normal conditions it would largely increase the stock-carrying capacity of the farm. Left to ripen and shed their seed in seasons like the one being ex- perienced, they are a menace to safety in case of fire, and the cause of many dirty crops. Water Supply. The drought just past has had its good effects as well as bad, as one of Nhill'si most progressive farmers (Mr. E. J. Hoffman) remarked. It had forced him to put down a bore for water, a thing he should have done long before. The water so obtained is of excellent quality for stock and domestic purposes, and where used for irrigation has proved beneficial. Further, there appears to be an inexhaustible supply. The value of this sub-artesian water to the Nhill district can scarcely be over estimated; it not only means safety in times of drought in regard to water for stock, but should be largely instrumental in providing green succulent feed at all times. The rich black country, of which there is a large area, is in most cases admirably suited to the growth of lucerne and other fodder crops. Small plots of this king of fodders were seen on some farms, and there appears no reason why areas of 10, 20, an 100 acres of lucerne should not be grown under irrigation supplied by bores in the future, rendering the owners of such areas independent of the seasons, and assuring a competence on smaller holdings, in addition to which would accrue the enhanced value of the land. With the warm climate, the rich black soil, and a sufficient supply of water, lucerne should thrive as well, or better, than in any other portion of the State. It was noticed on some farms where bores had been put down that the distributing tanks into which the water was pumped were placed on low stagings, often only a few feet from the ground. This is a mistake, as for practically the same cost the staging could be made 12 feet or more, the resulting pressure being of consid>?r- able value in the saving of time when the water is used for garden pur- poses, the hosing of horses, bu,ggy> &c., and particularly in case of fire. Losses Due to Drought. Inquiries were made on each farm visited as to the losses sustained during the past exceptionally bad drought, and it is extremely satisfac- tory to be able to say that less stock was lost as the cause of the drought than was probably the case in any other of the northern areas of the State. In no case was a serious loss quoted, and though some hay was imported by individual farmers, others sold large quantities at high prices. Horses are plentiful, and no difficulty is expected in connexion with harvesting operations. When the comparative immunity from loss in this district is compared with that of other supposedly more favoured places, a field of speculat'on is opened as to which is really the safest part of the State in which to invest capital. On Mr. John Dart's farm a field of grass, known locally as rye-gra5s was seen of exceptionally strong growth, which was highly spoken of as 10 Feb., 1916.] Khill Crop and Fallow Competitions, 1915. 81 a drought resister. Though resembling rye-grass, it is certainly not English or Irish rye, and being perennial in habit differs from Italian rye and Westernwolth. Samples have been submitted to the proper authorities to have the variety placed. Stock are fond of it, and thrive upon it, and as it apparently does well on sandy, black, and red soils it should be a useful acquisition to the Wimmera. A further grass that might be experimented with, especially on tiae black flats, is that known as Subterranean Trefoil, a very small quantity of seed, 1 lb., being sufficient per acre. Progress Noticeable. Though it is only three years since I had the honour of judging these competitions, a noticeable degree of progression is apparent, and this in spite of one year of the three being practically non-productive. Many new homes have been built on up-to-date plans, telephones are laid on to almost every farm of importance, new bores and dams have been put down, nice gardens and orchards surround the houses, and, generally speaking, the whole countryside looks prosperous and comfort- able. Fresh land has been cleared and brought under cultivation, and unmistakably better methods are being followed in cultivation and crop- ping, largely as a result of the farm and crop competitions and the evi- dence and information they have assisted in obtaining. Some of the new homesteads have been laid out with a view to later on competing for the Society's prizes. Early fallow with careful cultivation is more general; crops in some cases have had all foreign heads culled by hand, and larger quantities of manure are being used. Hints thrown out by pre- vious judges have been acted upon with advantage, a case in point being the making of an elevator for stack-building, made by Mr. J. Jordan, of Woorak, for Mr. Peter Bone, on the lines suggested. This machine, which is cheap, durable, and easily constructed, saves all the pitching upward of sheaves above the 14-ft. level, saving thereby time and labour. Though many dirty crops were seen in the 300 miles traversed during the inspection of this year, those exhibited, and also some others, were cleaner than was the case in former years, and here it miglit not be out of place to say that many of the crops not entered for competition should have been included, both from an individual point of view, and in the general interest of the Society that is doing so much for the Wimmera. That farm and crop comiDctitions tend to stimulate better methods and practices cannot be denied, and it is a pity that other Societies do not follow Nhill's example in this respect. Where Improvement is Possible. Probably the greatest improvement in farm practices in the future will be made in a better system of rotation cropping, greater u.^^e of the sub-artesian water, seed selection, and the use of increased quantities of manure. There is room, too, for better cultivation methods in many ■cases. The present rotation is to some extent wasteful, in that a year or two is devoted to spelling the land when the growth of certain rotation rpspiits a nice a|>pear- ance, is deep in llic fl;)iik, level on td]) lino, lengthy between hip and 92 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916, pill, fine over wither, good escutcheon, and rudimentary teats, and other fancied points which please the eye that he is a fit dairy sire. The essential qualifications of a dairy bull are purity of blood, mascu- linity, and an authentic record of being descended from females on "both dam's and sire's side which have proved themselves profitable pro- ducers. These attributes are inter-dependent, and any two without the third renders the whole valueless. Purity of blood denotes that the animal possesses the blood strains of his particular breed, and when used with cross-bred cows will be more prepotent than a cross-bred bull in which many strains commingle. The pedigree of a bull is more valuable if the families represented are few than if at every union a new family is introduced, because all families possess characteristics peculiar to each, and the continual commingling of these is less effective than if by a gradual accumulation the characters of a few families are centred in the bull. Masculinity with which is associated sexual vigour and general health isi a quality quickly re- cognised but diffi.cult to define. It may be described as a bold, fearless sort of expression. As dairy cows are bred and fed for milk production no bull is a fit dairy sire unless his female ancestors established their worth as dairy cows. Purity of pedigree and a typical appearance alone do not assure that the bull will get good heifers. The use of a pure-bred bull leads to uniformity in the heifer, while the cross-bred bull leads to incon- sistency and mongrelism. It is not reasonable to expect a cheap cross- bred bull, perhaps out of a cow whose milk yield was not sufiicient to rear her calf, to show a marked and continual improvement in the heifers. It was for the purpose of supplying dairy farmers with re- liable knowledge for purchasing bulls of milking strain that the De- partment of Agriculture instituted the Standard Herd Test, whereby pure-bred cows, accepted by the various herd books and not ostensibly pure-bred by doubtful pedigrees, are tested each year over a period of nine months. The benefit of this scheme is to show farmers from which cows bulls may be purchased. The average butter fat yield of the average cow is about 160 lbs. during normal years. Last year 165 pure-bred cows averaged 319 lbs. butter fat, and 104 2-year-old heifers averaged 211 lbs. From this it will be readily inferred that the use of bulls from some of these cows would effect a decided increase. Not only are the records of the dams available, but in some cases those of the grand dams on both dam's and sire's side. Such recordsi illus- trate how in some families milking capacity is transmitted. The prices of such bulls are greater than the cross-bred of unknown quality, but it is unreasonable to expect something good at a cheap price. Quality demands its price, and is generally worth it. Having placed such a bull in the herd, keep him in a small yard, and do not allow him to waste hi&i energies by undue service, such as occurs when running with cows in the paddock. Many make the error of keeping the bull only to get the cows in calf ; his use should also be to increase the value of his stock. If a hull is supposed to possess quality he should never be disposed of until his value as a dairy sire is proved by his heifers. Many a good bull has been sold before his value was known. If the heifers are more profitable under similar conditions than their dams, keep the bulls as long as possible if only to serve the older cows, and when necessary to introduce another bull buy one 10 Eeb., 1916.] Herd Improvement. 93 of the same family as the former, which has already proved profitable. By this method the good qualities transmitted by the first are increased by the second sire. Crossing strains is only a little better than cross- ing breeds. When it is impossible to keep two bulls the first may be loaned or sold on condition that his services are available when re- quired. When two bulls are kept the first can be used on the heifers by the second, and the practice repeated. So long as the mating animals are robust no harm will result. WHAT IS EFFICIENCY ? At the present time a great efficiency movement is sweeping the in- dustries. The attention of employers in general is directed toward that one goal as to how to produce the maximum production at the minimum expense. The term speed, or speeding-up, has become a by-word, coined by the so-called efficiency experts, many of whom have been drafted from the rank and file of impractical men. Asked to investigate factory conditions, they file a report with the employers who have been induced to employ them, making a recommendation that in their judgment the only way to increase their output without additional expense is to drive their men, speed them up, make a machine out of them, and when worked out replace them. There is nothing scientific in such a recom- mendation. Every successful scientific invention of the past has had a tendency to reduce the physical labours, and to encourage the individual to think and work with hi& head rather than with his hands. It is not the aim of scientific management to induce men to act as nearly like a machine as possible. True, a foreman will prove his efficiency bv tl- measured quality and quantity of his output, but it must come through systematic planning and education of the individual. Men must be led, not driven. Instead of working unwillingly for their employer, thev must work in co-operation with the management. Mistakes, instead of having to be corrected, must be avoided. So the first thing that must interest is the careful select'on of the man that is going to have full charge of any given department. He must first of all be an expert in his line of work. Nothing is so detrimental as to have a man fall into a posi- tion by luck, without having the necessary qualification. A foreman must be looked up to by the men under him, as one that has had a little more experience than tliey have had, for it will not take long for the men to find out if such is not the case, and when thev do, he will not be able to exercise the proper control over them, ajid will eventuallv destroy the efficiency of his department. The greatest efficiency can be obtained only when the men are hnppv satisfied, and contented with their .surroundings. Since it is hard to find any two men that will do the same amount of work in a given time, discretion must be exercised by the foreman in the placing of his men where they can be used to the best advantage, with his work alwavs planned in advance, sn that they know they always liave a job ahead of them. — Richard jNT. Van Oaasbeok, in Anirrirnn /lu/i/sfrira. 94 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. THE PROFIT THAT ARISES FROM DIPPING SHEEP. The intention of this article is to draw the attention of owners of large and small flocks to the profit to be derived from dipping sheep, irrespective as to their being tick and lice infested, and to the most practical and easiest way of going about it. Some owners object on account of expense, and many more because they don't like work, and others, again, have no liking for sheep beyond the £ s. d, part, and some take to sheep raising with insufficient knowledge of the art of profitable sheep farming. It would be a good demonstration to exhibit at some of our pastoral shows, say, 50 sheep of the one age, breed, and sex, reared under exactly similar conditions — 25 dipped and 25 undipped. A lesser number would do, provided that each lot got the same treatment from start to finish. Let them be weighed before dipping, and also the controls, and at the exhibition let both lots be weighed, say, not less than eight months or so after treatment. From experience I can safely say it would be an eye-opener to the uninitiated, and I will detail as near as I can an experiment of my own : — Fifty two-tooth sheep (cross-breds) were selected out of one flock, all born at the one lambing. These when shorn cut nearly equal weights of wool. Six weeks after shearing they were all weighed, and 25 were dipped and 25 were not dipped. Tbey were all clean sheep, and were then turned out together, and received exactly the same treatment as regards food (natural pasture only) and other attentions right up to the next shearing, when they were shorn and again weighed. The result was the dipped sheep cut 1^ lbs. more wool and had gained 5 lbs. more meat than the undipped ones. These were all wethers, and the season was an average one. Another year, one of semi-drought, another experi- ment was tried, with the same result, as far as increases in wool and mutton are concerned, but not to the same extent. The increase in the second experiment was f lb. of wool and 3 lbs. of mutton. The wool was tender in both lots, but was more bulky in' the dipped. ISTow, to show that it pays to dip, we will take an owner of 1,500 sheep, as that is getting near what iinost flocks will number in the very near future. First we will take the cost of putting down a dip, say, £40, though that is outside what it would cost, as in most districts, if the sheepyards are properly built, the swims and draining pens can be made to fit in. Now to total up:— Dip, £40; yards, £20; dipping 1,500 sheep, at id. per head, £6 5s.; three men's wages, at Is. per hour (three hours), 9s.; makes &%% 14s., including everything. JSTow, on the credit side we find increased weight of wool at \\ lbs. per sheep, at 8d. per lb., £75; increased growth of meat, 5 lbs., at 6d. per lb., present price, on 1,500 sheep, £187 10s.; total, £262 10s. Deducting cost of dipping and appliances, £66 14s., leaves £195 16s., or about 2s. 7'id. per head profit. After the first year the profit is greater, as we only have to allow about 10 per cent, for depreciation, &c.; but there is still another tangible gain, and that is in the selling value, easily Is. per head, because dipped :sheep are more presentable to the buyer. The increase in mutton only takes place during the sheep's 10 Feb., 1916.] The Profit from Dipping Sheep. 95 maturing years, say, from lambhood to about 6-tootli off. Aged sheep keep in better condition both in flesh and wool. At 4 years old the wool growth has reached its " pivotal point," and begins to decline, but during the growing period of the sheep there is a large margin of profit in dipping properly. There is a right and a wrong way to do all things. I don't intend the figures given to be absolutely correct, as the profit would vary in different districts; but, no matter where or when, there is a good profit. What I want to show is that as a business transaction dipping pays handsomely. I know one man who usually dealt in crossbred weaners off shears, and as soon as they arrived on his holding they were thoroughly dipped, not for vermin, as they were perfectly clean in this respect, but to free them from all troubles as much as possible, so that all they had to do was to eat and grow. That man always sold at large profits, and his sheep alw^ays took the buyer's eye. Many years ago in a dry time I had to shepherd a flock of sheep, and as usual under these circumstances, one becomes a philosopher, being alone from daylight to dark. Now, that flock was thickly infested with ticks, and in order to occupy my mind I used to see how much feeding time the sheep lost nibbling and scratching, and I found that certain sheep that I knew well by their countenances lost from three to four hours each day from rest and feed by having to rub and scratch themselves to allay the irritation set up by the ticks biting. Now, I came to the safe conclusion during the two months I had charge of that flock, that they were diverted from increasing their productive value, such as growing wool and carcass, for fifteen days. That would be roughly 2 ozs. of wool and about \ lb. of flesh, fat, and bone. The owner of, say, 1,500, loses 2s. per head in the young sheep; that amounts to £150, and he is like unto the man in Scripture who only received two talents. Dipping with a good dip tightens up the tip of the wool, thus preventing dust and rain penetrating too far down the fibre. Many owners of sheep not vermin-infested look upon the dipping as unnecessary and non-paying; but I know that it is a profitable investment, is also a disinfectant, and a deterrent of the fly. It does not entirely prevent flyblows, but it goes a very long way towards doing so. If the sheep are well-erutched as well, there will be only a small percentage attacked. I prefer a dip that has sulphur in the make-up, because the sulphur hangs on better than carbolised dips, which are more volatile, and in our dry, hot country the deterrent effect evaporates. Of course, there is an art in dipping sheep, whicli is soon learned by use and observation. For instance, keep the dip up to a uniform strength and also keep it well stirred, so as not to waste the stuff, and also see that all sheep get a pro])er soaking. esi>eciallv under the jaws, as it is here that tick-eggs find a secure bxlgnuMit. Some owners are extremely careless, and they blame the dip if the results are not what thoy expect. But dijiping returns a good profit all the same. Many owners credit dipi)ing with only an increa.st^ in wool nt n quarter of a pound, but this is too little. From three-quarters to over a 96 Journal of AgHcidtiire, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. pound is about the increase, according to the season. _ I have proved this by actual weighing. A dip in itself does not directly influence a better growth, but it does indirectly by promoting a healthy skin, and by freeing the animal from annoyances that have a debilitating effect. It won't make wool grow where it is deficient on a sheep, but it will make the woolly parts grow more wool than on a similar sheep undipped, and this extra growth of carcass and wool leaves a profit sufficiently large to compensate the owner for all the extra work under- taken. Small owners of from 100 to 200 sheep do not want so large a plant; for these numbers dips can be built to suit their requirements very cheaply, and if it is done on co-operative lines, like shearing, one individual would not feel the cost, which should not exceed, after the dip is constructed, 10s., and the profit would be £3 to £4 in money value, that is for very small lots above-mentioned, where they have to be driven 4 or 5 miles. Spraying the dip on to the sheep is not effective in ridding it of vermin, because you cannot get it into all the crevices, as it were, and the sheep have to be up-ended to get at the belly parts. The swim is the only effective way, the sheep being entirely immersed at least once during the swim. The swim does not require to be longer than about 20 feet, provided the sheep are allowed to remain in the right time, and if the right medium is used at the right strength. It is the dip that tells. It is always as well to test the strength by using it on two or three sheep before the general dipping takes place. Seven to eight hundred sheep an hour is fair work. "Crowfoot." — The Pastoral Review, N'ovember, j915. 10 Feb., 1916.] Ensilage. 97 ENSILAGE-ITS VALUE AND COST OF PRODUCTION. By R. R. Kerr, Dairy Supervisor, Research Farm, Werrihee. In successful dairy practice, from a productive and economic stand- point, tlie feeding of the dairy cattle is the farmer's chief concern, and it needs very little experience to convince any intelligent farmer that any lack of attention or thought on this important subject will soon he shown hy a decreasing yield of the cows and a falling off in con- dition. Again, experience proves that one must expect a small yield the succeeding lactation period. For any certainty of profitable result these feeding operations must be planned many months in advance, because no man has any certain idea of what Providence holds in store in the shape of rainless periods, floods, pests, and unforeseen contingencies. These hard times are experi- enced in all countries, and are apparently a reminder against careless- ness, and perhaps necessary for the proper working of the universe. In the present season abundant crops and pastures abound in the many districts of the State, and it behoves us to make the best use of our opportunity and make provision for the lean times that surely come every few years. One of the cheapest methods of conserving any green fodder is to convert it into silage, as, if jjroperly made, it means having succulent fodder at all times, and a more healthy animal as a result of its feeding in the dry months. An all too common excuse for not making silage is — too costly — too much work; both erroneous expressions in practice, as it is, practically speaking, the cheapest feed in a bulky form that one can obtain. The work of filling seems to prey on the minds of many men, all forgetful of the fact that to obtain a similar result would entail the continual growing and cutting of green crops in all weathers and every day in the year. In the case of the farmer, wliat is meant for caution, so often proves quite the reverse, and is actually extravagance, seeing that it costs him in the long run more than he can afl^ord to lose. That the hesitation so common amongst farmers to incur even highly remunerative expen- diture can be departed from, was shown recently, when herds had to be replaced. But, unfortunately, it was to meet misfortune rather than future needs. One farmer expressed an opinion current among many of them. He said that " For farmers to incur tlie outlay is all very fine for Government experts to talk glibly about. Building a silo and making silage costs money and means a lot of work." Farmers holding just such o]>iiiions eame before the various Boards, which sat to con- sider api)lications for cattle advances, (S:c. ^Fost of them assured the Board lliat they could easily meet an advance of £250 if the Govern- ment would only advance the sum. When the herd was intact they would not lay out tlie small sum in a silo which would have saved their cows, but they were quite prepared to incur a new liability of perhaps five times the sum, and depend on a new untried herd, not yet acquired to meet it. *22S. - r. 98 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb.^ 1916. The past drought accounted for the death of many of our cattle, and the good crops and pastures this year, with the scarcity of cattle, must result in a low price for hay, and it is hoped that more use will be made of the silo. Silage will keep indefinitely, and does not suffer from vermin. Pastures have a very low feeding value after being con- tinually bleached by the elements, and when rain comes after a dry spell, they rot and blow away. The future prosperity of our dairying industry depends on the economic production of our milk and butter. Many of our old ideas must be thrown into the melting pot, and force of circumstances demands constant progress. With that in the foreground, our needs will force more attention to the production of silage. We all admire the progres- sive business methods of the American farmers, and their success is greatly due to the use they make of the silo — many thousands are in continual use; in fact, no farm is deemed complete without one. The object of this article is not so much concerned with the making of silage, but to give a concrete example of the great benefit derived from it by a farmer in the Boisdale district. Mr. Trevor Harvey has a farm on the closer settlement portion of the Boisdale Estate, and owing to the uncertainty of the seasons, he decided to erect a silo, under the conditions offered by the Department of Agricultui'e. If all the dairymen of the State were imbued with the same spirit of intelligent enterprise, failures would be few. Mr. Harvey is proving that success is assured where sound business methods prevail, and in his own words states that any dairyman who fails to make use of silage is ignorant of the best methods of farming practice. He could not correctly estimate its value to him during the past year, as the cows milked well during the drought, and he gained the high prices ruling for milk and butter during the winter months, and through the silo he was in a position to sell £200 worth of chaff. He kept his herd intact and sold £100 worth of cattle. Incidentally I may mention that Mr. Harvey is establishing a pure Jersey stud, which he has entered in the Government Pure Herd Testing scheme, and, judging by his adoption of sound methods and the enthusiasm he displays, his success is certain. The silo is of 70 tons capacity, of the wood and iron pattern. The crop harvested was maize, which did not cob, owing to the very hot winds at flowering time, and was dying off when it became necessary to cut it and commence filling the silo. There was very little waste, as it was good right up to the iron — except at the joints. Any waste was spread on the ground for the dry cattle, where it was cleaned up. The silage was sweet, of very appetising smell, and with good colour and appear- ance. The cows were given 30 lbs. each daily, with a little bran. Cost of Production. The land occupied by the maize (9 acres) was previously sown with oats for hay, which was a failure owing to the dry season. After the rains the land was at once ploughed, and the maize sown about the 20th December, the cutting was commenced on the 25th March, the maize occupying the land for three months, and immediately after removal the land was ploughed and sown with oats for grazing purposes. 2 18 6 3 12 0 0 18 0 0 13 6 1 2 6 0 10 0 4 14 6 . 11 11 6 10 Feb., 1916.] Ensilage. 99 Mr. Harvey supplies the following figures as the cost of production and other charges. £ s. d. 9 acres of land, at £20 per acre, for three raontlis, at 5 j)er cent. . . 9 acres, ploughing, at 8s. per acre . . 9 acres, two strokes of harrow, at Is. jjer acre 9 acres, rolling, at Is. 6d. per acre 9 acres, sowing, at 2s. 6d. per acre 2 bushels of seed, at 5s. per bushel 3 times cultivation, at 3s. 6d. per acre . . Harvesting, carting, and filling silo, labour, cutter, and engine hired Total . . . . £26 0 6 Thus we see that the approximate cost of the silage was 7s. 6d. per ton, and this includes 3s. 4d. per ton for harvesting, carting, and filling. The acreage of land under fallow in 1898 was 399,535 acres. This increased to 1,738,572 acres in 1914, but showed a decrease of ap- proximately 400,000 acres m 1915. — Victorian Year-Book 1D14-15. Last year in Victoria the number of farmers who used artificial manure was 31,874, as compared with 21,586 in 1905, and 7,318 in 1898. The area on which artificial manure was used represented only 7 per cent, of that under crop in 1898, but since then the proportion manured has rapidly increased. In 1901 it was 19 ner cent.; in 1903, 36 per cent.; in 1905, 56 per cent.; in 1909, 66 per cent.; in 1911-12, 74 per cent.; in 1913, 77 per cent.; and in 1914, 81 per cent. Only 19 acres in every 100 under crop in 1901 was treated with artificial fertilizer, but last year the acreage fertilized was 81 acres in every 100 cropped. The num])er of tons of artificial fertilizer, at least 85 per cent, of which would be superphosphate, used in Victoria in 1901 was 23,526 tons against 117,935 tons in 1914 — truly a remarkable increase over the short period of thirteen years. The average dressing per acre in 1901 was approximately 91 lbs. against 70 lbs. in 1914. Approximately 25 per cent, of the fertilizer used was imported, the remainder being the product of Victorian industry. — ]'irforiiin Vrtir- Book, 1914-15. Paint for Outhuihlings. — A corresiiondont n.sks for a recipe ftir a cheap, durable paint for outbuildings. Mr. P. Oliver. Foreman Painter. Public Works Department, Wellington, to whom the matter was re- ferred, states that if the colour does not matter the following is about as cheap and durable a paint as it is possible to make up:— To 5 gal- lons of ])oiled oil add 1 cwt. oxide <-f iron; let soak twenty-four hours; add 15 lbs. patent driers and 2 gallons kerosene, and mix well together. The colour of this paint is dull red. — Journal of At/rirul- fitre, .\(ir ZtahnnJ. 100 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. FARMERS' FIELD DAY. WYUNA STATE FARM. Abridged from the " Kyabram Free Press.'' About 100 farmer? and visitors assembled at the State Farm, Wyuna, on Friday, 26th November, when a farmers' field day was held. Mr. A. E. V. Richardson, Agricultural Superintendent, with Mr. Baird, the farm manager, conducted the visitors in a tour of inspection of the crops, stock, poultry, and experimental plots. At the outset Mr. Richardson addressed the gathering in the imple- ment shed, and read apologies from the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Hagelthorn, Mr. H. McKenzie, Minister of Railways, and the Direc- tor of Agriculture, Dr. Cameron, all of whom were unavoidably pre- vented from attending owing to an important meeting of the State Wheat Marketing: Committee. - ^^Lm h ^uM lllll^ if^^^H •,y.,. i^^HIl ^^^^^^H ,^' Cutting Crop for Silage, Wyuna State Farm. Mr. Richardson, in welcoming the farmers, said they had to congratulate themselves on the prospects for the coming harvest, which were a pleasant contrast to the drought conditions of last year, which had not been worse in Southern Australia within living memory. Re- liable authorities estimated that 25,000,000 sheep and 2,500,000 cattle, with thousands of valuable horses, had perished as a result of the drouo-ht. The terrible experience of last year made many farmers vow that they would not be caught napping again, but they would lay by stores of fodder in good seasons, when there was a surplus, and hence large stacks of hay were accumulating on every farm. Many farmers, owing to scarcity of stock and abundance of feed were ensiling quantities of green feed, both in overground and underground pits, and even in 10 Feb., 1916.] Wyuna State Farm. 101 roughly prepared excavations. Such provident activity was to be com- mended, and the farmers would be rewarded in the first dry season they experienced. On the Wyuna farm the germ of prudential activity was abroad, and already 270 tons of chaffed ensilage had been made, 220 tons of hay cut, and the wheat and oat crop which would be thra&hed would yield over 200 tons of straw — and this apart from the hay from the lucerne area. Besides drawing attention to the necessity for building up hay reserves, the drought had also led the community to conserve its water resources. At Sugarloaf operations had already com- menced, and the reservoir being constructed there would have a storage capacity of 330,000 acre-feet of water. Waranga Basin was being extended to impound 320,000 acre feet, and in addition other storages were contemplated under the Murray Waters Agreement, and it was anticipated that eventually there would be more than enough water to irrigate 700,000 acres of land in these Northern districts. Finally, the drought caused an almost total failure of the crop last year, but the Government, in spite of the many difficulties confronting View of Oaten Hay Crop, Wyuna State Farm. the farmer, appealed to wheat-growers to sow a record acreage this year in view of the likelihood of a good season after the drought and the cer- tainty of good prices for wheat in the markets of the world. The farmers responded magnificently in spite of the shortage of feed, and scarcity of seed wheat and the losses of farm stock. They were aided by an advance of £600,000 made by the Government, and as a result 4.100,000 acres of wheat had been sown, i.e., 35 per cent, more wheat than the highest previous records. Very favorable conditions for wheat had prevailed this season, and it was anticipated that Australia's total crop would exceed 150,000,000 bushels, thus giving a surplus of 120,000,000 bushels, double the amount available for export in an ordinary year. At tlie same time it was extremely difficult to secure freight owing to the total disappearance of the German mercantile marine from the high seas, and the eommandeering of British ships for tlie transport of men, munitions, and foodstuffs. Mr. Richardson reviewed the work Anno in tlie field and ponltry yards, and subsequently vi.sitor* inspected the farm. 102 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. He said that this year 280 acres had been &owii with cereals, includ- ing 120 acres of wheat, 80 acres of hay, 40 acres of silage mixture, 35 acres of barley, 5 acres of rye for grain. The 40 acres cut for ensilage gave 270 tons of green stuff. All this had been chaffed into three overground silos, and was intended for winter feeding of the dairy stock. Three different methods of covering the silage were being tried, and the relative efficiency of these methods in preventing waste should prove of interest. The wheat plots comprised manurial tests, rate of seeding, early and late sowing tests, and variety wheat trials. Fifteen different manurial tests were being conducted with varying combinations of manures. Some plots were unmanured ; some had been dressed with phosphatic manures applied in different forms, and at varying rates per acre, while some of the plots were limed, and others treated with nitro- genous and potassic manures. The comparative merits of each system View of Poultry Pens, Wyuna State Farm. of manuring would be shown on harvesting, and would indicate the needs of plain land with regard to artificial manures. Referring to the poultry section, the development of which was a feature of the farm, Mr. Richardson stated the Department was endea- vouring to provide a good supply of high class egg-laying strains of White Leghorn. There were at present 1,300 pedigreed Leghorns, all bred from prize winners at the Government egg-laying competition. Orders for eggs had been received from every State in the Common- wealth during the past year. The world's record for egg-laying had been established last year at Burnley, when six hens, the progeny of a setting of eggs from Wyuna had laid 1,699 eggs. The cardinal prin- ciples in poultry-keeping w^ere breeding, feeding, and weeding. Keep only good laying strains, feed them liberally and well, and cull out severel3' the inferior birds. An inspection of the poultry yards and plant was made under the guidance of Mr. W. C. Kugg, the poultry manager. One of the first 10 Feb., 1916.] Wyuna State Farm. 103 features observed was a system of trap nests, installed for the purpose of detecting the best layers in a pen, and to demonstrate the different cycles in egg-laying peculiar to particular hens. Poor layers are dis- covered and cast out, and tliis method corresponded to a system of herd testing employed in a dairy herd. Some pens of fine pedigreed birdsi were on view, including many from this season's hatcla. The gathering had an opportunity of comparing the pen system with the flock system. This latter system is coming into vogue. The many devices used in feeding, watering, &c., showed how a large flock may be managed with an economy of labour. Mr. Rugg stated that in his opinion a settler could, with the flock system, look after 500 birds, and do his ordinary work of dairying besides, and if he confined himself to poultry farming he could handle 2,000 birds a year. The incubator room and brooder house were examined, and proved of considerable in- terest. Leaving the poultry yards, the visitors were shown small areas of lucerne and artificial pastures, which had been sown for green feed. Breeding Pens, Wyuna State Farm. An enclosure of movable hurdles enables Mr. Rugg to hut a flock of young chickens on different parts of the areas. The next feature of interest was the pasture top-dressing experiment. This series consisted of four ^^-acre plots which had been treated with super, alone, with super, and lime, and with basic slag, while one plot was left untreated as a check plot. Although the land had been given no special treatment besides the top-dressing, the response to the fertilizer was most apparent, and the remarkable feature was the dif- ferent character of the pasture on the four plots. Tlie two plots which have been treated witli lime and basic slag resjiectively showed a dense growth of trefoil and clover. It was stated that when stock were allowed to graze on the area they showed a ]>referencc for tlie pasture on the treated ]}lots. The improvement effected caused great comment. The manuarial tests on wheat were of interest. There seemed to be an increased growth corresponding to the amount of super. a]iplied, but the efTiciency of basic slag and bonodust as ]>hospliatic manures was 104 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. nofc so marked. One plot was treated with sulphate of potash in addi- tion to super., and another with sulphates of ammonia and potash as well. No marked difference could be noticed between these plots, and an adjoining one to which super, alone had been applied. In a season like this the nitrifying organisms in the soil are very vigorous, parti- larly in well-worked fallows, and nitrogenous manures have little effect on the crop. Liming did not appear to have influenced the grain yield, but it promoted a dense growtli of straw. No conclusive evi- dence of the relative value of these different manures will be available till thesis plots are harvested. In ths variety 'wheat trials a number of different wheat were growing side by side to compare their progress under our conditions. They in- cluded Federation, Yandilla King, Marshall's, Dart's, Imperial, Com- monwealth, Currawa, Bayah, Penny, Gluyas, King's Early, College Eclipse, American 8. All these wheat looked well, Penny being pro- View of Brooder House and Laying Shed (Open Shed System), Wyuna State Farm. minent. This wheat, it was stated, has given good results in de- partmental trials. It has a nice head, with plump grain. Other varieties attracting attention were Currawa and Dart's Imperial, and these looked very well in the bulk plots also. This latter wheat shows a fine growth of straw, with well filled heads. Other bulk plots in- cluded Commonwealth, Yandilla King, and there was to be seen a par- ticularly fine bulk crop of Federation, very level and uniform, and free from foreign heads. Two varieties pointed out as suitable for late sowing were Gluyas and King's Early, which are early maturing wheats, grown in large quantities in South Australia and the Victorian Mallee. The rate of seeding and early and late sowing tests occupied twelve plots. All had similar amounts of manure, but six were sown at the end of April, and six in the middle of June, at the rates of 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 lbs. per acre. The amount of grain harvested from each plot will be an index to the most profitable rate of sowing. One 10 Feb., 1916.] Wyima State Farm. 105 106 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. of the facts, which was clear, was that for later sowing it is advisable to increase the rate of seeding, as late sown wheat does not tiller so well. The wheat, barley, and rye crops are being cut for thrashing. Cape barley has done exceedingly well this season, and 35 acres of barley was to be seen stacked. Mr. Baird, Farm Manager, estimates a return of over 40 bushels to the acre. The draught mares with their foals were inspected, and later the dairy herd. Most of these are pure bred Jerseys, those at present being milked are of high quality. View of Bulk Wheat Plots, Wyuna State Farm, Fifteen acres of new lucerne had been sown on subsoiled land. Tamworth lucerne was sown with a mixture of basic slag, f cwt., and superphosphate -J cwt. per acre. The effect of the subsoiling will be interesting. Experimental plots of summer crops, including ten varie- ties of maize, five of millet, and five sorghums are being grown to test whether they are suitable for local conditions. Lucerne manurial tests are also' being conducted, including liming, treatment with basic slag, gypsum, &c. Great credit is due to Mr. Baird for the uniformly heavy returns obtained thisi year. A NEW VARIETY OF HOPS. " The Foundling." — This describes a new variety of hops found at Wye College. It has been thoroughly tested since 1908, and is noted as having good cropping qualities, high resin content, marked resistance to, if not total immunity from, the " nettle-head " disease; and lateness, of season. — E. S. Salmon, Journal, Board of Ar/ricvlture (Lo?ido7i), 1915. 10 Feb., 1916.] Potato Experimental Fields, 1915-16. 107 POTATO EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS, 19L5-16. Jl// ./. T. Ramsay, Potato Expert. Experiments in the cultivation of potatoes are being continued this season at Leongatha, Koo-wee-rup, and Portland. The ai-eas on which the work is being carried on were cho&en, firstly, because the soils were suited to potato production; and, secondly, because they are typical of large areas of land within the State, so that the results obtained will be widely applicable. The accompanying plans show the details of the experiments and demonstrations. Leongatha. At Leongatha 5^ acres in all have been planted, which have been divided into sections as follows : — Section 1 is designed to test the efl'ectiveness of eleven different manurial treatments, ranging from a moderate dressing of 3 cwt. of superphosphate per acre to 15 cwt. per acre of a compound, comprised of phosphatic, potassic, and nitrogenous manures, in order that the most profitable mixture and rate per acre may be determined. On this section thus treated, manurially, there have been planted ripe and immature seed of three different varieties suited to the district, namely. Factors, Sutton's Abundance, and Up-to-Date. All of these did fairly vs^ell in the district last year in spite of the dry season. Section 2 is given to testing the efficiency as a preventive of disease of the use of dipping and spraying solutions. Tlie portions ot tins sec- tion are seeded wilIi potatoes which were {a) dipped straight away when dug last April; (h) dipped in November, just before planting; and (c) not treated with dipping solution. Fractions of each of these will be sprayed during the growing period, " so that at the end or the season the results obtainable will range from seed wdiich was abso- lutely untreated, as far as disease prevention is concerned, to that whicn was dipped only, sprayed only, and thence to plots which were as fully guarded from disease as is practicable by dipping and spraying treat- ments. The dipping solution used was made from corrosive sublimate at the rate of 1 oz. to 6 gallons of water, and seed treated with this solution was immersed for two hours, and then thoroughly drained and dried before planting. Spraying during the season will be done with a solution of copper and soda mixed in the proportions of 2 lbs. copi^er sulphate and 2^ lbs. washing soda to 10 gallons of water. Section 3 is devoted to testing the best depth at which to plant sets, a question which is the cause of much argument at the present time amongst growers, because of the differences of opinion held on the matter. On this section the tubers have been uniformly spaced in the rows at 18 inches apart, wliile the depths at which tests are being made are 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, and 8 inches. Section 4 is carried out to determine the most economical spacing at which tubers should be set, and j)lanting has l>een done at 12 inches, 15 inclies. 18 itiches, and 21 inches, wliile the depth of planting has been kept uniforndy at 4 ^ inches. Section 5 will give a demonstration of the value of immature seed, as compared with ri|>e seed, and is cne of the most imjiortant sections, if any distinction can be justly made. Six varieties are being used, these beiiii: Sutton's, Factors, Carman, Early Norther, Black Prince, 108 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. POTATO EXPERIMENTAL PLOTS LABOR COLONY LEONCATHA / \ C ^ 1 _ ft '^ CO if CO 00 V- i r I5J ) L }A \ T L S 1 <; 1 ■<: <: •<: qS ^ ^ f^ ■?? ^ ■^ t. •<^ ■*^ < •< ^ ^ <^ ^ CO CO CO CO ^ <3i a :j : v^ c ?5 > S^ ^ CYJ "^ >s •*s ^ 1 c c:5 )N s. A 31 JND/ \HCl ^ ^ ^ 1 5^ 1- 1 > ^ 5'*' c. 5^ 1^ ^ 1 .^ ^ yq ^ ^ CO CO ji CO c.-) CO CO ,0 Ci ^ ^^ . ^ ^ < ^ ^ O ^ CO 00 c^ **> *^ ro fO ^ ^ — rJ CO 't lO c^ 1^ 00 (T> o = Ci f^ ^ 10 Feb., 1916.] Potato Experimental Fields, 1915-16. 109 POTATO EXPERIMENTAL PLOTS LABOR COLONY LEONCATHA ta -> Up To Dates Dipped at Plantlnc^ Time ,, ■, „ „ „ ., ,. &< Sprayed „ „ „ „ „ Dio/qinqTime ., ,. „ „ ., ,. " K^S prayed Up To Dates Not Dipped Nor Sprayed K ^1 Up To Dates P tan ted 3 inches deep 18 in. apart 4- „ „ „ . s ■ ... e ■ ... „ „ „ „ 7' s- k.. .c: 1-^ Up To Dates Planted 4 '/i inches deep /2' inches apart „ ., ,. „ ., „ „ 15 ■. „ .. „ , , /8\, , 2/'-. > Suttons Factors Up To Dates Carmen Ta/iy Nortticr Blacl< Prince ^ J iiiiiiiitiiiiijyiiiiiiiitfyiiiiiii F 1 «5 ,r 1 CO Wilsons Seedlings (4"'Jear) ' 110 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. and Up-to-Date. Immature seed of each of these varieties was secured out of the growing crop at Leongatha last year, while the ripe seed of each was dug out of the same crops after ripening. Section 6 has been planted with thirty-eight different varieties, most of which are commonly cultivated in the State, in order that these may be compared in piolificacy, quality, &c., the one against the other. Data will be collected from this section as to the habits and period of maturation of each variety, for the purpose of classification. All of the seed used in this test was saved from the crop at Leongatha last year. Section 7 is given over to the further testing of the new varieties raised by this Department from seed supplied by Dr. Wilson, of St. Andrew's University, Scotland, and is now being grown for the fourth year. Last year over 130 of these seedlings were planted, out of which about thirty have been retained for this season's trial. From these it is confidently expected that some new varieties may be produced which will be worthy of inclusion amongst the varieties grown commercially in Victoria. Planting at Leongatha was finished on 18th November, 1^5, the lateness of the spring having retarded the preparatory cultiva- tion work. Though the crop is scarcely midway through the season at the time of writing, there is a marked difference in the portions differently treated as regards manures and seed control, the most notable being (a) in favour of immature seed as against ripe seed; and (h) the promise of greater yields given by the heavier dressings of manure in proportion of the weight of these dressings. An interesting fact in regard to the section on which depth of plant- ing tests are being conducted is that the planting (8 inches) at the end of the first six weeks compared but poorly against the shallower depths of planting, while, the improvement was steadily progressive from the 8-inch depth to the shallowest depth. Analysis of Leongatha Soil. Parts per 100,000. Soil. Subsoil. For comparison, a good soil should contain — Nitrogen 157 87 150 Phos. Acid 45 70 150 Potash . . 58 35 250 Lime 136 204 500 Magnesia 112 84 Not more than lime Chlorine . . 14 12 Not more than 35 Reaction Acid Acid Neutral to slightly- alkaline KoO-WEE-RUP. _ At Koo-wee-rup, 2 acres have been given to experimental work, and this area has been divided into twenty sections, seventeen of which have been treated differently with regard to manuring, the details of which may be seen on the plan. In designing this experiment, it was decided that the majority of the plots would be treated with manures, costing approximately 21s. per acre, the exceptions to this being the heavier 10 Feb., 1916.] Potato Experimental Fields, 1915-16. Ill KOOWEERUP Experimental AREA , 2 Acres Potatoes CENTRE ROAD 1 Check 2 Lime 1 Ton , Super S cwt. 3 Blood &. Bone 5 cwt. S Potash licwt. 4 Lime 1 Ton . Super. 1 cwt S. Ammonia 'A cwt S.Potash '/i cwt ^ S S Potash Li cwt G ChecL: 7 Super 4icwt. 8 Blood 3i cwt 9 Super 3 cwt Blood 1 cwt. ^ ^ JO Bone L Super 4 cwt. 5^ 11 Check 12 Potato Manure 3 cwt ^ ^ ^ 13 Blood So Bone Z cwt. S. Potash 'n cwt 14 Basic Phos. 3 cwt Slooa ^/4 cwt. S. Potash 'A cwt :§ ^ 15 S Ammonia l^cwt. 16 Super 3 cwt. S. AmmoKhia Vi cwt. 17 Basic Phosphate 5 cwt. i5; 18 Blood L Bone 3 cwt 19 Super 3 cwt. S. Ammonia '/-t cwt S.Potash 'A cwt 10 Check 112 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Eeb., 1916. dressings of blood and bone with sulphate of potash, and the plot dressed with lime. The varieties planted here comprise Cook's _ Favourite, Adirondak, Manistee, and Carman No. 1 and immature and ripe Factors. This area was planted on 20th October, 1915, and on the date of the last inspection the heavier raftes of manuring were showing the best growth. In addition to the variety and manure tests at Kco-wee-rup, an interesting trial is being made between sets having weak buds or sprouts, and sets which develop normally strong sprouts; both of these classes of seed being planted on all the varied manurings. Analysis of Koo-wee-eup Soil. Parts per 100,000. Soil. Subsoil. Nitrogen . . 398 141 Phos. Acid 96 57 Potash 75 61 Lime 60 138 Magnesia . . 145 117 Chlorine . . 20 12 Reaction . . Acid Acid Cashmore Heath, Portland. On the heath country at Cashmore, the potato experiments are being carried out on two classes of soil. One is a grey sandy soil, locally described as " flat " land, and the other is a black, sandy soil, very full of fibre, which is commonly termed " hill " land by the residents of Cashmore Heath. The grey soil is responsive to manures, and yields fairly good crops, but on the hill soil the farmers of the district have, so far, been unable to obtain payable results with any crop, though, as may be seen by comparison of the analyses of the two soils, the difference in their chemical contents is not extreme. Analysis of Cashmore Heath Parts per 100,000. Flat Land. Soil. Subsoil. Nitrogen . . 109 35 Phos. Acid 13 10 Potash 17 17 Lime 122 54 Magnesia 99 67 Chlorine . . 8 8 Reaction . . Acid Acid The scheme of manuring as done at Cashmore differs from those at Koo-wee-rup and Leongatha, inasmuch as the effect of liming the soil with 1 ton of agricultural lime per acre has been tried with all manures. 10 Feb., 1916.] Potato Experimental Fields, 1915-16. 113 Potato Experiments on Flat Land Cashmore, Portland in ARtA . l'/2 ACRF.S. Fence &. Dra\n a C/rec/c 4 Cwt Super, ICwt SurplAmp^ \ '('(-W Po'-otf: ■I cwt Super, Icwt^ Pot(!is!} 4i 4 cwt Super.,! cwt Sufp ''■Am'mdn'id f^liWtt ^ 4cwtnSdpm ici)/?Suid mM. mynPc 2 cwt. VPhti.sh 14 13 12 U \lO 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 I Por/io/fs shaded dinf/onal/y Litucd. 114 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. Potato Experiments on Hill Land Cashmore, Portland Area, '/zAcre IV Cieck 4 ^ cw^' Super, Cieck ^ cyvt. Super. cyvt cwh Sup cwt. Sup Sup cwh Basic h'^c, Check '°r ' '' • A Ici^t.Sp/jd^ oFAf7im\..2\cW't. ApAasA /dwt.Pd/-oi:h ' er, er ^cwt E load & Bone, /cwh cy\\t. Blo\pc/ on)[?/ Bpn^ (m/^eq) \ cj^'h B/ood ^- p g o Pcha'-o /cwt.Saioh Icwt -0^ Su'p ^/70SphOs''t McimJkt' Mom/< WMMW4W£mwwffmm V of^'Animdnih \ \ 1 ofAm'm. ■■JcWt. porasb yd ; j 4"-'f LrV/ 'B/dod;^ fcwt. \Pd/-os/i \ ! ! i t i I ^:-t-'-^--Y-r~x~~r 1 I APbtdsh -\'--v $ ! ^i k, i k: 'p/^m 'o 1 'iE i >o ill I m^ A;;4;jri^.^i^M:%A^i^^^^ =Q f ' ! jQ 14 13 12 12 lO S 8 7 6 S 4 3 2 1 Porhons shaded d/qpona//y f/med 10 Feb., 1916.] Potato Experimental Fields, 1915-16. 115 The manuring here has twelve variations on the limed and the unlimed portions, making twenty-four variations in all, in which potatoes, man- gels, and Swedish turnips are being grown. The varieties of potatoes being tested are immature and ripe Sutton's Abundance, ex Leongatha, Erownell's Beauty, Dates, Clark's Main Crop, Early Norther and Scruffle, all of which are suitable to the soils of the district. The manuring tests on the hill and flat lands are the same, and the plota were planted on 29th Nove'mber, 1915. Analysis op Cashmore Heath " Hill Land." Parts per 100,000. Soil. SubsoU. Nitrogen . . 118 72 Phos. Acid 11 8 Potash 16 9 Lime 82 62 Magnesia 86 66 Chlorine . . 8 8 Reaction . . Acid Acid Remarks. The whole of these test plots have been designed with the object of securing definite information as to the most profitable procedure in potato cultivation, that is, the procedure which will most economically produce the greatest production per acre. The manures in every case were broadcasted by hand prior to planting. At Portland the potatoes were ploughed into the ground, trut at Leongatha and Koo-wee-rup planting was done by one of the greatest labour savers in all the collec- tion of farm implements, namely, the potato planter, one of the machines which has done much to lessen the troubles of the potato grower in the matter of labour. The climatic conditions since planting time to date have not been favorable to the potato crop. A late cold spring which retarded planting was followed by a spell of dry weather which lia.s, since Lst December, had no breaks of weather of sufficient consequence to materially assist the crop ; but the season i.s young yet, and much may happen. The interest taken in the experiments carried out last year was grati- fying, and it is hoped that this interest may be more than maintained this year, as this season's results should be of considerably greater value than those of tlie first year, inasmuch as it is expected that they will, in the majority of cases, confirm the findings of last season. The plots are at all times open to inspection by fanners and others interested througliout the growing period. At the Labour Colonv, Leongatha, the principal of these experi- mental stations, the work incidental to these tests which this Dejiart- ment is carrying out has been ably and willingly assisted by the man- ager, Mr. J. J. Willoughby. At Koo-wee-nip, the Department lias been granted the use of land on the farm of )\\y. John "Wadslcv, of the Five Mile Drain, one or the pioneers of the district : while at Cash- more, Portland, ]\Ir. G. A. Taylor, an enthusiastic grower, has been good enough to devote portion of his land to this oxneriniontal work. 116 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. GOLDEN WHEAT. VICTORIA'S RECORD HARVEST. Worth over £12,000,000. The practical assurance that the Victorian farmers would reap the benefit of the record harvest and an exhortation to them to prepare to surpass next season the achievement of this formed the subject of a statement from the Minister of Agriculture yesterday. Mr. Hagelthorn said : — " The gathering of the 1915 harvest is now practically completed, and it is fairly certain that the yield will considerably exceed 50,000,000 bushels and easily establish a new record. The acreage sown to wheat (4,000,000 acres) represented an increase of over 35 per cent, over the previous highest record, and the aggregate yield will probably prove to be 50 per cent, greater. This result is due to the favorable season, to the energy and enterprise shown by the farmers, and to the financial assistance given by the State Government. The farmers have responded magnificently to the appeal for an increased acreage made twelve months ago. In view of the many difficulties confronting farmers — the scarcity and high price of fodder, shortage of stock and lack of funds owing to the failure of the crop through drought — the response of the wheat-growers is extremely gratifying. " At one time it was thought that low prices must be taken for our surplus wheat, in view of the scarcity of freight; but, owing to the operation of the wheat scheme, satisfactory prices are being obtained, not only for the surplus exported overseas, but also for the wheat used for home consumption. Thanks to the assistance of the British Govern- ment, the Wheat Commission hopes to market the great bulk of the Australian crop before the end of the year. If the present prices of wheat be maintained, Victoria's crop will be worth over £12,000,000, and the exported surplus will bring in over £10,000,000. Such an addition to our income will be very welcome, and, incidentally, it indicates the importance of developing the agricultural resources of the State. As much as 200,000 tons of flour will be exported from Australia during the next two months to feed our allies, and no doubt other orders will follow in due course. Every bag of wheat that can be raised within the Emjiire means a bag less to be imported from foreign countries, and the Allies are in need of all the surplus of Australia, Canada, and India to satisfy their requirements. " The harvest of 1915 is now over, and preparations for the crop of 1916 must now be made. I have no doubt that the wheat-growers will spare no effort again to cultivate as large an acreage of crop as possible, and to cultivate it well. The general rain experienced during the last twenty-four hours will enable farmers to cultivate their fallows, and lay the foundations for a good crop during the next season ; it will also enable a large area of land to be worked up for the coming year. It has been shown that every inch of rain that fell over the wheat-growing areas during the growing period of the crop corre- 10 Feb., 1916.] Standard Test Cows. li: spondee! to a bushel of wheat per acre over the whole State. By conserving such rains as we have just had by judicious fallowing, the farmer is guaranteeing the success of his future crop. " The course of the wheat market is always imcertain," the Minister added, " but there is no reason why satisfactory and remunerative prices should not continue. It is therefore to the farmers' own interests to prepare for a large acreage, and to cultivate this acreage with the best possible skill. It is also in the interests of the State to see that he receives adequate encouragement in this work." — Age, 29th January, 1916. STANDARD TEST COWS. Quarterly Report for Period ended 31st December, 1915. During the period 29 cows completed their term iinder the regula- tions. Of this number 20 qualified for their certificate. One new herd was entered for testing, viz.: — Falkenberg Bros., Colac. (Jersey.) Individual returns are as follows: — Mrs. A. BLACK, Noorat. (Jersey.) Completed since last rejiort, 4. Certilicated, 0. F. CURNICK, Malvern. (Jersey.) Completed since last report, 1. Certificated, 1. Jsamc of Cow. Peerless Poarl M >. ■^ .^■=5 ce ■St; o 1o a G V o ^ 1- 1^ w^ Ro fiWB iJ'H.h '^sfi t?S ■i *-■ Xnm ' of Cow. o o jL c t .E- a> o ='■3 <9 S V 0 _ ,'-:r. rt W!?; «o afmri !i5i: i?sc Ihs. CarrilM'a . . Not vet allotted 3.1.15 10.1.15. 27:' IS .\r(l.ith .. 15.1.15 22.1.15 27: 13 India 8.3.15 15.3.15 27:; 2(!J lbs. 5,518 6,1801 8,146 "sr. ^.'»- r 0 ^ L « t: fci > s lit to It. 1- .§.2S <^ PCfa x^ »\fi& Us. lbs. lbs. 4-20 23(iit2 200 270 4-78 20603 250 3371 411 335-23 250 382i 118 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. GEELONG HARBOUR TRUST, Marshalltown. (Ayrshire.) Completed since last report, 3. Certificated, 1. >. -^ o o m o 2> o c3 o ?r Name of Cow. » o lbs. lbs. lbs. Winnie of Glen Elgin 1850 25.2.15 ,4.3.15 273 m 6,265i 4-18 262-20 OOj ■C!~ a o =3 ^ ^■s t; 1: _£'S.S W^ S?:« lbs. lbs. 250 299 T. HARVEY, Boisdale. (Jersey.) Completed since last report, 1. Certificated, 1. o o oH> ■:.5 >> °^l o o tc o £ 1° Name of Cow. Ci o ■§■§ s o S c „ "ITS <3 . lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Dainty 6th Not yet allotted 10.1.15 17.1.15 273 19J 5,306 5-66 300-33 175 342i A. W. JONES, Whittington. (Jersey.) Completed since last report, 1. Certificated, 1. ^ >> ^ o o O . = -SH o ■S'3 1° ffl o ti *o *^ -^ c3>,_ .*j to ^S* ^;gM Name of Cow. (U o Date Entry Test. c o lis- 3:i =4 . > o 1^ lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Lady Grey 1st of St. Not yet 9.3.15 16.3.15 273 IVi 5,255 6-61 347-36 175 396 Albans allotted. C. G. KNIGHT, Cobram. (Jersey.) Completed since last report, 1. Certificated, 1. Name of Cow. o m ;-< . 0) o Mistletoe of Tarnpirr 2984 23.1.15 ^ *:: ^•s o Q . °-gH "E'S o o *2 h 1^ PSH !z5.b ?JSQ ^a <5H paf=i !/Jl=l lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. 30.1.15 273 17 5,282 5-29 279-32 200 lbs. 318^ 10 Feb., 1916.] Standard Test Cows. 119 C. G. LYON, Heidelberg. (Jersey.) Completed since last report, 3. Certificated, 3. M >, ^J ^■zl o o P . °mH o o Name of Cow. m °fl °l **-> i/> ■5"^ o J3 bJ} n If 5S^ (u o 1^ Qo .H lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Silver Audrey 1378 19.1.15 26.1.15 273| 6i 5,887 4-85 285-74 250 325i Silvermine HI. 715 19.2.15 26.2.15 273 27 8,037i 4-98 400-16 250 456J Hawthorn of Ban- 1064 16.3.15 23.3.15 273 21* 7,557i 5-09 385-12 250 439 yule W. WOODMASON, Malvern. (Jersey.) Completed since last report, 9. Certificated, 9. j4 1 ^ « Name of Cow. Herd Bo No. Date of Calving. Date of Entry to Test. O - o to > £ Butter Fat. ■a '5 2 - t^ ■b3§ lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Mystery IX. of McI- 3665 21.1.15 28.1.15 273 23} 7,047} 5-98 421-60 250 408} Mermaid II. of Mel- Not yet 1.2.15 8.2.15 273 18 6,733 5-13 345-36 250 393f rose allotted Purity of Melrose IV. 1324 6.2.15 13.2.15 273 20 5,634i 5-72 322-48 250 367} Jessie IX. of Melrose 3654 11.2.15 18.2.15 273 22 7,359 5-69 418-62 250 477t Lassie Fowler III. of 1137 22.2.15 1.3.15 273 23 8,121 5-49 446-29 250 50 8i Melrose Zoe V. of Melrose .. 1496 22.2.15 1.3.15 273 16} 6,159} 6-58 405-26 250 462 Jenny Lind VIII. of 3651 18.3.15 25.3.15 273 13 6,332 5-47 346-38 200 394J Melrose Rarity V. of Melrose 1344 20.3.15 27.3.15 273 20 8,183} 5-24 429-06 250 489 Mystery VIII. of Mel- 3664 25.3.15 1.4.15 273 15} 6,027 613 369-68 250 421* rose MOLASSES FOR SOLVING THE POTASH PROBLEM. A practical try-out for a metliod of obtaiiiino; potasli fertilizer will soon take plice at a New Orleans distillery where molasses is used in large quantities. It is a fact that 106 tons of iiotash are wasted daily by the 25 or more distilleries in tliis country subjectintr molasses to the processes of fermentation. The New^ Orleans company is plannine to install the process of saving potash in distillery waste recenty brought to the attention of the public by the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. It should be possible to make fertilizer from this otherwise worthless material at a |)rice that will meet lonipetition even after the war is over. — Extract from /'urr I'mdurts, Hih-.. 1915. 120 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. BUTTER-FAT IN CHEESE. By E. T. Archer, Senior Dairy Inspector. To further demonstrate tlie eqiiitability of pureliasing milk for oiiocse-making according to its butter-fat contents a number of cheeses has been made by Mr. G. C. Sawers, Departmental Cheese Instructor, from milk containing different percentages of fat, and the results are given below: — Six cheeses were made each from 500 lbs. of milk, varying in fat contents from 5.4 per cent, to 2.6 per cent. The amount of cheese made varied from 58^ lbs. to 46^ lbs. — a difference of 12 lbs., which, at 6d. per lb., amounts to 6s., or 12s. per 100 gallons, equal to 1.44d. per gallon, practically lid. Yet many suppliers to cheese factories in Victoria to-day consider payment at per gallon most satisfactory, though there is such a difference in value for the purpose for which it is bought. It may be said that this wide variation in quality is unusual. At one factory last season the writer found the variation from 5.4 per cent, to 2.3 per cent. The last sample contained 46 per cent, of added water. Is further comment necessary? It is not the purpose of this article to enter into the question of whether it is more profitable to make the milk into butter or cheese, but to show that for Ciieese-making it is just as necessary to pay for the milk according to quality, as it is for butter-making. From the result of the analysis it will be seen that when very rich milk is made into cheese by itself rather more loss of fat in the whey is incurred. This is not so, however, when the milk is pooled and the high test milk mixed with that of a low test. On the other hand, it will be noticed that cheese from rich milk contains a far higher percentage of fat than that made from poor unl'c, and the more fat there is in cheese the higher quality it is, and any loss of fat that may occur in rich milk is fully compensated for by the improvement in general quality of the cheese. The analysis shows that the cheese made from the rich milk contains only 33.54 per cent, of moisture. That from the poorest contains 40.57 per cent. The cheese from the rich contains 40.47 per cent. fat. The cheese from the poor contains 25.46 per cent. A study of the table will show that each cheese was made from 500 lbs. of milk, varying in fat contents from 5.4 per cent, to 2.6 per cent. Milk with the highest test, viz., 5.4 per cent, made 58^ lbs. of cheese. Valuing that at 6d. per lb. for convenience gives 29s. 3d., equal to 7d. per gallon. The milk containing 2.6 per cent, fat made 46-?^ lbs. of cheese, equal to 23s. 3d., equal to 5^d. per gallon. The milk testing 3.8 per cent, fat yielded 51^ lbs. cheese, equal to 25s. 9d., equal to 6d. per gallon. The milk testing 4.7 per cent, gave 56^ lbs. cheese, equal to 2Ss. 3d., equal to 6fd. per gallon. To obtain the different percentages of butter fat cream had to be added or extracted. Normal milk would show greater variation, a? 10 Feb., 1916.] Butter Fat in Cheese. 121 tlie solids vary, to a large extent, in proportion to the butter fat. Tlio results from normal milk would be still more in favour of milk rich in fat. Much misapprebension exists with regard to tbe best and most equitable method of purchasing milk at a cheese factory. Notwith- standing all that has been written and said about the matter, there are many who pretend to believe that the fat contents of the milk is little or no indication as to its value for cheese-making. Much investigation and experiment by leading dairy experts and chemists has been conducted to determine the best method to be adopted, and there is no doubt that the casein test and the fat test combined is the best. Although both these tests are simple, the former as worked out by E. B. Hart and the latter by Dr. Babcock or Dr. Gerber, many directors of cheese factories pretend to think they are too complicated, and desire to adhere to the method of payment abandoned by enlightened and progressive boards over twenty years ago. As the double test, i.e., casein and fat, involves double the work, it is generally conceded that the fat test is sufficiently reliable as a guide to the value of milk for cheese-making and may be adopted with confidence as an equitable basis of payment. That the milk should be paid for according to its cheese-making capacity must be evident to those who do not find it to their interest, probably to cover dishonest practices, to adhere to the system of payment at per gallon irrespective of quality. In the following table comment on the column " Value of Cheese at 6d. per lb." is necessary. It must be remembered that cheese rich in fat is of better quality and will command a higher price than the lower grade, therefore the difference in value shown in this column will, in actual fact, be greater than indicated. Date. 1. Aug. 2- 4. ^% lbs. 500 500 500 500 500 500 ^ i +3 c4 a o u H .s 0.0 s. d. lbs. lbs. 5-4 27 27 0 58i 4-7 23J 23 6 net 4-2 21 21 0 55J 4'0 20 20 0 53i 3-8 19 19 0 51 J 2*6 13 13 0 46 J > p- «-. ° > P- &^ s. d. 29 3 28 3 27 9 26 9 25 fi 40*4: d. 7-02 6'78|36'14 6' 66 33*95 6-40 32-33 6'1831"94 I 5'58 25-46 P^ lbs. 23- 67 20 '41 18-84 17-29 16-44 11-82 Analysis, October, 1914. 2-15 34-94 2* 70 35- 37 2-55 36-34 33-95 32-33 31-94 1-1640-59 25-46 I .2 '55 < % 22-04 % 3*95 25*22 3*93 27*57 3*54 28*64 3*60 28*40 3*32 30*60 3*3-' 1*48 1*32 1*14 0*84 0*69 0*30 VICTORIAN RAINFALL. Fourth Quarter, Year 1915. From the; tahlo givi'ii Ix'low it. will hv si'on that, with the exception of the Mallee and Wimmera districts, and also parts of the We.stoni, the remainder of the State liarl rninfnll in exce.'^s of average, more o.^^pccially 122 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. so in tlie ISTortli-East. The greatest deficiencies occurred in tlie Northern Mallee and the Southern Wimmera. For TNTovember the greater portion of Victoria experienced rainfalls, in many instances much below the normal, the deficiencies being greatest in the i^orthern area; but in the West Coast, and also in parts of Gippsland, many- stations had abundant rains, and taken as a whole these two districts approximated closely to the normal. December was an exceedingly dry month throughout, at some stations no rain whatever being recorded, more particularly so in the newer Mallee. In the Wimmera and Mallee good crop yields were being obtained, and reports were generally of a cheerful character, some crops averaging as high a standard as 42 bushels to the acre. In the North, good to fair crops were being gathered, but in some instances the yields did not come up to anticipations, frosts being the principal cause, and severe thunderstorms also mitigated against the hoped-for results. A more prosperous season was experi- enced in the Central North ; grass abundant, and stock in splendid condition. Reports from the JSTorth-East were hardly so cheerful, as the inadequate November rains tended to lessen the yield. In the Western District crops exceeded anticipations, and in many places hay crops of over 4 tons to the acre were met with. The same applies to the South Central, although rain is now badly required there. In Gippsland grass was dry, but still abundant, and the stock in good condition, though the nnlk supply was lessening owing to the scarcity of the December rains. Most rivers and creeks were low throughout the whole of the State. District. 3 o s Quarter. o o o a Mallee North . . District Mean . . Points. 57 Points. 11 Points. 0 Points. 68 Normal 105 73 92 270 Per cent, departure from normal -46 -85 -100 -75 Mallee South . . District Mean . . 88 26 36 150 Normal 110 90 97 297 Per cent, departure from normal -20 -71 -63 -49 North Wimmera District Mean. . 102 34 29 165 Normal 151 109 100 360 Per cent, departure from normal -32 - 69 45 -71 -54 South Wimmera District Mean . . 101 13 159 Normal 185 132 115 432 Per cent, departure from normal -45 -66 19 -89 -63 Lower Northern Country District Mean . . 162 32 213 Normal 132 118 111 361 Per cent, departure from normal +23 -84 -71 -41 10 Feb., 1916.] Victorian RairifaU. 123 Victorian Eainfall — continued. District. Upper Northern Country District Mean. . Normal Per cent, departure from normal Lower North-East District Mean . . Normal Per cent, departure from normal Upper North-East District Mean . . Normal Per cent, departure from normal East Gippsland District Mean . . Normal Per cent, departure from normal West Gippsland District Mean . . Normal Per cent, departure from normal East Central . . District Mean . . Normal Per cent, departure from normal West Central . . District Mean . . Normal Per cent, departure from normal North Central District Mean . . Normal Per cent, departure from normal Volcanic Plains District Mean Normal Per cent, departure from normal West Coast . . District Mean . . Normal Per cent, departure from normal Si q O M a 3 > o PointB. i Points. Points. 189 35 35 174 146 133 + 9 -76 -74 431 39 100 238 193 195 +81 -80 -49 .508 160 140 369 299 281 + 38 -46 -50 333 140 124 282 222 267 + 18 -37 -54 431 221 37 314 259 271 +37 -15 -86 399 155 63 323 276 287 + 24 -44, -78 213 97 47 197 174 165 +8 -44 -72 246 84 36 216 194 177 + 14 — 57 -80 185 104 25 223 183 167 -17 -43 -85 304 192 13 261 197 193 + 16 -3 -93 Qu.arter. N.n. — 100 points = 1 inch. II. A. lUN'r. Commonwealth Meteorologist. 124 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. FIFTH VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, 1915-1916. Commenced 15th April, 1915; concluding 14th April, 1916. CONDUCTED AT THE BURNLEY SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE. Totals. Six Birds. Breeds. Owner. Position In Competi- Pen No. 15.4.15 to 14.12.15 15- 12 15 to 14.1.16 Nine months. tion. LIGHT BREEDS. Wet Mash. 38 White Leghorns . . G. McDonnell . . 1,116 162 1,278 1 34 " H. McKenzie and Son 1,104 149 1,253 \ .7 2 E. A. Lawson . . 1,109 144 1,253 J -^ 42 W. M. Bayles . . 1,081 153 1,234 4 19 L. G. Broadbent 1,0 74 140 1,214 5 8 C. J. Jackson 1,059 147 1,206 6 5 J. J. West 1,035 136 1,171 }' 7 Marville Poultry Farm . . 1,031 140 1,171 21 E. B. Harris 1,048 108 1,156 9 30 A. E. Silbereisen 1,003 143 1,146 10 23 Fulham Park . . 987 155 1,142 11 59 W. G. Osburne . . 985 156 1,141 12 28 R. Lethbridge . . 981 148 1,129 13 3 J.H.Gill 981 14G 1,127 14 9 J. Schwabb 1,005 120 1,125 15 64 W. G. Clingin .. 968 144 1,112 16 16 N. Burston 977 130 1,107 17 6 F. Doldissen 986 118 1,104 18 11 J. B. Brigden .. 967 136 1,103 19 39 W. M. Sewell . . 982 119 1,101 20 50 John Hood 969 129 1,098 21 18 D. Adams 951 145 1,096 22 44 Mrs. F. M. Oliver 968 127 1,095 23 4 ,, (5 birds) R. Hay 977 114 1,091 24 26 A. Mowatt 982 102 1,084 25 1 Mrs. H. Stevenson 953 l:U 1,084 26 10 ,, (5 birds) A. E. Tuttleby .. 966 .116 1,082 27 13 ■ > T. Hustler 987 114 1,081 28 53 ", (5 birds') W. G. Swift 997 66 1,063 29 24 Lysbeth Poultry Farm . . 940 122 1,062 jso 20 R. W. Pope 917 145 1,062 32 F. Hodges 943 115 1,058 32 49 ',', (5 birds') Bennett and Chapman 942 112 1,054 ]33 27 J. A. Stahl 907 147 1,054 68 Thirkell and Smith 896 155 1,051 35 43 H. L Jlerrick 900 148 1,048 36 25 (5 birds') Giddy and Son . . 926 110 1,036 }" 15 H. N. H. Mirams 900 136 1,036 33 (5 bird's) A. W. Hall 906 128 1,034 39 22 >i S. Buscurab 868 151 1,019 40 60 H. C. ]5rock 907 104 1,011 41 47 J. C. Armstrong 877 131 1,008 42 36 Weldon Poultry Yards . . 881 125 1,006 43 48 C. J. Beattv 887 118 1,005 44 55 W. N. O'MuUane 888 116 1,004 45 41 J. A. Donaldson 850 139 989 46 12 G. Hayman 856 119 975 47 46 R. Berry 828 132 960 48 40 C. C. Dunn 817 124 941 49 45 South Yan Yean Poultry Farm 823 117 940 50 62 A. A. Sandland . . 825 113 938 51 57 B.Mitchell 804 108 912 52 37 A. Ross 776 132 908 53 14 W. Flood 756 125 881 54 31 L. McLean 718 126 844 55 58 ',', (5 bird's) ' C. Hurst 694 104 798 59,681 56 Total 52,441 7,240 10 Feb., 1916.] Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16. 125 Fifth Victoriais Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16 —continued. Six Totals. Birds. Breeds. Owner. Position la Competi- Pen No. 15.4.15 to 14.12.15 15.12 15 to 14.1.16 Nine months. tion. 1 LIGHT BREEDS. Dry Mash. 80 White Legiiorns . . W. H. Robbins . . 1,151 139 1.290 1 68 H. McKenzie and Son 1,056 159 1,215 2 79 Lysbeth Poultry Farm . . 982 134 1,116 3 63 A. H. Padinan . . 966 142 1,108 4 76 A. A. Sandland . . 962 138 1,100 5 69 E. MacBrown . . 965 131 1,096 6 62 Benwerren Egg Farm 914 142 1,086 7 64 \\ (2 bird's) W. M. Bayies . . 966 94 1,060 8 66 E. A. Lawson . . 924 131 1,055 9 67 C. C. Dunn 893 154 1,047 10 72 Mrs. E. Zimmerman 913 126 1,039 Y' 65 Thirkell and Smith 906 133 1,039 78 H. Hanbury 919 116 1,035 13 71 Moritz Bros. 8S8 146 1,034 14 61 Mrs. H. Stevenson 911 116 1,027 15 77 South Yan Yean Poultry Farm 778 136 914 16 73 C. L. Lindrea . . 779 125 904 17 74 J.H.Gill 685 115 800 18 75 \\ (5 birds') Fulham Park . . Total 677 104 781 19 17,265 2,481 19,746 HEAVY BRE EDS. Wet Mash. 86 Black Orpingtons . . C. E. Graham .. .. , 1,077 119 1,196 1 97 Marville Poultry Farm 1,033 116 1,149 2 89 Rliode Island Keds E. W. Hippe .. 953 114 1,077 3 85 Black Orpingtons . . H. H. Pump 968 101 1,069 4 92 >» J. Ogden 917 148 1,065 5 ]00 (5 birds) J. U. Wright . . 980 82 1,062 6 81 >. Mrs. T. W. Pearce 962 98 1,060 7 93 L. W. Parker . . 943 108 1,041 8 88 >> J. McAUan 918 92 1,010 9 91 A. Grecnhalgh . . 891 107 998 10 99 >> L. McLean 880 93 973 11 90 (5 birds) Oaklands Poultry Farm . . 878 85 963 12 84 )i Cowan Bros. 852 106 958 13 87 .. W. C. Spencer . . 861 86 947 14 98 Faverolles K. Courtenav . . 708 138 906 15 95 Silver Wyandottes.. W. H. Forsyth . . 775 92 867 16 94 Black Orpingtons (5 birds) D. Fisher 805 58 863 ■ 17 83 r.lack Oriiirmtons . . G. May berry 720 87 807 18 82 White Wyandottes J. B. I'.riiiden 551 81 635 19 96 White Orpinj^tons . . Stranks Bros. . . Total 572 30 602 20 17,307 1,941 19,248 !MoXTHT.V liKPOKT. Weatlicr conditioiis j'or the inonlli liiive Ix^oii vorv tryinu-, bein^ affected on nioi'c than one occasion. Tlie variations in ture liavc been as much as 42 deg. F. in six hours. Some birds are now nionltinii- and l)roodies are ]>lentifn health of the birds is satisfactory, and tlie ej?;? yield <;o(id season. Temperature, lowest 56 F. ; hi^liest 109 F.. in houses, fall, 63 points. the birds tempera- 1. The for the Rain Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. .\. ITakt. C'liicf Poll 1 try F.xpcrt. 126 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., Frinclpal, School of Horticulture, Burnley. The Orchard. Orchardists will be busy during Februar}?- with the gathering and marketing of early and export fruit. In gathering fruit every care should be taken to see that it is not in any way bruised or crushed. This is often the cause of fruit decaying so rapidly and of the deteriora- tion of fruit in the fruit room. All fruit should be handled as lightly as possible. Another point to be ob&erved is the necessity for grading fruit for the market. Grading pays, and it pays handsomely. A buyer will never offer a good price for mixed grades, more especially as he will probably require to grade it if he wishes to resell it. A good price will always be obtained for first-grade fruit, while the low price offered for mixed grades can generally be secured for the lowest grades as well. The more exact the grading, the more profit for the fruit-grower ; the more care in packing, the more returns for the producer; and so the greater care and exactness, the better it pays to grow fruit. A final spraying for codlin moth will be necessaxy this month. The fallen fruit should all be collected and boiled, and all crevices and hiding places searched for larvse. The season has been favorable to the development of bryobia mite and woolly aphis, and, as soon as the fruit has been picked from the trees attacked by these insects, a good spraying of strong tobacco water should be given. This will minimize to a great extent the winter work. Cultivation should still be pro- ceeded with, and the soil kept in a continual condition of surface fria- bility. This is especially necessary at this time of the year. With a good supply of moisture in the soil, it should be well conserved, so that the growing period of the trees may be continued until early autumn, when the trees should be allowed to ripen their wood. Budding may be continued, and if an early start were made the buds may be allowed to push their way out into growth, so that they may harden and be ready for pruning in the proper season. Buds that are placed in late season should be left dormant until the spring- time. Summer pruning may also be continued, and all superfluous terminal lateral growths removed, so as to strengthen the remaining buds and also to force out fruit buds for next season. Fumigation. Evergreen trees, including those of the citrus family, that are in- fested with scale, should now be sprayed or fumigated to rid the trees of this pest. For spraying, a weak red oil emulsion, lime and sulphur spray, or resin wash will be found useful for the purpose. The most successful method, however, of dealing with the scale pest is by fumiga- tion. The trees should be closely enveloped in an airtight sheet or tent, and hydrocyanic gas should be generated inside. The chemicals for generating the gas, as well as the fumes of the gas itself, are ex- 10 Feb., 1916.] Orchard and Garden Notes. 127 cessively dangerous, and great care should be exercised in their mani- pulation. A wooden, enamel, or earthenware vessel is placed inside the tent, the vessel containing a mixture of 4 fluid ounces of sulphuric acid, and 12 fluid ounces of water, the acid being placed in the vessel first. Four ounces of cyanide of potassium should then be quickly dropped into the vessel, and the tent closed down at once; the bottom of the tent all round should be covered with soil to prevent any of the gaa escaping. The operator must take care that not the slightest por- tion of the fumes is breathed. Fumigation should be carried out at night-time or on a cloudy day, and the foliage of the trees must be thoroughly dry. Vegetable Garden. Celery crops will now be a prominent feature in the vegetable sec- tion. The seed may be sowu from January to March, and succession plantings should be carried out occasionally during those months. The growth of celery should be quick; a fair supply of water and a good rich, loose soil are helpful to its growth. Ample water will now be required in the vegetable garden. The surface should be kept well hoed, and mulchin,gs of manure should be given wherever possible. Cabbage, carrot, turnip, radish, lettuce, peas, cauliflower, &c., seeds may now all be sown, and young plants from any seed beds may be planted out. Flower Garden. Constant watering and hoeing will now be required to keep the flower garden in a condition of success. Cannas will require manuring; the old flowering stems should be removed to make way for the new growths. Dahlias and chrysanthemums will need a great deal of attention, staking the growths as they develop, disbudding, thinning out weak shoots, and removing unnecessary growths. The dahlias should receive a good soaking of water during the hot weather, and liquid manure or quick acting fertilizers should be given when the flower buds are developing. When chrysanthemum buds are very small liquid manure should be ap- pfied. Ro&es may now be summer pruned ; all weak growths should be removed, and the strong ones shortened to a fairly good bud. The plants should then receive occasional waterings with liijuid manure, and be kept well supplied with water. All flowering trees and shrubs that have finished blooming should be l)runed, the flowering growths removed, and, unless the seed is required, all seeds heads sliould be cut off. Cuttings of pelargoniums, zonale and regal, may now be planted; delphinium spikes that have finished flowering should be cut down to make way for new growth, the plant l)eing watered and manured. Seeds of perennial and hardy annual plants may now be sown, and a few bulbs for early flowering may be planted. The beds should be well manured and deeply worked in ant icijial ion of planting the main crop of bulbs. 128 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. REMINDERS FOR MARCH. Live Stock. Horses. — Feed as advised last inonth. Those in poor condition should be " fed up " in anticipation of winter. Cattle. — Cows in milk should have plenty of succulent fodder and water easy of access. Algerian oats should be sown on suitable land for grazing off in the winter. Sow a mixture of oats, rye, and tares or peas for winter fodder or to fill silos. Only exceptional cows and those required for town milk supply should be served between now and July. Within the next two or three months is the best time for cows to calve, as they will pay to feed through the winter and give the best returns for the season, and be dried off when the grass is dry and scarce. Calves should be given lucerne hay or crushed oats where grass is not available. Pigs. — Sows about to farrow should be provided witli short bedding in well- ventilated sties. See that the pigs have shade, and water to wallow in. There should be plenty of cheap feed now, and pigs sliould be highly profitable. Read articles on breeding, feeding, &c., of pigs in Journals for April, 1912, June, 1913, May, 1915. Sheep. — All ewes should be kept strong for lambing. Crutch round tails and lessen acciimulation of discharge, and consequent attraction to tlie fiy pest at lambing time. Clear wool from round udders and teats and thereby save many a lamb in bad weather; especially is this necessary in the case of young ewes of the Merino and Lincoln crosses. Clear wool from eyes also. In crutching ewes when close to lambing lay them over carefully, grasp by the thigh low down, not by the flank as is generally done, which is a careless practice. Pure British breeds of ewes and very coarse cross-breds may still be only coming in season; rams should be left mated to make sure. Have good grass paddocks, if season favorable, to cut off' ewes with early-born lambs into, for extraordinary prices will be available again this winter. Poultry. — Cull out the drones and get rid of surplus cockerels. Keep forward pullets well fed — eggs are rising in value. Repairs to houses should be done this month. Thoroughly cleanse all liouses and 'pens. Spray ground and houses with a 5 per cent, solution of crude carbolic acid, to whicli should be added a little lime — this will act as a safeguard against chicken pox; burn all refuse and old feathers. Provide a liberal supply of green food. For each moulting hen, add a teaspoonful of linseed to the morning mash. Use tonic in water, which should be kept in cool sliady spot. Cultivation. Farm. — Work fallow where possible for autumn sowing of cereals. Sow winter fodder crops, such as rye, barley, and vetches. Prepare land for lucerne plots for autumn seeding. Make silage of maize and other crops for winter use. Orchard. — Prepare new land for planting; plough deeply and subsoil; leave surface rougli. Plant out strawberries after first rain. Plant crops for green manure. Continue to fight the Codlin Moth. Vegetable Garden. — Prepare ground for winter crops. Plant out seedlings in moist soil. Sow cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, early peas, swede turnip, beet, carrot, radish, and early onions. Flower Cardex. — Cultivate and water. Feed dahlias, chrysanthemums, and roses. Plant out shrubs, trees, and all kinds of bulbs. Sow hardy annuals. Plant geranium and pelargonium cuttings. Spray for Aphis, Red Spider, and Mildew. Vineyard. — Select scions, if not done last month, '\^^lere ripening is difficult, assist by removing basal leaves only, as soon as berries change colour. This is the month for drying currants, siiltanas, and gordos (Lexias and Clusters). Do not pick before grapes are properly ripe. For instructions for packing grapes for export, apply to Department. Shipments should be made in March and early April. Cellars. — ^\^intage month. For light dry wines, pick as soon as grapes are ripe; do not wait for over-maturity, as is so often done. Pay attention to acidity; correct same if necessary with tartaric acid or late grapes. Acidimeter supplied by Department; price, 'Ss. 6d. Svilpliiting and the use of pure yeasts are strongly recommended, as they insure production of sound wine; further information supplied on application. 10 Feb., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. .■^ T i^ A word of advice to the "Man on the Land'' END along your name and address right now for a free copy of the new list of Grasses, Clovers, &c., for Autumn sowmg. Now is the proper time to purchase your supplies, while stocks are full and plenty. The new list contains some perfectly interest- ing news concerning all the Lucernes, Rapes, Irish Rye Grass (extra heavy seed), Clovers, Grasses, &c. All the best fodder crops that ever come to Australia are to be found at this, the oldest established Seed and Plant Ware- house in Victoria. Write for that list to-day. AW COMMER 139-141 (cJ^iO S3)SWANSTOO» 8J MtLB. LbTABLIiHf D \&5o TET.. CCNT. >2.9 va493 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1916. CLUTTERBUCK BROS. SOLE AGENTS FOR "BUCKSTONE" STATIONARY or PORTABLE OIL ENGINES FAMED FOR DURABILITY, ECONOMY, REUABILITY. "OLDS" Petrol Hopper Jacket or Talk CeoUniS Type ENGINES ALSO PREMIER GAS ENGINES POWER GAS ENGINES CLUTTERBUOK BROS. 585 Bourke St.» MELBOURNE. Writm or Call for Particular: This Journa offers exceptional : : advantages : : To Stock Owners, Produce Agents and Stock Sales- men, Implement Makers, Sellers of Milking Ma- chines and Dairy Utensils, Orchard Appliances and Materials, and all Farmers' Supplies for Advertising 10,000 copies per month Guaranteed Circulation throughout the Country Districts of Victoria and amongst Farmers of the Commonweal tti, reach- ing also country professional men, tradesmen, schoolmasters, teachers, and the like. Exceptionally satisfac- tory results have followed the adver- tising of Stud Stock in this Journal. fhT6ffi:iTc::o::JL Mr. J. J. WRIGHT and Mrs. HEMMING c/o Editor. Departnnent of Agriculture. Melbourne. 10 Feb., 1916.] Journal of Anriculture, Victoria. NATIONAL TRUSTEES Executors & Agency Company of Australasiei, Ltd. DIRECTORS: HON. WALTER MADDEN. Chairman and Managing Director. EDWARD FITZGERALD. E.q.. LL.D. MICHAEL MORNANE. Esq. HON. DUNCAN E. McBRYDE. M.L.C. HENRY MADDEN. Eiq. DAVID HUNTER. E«q. This Company Acts as Executor or Joint Executor of Wills, Administrator, Trustee of Settlements, and Agent for Absentees under Power of Attorney. MONEY TO LEND ON BROAD ACRES AND FARM LANDS Offices— 113 Queen St. (Corner of Little CoUins-st.) Melbourne The State Savings Bank OF VICTORIA GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA Reserve Fund £500,000 DEPOSITS now exceed TWENTY-FIVE MILLION POUNDS INTEREST 3/4 per cent, on sums from £l to £350; and on DEPOSIT STOCK in sums from £lO to £1,000 m addition to the ordinary account bearing Interest up to £350. Deposits Received from ONE SHILLING to ONE THOUSAND POUNDS Depositors may deposit or withdraw on demand at any of the 128 Branches or 327 Agencies in Victoria. Money is payable also at any State Savings Bank in Australia, also in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Soldiers may operate accounts in London, Alexandria, Cairo, and Malta. Head Office GEO. E. EMERY, ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE. Inspector-General. "1000 TREES & STUMPS GRUBBED OUT" Thus write* Mr. J, Sutherland, Parwan. " I ttin very well pleawed with the GruhberB, as they are doin(t very (food work. With mine I have oloM on 1,000 trees and itumpg Knil>t'ecTs \vishin>; to repulilisll any matter are at lil)ertv to do so, proride.d the Journal and author are loth actnuwledi/iii. The Journal is issued monthly. Tlie sul)scripi ion, wliich is payal.lo in adviuM-e and includes postage, is ."ts. peraMiium for the ('ommonwcaltli and N'ew Zealand, and 5s. for the United Kingdom and Foreiirn Countries. .Single copy, Tlireo|K.'iice. Sut»scrii)tioiis should be forwarded to th.^ Director ot .Agriculture, Melbourne. A complete list of the various publicatious issued by the DeiMirtment of Agriculture will be supplied by the latter. Journal of Agriculture^ Victoria. [10 March, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Red Poll Dairy Herd (NOTE- — The Department has now no Red Polls for sale. All the bull calves have been sold, and choices from cows still to calve this season have been booked ahead of calving. The demand for bull calves is so strong that farmers contemplating purchase are advised to study the records of the herd published in the September (1915) Journal of Agriculture and book their orders ahead, stipulating choice of bull calves from, say, three of the record cows.) Bull Calves are sold at prices based approximately on the actual milk and butter fat record of the dam at the rate of Is. per lb. of butter fat yielded. INDIVIDUAL RECORDS cows. Name. Muria Vuelta Persica Cuba Birdseye . . Bullion . . Vitginia . . Pennsylvania Sumatra . . Egypta . . Inoia Mexicana Europa . . Gold leaf Connecticut Phillipina Turka Kentucky Ardath Britannia Asiana Netherlana Havana .. Cameo Alpina Hispana . . Pipio Carribea . . Tennessee Japana Samoriia La Reina Oceana . . Panama . . Ontario . . Soudana . . Mongolia Sylvia Laurel Davs in Milk. 365 289 351 337 321 321 344 348 290 327 365 282 347 362 283 284 279 288 382 329 279 292 325 303 286 365 Weeks in Milk. 52 41i 50 45f 49 49i 4U 46i 62 40i 49i 51i 40i 40^ 39} 39} 4Vi 47 39f 41* 46i 43i 40| 52 Milk, in lbs. 14,972 7,750 9,607 10,464 8,522 10,928 10,252 10,607 9,232 10,646 8,556 8,641 8,765 8,415 6,780 6.829 6,395 7,004 6,261 7,637 5,933 6,903 7,001 5,536 6,995 6,574 Average Test. 6-2 4-9 4-5 5-5 4-3 4-4 4-1 4-6 3-9 4-6 4'6 4-4 4-4 5-3 5-0 4-9 3-9 4-8 3-9 4-9 4-2 4-0 5'1 3-9 3-6 Butter Fat (lbs.) 884-6 485-10 479-94 478-14 473-79 468-99 ,456 '76 437-42 431-49 418-55 390-60 399-75 387-11 377-67 364-00 343-33 316-07 313-25 302-91 300-71 292-01 291 -78 285 • 80 285 • 60 276-80 241-69 Commercial Butter (lbs.) HEIFERS. 334 47J 6,802 4-8 326-37 365 52 7,142 4-3 310-63 311 44i 6,706 4-2 282-88 357 51 7,788 3-6 2S2-62 365 52 5,4911 4-9 271-76 342 4S| 6,070 5-1 261 ■ 96 365 52 6,247 4-1 256-64 288 41 5,997 4-2 253-99 365 52 6,059 4-1 251-40 846 49J 5,4S6 4-5 249-32 301 43 5,799 4-2 244-05 301 43 4,897 4-7 235 - 79 325 46i^ 5,554 4-0 225 • 70 1,007-94 553-00 547-13 545-07 540-12 534 ■ 64 520-13 498-65 491-89 477-14 445-28 455-71 441-30 430 - 54 415-00 391 - 39 360-31 357-00 345-31 342-81 332-62 332 -6-^ 325-88 325 • 58 315-62 275-52 372-06 354 12 322 •4S 3-22 ■ 19 309-80 298-63 292-57 289-55 286-6 284-22 270 --24 268-80 257-30 Price of Bull Calf. 43 Guineas. 24 23 23 23 23 22 21 21 20 19 19 19 18 18 17 15 15 15 15 14 14 14 14 13 12 16 Guineas. 15 14 14 13 13 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 Inspection of the Herd is invited. Visitors will be met at the Station on notification to :- Mr. R. R. KERR, Dairy Supervisor i State Research Farm, Werribee. Mr. ED. STEER, Herdsman Application for purchase to DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE. 10 March, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture^ Victoria. TOXA NO Danger of FIRE! THE WELL-KNOWN RABBIT DESTROYER In 2 lb. Tins, 2s. per Tin FELTON, GRIMWADE & CO., Melbourne WATER LIFTED 500 FEET AND PUMPED A MILE At a Cost of One Penny per Hour. OUR FARM PUMP Engine will do this as well as cut chaff, saw wood, work shearing machines, &c. It can be attached to a windmill or almost any other pump in 3 minutes. Needs no mechanic to fix or operate, and worLs all day without attention. Hundreds sold and giving satisfaction. Price £35, with "Bosch" Magneto. I( interested in water supply or irrigation, state your vrorkinK conditions and we will quote. We stock Steam, Klcroscne. Petrol, and Hot Air Engines, Centri- fugal Pumps, and "Myers'," "Gould's" 6c "Deming's" Pumps for all services. " Mackie's" Rock and Water Borer and plants lor deep well and bore punipmg a specially. We erect if required and give easy terms. CataloKS and Expert Advice Free. Sole Agents (or "Lister's" (British Built) Petrol and Kerosene Engines, "Bosch" Magneto Ignition, \\. 3. 1. 7, niul ') 111', in .Slock. Send for Special CataloKues. Over 3,000 Easy Terms. Agents Wanted Every %vhere. THE "CHALLENGE" The High Quality Low Price Mill. It's nil steel, all galv.inised, internal geared, filled with forged crank, porilive brake, seniitive govarnor, renewable bearings, and efficient lubricnlion. One customer has putrhnsed I 17 mills. Scores hive purchased 30 to 40. .Ml give satisfaction. 6 ft. Mill, weight 330 lb». .. £& 8 ft 420 £& 10 ft 526 iElO Other sizes in proportion. Towert from £3. Gel Catalog. Pumps, piping, troughs, tanks, lank stands, all accessories slockril. Our Kx|>rrt will imi-e. I site, quote price, and erect if required, fcjisy terms given. Langwill Bros. & Davies Pty. Ltd. 110-114 STURT ST. (Near Prince's Bridge) SOUTH MELBOURNE Jbtifnal of . Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Makch, 1916. WHAT'S THE USE ? ^JTT Cii\ per fienb. of men on the land rack their good backs, and waste good ■i fjU energy bv dig.ring post-holes with the old crowbar and spade. H \J\J ^vhat's the use ? The same men on the land waste valuable ^^ time by digging post-holes with crowbar and spade. What's the use? .JJ Life is short enough without a man trying to work himself out. Perhaps he can get back health a little, but waste time is gone for ever. The "IWAN" Post-hole Digger i.s here to maVe farm work easier. Li^'hter to use than a onnv- bar, sinks a post-}iole three times faster, and leaves little ramming;. The point 10 consider is the time it's going to save jou — give you — for other work or recreation. Can you afford to be wiihout it? Refuse imitations. Yoa can only buy a Gen'iine "IWAN " at McP her son's, at the following prices: — 7/6 7/6 7/6 7 ''3 8/- 8 6 9 5 10 27/- 34/- each. herson's Proprietary Limited ' Experts in Farm and Workshop Tools 554-66 & 582-88 Collins St., Melbourne Established 56 Years 10 March, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. BILLABONG Steel Fluming &Troughing Strong Rigid Efficient Durable SHEEP TROUGH "Billabong Fluming (Pat. No. 10336) Orchardists ! You'll fin.' far more haiifly and etiicieiit than earth chaiinpls. You'll lose no water throu;;h soakay;e. You'll ohtain a relialile flow — you'll eliminate falling in banks and '•lianoe of ohstru substances j roati { Knd llUrley Small Oais, and itrokcn ' Improved Pattern for Season 1916 Grain "^ Send for No. 13 Catalogue "Seed Wheat and if Treatment." cont.inin, full.r particular, nnd pricci. nnd teitimoninU from .nti.ficd uicr.. The SCHUMACHER Mill Furnishing Works Pty. Ltd. ^^^a^^t^m^^^^mt^m PORT MELBOURNE ^H^^i^i^^l^^i^^^ VIU Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Mabch, 1916. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON "THE FINEST WAGON EVER" PATENT STEEL WHEELS Patent Felloes. Renewable Carron Boxes & Oil Caps. The only Steel Wheel that has stood the Test. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS Wheels Guaranteed for 3 years against Breakage, &c. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON.— Irrigationists, Orchardists, Farmers. This Spring Wagon to carry 2 tons, £30 up. Wheels, 36' and 32' dia. i" Tyres. Table, 9J x 5J feet. Pole or Shafts. Weighs 10 cwt. Ordinary Block Wagon to carry 3 tons, £35. Weighs 12 cwt. These Wheels are guaranteed and will last for all time. p|IQ|^£R WHEELS IF NEEDED, and Wagons built to carry any weight up to 20 tons. TRACTION TRAILERS A SPECIALTY. TABLE TOP — Truck body, and all classes of little Wagons for Farm and Station work. Wagons Shipped to all Ports in Australia. WRITE FOR CATALOG TO-DAY, BRUCE STREET, KENSINGTON, VICTORIA R. J. L. HILDYARD, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE Handbook of Potato Diseases in Australia — and their Treatment By D. McALPINE, government vegetable pathologist. With Appendices by W. Laidlaw, B.Sc. (Biologist). on Eel Worms; and C. French, Jnr. (Goyernment Entomologist), on Insect Pests of the Potato. 235 Pages (Cloth). 58 Full Plates. PrirP ^ /- Postage : Commonwealth, 2d.; New Zealand, 8d.; 176 Illustrations. 1 I ll-C, KJ / British and Foreign, 1/4. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to The Director Of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria, Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. Farmers 1 DON'T NEGLECT :: YOUR EYES :: They are your most valuable possession, and neglect in the early stages may lead to something much more serious. DAIRY & INCUBATOR THERMOMETERS HYGROMETERS HYDROMETERS ARTIFICIAL THERMOMETERS BAROMETERS EYES, Etc., Etc. y^OOYy 77te Optician 'Pf'-"'^^^^ Equitable Buildings, 95 Elizabeth St., Melbourne 10 March, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. W.& W 506 No GOOD FENCE is so Cheap and no Ordinary Fence is so good as tlie CYCLONE SPRING COIL Cyclone Spring Coil Fence is made of best quality wire, galvanised. Moisture does not affect it. Expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature are provided for by crimps in the horizontal lines. Once up, the tence needs no after straining. The crimps inaKc the fence elastic Stock rushing it are thrown back, pnd b th stock and fence are un njured. Tl e c^oss ties, 1 ft. apart, make a perfect web, th ough which no stock can pass. Get our Catalogue. It tells you more about it CYCLONE Pty. Ltd. 459 SWANSTON STREET MELBOURNE LAND ON EASY TERMS (UNDER THE CLOSER SETTLEMENT ACTS). FARMS and Agricultural Labourers' Allotments in Country Districts. WORKMEN'S HOMES.— Allotments near Large Centres. Available Under Closer Settlement Conditions. Deposit, only 3 per cent; balance payable over 3U years, at 3 per cent, half-yearly, covering principal and interest. Residence Compulsory for Eight Months in Each Year. Railway Certificates to Travel at Half Rates for Inspection of Land. -APPLY- Lands Purchase and Management Board; Or. INQUIRY BRANCH. LANDS DEPARTMENT. MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. NuNAN's Patent Spray System Enhance your profits, increase your returns, save trouble, save time, by laying down now Nunan's Patent Spray Irrigation System. Produces a Rainfall as Steady as Nature's Own. Nunan's is the simplest method known for soaking your ground readily and naturally. Send for full details to NEWELL & COY., 189 King St., Melb. VICTORIA PHOSPHATE Basic Phosphate intensely ground 15% and 17% Phosporic Acid 57/6 and 63/6 per ton On Rail at Siding, Macaulay. Orders taken Now. This company, the erection of whose works was delayed by war difficulties, has, however, been enabled to open up a very excellent deposit of PhospHate discovered by the Mines Department. The deposit was originally found by Mr. A. M. Howitt, Field Geologist, and is being developed in co-operation with the Scientific Officers of the Geological Survey. The Company is perfectly satisfied that a Cheap and First-class Fertilizer can now be offered to the Farmers and Graziers of the Commonwealth. V- SUPER AND OTHER TYPES TO FOLLOW. Heathcote Chemical Company Proprietary Ltd. NORTH MELBOURNE Telephone 10538 Central 10 March, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. XI ii THE BEST is CHEAPEST— ALWAYS ! >y LYSAGHT'S CORRUGATED ROOFING IRON Look for the "ORB < Brand on every Sheet. Obtainable from all leading Ironmongers, Storekeepers, and Timber Merchants throughout Australia, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Burnley Horticultural School E. E. PESCOTT. Principal. ANNOUNCEMENT The curriculum and managemenl of the Burnley Horticultural School have now been arranged so that greater advantages and facilities will be given to students of both sexes in Horticulture and allied subjeefls. The present course of Horticulture for male studi-nis includes a two years' course, students being charged a fee of £3 per annum. Classes have been formed at Burnley, whereby students of both sexes may receive in- strudion on two afternoons of each week — Tuesdays and Fridays. instrudion includes theoretical and practical work, and will commence at 2 p.m. This will be a two years' course, and th • fee charged will be £2 pc' annum. It has also been arranged that several short lei'ture courses shall be given on subjects which are suitable adjuncts to I lorticullure, such as Poultry farming. Bee-kerning, and Fruit Preserving, and ihi-se courses will be open and free to the general pul)lic. I he subjects and dales of lh<- SlioM Course Let'tures will be announced \n ihij Journal. STUDENTS SHOULD ENROLL WITHOUT DELAY Application for Adm'ss'on shoutd be- mnde to the Director of AKricuIture. Public Off cos. Melbourne: or to the Principi*!. xu Journal of Agricvlture, Victoria. flO March, 1916. d: NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES — Will clear your land of trees^ stumps, boulders, &c., in a fraction of the time required by any other means, and at less than half the cost. They are also invaluable for sub-soiling. If you are interested zvrite to us and ask for Pamplilet, entitled :—- ''EXPLOSIVES FOR THE FARM." DALGETY& Co. Ltd., Bourke-st., Melb. Sole Agents for NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES Co. Ltd., GLASGOW. rr N EW ZEALAND LOAN & MERCANTILE AGENCY W COMPANY LIMITED Head Office— LONDON. Melbourne Office— COLLINS ST. W. LrBERAL CASH ADVANCES Wool, Grain, Skins, Hides, Tallow, Bark, Stock and Station Brokers ON COMMISSION ONLY. BUTTER SHIPMENTS UNDERTAKEN ON OWNER'S ACCOUNT r! COOPER'S DIP FOR VICTORIA AND RIVERINA, PAGE'S Patent Wire Strainer and IRONSIDE'S Wire Cutter CHIEF AGENTS IN VICTORIA for the PALATINE INSURANCE COY. THE GREAT DIP FOR MAGGOT FLY I C i 10 March, 1916." Journal of AgrieMlture, Victoria. Xlll DOOKIE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE Provides Special Facilities for Practical and Scientific Agricultural Education. Notable Agriculturists say that this College offers the best agricultural education and practical training in the world. The Sessions commence MARCH and SEPTEMBER, and Students may be enrolled at any time. Alternative Courses — (a) Diploma Course .. Three Years, (i) One Year's Course. The College contains modern and well equipped laboratory and lecilure hall, single bedrooms, recreation and sports grounds. Of the 5,91 3 acres of farm land at Doolcie, 1 ,000 acres were put under crop by students last season ; and champion prizes were won for sheep and pigs at the last Royal Agricultural Society's Show. FARM SUBJECTS.— Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Fruit Growing, Butter and Cheese Factory Management, Building Construction for Farmers. EACH BRANCH UNDER SPECIALLY TRAINED EXPERTS. Total Fees- First Year .. .. £34 5 n Second Year .. 29 5 n Third Year.. .. 25 0 0 LONGERENONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SESSIONS COMMENCE MARCH AND SEPTEMBER. This College is specially adapted for Junior Students from 14 years of age. AREA OF FARM, 2,336 ACRES. MAIN BRANCHES OF FARM WORK.— Grain Growing, Fat Lamb Raising, Dairying, Irrigation of Fodder Crops, Fruit, &c. Total Fees— it2S per annum. Full particulars obtainable from T. J. PURVIS, Esq., Secretary, Council of Agricultural Education, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, or the Principals of the Colleges. LYSACHTS WIRE NETTING MADE IN AUSTRALIA. All Sizes Manufactured. J inch to 4 inch Mesh. The Standard Netting of the State LOOK FOR OUR MARKER IN EVERY ROLL. Our manufacture of Rabbit - proof Wire Netting is known as the best throughout Australia. — Better In quality, and owing to its being loose rolled less costly to erect than any im- ported Netting. li" iiiici 1.1" MK>ll, €Z>lSrc:Ei XJSESID — — — .A.X."W.A."5rS XTSJSnZ*. LYSAGHT BROS. & CO. Ltd. MANUFACTURERS. SYDNEY. AGENTS : GIBBS, BRIGHT & CO., 34 Queen St., MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture^ Victoria. [10 March, 1916. LINES FOR THE FARMER! RUBEROID FOR ROOFS OF COTTAGES, STABLES. SHEDS, &C. INDELIBLO COLD WATER PAINT FOR ALL OUTSIDE PAINTING PVholesale Agents : — N ALL CALCIMO COLOURS -FOR INSIDE PLASTERED WALLS- Obtainable from all Storekeepers BROOKS, ROBINSON & CO. Ltd. - To FARMERS and OTHERS. — i^^— - For your House, Barn, Woolshed, Dairy, Fencing, &c. — ^ JARRAH OR TASMANIAN HARDWOOD TIMBERS THERE ARE NONE BETTER. Large Stocks of Scantlings, Weather-boards, Floorings, &c. To'^ui- Millars' Timber & Trading Co. Ltd. QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE. BONEDUST, SUPERPHOSPHATE, And Other High-Grade Fertilizers. Poultry Bone Grit, Meat Meal, Cattle Lick Delivered at Railway Station, Footscray, or on Wharf, Melbourne J. COCKBILL, Bonedust Manufacturer OFFICE : 407 POST OFFICE PLACE, MELBOURNE BONES BOUGHT. CONSIGN TO ME, FOOTSCRAY. Telephone 2098. rwfi LIME FOR THE LAND "MARSTON'S GROUND AGRICULTURAL CARBONATE OF LIME" Guaranteed 97% Carbonate of Lime (Grove Johnson, F.C.S., London, Analyst), bone dry, finely ground, put up in 1 cwt. bags, properly sewn. Price on application. Bag* charged for and credited in full on return. Write for free sample and booklet. MARSTON'S LIME & CEMENT CO. LTD. Lime Manufacturers and Merchants. Workt: CURDIE'S RIVER. Office: 31 QUEEN ST., MELB. Agents in leading centres. Depot : BURNLEY SIDING. 10 March, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. XV ;^. ^j BEFORE YOU GO TO TOWN. T TSE Lifebuoy Soap before you journey in 'Bus, Train ^ or Tramcar. It will protect you from the germs and microbes of disease, which Scientists say abound in thicklv populated areas. Lifebuoy Soap keeps you free from infection and enabk-> you to be a protection rather than a danger to those with whom you come mto contact. Lifebuoy Soap is a germicide. Scientists have tested in the laboratory its power to destroy disease germs. Doctors and Nurses speak for its good service m daily use. So do wives and mothers. MORE THAN SOAP YET COSTS NO MORE. 1.EVF.R nROTHr.RS IIMITF.D. SYDNEY. 'i4ikmjmmB^^mmi^^ '"'' 1 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Mabch, 1916. WINDMILLS Alston's New Gearless ^^ «f f ^'' Is the Simplest Windmill Motion ever invented Only Three working parts Ball Bearings Throughout All Moving Parts enclosed in Dust-proof Case and Run in Oil 0^ 40,000 "ALSTON" Mills in use throughout Australia NO ATTENTION REQUIRED °^ Expert Advice and Catalogues Free on application. James Alston & Sons Windmill, Trough and T^ump Manufacturers QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA THe JOURNAb or T^fie department of Mgricufture OF VICTORIA. Vol. XIV. Part 3. 10th March, 1916. LAMB-BREEDING TESTS. '^^lo! {By H. C Wilson, Manager, Research Farm, Werrihee, and 4|jr — .4. J. Whelan, Field Oificer.) ^* The development of the fat-lamb industry during the past ten years has brought into prominence the problem of the most profitable type of lamb to raise for export purposes and local trade. To test this matter was the object of a series of experiments com- menced three years ago at the State Research Farm, Werribee. It is intended to continue the tests for a further period, and in the mean- time to briefly review the results to date. The principle followed was to select first cross ewes of uniform quality and to mate these with representative rams of different breeds. The main objects of these tests were briefly: — 1. To ascertain the comparative market values of the various crosses. 2. To compare the values of the fleece of each cro^s at siiearing, and 3. To test the prepotency of the various rams used. Lincoln merino, first cross 4-tooth ewes of uniform type and quality were secured in December, 1912. These ewes were used for tiie 1913-14 experiments only, young 2-tooth ewes being secured in December of 1914 for the third-year trials. Each year tlie ewes were divided into six sections, particular care being taken to preserve uniforn;ity through- out. 'i'lic foHowing rams were joined with tlu^ ewes in .January. 1913 and 1914: — Lincoln, liorder Leicester, English Leicester, Dorset Horn. Shropshire, and Southdown. Tn the tliird year, however, it was de- ■ cided to replace the English Ticicester with the Suffolk, and mating 1638. 130 Jounutl of Agnculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. took place in January, 1915, with the following six rams: — Lincoln, Border Leicester, Suffolk, Dorset Horn, Shropshire, and Southdown. During the first year fifty ewes were used in each section, whilst forty were used in the second and third years. All the ewes were branded and tagged to avoid any possible errors before being joined with the rams. A typical flock ram of each of the above breeds was selected with the object of preserving comparative uniformity in each section of the trials. Mating and Gestation Period. In the third week of January of each year the rams were joined with the ewes in each group of sheep and placed in equal and separate pad- docks; but in order to secure equality of feeding the sheep were moved from paddock to paddock in regular rotation during the season of mat- ing. The rams were drawn after a period of ssven weeks from the time of joining; the six separate lots of ewes were boxed and pastured together until a fortnight before lambing, when they were drafted ac- cording to brands and ear tags, and again placed in separate paddocks for the lambing season. Lambing Percentages. Lambing usually started in late June and early July, and from Table No. 1 it will be S3en that both breed and season show influences on the lambing percentages : — Table No. I. Lambing Percentages. Breed of Ram. Lincoln Border Leicester Englisli Leicester Dorset Horn Shropsliire Soutlidowii Suflfollc* . . 1913 1914. •6 > i — * -1^ r-> < T3 2 3 < fi £ p > < 1 s •p y en ti •p m m o3 s ^ X! yA X> .2 1-1 ^ 2 fl fl — M-i ^ d a o ^ ce C3 a — .u> H hj h-l ^ a O o o 3 o o o o o o o t4 o o o C 2; 50 62 51 5. 11 102 40 S5 33 iz; 32 1 ?H 80 50 47 42 5 84 40 37 36 1 90 50 52 41 11 82 40 42 40 2 100 50 49 43 6 86 40 43 40 3 100 50 51 41 11 82 40 37 36 1 90 50 4') 48 1 96 40 84 33 1 82' 5 -d > 03 T3 Q. n '% -i; Q •^, 1 Q < •s C % tn c3 c3 s .c s^ .c ^-H iJ % e 6 c3 fa c3 'o O a s 1^1 H^ >A +J ^ o "o o «4H O o s tt o o G t-< t-< ^x iz; (z; ^ ^ - (S ecause the ewes and rams are now 4-tooths, very strong and vigorous, and the season promises to supply better conditions tliau have been experienced for the past three years. Data Recorded During Lambing and Growth of Lamb.^. No. L— Lincoln Cross. Lambing in this section seemed in tlie first two years to occur re- gularly in the early part of July. In 1915 tlie lambing in this cross seemed more distributed than it was in I hi' two earlier years, but tills was in keeping with the other crosses, and no doul)t has for its ex- planation the fact that both ewes and rams were young. A 2 132 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. A marked feature in the development of these lambs was the fact that they grew rapidly, produced an abundance of wool, but did not fatten like the Down crosses until nearing maturity. Nj. 2.— 3order Leicester Cross. These lambs came also very regularly in the early part of July, grew rapidly, and showed the distinctive character of the Border Lei- cester sire. They possessed great length and height of body, and a wool somewhat lighter in quality than the Lincoln cross, but better than the Down crosses. They did not seem to be in the pink of con- dition as freezing lambs until they had reached the age of sixteen to seventeen weeks. The lambs were undoubtedly hardy, and the per- centage of deaths was very much lighter than was the case with the Lincoln cross; in fact, the mortality was as low as any of the crossies, and compared favorably with Southdown. Crossbred Ewes with Border Leicester Ram. No. 3.— English Leicester Cross. This section of the experiment was only carried out for two years, and was replaced in the third by the Suffolk cross, it being thought that the Border and English Leicester crosses were too similar in char- acter, and after deciding to include the Suffolk the English Leicester cross was dropped in its favour. The lambs of the English Leicester cross were born somewhat more irregularly than either the Lincoln or Border Leicester, and did not grow quite so well, nor come to maturity any quicker than either of the above crosses. The wool was somewhat similar to that of the Border Leicester, but at shearing time it was found that the ewes cut slightly heavier fleeces. These English Lei- cester cross lambs seemed to come to maturity between sixteen and seventeen weeks of age. 10 March, 1916.] La mb-h reeding Tests. 133 No. 4. — Dorset Horn Cross. The lambs of this cross seem in the face of the facta which we have gathered during the past threa years of the experiment to be unpopular Crossbred Ewes with Dorset Horn Bam. Crossbred Ewes with Shropshire Ram. with tlie buyers at Newniarkel. Tlioui^li the lambs themselves seem to fill every particular in regard to qualify .nul maturity percentage, they failed to attract the buyers. 134 Journal of Ag7iculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. Lambing was regular and frequent in the early weeks of July; the lambs grew quickly, were fat all the time, and retained comparatively heavy carcass weights when slaughtered. The wool seemed to be a great deal shorter than that from the long-woolled crosses, and somewhat lighter in character. A prominent growth of horn is unquestionably the unpopular feature from the buyers' stand-point, and some butchers claim that the carcass when hung is too long and bony. No. 5.— Sliropshire Cross. This cross of lambs seem to drop throughout the three years of the experiment somewhat more irregularly than the long-woolled sections, although they showed decided uniformity and fair quality throughout their growing period until maturity about the sixteenth week. The lambs had a tendency during the later weeks of the growth to develop an excessive quantity of wool about the face and eyes; this is a feature Crossbred Ewes with Southdown Earn. which somewhat explains their comparative unpopularity if kept as weaners. As a freezing lamb, however, they are undoubtedly popular amongst the buyers. The fleece is shorter than the long-woolled crosses, but the weight compares favorably with both the Border and English Leicester. A conspicuous feature in this cross was the total absence of twin lambs during the three years of the experiments. No. 6. — Southdown Cross. The lambs in this cross were dropped regularly early in July each year, the percentage of deaths was very low, and the percentage of lambs raised compared favorably with the averages of the other crosses. Very few twin lambs, were born, and this probably accounts for the average lambing percentage recorded. Tlie lambs were exceptionally hardy. IOMarch, 1916.] Lamh -breeding Tests. 135 and are adaptable to weather the severe winters which are prevalent on the Werribee plains. The Southdown cross lambs seem to be able to retain their lambs' fat fully until maturity, and were prime from fourteen to fifteen weeks of age. The wool is short and light, and this cross should be profitable where early, quick-maturing freezing lambs are intended to be produced at handy distance from the market. Crossbred Ewes with Suffolk Ram. N9. 7— Suffolk Cross. The Suffolk is a comparatively new breed to Australia, and at pre- sent only isolated flocks are in existence. In 1915 this breed was in- troduced into the fat-lamb trials, and last year the lambing records Rams used in tests. were low, the percentage of deaths considerably above the average, and undoubtedly the results may be accounted for by the fact that the Suffolk ram used was hardly acclimatised, being recently imported from Engiaud. The Iambs were not dropped until the end of July, although the mating was effected at the same date as the other crossoss : but, despite this fact, the larubs at fourteen to fifteen weeks were as heavy as tlie 136 Journal of Agyiculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. heaviest of the other crosses at seventeen weeks, which speaks volumes in favour of this cross in respect to their early-maturing and rapid- growing qualities. The wool on the lambs is undoubtedly scanty on the belly, face, and points, but the extra bulk of carcass presents surface for wool produc- tion, and the comparative weights of the lamb fleece can be noticed in Table No. 3. Marketing of the Wether Lambs. At approximately seventeen weeks the wether lambs of each of these crosses were weaned, drafted from the ewe lambs, and sold at the Newmarket sale yards in separate and presentable lots to create genuine and comparative competition among the buyers for slaughtering as butchers' supplies or freezing for export. These wether lambs were sold in the wool, and their comparative values realized at Newmarket were published in the daily papers for the past three years. Table No. 2 shows the comparative results to date. Table II. Lamb Breeding Trials. Return re. Wether Lambs ex First-cross Lincoln-Merino Ewes at Maximum Age of Seventeen Weeks. No. 1 1 ' Average Live Weight. Average Weight of Carcass. 2 MO o — Ah Season 1913 Results. Lincoln . . Border Leicester Dorset Horn English Leicester Shropshire Southdown Average . 20 20 20 23 21 .5. d. 1.5 0 13 9 13 6 13 1 12 10 11 6 13 3 !bs. 69-36 68' 6 74-2 66*5 67-6 .58' 66 lbs. 42-0 44*0 53*5 42*5 55* 5 42*0 46-6 lbs. 29*0 28-0 31' 5 25* 5 28' 5 26*0 28' 1 lbs. 9*95 8*35 9-1 8-55 8-73 7-61 lbs. 23-91 23-45 24-95 22-5 22-77 19-04 8-711 22-77 34-5 34-2 33-6 33-8 33-7 32-4 .33- 7 Season 1914 Results. Border Leicester Dorset Horn English Leicester Lincoln Southdown Shropshire Average 16 2 14 11 14 1 14 0 14 0 13 1(J 14 6 85- SO 85- 40 77-0 80-0 71-40 71-50 78-68 58 51 45 50 44 41 37 44-10 35 43- 10 31 37-0 29 39-0 27 36- 13 24.^ 34-7 30. V 39-0 9-20 8-80 10-2 11-40 10-6 10-33 10-08 33 50 38-5 33 50 .39-13 29 80 38-7 29 60 37-0 27 42 38- 22 26 47 36-92 30 05 38-08 Suffolk .. Border Leicester Shropshire Lincoln Southdown Dorset Horn Average . Season 1915 Results. 60 59 56 26 0 90-5 25 10 93-33 25 0 88-0 24 3 80-75 23 2 80-0 23 0 84-0 24 6i 84-76 39 38 36 30 31 34 47 10-0 47 11-33 44 lC-0 37 11-5 39 9-5 41-5 9-0 42-58 10-22 33-5 35-0 34-0 32- 25 31-5 33-5 33-29 37 --0 37-5 38-6 .39-9 39-3 39-8 10 March, 1916.] Lamh-hreeding Tests. 137 Shearing of the Ewe Lambs and their Wool Values. To ascertain the true value of the different crosses in this experiment from a wool-producing stand-point, the ewe lambs from each cross were retained for three weeks after the sale of the wethers and shorn, and the fleece® were classed and valued. This was undertaken by Mr. Plumerage, Wool Expert of the Gordon Technical College, and we are greatly indebted to him for his careful work which he has done so willingly. Table No. 3 shows the comparative weights, quality, and values of the seven crosses in the experiment. Table III. Lamb Breeding Trials. Results of Ewe Lambs Shorn and Values of Wool Seasons 1913-14. Quality Value of Wool. Class Yield, No. of Weight of Wool. of Wool Value of Scoured . Ram used. Lambs Fu-sts. Seconds. m Wool Shor . Bradford per Counts. Firsts. Seconds. Lamb. Firsts. Seconds. lbs. 1 lbs. lbs. s. s. s. d. s. d. $. d. o/ 0 Lincoln 39 126-9 1105-9 21 40—46 0 U 0 6} 2 H 61-40 56-25 Border Leicester 43 88-58 78-26 10-32 48—50 0 10 0 6i 1 8f 65-62 56J English Leicester 39 101-4 84- 63 16-77 44—46 0 lOi 0 6| 2 1-6 71-87 56i Dorset Horn . . 48 106-56 89-28 17-28 48—52 0 loi 0 6i 1 10 57-81 56i Shropshire 42 92-0 81-0 11-0 48—56 0 8l 0 6f 1 6-14 65-62 561 Southdown 38 87-78 71-44 16-34 50—56 0 8| 0 6| 1 7i 56i 56J Lincoln Border Leicester Suffolk Cross . . Dorset Horn . . Shropshire Southdown 19 13 20 82-40 67-0 15-40 40—56 0 9J 0 7i 3 1-63 65-2 68-20 51-70 16-50 50—60 0 lOJ 0 8i 2 7-46 68-64 36- 45 27- 72 8-73 56 0 8ii- 0 6it 2 8-481 57-20 48-45 36-48 11-97 58 0 11 0 7f 2 l-84i 72-0 45-89 34-97 10-92 50—56 0 9 0 6i 2 6-51 72-28 45-20 31-80 13-40 56—58 0 8i 0 6 1 5-45 74-0 i 56-88 63-71 58-45 63- 48 56-0 53- 71 In the above table the wool yields for the years 1913 and 1914 weie placed together for valuation. By so doing the comparative results have not been altered. 138 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. SURPLUS LUCERNE HAY. By Temple A . J. Smith, Chief Field Officer. Recent complaints by growers, that present prices for lucerne hay, viz., £4 per ton, are not sufficiently remunerative, open up the question as to whether the most profitable method of disposing the crop, is to place it on the market in lai'ge quantities in seasons of plenty when there is an abundance of lucerne, oaten and wheaten hay, and natural grasses. The purchaser of hay from the grower buys to make a profit on the material handled, a profit that the grower himself should be able to pocket, provided he goes the right way about it. This fact has been realized by farmers in other parts of the world, with the result that hay and grain is fed to stock of various kinds on the farms on an enormously greater scale than is the case in this State. Taking the maize crops of the United States, America, as an instance, we find that no less than 75 per cent, of the crop is fed on the farm, only 3 per cent, is exported, and the balance, 22 per cent., fed to horses, &c., in the city, and this in the largest maize-producing country in the world. It is obvious that all fodders carry a certain food value, which varies from time to time, according to the prices of beef, pork, milk, &c., and the owner of such fodders should make it his business to ascertain when and where it pays him best, to either sell in the open market, or utilize his material at home. There is an immediate saving in feedine fodder on the farm, in that, the cost of baling, wire, carting to rail, trucking, commission, &c., is avoided — ^these items alone amounting to 25s. to 30s. per ton on lucerne hay, and proportionally on other crops. Added to this inferior hay of bad colour, or poorlv-harvested hay, which might be almost unsaleable, could be turned into money through stock feeding, which might otherwise be an absolute loss. Further, the more stock the farm can be made to turn off, the more manure will be available, thus keeping up the standard of fertility of the land and increasing the reputation of the farm as a money producer, and a higher value per acre would naturally follow. Lucerne, properly speaking, should not be fed by itself to secure the best results, but should be supplemented with grain, bran, pollard, or concentrates of some kind in order to make up a balance ration for especial purposes. When lucerne hay is used for pigs, it should also be ground fine to prevent waste, and to aid digestibility should be softened by soaking in water. Feeding for Pork. — The following results of experimental feeding for pork give a useful idea as to the quantities required and the com- parative values when fed to various kinds of stock. Approximately, 14 lbs. of lucerne will make 1 lb. of pork when fed to pigs, consequently 2,240 lbs. of lucerne will produce 160 lbs. of pork, which, at 6d. per lb., gives a return of £4 per ton for the hay on the farm, equivalent to £5 10s. on the market after all costs of baling, freight, &c., have been deducted. When prices for pork reach 10 March, 1916.] Sur^jlus Lucerne Hay. 139 Is. per lb., as is the case at the present time, the value of the lucerne would be doubled, and it appears somewhat extraordinary that this has not been realized earlier. Green lucerne for pigs is better than hay, and lucerne mixed with maize, wheat, bran and pollard, in proper proportions, will result in even better profits. Henry, on " I'eeds and Feeding," says: — " Where pigs are pastured on lucerne and fed 2 lbs. to 2| lbs. of maize per 100 lbs. of pig per day, the amount of maize required to produce 100 lbs. gain in weight is 331 lbs." Lucerne pasture is admittedly better than any other for pigs, but it should not be overstocked, and small paddocks should be u&ed so that the lucerne from time to time, may be cut for hay. This has the effect of sustaining the lucerne plots. Cotrell, of the Colorado Station, states " that pigs fed with grain and lucerne will make, under good management, 500 lbs. to 1,000 lbs. gain from an acre of lucerne, after deducting the gain due to the feeding of the grain." Feeding for Milk. — For milk production in a trial lasting twelve weeks with 8 cows at the New Mexico Station, Veraon found that 246 lbs. of lucerne hay alone produced 100 lbs. of milk. These results have been confirmed elsewhere. Taking the milk at 6d. per gallon this leaves £2 5s. per ton of hay on the farm to £3 15s. per ton on the market. This is apparently low, but when dairying is followed the bulk of the lucerne would be fed green, and the cost of hay making avoided, also lucerne should be fed to dairy cows with concentrates in order to obtain full values, and by products from the cows increase the returns. Fattening Cattle and Sheep. — When fed to steers two years old 1,100 lbs. of lucerne hay gave 100 lbs. gain; therefore, 1 ton of hay should give 200 lbs. gain, which, at 6d. per lb., would equal £5 per ton, and at 4d. per lb. equal £3 6s. on the farm. Here again, if fed green a saving in cost and labour would be made, also the prices taken for meat are far below present values. For raising fat lambs for export the cheapest system is to provide small paddocks in which the lucerne can be allowed to reach its maxi- mum growtli before the sheep are turned in, and constant changes to fresh paddocks made. One cutting each year for hay from every pad- dock should be obtained, and a good system of cultivation followed in all. In buying stock for fattening care should be taken to secure animals likely to return the greatest profit, as for instance, 6 or 8 tooth sheep will fatten quicker, and at less cost than either very young or old sheep. A good dairy cow will also give a greater proportionate return than a cow with a smaller milk yield for the amount of food supplied, while in the case of pigs good forward stores of the right weights will result in a quicker turn over and larger profits. It does not follow that the lowest priced stock of any description are the cheapest, as much depends upon suitability for the purpose required, and the margin of profit on the higher priced stores may easily be greater than tliat on the cheaper lines. Further, it is obvious that were the liav or green fodder more generally used on the farms, markets would not be glutted to the same extent ; this would insure better market values. 140 Jounud of AgricuUitre, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. RESEARCHES ON WHEAT SELECTION. 1. Does the Value of a Wheat Grain Depend on its Position in the Ear? A. E. V. Richai-dson^ 31. A., B.Sc, Agricultural Superintendent, and W . Heher Green, D.Sc, Lecturer in Agricidtural Chemistry, University of Melhotirne. In 1912 a series of experimental plots were laid out at the Ruther- glen Experiment Farm with the object of determining the extent to which improvement of wheat was possible by various methods of selection. This was a continuation of work which had been carried out at the Parafield Wheat Station by one of the authors.* A question which arose at the outset was " Are all the grains of the wheat ear as like to one another as the proverbial two peas in a pod? " or have they an individuality which finds its expression in their varying vitality under which we may include germinating capacity and prolificacy ? In other words, does the value of a wheat grain depend on its position in the ear 1 At the suggestion of Mr. T. M. Whelan, Field Officer in charge of the plots, an experiment was carried out in 1913, in which an ear of wheat was dissected and each individual grain was planted in such a position that its identity could be established. Unfortunately, an accident prevented the resultant crop from being harvested and the weight of individual plants determined at Ruther- glen, and in 1914-15 similar tests were made at the State Farms at Rutherglen and Werribee, with more complete material, and it is pro- posed in this preliminary paper to briefly record som© of the results of this part of the investigation. Up till 1913 the seeds were planted in nursery rows, but the varia- tions in yield of individual plants from one end of the row to the other were considerable, and suggested that these differences were due, not to inherent genetic factors, but mainly to environmental influences. In the endeavour to eliminate these environmental variations a modifica- tion of the system of centgener plots suggested by Haysf has been used for the last two years The essential feature of this system is that 100 grains are planted in ten rows of ten plants each, and this square is protected by one or more border rows of grain of similar parentage. At harvest time the border rows are first removed and the prolificacy of the seed under investigation is determined by the aggregate yield of the 100 plants. The mechanical device for planting these seeds wifl- accuracv, at a uniform distance apart and at a uniform depth, has been previously described in the Jovrnal.\ In preparing the soil for the centgener plots great care was taken to secure as uniform a seed bed as possible. To avoid the differential soil packing caused by the tread of the horses, the harrows and roller wer? hauled across the field with the aid of long ropes and pulleys care being taken to avoid any overlap * Journal of Agriculture, South .\ustralia. 1910. t W. M. Hays. Plant. Breeding Bulletin 29, Dept. of Agriculture, U.S.A. j Journal of Agriculture, Victoria, November, 1914, p. 649. 10 March, 1916. Tx<;nearches on Wheat Selection. 141 of these cultivating implements and consequent extra tilth of narrow strips. Neither horses nor workmen trod on the plot throughout the period of preparation. When ready for planting long planks were placed along the spaces intended for paths, and by arranging the centgener plots in squares of four, it was possible to plant the seeds with the centgener planting board without putting foot on any of the soil reserved for the plants. WEIGHT OF EARS PRODUCED IN CRAMS /■S WEIGHT OF INDIVIDUAL GRAIN _ IN MILLIGRAMS WEIGHT OF EARS PRODUCED IN CRAMS 39 27 O IS .J3-S 2./ J-./ JS S 37 ,^^ \ \T ^'^^^ 2. 2 43. 36 ^-^-^ )l ^s3S 4^ S /.4 ] 11 ^-~^ 20 44 — 33 1 W^^^^^^34 4/. 2. a 3.e 47 S 32 ^j>-— ^ ft ^Z\ 49-S .£ 2 2. SO 23 ^ 4f^^i30 _ _ _47.S 2.e -J / 48 28 ^(''■^f J ^^ 27 51. ^ -S ¥ ^^G3 2G ..37S 2-1 [(/^■"-■SJ 25 43. _ J . 7 ^■S 4e-s T-i^"^ \ ^s> ^'i ^^ - _?s \ f/ -^— es 21 J\6 50 5 2 8 L^— S IS J7 0 .4 43 13 ^. (j¥^^^^ 14 49. S.2 . Jf___l2 5^^^^ 3 4 ii9 II (^/ \ )j ^^, 10 _ _ ^4S.S 1 O /^-^> 9 34.5 2.4 3 4_ SOS 7 @^ ( ^^"^^^N®, 8 4S 5.1 4.S S2 6 ^/' fj ^^^ S 42 5 4.3 .i^T^ 4 - 26 J.O .7 395 2 ^,_^^^ Gl 4/0 1 ^/ ^ fl Fig. 1.— Diagram of ear of Federation Wheat, showing position of grains in ear and their individual weights and prolificacy. In order to prevent any plant surrounding the blanks caused by the non-germination of seed securing an advantage over their less fortunate competitors, seeds of Indian H, an early maturing variety of wheat, were used to fill up thes« gaps. Thus we endeavoured to insure tliai in each plot 100 plants of known parentage should struggle for an existence on terms of equality in a uniform environment. A brief reference to the structure of the wheat ear is now necessary. Botanically, the ear is a spike, bearing o!i alternate sides of a flattened 142 Journal of Ar/iicultiire, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. rachis a series of spikelets, each consisting of one, or two, or more florets which, unless sterile, ultimately carry the ripe grain. The spikelets normally carry two to three grains, but when seasonal con- ditions are favorable four or five may develop. The variety selected for investigation was Federation, whilst typical ears of College Eclipse and Huguenot were also examined. Each grain was removed from the ear by a forceps, identified by a number, and weighed on a microbalance'^ designed for the purpose, and finally planted in a recorded position in a centgener plot. 30 3S 40 45 SO MILLIGRAMS 20 APEX or EAR O 18 (7 16 15 14 13 12 II lO 8 7 6 5 4 3 1 I oc AA /tc ,^ BASE OF EAR 30 35 40 45 50 WEIGH TS QF GRAINSIN MILLIGRAMS Fig. 2. — Graph of weights of individual grains in a small ear of Federation Wheat. ®"^^i T-v, ® 1 . N V 1 V® 1 \ m 1 , \ ^N k 1 ^ \ ^ V r\ r -K io r f n r ^ i / 1 ^ / '0 / ' O) S m/ / K. I The germination was determined at intervals and notes on the early growth taken. When ripe the whole plant was removed by the roots, weighed, and the amount of grain obtained. In weighing the grains prior to planting, and marking their posi- tion in the ear, it soon became apparent that well defined relationships existed between the weight of the grains and their position in the ear. Society of Chemical Industry, Victoria. 1915, p. 268. 10 March, 1916.] Researches on Wheat Selection. 143 In all over 1,500 separate weighings were made, involving forty- three ears of wheat. Two outstanding features were noted: — 1. The weights of the individual kernels towards either extremity of the ear, and particularly towards the apex, were invariably less than the kernels in the middle of the ear. 2. Where three or more grains were produced on the one spikelet the tendency was for one of the inner or median kernels to suffer in its development; hence it was found that, as an almost invariable rule, the grains in the centre of the spikelets are lesser in weight, impoverished, and, if they happen to germinate, produce inferior plants. These points are graphically illustrated in the diagrams : — 55 MILLIGRAMS 40APEX0FEAR 38 BASEOFEAR 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 WEIGHTS or CHAINS JN MILLIGRAMS Fig. 3.— Graph of weights of individual grains of a typical ear of Federation Wheat (See also Fig, 1). 144 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic represeutation of one of the ears of Federa- tion wheat examined, showing the position of each gram in tlie ear, and giving its weight in milligrammes as obtained by the microbalance, and tlie weight of the ears obtained by growing the resultant plant m a centgener plot. A perusal of the figures representing the weights of the individual grains show that the intermediate grains of each spikelet are of con- siderably less weight than those of the outside grains of the same spikelet. Further, it will be noted that the grains towards either extremity, and particularly the apex, are also undersized, ana on tlie average produce relatively small yields. These points are more strikingly illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, where the weights of individual grains in milligrammes have been plotted against their position iu the ear. They represent typical ears with maxima of 2, 3, and 4 grains per spikelet respectively. The grains taken from the same spikelet are connected by faint linss, and those from the right and left spikelets are denoted by small squares and circles respectively. The dotted line represents the general trend of the weights from the base to the apex of the ear. As already noted, there is an increase in the weights of kernels as we pass from either extremity to the middle of the ear. In Figs. 3 and 4 the intermediate grains have been plotted separately from the outside grains of the corresponding spikelets, and are connected in the diagrams by faint dotted lines. The graph shows clearly the lesser weights of the median grains as compared with the adjoining grains of the same spikelet. It is obvious that the weight of the ears produced show considerable and erratic variations in spite of the elaborate precautions to insure uniformity of growing conditions ; but, by taking the average of a number of experiments, these individual fluctuations do not prevent definite conclusions being arrived at. In order to compare the relative germinating capacity and prolificacy of the median grains and the other small grains at the base and tip with that of the remainder of the grains of the ear, the results as obtained from three of the typical Federation heads which were dissected may be quoted. As indicated above, each grain was planted in recorded positions in centg?ner plots, and the weight of ears from each plant obtained after harvesting. The results are summarized in Table I. : — Table I. Comparison of Yield of Produce from Median Grains avith that from Heavy Grains avhxch ordinarily compose First Grade Wheat. Group. Treatment. Jfo. of grains taken. Average Weight of Seed. Percentage Unproductive. Average weight of ears produced per plant. 1 2 All median grains and grains under ?5 milligrammes Grains over 35 milligrammes 38 80 Milligrammes 27-8 43-5 . 16% 4% Grammes. 1 -8] 2-86 ]0 March, 1916.] Rt-searches on Wheat Selection. 145 These figures show that the median grains, together with, the light grains at either extremity of the head, have a lower percentage ot germination and give a much lower average yield than tlie grains ot tire remainder of the head. 10 20 30 40 50 MILLIGRAMS 6&APtX OF EAR 64 ^ Q Q, BASLOF LAR 10 20 30 40 50 WEIGHTS OF GRAINS IN MILLIGRAMS Fig. i. — Weights of individual grains in a large ear of College Eclipse Wheat. Hence ]>rinie seed, coming from a centrifugal barrel grader (whicli separates grain into grades according to tlie weight and size), should be expected to give increased returns over ungraded seed. The grading eliminates the majority of the non-jirolific median grains and the under- sized, unproductive grains from the extre iiities of the ear. 146 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. It is also evident that in applying mass selection to wheat for an improvement in yield, improvement would more rapidly follow if the upper and lower portions of the selected ears were rejected, and the balance of the ear threshed and graded to eliminate the less prolific median grains. We wish to express our appreciation of the hearty co-operation of Field Officers G. S. Gordon, H. A. Mullett, and T. M. Whelan, who have assisted in the arduous work entailed in the preparation, planting, and harvesting of the centgener plots. Summary. 1. The weight of the individual grains may be described as following the shape of the ear, the grains increasing in weight from either extremity to the middle of the ear. 2. The median kernels of the spikelets are invariably lesser in weight and impoverished, and if they germinate they produce less prolific plants. 3. As these grains are undersized and low in weight an efficient grading machine will eliminate them. 4. These results justify th© practice, often recommended, of rejecting the ujDper and lower portions of the ears and grading the remainder when applying mass selection to wheat for an improvement in yield. {To he continiied.) FARM BREVITIES. The best advice for the man engaged in mixed farming is to keep on mixing. Do not let a rush of wheat push everything else out of the way. France is the only country in Europe that is self-supporting in normal times. The country produces sufficient corn and meat for the whole population. German starch factories, making starch from potatoes, represent a thriving industry. The turnover of the co-operative starch factories be- fore the war was about £3,500,000 a year. A middle white sow belonging to Mr. E. Kemp Toogood, Southamp- ton (England), has given birth to twenty-two live pigs at a farrow. The same animal in 1913 produced twenty-one young at a birth. It pays to let all farm animals have access to powdered charcoal. They will usually eat it freely. Most of the so-called stock foods contain charcoal as one of the most useful ingredients. Cowsheds should be kept in a condition of great cleanliness, and even the air that the animals breathe should be pure. These two conditions are indispensable for the production of sound, good milk. The light of a lamp will be much clearer if a small lump of salt is placed in the bottom of the lamp reservoir. Also before screwing in the burner, soak the wick in vinegar, then thoroughly dry before using. This makes it burn brighter and last longer. 10 Mabch, 1916.] Results of Experiments. 147 RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS, 1915. A. E. V. Richardson, 31. A., B.Sc, Agricultural Superintendent. I. PERMANENT ROTATION TESTS— WERRIBEE. An interesting demonstration of the value of a systematic rotation of crops on hay and grain yields is afforded by the results obtained from a series of tests at the State Research Farm, Werribee. The tests were commenced three years ago on land which was known to have been cropped continuously for twenty-six years, and which was in a very low state of fertility. It was anticipated that such worn out land would respond more quickly to the influence of rotation cropping than newer land. Ten different systems of ci'op rotations were tested side by side, with the object of determining wlaich system would give the greatest returns per acre over a series of years. In four of the rota- tions hay was grown, and in the remainder wheat was the principal crop. On some plots wheat and hay were grown continuously year after year; on others thes© crops were alternated with bare fallow. On others again forage crops, such as peas, barley, and rape were grown in rotation with the principal crop. The results were as follow : — Wheat Crops. 1. Wheat after wheat continuou.sly 2. Wheat after bare fallow 3. Wheat after peas and rape 4. Wheat after bare fallow and pasture (Mallee rotation) 5. Wheat after bare fallow, pasture, oats (Wimmera rotation) 6. Wheat after peas and barley . . . . . . . . Hay Crop.s. tuns. cwt. 1. Oaten hay continuou.sly . . . . . . . . 1 6^ 2. Oaten hay after bare fallow . . . . . . . . 2 12J 3. Oaten hay after bare fallow and barley . . . . 3 1^ 4. Oaten hay after peas and barley . . . . . . 2 I3i^ The rainfall during the growing period of the crop was 10.84 inches. A perusal of these returns reveals the following results: — 1. The continuous cropping of land with the same crop, a method frequently practised in the district, gives returns which barely j)ay ex- penses of production. 2. By bare fallowing increases of 11 bushels of wheat and 26 cwt. of hay were obtained over the continuously cropped plots. 3. The greatest and most profitable increases, liowever, were obtained by growing wheat and hay in rotation, with forage crops such as peas and barley. The wasteful bare fallow is thus eliminated, a crop is grown every year, and the final croj) is as heavy as that grown after a DUS. lb3. 10 26 21 54 23 53 22 37 24 43 27 15 148 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. bare fallow. Thus wheat grown after peas and barley in a three- course rotation gave 11 \ bushels per acre as against 24| bushels when grown after bare fallow, as in the Wimmera rotation. Similarly the hay crop after peas and barley gave a return of 2 tons 13 J cwt., as against 2 tons 12^ cwt. when grown after bare fallow. These results suggest that in districts similarly situated to Werribee, enjoying a fair rainfall, wheat and hay crops grown in rotation with forage crops may be expected to give greater returns per acre than any other method of rotation. Such practises assist in maintaining the fertility of the soil unimpaired. An example of the success of such rotation may be seen from the yield of a 100-acre hay crop at the Werribee farm. This field was cropped in 1913 with wheat, in 1914 with peas, and fed off with sheep, and in 1915 with oats. Under this system of rotation the average yield from this field exceeded 3 tons per acre. PERMANENT FERTILISER TESTS— WERRIBEE. The yields of wheat in the Permanent Fertiliser Trials at the State Research Farm, Werribee, for the season 1915 afford some interesting comparison of the value of differential manurial dressings on the wheat yield. Twenty plots of a n acre each were set apart for the testing of different combinations of fertilisers on the growth of wheat. The rainfall up to the end of November was 15.22 inches, of which 10.84 inches fell during the growing period ; and the yields of the different plots varied from 19 to 30 bushels per acre. The following table summarizes the results for 1915, and also shows the average yields for the past three years : — 1. No manure . . ■ ?. Superphosphate, ^ cwt. 3. Superphosphate, 1 cwt. 4. Superjjhosphate, IJ cwt. 5. SujDerphosphate, 2 cwt. 6. Superphosphate, 1 cwt., and nitrate of soda, 40 lbs. (with seed) . . . . 7. Superphosphate, 1 cwt., and nitrate of soda, 49 lbs. (in spring) . . 8. Superphosphate, 1 cwt., and sulphate of potash, ^ cwt. 9. Superphosphate, 1 cwt.; sulphate of potash, ^ cwt.; and nitrate of soda, h cwt. . . 10. Bone fertiliser, 1 cwt. 11. Thomas' phosphate, 1 cwt. 12. Superphosphate, | cwt.; Thomas' phos- phate, h cwt. 13. Superphosphate, 1 cwt.; and lime, 5 cwt. 14. Superphosphate, 1 cwt.; and lime, 10 cwt. 15. Superphosphate, 1 cwt.; and lime, 20 cwt. 16. Stable manure, 10 tons per acre 17. Stable manure, 10 tons ; and lime, 10 cwt. 18. No manure (continuously cropped) 19. Superphosphate, 1 cwt. (continuously cropped) . . Average for Season, Three Seasons, 1915. 1913-14r-15. Bushels. Bushels. 20 11 27J- IG 28| 17i 29 18 28 18 30 17i 30 in 281 m 28 15i 25i 13 25J 13 26| 14| 28J 15f 27i 15i 27 14^ 24J 15| 26^ 16 19f lOf 22f 14 10 March, 1916.] Results of Experiments. 149 The past season has been fairly favorable for wheat at Werribee, and as the late spring rains assisted the development of the more back- ward plots the response to the differential treatment with fertilisers is less noticeable than usual. The results, both for the 1915 crop and the averages for the last three years, appear to justify the following tentative conclusions: — (1) Superphcsphate is the most profitable of all artificial manures that can b© applied to the wheat crop; (2), the amount that can be profitably apiDlied per acre is considerably in ex- cess of what is applied in general farm practice in the wheat areas; (3), the gross profit per acre over unmanured land steadily incr£ases as the application increases from | cwt. to 1| cwt. ; (4), the highest net profit, however, is obtained by applying 1 cwt. of superphosphates per acre. Thus, taking the average of the three years' tests, \ cwt. of super., costing 2s. 6d. per acre, gave an increased yield of 4 bushels 54 lb., which, at 4s., gives a net profit of 17s. Id. per acre over the unmanured plot. A dressing of 1 cwt., costing 5s. per acre, gives an increased yield of 6 bushels 41 lbs., or a net profit of 21s. 7d. per acre, after deducting the cost of the manure. Moreover, the indirect effect of the heavier dressing, in stimulating the subsequent growth of grass, and increasing the stock-carrying capacity of the land, is much greater than that of the lighter dressing; (5), basic slag and bonedust applied either separately or in combination with superphosphates give less profit than the same quantity of superphosphates ap_Dlied by itself; (6), lime, applied either in heavy or in light dressings, has not, so far, profitably influenced the yields of wheat at Werribee; (7), nitrogenous manures do not increase the net profits in ordinary seasons, especially when bare fallowing is practised. Nitrate of soda gave a substantial and pro- fitable impetus to the hay crop during the past season, but its effect on the grain crop has barely covered the cost of application. In view of the high prices ruling for wheat in the world's markets, the questions of quantities and kinds of fertiliser to use are of relatively greater im- portance than in times when low prices prevail. The results obtained at Wei-ribee may be considered as typical of what response may ba expected from the various fertilisers in districts with a rainfall of 10 inches to 12 inches during the growing period of tlie wheat. PERMANENT MANURE TESTS— LONQERENONO- The results for tlie 1915 manurial trials conducted by (he Depart- ment of Agriculture at the Longerenong Agricultural College afford an interesting illustration of the fertility of the Wimmera soils wlien sea- sonal conditions are favorable. Twelve different manurial applications were tested side by side, and tlie yields for the past year ranged fri>m 36 to 54 liusliels ])er acre. These yields are iji remarkable contrast to those of 1914, when, owing to the drought, (he yields from a similar series of plots varied from 2 to 7 bushels per acre. 150 Journal of Ar/nculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. Yield per acre, 1915. Average yield for 3 years, 1913-15. Bushels. Bushels. 37-53 19-32 49-44 26-73 51-33 28-77 54-72 30-16 52-16 29-30 49-80 28-92 46-88 27-99 40-88 21-43 46-08 26-71 48-80 30-09 49-24 28-44 45-72 24-98 The results for 1915, together with the average yield for the past three years, are summarized in the following table: — Treatment. 1. No manure 2. Superphosphate, i cwt. 3. Superphosphate, 1 cwt. 4. Superphosphate, 2 cwt. 5. Superphosphate, 1 cwt., lime, 5 cwt. 6. Superphosphate, 1 cwt., lime, 10 cwt. 7. Superphosphate, 1 cwt., lime, 20 cwt. 8. Basic slag, 1 cwt. 9. Basic slag, J cwt., superphosphate, i cwt. 10. Superphosphate, 1 cwt., and nitrate of soda, ^ cwt. 11. Superphosphate, 1 cwt., nitrate of soda, ^ cwt., potash, A cwt. 12. Farmyard manure, 10 loads The triennial averages are especially interesting, as they indicate the manurial treatment most likely to be successful on Wimmera soils. They show that by thorough cultivation, and even without the assist- ance of any fertiliser, yields of 19.32 bushels per acre have been ob- tained. By sowing 56 lbs. of superphosphate, worth 2s. 6d. per acre, an increase ol 7^ bushels per acre is obtained, giving an extra profit of 27s. 6d. per acre over the unmanured plot, with wheat at 4s. per bushel. By increasing the dressing to 1 cwt. per acre, costing 5s., an extra 9| bushels were obtained, the net profit in this case being 33s. per acre over the untreated plot. Heavier dressings than 1 cwt. give greater yields, but the increases beyond 1 cwt. are not remunerative. The results also indicate that lime gives little or no response on Wimmera soils for wheat. Dressings up to 5 cwt. per acre increase the yield, but the increase is insufficient to pay for the extra cost of the lime.' Heavier dressings than 5 cwt. per acre depress the yield. This is in striking contrast to results obtained in the north-east, where the application of lime has resulted in substantial and profitable in- creases in yield. Basic slag is apparently less efficient in the Wimmera than in any other part of the State. The marked superiority of superphosphate over basic slag at Longerenoug is probably due to the relatively high lime content of the soil. In common with tests at other centres, the application of nitrates and potash do not result in profitable increases. It is a fortunate cir- cumstance for the Victorian farmer that even on the oldest cultivated wheat areas experiments show that costly nitrogenous and potassic manures, so indispensable in European farming, fail to elicit a material response from Victorian wheat soils. It is interesting to note that the plot which gave the highest net profit per acre for the three years was treated with 1 cwt. of super- jihosphate. As the average amount of super, used in the wheat areas is between 60 and 70 lbs.,. the test suggests that if heavier dressings of this fertiliser were generally used a material increase in the wheat output might be expected. 10 March, 1916.] Results of Experiments. 151 TIME OF SOWING AND RATE OF SEEDING TESTS— WYUNA. An illustration of the effect of early and late sowing and the rate of seeding on the yields of wheat in the Northern areas is afforded by the results of experiments conducted at the Wyuna State Farm in 1915. The variety of seed used was Federation, a wheat of moderate stooling powers, and in the tests quantities of seed varying from 30 to 120 lbs. per acre were sown early in May and in the middle of June. The results were as follow: — Early Sowing (First Week in May). Pkt 1, 30 lbs, per acre Plot 2, 45 lbs. per acre Plot 3, 60 lbs. per acre Plot 4, 75 lbs. per acre Plot 5, 90 lbs. per acre Plot 6, 120 lbs. per acre Late Sowing (Middle of June). Plot 7, 30 lbs. per acre Plot 8, 45 lbs. per acre Plot 9, 60 lbs. per acre Plot 10, 75 lbs. per acre Plot 11, 90 lbs. per acre Plot 12, 120 lbs. per acre Bushels per acre. 31-4 34-5 36-6 35-8 34-7 33-2 28-8 27-3 31-9 340 35-3 32 I The season was very mild and favorable to crop growth, and the difference between the early and late sown cropg was less marked than usual. The rainfall during the growing period was 12.75 inches. It will be seen that even in a favorable season early sowing has consider- able advantages. The highest return from all plots — 36.8 bushels per acre — was obtained by sowing at the rate of 60 lbs. per acre early. If heavier seedings are used the yields rapidly fall off. With the late- sown crop the maximum return was 35.3 bushels per acre, but to get this no less than 90 lbs. of seed had to be used. The early sown plots gave greater crop returns and required far less seed than the late-sown plots. Precisely similar results were obtained at other centres. The results also suggest the reason for increasing the rate of sowing towards the close of the seeding season. VARIETY WHEAT TESTS— MALLEE. Results of the variety wheat plots conducted by the Department of Agriculture in the nortli-western Mallee are to hand. The centres chosen were Ouyen and Cowangie. At Ouyen six varieties of wheat were tested side by side on the farm of Mr. H. W. Pickering. The results were as follow: — Riisli(>ls |i T ftrri'. Yandilla Kintr . . . . . . ■ ■ • • . . 20 Oluyas . . Federation Dart'.s Imperial . Viking Marshall's No. 3 IT l(i.t 16 n\ 152 Journal of Afiriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. Per icre bus. lb. .. 25 52 .. 23 19 .. 23 4 .. 22 29 .. 20 23 .. 19 22 .. 16 21 At Cowangie the tests were carried out by Mr. H. F. Hecht, and seven varieties of wheat were tested. The results are as follow: — Datt's Imperial Yandilla King. . Federation Marshall's No. 3 Gluyas Mac's White . . Viking Generally speaking, the late maturing varieties, such as Yandilla King, have done best at both centres, and this is doubtless due to the prolonged cool weather in spring and early summer favouring the de- velopment of these slow-growing types. It is interesting to note that Mac's White, one of the most popular varieties in the north-west Mallee, occupies a relatively low place on the list. Gluyas has done best of all the early maturing wheats, and at Ouyen its yield exceeded that of Federation. At both centres the yields of the early varieties were affected by a severe frost, followed by a hot wind. The rainfall dur- ing the growing period at Ouyen was 8.93 inches, and at Cowangie 10.32 inches. In both cases the plots were grown on land that had been cropped previously. The yields at both centres are a striking testimony of the fertility of the Mallee areas in a normal season. {To he continued.) AMERICANS AND FRUIT. America is quite ahead in the matter of fruit eating. In fact, it consumes more fruit per head of population than any country in the world. This is due to several reasons — first, the progressive methods of advertising adopted by the varioius packing organizations; and, second, by the excellent manner in which the various cafes, restaurants, and other eating-houses display the fruit. On entering any of the ordinary eating-houses the first thing that attracts is a pyramid of beautiful apples arranged either on the counter or in some conspicuous position, also grape fruit, oranges, and other fruits. This excellent feature is noticeable in all the leading citieis. San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Cliicago, &c. Fruit is placed under the attention of the public on eveiy opportunity. — A ucldand Weekly N ews. s. d. 0 5.1 0 10.4 0 2.6 10 March, 1916.] A Lesson on the Drought. 153 A LESSON ON THE DROUGHT. B^ B. A. Barr, Senior Dairy Supervisor. If cows receive only sufficient fodder to keep them alive no return for the feed is received beyond the prospective value of the cattle, where- as, if sufficient is given to provide for milk production in addition to that required for maintenance, a profit over the cost of feed will be returned, provided always the cows possess milking capacity. The following case illustrates the value of feeding milking cows with a full ration, even at the high prices ruling for feed during the past drought. A herd of twenty-nine cows, including five heifers on first calf, and cows in all stages of lactation, each received as a daily ration: — 8 lbs. straw chaff valued at £6 per ton cost 8 lbs. bran valued at £11 per ton cost ... 2 lbs. cocoanut oil cake valued at £12 per ton cost Total cost for each cow ... ... 1 6 The return was as follows : — Daily yield, 61 gallons at Is. 3d. per gallon on railway station. 5. d. Daily average return for each cow ... ... 2 7 Daily average cost of feed ... ... ... 1 6 Profit ... ... ... ... 1 1 The straw chaff was steamed, and had been on the farm for some years. The farm was in a drought-stricken area, the paddocks were bare, and this return was received throughout the whole drought. If the milk had been used for butter-making a profit of 4d. per day would have been returned. Supposing the food provided had been reduced to an amount sufficient only to keep th© cows alive, no profit would have been returned, but instead a charge for cost of feed would have to be mad© against the value of the stock. The above ration is considered neither an ideal one, nor the most efficient, but it must be remeinloered that, at the time, drought condi- t'ons prevailed, and bulky feeds were particularly scarce. Under normal conditions, or when purchasing even in drought times, hay chaff at high rates would be preferable to straw. R( IKNCE and pnictioc hclp.'d ])y o.xpcriciKT — that i.-^ wluit we want. E-xporioncc means that wliich wp have ourselves lenmt; that which ha.s been kiioeked into us so forcibly is never forgotten. This is wliy it is so often advocated that "every fjirnicr should he liis own experi- menter." 154 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. THE WALNUT. (Continued from page 747, Vol. XTIT.) C. F. Cole, Orchard Supervisor. DISEASES (concluded). Bacteriosis or Walnut Blight. Of all known diseases attacking tlie developing nuts of the walnut, bacteriosis is the worst that the grower has to contend with. The loss caused by this bacterial trouble is considerable, and has been mentioned in former articles (vide Journal of Agriculture, August, 1914, p. 460). It is not definitely known how long this disease has been in Victoria. Mr. C. C. Brittlebank, Vegetable Pathologist to the Victorian Depart- ment of Agriculture, states that he saw walnut trees growing upon a farm in the year 1888 attacked. Mr, J. Farrell, Supervisor of Orchards, submitted in November, 1906, diseased walnuts from the Ardmona district to Mr. D. McAlpine, the Government Vegetable Pathologist, and he diagnosed the trouble as walnut bacteriosis. Erom inquiries made, several growers in the Bright and adjacent districts state that they have known the walnuts to be attacked from twelve to twenty years ago by a disease which they commonly termed black spot. There is no doubt that this black spot of twenty years ago is the bacterial disease of to-day. Up to the present in Victoria there is no record of the fungus disease (marsonia juglandis) appearing. This produces a similar condition to that of walnut bacteriosis. From personal observations and the perusal of scientific works deal- ing with this disease, it is found to be more prevalent and virulent in localities where the weather conditions are moist and humid during the spring and early summer than in districts where such weather conditions do not prevail. In Victoria the greatest quantity of walnuts is produced from trees growing in districts having a good annual rainfall and subject to moist atmospheric conditions in late spring. Therefore, the walnut crop is partly looked upon as a chance one, owing to the risk of attack by this bacterial organism. During the month of November, 1913, in the Bright and adjacent districts the walnut crop looked promising until moist and humid con- ditions set in. By the end of the month the greater percentage of the developing nuts was attacked or destroyed by bacteriosis. The following spring and early summer of season 1914 was one of the driest upon record in these districts. The walnut crop was almost entirely free from attack. Trees that lost fully 75 per cent, of the crop through this trouble in the spring of 1913 were practically free from attack in the dry season of 1914. 10 March, 1916.] The Walnut. 155 Official Record of Rain, Bright District, for the Last Three Months in the Years 1913-1914. 1913. October November December 1914. October November December Inches. Points 4 31 .:> 98 I 07 1 98 2 72 This shows that the development of this bacterial organism is influenced by the same atmospheric conditions as largely controls the development and growth of fungus diseases generally. Although preva- lent in the walnut areas of the State, and commonly termed black spot, very few growers know that the actual cause of this walnut disease is Fig. 32. — A. Walnut Blight Organism (Pscudonionas juglandis) greatly enlarged. B. A mass of the bacteria in diseased walnut tissue, (After Smith, Bulletin No. 231). the workings of a bacterial germ, Bacteriosis of the walnut is a micro- organism, rod shaped, having rounded ends, and occurs as a single rod or often in pairs, and more rarely in chains of several individuals, com- monly four to eight. An American authority gives the measurement of these rods as found in diseased tis.sue from 1.5 to 3.01 microns in length by 0.3 to 0.51 microns in width. A micron is the millionth l)art of a metre, or 1/25400 of an inch. (Plate 32.) This blight organism is motile, i.e., capable of spontaneous motion, increasing rapidly in number by elongation and division, or fission. "Walnut bacteriosis does not confine its attack solely to the developing nuts. It may occur upon all the tender, new, growing parts of the trees, such as young nuts, branches, and parts of tlie foliage. On the affected parts blackisb-colftured areas, or pronounced lesions (wounds) 15fi Journal of Afiriciilture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. are i^roduced. Vegetable pathologists state that this blackening is brought about by oxidation of the tannic acid in the tissue. Yery little having been done in Victoria with regard to the physio- logical and pathological characteristics of this disease, the following abridged extracts are from Bulletin ISTo. 231, an American work already referred to, and are the results of exhaustive scientific experiments, both in the laboratory and field. Cause of Disease. — This disease has been conclusively proved to be produced by a species of bacteria growing in the diseased parts. A microscopic examination of diseased tissue shows countless numbers of these small, rod-shaped organisms to be present. By employing bacteriological methods pure cultures of these germs were obtained, and then these pure cultures were used in making artificial inoculations into healthy nuts and shoots, thus again producing the disease by inoculations from the culture if the tissue was in an active growing condition. This disease causes very characteristic, comparatively small, sunken black areas on the small shoots of the trees. It does not attack branches of any size, and does not injure them to such an extent that they die back for several feet, as in the case of a trouble termed die back, which is principally caused through a dry subsoil, planting the trees too closely together, deficiency of plant food, and other causes. Although bac- teriosis attacks the leaves, it does not cause defoliation of the trees, and if this disease did not attack the nuts would be of little economic import- ance. Young trees are much more free from bacteriosis than are those that have been in bearing for a longer time. On Branches. — Bacteriosis is at first confined to small areas, but under favorable conditions these increase in size to a lesion or diseased area, extending 2 or 3 inches in length on the green shoot. The disease . always has its beginning on the young succulent growth which may be near the growing end, or at any other point. When the disease infects a branch near its end, that part may be killed back, but this seldom occurs except when the diseased lesion is very near the end. In the worst diseased lesions the tissue is killed inwardly to the pith, Avhile in less severe cases only the bark and wood are diseased. As the shoot becomes more woody it is more and anore difiicult to infect, and no tissue ever becomes affected after the first few months of its growth. The disease, after the first year, even in well-defined lesions, gradually dies out, and the tissue heals over the old lesion, although in some cases short lengths of the worst diseased shoots may die back for a few inches. The diseased portion on the twig at first forms a small, discoloured, or water- soaked area, which gradually increases in size, and at length the central portion becomes black, and is surrounded by a water-soaked margin, or fermentation zone. As the shoots become more and more woody, the active development of the disease is checked, and no further tissue is i^'volved. Then the whole diseased area becomes blackened in colour. The diseased portion, in many cases, comes to have a somewhat shrunken, dried out, deformed, cracked condition, because of the killing and drying- out of the tissue. The diseased tAvigs of the previous year are without doubt the chief source of the initial infection each spring. The catkins are probably not diseased by walnut bacteriosis; they often turn black, but this is probably only due to the natural process of IOMarlh, 1916.] The Wdlnut. 15; dying and drying up after their work is done. Various attempts have been made to obtain the blight organism from these darkened catkins, but without success. Blossom End Infection.— While the nuts may be infected at any point in the surface, by far the most common, as well as most, virulent form of infection is at the blossom end, near what is technicallv called the stigma. This is the weakest part of the nut, and is especially sensitive to the blight. The bacteriosis is very bad on the small nuts, and when once it has started at this point it rapidly continues its growth within the tissue, until the small nut is sufficiently weakened to fall. 'Not all the infected nuts fall when they are small, but some remain on even until harvest time. In the nuts the disease gradually grows within the tissue until the kernel is reached, which at length becomes blackened anrl then destroyed. The disease may start at any place on the nut, and gradually Fig. 33. -Developing walnuts attacked by bacteriosis- distrlct, 1913. -Bright extend through other tissues into the kernel, but by far the most of the infections that injure the kernels are fi'om the blossom end. (Plate 33.) Lateral Nut Infection. — The disease on the nuts starts at one or more points on the surface as a small, circular, raised, discoloured area that at first has a water-soaked appearance, and may not be larger than the point or head of a pin when first visible. The diseased area in its earliest stages is slightly raised above the surrounding healtliy tissue, but as the disease progresses the spot becomes more or less sunken below tlir normal tissue. The spot gradually enlarges in size, and becomes black iu ap])earaiice. Surrounding tlie l)lM<'kcned area is a paler zone, having tlu; same water-soaked ajjpcarancc already referred to. This band of tissue lies between the healthv ti-;-^nc and the blackencil aren, and represent the cells of tlie tissue that ai-(> being acted U]ion by tlie ferments secreted by the organism, whidi break down tlic tissue and 158 Journal of AtjHculUire, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. prepare the way for the further advance of the bacteria. In the early infections, if climatic conditions are favorable, lesions, or dark spots, are formed, which often extend through the hull and shell-forming tissues into the kernel. The nut in such cases is deformed in shape as the diseased part ceases to grow. Such nuts do not bark clean, as the outer covering clings very tightly to the shell, and the kernel at best is only poorly developed. Late Infections.— Ti often happens that during the summer months weather conditions are favorable for natural infection of nuts. At thii^ time the outer tissue is beginning to harden, and is not in condition for the deep growth of the disease that occurs earlier in the season, when the tissue is more tender. The parts of infection appear as small, dark- coloured areas scattered over the surface of the nut. Each little infec- tion can be distinctly seen, or its confluence with others may make a large spot. In these late infections the development is shallow, and does not penetrate much through the epidermis, and the disease seems to dry out and die. Occasionally a more severe late infection occurs, where the blackening and lesion extend to the hard shell, causing the hull to cling to the shell of the nut. White Deposit on Diseased Tissue. — On the surface of the diseased tissue of both the branches and the nuts can often be observed a whitish substance that accumulates during the summer, but at length disappears. When this is properly stained and examined with a compound micro- scope, it is found to be composed of countless numbers of bacteria and broken-down plant tissue. Winter Habitat of Germ. — The germ of the organism, without question, winters in the old lesions of the branches. Much work has been done in making cultures at short intervals of time throughout the year from the diiferent diseased tissues in order to see if the disease organism was alive, and where it best could pass through the winter, or dormant period. In every series of cultures the disease organism was found, showing conclusively that the disease was still alive in the old lesions of the wood and bark. The most prolific source of new infection is the lesions on diseased twigs. Here the germs remain in almost a dormant condition until the warm weather of spring, which arouses them to a renewed activity, Avhen they exude on the surface, and are carried to the new growth, leaves, branches, and nuts. From observation, the young leaves seem to be infected very early, and probably are one of the chief sources of the secondary infection. Secondary Infection. — The first, or initial infection, may occur on only a few nuts and new growth, then quite suddenly the disease seems to spread and infect many small nuts. This sudden increase of the disease is due to an infection from the earlier diseased nuts and now growth, and can thus be termed the secondary infection. Effect of Climate. — This disease is quite susceptible to variation in climatic conditions. It is a matter of observation that the amount of disease varies from year to year in a given locality, also that some sections are freer from the disease than are others, even during the same period of time. A grove may be very bad one year, and nearly free from the disease the following year. The amount of moisture present in the air has, without question, considerable influence on the quantity 10 March, 1916.] The Walnut. 159 of disease that may develop, as luiuiid conditions are especially favorable for its spread. It has been proved again and again by experiments that infection is produced when water containing the disease germs is sprayed on the surface of the young nuts, while the untreated ones are free from the disease. Then, for infection to take place under natural conditions, it only becomes necessary for virulent germs to come in contact with immature nuts, and water is apparently the principal agent in conveyinc: the germs from the diseased lesions to the young growth or small nuts below. Rains or fogs occurring in the spring, after the nuts appear, particularly at night, are very favorable for the dissemination and new infection of the small nuts. During those conditions the trees become saturated, water dripping from one portion of the tree to another, which could easily carry the disease organisms to healthy tissue. i ^kk,. 1 ^^^^P / ^^S Fig. 34. — Section of surface of green walnut, showing a group of stomata through which the blight germs enter. Much enlarged. (After Smith, BiUletin 231.) Ilow the Germ Enters the Tissue. — Nuts, as well as the leaves and young shoots, are provided with stomata, or breathing pores, through the epidermis into the interior of the tissue. These stomata on the nuts are arranged in groups of from five to a dozen or more, and are to be found on tlie paler green specks that spot the surface of the husk of the green nuts. It is through these openings that the bacterial organism can gain entrance to the interior of the tissue of the young nuts. The blight organism being motile and when carried to the surface of the nut by moisture, such as fogs, heavy dew, and rain, can use this moist surface to swim directly into the stomata, or breathing pores, just described. When once in the interior of the nut, the conditions are leO Journal of Aijr'tciiVture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. favorable for further development. Wliile these stomata have the power to open and close, they are probably never so closely shut that the small germs could not enter. The moist conditions favorable for the entry of the germ, or bacterium, through the stoma are also just the conditions necessary for keeping this entrance open. Non-blighting of Late Blooming Trees. — The majority of the bearing groves of California are at this time year 1908 seedling trees, differing greatly in their blooming periods. The difference in time is frequently from one to tvv^o months, and may be as much as three months between the earliest and the late-^t French varieties. Such a wide range in time of blooming gives considerable chance for difference in climatic condi- tions. "We find that the early or medium blooming trees are in blossom at a favorable period for the blight to develop, Avhile the late bloomer'^ come into flower at a time when bacteriosis can make little headway. Particular attention has been given to this phase of our investigation, in the hope of finding a commercially profitable tree that blooms at a season when conditions for the infection of the small nuts is at a minimum. While this work is not yet completed, enough has been done to show that nuts in such late trees are comparatively free from the disease.* Immunity. — Certain trees are some times spoken of as being immune to the blight, but while there is probably no such thing among walnuts as absolute freedom from this disease, where conditions are favorable for blight infection, yet some trees do show quite a marked resistance, and, if otherwise desirable, are given precedence in new plantings on this account (variety Eureka, for instance). It may be that in certain localities there is no blight, but this probably is not due to any immunity that the trees possess, but is rather the effect of climatic conditions, or due to the fact that the specific organism has not yet reached this par- ticular locality, t Snraving to Control Bacteriosis. — American experiments. — In the spring of 1906, several large blocks of good-sized seedling trees were selected for this purpose in the vicinity of Whittier, and spraying opera- tions were commenced. The principle experiments w^ere made with tbree different fungicides — Bordeaux mixture, lime-sulphur, and -^ sulphur spray made by boiling together sulphur and caustic potash. The work was done with a power sprayer, and was carried on more thoroughly and carefully than any grower would be likely to do such spraying, and without regard to expense. In one instance a large block of trees was «prayed with Bordeaux mixture, using a 5.6.50 formula; in another, a heavy lime-sulphur was used, the spray being prepared by boiling ; while in the third the potash-sulphur spray mentioned above was used. It was found in all this work that to spray large walnut trees thoroughly is an extremely slow, difficult, and expensive operation. As a result of this experience we were led very soon to lelieve that the general spraying * Probably this lateness in blooming is responsible where trees are found reasoDably free frc m attack, and growing adjacent to those very susceptible. The majority of walnut trees in Victoria originated from non-selected seedling trees, and start to bloom early, frcmthe latter end of Septembrr and during October. Any trees found blooming towards the end of October and early November should be comparatively free from this disease. If this lateness of blooming is an important factor such trees should be kept under observation by the grower, and compared with the early bloomers. — Authoe. t No doubt these conditions are responsible for the immunity of trees growing in certain localities in Victoria. — Aitthor. 10 March, 1916.] The Walnut. 161 of Californian walnut groves would be extremely difficult, if not abso- lutely impossible, for the average grower to get the work done thoroughly enough, even though the spraying done by ourselves should prove ex- tremely effective in controlling the disease. During the summer follow- ing our sprayings careful observations were made from time to time of the conditions as to blight of the sprayed and unsprayed trees in the experimental orchards. From such observations no difference whatever in the prevalence of the disease on the nuts could be detected. Many of the sprayed trees lost a large portion of their crop from bacteriosis, and even on individual, rather small trees, or individual branches which had been especially well sprayed, and absolutely covered with the mixture, much blight developed on the nuts, and it soon became apparent that no satisfactory degree of control, if any, had been secured by our work. During the following year, 1907, the appearance of the trees sprayed in 1906 gave some reason to believe that the disease was less prevalent on the sprayed than on the unsprayed trees. This was particularly true in the case of trees sprayed with lime-sulphur. It is, therefore, not improbable that while infection of the nuts during the year when the spraying was done was not prevented, that the shoot and twig infection was somewhat controlled, and that on this account less blight was carried over winter, and less nut infection took place the following year. From the experiments, we became thoroughly convinced that the possibilities of walnut bacteriosis control did not lie in the direction of spraying.* * 'The re-iult-s of sprayin? in Victoria gave no satisfaction as regards controlling this disease. Furthermore, It Is not a practicable proposition owing to the size the trees attain under favorable con- ditions.— Author. NITROGENOUS NODULES. The majority of plants do not have root nodules, as, for example, the cereals, potatoes, and the like. The nitrogenic nodules are pro- duced by micro-organisms closely related to the bacteria, which make their entrance from the soil through the tender walls of the younger por- tions of the roots, and induce a cell growth in the region of the invasion that results in a nodule, which is able to lay hold and adapt the free nitrogen of the atmosphere for the use of the plant. To a certain ex- tent the number and size of the nodules may be taken as an index of the success of the plant. Soil from an old pea field will produce nodules upon pea roots in new land better than upon clover or any other crop. This leads to the subject of soil inoculation. Successful experimenU have been made in soil inoculation with crimson clover and hairy vetcli. Soil from old pea land has made a striking difference when spread upon other soil, and the larger growth and deeper green colour of the }>oa plants. Soil in which peas were grown in one district lias been brouglit to another for inoculation, and the nodules formed in tliis mixture were afterwards used to inoculate other soils. Besides this also the growtli of leguminous plants in rotation with cereal crops fulfils another important function in the promotion of humus on the surface soils. 038 » 162 J ou null of Agriculture, Vicforid. [10 March, 1916. - THE PRACTICAL ECONOMY OF SKIM MILK. By J. M . Kerr, Senior Dairy Supervisor. Every gallon of cream sold, leaves on tlie farm about nine times its own bulk of separated milk to be turned to other account. The use to which skim milk is most commonly put is conversion into bacon by feeding to pigs ; but it is rare indeed to find it being used as economically as it might be in the process. Thi& is mainly due to a defective under- standing of its limitations, in which case the discredit which is so often visited on the skim milk should really attach to its owner. Properly understood, and properly utilized, skim milk has a value which no ordinary dairyman can afford to despise. Whep.e Fat's Common Virtue does not Apply. In utilizing skim milk, it should never be forgotten that the natural fat is missing, and that, in consequence, skim milk alone is a one-sided food for any animal. As it happens, skim milk retains the most valuable food ingredients, the loss of fat notwithstanding. From the bacon-curer's point of view, fat is the ingredient which can best be spared. In animal nutrition, fat shares with starch the function of generating the requisite heat and energy, though of the two, fat is much the more efficient for the purpose. This gives fat a very high value in most feeding operations, but feeding for bacon production is the exception. An animal warmly-kept, and at rest — as a fattening pig should be^ — need consume but little heat-producing (carbohydrate) ingredient to satisfy all its needs in that ^^articular direction. If these needs be much exceeded, nature, being unable to utilize the surplus heat and energy, conserves them in the system, in the form of fatty tissue, to a degree inconsistent with the popular taste in bacon. It not only means an exces- sive proportion of fat to lean, but, if the diet be too fatty, the bacon so produced is poor also in colour, flavour, and keeping quality. For this reason, the heat and energy supply of a pig may well be entrusted to tie less active carbohydrate — starch — a food ingredient which exists to superfluous extent in most foodstuffs commonly available on the farm. Skim Milk an Unbalanced Ration. A food to be complete must possess two distinct groups of ingredients. One group is represented by fat and starch, which have a common function — which, in the case of a restful, comfortable pig, might be called fat formation ; the other is protein, which has a different function, viz., mainly flesh formation. In a perfectly-balanced diet, these two classes of food must exist in a certain ratio to one another — the nutritive ratio. Any departure from this relation, one way or the other, is a detriment. As the solid portion of whole milk contains the respective food groups in just ideal proportion for a growing animal, neither part can be depleted without leaving the other superabundant in con- sequence. It is because the butter-fat is missing that the remaining solids contain such a high percentage of protein — in fact too much protein. The High Protein Content Particularly Valuable. This is a rare virtue in foodstuffs, and the dairy farmer who fails to appreciate its significance in animal feeding does not know his business. 10 March, 1916.] The Practical Economy of Skim Milk. 163 The man who knows what protein means to a ration also knows the difficulty of procuring it in adequate quantity. No doubt the water, existing in such quantity as it does in skim milk, is rather a deibaser — in cold weather, at all events; but the man who would complain of the excess of protein is surely suffering from an embarrassment of riches. Protein, and particularly digestible protein, is the ingredient in which nearly all the common home-grown foodstuffs of the farm are more or less deficient, and it is really the chronic want of a sufficiency of it which generally embarrasses dairy farmers in all their animal-feeding opera- tions— if they only knew ft. It is just here where skim milk, with its more than enough protein, can be put to its utmost practical use. Skim milk contains practically all the natural protein of the milk, as well as the milk-sugar and mineral matter. Just as protein is indispensable for flesh formation, mineral matter is equally so for bone formation. These two formations — flesh and bone^ — constitute real growth in the animal, as distinct from the mere accumulation of fatty tissue. It should be evei-y bacon-producer's care to so feed his animals that fat formation waits on flesh formation, and good bacon on both. This cannot be accomplished without adequate protein and mineral matter — the peculiar virtue of skim milk. In no other food in nature does either protein or mineral matter occur as assimilable and as palatable as in the curd and ash respectively of milk — either whole or skimmed. In having a feeding material of such nature daily to his hand, tbe dairy farmer is certainly in a favoured position as a producer of prime bacon. It calls, however, for proper use, viz., that of balancing other fodders not so plentifully endowed with precious protein. Excess of any Constituent Means Deficient Consumption OF Another. The mere presence of protein, fat, starch, and mineral matter in a food is not enough — a further necessity is that they be present in projjer proportion. Skim milk's one-sidedness is due to its excessive protein- content and the comparative deficiency of carbohydrate : but another imperfection which must also be allowed for is the water content; — superabundant, yet dissociable^ — which unduly adds to the bulk. If skim milk alone be the pig's portion, his stomach becomes fully distended long before he has acquired a sufficiency of starchy ingredient. Over-gorging is the only alternative to going deficient— neither of which is ever associated with maximum returns. Some farmers foolishly think that, by souring the milk and discarding the wliey, tliey are getting rid of the surplus water only. This is a serious mistake, because the water removed in this way takes along with it the milk-sugar — the starchy ingredient in which the skim milk is already deficient. The Rational Method of Balancing hy Addition. Extraction of tlie surplus water is not commercially practicable, and would be folly to attempt, seeing that the same desired effect can »>e arrived at by suppleinenting the milk with other foodstuffs over-rich in starch (to balance the surplus protein of the milk solids) and as free from water as possible (to balance the excessive water-content of the milk). TIip ideal "thickening," therefore, for skim milk, should he the K 2 164 Jowrnal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. more starchy and drj'er grain concentrates, viz., maize, wheat, barley, &,c., and pollard, which, though fattening m themselves, have a higher proportion of starch to protein than is required, and only need a little ■more of the latter to make them about all that a pig requires in the way of food — that is, if adequate water is also provided. Skim milk is admirably adapted to supply the little which grain lacks; and, because the deficiency is little, it can be fully met by an amount of skim milk not beyond the pig's capacity to absorb. If any more than 3 lbs. of skim milk is fed to each pound of grain, the farmer may depend that the pig's progress is being hampered for want of sufficient starch. This ratio should never be exceeded, even in a young, growing pig, in which the demand for protein and mineral is much greater than in an older one. As the pig develops to full size, the proteid skim milk should be still further reduced, even eventually down to the pound-to-pound ratio. Provided normal prices prevail, the pig will repay with interest every pound of pollard so vised. The Advantage Proved. So far, we have the theory, but it does not stop at that. We have the experience of many of our most successful pig fatteners, as well as the authority of leading experimentalists, to show that it is borne out in practice. The experiments about to be quoted speak in pounds, but most pig feeders are not exact enough in their practice of mixing foods to be able to say what weight of each foodstuff their pigs receive. It is safe, however, to accuse the majority of never adding as much as a bucketful of pollard to a bucket of skim milk. Yet this is not enough pollard — it is but 1 pound in 4. The pig's needs call for never less than 1 pound in 3. The Superiority of the Higher Proportion of Grain. The mutually economizing effect of grainstuffs and skim milk, when fed to the same animal in proper proportion, may be realized by a study of the following figures — the results of various experiments by Professor Henry. To fully appreciate them, it should be understood that, when pigs received grain alone, about 500 lbs. is required to increase their weights 100 lbs. ; and that about 3,000 lbs. of skim milk, if fed alone, will accomplish the same increase. The following oft-quoted table (from Henry's Feeds and Feeding) shows the respective quantities of skim milk and corn (maize) meal required to increase the weight of pigs 100 lbs., according as the milk is supplemented in greater or less pro- portion. Feed for 100 lbs. of gain. Meal. Skim Milk. lbs. lbs. 1 lb. of maize meal and 1 — -3 lbs. of skim milk 321 585 1 lb. of maize meal and 3 — -5 lbs. of skim milk 265 1,048 1 lb. of maize meal and 5 — 7 lbs. of skim milk 250 1,434 1 lb. of maize meal .md 7—9 lbs. of skim milk 207 1,616 10 March, 1916.] The Practical Economy of Skim Milk. 165 The most effective proportion is here proved to be the 1 to 3, when 321 lbs. of corn and 585 lbs. of skim milk produced the 100 lbs. of gam. Had the pig^s been confined to the 321 lbs. of grain, the increase (allowing 500 lbs. for 100 lbs. of gain) would be 60 lbs. If limited to the 585 lbs. of skim milk alone, 19i lbs. of gain might be expected. Fed in this way, the total production is 79| lbs. Yet these same amounts, when the pigs were allowed to receive both meal and milk, produced 100 lbs. — a 20-lb. greater return without any extra cost. The improved result should be the common experience of every bacon producer who is fortunate enough to have skim milk, and none should be satisfied with less. The Enhancement Effected by Proper Admixture. A farmer content to use bare milk gets, from 585 lbs. of skim milk, a return of about 144 lbs. of carcass bacon, which, at 4d. a lb., is worth 4s. lOd. ; while another farmer believing in copious pollard can get back all the pollard cost and a further 9s. from the same quantity of skim milk. By spending 16s. for 16 bushels of pollard, to supplement the 585 lbs. of skim milk, 75 lbs., or £1 5s., worth of carcass bacon is produced, instead of the 14i lbs. which might be expected from bare milk. Deducting the 16s. for pollard leaves 9s. clear to compare with his sceptical neighbour's 4s. lOd. To get the increased turnover, with its gross money return of £1 5s. instead of 4s. lOd., the farmer certainly had first to lay out 16s. The man who is not willing to spend this is practically accepting 4&. lOd. in preference to 9s. What is Lost by not Going Far Enough. So far, the comparison has been between the man who uses no con- centrate and the man who uses it as liberally as it should be used. How does the man fare financially who believes in " some " concentrate only? His ratio is most probably represented in the third experiment in the above tabic. Here the pigs were fed 250 lbs. of concentrate, along with 1,434 lbs. of skim milk — about 1 in 6. The gain was the same, 100 lbs., or 75 lbs. of carcass bacon. Therefore, 585 lbs. of milk — the amount used in the best-balanced experiment — and 102 lbs. of concentrate, the same ratio, would produce 30.^ lbs., or 10?. 2d. worth of bacon. From this, 5s. Id. must be deducted fcr the 102 lbs. of pollard. The result is 53. Id. clear. The additional value imparled to skim milk, by proper balancing, is summarized in the following: — Milk. Pollard. Bacon Produced. Value. Cost of Pollard. Pmflt. R.'turn per Gallon. 585 lbs. nil 14.Hb.s. 4s. lOd. nil 4s. lOd. hi. 585 1b.s. 102 lbs. 30l lbs. 10s. 2d. 5s. Id. 5.s. Id. 1.04d. 585 lb.s. 321 lbs. 75lbs. £1 5s. IGs. Os. 1.85d. "Losing the Ship for a IIaportii o' Tar." By laying out 5s. Id. where he .'should lay out 16s., a man t;ets only 53. Id. for every 585 lbs. of skim milk (equal to Id. a gallon) instead of 9s. (nearly 2cl. a gallon). Thus 58^ gallons of skim milk may return 5s. Id., or 9s., just according to the business capacity of tiie man wiio ha3 the disposal of it. No doubt, the man who gets the fiM-mer rotuni thinks he save.s monev by his more " careful " use of polhird. lie docs save 10s. lid. on the pollard, and receives 143. lOd. less for b^.r-nn 166 Journal of Ayriculture, Victoria. [10 Makch, 1916. every time he does it. This loss of nearly 4s. occurs with a small quantity of milk like 58^ gallons. How many Victorian dairy farmers are suffering it many times over every day of their lives ? [Pollard has been substituted for the maize of the American experi- ment, becauss in normal times prices are always in its favour here.] The better returns when the proportion of pollard is kept up to one- third should convince any one that full supplementation of the skim milk is worth while, despite the indifference of so many dairy farmers. Of course, it is net meant to suggest that a certain exact proportion is to be adhered to^ absolutely in the practical operation of pig feeding — a slight variation one way or the other is neither here nor there. What is urged is that the man with Sikim milk to utilize should keep some- where near the proportion which has been proved by frequent experi- ment to be tTie most effective. It means raking in an extra Id. for every gallon of skim milk which he is fortunate enough to possess. It may be seen from the above how the skim milk of one cow — say 585 gallons — may be worth £2 8s. 4d. to one man, and £4 10s. to another, just according to the business grasp of the owner; also, why farmers' estimates of the gallon value of skim milk vai-y so. No ^iEED TO GO BEYOND POLLARD. The inducement to use concentrate in pig feeding is naturally in pro- portion to the net return possible from such use, and this in turn must depend on the market price of concentrates. Unless grain seconds are available instead, it is unlikely that, as a concentrate, pollard can be improved upon for the purpose; but, of course, the market price is the determining factor here. Though maize-meal, barley, rye, peas, wheat, and pollard, &c., are all nearly equally effective in fattening, it perhaps never occurs that they can be equally recommended for the purpose, because the respective prices must be considered ; and the comparatively high prices which generally prevail in Victoria for most of the con- centrates are a more or lees constant bar to their general use as pig food. But pollard is usually a happy exception, although it is easily conceivable that beyond a certain price — as during the recent scarcity — it also would fail to be remunerative, unless the price obtainable for the fattened product should immediately adapt itself to the increased cost of production. With normal prices ruling for both pollard and bacon, a liberal use of the former with skim milk will undoubtedly justify itself, and prove a profitable venture. The other concentrates named can only be recommended in preference to pollard when their price is below normal, excepting, of course, when a man has " seconds" on hand which are not saleable. The addition of some coarser grain, however, facilitates the digestion of pollard. Why do Farmers Hesitate ? Dairvmen generaTly do not doubt the efficiency of added pollard as an aid to fattening, and it is pleasing to admit that some supplementa- tion of skim milk is general. The pity is that so many baulk at the quantity necessary for maximum results. A decision to purchase the requisite pollard, or to hold back more home-grown grain, requires confidence of a kind, rare amongst farmers, in the pig's ability to repay. The former means letting hard-earned cash out of hand, and the latter 10 March, 1916.] The Practical Economy of Skim Milk. 167 means delaying the full realization of a year's labour, with an element of risk thrown in. Rather are they disposed to say, " It is not good enough risking hard cash on pigs." This is the error, and this the attitude which calls for combat. Such reasoners do not recognise the fact that, without a liberal use of concentrate, maximum profits from skim milk are impossible. Sometimes, of course, his financial position gives a farmer no alt-ernative but to choose the cash-in-hand policy, and he may be a good business farmer, nevertheless — the suit has to be cut according to the cloth. But, if doubting dairy farmers, not financially restricted, will ponder what has been demonstrated by the above experi- ments— the reliability of which cannot reasonably be questioned — they might be induced tliereby to entrust a short-dat«d loan to their pigs at the high interest there shown. The security niav not be gilt-edged, but with pollard at Is. per bushel, and bacon at 4d. per lb. — a very reasonable estimate — it is just as secure as that offered by committing bushels of seed oats to the weather in anticipation of a harvest. While bacon holds above 4d.. and while the price of pollard, maize, barley, peas, wheat, &c., does not exceed fd. per lb., a man is commercially short-sighted who does not supplement his skim milk with all the con- centratB which it requires, i.e., never less than 1 lb. of concentrate to each 3 lbs. of skim milk which the pig receives. In the light of the experiments shown above, only one conclusion is possible, viz., if it pays to use concentrate with skim milk at all, it is best to use it in the most economical proportion ; and when it ceases to pay in this proportion, it does not pay to use it at all. The practice of " some " concentrate is too indefinite, and is merely groping in the dark. A closer observance of the recommended proportion might make all the difference between failure and success in pig fattening. Of course, it is not all. As it ig only the food eaten which gives results, the farmer should make it his policy to encourage the highest consumption, witliout entailing gorging. This can only be achieved b/ frequency, regularity, and punctuality of supply in the troughs — five times a day for preference. But, even with all the other essentials — healthy animals of the right class, comfortably and cleanly kept, sufficiently, frequently, and regularly fed on skim milk and concentrate — the maximum profits from skim milk will ever remain out of reach if tlie suj>plementing concentrate be used too s])aringly. Sum:r.ed up, the significance of the figures quoted is as follows: — 1. Tliat the addition of concentrate in the larger quantity greatly increases the efficiency of skim milk. 2. That the amount of concentrate commonly used with skim milk is altogether inadequate for maximum returns — consequently is unecono- mical. 3. That 6 lbs. of skim milk is sometimes, and 5.^ lbs. frequently, spent in doing what 3} lbs. should do. 4. That the returns possible from skim milk are uhk-Ii liigluT than are generally obtained from it. 5. That skim milk used with concentrate, never in greater ratio than 3 lbs. to 1 lb., returns, in normal times, perliaj)s 2d. i)er gnllon ; whereas, if siip|>lied in 9 to 1 proportion, the probable return i.s only Id. per gallon. The moral is, " Use plenty concentrate." 168 Journal of Agtncidture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. VARIATIONS LY THE PLAXTS FROM THE SAME HEAD OF WHEAT. By Alfred J. Ewart, D.Sc, Ph.D., (i;c., Government Botanist of Vic- toria, and Professor of Botany and Plant Physiology in the Mel- bourne University. In 1914, Mr. Adcock drew my attention to the fact that Mr. Whelan, at Rutherglen, had observed variations in the rate of germination of grains from the same head of wheat, the more rapid germination ap- pearing to be shown by the grains from the middle of the head. Taking single grains, how.ever, the rate of germination appeared to fluctuate so much at different parts of the head as to render it doubtful whether the variation was real or apparent only. AVERAGE RATE OF GERMINATION I GRAINS FROM II. FROM ' APEX SINGLE HEAD SEVERAL HEADS fST ROW ...gI 2nd „ --ot 3RP " --^ 4 '^^ " "-^ 5V /' . — 6^.H 71" G~^ 8^f <3^ " ""^ 91" " ""(^ 10 V BASE Accordingly, tes.ts were carried out at the University under fully controlled conditions in a large wire cage used for wheat breeding. Two diagrams were made on paper corresponding to each wheat head used. The grains were removed singly and planted an inch deep with the aid of a marker. The times of germination in days were marked on the duplicate diagram, those first to germinate being marked 1, those germinating three days later 3, and so on. The grains in each successive pair of right and left spikelets were marked 1st row, 2nd row, 3rd row, &c. The total germination figures were divided by the number of grains in each row. A diagram showing the germination figures for a single head is shown (Fig. 1), and also the germination averages for successive rows of a single head. (Column 1 of table.) These show a considerable amount of irregular variation, but if the results from more than one head are averaged (Column II.), it can be clearly seen that the germination is most rapid in the grains of the 10 March, 1916.] Variations in Plants from Same Head of Wheat. 169 sixth row from the top, and that the average rate of germination de- creases towards base and apex of the head. It is worthy of note that in planting out the grains in plots, none should be planted at all close to the edge of the plots, otherwise an increased delay of germination may be stiown by such grains, which is due to physical causes unconnected with differences in thei grains themselves. The heads used were from a second generation cross of Federation $ X Bayah ? . When the grain was ripe, the plots (thirteen in all) were examined for signs of individual variation in plants from the same head. There were no noticeable differences in the straw, flag, or in the basal parts of the heads. The tips of the heads varied, however, from some- what tapering ends with a few distant sterile spikelets to blunter ends tipped with awns up to \\ inches long. The majority of the heads were awnless, the ratio being not in a simple Mendelian one, but very nearly in the proportion of 5 : 1. In three out of thirteen plots every head was awnless. In seven plots the longest awn at the tip of the head did not exceed ^-inch, and the awns were confined to the extreme tip or upper third of the head. In the remaining three plots, odd plants from various parts of the head developed awns up to \\ inches long, becoming shorter basally, and being always absent in the lower half of the head. All gradations between these extremes were shown, and, in addition, a similar but less pronounced range of variation was even shown in a few cases between heads stooled from the same grain. Apparently, in this case the awned and awnless characters are not sharply defined morphological units capable of simple Mendelian inheri- tance, but are capable of an indefinite range of variation without any distinct line of demarcation, except such as may be made by an observer working upon a preconceived idea. In any case, it may be worth while to test the exact hereditary transmission of the awned and awnless char- acters more fully in a variety of cases. POTASH FROM SEA-WEED. Thc> Unit Department of Agriculture has made a thorough inquiry into the possibility of using seaweed as a source of potasii for the purposes of cultivation. It is known that some of the seaweeds are rich in potash. Macrocystis contains about 2A per cent., and therefore the main question to }>e resolved is the cost of production. By the i>i- troduction of a machine, I'un on the principles of a harvester, the kelp is harvested in barges at a cost of half a dollar a raw ton. Di;ying in hot-air ovens is estimated to cost a dollar per dry ton. When dry the kelp is brittle, and may be ground readily. From 1,000 tons of wet kelp 86 tons of dry kelj) are obtainable, and tliis contains 16 tons of pot- asii, and a ton and three-quarters of nitrogen. If nii.xed with fish waste manure, it becomes, by the addition of phosphorus from tlie latter, a "perfect" artifirial manure. Estimates of cost and price obtainable indicate that there is a fair margin for profit. 170 Jonnud of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. BEE-KEEPING IN VICTORIA. By F. R. Beuhne, Government AincuUurist. XXYI.— THE HONEY FLORA OF YlCTOUl A— continued. (Continued from page 674, Vol. XIII.) The Butt-Butt (Eucalyptus Bridgesiana, R. T. Baker). Fig. 40. This eucalypt was formerly considered to be identical with, or a. variety of, the Apple Gum {Eucalyptus Stuartiana). It is, however, now classed as a distinct species. It differs from E. Stuartiana in generally having much longer leaves, less flowers in a cluster, a whitish- grey box-like bark, instead of a red stringy bark, and a whitish-brown instead of a red-coloured timber. It is a tree of considerable size, with a whitish-grey wrinkled, or checkered, bark, short and brittle in the grain, not fibrous, and almost identical with that of the Boxes. The bark, when freshly cut, exhales an aroma similar to the ordinary eucalyptus oil. The sucker leaves (1, 2, 3, Fig. 40) are, in the early stage, egg heart- shaped, and then pointed egg-shaped, on stalks or stalklets opposite or altei-nate. The mature leaves have rather long stalks, are pointed, lance-shaped, often somewhat curved, and vary in length to over 12 inches. The leaves are not shining, the lateral veins spreading, either prominent or faint ; the marginal vein well removed from the edge ; the clusters on flattened stalklets carry about seven flowers ; the lower half of the bud is half egg-shaped, the lid half-round, blunt or pointed. The fruit is half-round, rarely conical, on a short stalk ; the rim is thickened with a ring below the edge. The timber is fairly hard, and whitish-brown in colour. It is only good for indoor work, as it decays rapidly when exposed to the air or placed in the ground. The Butt-Butt is found in Victoria in Gipps- land and parts of the north-east. (Description and illustration (Fig.. 40) taken from Baker and Smith's Research on the Eucalypts.) The Peppermint Gum (Eucalyptus piperita, Smith). Fig. 41. A tall tree, with a trunk up to 4 feet in diameter. Stem and branches covered with fibrous bark, rough and grey outside. The branchlets are slender; the leaves scattered, sickle-lance-shaped, not very long, more shining on the upper than the lower side, dark green, and usually thin ; their lateral veins faint and numerous; the marginal vein somewhat removed from the edge. The umbels of from five to fifteen, rarely three to four flowers occur at the shoulders of leaves, or mostly lateral on the branchlets, on slender, slightly compressed stalks; buds on short stalklets; lower part of bud half egg-shaped, top broad, conical, pointed;. 10 March, 1916.] Bee-heeping in Victoria. 171 fruits usually small, globular, egg-shaped, three- or, much ofteuer, four- celled ; fruits occasionally larger and less roundish than those shown in the illustration. (Fig. 41.) This tree is closely allied to the Blackbutt {E . piluJaris), the White Stringybark (E . eiir/enioidfs), and to the Messmate {E . ohJiqiia), as well Fig. 40.^The Butt Butt ( Kncdliiptus Bri(lH' different species are sonu'times not readily distinguished from one another. The Pepper- mint Gum differs from t'lie Blackbutt (A', pihiltnis) chiefly in its rough bark extending to the branches (which in the liiat-kbutt are smooth), in iiioi-c slender and less anguiai- itranchlets, and smaller flowers. 172 Journal of Agnculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. From the White Stringybark {E . eugenioides), which was considered by Bentham to be a variety of the former, it is not easily distinguished,, but its seedlings are smooth, while those of E . eugenioides are hairy (as shown in the background of the illustration). (Fig. 41.) The Mess- mate {E. ohliqua) is distinguishable from the Peppermint Gum (E. piperita) by the larger and thicker leaves of the former, which are of \\ X- \;,. •I X \ Fig. 41. — The Peppermint Gum {Eucalyptus piperita, Smith). equal colour and shining on both sides, by the shorter and rounded' blunt lid of the bud, and its longer conical lower part, or tube. The distinguishing features of each species will become apparent ou reference to the respective illustrations (viz.. Figs. 41, 27, 15, 18, and; 42). 10 March, 1916.] Bee-keeping in Victoria. 173 The Peppermint Gum is found on less fertile areas, from the coast to the mountain region, occurring even on sand lands in Gippsland and ISTew South Wales. The timber is useful for posts and shingles, but inferior to that of the allied species previously referred to. Of its value as a nectar-producing tree nothing can be said till its identity is established in districts from which information is available^ but which may refer to one or other of the allied species. The Brown Messmate {Eucalyptus hoemastoma, Smith). Fig. 42. Finally, a tall tree, with frequently quite smooth bark, or less usually persistent on the stem, but on the branches smooth to a great extent; it occurs, however, also occasionally with bark persisting up to the last branches, and would then come under the category of stringybarks^ while in the ordinary form, with persistent bark on the trunk and smooth branches, it is apt, when judged by general appearance, to be mistaken for Blackbutt (E. jnlularis), and passes under the latter and several other misleading local names. The leaves are scattered on the branchlets, lance-sickle shaped, occa^ sionally much narrower, but exceptionally also verging into a somewhat oval form, shining and of equal green on both sides, the veins running more with, than across, the leaf; the marginal vein somewhat removed from the edge. The umbels are mostly solitary, at shoulders of leaves, or lateral on branchlets or some in a short spray on angular and of teni somewhat compressed stalks, with from five to ten or rarely more flowers in each umbel. Tube of calyx (flower cup) broadly conical^ about twice as long as the half-round depressed or slightly pointed small lid of the bud; the tube is not angular, and tapers into a somewhat long stalklet. Fruit half egg-shaped, with a rim of brownish-red colour, from which the species derives its systematic name, it is four, or less frequently, five-celled, the rim depressed or quite flat; valves very short. The wood is not of any great value, not being durable, but it furnishes fair fuel. In Victoria the Brown Messmate is found in the eastern part of the State. As closely-allied species sometimes differ considerably in the charac- ter and value of the honey produced from the nectar of their flowers, as, for instance, in the case of Yellow Box {E. meUiodora) and Red Box (E. pohjanthemos), what has been said in regard to Messmate Honey (E. ohliqua), Fig. 15 (Journal of Agriculture, March, 1915), can- not be applied to the Brown Messmate (E. hcemastoma) without verifi- cation. As to the time and frequency of flowering, and the length of time in bud of this and the two preceding species, nothing is yet known, and the writer would be grateful to get into communication with beekeepers and others interested in the Eucalypts wlio are able to give information, so that further and more complete datii of the flowering habits of our Eucalypts may l)p av;iil:il)lc for imblication. 174 Journal of Agncidture, Victoria. [10 Maech, 1916. The Sandal Gum (Eucalyptus santalifolia, F. v. M). Fig. 43. A tall shrub, flowering, however, already at a height of 5 feet. In sandy desert country, as also in scrubby valleys or on arid ridges, re- stricted to^ regions near the coast, and occurring in Victoria in the Portland district. :'!'"" A ,'; 7 • "^-X n '' 1 • ..-.' 1 .-.;.,' /!! \^" ■ , . . . / ' ' ' ' ^r Fig. 42. — The Brown Messmate^ (Eucalijpius haemastoma. Smith). Leaves scattered on firm angular branchlets, thick, narrow or rarely broad-lance shaped, almost straight or somewhat curved, of equal colour and shining on both sides on moderate or short stalks; veins very faint, almost obliterated, marginal vein somewhat distant from the edge of 10 March, 1916.] Bee-keeping in Victoria. 175 the leaf. The specific name was devised by some resemblance of the leaves to those of sandalwood. The umbels occur singly at shoulders of leaves, but later lateral containing three to five, or rarely six to eight, flowers ; stalks of umbels scarcely or somewhat angular, the stalk- lets of buds and flowers extremely short or almost none; tube of flower Fig. 43. — The Sandal Gum (Eiu-ihiptus snufalifolin. V. v. ^I.) cu]) ucai'ly half round ;iiigg-sh:iiM'd conical U|)|)er i)iirt ol' ilic Imd; fruits d('i)n'ss('d globular, throe to four, occasionally five, celled. The Sandal (iuin resembles the lirown Stringy- bark in the almost total iibsence of flower stalklets, but it do<'s not attain the size of a lai'ge tree; the lenves are sni;iller, more rigid, of a lighter 176 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. green, less conspicuously veined, and not so unevensided. Tlie flowers are generally less numerous on each stalk, and the fruits usually smaller. The Sandal Cum is a good oil yielder. T% ^ :^^s J ■■/ / Fig. 44. — The Spotted Gum {Eucalyptus maculata, Hooker). The Spotted Gum (Eucalyptus maculata, Hooker). Fig. 44. A handsome tree, with a straight stem sometimes of a length of 90 feet up to the branches, and a diameter up to 3 feet. The hark is smooth, somewhat shining, whitish or sometimes reddish-grey, mottled by bluish- white or brown-reddish spots, hence the 10 March, 1916.] Bee-keeinng in Victoria. 177 vernacular as well as the botanical name. Leaves scattered on slightly- angular branchlets, elongated or narrow lance-shaped, often somewhat sickle-shaped, seldom more oval, of equal green on either side, more or less shining, sometimes but slightly so; their lateral veins crowded, spreading and rather prominent, the marginal vein close to the edge of the leaf. Flowers in usually short tufts, two or three together or some solitary, rarely four or more, two umbels occasionally arising from one point appearing like one, with six or seven flowers; the some- what angular stalklets are shorter than the flower cup, the tube of wLich is almost half egg-shaped or slightly bell-shaped ; the lid of the bud is double, the outer one half-round and pointed, the inner one depressed semiglobular, almost or quite blunt, transparent and shining; fruits globular or oval urn-shaped, with three, rarely two or four, deeply enclosed valves. The fruits vary from ;J to § of an inch in length, slightly rough or faintly wrinkled. The timber is used in shipbuilding, wheelwright work, frame work, and street paving. {To he continued.) PURIFYING WATER FOR STOCK. A simple method for purifying almost any water for drinking without boiling it, has been worked out by Dr. G. G. Naismith, director of the Health Laboratories of Toronto, Canada, and Dr. R. R. Graham, assis- tant chemist. The process is as follows: — Add a teaspconful (not heaped up) of chloride of lime, containing about one-third available chlorine to a cupful of water. Dissolve, and add in any convenient re- ceptacle three more cupsfull of water. Stir and allow to stand for a few seconds in order to let the particles settle. This stock solution, if kept in a tightly stoppered bottle, may be used for five days. Add a teaspoonful to 2 gallons of water to' be purified ; stir thoroughly in order that the weak chlorine solution will come into contact with all the bac- teria, and allow to stand for ten minutes. This will effectually destroy all typhoid and colon bacilli, or other dysentery producing bacilli in the water. The water will be without taste or odour, and the trace of free clilorine added rapidly disappears. Water containing mud in suspension is easily clarified by dropping hot wood ashes into it, or by the application of lime or alum. These two substances make the water hard. Chloride of iron may also be used. It is quite harmless, and a valuable constituent for all animals. Medical men prescribe iron in one of its several forms as a tonic. One jxiund rf chloride of iron (2d. per lb.) will clarify 1.000 to 2,500 gallons of muddy water, and much reduce the bacterial contents. 178 Journal of Arkini; .■•00 acres of wheat at His. 2. Seed wheat and freight . . 3. Manure 4. Hags and freight 5. Cartage, 8 miles Total cost . . . . . . .■)S-> (•) () Return. — Investor's share of wheat. 3,744 luisiicls .md .j2 ions \\\y. For a total investment of £890 19s. 9d., therefore, lie has received 6,678 bushels of wheat at the railway siding, and 5'J tons of hay. If the value of the hay is placed at 30s. a ton, the total cost of the wheat to Ihe investor would be £813. or 2s. 5}d. per bushel. His initial advance from the wheat pool, however, amounts to 2s. Gd. per bushel, £ 8. d. 400 0 0 74 !) 0 2.") 1 0 44 14 (> 41 2 0 180 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. consequently whatever dividend the pool distributes will be his profit on the transaction. As the f.o.b. price of wheat is at present 5s. 3|d., he will be substantially rewarded for his enterprise. Assuming the dis- tribution from the pool to be only Is. 6d. per bushel, the investor will reap a net profit of £500 on an outlay of £890. Both the farmers and the investor are satisfied with their joint operations. The farmers stated that had it not been for the investor they would not have been able to put in the extra 704 acres of land. They received cash advances of 16s., and £1 per acre, which was their estimated cost of the working; of the land, and, in addition, they received for the rent of their land one-third of the crop, amounting in all to 3,339 bushels, less their third share of the cost of seed and manure. Fresh contracts with these farmers, involving 1,000 acres of new land, have been drawn up for the coming year, and provision is being made for cultivating the land more thoroughly than was possible last season. The above case is an interesting illustration of the manner in which financiers may assist in increasing the output of foodstuffs with advan- tage to themselves, the farmers, and the Empire, and the Department will be glad to again act as the intermediary on receipt of communica- tions from those willing to invest. VERNACULAR NAMES OF VICTORIAN PLANTS. Continued from page 58, Vol. XIV . {10th January, 1916). Communicated by Alfred J. Ewart, D.Sc, Ph.D., Chairman, and C. S. Sutton, M.B., Ch.B., Secretary of the Plant Names Committee of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria. Botanical Name. Popular Name. Use or Character. SYW PETALE/E PERIGYN/E : — -continued. COMPOSIT.E. Vernonia — cinerea, Lessing Grey Vernonia . . ' Adenostemma — viscosum, R. and G. For- Gland Daisy ster Lagenophora — ■Of no known economic value. Billardieii, Cassini Asiatic Bottle-Daisy Huegelii, Benth. Coarse Bottle-Daisy Solenoqi/ne — Emphysopus, P.v.M. Dwarf Bottle-Daisy _ Brachycome — diversifolia, Fisch and >Iey. Tall Daisy Worthy of garden culture. melanocarpa, Sonder and Black-fruited Daisy " F.v.M. radicans, Steetz Marsh Daisy goniocarpa, Sonder] and Dwarf Daisy F.v.M. pachyptera, Turcz Hard -Head Daisy Several spfcies might be improved by selection and cultivation, more especi- scapigera, D.C. . . parvulla, Hook. f. Tufted Daisy Small Daisy ally B. nivalis, B. scapiformis, stricta, and multifida. graminea, F.v.M. Grass Daisy angustifolia, Cunn. Stiff Daisy basaltica, F.v.M. Basalt Daisy tracliycarpa, F.v.M. Rough Daisy exilis, Sonder Slender Daisy . . 10 March, 1916.] Vernacvlar Names of Victorian Plants. Veenacular Names of Victorian Plants — continued. 181 Botanical Name. Use or Character. Sympet.\le.e Perigyn^ — coUinued. COMPOSIT.E ^continued. Brachycome — continued^ ptychocarpa, F.v.M-. debilis, Souder . . decipiens, Hook. f. cardiocarpa, F.v.M. nivalis, F.v.M. . . scapiformis, D.C. stricta, D.C. cillaii.'i, Lessing calocarpa, F.v.M. chrvsi)i.'lossa, F.v.M. nniititida, D.C. .. coUiiia, Bcnth. . . Minuria — leptophylla, D.C. Cunninghaniii, Bentli. inteeerrima, Benth denticulata, Benth. suaedifolia, F.v.M. Cnlotis — cuneifolia, R.Br. glan lulosa, F.v.M. cymliMraiitha, F.v.M. erina<-i'a., Stcctz scabiosifolia, Sonder and F.v.M. scapigcra. Hook. antliPiiK ides, F.v.M. lappul.icea, Benth microcephala, Benth. pluniulifera. F.v.M. hispi liila, F.v.M. Olearia — megalophylla, F.v.J[. alpicola, F.v.:M. viscosa, Benth. . . pannosa. Hook. argopliylla, F.v.Jf. myjsiuoides, T'.v.M. dcntata, Moench speciosa, Hutch. stellulata, D.C. . . Frostii, F.v.JI. . . astcrotricha, F.v.M. tubiflora, Benth. axillaris, F.v.M. rainiilosa, Benth. fliiril)iinda, Bentlr rriierophylla, Beiitli. I.pi lopliylla, Bentli. subspiwita, Benth. piincl'^oides, Benth. iodochroa, F.v.M. calrarea, F.v.M. . . ina<_'niflora, F.v.M. Muelleri, lienth. (leciirreiis. Bentli. Toppi, Ewart an I White gliitinfisa, Bcnth.. (orari F.v M.) teretifoiia, F.v.>r. Hookcrl, Benth. glandule s.-i, lienth. stricta. Itelitli. . . ailcnopliora, F.v.M. picridifolia. Bcnth. riKlis, F.v.M. . . ciliata, F.v.M. . . Celm \x ill — longlfolla, Cass . . Tiny Daisy Weak Daisy Field Daisy Swamp Daisy Snow Daisy Coarse Daisy Erect Daisy Fringe Daisy Desert Daisy Golden Daisy . . Blue Daisv Hill Daisy- Silky Minuria Bush Minuria Smooth Minu'ia Downy Minuiia Fleshy Minuria Bindi Burr Daisy Glandular Burr Daisy Yellow Burr Daisy Prickly Burr Daisy Rough Burr Daisy Tufted Burr Daisy You Yang Burr Daisy Common Burr Daisy Small-headed Burr Daisy Feathery Burr Daisy Hairy Burr Daisy Large-leaved Aster Alpine Aster Yiscid Aster Velvet Aster Alusk .A..ster Myisine Aster . . Wrinkled Aster . . Showy A>ter Snow-bush Aster Hoary Aster Rough .\ster Tube Aster Coast Aster Twiggy Aster . . ITeath .Vster Small-leaved Aster Club-moss Aster Spiky Aster Pimelca Aster . . Violet Aster limestone Aster Larce Aster Dusky Aster Clammy Aster . . Malice .Vster Sticky Aster Desert Aster Rare .Vster Swamp .Vster Erect Aster Brush .Vster Hasp Aster Ilarsli Aster nine Aster Silver Celnli^ia . . Several species might be improved by selection and cultivation, more especi- ally B. nivalis, B. scapiformis, stricta. and multifida. *0f no known economic value. Of no known economic value. JIany arc worthy of ga: den culture, more especially O. mvisiiioidrs, O. argo- phylla, 6. siHcinsa. (). stellulata. O. deiitata, raonuh sa, ciliutn, plnie- lioides, niegalo|>hylla, |>iinniisa. and ruiis. The wmxl of (t. argopliyllu is used ill cabinet wiirk, an I its foliage is fragrant. Woitliy of garden ciiltiire csiH-clally In Mioiintaiiioiis districts or In riK-kerles. 182 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants — continued. Botanical Name. Use or Character. Sympetale^ Perigyn^ — continued. and COMPOSIT^E — continued. Cratystylis — conocephala, Sp. le Moore VUtadinia — australis, A. Rich Erigeron— pappochromus, Labill. minurioides, Benth. conyzoides, F.v.M. Epaltes — Tatei, F.v.M. . . Cunninghamii, Benth. australis, Lessing Stuartma — Muelleri, Sond. . . Gnaphalium — luteo-album, L. japonicum, Thunb. collinum, Labill. alpigenum, F.v.M. purpureum, L. . . indutum, Hook. f. Traversii, Hook. f. Parantennuria — uniceps, Beauv. Ewartia — Catipes, Beauv. . . nubigena, Beauv. Podotheca — angustifolia, Cass Ixiolaena — leptolepis, Benth. tomentosa, Sond. F.v.M. Podolepis — rhytidochlamys, F.v.:M. longipedata. Cunn. acuminata, R.Br. canescens, Cunn. rugata, Labill. . . Lessoni, Benth. Siemssenii, F.v.M. Athrixia — tenella, Benth. . . Leptorrhynchus — squamatus, Lessing panaetioides, Benth. tenuifolius, F.v.M. ambiguus, Benth. pulchellus, F.v.M. elongatus, D.C. Waitzia, Sonder. linearis, Less. . . Waitzia — acuminata, Steetz. Helipterum — anthemoides, D.C. polygalifolium, D.C. floriijundum, D.C. incanum, D.C. . . Cotnla, D.C. Jesseni, F.v.M. . . hyalospermum, F.v.M. strictum, Benth. corymbiflorimi, Schlech microglossum, ^Maiden and Betche pygmaeum, Benth. moschatum, Benth. laeve, Benth. exiguum, F.v M. dimorpholepis, Benth Cone Aster New Holland Daisy Violet Fleabane Hill Fleabane . . Coast Fleabane . . Dwarf Epaltes . . Erect Epaltes . . Spreading Epaltes Spoon Cudweed Jersey Cudweed . . Japanese Cudweed Creeping Cudweed ilountain Cudweed Purple Cudweed Tiny Cudweed . . Stalked Cudweed Mountain Everlasting Silver Edelweiss . . Brown Edelweiss Narrow-leaved Podotheca Stalked Ixiolaena Woolly Ixiolaena Wrinkled Podolepis Long Podolepis . . Large Podolepis . . Grey Podolepis Pleated Polodepis Wiry Podolepis . . Slender Podolepis Wire Wort Scaly Buttons . . Woo'lly Buttons Slender Buttons Doubtful Buttons Beauty Buttons . . Lanky Buttons . . Immortelle Buttons Shiny Buttons . . Immortelle Camomile Sunray iMilkwort Sunray Profuse Sunray Hoary Sunray Mayweed Sunray Orange Sunray Golden Sunray Erect Sunray White Sunray Silver Sunray Pygmy Sunray Musk Sunray Smooth Sunray Tiny Sunray Common Sunray ► Of no known economic value. Jlight be worthy of garden culture in mountainous districts or in rockeries. Of no known economic value. Worthy of garden culture more especi- ally P. acuminata. > Of no known economic value. Worthy of garden cultivation. All are more or less worthy of garden culture especially H. Horibundum, H. Cotida and H. moschatum. 10 March, 1916.] Vernacular Jatnes of Victorian Plants. 183 Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants — continued. Botanical Name. Popular Name. Use or Character. Sympetale^ Perigyn>5: — continued. COMPOSIT.E — contiiuu'd. Helichrysum — Baxteri, Cunn. . . rutidolepis, B.C. scorpioides, Labill. Tepperi, F.v.il. . . obtusifolium, Sond F.v.M. dealbatum. Labill. brac'tpatiim, Willd. rliituiii. < null. • . ;, |,l|ii|>linl mil, F.v.^I. lcU(i)]i-iiliuiu, D.t'- lUari lo\v>kiamim, Stcetz a|,iciilatuiii, D.C. s.niii.apiM.sHm.D.C. aicitiiiiliylhim, t.v.M. adiiatnui. Benth. cinereum. F.v.M. rosmarinifoliimi, Less, ferrugineum, Lessing Stiilingi, F.v M. obcordatum, F.v.M. Backhousii, F.v.M. cuneifolium, F.v.:\r. baccharoides, F.v.M. C'assinia— longifolia, R.Br, aculeata, R.Br. . . quinquefaria, R.Br, arcuata, R.Br. . . spectabilis, R.Br Ilumea — ♦elegans, Smith . ^ oz()thamnoides, F.v.^Nf. sciuamata, F.v.M. Rulidoxis — Iciolopis, F.v.M. leptorrhynchoides, 1' .v.. helichrysoidrs. D.C. I'uniilo, Bcnth. Ammohiiim — alatum, R.T>r. .. Ixoiiiii — arhillrnidrs, K.l'.r. Millotiii^ ti'iiuifolia, Cass. ToxaiUhm — I)crpusilUis, Tnrcz. MufUeri, Benth. Quinetia — llrvillci, Cass. . . Mi/riorephiiliis — rliizoeeiihalus, IViitli. Stuartii, Boiith. AiuiiiiiMiii!— tiimcntosiis, Weiiill. hrachvi'appiis, I'.v.M. teiiellus. Ill-lit h. pusilliis. IViith. I'rcissiaiiiis, lliiith. strictiis, IJenth. (InephdsiK — Haracchiuna, Ewart White skhrophora, Beiith. KriuchlamiiK- llelirii. Son I. and I'.v.: anl anl Wliite Everlasting Pale Everlasting Curlinu Everlasting Drlicatr Kvcrlasting Blunt ICvirlasting Silver Everlasting (iolden Everlasting Tall Everlasting Slender Kvc lasting Satin Everlasting Woolly Everlasting Pointed Everlasting Downy Everlasting Heath Everlasting Rough Everlasting Coast Everlasting Rosemarv Everlasting Shrubby Everlasting Mountain Everlasting Grey Everlasting Riceflower Everlasting . . Wedge Everlasting Alpine Everlasting Shining Cotton-wood Common Cotton-wood Slender Cotton-Wood Drooping Cotton-Wood or Chinese Scrub Showy Cotton-Wood Plumed Hiunea . . Cottony Humea Scaly Humea Rock Wrinklewoit llntton Wrinkl.wi.it (Irey WrinklfWiirt Small Wrinkle woit Winged Sand Daisy Ixodia Soft Jlillotia Tiny Bowflower I,arge Bowllower (Juinetia Dwarf Thick-Heads Tall Thick Ifea Is Hairy CUipflower Spreading Cupllower Slender Cuptiower Dwarf Cupllower Flat Cupllower . . Stilf Cupllower . . Dwarf (inophosjs Woolly (ill.ple-i- Woollv Mantl. .\1I are more or less worthy of garden culture, and many slioujd find per- manent places in our gardens, especi- ally H. Baxteri, H. brac^tiatiiiii, H, Blandowskianum, H. rosmarinifoluim. H. obcordatum, H. elatuni, and H, Stirlinsii. Might be improved by garden culture. ]■ Of no known economic value. Proclaimed under the Thistle Act for the Shires of Maldon and Waranga. Worthy of cultivation as an ornamental plant. A biennial plant worthy of garden culture ' Of no known economic value. Of no known cconoinie value Well worthy of garden culture. /Of no known ee.niomie value. 184 J ounud of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants — continued. Botanical Name. Popular Name. Use or Character. SyMPETALEiR Periuyn^ — Continued. COMPOSIT.'E — continued. Calocephalus — Drummondi, Benth. Brownii, P.v.M. Sonderi, F.v.M. lacteus, Lessing . . citreus, Lessing Onaphalodes — iiliginosmn, A. Gray Craspedia — Richea, Cassini . . plelocephala, P.v.M. chrysantha, Benth. globosa, Benth. Chthonocephalus— pseudevax, Steetz. Siegesbeckia — orientalis, L. Eclipta — platyglossa, F.v.M. tripartita, L. Olossogyne — tenuifolia, Cass. Cotula— fllifolia, Tliunb. coronopifolia, L. australis, Hook. f. alpina, Hook. f. reptans, Benth. fllicula, Hook. f. integrifolia, Hook. f. Centipeda — orbicularis, Loureiro Cunninghami, F.v.M. thespidioides, F.v.M. Abrotanella — nivigena, F.v.M. Elachmithus — pusillus, F.v.M. Isoetopsis — graminifolia, Turcz. Senecio — Gregorii, F.v.M.. . platylepis, D.C. . . pectinatus, D.C. spathulatus, A. Richard magniflcus, F.v.M. lautus, Soland. . . vagus, F.v.M. . . velleyoides, Cunn. australis, Willd. Behrianus, Sond. & F.v.il, brachyglossus, F.v.JI. Georgianus, D.C. odoratus, Hornomann Cunninghamii, D.C. Bedfordia — salicina, D.C. . . Dwarf Beauty Heads Coast Beauty Heads Pale Beauty Heads Milky Beauty Heads Lemon Beauty Heads Flannel Cudweed Big Billybuttons Small Billybuttons Golden Billybuttons Tall Billybuttons Ground Heads . . Indian Weed Yellow Twin Heads Trifid Bur-Marigold Earwig Marigold Slender Cotula . . Swamp Cotula . . Common Cotula. . Alpine Cotula . . Creeping Cotula Mountain Cotula Tliread Cotula . . Spreading Sneezeweed Erect Sneezeweed Desert Sneezewood Munyang Snow- Wort Elacanth Grass Cushion . . Fleshy Senecio . . Toothed Snecio . . Alpine Senecio . . Spoon Senecio . . Showy Senecio . . Variable Senecio Saw Senecio Forest Senecio . . Fire-Weed Senecio Stiff Senecio Slender Senecio Grey Senecio Scented Senecio Brandling Senecio Blanket Wood . . , Considered to be injurious to stock, but I this is usually merely due to a ' mechanicalaction on the bowels. The j fluff from the flowers occasionally I causes inflammation of the lungs in stock. No known economic value. • Miglit be worthy of garden culture. No known economic value. A troublesome weed in arable land. Of no known economic value. j Considered to be injurious to stock, but ( the injury is of a mechanical nature, I the plants having no true poisonous ,' properties. ■ Of no known economic value. All are more or less worthy of culti- vation, especially O. magniflcus, O. vagus, O. odoratus, and O. pecti- natus. Timber is useful for cabinet work (up to 18 inches in diameter). This plant yields a white flock from the under part of the leaves. Paper could be made from it, but as a source of paper material on a commercial scale, it would be insignificant. 10 March, 1916.] Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants. 185 Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants — continued. Botanical Name. Popular Name. Use or Character. Sympetalb.^ Perigyn^: — continued. COMTOSIT.B — continued. Erechtites — prenanthoides, D.O. arguta, D.C. mixta, D.C. . • quadridentata, D.C. hispidula, D.C. . . Cymbonolus — Lawsonianus, Gaudicn Centaurea — australis, Benth. p Hook. f. Microseris — Forsteri, Hook. f. Campantilace^. Lobelia — gibbosa, LabiU. rhombifolia, De Vriesc anceps, L. purpurascens, R.Br. pratioidcs, Benth. Pratia — gelida, Benth. . . platycalyx, Benth. erecta, Gaud. . . puberula, Benth. podunculata, Benth. Isolmnn — axillaris, Lindl. fluviatilis, F.v.M. Wahlenberqia — gracilis, A.DC. . . STYIJDIACEjE. Stylidium — graminifolium, Swartz soboliforum, F.v.M. calcaratum, R.Br. pcrpusillum, Hook. f. despectum, R.Br. Levenhookia — dubia, Sonder . . Sonderi, F.v.M. Brunoniace^. Brunonia — australis, Smith GOODENIACE*. Dampiera — Brownii, F.v.M. lancoolata, Cunn. marifolia, Benth. rosmarinifnlia, Sclilecli. stricta, ll.Br. . . Scoffola — gplnfiBcens, R.Br. hlspida, Ciiv. aptcrantha, F.v.M. Hookcri, F.v.M.. . suavoolcns, B.Hr. Toothed Fire-Weed Rough Fire-Weed Fluffy Fire-Weed Cotton Fire-Weed Stiff Fire-Weed Cymbonotus Austral Cornflower Murrnong Yam . . Tall Lobelia Longstalked Lobelia Angled Lobelia Purple Lobelia . . Poison Lobelia . . Snow Pratia Fleshy Pratia . . Poison Pratia . . Alpine Pratia . . Slender Pratia . . Rock Isotoma . . Swamp Isotoma Austral Bluebell Grass Trigger Plant Bristly Trigger Plant Spurred Trigger Plant Slender Trigger Plant Small Trigger Plant Hairy Stylewort Slender Stylewort Blue Pincushion Mountain Dampiir.i Grooved Dampiera Velvet Dampiera Rosemary Dampiera Blue Dampiera . . Prlcklv Fanflower Hairy Fantlower \Vin'.'i-d Fantlower Crei'i'ing Fanflow.r 3c:'nte(l Fantlower All are troublesome weeds. Proclaimed under the Thistle Act for the whole State. A troublesome weed. Has a slight pasture value. Might be worthy of garden cultivation. The tubers are sweet ana miilur Velleia Of no known economic value. Worthy of garden culture. Of no known economic value. Of no known economic value. All more or le.ss worthy of garden culti- vation, especially 6. hederacea, Mac- mlllani, and G. amplexans. Several have a slight pasture value. J ■ Worthy of garden cultivatiqn. (To he continued.) When renting a farm, trust to no verbal lease. Let it be in writing, signed, and sealed. Its scipulations tlien become commands, and can be enforced. Let it be signed in duplicate &o that each party may have an original. Insert such covenants as to repairs, manner of use, and in restraint of waste, as the circumstances call for, as to particular stipulations, examine leases drawn by those who have had long experience in renting farms, and adopt such ah meet your case. There should bs covenants against assigning and under-letting. If the tenant is of doubtful responsibility, make the rent payable in instalments. A covenant that the crops remain the lessor's till the lessea's contracts with him are fulfilled, is valid against the lessee's credi- tors. In the ordinary case of renting farms on shares, the Courts will treat the crops as the joint property of landlord and tenant, and thus protect the former's rights. Above all, be careful in selecting your tenant. There is more in the man than there is in the bond. — Harris and Meyers, Food for Flaiifs, 1905. 10 March, 1916.] Dried Yeast as Food for Stock. 187 DRIED YEAST AS FOOD FOR STOCK. The outstandiug feature of yeast, regarded from the food stand- point, is its high content of albuminoids, which commonly constitute about 55 per cent, of the dry matter. Fresh yeast and pressed yeast have been used to some .=>xtent in feeding cattle and pigs with apparently quite satisfactory results; but, as in these forms the yeast deteriorates rapidly, its use for feeding pur- poses is restricted to the neighbourhood of breweries With the construction of more efficient drying apparatus, it has now become possible to place on the market a dried yeast which is free from the foregoing objection, while retaining the nutrient matters of the yeast in a highly digestible foi'm. To the author's knowledge there are at present four or five yeast- drying jDJants at work in England, with an annual output of some 2,000 to 3,000 tons. The product has so far been mainly exported from Germany, where dried yeast has grown in favour so rapidly that the demand is said to have exceeded the supply. Dried yeast is of a ]jowdery to flaky consistency, varying in colour from light to medium brown. It has an agreeable odour, and its flavour would not be amiss but for a bitterness, arising presumably from top residues. This bitterness, according to experience at Manor Farm, Garforth, v/hich is the experimental farm of the University of Leeds and the Yoi-ksbire Council of Agricultural Education, renders it dis tasteful to cows, but not to pigs and calves. Percentage composition varies, but the following may be regarded as an average value: — Moisture ... ... 4.3 per cent Nitrogen ... ... 7.76 per cent, (equal to 48.5 jjer it-m. albuminoids). Oil ... . . ..10 per cent. Crude Fibre ... .50 per cent. Ash ... ... 10.70 per cent. Nitrogen-free Extract 35.50 per cent. A summary of the results of the experiments at Garfortli states dried yeast to be a safe food for cows, pigs, and calves. It proved good food for pigs, but owing to the cows' aversion to the bitter flavour, it is not strongly recommended as a cow fodder. It proved a safe food for calves, but no evidence was obtained as to its merits in iroiiiitaiison with other foodstuffs commonly used in calf-rearing. Tn tlie case of pigs, comparative trials with rations con-i.^^t nii; inawiiy of "sharps" (pollard) showed that the substitution of one (piarter to one-lhird of the lattt^r by an equal weight of dried yeast gave markedly better results, and in spite of the higher coat of the yeast, the margin of profit on the feeding was undoubtedly increased. — C. Crowtiikr, in the Joiirnul <■< ''- ''■■■■■■' ■■< \ 'rirn/turr, 1915. 188 Journal of Ayriculture, Victoria. [10 Mabch, 1916. FIFTH VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, 1915-1916. Commenced 15th April, 1915; concluding 14th April, 1916. CONDUCTED AT THE BURNLEY SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE. Totals. Six Birds. Breeds. Owner. Position Id Competi- Pen No. 15.4.15 to 14.1.16 15 ] 16 to 14.2.16 Ten months. tion. LIGHT BREB DS. Wet Mash. 38 White Leehorns .. G. McDonnell . . 1,278 149 1,4 27 1 34 >> li. McKenzie and Son 1,2>3 152 1,405 2 42 VV. M. Bayles . . 1,234 142 1,376 :>, 2 E. A. Lawson .. 1,253 115 1,368 4 19 L. 0. Broadbeni 1,214 136 1,350 5 8 C. J. Jackson . . 1,206 123 1,329 6 23 Fulham Park 1,142 148 1,290 7 59 \V. G. Osburne .. 1,141 144 1,2S5 8 7 Marville Poultry Farm . . 1 1,171 112 1,233 9 5 J. J. West 1 1,171 111 1,262 10 30 A. E. Silbereisen 1,140 132 1,278 11 28 R. Letlibridge . . 1,129 141 1,270 12 3 J.H.Gill 1,127 130 1,257 13 54 W. n.C'lingin .. 1,112 142 1,254 14 21 E. 15. Harris 1,1.56 96 1,252 15 16 N. Burston 1,107 137 1,244 16 9 J. Schwabb 1,125 106 1,231 17 39 W. M. Sewell . . 1,101 125 1,223 18 11 J. B. Brigden .. 1,103 116 1,219 19 6 F. Doldissen 1,104 112 1,216 20 50 John Hood 1,098 117 1,215 21 18 D. Adams 1,096 116 1,212 22 44 Mrs. F. M. Oliver 1,095 107 1,202 23 27 J. A. Stahl 1,054 145 1,199 24 26 A. Mowatt 1,084 113 1,197 25 58 Thirkell and Smith 1,051 144 1,195 26 4 „ (5 birds) R. Hay 1,091 103 1,194 27 20 R. W. Pope 1,062 125 1,187 ^"3 10 (5 birds) A. E. Tuttleby . . 1,082 105 1,187 J-" 13 T. Hustler 1,081 105 1,186 30 32 F. Hodges 1,058 125 1,183 31 1 Mrs. H. Stevenson 1,084 98 1,182 32 43 H. I. Merrick 1,048 127 1,175 33 49 ',', (5 birds) Bennett and Chapman . . 1,054 114 1,168 34 24 Lysbeth Poultry Farm . . 1,062 104 1,166 35 15 H. N. H. Mirams 1,036 126 1,162 36 22 S. Buscurab 1,019 139 1,158 37 33 ", (5 bird's) A.W.Hall 1,034 107 1,141 38 36 Weldon Poultry Yards . . 1,006 123 1,129 39 53 ", (5 birds') W. G. Swift 1,063 60 1,123 40 25 (5 birds) Giddy and Son . . 1,036 81 1,117 Ul 65 W. N. O'Mullane 1,004 113 1,117 i*^ 60 H. C Brock 1,011 102 1,113 43 48 C. J. Beatty 1,005 104 1,109 44 41 J. A. Donaldson 989 113 1,102 45 47 J. C. Armstrong 1,008 85 1,093 46 12 ,, G. Heyman 975 114 1,089 47 46 R. Berry 960 120 1,080 48 40 ^ C. C. Dunn 941 123 1,064 49 52 A. A. Sandland . . 938 114 1,052 50 37 " A. Ross 908 120 1,028 51 45 South Yan Yean Poultry Farm 940 77 1,017 52 57 B.Mitchell 912 92 1,004 53 14 W. Flood 881 115 996 54 31 L. McLean . . '* 844 118 962 55 56 (5 birds) C. Hurst Total 798 59,681 1 105 903 56 6,568 66,249 10 March, 1916.] Fifth Victorian Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16. 189 Fifth Victorian Egg-laying Competition, \^\^-\^— continued. Six Birds. Pen No. 80 68 79 76 63 62 60 67 66 65 71 61 72 78 64 73 77 74 76 Owner. Totals. 15.4.15 to 14.1.16 15 1 to 16 14 2 16 Ten months. LIGHT BREEDS. Dry Mash. White Leghorns . , (2 birds) (5 birds) W. H. Robbing . . H. McKenzie and Son Lysbeth Poultry Farm A. A. Sandland . . A. H. Padman . . Benwerren Egg Farm E. MacBrown . . C. C. Dunn E. A. Lawson Thirkell and Smith Moritz Bros. Mrs. H. Stevenson Mrs. E. Zimmerman H.Han bury W. M. Bayles . . C. L. Lindrea South Yan Yean Poultry Farm J.H.Gill Fulham Park Total 1,290 1,215 1,116 1.100 1,108 1,086 1.090 1,047 1,055 i,oao 1,034 1,027 l,0:i9 1,035 1,000 904 914 800 781 128 152 134 143 126 132 107 128 119 131 12(5 129 110 78 44 I 53 128 93 87 2,2)4 22,000 HEAVY BREEDS. Position la Competi- tion. 1,418 1 1,:!67 2 1,250 3 1,243 4 1 ,234 5 1,218 6 1,2.)3 7 1,175 8 1,174 9 1,170 10 1,100 11 1,150 12 1,155 13 1,113 14 1,104 15 1,057 16 1,042 17 893 18 868 19 Wet Masb 86 Black Orpingtons . . C. E. Graham . . 1,196 106 1,302 1 97 ,» Marville Poultry Farm . . 1,149 104 1,253 2 89 Rhode Island Reds E. W. Hippe .. 1,077 115 1,192 3 85 Black Orpingtons . . H. H. Pump 1,069 112 1,181 -1 02 ,, J. Ogden 1,065 115 l,18(t 0 81 ,. Mrs. T. W. Pearce 1,060 117 1,177 6 JOG ,, (5 birds) J. H. Wright .. 1.062 82 1,144 7 03 ,, L. W. Parker .. 1,041 90 1,131 8 88 f, J. McAllan 1.010 97 1,107 9 01 ,1 A. Grecnhalgh . . 998 80 1,084 10 84 1, Cowan Bros. 958 113 1.071 11 00 t. L. .McLean 973 90 1,003 12 • 87 J, W. C. Spencer .. 947 96 1,043 13 00 (5 birds) Oaklands Poultry Farm . . 903 75 1,038 14 08 Faverolles K. Courtenav . . 906 117 1,023 15 05 Sliver Wyandottes . . W. H. Forsyth .. 867 7.T 942 16 04 Black Orpingtons (5 birds) D. Fisher 863 03 926 17 83 Black Orpint;ton3 . . G. Mayberrv 807 101 908 18 82 White Wvaiidottes J. B. Hrigden .. 035 67 702 10 06 White Orpingtons . . Stranks Bros. . . Total 602 31 633 21,100 20 19,248 1,852 Monthly Iikpokt. Weather conditions were very changeable this month. Dry, hot winds were followed by mucli rain, and one or two cold snaps were against e^^ production. A number of birds are moulting, and, again, there are a lot of broodies. The egg output continues to be very sjitis- factory. Whilst the health generally is good, there are a few cases of ovarian trouble; these may be expected occasionally amongst exception ally heavy layers. Temperature, lowest, 52 F. ; higliest, 108 F. Rain fall, 366 points. Department of Agriculture, A. ITart, Melbourne, Victoria. T'liicf Poultry Expert. 190 Journal of A gncuHurt, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. OKCllAUD AND GARDEN NOTES. Ed. E. Pescoft, F.L.S., Principal^ School of Horticulture, Burnley. The Orchard. Green Manures. If a cover crop of leguminous plants is required for green manuring a start at planting may now be made. ' This can only be don© when all the fruit has been gathered from the trees. An early crop is a distinct advantage. The cover crop should make a good growth before the winter sets in, as the plants make very little headway in the cold weather, and they require to be ploughed in as soon as the ground is dry enough in early spring. It will thus be seen that it is necessary to get a good autumn growth, as dense as possible, and one which will well cover the ■surface before winter. Cultivation. Should the weather become hot and dry it will be very necessary to give the land surface a good stirring, so as to conserve water supplies. Where fruit crops have been gathered a start may be made late in the month with the autumn ploughing ; whatever ploughing is done should be left as rough as possible. Pests. No codlin moth-affected or diseased fruit of any kind should be left on the ground after the crop has been gathered. These should all be destroyed by boiling. All rust-affected foliage and fruit of plum and peach trees, as well as all other stone fruits that have been attacked by this and other fungus diseases, such as shot-hole, &c., should be burned if possible. This will minimize the possibility of future attacks. The Vegetable Garden. Autumn weeds must be kept out of the kitchen garden. These rapidly grow, and remain as robbers right through until the spring time. The section should be well dug over for planting winter crops. Before digging a light sprinkling of bonedust and a good top dressing of stable manure should be spread on the surface. These may then be dug in, as they provide humus for the soil. Large plots should be avoided in winter ; where such occur a path should be run down the centre. This will provide more efficient drainage. The beds, too, may be more raised than in the summer time. Early onions may be planted out in the beds, and, if not already done, onion seed should be planted at once. All classes of seedlings may be planted out, and seeds of lettuce, early peas, beet, carrots, radish, cabbage, cauliflower, and swede turnip may be sown. Asparagus beds should be cleaned up and cut down as soon as the berries begin to colour. Celery rows should be kept earthed up ; rhubarb beds should be given a dressing of manure to encourage the coming winter crop, and new rhubarb plantations may now be established. 10 March, 1916.] Orchard and Garden Notes. 191 The Flower Garden. All classes of spriug-flowering bulbs may uow be planted. In bulb planting the bulbs should not come in contact with any manure. The manure should, some time previously, have been dug well in, and mixed with the soil, and all heat should have disappeared. If manure is required it should be placed below the bulb, so that the roots niay ultimately penetrate to it. Bulbs thrive in sandy soils, and where the soil is heavy a little sand may be added to advantage. Bulbs should not be planted too deeply ; the depth to plant is generally regulated by the size of the bulb. Such bulbs as freesias may be covered with only an inch of soil, while larger bulbs may be somewhat deeper. Dahlias and chrysanthemums may be fed with liquid manure, or mulched with stable or poultry manure. In any case the feeding should not be too strong nor too frequent, and it should always be withheld before the flowers come. All hardy annual, biennial, and perennial seeds may now be planted. Among these ^re> diantlius, candytuft, sweet peas, Iceland poppies, anemone, ranunculus, stock, wallflower, columbine, foxglove, phlox, penstemon, pansy, gaillardia, &c. Wherever aphis and red spider occur the plants should be sprayed with benzole emulsion, nicotine, pestend, or soaperine, or some other preventive in order to protect the coming flowers. Mildew attacks on the rose should be warded off by the use of svilphur. The sulphur may be either dusted on the plant or it may be scattered on the ground around and under the plant. March is one of the best months for transplanting evergreen ]5lants of all classes, trees, shrubs, and palms. The roots of the transplanted plants should be disturbed as little as possible, while the roots of those transplanted from pots should be well uncoiled and set out before planting. The soil is now warm, and the roots will quickly take hold and grow. Thev are thus established for the winter, and will give little or no trouble in the subsequent suirmer heat and dryness. REMINDERS FOR APRIL. Live Stock. HOKSKS. — Those st'ihli-d slmuld In' fed lilioriilly. Food of a uioro st iiiudatiii'^ natnro can now bo given to get them well over the " changing coat '' season. Tliose doing fast or heavy work should be clipped; if not wholly, then trace high. The legs should not be cli])ped. Those not rugged on coining into tlie st:il)!e at night sweating freely should l>e wiped down and in halfan-honr 's time rugged or covered with bags until the coat is dry, Yearliug colts if vigorous and well Lirown iiuiy l)e castrated. Weaned foals should have a little crushed oats daily, if available. Horses to be turned out durint; winter should not be clipped. Their mouths and feet should b(> examined and attended to wliore necessary. Cattle. — As the ni'.;hts hecome colder tie dairv cows sliould be nigtied. The rugs should be removed in day-time when the .shade temperature reaches GO decrees. If new grass is plentiful, give a ration of iiay or straw, whole or (dialTed, to counteract the purging effects of young grass. Cows may now be spayed. 192 Journal of Agncidture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. Pigs.— Sows not already served should be put to the boar. Supply all pigs with plenty of bedding, and see that sties are warm and well ventilated. Supply sows liberally with grain. Castrate 30unj5 boars as early as possible. Pigs should be highly profitable now, as feed is cheap, and pork very dear. Sheep. — Merino and fine cross ewes, if they have been mated early, will lamb from now on. Those in lamb to the larger British breeds of rams will give a certain amount of trouble in lambing, and anticipating the extreme value of meat and wool close attention should be given morning and evening to save every lamb possible, and any ewes that may be cast. If the ewes are well-woolled sorts, they will need erutching for Ay, at the same time clear wool from around teats, and away from the eyes also. If the ewes are attentive mothers any lambs that are found dead after these precautions, apart from weather conditions, foxes, &e., are just as well gone. Give purgative drenches at first sight of ewes appearing ill in any way. Give warm salad oil to any lambs that are dull in appearance. Ewes after difiicult parturition or retention of after-birth can often be saved by flushing out. Reserve fresh pasture, or better still, sow a mixed green crop to turn ewes into later on, but not while carrying the lambs, this is too often injurious. On fine mornings when attending ewes, if feed is plentiful and ewes strong castrate as many ram lambs as possible, they are easily caught when two or three days old. Place them between the feet on the ground, no holder is necessary. In dis- tricts where conditions make second dipping a necessity, see that it is done before the weather becomes too unsettled. Poultry. — Do not feed maize this month — soft food aids moult ; add a teaspoonful of linseed to each bird's ration once daily. The more exercise the hens get the better they moult. Remove all male birds from pens. Add to drinking water one packet Epsom salts to twenty birds. Keep a sharp look out for chicken pox. Forward pullets should now bo in their winter quarters, with plenty of scratching litter, and fed liberally- — -including ration of animal food. Grit shell and charcoal should always be available. Cultivation. Farm. — Dig potatoes as they mature. Cart out and spread stable manure. Finish preparation of land for main cereal crops. Sow Chou Moellier seed in beds for transplanting. Sow the following mixture per acre for green feed during the winter months for the dairy herd : — 1^ bushels, Oats; ^ bushel, Cape Barley; ^ bushel. Tick Beans; ^ bushel. Vetches. Sow Giant Drum- head Cabbage for transplanting (1 lb. sufficient for 1 acre, in rows ?, feet apart) ; provided the soil is in good friable condition, plants from seed sown last month should be planted out. Sow wheat and oats according to locality; also rape for winter feed or green manuring. Prepare clean seed-bed for lucerne; and sow Hunter River, Arabian, or Peruvian seed, free from dodder, in drills 7 inches apart and at the rate of 12-16 lbs. of seed per acre. Sow permanent pastures with grasses and clovers. Orchard. — Prepare land for planting ; plough deeply and sub-soil. Plant legumes for green manure. Plant out strawberries. Clean up Codlin Moth from trees as soon as all fruit is gathered. Flower Garden. — Plant out evergreen shrubs, trees, and Australian plants, divisions of herbaceous plants, seedlings, layers, and rooted cuttings. Feed chrysanthemums with liquid manure weekly until flowers begin to open. Pre- pare land for future plantings of roses and shrubs. Vegetable Garden. — Plant out seedlings from the seed beds. Dig all vacant spaces roughly. Sow onions for early crop; also peas and broad beans. Clean out asparagus beds wherever the seeds are ripening. Vineyard. — Consideration must be given to manuring; early application is strongly urged. Peas, &c., for green manuring should be sown as soon as pos- sible. Cellars, — Cleanliness is emphatically urged. Carefully remove all fer- mentable refuse — skins, lees, skimmings, &c. Such odds and ends favour multiplication of Vinegar Flies (Drosophila funebris). If present destroy these with formalin or insecticide powders. A little bisulphite or sul- phurous acid in washing water is recommended; also free use of lime on floors, &c. See Februarv Journal. 1914. 10 March, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. Look at the enormous productivity of it ! That's just ONE ROOT! SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER MOST nutritious herbage grown. Splendid for grazing. Grows in dry, sandy soils and gravelly pastures. One of its most valuable characteristics is that it sows itself when once it gets a start. This can be claimed for no other Clover. The best time to sow is in the Autumn, for, although we have noticed it germinating on the surface in July, exposed to severe frosts without being injured, early sowing affords it a longer period in which to more fully develop. Cattle may run or graze upon this Trifolium all the year round without harming it. Trifolium Subterraneum is a very fattening herbage. Has no equal for the general purposes of excellent feed, pcrlinacily of reproduction, supply of humus, and charging the soil with nitrogen. Clean seed, \ lb., 2/- ; 6/- per lb. LAW, SOMNER & CO. I Eatablished 1850 139 (also 83) Swanston St., MELBOURNE L. R.\\' Journal of A f/riculfure, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE To Intending Vinegrowers ! PHYLLOXERA Resistant STOCKS Limited numbers of Resistant Vines are obtain- able from the Department of Agriculture at the following prices for each description of plant. £6 RESISTANT ROOTLINGS (Grafted), per l.OOO (packing extra) . Supplied from July to September, 1917. RESISTANT ROOTLINGS (Ungrafted), per 1.000 (packing extra) £1 10/- Supplied from July to September, 1916. RESISTANT CUTTINGS, per 1,000 (packing extra) - - 15/- Supplied in July and August, 1916. Applications must be made on the official order forms, which may be obtained from The Director, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, or from the Principal, Viticultural College, Rutherglen. Full particulars concerning the distribution, explaining the conditions which must be complied with by applicants, are obtainable on application to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE This Journal offers exceptional : : advantages : : To Stock Owners, Produce Agents and Stock Sales- men, Implement Makers, Sellers of Milking Ma- chines and Dairy Utensils, Orchard Appliances and Materials, and all Farmers' Supplies for Advertising 10,000 copies per month Guaranteed Circulation throughout the Country Districts of Victoria and amongst Farmers of the Commonwealth, reach ing also country professional men tradesmen, schoolmasters, teachers and the like. Exceptionally satisfac tory results have followed the adver tising of Stud Stock in this Journal l^^drcS^tJJ:. Mr. J. J. WRIGHT and Mrs. HEMMING c/o Editor, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne. 10 March, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. NATIONAL TRUSTEES Executors & Agency Company of Australasia, Ltd. DIRECTORS: HON. WALTER MADDEN. Chmirman and ManasiiiK Director. EDWARD FITZGERALD. E»q.. LL.D. MICHAEL MORNANE. Eki. HON. DUNCAN E. McBRYDE. M.L.C. HENRY MADDEN. E.q. DAVID HUNTER. E«i. This Company Acts as Executor or Joint Executor of Wills, Administrator, Trustee of Settlements, and Agent for Absentees under Power of Attorney. MONEY TO LEND ON BROAD ACRES AND FARM LANDS Offices— 113 Queen St. (Corner of Little CoUins-st.) Melbourne The State Savings Bank OF VICTORIA GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA Reserve Fund £500,000 DEPOSITS now exceed TWENTY-FIVE MILLION POUNDS INTEREST 3/^ per cent, on sums from £l to £350; and on DEPOSIT STOCK m sums from £10 to £1.000 in addition to the ordinary account bearing Interest up to £350. Deposits Received from ONE SHILLING to ONE THOUSAND POUNDS Depositors may deposit or withdraw on demand at any of tlic 128 Brandies or 327 Agencies in Victoria. Money is payable also at any State Savings Bank in Australia, also in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Soldiers may operate accounts in London, Alexandria, Cairo, and Malta. Head Office GEO. E. EMERY, ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE. Inspoctor-Qonoral. Via= "1000 TREES & STUMPS GRUBBED OUT" Thus writes Mr. J. Sutherland, Parwan. " I am rery well pleaded with the Orul)ber8, M they »re dolnjf very ifood work. With mine I have oloee OB 1,000 tree* and itumi>e grubtied out. I have done all thli work m>i«l( without any MaUtAne«. 8o I ooneidar the Orubber ba« more thaa deubly paid for iteelf. " FmU The "MONKIY WINOH" will save time, l«»>our and monay on pfti^uloTI ymur land oUarlna, la alwaya raady, and can ba worfcad In /rtn— tha vary rt>u(haat country and In any olaaa of timbar. TREWHELLA BROS. pty. ltd., TRENTHAM 1 Journal of Agriculture^ Victoria. [10 March, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE To Owners of Pedigreed Stock of all kinds, Dairy Farmers and Others The Department has compiled a Stock Breeding Record Book Comprising Table of Service and Due Dates, Females with Record of Progeny, Sires with Record of Service, General Service Record, Pedigree Charts, Milk Fat and Butter Records for Dairy Stock This Book contains 234 pages on stiff paper, and is strongly bound in half leather. A limited number available. Price, 10/6 Postage — Victoria 1 /6, other States and N. Zealand 2/8 extra. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. 10 March, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. Plume Benzine the fuel that takes more air ; keeps the engine cool and clean ; gives maximum power, and more mileage to the gallon than any other benzine, whilst Gargoyle Mobiloils ensure frictionless running. Vacuum Oil Co. Pty. Ltd. throughout the Commonwealth and New Zealand Ask for our Booklets " Petrol and the Carburetor " " What about Petrol ' "Your Ford" *' Lubrication of the Automobile " Poil Free. upon request Vacuum Oil Co. Pty. Ltd. 90 William Street, Melbourne Journal of AgrictUture, Victoria. [10 March, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE =^ GOVERNMENT COOL STORES THE NEW STORES AT VICTORIA DOCK have a capacity of 310,000 cubic feet insulated, and are capable of holding 155,000 boxes of butter, or 105,000 cases of fruit, or 140,000 carcasses of lamb and mutton. Produce can be placed on conveyors at any point and mechanically carried to any chamber in the building, or conveyed from the chambers direoura«. A complete list of the various publications issued by the Dopartment of Agn.-uliuro will be supplied by the latter. Journal of AgricuUvre, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. PENNY SEED WHEAT The First Seed Wheat sold out at the Werribee Research Farm has been the "PENNY." No more " Penny" Wheat can be got from the Government Farms, but Farmers can be supplied with "Penny" Seed grown on virgin land at Wooloomanata, near Lara. The fear has been expressed that the world will be over-supplied with wheat, but the wastage of war is enormous, and it cannot be expected that there will again be record crops in the neutral countries. Where land is in good order for cropping, the fear of low prices should not be a deterrent to sowing. Most Farmers who have grown it state that if only one variety were grown their choice would be the "PENNY." Price, 5/9 per Bushel on Trucks, Geelong Particulars and samples on application to — DENNYS LASCELLES LTD.,mV GEELONG and LBOURNE. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE To Intending Vinegrowers ! PHYLLOXERA Resistant STOCKS Limited numbers of Resistant Vines are obtain- able from the Department of Agriculture at the following prices for each description of plant. £6 RESISTANT ROOTLINGS (Grafted), per l.OOO (packing extra) - Supplied from July to September, 1917. RESISTANT ROOTLINGS (Ungrafted), per l.OOO (packing extra) £1 10/- Supplied from July to September, 1916. RESISTANT CUTTINGS, per l.OOO (packing extra) - - 15/- Supplied in July and August, 1916. Applications must be made on the official order forms, which may be obtained from The Director, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, or from the Principal, Viticultural Collesre. Rutherglen. Full particulars concerning the distribution, explaining the conditions which must be complied with by applicants, are obtainable on application to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE 10 April, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. TOXA NO Danger of FIRE! ;: THE WELL-KNOWN RABBIT DESTROYER In 2 lb. Tins, 2s. per Tin FELTON, GRIMWADE & CO., Melbourne WATER LIFTED 500 FEET AND PUMPED A MILE At a Cost of One Penny per Hour. OUR FARM PUMP Engine will do this as well as cut chaff, saw wood, work shearing machines, &c. it can be attached to a windmill or almost any other pump in 3 minutes. Needs no mechanic to fix or operate, and works all day without attention. Hundreds sold and giving satisfaction. £35, with "Bosch" Magneto. H interested in water supply or irrigation, state your working conditions and we will quote. We stock Steam, Kerosene, Petrol, and Hot Air Engines. Cen'/i; fugal F'umps, and "Myers'," "Gould's" & "Deming's" Pumps for all services. " Mackie's" Rock and Water Borer and plants for deep well and bore pumping a specialty. We erect it required and give easy terms. Catalogs and Expert Advice Free. Sole Agents for "Lister's" (British Built) Petrol and Kerosene Engines, "Bosch" Magneto Ignition, U. 3. 5, 7. and 9 Hi'. In Stuck. Send for Special CatnloKUCs. Over 3.000 Sold. Easy Terms. Agents >Vanted Everywhere. THE "CHALLENGE" The High Quality -Low Price MilL It's all steel, all galvanised, internal gesrcd. filled with forged crank, positive brake, sensitive governor, renewable bearings, and efficient lubrication. One customer has purchased I 17 mills. Scores hive purchased 30 lo 40. All give satisfaction. 6 ft. Mill, weight 330 lbs. .. £.6 8 ft 420 £» 10 ft 526 £.\0 Other sizes in proportion. Towers from £.3. Get Catalog. Pumps, piping, troughs, tanks, lank stands, all accessories slocked. Our E!u>eit will in»(>«l site, quote price, and erect if required. ELasy terms given. Langwill Bros. & Davies Pty. Ltd. 110-114- STURT ST. (Near Prince's Bridge) SOUTH MELBOURNE Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. Clips a Horse in 30 Minutes BE PREPARED Clipping Season will be here shortly Any Veterinary Surgeon will tell you that Clipping Aids a Horse's Health THE question every Horse Owner, Black- smith, &c., will be asking himself is : — "What Machine can I rely on for ex- cellence of Clipping and ease in working ? " These features, with the addition of a Low Price, will be found in the "Stewart" Ball- Bearing Horse Clipper — the machine that has the recommendation of thousands of users. A compact Clipper, neatly finished. Gears are perfectly cut, and are enclosed in a dust-proof box. Clipper Head is of the latest pattern. This machine is equipped with Ball- Bearings, enabling a child to turn it with ease. The "Stewart" Machine is an effective Cow Clipper It can be utilized with every success for Cow Clipping, and one will be found in nearly every stable where dairying is extensively carried on. Price, 42/6 Attachment for Sheep Shearing, 48/- extra. M^PKcrsons) ^^"^^ Proprietary Limited Vn -^ 554-66 & 582-88 Collins Street, Melbourne ESTAB. I860 10 April, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. You've got Us Your satisfaction has got to be the real thing. We're on the spot. We dare not offer you aught else but good quality for the sake of our reputation. And ''GOOD QUALITY'' is the term by which Billabong Australian = made Windmills are known throughout the length and breadth of the Common- wealth. A money worth Mill of reason- able price. Send for Booklet. OTHER QUALITY GOODS sold by us are : — StockTroughs. Fluming. Oil Engines. Power Pumps. Hand Pumps. Spray Pumps and Fittings. Tanks and Stands. Brass Taps. Pipes & Ftgs. Spray Systems. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. LIME D|||]l/*C Finely Ground Pure Agricultural Lime is free from sand ^^ "' ^ or magnesia, and contains 97 6 percent. Carbonate of Lime (Ballarat School of Mines Assay). Will go through any Drill. Write for Sample and Booklet — Free. Price 12/6 per ton on trucks at Heywood. Works — Cave Hill, Heywood. A. W. ROW. Proprietor. 'Phone 7419 Central Tie Australasian Mutual 400-2 COLLINS ST., MELBOURNE. Insupanee Society Ltd. Farmers and Breeders We will undertake to Insure your Live Stock at the Lowest Current Rates obtainable in Australia OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF BUSINESS. ' ^ Fire, Marine, Fidelity Guarantee, Plate t Glass, Personal Accident and Sicltness, Employers' Liability, Workmen's Compen- sation, Public Risk, Motor Car & Burglary. X* '%'>-^--~_^^ mm WITH THIS SOCIETY. AND RECOMMEND IT TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS I JERSEY BUTTER BULLS Bnlla. 1. SIRE-MABEL'S Age. Dam's Performance under Government Herd Testing. LASSIE (509). October, 1914. Last Season . . 7,340 lbs. Milk. 425 lbs. Butter (5-08 test). This Season . . 6,997 lbs. MUk. 417 lbs. Butter (5'24 test). LASSIE 2nd ( 1 1 36). December, 1914. Last Season . . 9,385 lbs. Milk. 513i lbs. Butter (4 • 79 test). This Season .. 8,544 lbs. Milk. 478 lbs. Butter (4-91 test). Bulls. Age. CHIEF (imp.). Dam's Performance under Government Herd Testing. ETTIE 4th (2889). December, 1914. This Season . . 8,743 lbs. Milk. 445 lbs. Butter (4-46 test). SILVER AUDREY (1378), January, 1915. Last Season . . 6,128 lbs. Milk. 348 lbs. Butter (4 • 98 test), (was on second calf.) SILVERMINE 5th (1386). February, 1915. Last Season . . 5,515 lbs. Milk. 322 lbs. Butter (5-12 test). Apply :-C. GORDON LYON, "BANYULE," HEIDELBERG, VICTORIA. 10 April, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. THERE ARE LOTS OF THINGS THAT COUNT, TO THE MAN ON THE LAND Blacksmithing, Carpentry, Plumbing, Turning and Fitting, Wool Classing and Sorting, and several other of the 74 subjects taught at THE WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE THE MELBOURNE TECHNICAL SCHOOL Why not send for our ProspeElus, ready now, and learn about them. First Term 1916 started February 7th. ENROL NOW Burnt Lilydale Lime FOR THE LAND Farmers who have not used BURNT LIME should try it. The action of Burnt Lime on the land is IMMEDIATE. The demand for Building Lime having slackened owing to the War, Farmers have the opportunity of getting a supply of the WELL-KNOWN LILYDALE LIME. ANALYSIS go as high as 98% Calcium Oxide. Works— CAVE HILL. LILYDALE. Apply — DAVID MITCHELL, Sole Proprietor , OLIVER'S LANE. MELBOURNE. AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURE Seed Wheat and Seed Oat Cleaners sGraders (FOR HAND OR POWER) Proved conclusively by Practical Farmer* that graded seed is hardier in growth :: and increases the yield per acre s Stick*. Straws'! 4 other lar^e > substuaces J roati { and lUarley Small Oals, and Kroken * Improved Pattern for Season 1916 Grain "^ Send for No. 13 Catalogue "Seed Wheat and it. Treatment." coot.inin. full.r pnrticuUrt and price., and te.timoniala from imti.f.ed a.er.. The SCHUMACHER Mill Furnishing Works Pty. Ltd. ^^^^^^^^mm^^t^^m PORT MELBOURNE Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON "THE FINEST WAGON EVER" PATENT STEEL WHEELS Patent Felloes. Renewable Carron Boxes & Oil Caps. The only Steel Wheel that has stood the Test. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS Wheels Guaranteed for 3 years against Breakage, &c. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON.— Irrigationists, Orchardists, Farmers. This Spring Wagon to carry 2 tons, £30 up. Wheels, 36* and 32' dia. 4' Tyres. Table, 9i x 5} feet. Pole or Shafts. Weighs 10 cwt. Ordinary Block Wagon to carry 3 tons, £35. Weighs 12 cwt. These Wheels are guaranteed and will last for all time. HIGHER WHEELS IF NEEDED, and Wagrons built to carry any weight up to 20 tons. TRACTION TRAILERS A SPECIALTY. TABLE TOP — Truck body, and all classes of little Wagons for Farm and Station work. Wasons Shipped to all Ports in Australia. WRITE FOR CATALOG TO-DAY. R. J. L. HILDYARD, BRUCE STREET, KENSINGTON, VICTORIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE Handbook of Potato Diseases in Australia — and their Treatment By D. McALPINE. government vegetable pathologist. With Appendices by W. Laidiaw. B.Sc. (Biologist), on Eel Worms; and C. French, Jnr. (GoTernraent Entomologist), on Insect Pests of the Potato. 235 Pages (Cloth). 58 Full Plates. Prirp ^ /- Postage : Commonwealth, 2d.; New Zealand, 8d.; 176 Illustrations. 1I11,C, KJ/ British and Foreign. 1/4. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to The Director Of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. Farmers ! DON'T NEGLECT :: YOUR EYES :: They are your most valuable possession, and neglect In the early stages may lead to something much more serious. DAIRY & INCUBATOR THERMOMETERS HYGROMETERS HYDROMETERS ARTIFICIAL THERMOMETERS BAROMETERS EYES, Etc., Etc. WOOD 77ie Optician 'Phone 6778 Equitablc Buildings, 95 Elizabeth St., Melbourne 10 April, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. IX W. & W 506 No GOOD FENCE is so Cheap and no Ordinary Fence is so good as the CYCLONE SPRING COIL Cyclone Spring Coil Fence is made of best quality wire, galvanised. Moisture does not affect it. Expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature are provided for by crimps in the horizontal lines. Once up, the fence needs no after straining. The crimps make the fence elastic Stock rushing it are thrown back, and brth stock and fence are uninjured. Tfe cross ties, 1 ft. apart, make a perfect web, through which no stock can pass. Get our Catalogue. It tells you more about it CYCLONE Pty. Ltd. 459 SWANSTON STREET MELBOURNE LAND ON EASY TERMS (UNDER THE CLOSER SETTLEMENT ACTS). FARMS and Agricultural Labourers' Allotments in Country Districts. WORKMEN'S HOMES.— Allotments near Large Centres. Available Under Closer Settlement Conditions. Deposit, only 3 per cent; balance payable over 31 A years, at 3 per cent, half-yearly, covering principal and interest. Residence Compulsory for Eight Months in Each Year. Railway Certificates to Travel at Half Rales for Inspection of Land. -At'PLY- Lands Purchase and Management Board; Or, INQUIRY BRANCH. LANDS DEPARTMENT, MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. NuNAN's Patent Spray System Enhance your profits, increase your returns, save trouble, save time, by laying down now Nunan's Patent Spray Irrigation System. Produces a Rainfall as Steady as Nature's Own. Nunan's is the simplest method known for soaking your ground readily and naturally. Send for full details to NEWELL 4& COY., 189 King St., Melb. VICTORIA PHOSPHATE Basic Phosphate intensely ground 15% and 17% Phosphoric Acid 57/6 and 63/6 per ton In Truck lots on Rail at Siding, Macaulay. Orders taken Now. This company, the erection of whose works was delayed by war difficulties, has, however, been enabled to open up a very excellent deposit of Phosphate discovered by the Mines Department. The deposit was originally found by Mr. A. M. Howitt, Field Geologist, and is being developed in co-operation with the Scientific Officers of the Geological Survey. The Company is perfectly satisfied that a Cheap and First-class Fertilizer can now be offered to the Farmers and Graziers of the Commonwealth. SUPER AND OTHER TYPES TO FOLLOW^. Heathcote Chemical Company Proprietary Ltd. NORTH MELBOURNE. Telephone 10538 Central. 10 April, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. "THE BEST is CHEAPEST— ALWAYS ! i> LYSAGHT'S CORRUGATED ROOFING IRON Look for the "ORB " Brand on every Sheet. Obtainable from all leading Ironmongers, Storekeepers, and Timber Merchants throughout Australia. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Burnley Horticultural School E. E. PESCOTT, Principal. ANNOUNCEMENT The curriculum and management of (he Burnley Horticultural School have now been arranged so that greater advantages and facilities will be given to students of both sexes in Horticulture and allied subjeds. The present course of Horticulture for male students includes a two years* course, students being charged a fee of £5 per annum. Classes have been formed at Burnley, whereby students of both sexes may receive in- strutflion on two afternoons of each week — Tuesdays and Fridays. Instrudion includes theoretical and pradical work, and will commence at 2 p.m. This will be a two years' course, and the fee charged will be £2 per annum. It has also been arranged that several short ledure courses shall be given on subjects which are suitable adjunds to Horticulture, such as Poultry Farming. Bee-keeping, and Fruit Preserving, and these courses will be open and free to the general public. The subjects and dales of the Short Course Ledures will be announced in this Journal. STUDENTS SHOULD ENROLL WITHOUT DELAY Application for Admiasion ahould be made to the Director of Agriculture. Public Offices. Melbourne: or to the Principal. Journal of Ar/rictiUure, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. a. NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES — Will dear your land of trees^ stumps, boulders, &c., in a fraction of the time required by any other means, and at less than half the cost. They are also invaluable for sub-soiling:. If yoiL are interested write to us and ask for Pampldet, entitled : — "EXPLOSIVES FOR THE FARM." DALGETY& Co. Ltd., Bourke-st., Melb. Sole Agents for NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES Co. Ltd., GLASGOW. ET N EW ZEALAND LOAN & MERCANTILE AGENCY W COMPANY LIMITED t^iVj Head Office— LONDON. Melbourne Office— COLIilNS ST. W. LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES Wool, Grain, Skins, Hides, Tallow, Bark, Stock and Station Brokers ON COMMISSION ONLY. BUTTER SHIPMENTS UNDERTAKEN ON OWNER'S ACCOUNT r! COOPER'S DIP FOR VICTORIA AND RIVERINA, PAGE'S Patent Wire Strainer and IRONSIDE'S Wire Cutter CHIEF AGENTS IN VICTORIA lor the PALATINE INSURANCE COY. THE GREAT DIP roR MAGGOT FLY Z i S 10 April, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. xui DOOKIE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE Provides Special Facilities for Practical and Scientific Agricultural Education. Notable Agriculturists say that this College offers the best agricultural education and practical training in the world. The Sessions commence MARCH and SEPTEMBER, and Students may be enrolled at any time. £25/-/- per annum. Alternative Courses Total Fees (a) Diploma Course .. Three Years. (6) One Year's Course. The College contains modern and well equipped laboratory and le<5lure hall, single bedrooms, recreation and sports grounds. Of the 5,913 acres of farm land at Dookie, 1 ,000 acres were put under crop by students last season; and champion prizes were won for sheep and pigs at the last Royal Agricultural Society's Show. FARM SUBJECTS. — Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Fruit Growing, Butter and Cheese Factory Management, Building Construction for Farmers. EACH BRANCH UNDER SPECIALLY TRAINED EXPERTS LONGERENONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SESSIONS COMMENCE MARCH AND SEPTEMBER. This College is specially adapted for Junior Students from 14 years of age. AREA OF FARM, 2,336 ACRES. MAIN BRANCHES OF FARM WORK.— Grain Growing, Fat Lamb Raising, Dairying, Irrigation of Fodder Crops, Fruit, &c. Total Fee8~£2S per annum. Full particulars obtainable from T. J. PURVIS, Esq., Secretary, Council of Agricultural Education, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, or the Principals of the Colleges. MADE IN AUSTRALIA. All Sizes Manufactured, o inch to 4 inch Mesh. The Standard Netting of the State LOOK FOR OUR MARKER IN EVERY ROLL. Oup manufacture of Rabbit - proof Wire Netting is known as the best throughout Australia. Better in quality, and owing to its being loose rolled less costly to erect than any im- ported Netting. LYSAGHT BROS. & CO. Ltd. MANUFACTURERS. SYDNEY. AGENTS : GIBBS, BRIGHT & CO., 34 Queen St., MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. (10 April, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA PUBLICATIONS By D. Mc Alpine, Government Vegetable Pathologist. — • RUSTS OF AUSTRALIA. 5s. Postage: C. 2d. ; N.Z.. 8d. ; B. & F.. Is. 4d. SMUTS OF AUSTRALIA. 4s. Postage: C. 2id.; N.Z., 9d.; B. & F., Is. 6d. FUNGUS DISEASES OF CITRUS TREES IN AUSTRALIA. 2s. Postage: C. Id.; N.Z.. 3d.: B. & F.. 6d. FUNGUS DISEASES OF STONE FRUIT TREES IN AUSTRALIA. 2s. 6d. Postage: C, IJd.: N.Z., 5d. ; B. & F., iOd. SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT OF AUSTRALIAN FUNGI. 3s. Postage: C, Id.; N.Z.. 8d. ; B. & F., Is. 4d. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque covering price and postage to be forwarded to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. m To FARMERS and OTHERS. ^-^— For your House, Barn, Woolshed, Dairy, Fencing, &c. — "SE JARRAH OR TASMANIAN k HARDWOOD TIMBERS ^— ^^— THERE ARE NONE BETTER. -^^— ^— Large Stocks of Scantlings, Weather-boards, Floorings, &c. ¥'o'";i- Millars' Timber & Trading Co. Ltd. QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE. BONEDUST, SUPERPHOSPHATE, And Other High-Grade Fertilizers. Poultry Bone Grit, Meat Meal, Cattle Lick Delivered at Railway Station, Footscray, or on Wharf, Melbourne J. COCKBILL, Bonedust Manufacturer OFFICE : 407 POST OFFICE PLACE, MELBOURNE BONES BOUGHT. CONSIGN TO ME, FOOTSCRAY. Telephone 2098. The university of MELBOURNE VETERINARY SCHOOL Complete Courses of Instruction are conducted in all Subjects for the Degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc), and for the License (L.Sc). Veterinary Surgeons possessing the above qualifications are eligible for registration under the Veterinary Surgeons Act (Victoria) and for Veterinary Appointments in the Commonwealth and State Services and in the Army Veterinary Corps. For full particulars apply — The DIRECTOR. Veterinary School, PARKVILLE, VICTORIA 10 April, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. z BEFORE YOU GO TO TOWN. T TSE Lifebuoy Soap before you journey In 'Bus, Train ^^ or Tramcar. It will protect you from tlic jl 291 766 292,496 34.027 5I.13(» 22,675 l(i,.-|66 1911 121,7.-)6 317.317 160,SS4 .^.9,723 71.041 31.0.54 21,200 1912 96,(ii;3 2(iO,25S 281.4(iO 48,982 65.833 17,891 l(t,25» 1913 l.".2.2.")7 2s',t,731 1.38,881 44.039 48. 1 70 25.223 19.496 1914 i:.1.2ii2 .361,114 3(t8,.307 63.542 57.5()2 23. 7W 15.639 1915 48,411 277,435 109..3OI 83.220 66,704 17,3152 16.040 The area under orchards growing fruit for sale increased steadily from 5.800 acres in 1872-3 to 10,048 in 1882-3. 31.370 in 1892-3. 14.502 in 1902-3, 59.119 in 1912-13, and 70,392 acres in 1914-15— which is tlie largest area recorded. 198 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. The following table, and note under it, also taken from the Victorian Tear-Book, shows the quantity of dried fruits produced in this State during the years 1905-6 to 1914-15, and for 1895-6 to 1902-3 respec- tively : — Dried Fruits, 1905-6 to 1914-15. Year ended June. 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 Apples, lbs. Prunes. Peaches. Apricots. Figs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. 19,290 9,207 27,703 252,746 29,227 42,113 64.648 109,958 143,970 37,716 35.544 25,504 87,383 223,091 13,112 69,120 56,183 84,514 170,620 26,796 46,767 76,015 109,661 539,910 22,160 26.391 80,123 84,211 334,111 9,554 21.929 72,400 143,112 492,041 31,027 48,853 84.053 56.151 61,465 27,274 39,899 155,031 118,187 363,356 33,551 16,817 28,788 70,897 43 606 31,981 lbs. 8,077 30,322 ] 7,422 31,819 16,502 38,633 7,900 55,581 Total. lbs. 338,173 398,405 392,711 437,555 811,935 5(>6,200 777,011 316,429 717,52 247,670 The quantity of dried fruit (weight after drying) was for the first time collected in 1895-6, when 179,460 lbs. were returned, and it increased to 636,294 lbs. in 1900-1 ; after which date the quantity, principally by reason of a reduction in apriocts, declined to 306,603 lbs. in 1902-3. In 1909-10, the maximum production — 811,935 lbs. — was recorded. In 1914-15. the production was 247,670 lbs., which was the lowest return since 1896-7. The table below, taken from the Commonwealth Tear-Book, shows the Commonwealth imports and exports of dried fruits, also net imports over exports for the years 1901-13 : — Commonwealth Oversea Imports and Exports of Dried Fruits, 1901, AND 1909 TO 1913. Oversea Imports. Oversea Exports. Net Imports. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. lbs. £ lbs. £ lbs. £ 1901 14f:65,731 179,305 831,996 14,206 13,433,735 165,099 1909 13.242,198 121,059 1,089.730 13,013 12,152,468 108,046 1910 9 885,118 89,076 973,171 14,765 8.911,947 74.311 1911 6.526.498 68,942 1.291,795 23.900 5,234,703 45,042 1912 7,484,432 81,913 2,545,779 48,012 4.938,653 33,901 1913 10,551,877 112,489 2,478,585 32.099 8,073,292 80,340 In 1901, the net value of the Commonwealth imports over exports of dried fruit was £165,099; but it came down to £33,901 in 1912, and went up again to £80,340 in 1913, the last year recorded. There is no reason why the Commonwealth should not produce almost all the varieties of dried fruits required for home consumption, and also have a substantial surplus for export as well. 10 April, 1916.] Apple Drying. 199 \ / / I \ / \/ N <1joutioijg j/,1, JO doj Pi'"OJyijoy, z > f o '^ Q "ooffWocyqSjt'JojifM^ . I\ / ' \ / / / 200 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. The increase in fruit production is not confined to Victoria alone, the United States of America, Canada, South Africa, and nearer to home, New Zealand, and the other States of the Commonwealth, are all making preparations to increase their fruit producing capacity. s^a/puoff ^/ifjnes, two chambei's for trays, with partition between consisting of ^-iu. tongued and grooved wood, resting on i iron, which runs full length of evapora- tor, and is supported by the brickwork at each end. The weatherboard wall of shed in which evaporator is erected is also shown. Plate 4. Front elevation. This gives a view of door of fire-box, cast vent faces of 3-in. vent pipes, position of turnbuckle handles on fibro- ciment doors, hinges 18 and 20 inch, the latter so placed on door as to allow same to swing n<:ht around so that it may n<>t block \ip 4-ft. passage, as shown in Plate 1. 204 Journal of Agricultwe, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. 9iqo3ipDj(j udLjj^ ^9Dj93tyjo(joo(] p^i^(:: k tl K tJ 11 1 11 k \ / E 1^ C; "--a' ^"^ <-"" ss ^^ /\ , \ A z: ' \ ^ ' \ / \ V \ 1 \ M/ I \ T^ ^-*- '-'- \ t^ . \ ^ C; vo „ C^^ '\ ^^ ^ — i>P'/l/i .-p — > p T- ^ s S- ^ k *-S ^ ^ = ^ ^ > ss ^ 1^ t: juie/:;ff/V buipy joi puo^s" f A v=y^ ^IDS' ouiuiojuco — \Jiruj\ p^l3^ joj gpp^daoay ^ _ / s / ^n -rr- uiqjo^buoi/y 1 p=^ joj puD^^ 1 f JjfVM HVI^U'OivMj / .'I / \mujJfyj//S-^ojjpDjd^jy / l^ / ^ ' ^ / / ^ / ^ -^ '=^ 5 rs, V / < — ^ ^ ^1 X /^ s / / 1 / 'o ^ ^ ■1 ^ ^ X ^ ' % ^ <; "r.v 1 1 s N ^ H ^ y H h I ■r 10 April, 1916.] Apple Drying. 205 206 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. Plate 5. Sketch of trays. This sketch illustrates method of construct- ing trays. Take a strip of wire netting 5-in. mesh, 2 ft. 11 in. long, by 2 feet wide, and stretch on oregon laths, like Fig. 1 ; then put covering laths on, as shown in Fig. 2; then follow lettering in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, and work can be completed without difficulty. When apple rings are placed on the trays, and dried in the usual manner, there is a tendency for the fruit acid to cause the wire to Cross Section Plate 8. strip; this has a bad effect on the dried fruit, but it may be prevented by painting the trays, before being used, with lacquer, and then placing them in the evaporator; when dry, they will be ready for use. Plate 6. Ground plan, showing requisites for drying plant, and their arrangement in the drying shed. There is but little explanation 10 April, 1916.] Apple Drying. 207 required in this case, as the plan fully explains itself. However, it may be stated that, when the apples are peeled, sliced, treated with brine, and sulphured, the evaporator is charged with the trays at the fire-box end, and they are d/awn, when rings are dry, at the opposite end of the drying chamber. The rings are then put into the dried- fruit bins. Plate 7. Longitudinal section of drying shed, windows facing "north," showing bins, sulphuring chamber, &c. No further explana- tion needed. ■^ i . . . P D * • ' . . ^ • . . £> 1— -h-t-- (iF^^^jiik ^^ty i] Damper "B -2 '^ C/ear for 24'rraj - ^ Fl G.I Fl G. 2. f/evation of Sulphuring Chamber Plate 9. Plate 8. Cross section of drying shed, showing position of evaporator, and bin for dried fruit. Plate 9. Elevation of sul])huring chamber. — Fig. 1. Tliis chamber is constructed of wood, with doors closed to show hinges so placed to permit of door swinging right around, for reason previously explained. Fig. 2. Shows capacity for nine trays, damper open. 208 Jonrruil of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. Capacity of Chamber. The hot-air capacity of the evaporator above the brickwork is 190 cubic feet, approximately, and, provided the full number of trays (88) are placed m the kiln, and with the fruit in single layer on trays, the surface area of fruit exposed for evaporation, allowing that it dries on both sides, top and bottom, is about 800 square feet; but this area soon becomes reduced as the drying process continues, and the rings become contorted and contracted. Plate 10. — Peeling machine. Peeling, Coring, Slicing, and Trimming of Fruit. There are many kinds of peeling and coring machines on the market, but that shown in Plate 10 is one of those most favoured. It is used at Mr. J. Mitchell's drying factory at Wandin, and gives satisfaction. There should be a slot in the machine stand to permit of the skins and cores dropping into a receptacle underneath. The apple, when peeled, drops into the receptacle containing the brine. This machine is so arranged that it can be worked by hand, or power may be applied. There are three sets of forks, on which the apples are placed, and they revolve at regular intervals, placing the apple in contact with the peeling knife of the machine. There are various slicing machines in 10 April, 1916. J Apple Dnjlny. 209 use; the Disc machine is the one generally found in factories. The apple should be sliced into rings of about f to j inch in thickness. Prior to slicing, the peeled apples should be taken from the brine receptacle and trimmed, so as to remove any portions of skin missed by the peeling machine, and to pick out any diseased or discoloured parts. Plate 11 shows the make of knife for this work, and method of using same. Brining and Sulphuring. The object of placing the 2>eeled apple in the brine is to preserve its colour on the outside, and similar treatment after slicing preserves the whole of the exposed surface. Th^ sulphuring of the rings practically Plate 11. — Trimming apples, fixes the colour. Plate 12. — Fig. 1. Tlie apple after peeling, and kept for some time in brine. Fig. 2. Ring salted and sulphured. Fig. 3. Dried ring, perfect colour. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, after being taken from the salt and sulphur respectively, were kept in paper for several days before being photographed. When peeled apples and rings do not receive the salt and sulphur, or other treatment, but are dried in their natural state, the finished product is of a dark-brown colour, larks attractiveness, and loses jjoints, compared with the well-coloured rings, in commercial value. Plate 13 shows a specimen of this kind. To make brine for peeled and sliced fruit, salt niay be used at tlie rate of about 2 ozs. to tlie gallon of water. 210 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. When the apple rings are on the trays, and in sulphuring chamber, light about 2 ozs. of sulphur in an earthenware vessel, and place on floor of chamber. Close doors, and allow sulphur fumes to envelope fruit for from five to ten minutes. There are no standards to be observed in those matters. Drying of Fruit. Before charging the kiln, it should be brought up to a temperature of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. As the trays are placed in the evaporator, the temperature rapidly falls to, perhaps, 120 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the surface area of the fruit exposed to the hot air. When in working order, the temperature may be kept at from 120 degrees to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Again, there is no stau- dard, but the operator will soon learn what is required. Openings are provided for in the walls of the evaporator for the insertion of the thermometer, which should register up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Order of Treating Varieties. When commencing to dry the season's surplus apples, the orchardist should begin with the kinds not likely to keep well. For instance, Plate 12. he would do well by beginning with varieties likely to develop bitter-pit. Then those affected with codlin moth, black spot, &c., might receive attention. Percentage of Dried Fruit Compared with FIiesh. Apples, when dried, produce as a dried product from 10 to 15 per cent, in weight of the fresh fruit, according to the size and quality of the latter. Treatment of Cores, Peels, etc. The cores and skins may be used for making by-products, such as cider and jelly; or they may be dried as a winter food for stock. Preparing Dried Product for Market. During the process of peeling, coring, slicing, sulphuring, and drying, a high percentage of the rings become broken into particles. After being dried, the fruit should be stirred occasionally, and allowed to remain long enough in the bin to attain an evenness of moisture. Then pack for market by selectingr whole rings. Pack in rows on flat, in neat, white wood boxes, of 28 lbs. capacity. Smaller 10 April, 1916.] Apple Drying. 21] lots may be put up in 1-lb. and 2-lb. attractive cardboard cartons — these may be sold as first quality. The particles may be put up similarly, and sold as " Seconds." But the writer is of opinion that, if the " Seconds," while dry and hard, were ground into a meal, say to the consistency of flaked oatmeal, and put up in 1-lb. and 2-lb. cartons, and sold as dried apple " meal," they would then not lose any of their commercial value. Mr. W. Dabb, orchardist, of Croydon, has built an evaporator on somewhat similar lines to this one; and, while it was in course of con- struction, Mr. Dabb was in consul- tation with the writer. A few trial lots have been put through, with Plate 13. satisfactory results. Although this article deals specially with apple drying, it may be incidentally mentioned that this evapoi'ator is capable of dealing with any of the other fruits dried for commercial use. Rough Outline of Material Required for Evaporator. Bricks, 440. Plates, bottom, 4/12 ft., 4/4 ft. 5 in., 3-in x 2-in., H.W. Cross pieces to carry top, 5/4 ft. 3|- in., 3-in. x 2-in. H.W. Top boarding, 8/12 ft., 6-in. x |-in., T. & G. Vent on top, 1/12 ft., 12-in. x 1-in., shelving. Vent on sides, 2/12 ft., 6-in. x |-in., T. & G. Battens at side, 10/4 ft., 2-in. x 1-in., H.W. Slides for trays, 47/12 ft., 1-in. x 1-in., H.W. Partition, 24/4 ft. 2f in., 6-in. x ^-in., T. & G. Fibro-ciment, sides and doors, 4^ sheets. Hinges for doors, 4 pair 20-in., 4 pair 18-in., Scotch tee. Bolts for door hinges, 4 dozen, galvanized, mushroom head. Tiirnbuckle handles, 8. Wire netting, i-in., 88 yards, galvanized and lacquered. Laths for trays, 530, 4 ft. broad. Bolts for sides and runners, 245, 2^-in. x 3-16-in. T-iron to support centre, 11 ft. 8 in., ^-in. x l|-in. Flue, 10 ft. of 8-in., 20-gauge, rolled seam. Flue, 18 in. diminished from 8 in. to 4^ in. Flue, outside, with damper, 15 ft. — 4^ in., 22-gauge, cowl on top Vent pipe, inside, 2/6 ft. 3 in., 22-gauge iron. Fire-box, J-in. in thickness. Fire bars. Fire door. Cast vent faces for 3-in. vent pipe. Sliding plates for ash pan. 7-in. vent pipe, with dam}>er, on top of Pvaporator, 22-gauge galvanized iron. 212 Journal of Agrictdturt, Victoria. [10 April, 191 6. AMMONIA ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCY RELIEF. Accidents sometimes occur in the boiler room or engine room of a refrigerating plant. As the result of such accident, an ammonia pipe may be ruptured, and the vapour spreading, may cause painful injury to the person in the immediate vicinity. To relieve the suffering and aid the recovery of the victims of an ammonia accident, the following suggestions are given : — For the Eijts. — First: Pour a 1 per cent, solution of pure boric acid into the eyes, instructing patient to open and close the lids rapidly to bring the solution into contact with the entire inner surface. Use solution freely. Second : After thoroughly washing the eyes, place a small quantity of clean vaselijie under the lids by pulling down lower lid and applying the vaseline with a match-shaped piece of wood having smooth rounded ends. For the Skin. — Apply lint or linen or wasted muslin, dripping wet with carron oil, changing dressing frequently. By keeping lime-water and linseed oil separately a fresh solution may be prepared each time by mixing thoroughly equal parts of the two ingredients. For Nose and Throat, if inhaled. — Dip a handkerchief folded once into vinegar, wring out lightly, and place loosely over nose and mouth. If liquid ammonia has entered the nose, snuff up some diluted vinegar, and apply sweet oil with feather to the inner surface and nostrils. If Ammonia has heen Swalloweil . — Administer diluted vinegar or have patient suck orange or lemon juice in liberal quantities, and follow with one to four teaspoonfuls of sweet oil, milk, or the whites of three eggs and ice. If any vomiting, aid it by giving liberal draughts of luke- warm water. General Information. — Ammonia vapour is lighter than air, and on being" released it rises. Therefore, in the case of an accident, keep your head as low as possible. On going to the rescue of one overcome with ammonia vapour, keep near the floor, and place a wet sponge or cloth over thp mouth. Keep the following supplies on hand: — A 1 per cent solution of boric acid. A bottle of clean plain vaseline. A package of surgeon's lint or muslin. A package of plain gauze. A bottle of best quality vinegar. A bottle of sweet oil. Linseed oil and lime water, to make carron oil. — Extract from Refrigeratinfi World 10 April, 1916.] Inxect Pests. 213 INSECT PESTS OF THE FRUIT, FLOWER, AND VEGETABLE GARDEN. AND HOW TO TREAT THEM. By G . French, Jr., Government Entomologist. The varieties of insects which attack plants are numbered by thou- sands; many are distributed all over the world; others, again, are strictly local. At certain seasons, j^i'iiicipally in the hot and dry weather, they practically eat everything before them, and in some countries cause famines. Many insects which formerly lived on our native plants have adapted them- selves to altered conditions, and now live on cultivated plants. Take, for instance, the apple-root borer, one of the worst pests with which orchardists have to contend. These insects formerly lived on wattles (acacias), but are now the cause of apples, pears, vines, and other plants dying. Another insect, the painted apple moth, which also used to feed on the leaves of wattles, is becoming a serious pest to all kinds of fruits, as well as garden and other cultivated plants. The principal causes for this change of habits are the clearing of land where for- merly their Jiatural food plants grew ; and the destruc- tion of insectivorous birds, which are often ruthlessly destroyed by boys, or by the poison which is laid for rabbits and other vermin. Fig. 1. -Woolly Aphis, or American Blight (Eriosemd huiif/cra). Unfortunately for Victoria, birds introduced from other countries, the starling and the sparrow, and other species, are the cause of valuable insect -eating birds, as kingfishers, diamond birds, tree creepers, and tree swallows, being driven out of their nesting places in tree hollows; and it will not be very long before these useful birds disapjiear right out of the State. Tlie insect pests of our orcliards and gardens may be divided into two classes, viz., chewing insects and suctorial insects. The former 214 J ourTud of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. should be controlled by internal poisoning, and the latter by contact sprays. Woolly Aphis, or American Blight. The woolly aphis, or American blight, is one of the most troublesome pests that apple-growers in Victoria have to contend with. It is peculiar in its habits, as it attacks only certain varieties of apples — immune varieties being the Winter Majetin, Northern Spy, Perfection, Paradise, and a few others. The supposed reason of this is, that they contain more carbonate of lime than those attacked by the aphis. It is advisable, therefore, that orchardists should have their trees worked on blight- proof stocks, otherwise the aphis will attack the roots in such a manner as to render the eradication of the pest impossible. All in- fested trees should be removed, as it is impossible to per- manently cure them. The aphides secrete a white, woolly substance, which gives them their characteristic appearance ; they attack the trunk and limbs wherever they have been wounded or scratched. Almost all parts of the tree are attacked, and knots and aborted growths are caused. The roots attacked develop great lumps many times the thickness of ordinary roots, and the trees are considerably injured thereby. The root- infesting form can be kept in check by the use of m an u rial insecticide or tobacco dust worked into the soil. During the winter, or in late autumn, spraying the trees with red oil, kero&ene emulsion, lime and sulphur, or fluid insecticide has given good results. Spray- ing should be done after pruning, and when the trees are bare of leaves. Of course, spraying could be done with advantage at all times, except with the oils. The Codlin Moth. This moth, originally a native of Europe, has spread over the whole world, and there are now few countries where apples, pears, and apricots are grown in which this destructive pest is unknown. The female moth places her eggs, as a rule, on the sides of the fruit and leaves. Tlie eggs are thin, transparent bodies, resembling a fish scale. Only one egg is placed on each apple, but as each moth lays over 100 eggs, we may judge the amount of damage done in an orchard. As soon as the Fig. 2. — Codlin Moth (Cydia pomotiella). 10 April, 1916. J Insect Pests. 215 little caterpillar escapes out of its eggshell, it crawls over the annle and when it has reached the eye, it has finished the first stage of its journey. During the first ^veek or ten days after the apple blossoms have fallen, the separate parts surrounding the eye of the apple remain pointing outwards, but later on close up to some extent over the eye. The statement that the majority of grubs go in at the eye has frequently been challenged, but it is nevertheless correct. The grubs, when fully grown, leave the fruit, and this is done in two ways: the majority lower themselves to the ground, if the fruit has not fallen ; others crawl out of the apple on to the branches. Those that fall to the ground re- ascend the tree trunk, and make their way under the first shelter they come to — often under the bark of the apple trees; here they spin cocoons; they then change to the pupae, and finally the moths emerge in the hot weather. There are supposed to be three broods of this moth, viz. : — (1) The over, wintered or spring brood ; (2) the Decem- ber, or Christmas brood ; and (3) the summer, or February brood. Spraying should be done every few weeks during the season when the moths are present. By a judicious use of arsenate of lead, it is no uncommon thing to get a return of 90 per cent, clean fruit. Spraying, to be suc- cessful, must be done properly. As fine a mist as possible must be thrown out, so that it may penetrate well into the calyx of the fruit. Bandages, made of hessian, should be placed round the trees to trap the caterpillars, but these must be removed from time to time, and the gi'ubs and chrysalids found therein killed by boiling water. All loose bark should be removed from the trees. Fig, 3. — Light Brown Apple Moth (Cacaecia responsina). Thf: Light-Brown Apple Moth. Persons growing flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees have often noticed, especially during the summer months, greenish caterpillars curled up in rose leaves and buds of carnations, dahlias, and chrysan- themums, in fact, in nearly every kind of garden flower. These cater- pillars, when fully grown are about 1 inch in length. They are active, and have a habit of dropping to the ground by a silken thread, and hiding in crevices when disturbed. The moth is yellowish-brown, with 216 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. slightly barred wings, measuring three-quarters of an inch in length. It is also extremely active, and when disturbed flies to the ground, and remains motionless. The moth deposits its eggs on the young flower buds or fruit, and the eggs hatch in a short time. The young caterpillars at once commence to bore into the flowers or young fruits, and very shortly destroy them. When one bud is eaten out, they leave it and commence on another, and so on until they are fully grown, which usually takes about a fortnight. They then curl up, join a couple of leaves together, and spin a kind of silken web. They next turn into the chrysalis, and hat<;h out as perfect moths, ready to commence their destructive work in the garden. This pest is very destructive to apples, grapes, &c. I would advise that arsenate of lead be sprayed on the plants. It will poison the caterpillars as soon as they commence to feed. An excellent plan is to place a light on a brick in a dish half- full of water or kerosene at night time in the garden ; the light will attract the moths, which will fly against it and fall into the water or kerosene and be destroyed. These cater- pillars usually appear in num- bers from October to March. The Red Spider. The red spider is well known to lovers of flowers. It belongs to the mites, and is, therefore, strictly speaking, not an in- sect. This species has been found on a great number of fruit trees and on garden and vegetable plants of all descrip- tions. It is a variable mite, -some being almost transparent, others reddish or brick red. When the eggs hatch, the young mites swarm upon the fig. 4._Red Spider (Tetranyclms telarius). foliage and expanding flowers, and suck up the juices. The plants, vegetables, and other vegetation soon show the influence of their presence by the sickly yellow hue of the foliage. During hot weather, this is one of the worst pests growers of vegetables have to contend with, as they destroy beans, potatoes, pump- kins, and the like. The red spider is not a difiicult pest to destroy, as, unlike many other pests, it has no wings, and spreads mainly by the use of its tiny legs. Migration does not extend far from its winter quarters. This makes every growers' problem virtually his own. In other words, if the infestation has always come from a certain fruit tree, plant, &c., proper attention to these will yield results, in spite 10 April, 1916.] Insect Pests. 217 of the neglect of his neighbours. The following remedies have been successfully used against these pests: Tobacco water in summer; and, for a winter spray, red oil has given excellent results. Recent experiments against red spiders on garden and vegetable plants with the insecticide, " Fixo Pest," have been very successful. The plants should be watered slightly before the powder is dusted on the top and underside of the leaves; this prevents the powder from falling from the leaves. The red spiders are usually on the underparts of the leaves, so that the various solutions must be sprayed in an upward direction. Sulphur dusted on the plants may be used with good effect. The Kutherglen Bug. The tiny insect called the Rutherglen bug, or Rutherglen fly, is a true plant bug, and it sometimes appears in countless numbers during the hot weather. During November and December, 1915, and January of this year, these bugs have ap- peared in millions in most parts of Victoria, and have caused growers of fruit, especi- ally peaches and apricots and tomatoes, considerable losses. The insects were also respon- sible for the falling off in the honey production of the State, simply swarming in the eucalyptus and other flowers, and abstracting the nectar. Fortunately for orchardists and others who have flower and vegetable gardens, these insects only appear in such vast numbers once or twice in ten or more years, it being about eight years since a simi- lar visitation took place. Like all other bugs, it is furnished with a kind of beak, with which it pierces the flowers and fruits. It then commences to suck the juices; the flowers turn dark-coloured, and the fruit shrivels uj). The egg6 of this bug are deposited amongst rubbish and weeds, or under tlie soil. This insect can be kept in chevk by the benzole emulsion or tobacco sprays. Tlie recent experiments of trying to rid the or<-liards by smudge fires has liecn very siucessful in Victoria and elsewhere. When a gentle breeze is blowing, make smudge fires at in- tervals amongst the trees, and sj^rinkle a little sulphur on them. Do not place fires too near trees. Fig. 5. — Rutherglen Bug (My.sius viitilor). 218 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. According to Orchard Supervisor G. M. Fletcher, the " Phenyle Spray " was used in the Goulburn Valley this season against Rutherglen bugs with good results- — 1 quart phenyle. 3 lbs. washing soda. 1 bar yellow soap. 40 gallons water. The soap is shredded and dissolved in hot water. The other ingredients are added, and the mixture made up to 40 gallons. {To he continued.) A NEW PHOSPHATIC ORE. M. B. De Prolliere asserts in a letter to a French contemporary that . he has discovered in one of the departments of France a considerable deposit of a new variety of ore, extremely rich in phosphorus, contain- ing more than 50 per cent. The exact analysis is given as : — Phosphoric acid, 50.10 per cent.; lime, .005 per cent.; silica, 4.75 per cent.; soda, .005 per cent. ; free alumina, 8.30 per cent. ; combined alumina, 22.80 per cent.; fluorine, 4.15 per cent.; combined water, 5.60 per cent.; loss, 4.79 per cent. The ore was entirely free from potash, iron, and manga- nese. An ore of this desicription should render great service to tlie chemical industry for the preparation of phosphorus, phosphoric acid, metallic phosphides, and also for the improvement of the manufacture of phos- phates. If it is worth while to extract the phosphorus from bones containing 25 per cent., it should be much more advantageous to obtain it from an inexhaustible ore containing 50 per cent. — Extract Journ. Ind. & Eng. Chem., Dec, 1915. It is inleresting to note that a chemical company has recently been installed in Victoria to work local phosphatic ore deposits. The operations are in the initial stage, but the main product is to be phos- phatic fertiliser. , The wonderful Australian wheat crop, now estimated at 150,000,000 bushels, of a money value of £37,000,000, will give heart to those many people in the Commonwealth who have, by reasons of the war, found existence a hard t-truggle. It will convince tliem and the world at large of the splendid country we live in, and that if bad times come they do not last long, and that with good seasons we are capable of an inde- finite expansion. — The Australian Review. 10 April, 1916.] Tree Planttng. 219 TREE PLANTING. For City, Town, and Country. E. Wallis, Orchard Supervisor. "The making of a bit of God's earth more beautiful for this and for generations ahead." The above phrase was coined as the title of a picture portraying the work of transformation done in connexion with the Garden City move- ment at Ilampstead, England, and it may also be used to suitably de- scribe the spirit of the article with Avhich we are now dealing. A view in Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Federal Government House in the distance. The subject of tree planting in all its phases well deserves the earnest attention and consideration of everv one desirous of creatingj and main- taining hoaltliior and better conditions for all the community. If we reflect u])on the appcariince of a city, town, or even home surroundings without trees, we shall be able, in some measure, to form an idea of the dreariness and severity of such places, notwithstanding architectural acliievenicnts of high merit. The softening influences of trees in streets, parks, and plantations enhance tlie skill of the architect, and also have a tempering effect upon climatic conditions. Thus it is recognised that the assets of a city are not merely its buildings, commerce, and industries, but also its okner.vl appearance, wliidi h;is been riglitly teniUMJ the " outward and visible 220 Journal of Agrtcuh lire, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. evidence of character." " Show me your city or town and I shall tell you the kind and quality of your citizens " is a rule having very apt application when the subject of tree planting is being discussed. In the United States of America the various municipal organizations endeavour to make their cities healthful and attractive by means of tree- planted avenues and parks. Washington has its beautiful and artistic buildings, but is not noted for these alone. In fact, its chief glory is its splendid avenues planted with rows — some double — of elms, oaks, Oriental planes, and other trees, which make the city like one great park. Brooklyn also has of late years made rapid strides in tree planting, having over 50 parks in which tree cultivation has been made a special feature ; in addition, it has over 150,000 trees in the streets. It was in Nebraska that Arbor Day was first instituted, and its celebration annually is adopted in many countries, being productive of much good by inculcating and encouraging in the minds of both young and old a love for trees. In the vicinity of Melbourne we are very fortunate in having such a fine range of tree-planted park lands, stretching from Albert Park in the south to Royal Park in the north, and including, in addition to these two parks — Fawkner Park, The Domain, Botanic Gardens, Flinders Park, Richmond Park, Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Exhibition Gar- dens, Carlton Oval, and numerous smaller areas planted in recent years. To the pioneers who, imbued with intelligence and foresight as well as a realization of their responsibility to posterity, acquired these lands and planted them we are indeed grateful. They did their part nobly and well, and the question naturally arises : Are we doing ours in the same way ? It is to be feared not. If we take the suburbs, say, between the 3 and 5 mile radius, we find that the reserves of tree-planted areas are very limited in extent and far removed from each other. It is satisfactory, however, to note that those in authority have in recent years allowed the public free access to tree-planted strips and small reserves by having the fences removed. This good work is much in evidence along Victoria-parade and other places. Realizing that sufficient lungs have not been provided, attempts are being made in some densely-populated localities to reclaim small areas upon which slum dwellings are erected. Where successful, such as at Collingwood, Prahran, and other places, the land has been purchased, the old buildings demolished, and the limited areas secured have been made more healthful and attractive, by being laid down in grass plots and planted with trees, shrubs, and flowers. The accompanying illustrations show what may be accomplished in this direction of civic usefulness. On a summer's evening these reserves, situated as they are in the midst of a thickly-populated locality, are thronged with people — young and old — glad to get away from the stifling atmosphere of their houses, many of which are built on areas of less than 1,000 square feet, i.e., 15 feet frontage by a depth of about 60 feet. Such action as this on the part of those responsible is to be greatly commended. The need of it, and the great difficulties to be overcome, both financial and otherwise, in securing even limited areas, should appeal strongly to municipalities and others, and urge them to secure areas for park purposes while they may. 10 April, 1916.] Tiee Planting. 221 Reclaimed area, densely populated portion of Prahran, one of Melbourne's suburbs. A breathing space in a densely populated portion of Collingwood, an industrial suburb of Melbourne (Gahan Reserve). 222 ~ Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. At the present time outer suburbs, such as places in the Heidelberg shire, do not feel the need of parks, owing to the large amount of vacant land. It is, nevertheless, true that this district contains the smallest area of land actually reserved for park purposes of any of the suburbs. What of the future when such districts are densely populated ? Profiting by our experience in regard to the lack of these essentials to health nearer the city, prompt action should be taken, the necessary land secured, and planted with suitable trees, which, as a rule, take a long time to become thoroughly established. Generations yet unborn would then have reason to sing our praises for our foresight in providing for their needs. It is, in fact, a sacred duty incumbent upon us to perform. Our Victorian country cities, towns, and districts generally show evidences of the same spirit which dominated Melbourne's pioneers in their commendable efforts to create a healthy and viplifting environment by tree planting. Many of these country centres have their well-estab- lished tree-planted public parks and gardens, while the streets are, in many cases, lined with rows of beautiful trees, as shown in the accom- panying plates. In every newly-established country town or district, or in those places that have not seriously considered the question, a definite system of tree planting, both in street and park, is recommended. It is a worthy work, not only from a local, but also from a national, point of view, always remembering that, in creating these splendid local assets, we are adding to the assets of the State as a whole, and making for the general betterment of life for all. " Come forth into the light of things; Let nature be your teacher. She hath a world of ready wealth, Our minds and hearts to bless ; Spontaneous wisdom breathed by health, Truth breathed by cheerfulness." Utility of Trees. Not only is there an uplifting influence in the environment of trees, but from a health point of view they are quite a necessity. Therefore, the more tree-planting is adopted the better for the locality concerned. Without green leaves we would be unable to exist on account of the accumulation of carbonic acid gas from the exhalations of animals and the decay of organic matter. The office of the green leaf, worthily fulfilled, is to absorb the gas mentioned, and after assimilating those essentials to growth and develop- ment, to liberate for our use the life-sustaining oxygen. " Broader and broader yet their leaves display, Salute the welcome sun, and entertain the day ; Then, from their breathing souls, the sweets repair To scent the skies, and purge the unwholesome air." It is, therefore, easy to understand why it is so necessary, even foom a health point of view alone, to have plenty of trees growing in densely- populated cities and towns. 10 April, 1916.] Tree Planting. 223 The living conditions of city life are also improved by trees in streets, parks, and gardens by tbeir modifying effect upon the temperature and the added comfort to city dwellers in summer time. The heat in city streets is greatly increased by the radiation from pavements and build- ings. The foliage of trees not only prevents the direct rays of sun from boating down upon the streets, but also, by giving off large quan- tities of moisture by transpiration, the temperature is reduced where it is most necessary. The establishing of wind-breaks is worthy of more consideration from the farmer, grazier, and orchardist than has been given in the past. Who has not been struck with the desolate wind-swept appearance of some homesteads on the plain country in different parts of the Western District of Victoria, where no shelter belts and trees have been estab- A leafy elm avenue, Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne {i'lmus comprstris). lished ? On such holdings in winter time the stock are pinched up owing to llieir being fully exposed to cold, biting winds, and in summer time there is no place giving relief from either the direct rays of the sun or the shrivelling effects of the hot winds. By way of contrast, one only needs to see the splendid shelter bolts establishcrl near Lismore, Skipton, and other places in the Western Dis- trict to be at once convinced of the greatly improved appearance, added comfort to man and beast, and the consequent enhanced value of the properties concerned, repaying many times over the expense and trouble of planting and establishing the trees. The provision of shelter from extremes of cold and heat means much to stock, which soon improves in condition, and yields miuh bettor returns than under exposed conditions. 224 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. flO April, 1916. Drying winds have a very detrimental effect upon all cultivated land on account of the greater evaporation of moisture from the soil, and, in addition, orchards often suffer badly through the fruit being severely damaged. Another factor which principally affects the citizens of Melbourne and suburbs is the dust storms in summer time. Not only is great dis- comfort caused to residents, but it is estimated that the annual losses to shopkeepers owing to injury to goods runs into thousands of pounds. This dust is not of local manufacture, but is, to a great extent, blown in from the parched plains beyond. Its progress citywards is quite unim- peded by the native timber growing on the outskirts of Melbourne's northern outer suburbs, which is mostly redgum, lacking in density of growth and foliage. If, however, a fairly wide belt of trees, such as Pinus i?isir/iiis, or other suitable varieties of trees, were planted from, say, Heidelberg in the east to the north of Essendon on the west, and thence south-west to the sea front, much good would result in mitigating the dust nuisance by breaking the full force of the blow citywards. The creation of dust is facilitated by wide roads. Even if well kept, the wind has free play and clouds of dust are the result, but this bad condition is made worse when the roadway is not kept in thorough repair. Roads that are very wide in and near cities and towns should be divided into sections, and these interplanted with trees; St. Kilda-road, Melbourne, typifies this contention with its sections so arranged. This not only adds beauty to the roadway, but, in addition, the trees provide a breakwind. Such an arrangement also lessens the cost of road maintenance, and consequently the road surface is kept in a better condition, and the creation of dust minimized. Selection of Trees. The choice of suitable trees will, of course, depend entirely upon their allotted position, whether it be in street, park, plantation, private garden, or break-wind. One whose duty is to select trees should be able to see the realization of his objective in, say, twenty, or even fifty years hence. Looking down the perspective of his ideal avenue or street he will see uniformity in every direction — species, distance apart, and general development. Before planting his ideal street trees he ^^•ill have chosen those varieties having the desirable qualities essential to their well-being. These will include hardiness, which, in the case of street trees, is perhaps the most requisite quality owing to the adverse soil and atmospheric conditions under which such trees have to grow. It is not a case of the survival of the fittest with trees planted in streets, for every tree must be fit and do well. Other necessary qualities for such trees are a clean habit of growth, not making a perpetual state of litter as with some varieties, clean erect stems,, power to recuperate after injury or heavy pruning, a fair degree of immunity from the attacks of insects and fungus foes, and a uniform development of crown. " It has been said that a beautiful boulevard is an unit of a design preconceived, allowing for perfect harmony of arrangement, as in music, where all parts are fitted together to form a harmonious whole." 10 April, 1916.] Tree P km ting. 225 o017.— B 226 JouTTml of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. If all the streets of a town were planted with the same kind of shade tree, or if each were occupied by a mixture, the arrangement would be bad and monotonous; or, on the other hand, if one side of a street were planted with towering elms and the other side with, say, planes, the quality lacking would be individuality, which is most essential to the creation of an environment of imposing grandeur. Mixed planting of avenue trees is undesirable, as it usually creates a patchwork-quilt idea in the observer's mind. Trees of different shape and height with varied hues of foliage suggest natural grouping, and such arrangement should be adopted in the planting of parks and ornamental plantations, but in street planting it is different. The incongruity of a natural arrangement on a city street is easy to under- stand, as nature did not make the street, neither does she plant trees in straight lines. Avenues of trees are planted because they are useful, but the simple arrangement of an avenue composed of one species or of one variety is also beautiful. Its charm is to be found associated with the things which are naturally dignified in their simplicity. As we enter such streets or boulevards, call them what we will, varied beauty greets the eye as avenue after avenue, in its arrangement, its mode of growth, and in its utmost simplicity, harmonizes so perfectly with its neighbour as to make discordancy unknown. The following beautifixl and descriptive words have been written on the characteristics of an ideal tree-planted avenue under Canadian con- ditions : — • " Consider for a moment an avenue composed of four rows of trees, two on each side of the roadv/ay. At all times beautiful, not only in spring with bursting bud, in summer with garb of livid green, or in autumn with russet and gold, but also in winter's mantle of white, for then its beauty approaches the magnificent. Clearly silhouetted against a frosty sky, the very beauty of the trees in their nakedness baffles human expression. Silent as the snow which caresses them, words fail to describe their imperious beauty as queen-like out of the haze they rise to be crowned by the morning sun. An imposing avenue always reminds one of strength, every limb denotes it as it stretches out from the parent trunk in its unconscious grace, every tree in line forming a massive colonnade, silent, majestic, in its very grandeur sublime, and in its sublimity eloquently expressive of its purpose to lead to something dignified." For street planting it is essential that the choice of varieties be limited to those of a deciduous character. In winter-time such trees allow of the free entrance of sunshine to streets, whilst they are shade- producing during the heat of summer. Surely such arrangement is ideal from an economic point of view. " From the burning heat of summer Is offered cool retreat." To find trees possessing all the desirable qualities which have been enumerated is rather a difficult task, and certainly the range of our choice is limited to a few varieties. The Oriental Plane (Platamis orientalis) probably fills the require- ments better than most varieties. It is hardy, resists adverse atmospheric conditions of smoke and dust, is amenable to pruning, and 10 April, 1916.] Tree Planting. 227 Oriental Planes. Lyttleton-street, Castlemaine. Elm.s, Camp Eeserve, Castlemaine. it 2 228 Journal of Agriculttire, Victoria. [10 April, 191(j. its recuperative power enables it to make splendid growth and a per- fectly synnuetrical croA^al in a single season after pruning. In these day& of boulevards and tree planting in connexion witli garden citie^ &c., the Plane finds popular favour, as it did with the Komans and the Greeks many centuries ago. It thrives best in a temperate climate. Others which possess desirable qualities in a somewhat lesser degree are varieties of the Elm (Ulmus), Oak (Quercus), and Poplar (Populus) lamiiies. Perhaps the European Elm (T'. campesfris) and U. suberosci are the best of the elms. The Oak family, although desirable from many points of view, is the host of a troublesome scale insect {Flanclioiria qutrcicola), which if not eradicated proves fatal to growth and ultimately will kill trees at- tacked. The Oak thrives best in a cool climate. The Silver Poplar (Populus alba) is worthy of more consideration for street decoration and shade. The opposite page shows a row of these beautiful trees at Sheriff's Bridge, Castlemaine. Both the Poplar and the Elm, in addition to the Oak, like a deep, cool, uoist soil. Por park planting the conditions recommended for street trees should apply also to the planting of avenues in parks, with the exception, perhaps, of narroAv walks. These should be lined on either side with erect growers such as the Lombardy Poplar {Populus pyramidalis). This variety makes a raosit effective appearance, contrasting strongly with the more spreading varieties. The accompanying plate shows a splendid walk in the Fitzroy Gardens lined on either side with this poplar. The varieties mentioned will also be suitable for general shade purposes. The requirements of the particular location will, of course, dominate the choice of varieties in other situations. Such qualities as size, shape, colour of foliage, &c., will be considered according to the position and the effect desired. It is also advisable, where possible, to study what trees do well under local conditions of soil and climate. In the hot, dry districts in the northern parts of the State it will be found that the Currajong {Brachi/chiton pojndneus) and Pepper Tree {Schinus molle) do well. The latter, however, is a very gross feeder. Other trees worthy of consideration in the temperate parts of the State are Cedriis deodara, Cedrus aflantica, Cupressus Latnhertimia, C . Lawsoniana, C . tonilosa — the Cupressus family makes sulendid wind- breaks and tall hedges — 7ac/,rira?ida mimosaefollf/ (which likes a sheltered position), Photinia eriohotrya, Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla), Silky Oak {GreviUea i^ohtisfa), Norfolk Island Pins (Arcnicaria excelsa). Weeping Willow (Salix Bahylonica). Amongst the Acacia group are to be found varie'^ies splendidly effective, both as to foliage and blossom. The latter quality, however, is not quite desirable in a tree for cpen park planting, but should be considered in protected plantations, and especially in private gardens. The following rank amongst the best of the Acacias: — .4. Bailei/ana, A. elata, A. longifolia, A. prominent, A. pj/cnanfha, A. srdigna, A. spec- tabilif;, and A. vernicifun. BreaTc-ivinds and Shelter. — Amongst our indigenous trees — in fact, we may say any trees — the Sugar Gum {Eucalyptus cladocalyx) formerlv known as corvnocalyx, stands out as pre-eminently suitable for planting as a break-wind. It is a rapid grower, attaining under favorable 10 April, 1916.] Tree VlaniiiKj. 229 Silver Poplars, Sheriff's Bridge, Castlemaine. A Poplar Avenue (Lomhardy Poplar, ropnius pyramidalis) , Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne. 230 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 191G. conditions to a height of over 120 feet. In addition, the tree grows well under arid conditions, is of a shapely habit, and the wood is strong and excellent for construction work and fuel. The Redgiim (E. rosirnta) is a good tree, both for shade and the excellence of its timber. The deep alluvial flats suit it best, where it attains a great size. In hilly country or that of basaltic nature the growth is more restricted, but still produces splendid shade. Yellow Box [E . melliodora), is suitable as a shade tree in warm districts. The well-known Fitvus insignis of California will thrive anywhere. It may be found doing well on the plains or even on the summit of Mt. Macedon (which is a pine forest). As a perfect shelter tree this variety is unequalled. Others suitable for dense hedges are Cupressus Lamhertiana horizontalis, G. toridosa, C. macrocarpa, and Fittosporum undulatum. Preparation of Soil. The future success or failure of newly-planted trees depends to a great extent upon the way in which the preparation of soil is done before planting, and also to the amount of attention given to trees afterwards. Especially so is this the case with street trees, because they have, as a rule, to be planted under the most adverse conditions to successful growth and development. Where soil is not deep, and, it may be, a hard sole exists, the roots of trees are confined to a very small feeding ground. In addition, the roots cannot penetrate the hard substratum, and the moisture of the lower strata for supporting the growth that languishes for want of it in dry weather cannot pass freely upwards in summer time, nor can an excess as during continuous rains pass freely downwards. Thus the roots of trees may at one period be " standing in water," while at an- other they may be searching in vain for the moisture they imperatively need, and all through the lack of thorough soil preparation at the outset. For street planting the digging of holes is not as good as preparing the whole length, which, in addition to giving more room for root ramification, also provides for the draining away of excess water. The ideal mode of soil preparation for a line of trees is to prepare a strip about 4 feet wide along the whole length to be planted. This, of course, means much extra cost in labour, but it is money well spent considering trees are planted to last for many generations, and the better the work is done the longer will be the life of trees and the better the development. A convenient way of preparing the strip is first to remove a section of the surface soil and lay it aside, then break up the sub-soil as deeply as possible, but do not remove it, and upon this may be placed a layer of organic material, such as leaves, &c. Proceed by placing the next section of surface soil upon the broken-up sub-soil, &c., and so on until the end of the length is reached. For ordinary planting in parks, &c., square holes 4 feet by 4 feet should be prepared in the same way as advised for street planting. Gelignite is being used as an agent for stirring up the sub-soil, and the results are being watched with interest. 10 April, 1916.] Tree Planting. 231 If the soil is composed of miscellaneous rubbish, as is often found in streets, it is well to remove same from the hole and replace with good fresh soil of a loamy character. Planting. As trees of a deciduous character are generally received from nursery with bare roots they should be heeled in at once till ready to plant. If this is not done the roots become dried, and the chances are against the tree doing well. Before planting, such trees should have all injured roots cut off and tops pruned back to make a proper balance between root and top. If this is not done the transpiration through the leaves will be greater than the absorption through the roots, and as a result the tree will become wilted and die. Staking is also an important item. Tying to guards is equivalent to staking. Once the roots of a young tree take hold of soil, any interference with the tree in endeavouring to straighten it, or in any other way, will injure the newly formed rootlets to the detriment of tree. Assuming then that the Eole and young tree are properly prepared, the stake (if necessary) driven into ground, or the guard fixed, the roots should be evenly spread out with their ends dipping into soil — covered with fine soil — and the hole filled in with sweet surface soil, remembering to plant the tree at its original depth in the nursery. After Attention. If trees are planted under the most favorable conditions and do not receive proper after attention their future prospects are anything but bright. Until the ti'ees become firmly established, and, indeed, afterwards, regular watering is necessary during the summer months; injuries to trees require doctoring; pruning needs attention; and insect and fungus pests must be kept in check. When trees are planted they require a thorough watering to make soil compact around roots, and when hot weather sets^iu this should be done at regular intervals. Shade trees, growing in streets, are especially subject to mechanical injuries. Where any part of the trea is injured the affected portion should be cleanly severed in order to allow nature to effect her own repairs by means of that wonderful recuperative capacity singular to the vegetable kingdom. There is a latent power in trees which exerts itself on the trees' behalf when part of the tree is injured. Lost parts may be replaced. This power lies in the fact that the tree has many more buds than can be developed in a single season and which lie dormant till some stimulus is produced either by accident or intention in severing some portion of tree. The pruning of some varieties is necessary and beneficial. By its means a symmetrical development of crown may be secured, and a stimulus given to growth of the tree, but after it has become established no unnece.ssary interference by cutting should be tolerated as this often proves to be the beginning of trouble in the wav of decay, &c. In5ect and F-unjcu--^ F*ests. Most trees are the host of some particular insect or fungus pest — perhaps both. In the case of ornamental and shade trees the worst 232 Joitnut] of Agriciilfiire, Victoria. flO April, 1916. enemies are scale insects and borers. The oak family is very subject to attack from the oak scale (Flanchonia quercicola), but this, and, in fact all scales, may be kept in check with the oil emulsions which have become so popular as contact remedies for sucking insect®. One of the main principles in the successful treatment of scale and other insects of like nature is not to allow them to become firmly established on trees before attacking them. The strength of sprays used will be governed by the kind of tree attacked — evergreens requiring a much weaker strength than trees of a deciduous character sprayed while dormant. Vigilance is also required with successful treatment of tree borers. As soon as the first boring is noticed a piece of wire should be inserted into hole and grub removed. If this is not possible a small \nece of cotton wool, with a few drops of bisulphide of carbon, should be placed in hole which then requires to be plugged with putty, cement, or plaster of paris. Bordeaux mixture will rid trees of lichen or any fungus diseases which may attack trees. Conclusion. It is thus recognised that trees are essential to our well being, pro- ducing as they do health and happiness to all — aptly described " The buildings of God." They are in short not only a local, but also an asset of national importance, whether they be planted in public street, park, or on private land. Therefore tree planting should receive the greatest encouragement from all who realize their duty, not only to themselves, but also to posterity. To walk through our beautiful public parks and gardens, with their delightful shade and ornamental trees, is to be reminded of those men of former days who made tree planting and the beautifying of the landscape their life-work. It may not be ours to perform such great things as they did, but if we do what we can, in regard to tree planting, both privately and publicly, we shall earn the gratitude of future generations by not failing in our duty to them and to ourselves. [Some of the illustrations have already appeared in Journal of Agricul- ture for July, 1910, when Messrs. A. W. Crooke and J. Blackburne wrote in a very entertaining and practical manner on a similar subject. — Editor.] RECLAMATION OF PLAIN LAND IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND. By Temple A. J. Smith, Chief Field Officer. In the neighbourhood of Foster, and many other parts of Southern Gippsland, there are thousands of acres of land at present put to no useful purpose, excepting that of grazing a few head of cattle. These areas consist of low-lying country covered with ti-tree and small gum scrub — the land in many cases is waterlogged during the winter months. Other portions of the plain country are undulating, covered with a similar growth, and though hilly, are in most cases in need of drainage. 10 April, 1916.] Rcchni.ation of I'hun Lnnd m S. (H ppxlinid . 233 This land, upon appearance, is most uninviting; but, on close inspection, reveals the fact that there is soil present capable of being profitably cccupied if the right means were adopted to sweeten and fertilise it. With this object in view, the matter was taken in hand, and, in October, 1912, the secretary of the Great Southern Agricultural Society wrote to the Minister of Agriculture, requesting that a series of experi- ments be carried out by the Agricultural Department upon the so-called waste lands in the Foster district. At the same time, a letter was sent from the same source, asking Hon. T. Livingston, M.L.A., member for the district, to support the request. In September, 1914, the Agricultural Superintendent (Mr. A. E. V. Richardson) visited Foster, and arranged for a variety of exjoeriments to be carried out on 85 acres of land, which had been placed at the disposal of the Department bv Mr. Hugh McDonald, wlio undertook to drain, clear, and plougli the land ready for treatment. Samples of the soil were taken for analysis, which showed the following : — Parts in 100,000. Nitrogen ... ... ... ... 1,246 Phosphoric acid ... ... ... 41 Potash ... ... ... ... 59 Lime ... ... ... ... 60 Magnesia ... ... ... ... 57 Chlorine ... ... ... ... 30 Reaction : Slightly acid. These figures indicated that the soil was rich in nitrogen, and low in all other food constituents. Tiie nitrogen content, though abundant in quantity, was probably small in availability, and consequently treatments with lime would be necessary to sweeten the soil and liberate the nitrogen. Phosphates were also required to supply the natural deficiency. The chlorine content was higli, indicating a larger amount of salt than usual. The 8^ acres was laid off into seven plots, and lime and manure applied in the following quantities, in May, 1915: — No. 1. — Ground limestone, 15 cwt. ; superphosphate, 150 lbs. No. 2. — Ground limestone, 15 cwt.; basic slag, 150 lbs. No. 3. — Ground limestone, 15 cwt; basic slag, 150 lbs.; sul])hate of potash, 40 lbs. No. 4. — No manure; no lime. No. 5. — Lime, 10 cwt. ; su])erphoephate. 150 llis. No. 6. — Lime, 10 cwt.; basic slag, 150 lbs. No. 7. — Lime, 10 cwt. ; basic slag, 150 lbs. ; sulphate of potash, 40 lbs. On this area, the following mixture of grasses was sown across the plots ])er acre: — Rye ... ... ... 20 lbs. CiK'ksfoot ... White Clover Cow Grass . . . Lucerne ■I lbs. 1 lb. 1 lb. 2 lbs. 234 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. The plots were inspected on the 18th January, 1916, the result of the treatment being satisfactory. All the plots treated with lime and manures showed a good growth of grasses, excepting No. 4, which, con- trary to instructions, was first sown with the mixture of grasses as desired, when, as no germination took place, it was treated with lime 10 cwt. per acre. No better success followed the liming, and Mr. McDonald then applied superphosphates 150 lbs. per acre, the seed then germinating and growing well, though somewhat patchy. The best plots were Mos. 1, 2, and 7. Plots 1 and 7 had been well tramped by the teams during cultivation, which had evidently improved the land by consolidating it. Noticeable features of the experiment were that, on the lime and superphosphate treated plots, the rje-grass had made the best growth; while the plots treated with lime, basic slag, and potash had the greatest amount of clover growing. The Eye-grass and Cocksfoot had grown to a height of 12 inches and 15 inches; and the Yorkshire Fog, which had com© naturally from a neighbouring plot, had also made good growth. The Lucerne was dis- appointing, being i>ractically a failure; and the Clovers were, on the whole, poor. Low-lying patches were poor, and deeper drainage will be necessary in the future for the best results. Heavier liming would also be advan- tageous, and annual dressings for some years of superphosphate, basic slag, and potash would considerably improve the land for grazing and cropping. Mr. McDonald estimates the cost of drainage, clearing, and preparing the land at £8 per acre. This is apparently high, and, as the future development of the plain land depends largely on the cost of drainage, clearing, &c., no effort should be spared to reduce expenditure in this direction. Efficient drainage is the first consideration, and this should be not less than 3 feet deep, at distances best suited to thoroughly rid the land of surplus water. Wide, open drains would probably be best, as they would not be so liable to fall in, and so avoid the necessity for constantly cleaning out. They are also safer for stock, which are often lost through being unable to get out of narrow drains. Thorough drainage would probably kill much of the ti-tree and undergrowth, and all the surviving green growth could be cut and burned within a couple of years. One advantage in the plain country, as compared with other somewhat similar land in other parts of the State, lies in the fact that the peaty portions do not burn deeply, generally to a depth of 6 to 10 inches only, immediately beneath which is a useful claybottom. The timber roots soon rot out, and are then easily grubbed and put together for burning. Were the process of draining and clearing spread over a period of about four years, the cost of bringing this land into use should not exceed £5 per acre, which ought to be a good commercial proposition, as the land would probably be worth considerably more than that sum. Pos- sibly, a small syndicate of people interested in reclamation work of this description, with sufficient capital to purchase machinery — such as traction engines, heavy disc ploughs, &c. — might reduce the cost of development still further. The land will continue to improve for many years, and in time should produce good fodder and root crops. 10 April, 1916.] Valve of Farmyard Manures. 235 Other experiments in a small way, conducted by Messrs, Wraight and Thomas on plain land, demonstrate clearly that, once drained and cleared, the land will grow good grasses and crops; and the opening up of these areas would be the means of supporting a large population, and adding materially to the wealth of the district. ANALYSES AND APPROXIMATE VALUE OF FARMYARD MANURES. Manure. Nitrogen. Potash. Pho3. Acid. Approximate value per ton. Cattle (solid fresh excrement) o/ /o .29 % .10 o/ /o .17 £ s. d. 0 6 6 Cattle (fresh Urine) .58 .49 0 12 6 Hen Manure (fresh) Horse (solid fresh excrement) 1.63 .44 .85 .35 1.54 .17 1 14 0 0 10 0 Horse (fresh urine) Shcej^ (solid fresh excrement) 1.5.5 .55 1.50 .15 .31 1 18 0 0 10 0 Sheep (fresh m'ine) 1.95 2.26 .01 2 11 0 Swine (solid fresh excrement) .00 .13 .41 0 10 0 Swine (fresh urine) .43 .83 .07 0 15 0 Ths value per ton as given should be taken as the value on the farm. No allowance is made for the organic matter in the manures ; in manur- ing with natural manures this item may be the most important. If the manures are air-dried or rotted with special precautions, the percentages of plant foods increase, with a consequent increa&e in the value per ton. The comparative high value of the liquid excrement is well worthy of note. Wherever possible this should be saved, preferably by running it on to an absorbent or the solid manure, and subjecting it to the drying action of the atmosphere. The value of the mixed manure would be greater than the solid matter only. SORE SHOULDERS IN HORSES. A veterinarian gives the following advice for sore shoulders in horses: — A simple application is a lotion made up of zinc acetate 1 drachm, water 1 pint; dabbed on the sore place daily with a piece of cotton wool. This lotion acts as an astringent and antiseptic dressing. When the trouble is more serious, and matter has formed, a preliminary application of tincture of iodine should l)e made. The V)est preventives of sore shoulders are cleanliness, good condition of the teams, and well- fitting collars. — AucJcland Weekly News. 236 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. THE SOCIAL SIDE OF FARM LIFE. By A . Strahan, Editor. The increasing cry " Back to the Land," in th© more densely- populated countries of the world, finds its counter part, even in these newer countries of Australia, where much jDioneering work has still to be accomplished. If we examine the census record of Australia we find a great disproportion of rural to city dwellers, the greater number con- gregating in the capital cities of the Commonwealth. The causes are many, probably the most potent being the amount, of money necessarily expended at the seat of government to exploit the inland territories. Consequently manufacturing establishments have sprung into being in these centres, necessitating the employment in various capacities of great numbers of men. The attraction of city life has ever been the lure of the dweller on the land. The more intelligent see the way to easier conditions of life, their children have better opportunities for education, and they themselves enjoy the relaxations of civilization that all crowded cities afford. Of course it can be argued that the city is not as healthful as the country, but in this country at least that factor is probably a more negligent one than in countries which do not possess such a climate as we are fortunate enough to enjoy. Our health resorts do not advertise their hours of sunshine to make them attractive to the weary and holiday seeker. One common luxury enjoyed by city and country dwellers alike in Australia is this self same health bringer, sunshine. We all enjoy it whether we be in the country or crowded city. In one way this places a further burden on those advocating the " Back to the Land " cry, for there is no use in advocating the glorious sun- shine of the country against the murk of the city. And so w© begin our argument in pushing the claims of country life against those of the city with a heavy handicap. The purpose of this article is not to attempt to prove the impossible ; it is frankly admitted that the attractions of city life are all too overwhelming. An attempt is to be made to point a way so that country life may be made much more attractive and appeal to a greater number of people. Let us begin with a maxim. Civilization after all is only a large number of people living sanely and helping each other to resist those natural feelings that make for neglectful living. The starched shirt has more significance than most unthinking people give it credit for. Discipline is the guardian of civilization. Now that the question cf settling those of our returned soldiers on the land is assuming a definite shape, it behoves us to seek means of ameliorating the conditions that a rural life entails. In Australia, in most of the parts, that will be the scenes of the future labours of many of the warriors who have laid down the pen for the sword, and beaten their military weapons into agricultural implements, pioneering work has been accomplished. No longer is it necessary to live hard and to die hard if need be. The factors lacking to make the movement a success are those amenities of civilization that such men have, in a measure, enjoyed before the blue skies and the wide spaces called them. The older generation of pioneers " shunned delights and lived laborious 10 April, 1916.] The SaciaJ Side of Farm Life. 237 days," in most cases they knew no other life, but here we are con- fronted by those who know of other things. A notable example of what may be done to make the rural life brighter and more attractive is furnished by the National Grange of the United States. The Order of Patrons of Husbandry, popularly known as the Grange, was founded in 1867, and has been in existence almost fifty years. It reached the height of its power in 1874, and afterwards declined in influence, and was in the shadow of obscurity until 1880. Since then it has steadily recovered, until to-day it is said to have a membership of 1,500,000. Its temporary collapse was largely due to its endeavour to play a part in the " maelstrom of American politics," and its recovery dates from the time when it began to confine its attention chiefly to various phases of the rural betterment movement. The aims of the Grange to-day are mainly in the direction of social amelioration and the dissemination of agricultural knowledge. It also takes a keen interest in all educational matters. Its activities include picnics, or dances, where refreshment® and all kinds of entertainments are furnished, and where the families of farmers learn to know one another. One of the officers of every Grange Lodge is the lecturer, whose business it is to provide for lectures, papers, and discui'sious, or all sorts of agricultural and other subjects. The idea with modifications to suit local conditions may be recommended to our farmers. In countries like this, where population is sparse, and homesteads are placed at great distances from one another, the head of the household is apt to forget that, while his own constant occupation with farm work and his keen interest in the developmeiit of his property are sufficient to keep him busy and contented, the same does not always apply to the women folk and young people. They feel the monotony and loneli- ness of rural life. No woman will be happy who does not have reason- able opportunity for intercourse with other women. Young people cannot be expected to settle contentedly in a life where they cannot mix with others of their own age. Perhaps the aims of the American Grange are too ambitious for us to imitate, but it would be an excellent thing if social gatherings of farmers were much more general and frequent than they are at present. The installation of tlie telephone from homestead to liomestead, the establishing of a farmers' club, where both men and women could become members, and definite efforts for making the present meetings of farmers' associations more useful and attractive, are some of the means whereby salvation could be wrought. Papers by members, with discussions, as well as lectures by experts, might be more often arranged, and other members of the family, be- sides the farmer himself, might be encouraged to attend, with advan- tage in the social direction. Too frequently three or four farmers travel long distances to meetings, only to find the attendance so small, and the agenda ]>aper so uninteresting, that tliev feel the time has been almost wasted. An interesting exam])le of what might be done is afforded bv the Nhill Pastoral and Agricultural Society which conducts "Farm Coiii])e< it ions " every year with advantage to all concerned. Perhaps it is siiffiriont to throw out the idea, and if fanners think it over, and are satisfied that there is something in it. they are (jnite capable of evolving ])lans to put their wishes into effect. In many districts the machinery and engine are there, the fuel liowever is lacking. A competent secretary as engine-driver will ^oon have the wlieels of social life moving. 238 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. NOTE ON LAMBS FOR EXPORT. By A. J. Black, Commonwealth Meat Inspector. In Victoria, the lamb season generally starts about September or October. If the season has been a good one, and prices favorable, it has started sometimes about August, but more often the former months. It is a noteworthy fact that the first lots of lambs, and they are generally in small lots, arrive in good condition; they kill well, the "bloom" being very noticeable. As the season advances, and the weather becomes warmer, with its usual discomforts — long distances, tightly-packed trucks,* considerable length of time on journey, sometimes two days or more at a " works " before being killed — the depreciation in the carcass is most marked. Lambs that were originally prime, or in good condi- tion, and would have been put into 1st grade — " Approved for Export," find their way into 2nd or 3rd grade^ — "Passed for Export." There is a, double loss. The buyer has to make an allowance for the depreciation that he knows will set in from the time they leave their native pastures and their arrival at the " works" ; and if they have to wait for a couple of days before being killed, their depreciation is further accentuated. The difference between the carcass of the early lamb and the " late one," is: The first sets quickly, and in the crossbred, which is the general type of lamb exported, the dry, bright, white colour is intensified. In the "late," it sets slowly, the "bloom" is gone, and the carcass presents a dull, lustreless appearance; and, although freezing bleaches it to a certain extent, there is a difference between the two. The first lamb is carried by the railways in the slack time, and has thus a better opportunity of arriving at its destination in, comparatively speaking, short time. The other is carried in the busy season — the wheat, fruit, and lamb season being on at the one time.f The same sort of condi- tions prevail in South Australia and New South Wales, and just so long will there be the same possibilities of depreciation. It is pretty safe to assert that 90 per cent, of the rejects among lambs^ — and during a long, hot spell they are considerable J — are due to the above-named conditions; and, although plenty of fresh water is always available at works, it is generally in troughs. Lambs will drink from a dam or running water, but they will splash and drink very little from a trough. In New Zealand, the season starts, in the North Island, about November; and in the South Island, a month or so later, but not in earnest till about March, and continues till August — this is in ordinary years. ^ It is very doubtful if lambs travel a longer distance than 100 miles; there may be isolated instances, but it is certainly not the rule. I am referring to railway journeys — far greater numbers arrive by road than here. The lambs are treated in the winter time,§ thus * When our winter has beon a good one, and the lambing therefore heavy, lambs must be handled in Large nuTib?!rs .at the junction of spring and summer, and when placed in close sided, iron and wooden wheat trucks, whether the train is in motion or waiting at a station, the heat in our busiest seasons is intense, and, excepting when works are blocked through strikes, this was the most discouraging feature against quality met with from farms to works. t In our hf^aviest lambing seasons, in all sorts of trucks, it is worse still in New South Wsiles. t Yes ; if the lamb? are a fairly even lot. In Victoria lambs are bred from all sorts, early and late, and farm-^rs sell everything good .and bad for slaughter, selling at a lower rate. I understand in New Zealand such lambs are rejected before coming up to the butcher, and sent to the sale yards, and come later on fit for export. § Our lambs are produced in the winter and fattened in the spring and early summer. 10 April, 1916.] Note on Lambs for Export. 239 there are not the same possibilities of depreciation as in Australia. From the Bluff to Belfast or Islington — the most northerly freezing works, with the exception of Petone — is between 200 and 300 miles, and there are in that space ten freezing works. In the North Island, where the distances to be travelled are longer, the heat is not so intense as in Australia; and if my memory is right, the longest distance between freezing works is between Longburn and Petone, somewhei-e about 100 or 120 miles. If rams were mated about November or December,* the lambs would come in about August or September. This, with the establishment of freezing worksf nearer the supply centres, with railways to the nearest port of shipment; shelter or shade at freezing works, with water in dams or races; small paddocks, where the lambs would rest better than in large paddocks; trucks with doors at the end and opening into its fellow, instead of at the side, such as at present, would, I believe, be a step towards a mitigation of the losses that happen pretty well every season in Victoria. Another matter that might be brought under the notice of the lamb raiser is the characteristics of the various crosses, and the type of ram that ought to be used. As an instance of the value of the latter, let me cite the following: — I had my Christmas holidays with a relation. He reared a few lambs, and was using Romney Marsh rams on ewes the product of Romney Marsh rams and Merino ewes. Now, I think it is generally admitted that the value of the Romney Marsh is: (1) Its immunity from foot rot; (2) The ewes are strong, big-framed, and roomy; (3) They are good mothers. But, from the ram side of the question, they have some of the faults of the Lincoln, certainly in a lesser degree. They do not mature as quickly as other breeds, and the lamb has not that conformation that one looks for in an early lamb. The Merino is not to be thought of as a cross for early lamb raising, and when mated with any other ram than the Border Leicester,! the lamb throws back to the Merino. The most general crosses met with in a freezing works are the Border Leicester and English Leicester. The former, owing to the sniallness of the head§ is less liable to losses in lambing than the English Leicester — the lamb matures early, fattens quickly, and is the possessor of a good skin. It is also the coarsest cross; it carries a higher percentage of fat than any other; and is inclined to be leggy, and on this account does not show that nice covering of fat where it is so essential. The English Leicester does not grow and mature as quickly as the Border Leicester, and, in fact, is rather slower all round ; yet it does not carry such a high percentage of fat; it has a good skin. The Shropshire, wlien mated with good, roomy ewes of the Lincoln cross, produces a good lamb, which matures and fattens quickly ; but in New Zealand has been discarded a good deal for the Southdown. A very compact, nuggety type of lamb is produced, deep in the sliouldeis ; it has a jioor skin, comparatively speaking. The Southdown, when mated with second cross ewes, or large-framed sheep of the Lincoln or Romney Marsh breed, is unequalled • As a rule only merino and fine crossbred ewes come In sea.'^on durina Novenjlx>r and Dcocmber in Victoria. t In Victoria the snpply of l:il)onr ha.s to Iw considered ; it Is not availnlile where lam))s are produced. In New Zealand butchers and other hands live nearer the works. Tliis work continues over a good part of the year. J Border Leicester more suitable than very woolly, excessively covered mi-rlnoes. not necessarily all merinoes. ji Not so much head, often has deep ruunert fore quarters, IiIkIi wither, and prominent jioint of brisket, a matter which can In- reversed bv selection. 240 Journal of AgriciiU lire, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. for producing early lambs. They are short, compact, fine in the bone, the minimum of fat with the maximum of flesh, and small neck; they mature quickly, and are very prolific; skin, only fair. Their great drawback is, they will net stand a set-back when stinted in feed at the commencement. They will not carry over, as hoggets or ewes, for breeding purposes; yet, in the Hawke's Bay district of New Zealand, they are largely used. The following are the results of an "experiment" held in New Zealand, indicating the m.aturing qualities of the various breeds: — The Southdown gave 96 per cent, of first-grade lambs; the Border Leicester, 93 per cent. ; the Shropshire, 89 per cent. ; and the English Leicester, 86 per cent. While the fecundity of the same was : — Southdown, 130 per cent. ; the English Leicester, 128 per cent. ; Shrop- shire, 126 per cent. ; the Border Leicester, 120 ner cent. The comments in the footnotes have been made by Mr. H. W. Ham, formerly sheep expert to the Department to whom the article was referred. VERXACULAR XAMES OE AlCTORTAN PT>ANTS. Communicated by Alfred J. Ewart, D.Sc, Ph.D., Chairman, and C. S. Sutton. M.B., Ch.B., Secretary of the Plant Names Committee of the Field Nat'^ralists' Club of Victoria. ronfi?iiierl fro'71 pnrje 186, Vnl. XIV. (lOfh March, 1916). Botnnic-al Xaine. Gentianace.e. Villarsia — reniforrnis, R.B ■. Limnanthemwn — geniinatum. G "isob. c -enatum, F.v.M. Sebaea — ovata, R.Br. albiilflora F.v.31. Erythraea — australis R.Br, (spic.ita). Persoon Gentiana — quairifaria, Blume 8j,xosa, Forster LOaANIACE.E. Mitrasueme — montana. Hook. f. serpillifolia, R.Br. pilcsa, Labill. . . polymorpha, R.Br. paraloxa. R.Br. distylis, F.v.M. Logania — ovata. R.Br. linifolia, Schlech. floribunda, R.Br. nula, F.v.M. Plantaginace^. Plantngo — varia, R.Br. tasnianica. Hook. f. stellaris. F.v.M.. . Popular Name. Use or Character. SYMPETALE^ HYPOGYN;*, Yellow Marsh-Flower Large Marshwoit Wavy Ma shwort Yellow Sebaea . . White Sebaea . . Austral Centaury Dwarf Gentian . . Mountain Gentian Mountain Nitrewort Thyme Nitrewort Hairy Nitrewort Varied Nitrewort Curious Nitrewort Tiny Nitrewort . . Ovate Logania . . Flax-leaved Logania Narrow-leaved Logania Bare Logania Variable Plantain Tasman Plantain Star Plantain Sriglit be worthy of cultivation in garden ponds, &c. Tliey all contain more or less a bitter • tonic principle, which is sometimes used in domestic remedies. Of no known economic value. 'All more or less worthy of garden cul- . ture, more especially L. linifolia. Have a slight pasture value, but are practically weeds. 10 April, 1916.] Vernaculai- Ni-iis, R. an 1 (S. Fo Cressa- - Cretica, 1.. WUsonin — huniills, K.Ilr. . . riituiiillfolla, Kiiok. liacklioii.-*ii, Hook. f. ChilfWeei Willow Lysimachia Common Brookwccd Creeping Brookwced Atiittim Wood Desert Jasmin Net-leaf Mock Olive Privet :Mock Olive Sea-box Twining Silk Pod Cau.stic Bush Purple Pontatrope Bcarde 1 Wort-llower Yellow ])(jubah Stalked Doubah Doubah Doubah Mai Icn's-blush Bin 1 Weed Forest Bindweed Larger Bindweeil Sea Bindweed . . Kidney Weed . . Hosin Weed Silkv Wilsonia . . lllant. Of no economic value. Th3 milky unripo fruits of this plant were eaten by the aborigines. Is apt to beeiiiiie troublesome in arable Ian 1. Might Ih' improved by garden culture. ► Of no known economic value. 242 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants — -continued. Botanical Name. Popular Xame. Use or Character. Sympetale^ Hypogyn^ — continued. CONVOLVULACE^- Cuscuta — -continued. australis, R.Br, tasmanica, Engl. SOLANACE^. Solanum — nigrum, L. aviculare, G. Frost var. vescum, P.v.M. simile, F.v.JI. . . esuiiale, Lindl. . . xanthocarpum, Schrad. pungetiimi, R.Br. lacunarium, P.v.M. Lycium — australe, P.v.M. Nicotiana — suaveolens, Lehmann Anthocercis — myosotidca, F.v.M. albicans, Cunn. Eadesii, F.v.M. SCROPHUIAEIACE^. Mimulus — gracilis, B.Br. . . repens, R.Br. prostratus, Benth. Mazus — Pumilio, R.Br. . . Morgania — glabra, R.Br. floiibunda, Benth. Gratiola — pedunculata, R.Br. peruviana, L. nana, Benth. Olossostirjma — Drummondii, Benth. elatinoides, Benth. Umosella — aquatica, L. Curdieana, F.v.M. Veronica — densifolia, F.v.M. perfoliata, R.Br. Derwentia, Littlejohn nivea, Lindl. gracilis, R.Br. . . distans, R.Br. . . calycina, R.Br. . . plebeja, R.Br. . . notabilis, F.v.M. serpillifolia, L. . . peregrina, L. Euphrasia — collina, R.Br. (E. Brownii) scabra, R.Br. antarctica, Benth. Austral Dodder Tasman Dodder Black Nightshade Kangaroo Apple Gunyang Quena Oondoroo Toothed Nightshade Hairy Niglitshade Desert Nightshade Austral Boxthorn Austral Tobacco Small-leaved Rayflower Grey Rayflower Large-leaved Rayflower Slender Monkeyflower Creeping Monkeyflower Large Monkeyflower Swamp Mazus . . Smooth Morgania Blue Rod Stalked Gratiola Brooklime Gratiola Dwarf Gratiola Common Mudmat Lesser Mudmat . . Common Mudwort Larger Mudwort Alpine Speedwell Digger's Speedwell Dorwent Speedwell Mountain Speedwell Slender Speedwell Coast Speedwell . . Cup Speedwell . . Eastern Speedwell Forest Speedwell Thyme Speedwell Wandering Speedwell Purple Eyebright Yellow Eyebright Alpine Eyebright 1 Parasitic plants, which strangle other native vegetation, but so far do not appear to attack cultivated plants to any great extent, in the way the European dodder does. A troublesome pest in gardens and culti- vated grounds. ii The fruit when perfectly ripe is edible i' and might be improved by cultivation. ( The fruit can be eaten, but in small quantities only. Useless and troublesome plants Of no known economic value. It is a reputed poison plant and possesses narcotic propertieslike ordinary tobacco. These are suspected poison plants. Jliglit be improved by garden culture. Of no known economic value. ' Jlight be improved by garden culture. 1 Of no known economic value. G. peru- [ viana is a reputed poison plant. Of no known economic value. Of no known economic value. 'Worthy of garden culture. Of no known economic value. Parasitic on roots of grasses, &c. 10 April, 1916.] V ernacular Namex of Victorian Plants. 243 Vernacular Names op Victorian Plants — continued. Botanical Name. Popular Name. Use or Character, Sympetale^ Hypogyn^ — continued. Orobanchace^e. Orobanche — cernua, Loefl. . . Lentibulariace^. Utrieularia — flexuosa, Vahl. . . lateriflora, R.Br. (lichotoma, Labill. Polypompholyx — tenella, Lelim. . . Gesneriace^. Fieldia— australis, Cunn. Biqnoniace^. Tecoma — •australis, R.Br Common Broomrape Yellow Bladderwort Tiny Bladderwort Purple Bladderwort Tender Bubble Plant Fieldia.. Wonga Tecoma Of no known economic value. ^Semi-aquatic plants of no known economic value. Worthy of garden culture. One of'our'flnest climbers, well worthy of garden culture. {To he continued.) CARE OF HARNESS. Proper care of harness is a needed economy on many farms. It should be hung up in a dry shed when not in use, and not thrown down on the ground, as is often the case. Twice a year, at least, it should he thoroughly washed and dressed with neatsfoot oil. A good dressing for black harness can be made from 2 lbs. mutton suet and 3 lbs. beeswax, melted over a slow fire, 4 lbs. sugar, 2 lbs. lamp black. 2 lbs. soft soap, and \ lb. indigo powder. When the whole has been thoroughly mixed, half a gallon of oil of turps should be added. If the harness is brown the lamp black and indigo powder can be left out. Cop])er rivets have their place as a means of repairing harness, but it is a mistake to put these in some places where stitching is necessary. Collars should be well fitting, and it is essential to hang them up when not in use. While there is little danger of sore shoulders when a hard, well-fitting collar is used, if the lining becomes broken it should receive immediate atten- tion. It is better to put a pad above and below a sore than to cut a hole in the collar, but when this has to be resorted to it is advisable to sew the lining so that the liodv of the collar is kept firm.^ — .litrhland WecJdii Xi-ws, 24th February. lOlG. 244 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Apkil, 1916. BEE-KEEPING IN VICTORIA. By F. R. Beuhne, Governni'tit Apiculturist. XXV. -THE HONEY FLORA OF VICTORIA (continued). {Continued from [Muje 177.) The Blood Wood {E ucalyptus corymhosa, Smith). (Fig. 45.) The Blood Wood is a tree not easily confounded with other species. It attains a maximuni height ot 150 feet, but is often of much lower and sometimes stunted giowth, flowering already when scarcely beyond its early shrubby stage. The bark is persistent furrowed, of a reddish colour, inside fibrous, but rather flaky than stringy, outside rough, grey, and turning black. Kark of the upper branches smooth, and often reddish. The tree exudes kino (gum) abundantly, the whole stem being sometimes covered with this reddish blood-like substance, and hence its popuJar name. The timber has a deep red fleshy colour, is porous, and has numerous gum veins; it is easy enough worked when fresh, but becomes very hard when dry. It lasts well underground, and is resistant to termites (white ants), and teredo (sea worm). It is used in fencing and for piles and railway sleepers. The leaves are scattered on slightly angular branchlets. The leaves vary in size up to 9 inches long and 2 inches broad, of fi.rm consistence, lance-shaped, somewhat curved, or slightly sickle-shaped, paler on the under side, veins very numerous, and very fine, only slightly oblique, the marginal vein close to the edge of the leaf. The flower clusters occur in sprays forming a nearly flat top, rarely singly at leaf -shoulders, or lateral on branchlets on slender, slightly compressed or angular stalks, bearing three to nine rather large flowers. Buds nearly 1 inch long with flower cup tapering into the stalklet, and a half-round, short, pointed lid. Fruit about 1 inch long more or less urn-shaped, not angular, three or oftener four celled. The Blood Wood is found in Victoria only in the far eastern part, in the vicinity of the Genoa River. No Victorian data are available as to its honey-producing value, owing to it not occurring in any present bee-keeping localities. It is, however, considered of some importance by New South Wales apiarists. The Candle Bark Gum {Eucalyptus ruhida, Deane and Maiden). (Fig. 46.) This tree is also known as Flooded Gum, Bastard White Gum, Rib- bony Gum, and Drooping Gum. The name Candle Bark is in reference to the smooth and sometimes frosted or chalky bark of the trunk. The bark is perfectly smooth for the most part, the outer layers falling off in ribbons. It frequently shows reddish or plum-coloured patches, hence the specific name, " rubida. " This colouration, which is generally most conspicuous at the end of summer, is, at times, beauti- ful when viewed from a distance, ranging from pale salmon colour to bright crimson and purple. 10 April, 1916.] Bee-keeping hi Victoria. 245 The mature leaves are dull green on both sides, narrow, lance-shaped, and of thickish texture. The veins of the leaf roughly transverse the marginal vein close to the edge. They are often frosted with a whitish bloom. Sucker leaves from nearly round to oblong blunt ended, they are opposite, often stem-clasping, and even sometimes opposite leaves more or less joined round the stem. The buds are egg-shaped, in threes. Fig. 45. — Tho Blood Wood {KucaJuplus loriimhosa. SmitlO. arranged in the shape of a cross, as in the Maima Gum (A". ri/>iiii/i/i.<) on short stalklet*. Lid of the hud nearly half when mature, hardlv pointed. The fruit is top-sliaped, spreading at the nioutii. sonietimos nearly half round, shining or frosted, three or four celled. The timber is red wlien fresh, l)ut dries pale; it is of little use. 246 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. In general appearance, adult leaves and fruits of this tree clo&ely resemble the Manna Gum {E . viminalis), in the company of which it is often found. The Manna Gum, however, does not show the colouration of the bark of the Candle Bark Gum, and the latter has round to oblong sucker leaves of lighter green than the lance-shaped sucker leaves of the Manna Gum. Fig. 46. — The Candle Bark Gum (Eucalyptus rubida, Deane aud Maiden). [From Proceedings of the Linnean Society, X.S.W., 1899.] The Candle Bark Gum blossoms in most localities in January and February, usually a little before the Manna Gum, when the two occur in the same locality. Like the Manna Gum, it is in bud from twelve to fifteen months, two generations of buds being therefore in sight just before it blooms. It yields pollen as well as nectar, and the honey, so far as is known, is identical with that of Manna Gum. 10 April, 1916.] Bee-keeping in Victoria. 247 The Sallow Gum {Eucalyptus camjjhora, R. T. Baker). (Fig. 47.) A small tree, about 20 to 40 feet iu height, with a black, shedding bark. Mature leaves, egg-shaped long, abruptly pointed, under •i inches long, or lance-shaped, pointed, and 6 inches long, somewhat leathery and frosted. The veins are distinct, particularly m young Fig. 47. — The Sallow Gum {Eucalyptus camphora, R. T. Baker). [From II. T. 15uk<'r and II. 0. Smith, " llcsfarcli on tlio Kmalypts, fn\"] leaves, the marginal vein away from the edge. The sucker leaves are egg-shaj>ed (2, 3, 4, Fig. 47), lilunt. under 6 inches long, and 3i inches wide, on angular stalks J-incli long, leathery, and frosted. The clusters of flowers are few, on flattened stalks at shoulders of leaves, bearing five or six short-stalked, top-sliapod, and pointed buds. 248 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 AppaL, 1916. The Sallow Gum is usually found in company with the Black Sallee {E . ateUulata) and the Swamp Gum {E . jMiludosa). From the Black Sallee it is easily distinguished by its leaves, although otherwise in appearance of growth, branches, bark, &c., the two resemble each other somewhat. Its branches, however, never have that yellow, green colour, which is so characteristic of the Black Sallee {E . stellulata), but are of an ashy grey or brownish grey colour, sometimes approaching to a sooty black. From the Swamp Gum {^E . jmludosa), the Sallow Gum is distinguished by the leaves being broader, and more oval, with the end blunt; the leaves on the higher branches approach in shape more those of Yellow Box (E. vidliodora) than those of any other species. Incidentally it may here be mentioned that the Swamp Gum {E . paludosa) is not essentially a wet ground species, as it also occurs on dry ground, but it grows to a larger and straighter tree than the Sallow Gum. The Cider Gum (^Eucalyiittis Gunnii, Hook, F.) A shrub or small tree found in Victoria only at high elevations in the north-eastern part, attaining a diameter of 12 inches, and sometimes a height of 30 feet. The specific name Eucalyptus Gunnii is now only applied to this species, but formerly included the Swamp Gum {E . paludosa), the Sallow Gum (E . camphora), and the Dwarf Gum {E . Kitsoni), all of which are uow recognised as distinct species. The bark of the Cider Gum is smooth. A number of stems spring from a broad expanded root base, a feature which is characteristic of this species. The leaves are frosted, and variable in size and shape, stem-clasping, stalkless, heart-shaped, round, egg, or egg lance-shaped, and occur oppo- site or alternate on the rounded branchlets. The lateral veins of the leaves are oblique spreading, the marginal vein well removed from the edge of the leaf. Flowers at shoulders of leaves in short tufts, in threes on a short stalk or stalkless, buds bell-shaped, with short pointed lid, which overlaps the lower part of the bud. The fruit is half-round to cylinder-shaped, with a thickened rim. A pale-coloured wood. This tree is called Cider Gum on account of a cider-like beverage having been made from the sap. The Dwarf Gum {Eucalyptus Kitsoni, Luehmann and Maiden). A dwarf tree. It usually does not grow higher than 4 to 5 feet, but at Foster it is found 18 to 20 feet in height. Bark smooth in texture, and ashy grey in colour, lighter in the higher branches. Juvenile foliage oblong to broadly lance-shaped, with very short stalk, or stalkless leaves, rounded at the end, or terminating in a bhmt point, even-sided, and of leathery texture. Veins well marked, spread- ing marginal vein a considerable distance from the edge of the leaf. Mature Foliage. — AVhen in the flowering state, this tree has some- times a few oblong lance-shaped leaves, but they vary in all degrees of width up to 4 inches long by |-inch wide. Fully developed leaves have the marginal vein close to the edge, and are on stalks up to 1-in. long. Buds with conical lid, the flower cup on a broad (strap-shaped) stalk. Ti'lowers in a head of usually seven, but may be as few as three. Fruit half-round, or more or less conical through mutual pressure, smooth or slightly angled, three, four, or five celled. 10 April, 1916.] .1 Rennrkahle Di>erimenls in pro- moting plant growth by inoculating the soil witli tiie culture of bacteria obtained from tlie root nodules of leguminous plants. It was found that in soil so treated more nodules were produced in the i-oots. and tliat the nitrogenous material in tlie earth was greatly increased. If the cul- tures contained humus— that is to say, the black, decaying matter that is found in tlie soil, they did better still. 250 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. " What we then wanted," Professor Bottomley said, " was a source of soluble humus, and we discovered it in peat. We found that by treat- ing peat with special bacteria it was rendered soluble and formed an excellent medium for the growth of nitrogen-fixation organisms." An important question is whether the discovery can be used for greatly increasing our home-grown food supply. We have seen what it does for vegetables. Will it do as much for wheat? " There is no reason why it should not," was Professor Bottomley 's reply to this question, " if the discovery is taken up and organized on a sufficiently large and authoritative basis. With a definite agricultural policy on the part of the Government, for example, home-grown crops would reap an enormous benefit. " The whole point is this," he explained. " There are thousands ot acres of poor land which could produce plentifully if provided wivn plant food, and there are, in Yorkshire, in Somersetshire, in Devonshire, and in Ireland, thousands of acres of peat now practically useless, which, by bacterial treatment,, could be converted into a rich manure, capable as experiments have shown, at least of doubling the productiveness of the soil. " Incidentally, it would give Ireland a new industry, for with its practically inexhausfible supplies of peat that country could provide all that would be required for the whole of the rest of the United Kingdom. I am told of one bog alone ol 800 acres, where the annual charge is only £20, from which as much peat as one wanted could be obtained. " Besides the value of peat that has been shown by these experiments there is the fact that ordinary stable manure has been trebled in price in the last two years, and that it is difficult to obtain." The Government, it is interesting to add, are apparently alive to the importance of the discovery, for they have made a grant to King's College for the purpose of further investigation. Time, however, will be lost if the years are allowed to pass in experiment. The present is the moment for definite action. — The Farmer's Gazette. PROTECTING GUARDS FOR WATERING STOCK. After trying most kinds of guards for protecting troughing for water- ing stock, the following has been found to be the most effective and least dangerous: — Put in a row of posts (if split, trim off the splinters) 2 feet in the ground and 10 feet apart, as close as possible alongside the side of the troughing, with a strainer 3 feet in the ground at each end. Have the posts high enough to allow a No. 6 galvanised wire to be run through, so that the wire will be 16 inches above the top of the trough- ing. Place a good stay at each end, and morticed into the strainer, and strain tightly. The wire so placed will allow sheep to drink under and big stock over the wire. If stock are to drink on each side of the troughing, have the guard on each side. — A^icJdand Weekly News. 10 April, 1916.] Egg-laying Competition, Burnley, 1915-16. 251 FIFTH VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, 1915-1916. Commenced 15th April, 1915; concluding 14th April, 1916. CONDUCTED AT THE BURNLEY SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE. Totals. Six Birds. Breeds. Owner. Position In Competi- Pen 15.4.15 15 2 16 tion. No. to 14.2.16 to 14.3.16 Eleven months. LIGHT BRKEDS. Wet Mash. 38 White Leghorns . . G. McDonnell . . 1,427 130 1,557 1 84 H. McKenzie and Son 1,405 119 1,524 2 42 W. M. Bayles .. 1,376 129 1,505 3 2 E. A. Lawson . . l,:i(>8 83 1,451 4 19 L. O. Broadbent 1,:550 89 1,4 39 5 8 C. J. Jaclison .. 1,329 96 1,425 6 23 Fnlham Park 1,290 127 1,417 7 6 J. J. West 1,282 130 1,412 8 69 \V. G. Osbiirne . . 1,285 12 3 1,408 9 80 A. E. Silbereisen 1,278 110 1,388 10 28 R. Lethbridge . . 1,270 110 1,380 11 64 W. il.Ciingin .. 1,254 125 1,379 12 3 J.H.Gill 1,257 106 1,303 13 7 Marville Poultry Farm . . 1,263 73 1,356 14 16 N. Burston 1,244 106 1,350 15 60 John Hood 1,215 122 1,337 16 89 W.M. Sewell .. l,22i) 106 1,332 17 18 D.Adams 1,212 107 1,319 18 6 F. Doldissen 1,216 101 1,317 19 44 Mrs. F. M. Oliver 1,202 114 1,316 20 9 J. Schwabb 1,231 82 1,313 !•-' 11 J. H. hrigden . . 1,219 94 1,313 68 Thirkell and Smith 1,195 117 1,312 23 21 \\ (.'. bird's) E. B. Harris 1,252 50 1,308 !=* 27 J.A. Stahl 1,199 109 1,308 4 „ (5 birds) R. Hay 1,194 93 1,287 V <>« 26 A. Mowatt 1,197 00 1.287 »-** 22 S. Buscumb 1,158 128 1,286 23 20 R.W.Pope 1,187 98 1,285 |20 82 F. Hodges 1,183 102 1,285 13 T. Hustler 1,186 90 1,282 31 16 H.N. H. Mirams 1,162 116 1,278 32 10 (5 birds) A. E. Tuttleby .. 1,187 80 1.273 33 48 U.I.Merrick .. 1,175 93 1,268 34 1 Mrs. H. Stevenson 1,182 85 1,267 35 24 Lysbetli Poultry Farm . . 1,166 86 1,252 36 49 " (5 birds') Bennett and Chapman . . 1,1(58 61 1.229 37 83 (4 birds) A.W.Hall 1,141 83 1,224 38 86 Weldon Poultry Yards .. 1,129 92 1,221 39 66 W.N. O'Mullane 1,117 95 1,212 40 60 H.C Brock 1,113 92 1,205 41 41 J. A. Donaldson 1,10 2 91 1,193 42 12 i> • . H. Heyman 1,089 102 1,191 43 46 R. Berrv 1,080 108 1.188 44 48 If 0. J. Beatty 1,1(19 71 1,180 43 68 (5 birds) W. G. Swift 1,12! 49 1,172 40 26 (5 birds) Giddy and Son . . 1,117 49 1,106 47 62 II A. A. Sandland .. 1,052 104 1.156 48 40 r. C. Dunn 1,0(14 82 1.140 49 47 II J. C. Armstrong 1,093 49 1.142 50 87 II A . Ross 1.028 104 1.132 51 46 South Yan Yean Poultry Farm 1,017 93 1.110 52 67 B.Mitchell 1,004 71 1.075 53 14 (.-. bird's) W. Flood 99(1 77 1.073 54 81 I,. Mel-Pan 902 91 1.0.'. 3 5.5 66 ;.* (5 bird's") 1 C. Hurst Total 903 82 983 71,632 50 0(^,241) 5,383 252 ,7 onrnal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. Fifth Victorian Eao-LAYiNo Competit[ON, 1915-16— conlinwd Six Bired out. I hkve done all thii work myself without any Miijtiuice. 8o I ooQiider the Orut>>i«r haa more thao deutily paid for itaelf. " PmU The "MONKBV WINOH" will aav* tim*, labour and monay on pmrtijulart ymur lan^ olaarlns, la alwaya raady, and oan ba workad In fr»m — tha vary rou^haat oountry and In any olaaa of timbar. TREWHELLA BROS. pty. ltd., TRENTHAM Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE To Owners of Pedigreed Stock of all kinds. Dairy Farmers and Others The Department has compiled a Stock Breeding Record Book Comprising Table of Service and Due Dates, Females with Record of Progeny, Sires with Record of Service, General Service Record, Pedigree Charts, Milk Fat and Butter Records for Dairy Stock This Book contains 234 pages on stiff paper, and is strongly bound in half leather. A limited number available. Price, 10/6 Postage — Victoria I /6, other States and N. Zealand 2/8 extra. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. 10 April, 1916.] Journal of Agriculfvre, Victoria. Destroy Woolly Aphis by Spraying witK In*—!'/ "^ -^ Prepared Red Spraying Oil The oil that wont wash off. Mixes easily with cold w^ater. Instructions on each container. Our descriptive booklet on Orchard Insect Pests is full of valuable information. It is free, so send for it. Vacuum Oil Co. Pty. Ltd. Throughout the Commonwealth and Newr Zealand For your motor Plume Benzine ind Gargoyle Mobiloils Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 April, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT COOL STORES THE NEW STORES AT VICTORIA DOCK have a capacity of 310,000 cubic feet insulated, and are capable of holding 155,000 boxes of butter, or 105,000 cases of fruit, or 140,000 carcasses of Iamb and mutton. Prodace can be placed on conveyors at any point and mechanically carried to any chamber in the building, or conveyed from the chambers direert will inspect lite, quote piice, and erect if requited. Easy terms given. Langwill Bros. & Davies Pty. Ltd. 110-11* STURT ST. (Near Prince's Bridge) SOUTH MELBOURNE IV Journal of AgriciiHw'e, Victoria. [10 May, 1916 Who has an Axe to Grind? A Mattock, a Pick, a Hatchet, Scythe, Bush Hook, Slasher, Knife, Scissors, or Chisel? Whatever it be, if it has an edge, you'll Sharpen it quicker and better with A 'BUFFALO' FOOT-POWER GRINDER! A "Buffalo" Foot-power Grinder easily beats a Grind- stone, because of the great speed attained, the quickness of the Grinding done, and the fact that whatever the job, it only requires one person to run the machine and grind at the same time. QO/ ^^V ^^^^ o^ tool, from the smallest to the largest, «-^^/ " may be ground — and without drawing the temper or heating. A simple, easy motion of the foot sends the emery wheel spinning at 3,000 revolutions per minute. Do you Clip Horses 7 Buy the ''STEWART'' Bail-Bearing HORSE CLIPPING MACHINE Clips a horse in 30 minutes. A child can turn it. Onljf 42/6, Pamphlet on request. MS-PIicrson^ r**^ Proprietary Limited ^*— — ^ Tools for the Farm, Home, and Workshop 554-66 and 582-88 COLLINS ST., MELBOURNE. Established 1860. 10 May, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. I'll keep your stock well watered Allow you to pursue farm duties free from worry, confident that the water supply for your slock and household purposes is in good hands. I have splendid references for working capabilities, am a prompt starter, and while there is work to be done, ril graft morning, noon and night. Oil me, that's all. I've a splendid constitution, and a power of strength. ♦■ Makers of — Pumps Pipes Troughs Fluming Tanks Tankstands Suppliers of — W.I. Pipe and Fittings Sprinklers Spray Nozzles Oil Engines Etc., etc. MAKERS, 399-403 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE And at 324-330 Pitt Street. Sydney Journal of Agrictdture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. JERSEY BUTTER BULLS Bulls. 1. SIRE-MABEL'S Dam's Performance under a Government Herd Testing. Age. LASSIE (SOS). October, 1914. Last Season . . 7,340 lbs. Milk. 425 lbs. Butter (5-08 test). This Season . . 6,997 lbs. Milk. 417 lbs. Butter (5-24 test). LASSIE 2nd (1136). December, 1914. Last Season . . 9,385 lbs. Milk. 513 J lbs. Butter (4-79 test). This Season . . 8,544 lbs. Milk. 478 lbs. Butter (4-91 test). CHIEF (imp.). Q .,„ Dam's Performance under •„» **""^- Government Herd Testing. ■*«®- 3. ETTIE 4tli (2889). December, 1914. This Season . . ' 8,743 lbs. Milk. 445 lbs. Butter (4-46 test). 4. SILVER AUDREY (1378). January, 1915. Last Season .. 6,128 lbs. Milk. 34S lbs. Butter (4-98 test), (was on second calf.) 5. SILVERMINE 5th (1386). February, 1915. Last Season . . 5,515 lbs. Milk. 322 lbs. Butter (5-12 test). Apply :-C. GORDON LYON, "BANYULE," HEIDELBERG, VICTORIA. 'Phone 7419 Central The Australasian Mutual Insuranee Society M, 400-2 COLLINS ST., MELBOURNE. Farmers and Breeders We will undertake to Insure your Live Stock at the Lowest Current Rates obtainable in Australia OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF BUSINESS. Fire, Marine, Fidelity Guarantee, Plate Glass, Personal Accident and Sickness, Employers' Liability, Workmen's Compen- sation, Public Risk, Motor Car & Burglary. ^"^^^^ i*^ INSURE WITH THIS SOCIETY, AND RECOWIIVIEND IT TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS L I DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA PUBLICATIONS By D. Mc Alpine, Government Vegetable Pathologist. RUSTS OF AUSTRALIA. 5s. Postage; C. 2d. ; N.Z.. 8d. ; B. & F.. Is. 4d. SMUTS OF AUSTRALIA. 4s. Postage: C. 2id.: N.Z.. 9d. ; B. & F.. Is. 6d. FUNGUS DISEASES OF CITRUS TREES IN AUSTRALIA. 2s. Postage: C, Id.; N.Z.. 3d. ; B. & F.. 6d. FUNGUS DISEASES OF STONE FRUIT TREES IN AUSTRALIA. 2s. 6d. Postage: C. Ud. : N.Z.. 5d. ; B. & F.. lOd. SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT OF AUSTRALIAN FUNGI. 3s. Postage; C. 2d. ; N.Z.. 8d. ; B. & F., Is. 4d. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Chequt covering price and postage to be forwarded to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to bt made by Pott Office Order. 10 May, 1916.] Journal of Agricidture, Victoria. THERE ARE LOTS OF THINGS THAT COUNT, TO THE MAN ON THE LAND Blacksmithing, Carpentry, Plumbing, Turning and Fitting, Wool Classing and Sorting, and several other of the 74 subjects taught at THE WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE THE MELBOURNE TECHNICAL SCHOOL Why not send for our Prospedus, ready now, and learn about them. First Term 1916 started February 7th. ENROL NOW Burnt Lilydale Lime FOR THE LAND Farmers who have not used BURNT LIME should try it. The action of Burnt Lime on the land is IMMEDIATE. The demand for Building Lime having slackened owing to the War, Farmers have the opportunity of getting a supply of the WELL-KNOWN LILYDALE LIME. ANALYSIS go as high as 98% Calcium Oxide. Works— CAVE HILL. LILYDALE. Apply — DAVID MITCHELL, Sole Proprietor, OLIVER'S LANE. MELBOURNE. AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURE Seed Wheat and Seed Oat Cleaners &Graders (FOR HAND OR POWER) Proved conclusively by Practical Farmers that graded seed is hardier in growth :: and increases the yield per acre s Sticks. Straws^ & other large > substances J roats { ind lUarlcy Small Outs, andiir.iken* Imoroved Pattern for Season 1916 drain "^ Send for No. 13 Catalogue "Seed Wheat and it. Treatment." conU.nin. f-n.r particular, and price., and te.timonial. from .atitried u.er.. The SCHUMACHER Mill Furnishing Works Ply. Ltd. ^^^^^^^^^m^^^^mm port Melbourne ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON "THE FINEST WAGON EVER" PATENT STEEL WHEELS Patent Felloes. Renewable Carron Boxes & Oil Caps. The only Steel Wheel that has stood the Test. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS Wheels Guaranteed for 3 years against Breakage, &c. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON.— Irrigationists, Orchardisls, Farmers. This Spring Wagon to carry 2 tons, £30 up. Wheels, 36' and 32' dia. 4' Tyres. Table, 9J :c 5} feet. Pole or Shafts. Weighs 10 cwt. Ordinary Block Wagon to carry 3 tons, £35. Weighs 12 cwt. These Wheels are guaranteed and will last for all time. HIGHER WHEELS IF NEEDED, and Wagons built to carry any weight up to 20 tone. TRACTION TRAILERS A SPECIALTY. XABLE TOP — ^Truck body, and all classes of little Wagons for Farm and Station work. Wasons Shipped to all Ports in Australia. WRITE FOR CATALOG TO-DAY. Ra %3m Lib HILbD I AKUy KENSINGTON, VICTORIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE Handbook of Potato Diseases in Australia — and their Treatment By D. McALPINE, government vegetable pathologist. With Appendices by W. Laidlaw, B.Sc. (Biologist). on Eel Worms; and C. French, Jnr. (CoTetnroent Elntomologist), on Insect Pests of the Potato. 235 Panes (Cloth). 58 Full Plates. PrirP ^ /■ Postage: Commonwealth, 2d.; New Zealand. 8d.; 176 Illustrations. IIH-C, «_»/ British and Foreign, 1/4. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to The Director Of Agriculture, Melbourne. Victoria. Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. Farmers ! DON'T NEGLECT :: YOUR EYES :: They are your most valuable possession, and neglect in the early stages may lead to something much more serious. DAIRY & INCUBATOR THERMOMETERS HYGROMETERS HYDROMETERS ARTIFICIAL THERMOMETERS BAROMETERS EYES, Etc., Etc. WOOD 77ie Optician 'Phone 6778 Equitablc Buildiiigs, 95 Elizabeth St., Melbourne 10 May, 1916.] Journal of Agriculttire, Victoria. w. & w. 506 No GOOD FENCE is so Cheap and no Ordinary Fence is so good as the CYCLONE SPRING COIL Cyclone Spring Coil Fence is made of best quality wire, galvanised. Moisture does not affect it. Expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature are provided for by crimps in the horizontal lines. Once up, the fence needs no after straining. The crimps make the fence elastic Stock rushing it are thrown back, and both stock and fence are uninjured. TK« cross ties, I ft. apart, make a perfect web, tbrough which no stock can pass. Get our Catalogue. It tells you more about it CYCLONE Pty. Ltd. 459 SWANSTON STREET MELBOURNE LAND ON EASY TERMS (UNDER THE CLOSER SETTLEMENT ACTS). FARMS and Agricultural Labourers' Allotments in Country Districts. WORKMEN*S HOMES.— Allotments near Large Centres. Available Under Closer Settlement Conditions. Deposit, only 3 per cent; balance payable over 3H year*, at 3 per cent, half-yearly, covering principal and interest. Residence Compulsory for Eight Months in Each Year. Railway Certificates to Travel at Half Rates for Inspection of Land. -APPLY- Lands Purchase and Management Board; Or. INQUIRY BRANCH, LANDS DEPARTMENT. MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916 NuNAN's Patent Spray System Enhance your profits, increase your returns, save trouble, save time, by laying down now Nunan's Patent Spray Irrigation System. Produces a Rainfall as Steady as Nature's Own. Nunan's is the simplest method known for soalcing your ground readily and naturally. Send for full details to NEWELL & COY., 189 King St., Melb. VICTORIA PHOSPHATE Basic Phosphate intensely ground 15% and 17% Phosphoric Acid 57/6 and 63/6 per ton In Truck lots on Rail at Siding, Macaulay. Orders taken Now. This company, the erection of whose works was delayed by war difficulties, has, however, been enabled to open up a very excellent deposit of Phosphate discovered by the Mines Department. The deposit was originally found by Mr. A. M. Howitt, Field Geologist, and is being developed in co-operation with the Scientific Officers of the Geological Survey. The Company is perfectly satisfied that a Cheap and First-class Fertilizer can now be offered to the Farmers and Graziers of the Commonwealth. SUPER AND OTHER TYPES TO FOLLOW^. Heathcote Chemical Company Proprietary Ltd. NORTH MELBOURNE. Telephone 10538 Central. 10 May, 1916.] Jourrud of Agriculture, Victoria. "THE BEST is CHEAPEST— ALWAYS !" LYSAGHT'S CORRUGATED ROOFING IRON Look for the "ORB " Brand on every Sheet. Obtainable from all leading Ironmongers, Storekeepers, and Timber Merchants throughout Australia. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAMPHLETS New Series Obtainable from the Director of Agriculture, Melbourne— Free on Application. 1. SILO CONSTRUCTION. 2. HINTS FOR NEW SETTLERS. T. A. J. .Smith. 3. APPLE GROWING FOR EXPORT. P. J. Carmodi/. 5. CIDER MAKING. J. Ktiuilu. 7. CITRUS FRUIT CULTURE. /:;. /:;. PescoU. 8. BUILDING HINTS FOR SETTLERS. A. S. Kenyan, C.E., and othert. 9. TOBACCO CULTURE. T. A.. I. Smith. 10. SILOS AND SILAGE. '/. //, /•■. liak-r. 11. THE BEET SUGAR INDUSTRY AND CLOSER SETTLEMENT. //. T. Kanlerbij. 12. WORMS IN SHEEP, s, .s. Cameron, iJ.W.Sc, M.Jl.V.i'.S. 13. CHEEiE MAKING Cheddar). C. S. Sawers. 14. FArtM BLACKSMITHING. fJ. Hazier. 15. BROOM FIBRE INDUSTRY. / .1 ./. ^/-l'A. 17. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1911-12. IT. .4. .V. H.^^erUnn, li.V.Sc 18. REPORT ON FIRST EGG-LAYING COMPETITION AT BURNLEY, 1911-12. //. V. Ilaickint. 19. LIME IN AGRICULTURE, lir. S. S. i',ii,.,r,,„ ,init ulhert. 20. NUMERICAL SYSTEM OF PACKING APPLES. i:.Meekina. 21. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS. 1912-13. »»'. A. S. Rohtrtton, B.V.Sc. 11. WHEAT AND ITS CULTIVATION. .1. /. 1 IUr/,„r,ls,m. U.l . II. Sc. 23. HINTS ON PACKING AND FORWARDING FRUIT FOR EXPORT. 7.0. Turner. 24. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1913-14. H . .1. A'. Huhcrtton, B.V.Se. 25. SUCCESSFUL POULTRY KEEPING, &e. I. Ilail. 26. TOMATO CULTURE IN VICTORIA. >. .1 r,„A. 27. SUMMER FODDER CROPS. /,.,,,,/.• .( / S,„,lh. 29. THE BEE-KEEPING INDUSTRY IN VICTORIA. K. It. lUuhne. ^ 30. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1914-1S. »'. A. S. Id-Urtton. B.l». AImo I,paflet() on Foul Urood of HecH, Transffrrinif Itecs. Kfoliiii; <"<>»■• for Milk Pnxlurtion. Utility or T.stinff Cow», The " Ks.iit \ inl«(r<- <'«n- siikrutioiiM, Sprinjf FroiitH, Cut Worm-., Inso.t I'tst* ..( tliu rut.it. •. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. d: NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES — Will clear your land of trees, stumps, boulders, &c., in a fraction of the time required by any other means, and at less than half the cost. They are also invaluable for sub-soiling. If you are interested write to us and ask for Pamphlet, eKtitled : — ''EXPLOSIVES FOR THE FARM." DALGETY& Co. Ltd., Bourke-st., Melb. Sole Agents for NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES Co. Ltd., GLASGOW. G" N EW ZEALAND LOAN & MERCANTILE AGENCY W COMPANY LIMITED 1 Head Office— LONDON. Melbourne Office— COLLINS ST. W. LIBERAL GASH ADVANCES Wool, Grain, Skins, Hides, Tallow, Baric, Stocic and Station Broilers ON COMMISSION ONLY. BUTTER SHIPMENTS UNDERTAKEN ON OWNER'S AGCOUNT fof"! COOPER'S DIP FOR VICTORIA AND RIVERINA, PAGE'S Patent Wire Strainer and IRONSIDE'S Wire Cutter CHIEF AGENTS IN VICTORIA for the PALATINE INSURANCE COY. THE GREAT DIP TOR MAGGOT FLY 10 May, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. DOOKIE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE Provides Special Facilities for Practical and Scientific Agricultural Education. Notable Agriculturists say that this College offers the best agricultural education and practical training in the world. The Sessions commence MARCH and SEPTEMBER, and Students may be enrolled at any time. Alternative Courses — (a) Diploma Course (i) One Year's Course. Three Years. Total Fees — £25/-/- per annum. The College contains modern and well equipped laboratory and leisure hall, single bedrooms, recreation and sports grounds. Of the 5,91 3 acres of farm land at Dookie, 1 ,000 acres were put under crop by students last season; and champion prizes were won for sheep and pigs at the last Royal Agricultural Society's Show. FARM SUBJECTS. — Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Fruit Growing, Butter and Cheese Factory Management, Building Construction for Farmers. EACH BRANCH UNDER SPECIALLY TRAINED EXPERTS LONGERENONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SESSIONS COMMENCE MARCH AND SEPTEMBER. This College is specially adapted for Junior Students from 14 years of age. AREA OF FARM. 2,336 ACRES. MAIN BRANCHES OF FARM WORK.— Grain Growing, Fat Lamb Raising, Dairying, Irrigation of Fodder Crops, Fruit, &c. Total Fees— £25 per annum. Full particulars obtainable from T. J. PURVIS, Esq., Secretary, Council of Agricultural Education, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, or the Principals of the Colleges. LYSACHTSWIRENETTIWC MADE IN AUSTRALIA. All Sizes Manufactured. \ inch to 4 inch Mesh. The Standard Netting of the State LOOK FOR OUR MARKER IN EVERY ROLL. Oup manufacture of Rabbit -proof Wire Netting is known as the best throughout Australia. 11" iiiul IJ' MKSIl, O^M^CJEI xtse:i3 Better In quality, and owing to its being loose rolled less costly to erect than any Im- — ported Netting. - xtse:i3. LYSAGHT BROS. & CO. Ltd. MANUFACTURERS. SYDNEY. AGENTS : GIBBS, BRIGHT & CO., 34 Queen St., MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. - To FARMERS and OTHERS, ^-^^i— i For your House, Barn, Woolshed, Dairy, Fencing, &c. — !d£! JARRAH or TASMANIAN !S2 HARDWOOD TIMBERS ^— ^-^— ^ THERE ARE NONE BETTER. _^.^_^__ Large Stocks of Scantlings, Weather-boards, Floorings, &c. "J^ul- Millars' Timber & Trading Co. Ltd. QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE. BONEDUST, SUPERPHOSPHATE, And Other High-Grade Fertilizers. Poultry Bone Grit, Meat Meal, Cattle Lick Delivered at Railway Station, Footscray, or on Wharf, Melbourne J. COCKBILL, Bonedust Manufacturer OFFICE : 407 POST OFFICE PLACE, MELBOURNE BONES BOUGHT. CONSIGN TO ME. FOOTSCRAY. Telephone 2098. This Journal )ffers exceptional : advantages : : To Stock Owners, Produce Agents and Stock Sales- men, Implement Makers, Sellers of Milking Ma- chines and Dairy Utensils, Orchard Appliances and Materials, and all Farmers' Supplies for Advertising 10,000 copies per month Guaranteed Circulation throughout the Country Districts of Victoria and amongst Farmers of the Commonwealtli, reach- ing also country professional men, tradesmen, schoolmasters, teachers, and the like. Exceptionally satisfac- tory results have followed the adver- tising of Stud Stock in this Journal. ^offi^Jc^J::: Mr. J, J. WRIGHT and Mrs. HEMMING c/o Editor. Department of Agriculture, Melbourne. 10 May, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. BEFORE YOU GO TO TOWN. T TSE Lifebuoy Soap before you journey in 'Bus, Train ^-^ or Tramcar. It will protect you from the germs and microbes of disease, which Scientists say abound in thickly populated areas. Lifebuoy Soap keeps you free from infection and enables you to be a protection rather than a danger to those with whom you come into contact. Lifebuoy Soap is a germicide. Scientists have tested in the laboratory its power to destroy disease germs. Doctors and Nurses speak for its good service m daily use. So do wives and mothers. MORE THAN SOAP YET COSTS NO MORE. ^J 1 EVr.R RROTMRRS IIMITFD, SYDNEY. M^iiijMifB^^MBM^ Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. WINDMILLS Alston's New Gearles Is the Simplest Windmill Motion ever invented Only Three working parts Ball Bearings Throughout AllMoving Parts enclosed in Dust-proof Case and Run in Oil Oi!i 40,000 "ALSTON" Mills in use throughout Australia ^-NO ATTENTION REQUIRED ^^ Expert Advice and Catalogues Free on application. James Alston & Sons Windmill, Trough and ^ump Manufacturers QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA THe JOUKNAI^ OF T^fie department oj M^ncufture OP VICTORIA. Vol. XIV. Part 5. 10th May, 1916. THE WHEAT CROP FOR 1916. A. E. V. Richardson, M.A., Ji.Sc, Af/ricultiiral Superintendent. U— RETROSPECT. Never in our history iiave the problems associated with the produc- tion, marketing, and financing of the Av^stralian wheat crop awakened such lively interest on the part of Governments, politicians, primary producers and consumers. This interest has arisen from the general recognition of the important part played by our staple crop in relation both to Imperial necessities and to home finance. In 1914, Canada's crop was a partial failure, whilst Australia failed to produce sufficient grain for home requirements. Hence Great Britain was compelled to fill her grain requirements from foreign sources, and send either goods, foreign securities or gold to liquidate the debt. In 1915, on the other hand, Canada and Australia, thanks to a propitious season, the stimulus of high prices of wheat, and the ]u-actical encouragement given to farmers by the respective Governments, s?eded a record acreage to wheat and secured the biggest crop on record. This served the twofold purpose of relieving the Motlier Country of the em- barrassment of dependence on foreign supplies and of assisting the Dominions to meet loan obligations and to restore a favoralile trade balance. In December, 1914, an appeal was made to wheat growers to seed a record acreage in 1915. At the time the apj^eal was made the pastoral and agricultural industries of Australia were in a most critical condition on account of the drought through which they had just passed. With both seed and fodder at high prices and labour scarce it seemed somewhat hopeless to advocate large sowings. The outlook, howpver, 4444. 258 JouriKii of A i/riciiJ(iire, Victoria. furnished a triple incentive to urge farmers on — (1) The prospect of good prices for wheat. (2) Tlie probability of a year of drought being succeeded by a year of abundant winter rainfall. (3) The necessity of making the crop of 1915 recoup them for the losses of 1914. The Victorian Government advanced more than £600,000 to cover cost of seed, manure, and fodder to necessitous farmers, and urged farmers to put in as much wheat as possible. The official objective, announced early in 1915, was the seeding of an area of 4,000,000 acres and a crop yield of 50,000,000 bushels. At the time of the annoui: ce- ment the general opinion was that the objective, though laudable, could not, in view of the difficulties confronting farmers, be realized. The response of the farmers was magnificent, no less than 4,160,000 acres being sown to wheat — an increase of 35 1 per cent, over the previous year s acreage Of this ai-ea 3,679,971 acres were reaped for grairj. Owing to the favorable season, the abundant and well distributed i*ainfall. the Victorian harvest amounted to 58,500,000 bushel?. This response of the farmers was beyond praise At the same tim.'^, had it not been for the bold lead given by the State and the liberal advances made — which incidentally strengthened the whole fabric of rural credit throughout the country — this fine result could not have been consummated. It is an interesting- exami^le cf the m'^nner in which judicious financial assistance accelerates primary production. A similar appeal was made to farmers by the Governments of all neutral and belligerent countries to increase the acreage sown to wheat; and it is interesting to note that the response in Victoria was relatively greater, both as regards increase in acreage and increase in yield, tha»' that of any other wheat -growing country in the world. Thus the increase in area in Victoria was 28.5 per cent, as compared with 1914, the previous record; and 63 per cent, above the average acreage for the five years prior to the war. Canada showed an increased acreage as compared with 1914 of 26.2 per cent.; Great Britain, 22.5 per cent.; Egypt, 21.6 per cent. ; India, 13.2 per cent. ; United States, 10.9 per cent. No other oountries managed to secure increases in acreage of 10 per cent, save the British Possessions and the United States. The full details are set out in tabular form in the appendices. The season of 1915 was exceptionally favorable for wheat-growing, and, as a result, Australia's crop will probably exceed 170,000 000 bushels, thus providing an exportable surplus of 135,000,000 to 140,000,000 bushels— a surplus double that of any two previous consecutive seasons. This following on the heels of the most disastrous drought within living memory is a remarkable illustration of the racuperative power of Aus- tralian soils. Long before this bumper harvest was assured problems relating to the marketing and financing of the crop began to exercise the minds of those in authority. In view of the world-wide shortage of freights and the rapidly rising rates for ocean carriage, the State Governments, acting in co-operation with the Commonwealth Government, decided to under- take the responsibility of financing and marketing the crop and making necessary advances to growers. The details of the Wheat-Pooling Scheme are now well known to farmers. 10 May, 1916.] The Wheat Crop for 1916. 259 The principle of the scheme is that the proceeds from the sales of wheat, less marketing and transit charges, are to be divided between the participating growers in proportion to the amount of wheat forwarded. Full market price is secured for all cargoes sold abroad, and a fair price, approximating London parity, viz., 4s. 9d. per bushel, is charged for all wh^at used for gristing for internal consumption. Such advan- tageous marketing conditions, it is now generally admitted, could not have been obtained without Government intervention. It may be said that the resources and credit of the States were used on behalf of the producers to obtain full market value for our staple crop. Summarized, the position for 1915 is as follows: — Victorian farmers reaped a harvest of 58,500,000 bushels, an equivalent of at least two normal crops. In addition, the f.o.b. price is at least equal to the best f.o.b. price received for the past forty years. If the whole harvest could be sold at current rates it would be worth two and a-half to three ordinary crops. Such, in brief, is the record for 1915. II.— PROSPECT. But what of 1916 ? Will the farmers rest content with the achievement of the past season or will they make another concerted effort for a big crop this year? If we are to judge the question by the amount of preparation and fallowing already done, it must be confessed that the crop prospects for 1916 in Victoria are not bright. In the Wimmera, the Mallee, and the Goulburn Valley the amount of fallowing appears to be far short of the amount normally completed at this season of the year. Scarcity' of skilled farm labour is having an inevitable effect on diminution of acreage. Since harvest time many farm hands, farmers' sons and farmers themselves have responded to their country's call and have enlisted. This makes the task for those who remain all the heavier. Though no effort will be spared by those who remain, the task of maintaining the full area under cultivation on each farm will be indeed difficult, and will call for extra sacrifices and hard work. Except for the greater scarcity of farm labour caused by generous enlistment in this State the task of preparation is not attended witli the difficulties that confronted the farmer last year. Stock are in excellent condition, and there is an abundance of fodder on every farm. Bnt it Is to hii feared tJint the general uncertainty regarding the future of the vihe.at market may cause growers to limil acreages this year, just as anticipated high prices were a powerfxd stimulus to extra (xertions last year. We have read of the bumper crops in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentine in 1915, the enormous wheat stacks awaiting shipment to Europe, the general scarcity of freights, the picturesque advance of our Russian allies througli Armenia, rumours of Turkey declaring a separate peace; and it is perhaps hard to resist the inference that prices for our staple crop will slump by next harvest. If such a view is widely held by farmers, it will certainly act as a greater deterrent on large acreages than any other factor. Consequently I have endeavoured in the following pages to sum- marize the statistical position of the wheat market, with a view of show- ing that, though the present statistical position may appear adverse to the producer, the future of the wlieat market is hopeful. A 2 260 Journal of Ac/riculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. The statistics, compiled from official sources, are presented in tabular form in the appendices, and they should be of interest to those who, whilb anxious to form their own opinions regarding possible future developments, do not care to wade through piles of official statistics expressed in the metric system. First, consider the world harvest for 1915. In 1915 the world reaped its record crop. The magnitude of the harvest in enemy countries is not exactly known, though it is known that the harvest in Germany and Austria in 1915 was a partial failure owing to unfavorable weather conditions prior to harvest. Reliable authorities agree that the combined crop of Germany and Austria was not more than 80 per cent, of the normal amount. In addition, there was a serious falling-off in the French wheat crop, the production for 1915 being officially estimated at 243,000,000 bushels as compared with a normal production of 317,000,000 bushels for the pre- vious five years, i.e., a shortage of 74,000,000 bushels. Italy, Japan, and Bulgaria also showed decreases in production compared with the normal. On the other hand, in all other countries there was increased produc- tion compared with the average of the five years prior to the war. In all, the wheat reaped was 4,577,000,000 bushels, compared with 3,816,000,000 bushels for 1914, and 3,944,000,000 bushels for the five years' average prior to the war. The world's previous best record was 1913, when 4,272,000,000 bushels were reaped — that is to say, the world's production for 1915 is 761,000,000 bushels greater than 1914, 633,000,000 more than the five years' average prior to the war, and 305,000,000 more than the previous record crop. The present statistical position, therefore, saems very favorable for consumers and unfavorable for producers. Indeed, if the whole of this enormous surplus were immediately available and could be thrown on the markets of importing countries, a serious slump in prices would be inevitable. .\s a matter of fact, however, the Roumanian and Russian surpluses are locked up in the Black Sea ports and cannot, unless peace is de- clared, affect the markets. Roumania and Russia have between them a surplus of over 300,000,000 bushels. So long as the Dardanelles are closed this surplus cannot affect the market. Then, again, the scarcity in freights is producing the same effect as a temporary crop shortage in the importing countries, for operators in America, Argentine, and Australia can only effectively offer, and pur- chasers abroad will only buy, so much of their surplus as they have secured freights for. In order to more fully appreciate the present statistical position, con- sider briefly the needs of the importing countries in relation to the surplus available in the exporting countries (these are summarized in Table III. of the appendix). For the five years prior to the war the average import of wheat was approximately 625,000,000 bushels. Of this, Germany and Austria required 80,000,000, the balance being absorbed by the Allies and neutral European Powers. In view of the shortage of production in France for 1915, i.e., 75,000,000, the total requirements of these importing countries (exclusive of Germany and Austria) are 620,000,000 bushels. ]0 May, 1916.] The Wheat Crop for 1916. 261 In 1915, the exporting countries have a surplus above their home requirements of 1,330,000,000 bushels. Of this surplus Russia, Roumania, and Bulgaria together account for 320,000,000 bushels, leav- ing approximately 1,010,000,000 bushels for the United States. Canada, Argentine, India, and Australia. Hence the exporting countries, with a surplus of 1,010,000,000 bushels, are competing with one another fcr a maximum effective demand of 620,000,000 bushels. Under these circum- stances, it seems inevitable that there would be a heavy slump in prices on the exporting markets ; yet, strange to relate, no such slump has yet occurred, in spite of the fact that the Northern Hemisphere harvest of 1916 will in three months' time be upon us. As a matter of actual fact the amount of wheat produced by the bumper crop of 1915 is only 305,000,000 bushels more than the record crop of 1913. But more than 310,000,000 bushels are locked up in the Black Sea, and for present market purposes are as good as non- existent. Hence, at the worst, prices should not be lower than these following on the 1913 harvest. Moreover, evidence is stfadili/ accumulating to shoiv thai the prospects for a bir/ world harvest for 1916 are not bright. It is notr knouui that there has been a considerable shrinkage in acreage sown to winter loheat in the Northern Hemisphere this year : and it is more than likely, judging by the unfavorable weather reports, that the average yield, per acre in 1916 will not equal that of 1915. If these speculations are realized, the statistical position will be very much brighter for the producer. Observed Shrinkages in Acreage. For example, the ofl&cial estimates for sowings of winter wheat show a falling off in the United States of 5,000,000 acres, Canada 1,250,000 acres, India 2,000,000 acres — a total falling off in winter wheat alone, in three countries, of 8,250,000 acres. Statistics relating to the spring-sown crop have not yet been published, though reports have been circulated to the effect that the weather condi- tions have not been favorable for seeding. Assuming a proportionate shrinkage in spring-sown crops, the total area will show a falling off in acreage of, approximately, 11,000,000 acres. Australia and Argentine have not yet (1st April) commenced sowing. So far as Australia is concerned, last year's record increase in acreage was due to the cheap working up of several million acres of crop which failed to mature the previous year. Similar conditions will not prevail this season, and while, of course, we all hope that the acreage sown will be as large as possible, it is aln^ost certain that there will be a shrinkage of at least one to two million acres as compared with last year. Diminished winter s-owings have also been recorded in France. Italy. Great Britain, and Russia. On 15th February it was estimated that the area of winter wheat sown in France this year is 12,500,000 acres, as against 13,606,000 acres last year. Seeding in Great Britain has been delayed, and the area of winter wheat sown i.« about 94 per cent, of that sown last year. Reports from Russia indicate that there is a decrease in acreage sown to winter wheat, and that tliere will be a pi()ba1)le decrease in spring 262 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. sowings in 1916. No definite figures as to acreage sown are available, but as the normal area sown in Russia is 75,000,000 acres, any serious falling off in acreage would lead to a great diminution in yield. Weather conditions in Italy have been unfavorable for extended sowings, and a diminished acreage is expected. So far as the Southern Hemisphere is concerned, it is unlikely, unless wheat prices rise suddenly, and unless unusual stimulation is given by Governmental agencies, that the -acreage sown in Australia will approach that of last year. It is too early yet to forecast the probable seeding in the Argentine, as seeding has just commenced. Summing up the prospects for acreage, we may say that, so far as we can see at present, it is certain that there will be a considerable diminu- tion in the acreage sown to wheat this year, and the final figures may utimately show a deficit of 15,000,000 acres as compared with last year. This, under normal conditions of yield, will give a diminished outturn of 240,000,000 bushels. Diminution in Average Yield. Of equal effect in reducing the surplus would be the possible decrease in the average yield per acre in the wheat-growing countries of the world. The American crop of 1915 averaged 16.9 bushels per acre with, approximately, 60,000,000 acres sown to wheat. This was the highest average yield per acre secured by America for 30 years. The average yield for the 30 years prior to the war was 13.8 bushels per acre. It is very unlikely that the weather conditions in America through- out the wheat-growing period would again be favorable for another bumper crop. A survey of past records shows wide fluctuations m the average yield, varying from 12.5 bushels per acre in 1904 to 16.9 bushels per. acre in 1915. Already there are indications that there will be a considerable reduction in the average yield this year. Thus the official report for April by the Washington Agricultural Bureau states that the condition of winter wheat on 1st April was 78.3 per cent. — the worst on record. This indicates a probable yield of 14| bushels per acre, equivalent to a total production of winter wheat of 495,000,000 bushels, as against 659,000,000 bushels of winter wheat last year — a reduction of 181,000,000 bushels. It might be expected that the Canadian crop prospects would follow more or less closely those of America, since the principal wheat belts of each country experiences similar climatic conditions. In this case, there would be a considerable diminution in 1916. On lOth March, the second official forecast of the Indian wheat crop was issued. The revised estimate shows that there is a shrinkage in acreage under crop of 1,807,000 acres, or nearly 6 per cent., compared with the previous year. It states that the failure of the winter rains in December and January seriously affected tue crop, parficularly in the un-irrigated areas in the Punjab, United Provinces, and the Bombay Presidency. The February rains, however, materially benefited the crop. 10 May, 1916.] The Wheat Crop for 1916. 263 By the time this article is published, the crop estimate will probably have been issued, but present indications certainly point to a diminished output from India this season. So far as Europe is concerned, it is difficult to secure exact infoima- tion either as to acreage or the prospects of the 1916 crop. Judging by reports already received, it appears that the general condition of the winter-sown wheat is not as favorable as last year. The cereal year of 1915 was the best on record in the history of the world, both in point of total acreage, total production, and total yield per acre. A reduction of a bushel per acre in the average yield would mean a diminution in the aggregate production of 240,000,000 bushels. A reduction of 2 bushels per acre would more than wipe out last year's surplus. In spite of the excessive cost of ocean freight, and the huge surpluses available for shipment, prices have remained at a satisfactory level in the exporting markets of the world, and are at present considerably in excess of pre-war prices. This may be seen in Table VI. of the appendix. Thus in Chicago the price of wheat in July, 1914, just prior to the war, was 3s. 4^d. per bushel. Since the war the lowest market price was 4s. 4H. in November, 1915. It is now (15th April) 4s. lid. per bushel. If the war continues, the prices for wheat must remain at a profitable level in the exporting countries, otherwise there would be a diminished production, followed by an immediate and substantial rise in values. The belligerents, who are now mobilizing all th-sir available man power for military service, will find it increasingly difficult to keep up their full agricultural production, and must rely more and more on the exporting countries to feed their teeming millions. This more particu- larly applies to France, Italy, and Great Britain. On the other hand, even if peace were declared, there is historical evidence to show that prices of wheat would remain at a high level for a considerable period, since belligerents invariably concentrate their energy and depleted capital to re-establishing their industries, repairing roads, railways, bridges, and factories, and developing their manufac- tures, rather than accelerating the volume of agricultural production. In such a case, Germany and Austria, devastated Poland and Belgium, inured for nearly two years to restricted supplies of food-stuffs, would abs-orb a considerable portion of Knssian surplus awaiting ship- ment at Black Sea ports. Summing up the whole situation, we may say the prospects for a continuance of satisfactory prices is favorable. The surplus of last year is threatened with" extinction by the antici- pated deficiency of this year. Present indications point to a diminished outturn of wheat in 1916 owing to two causes — (a) shrinkage in acreage sowu, and (^') decren'-ed averages per acre due to unfavorable weatlier conditions. The shrinkage in acreage in the Northern Heinispliere (where over 90 ]>er cent, of the world's wheat is grown) will probably ;unount to 15,000,000 acres, invtjlving a diminished outturn of 210.000.000 bushels. The decreased return per acre, caused by unfavoiable wealiier, will certainly amount to a bushel per acre, involving a diminished output of 240,000,000, ejj., a total of at least 480,000,00 bushels. 264 Journal of Agi-icnliure, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. m.-^THE FARMERS' WORK FOR 1916. The farmers of the State are advised to carefully watch the cables respecting the international wheat position during the next few weeks, with a view of confirming the extent of the diminished acre?ge in the Northern Hemisphere and diminished outturn per acre. I have endeavoured to show that the statistical position hitherto markedly in favour of consumers of wheat, on account of the bumper crops and record surpluses, may be expected to gradually turn in favour of producers of wheat. Even if pre-war prices only were expected, there is stiil the obliga- tion on every farmer in the Empire to produce the maximum food-sti.ffs possible. Major-General Sir William Otter, in a message to the Canadian people, said, " Above all, measures should be taken to stimu- late the production of food-stuffs. One of the greatest services which the Canadian people can render to the Empire is to increase our supply of food for the British people. This is at once our duty and our oppor- tunity." Australia's expenditure for the current financial year will amount to £73,000,000, more than half of which is loan money spent on defence. The loan expenditure must increase during the currency of the war, and with it the obligation of finding money to pay interest on the loan. In a country such as Australia, almost entirely dependent on primary pro- duction, the best way of meeting our constantly increasing obligations, and of maintaining a favorable trade balance, is to accelerate the volume of agricultural production and increase our exports of wool and wheat, butter, and meat. This can be done only by increasing the acreage under cultivation and in applying the utmost skill to secure the maximum return per acre. Increased acreage on existing farms can now be secured by working all the team strength and all the man strength on the farm and the largest and most effective implements for the fullest available period every day. Mr. W. H. Hearst, Premier of Ontario, Canada, said in an address at Toronto, " The farmer at work in the field is doin^ as much in this crisis as the man who goes to the front." Our farmers and farm hands should fully realize that by making sacrifices and working hard in the fields they are doing their bit towards ultimate Allied victory, which is to be won as much by producing an abundance of food-stuffs as by supplying freely men and munitions. As regards the other factor- — securing the maximum yield per acre — the essential factors for securing heavy wheat crops have been dealt with in considerable detail in past issues of this Journal, and were referred to in " Seeding Notes " issued in April, 1915. Finally, we are experiencing diflficulties by reason of our distance from the world's markets in providing freight for our products, and especially for our surplus wheat of 1915. It is probable that a considerable amount of wheat may be still ixnshipped by next harvest. Even so the financing of the crop should not prove an insuperable diffi- culty to a country with the resources of Australia. Our farmers have demonstrated that, when appealed to. they can produce an abundance of wheat. It should not be beyond the resources of the Commonwealth to find means for financing the crop. 10 May, 1916.] The Wheat Crop for 1916. 265 APPENDIX. A series of tables are given iu this appendix covering information on — 1. Tiie acreage sown to wheat in 1915 and 1914 in each of the principal wheat-growing countries of the world. 2. The production of wheat for 1914 and 1915, compared with the average production for the five years prior to the war, in the wheat-growing countries of the world. 3. Statistics of exports and imports of wheat for the five years prior to the war, and a statement of wheat available for export in the exporting countries compared with the re- quirements of the importing countries for season 1915-16. 4. The prices of wheat in importing and exporting countries for the decade prior to the war and the fluctuations in ]n-ices during the war. 5. The prices of freights for the five years prior to the war and the fluctuations that have taken place since. The tables have been compiled from official statistics issued by the International Institute of Agriculture, Rome. Table I. Showing the Acreage Under Wheat in 1914 and 1915, and the Percentage Increase in Area in 1915. Percentage Increa.'se Country. Area Sown, 1915. Area Sown, 1914. in Area 1915 compared with 1914. Victoria* . . :}.<;7<).971 2,S0:5,.535 -f 28-5 Canada . . i:}.i:j8.0()0 10,414,000 ^ 26-2 Australia t 11.9S4.971 9,6.51,081 -1- 24-2 Oieat Britain 1.927,000 2,.'i60,000 -H 22-5 Efivpt .. 1 .000,000 1,316.000 -f 21-6 India :V2.G07.000 28,797,000 + 13-2 United Stati'.s 00.11 :5.(i(Kt ;")4, 107,000 -h 10-0 Arjiontina 10.1112.0110 ir).(i.")0,000 -H 6-1 Italy 12.04S.(MtO 11.921.000 + 6-1 Russia . . / Kiiropc ().'). :{7().oi 10 02.031.000 -J- 4-4 \ Asia . . 14.702.000 14,41:1.000 + 2-0 Sj)ain 10.000,000 9.794.000 : 2-7 Jajian 1.1S9.000 1 . 1 S7.000 ; 0-2 A|i;oria . . :'., 240.0(10 :{.407.(M)0 - 4-7 Krancc 14.27!t.OOO l.'i.l.no.ocxt - 6-1 Konmania 4,700,000 r),279.(M)0 9>" • Kijjiircs Kiveii in dnul f-itim;iti' of Victoriiiii Sliitist . t Figures supplied by CoimnDnwealth Statist. This table summarizes the acreage sown to wheat in 1915— the fust wheat season after the outbreak of war — a.s compared with llie acreage under crop the season immediately prior to the war. The Northern Tlemisphere was busy gathering the 191 1 crop when war was declared. This table presents several intoresting foaturo'^. It will be iu)t«>d that, in spite of the stimulus of anticipated hiyh prices of wheat and 266 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. the admitted necessity of producing as much wheat as possible, there was no material increase in acreage in the more important wheat-growing countries, except in British Possessions and the United States. Victoria led the way with an increase of 28.5 per cent, over the 1914 acreage. Then followed Canada (26.2 per cent.), Australia (24.2 per cent.). Great Britain (22.5 per cent.), Egypt (21.6 per cent.), India (13.2 per cent.), and United States (10.9 per cent.). Argentina (6.1 per cent.), Italy (6.1 per cent.), Russia (2 to 4 per cent.), Spain (2.7 per cent.) also showed slight increases; whilst France ( — 6.1 per cent.), Algeria ( — 4.7 per cent.), and Roumaiiia ( — 9.8 per cent.) showed reductions in acreage. Table II. Total World Production of Wheat, 1914-1915, Compared with Average Production for Five Years Prior to the War. Country. Average Production for Ave years, 1910-14. Production, 1914. Production, 1915. Percentage Increase in 1915 compared with Average Yield for five years, 1909-14. (1909-14 = 100%.), Million s of Bushels. 0/ /o 138 United States . . 727-2 888-8 1011-5 Russia 721-8 751 -6 907-5 125 India 356-7 311-5 382-7 107 France 309-3 282-2 237-4 77 Canada 199-3 161-1 335-8 171 Italy 179-2 169-1 no -3 95 Hungary Argentine 182-0 156-2 105-0 168-5 151-1 184-1 84 118 Spain 124-8 116-0 143-8 116 Roumania 85-2 46-4 89-5 105 Australia 77-4 24-8 175-0 227 Great Britain 59-5 62-4 74-1 127 Bulgaria 48-4 29-3 46-2 95 ; Algeria 34-8 34-8 34-5 99 Egypt 34-5 32 -'6 39-3 113 Japan 24-8 21-6 23-5 98 Holland 5-1 5-5 5-5 110 Denmarlc 5-8 5-S 8-1 139 Tunis 5-5 2-2 11-0 200 Germany 153-4 145-7* 124-8* 80 Austria 61-3 61 -3* 47-7* 80 Belgium 14-6 13-9* 11-0* 75 Countries which do not contribute official statistics 377-6 371-4 367-0 Grand Total 3944-1 1 3816 -8 4577-5 116 * I jstimated. Notes on Table II. This gives a summary of the production of wheat for each country of the world for the five years prior to the war, and also for each of the 10 May, 1916.] The Wheat Crop for 1916. 267 years 1914 and 1915. A perusal of the table will show at a glance the remarkable increases in production in 1915 as compared with the five years prior to the war. Australia easily led the way in percentage increase in production, for in 1915 she secured a total yield of 175 million bushels as compared with 77.4 million bushels for the five years prior to the war — nearly two and a half times the size of a normal crop. This was the record crop in her history. No other country, except Tunis, which had a relatively small area under crop, approaclied this increase in yield. Canada had a remarkably good crop — her yield being 335 million bushels as compared with a normal production of 199 million bushels. Like Australia, she secured her record crop in 1915. The greatest increase in actual volume was obtained by the United States and Russia. The American crop exceeded 1,000 million bushels — the record crop of any country and of any time. The increase was no less than 284 million bushels greater than her pre-war average. Russia, notwithstanding her active participation in the war, increased her pro- duction by 186 million bushels compared with pre-war production — a remarkable testimony of her wealth in human resources. As with America, Canada, and Australia, the 1915 crop was a record one for Russia. Other countries showing substantial increases were Great Britain, Argentina, Egypt, Spain, and India. On the other hand, there has been a shrinkage in yield in Japan, Bulgaria, Italy, Hungary, and France. The greatest shortage was ob- served in France, the production for 1915 being 72 million bushels less than the normal output in peace times. This was partly due to a falling off in area, but chiefly to a lesser yield per acre — one of the inevitable results of the mobilization of skilled farm workers of military age. It is difficult to secure reliable information regarding wheat produc- tion in Germany and Austria. It is known that the harvest weather was very unfavorable, and that the yield was considerably less than the normal. In Hungary, the official estimate of production was 151 million bushels, a falling off of 31 million bushels compared with the normal yield. This represents a yield of 84 per cent, of the average. It is estimated that the total yield of Germany and Austria is cer- tainly less than Hungary, and would probably not exceed 80 per cent, of tlie normal yield, which would mean a deficiency compared with the pre-war period of 29 million bushels for Germany and 14. \ million bushels for Austria. Summing up, the total yield fur the world for 1915 /V 4,577 million h'ushels an comixired with 3,816 vtillioiis for 1914, and 3,944 inillionx for the pre-war period — an increase of 761 and 633 million bushels respectively. The previoits world recorel harvest was ohtained in 1913, wlien 4,272 million bushels were reaped. Tables III. and IV. sliow tlie probabU- douiaiid and supply of wheat in the world for tlie year ending July, 1916. To find the probable demand, or the quantity requiring to be imported by the importing countries, we liave to find out (1) the normal consumption in these countries, and (2) subtract from this their own production for 1915. 268 Jonrnal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May. 1916. Table III. Statement of Probable Demand and Supply of Wheat for Year Ending July, 1916. DEMAND. 1 711 porting Countries. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Production Average Total Requirement Country. average net imports average Estimated from abroad for 5 years of wheat requirements production for year ending for 5 years prior to Season. '1915. ending Feby., 1914. prior to war. war. lels. July, 1916. Millions of Busl Great Britain 59-4 216-0 275-4 74-1 201-3 France 317-0 43-6 360-8 237-4 123-4 Italy 186-9 53-2 240 170-3 69-8 Spain 130-2 6-2 136-4 143-8 - 7-3 Egypt 34-8 8 1 43-0 39-3 3-6 Japan 24-2 4-0 28-2 23-5 4-7 Holland 4-7 22-0 26-7 5-5 21-2 Denmark 4-7 6-2 11-0 8-1 2-9 Norway •37 3-6 4-0 -3 3-6 Germany . 152-0 68-3 220-3 124-9* 95-5* Austria 232-0 10-6 242-6 198-0* 44-6* Belgium 14-7 49-2 63-8 11-0* 52-8* Sweden 8-1 6-9 15-0 8-1 6-9 Switzerland 3-3 16-8 20-1 4-0 16-1 Tunis 0-9 •7 6-6 11-0 - 4-4 Countries which do not supply official statistics 377-6 110-1 110-1 367-0 120-7 Totals 1555-5 625-5 2181-0 1426-3 754-7 » Estii nated. Table IV. SUPPLY. Ex2 jorting Countries. Average Average production for net export of wheat and Total Estimated Amount available for export (surplus). Country. 5 years flour for average crop for ending 5 years consumption. . 1915. Feby., 1914. prior to wai. Millions of Bus lels. Russia 817-3 164 653-3 907-5 254 -2 United States 685 106-8 578-2 1011-5 4.33-5 India 350 49-5 300-5 382-7 82-7 Canada 197 94-6 102-4 335-8 233-4 Argentine . 148-6 82-5 66-1 184-1 118-0 Roumania . 87-8 53-6 34-2 89-5 55-4 Australia . 90-7 53-2 37-4 175-0 137-6 Bulgaria 45-5 10-6 34-8 46-2 11-4 Algeria 34-8 5-5 29-4 34-5 5-1 ChiU 19-4 1-8 17-6 New Zealand 7-3 -7 6-6 Totals of Exporting Countries 2484-6 623-0 1861-6 3151-2 1330-6 10 May, 1916.] The Wheat Crop for 1916. 269 Similarly, to find the probable supply, or surplus available for export in exporting countries, we have to set out (1) the total production of these countries for the year 1915 and (2) deduct the estimated home requirements of the exporting countries. In order to avoid fluctuations, it is best to estimate the normal re- quirements of each country on the basis of the five years' average prior to the war. These are summarized in Tables III. and IV. In Table III. it will be seen that the importing countries of the world required annually, prior to the war, approximately 625 million bushels of wheat. For the year ending July, 1916, assuming a consump- tion equal to normal times, they would require 744 million bushels. But under war conditions it might be expected that these requirements would be modified. Prior to the war the population of the importing countries was steadily increasing, and they were prosperous, consequently the require- ments were increasing year by year. On the other hand, the high price of wheat in the importing countries during the war and the diminished income of the people would tend to economy in the consumption of wheat. The actual requirements for the year 1915, however, were almost equal to the average requirements for the five years prior to the war. Hence we may take the estimated requirements for 1916, in column 5, as approximately correct. Of the 754 million bushels required for 1916, no less than 193 million bushels are required for Germany, Austria, and Belgium. Assuming the blockade is effective, this amount, less perhaps the quantity required to feed the needy Belgians, may be deducted from the total demand. This would leave from 561 to 614 million bushels as the probable effective demand in allied and neutral importing countries for the year ending July, 1916. On the other hand, the exporting countries have available for ship- ment no less than 1,330 million bushels. Of this, the Russian and Roumanian surplus, amounting to 310 million bushels, is securely locked up in the Black Sea. So long as the Dardanelles ai"e closed, this crop cannot be utilized to relieve the importing countries, and may be ignored in determining the present effective supply. Moreover, Bulgaria's surplus of \\\ million bushels must be deducted. This leaves, approxi- mately, 1,010 million bushels surplus available for export in the United States, Canada, Argentina, India, and Australia. That is to say, excluding, on the one hand, the requirements of enemy countries, and, on the other hand, the available supplies of Russia and Rouniania, we have a surplus equivalent to 1,010 million bushels co)npeting for an effec- tive demand of from 561 to 614 nnllion bushels. The statistical position is therefore eminently favorable for con- sumers of wheat, and equally unfavorable for wheat producers. In view of the heavy surpluses available for export, one would have expected a serious fall in wheat values since last harvest, esi)ecially in the exporting markets. Tal)le VI. gives a suinnuiry of the monthly quotation for wheat in London, Genoa, Winnipeg, Chicago, and Buenos Ayres for the year 1915. Tlie prices are taken approximately at tlie middle of the month. ft will be seen that there was a consideiable decline in value in June. 1915. when the prospects for a big harvest were assured, but that rrices have been well maintained since. In sj)i(p of scarcity of freigiit and the imn-ense surplus, the level of ]>rices in the ox|>orting countries is con- sideral)ly h'gher than it w;is ;it the outlircak of war. It must be 270 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. remembered that the prices of wheat in Chicago and Winnipeg are below the f.o.b. American prices. Chicago is over 1,000 miles inland from New York, and Winnipeg about 1,750 miles from Montreal. The prices at the Chicago and Winnipeg markets correspond approxi- mately to the prices the farmers of the United States and Canada obtain for their wheat. Table V. Average Prices of Wheat per Bushel for Calendar Year in Importing and Exporting Countries for the Ten Years prior TO THE War Importing Countries. i Exporting Countries. — United Prance Italy. Germany Russia (Odessa), United Canada, No 1 Australia (Mel- bourne). Kingdom. (Paris). (Berlin). Red ^\ inter. s. d. States. Northern. .«. d. s. d. s. d. 5. d. s. d. s. d. 6. d. 1905 3 11 5 1| 5 8i 4 8i 3 7| 4 21 3 9 3 5i 1906 3 9| 5 If 5 5| 4 lOi 3 4* 3 3.L 3 2 3 31 1907 4 2 6 6| 5 8 5 6| 4 1 3 9^ 3 8 3 9^ 1908 4 . 6i 4 Hi 6 4| 5 8| 4 8i 4 1 4 3J 4 21 1909 5 Oi 5 3i 6 8|- 6 3| 4 8i- 4 111 4 61 4 7| 1910 4 ^ 5 8| 6 2| 5 8i 3 11-i 4 6i 3 111 3 lOi 1911 4 3i 5 81- 6 0| 5 6 3 lOA 4 0| 3 IH 3 6J 1912 4 74 6 3f 6 9| 5 lOi 4 3i 4 41 4 1 4 U 1913 4 5| 6 Of 6 \\ 5 4^ 4 0 3 lU 3 8 3 8i 1914 Average ^of 5 0 6 4 4 3| 4 1| 10 years per bushel 4 5 .5 6i 6 2 5 61 4 1 4 2 3 Hi: 3 10 Tiiese fi,gures, abstracted from the Statistical Annual, Rome, give the average prices of wheat in four typical importing countries and four typical exporting countries for the decade prior to the war. These figures are not strictly comparable, because they refer, of course, to somewhat different qualities of wheat. The Melbourne prices for Australian wheat, for example, are slightly above the London parity of the bulk of imported wheat. They are, however, representative of the bulk of the wheat sold at the ports referred to. It will be seen that the average price of imported wheat in Great Britain for the ten years prior to the war was 4s. 5d. per bushel, and the price in Paris, Rome, and Berlin was, approximately this price plus the import duty (Germany, Is. 6d. per bushel; France, Is. 6jd. per bushel; and Italy, Is. l^A. per bushel). That is to sat/, the exporting countries might exiject to get for wheat shipped to Europe about 4,er acre as compared with last year. 15. The shrinkage in world acreage for the current year would nro- b.-ibly exceed 15 million acros, involving a lessened production of 240 million bushels. 274 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. 16. In view of the unfavorable weather reports in Europe, India and America, the average yield per acre for the coming crop would in ail probability b© much less than last year A shrinkage of one bushel per acre would mean a diminution of 240 million bushels. The diminution in the winter wheat yield in the United States this year is estimated to be 164 million bushels. 17. Thus the statistical position may be expected to turn gradually in favour of producers of wheat. 18. If the war continues for some time the demand for wheat must increase, and prices must remain at a profitable level in the exporting wheat countries. 19. If peace is declared, laistorical evidence shows there is a proba- bility of high prices for some years after the termination of the war. 20. To maintain a favorable trade balance and provide interest on our ever increasing loan obligations, Australia must accelerate her agri- cultural production and increase her exports of wool and wheat, butter and meat. 21. Our farmers have demonstrated that when appealed to they can produce wheat. It should not be beyond the resources of the Commonwealth to find the means for financing the crop. SPINACH AS A MEDICINAL VEGETABLE. All varieties of spinach are good food products. It has recently become known that spinach contains two kinds of saponins, a substance which is regarded as having a clearing action on the lungs and respira- tory passages, a fact which may become of considerable interest to persons suffering from lung troubles. By spinach is meant the ordinary garden vegetable, Avhich the botanists call Spinacia oleracea. In preparing spinach fresh from the garden for table use, it should be freed from the seed pods as much as possible, and washed under flowing water in a colander. It may be finely chopped, placed in a pot without any water, put on the fire and cooked. This is possible because nine- tenths of the weight of the substance is water. By proceeding in this way one will obtain a very well-flavoured and very satisfactory vegetable from which nothing whatever is lost. The method generally used of scalding the spinach, and then throwing away the blanching water has been objected to by dietitians and food chemists for twenty years. Repeated chemical analyses prove that 20 per cent, of the fat, 5 per cent, starch, 26 per cent, sugar, 32 per cent, lime, 74 per cent, magnesia, and 63 per cent, of the phosphoric acid is lost in the blanching process. Jiirgensen says the throwing away of the blanching water is as nonsensical as would be the throwing aw^ay of beef broth. Among the varieties mentioned are Giant Catillon, Long Leaf Winter, Yellow Swiss, Gandry, Goliath, Flemish, Ideal, Viroflay, Giant Shimose. Triumph, and Victoria. — [Extracts from article in Pure Products, November, 1914.] 10 May, 1916.] Fielding Wheat. 275 PICKLING WHEAT. By H. A. Mullett, B.Ag.Sc, Science Cadet. That Ball-Smut or Bunt can be prevented in the wheat crop by the intelligent use of a proper pickle is so well knoAvn that a repetition of the fact sounds trite ; yet in every farming community there are always some men who are docked from Id. to 3d. a bushel for smutty wheat, and a great many more experience certain misgivings when they notice the wheat buyer carefully poking his sampler just up along the inside of the bag. Besides this near-sighted view of direct loss to the individual grower, there is a much broader question, and it concerns the national efficiency. As a wheat exporting country, our wheat comes into competition with that from all parts of the globe, and although Australian wheat has stamped itself as second to none for flour production, yet we have great handicaps, such as distance from the markets and the vagueness of the seasons, that make it criminal to neglect any preventable cause of loss, however small it may seem to the individual. Every farmer makes it his business to reserve his seed from the cleanest and best of his crop, and the systematic pickling of this appar- ently clean seed is routine practice, so that the cause of failures and partial failures can only be ascribed to a lack of proper understanding of the scientific facts, and to the use of obsolete methods. The standard pickles, viz., 1| per cent, bluestone (1^ lbs. in 10 gallons of water) and 1 lb. formalin in 45 gallons water, with immer- sion for five minutes, have proved very successful when used for normal seeding conditions, but farmers, for economic reasons, are often forced to depart from regular methods, and it is here especially that a working knowledge of the principles involved becomes essential. Principles Involved. Briefly, to enumerate, first, the characteristics of the disease; and, secondly, those concerning the action of the pickle, they are: — (1) That ball-suiut or bunt is a fungus disease, propagated by means of tiny seeds or spores, and that almost the only means of infection of a wheat crop is by the sowing of untreated spores in actual contact with grain. Eacli l)all of smut contains enough of these spores to infect every grain in a bushel of wlieat four or five times over, and when it is considered tliat these balls wlien unbroken are impervious to the pickle, it will be seen that any treat- ment of the smutty seed may be risky 1)ns;iu'.ss if these are not eliminated. ' ^ * (2) Bluestone :ind formalin act mainly as coniaci poisons, and the brush of the wheat grain where the spores readily (•(diect are ])articul!irly diflicult to wet. The effect of the pickle is not limited to tlit> spores alone, but it also 276 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. depresses the germination of the grain, and subsequent growth for a time is lower than normal. This effect on the germination increases with the strength of the pickle, so that care must he taken to make up pickling solutions in a definite manner, or germination may be unduly inter- fered with, while on the other hand too weak a solution will not kill the spores. The standard pickles mentioned above Avill be found satisfactory in these respects, but if for any reason an increased strength is necessary, it should be automatically followed by a heavier rate of seeding; while for late sow- ing, where a quick germination is required, or where weeds are bad, the strength may be reduced with advantage to rapid growth. Bluestone or Formalin. There has been considerable controversy as to whether formalin or blue- stone is the better. Formalin pickling is generally recognised as easy and quick to work with, and its use is very general where apparently clean seed is to be sown within a week or two after pickling; but if grain so pickled is allowed to stand for longer than that time, or sown under " dry " conditions, the seed coat becomes tough and germination may be faulty. With bluestone there is no such toughening, there is less danger of re-infection, and it is generally found to depress germination less; bence bluestone is especially useful for sowing smutty seed, or when sowing " dry," pickling early, or when sowing late. Making up the Pickle. The making up of the pickling solution is very important, and no pains should be spared to accomplish it in a definite manner. The several brands of formalin now obtainable are of 37-38 per cent, strength, and can be used with confidence. The standard pickle strength required, viz. : 1 in 450, means 1 lb. of formalin added to 450 lbs. of water; the weight of formalin to be mixed must therefore be known, and the water can be conveniently measured with a kerosene tin, re- membering that one gallon of water weighs 10 lbs. Formalin is often put up in bottles holding 1 lb. exactly, and to make 45 gallons of pickle one has then simply to pour the contents of the bottle into 45 gallons nf water and stir the mixture with a stick. To produce the bluestone pickle requires more time and labour, owing to the relative difficulty of dissolving bluestone. The 1^ per cent, standard solution means U lbs. bluestone, by weight, dissolved in 10 gallons of water; and the quickest way to dissolve it is to suspend the weighed quantity in a piece of hessian just under the surface of the water. When using bluestone, the solution must be held in wooden or Ropper vessels; if kept for any length of time bluestone solution will concentrate, owing to evaporation, but formalin solution will gradually become weaker. 10 May, 1916.] Pickling Wheat. 211 278 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. Pickling Methods. Any pickling metliod to be successful must fulfil three conditions : — (1) Satisfy the principles enumerated above; (2) Be not easily susceptible of abuse; (3) It must be economical of time and labour. There are three well known methods that more or less satisfy these conditions. They are : — (1) The ham-floor method. — The grain from three or four bags is tipped on to a good floor, or into a large trough, and pickle made up as directed, is added to the grain from time to time as required, the grain being turned with a shovel until the mass is thoroughly and evenly moistened. In the hands of an expert, this is a very quick and satis- factory method, but for general use, since the end point depends on the energy and conception of the operator, it does not fulfil the second condition laid down, and for smutty seed it provides no method of getting rid of the smut-balls. Again, one may forget to dip the bag, and so possibly re-infect the seed. (2) The hag immersion method. — Wheat is generally broken down into butts (afterwards convenient for use on the drill), and each of these is lowered into the standard pickle contained in a cask, and left there from four to five minutes. It is usual to vigorously lift the butt up and down in the pickle to cause even wetting of the grain, but the time of immersion will usually insure this. This way is undoubtedly slower than the barn-floor method, but it has the inestimable value of being independent of the skill of the operator, who, merely observing the rules, could pickle on a hundred occasions and still be sure that the treatment would be the same. That is to say, this method is based on a time standard, and it will be noted that the bag must necessarily also be disinfected. (3) Immersion in an open perforated vessel. — Most farmers are satisfied with one or other of the above methods, or some modification of them, but all of which entail considerable labour without being ideal. Of late years, several good picklers embodying the above principle have been put on the market. They are of reasonable price, and are efii- cient in time, labour, and in operation. One style of machine consists of four essential parts as follows: — (1) The bag-lifter; (2) The perforated hopper; (3) Watertight wooden vessel containing hopper and pickle; (4) The bag holder. The machine is so arranged that a bag of wheat may be wheeled to the bag lifter, the mouth opened, and lifter and all tilted until the grain begins to pour into the pickle held in the perforated copper 10 May, 1916.] Poisoning Crows. 279 vessel, whicli in turn fits into the wooden hopper. By agitation any- straw, cocky-chaff, backbones, or smut-balls rise to the surface and may be skimmed off. After four to five minutes' immersion the perforated hopper, which works on a swivel at one end, is pushed up clear of the pickle, drained rapidly, and the contents emptied into a bag attached to the bag holder. With this pickler seven to eight bags an hour can be pickled by one man. {See Figs 1, 2, 3, 4.) There is another machine, in which the perforated vessel is attached by a pulley to a steel upright over the barrel. The perforated vessel can be raised or lowered, and it is on a swivel, so that it can be swung out from the barrel, filled, immersed, and swung out this time over a bag holder; the grain being restored to the bag after draining by releasing a false bottom in the perforated vessel. To any farmer who is not satisfied with the results obtained with his present method, or who spends most of his evenings at seed time bending over a cask, or wielding u shovel, a modern pickling machine is worthy of his earnest consideration. Machines of the perforated vessel type are in operation at the several seed stations of this Department, and have proved satisfactory in every respect. POISONING CROWS. B^ H. (J . Churches, Dairy Supervisor . Among the many pests that the man on the land has to contend with, the ubiquitous black crow may be placed well in the van for doing its share of destruction. Its cowardly attack on young lambs is well known to every sheep-owner. Small young pigs are also liable to attack, and as a cunning and daring egg thief the crow can take first place. That this pebt, however, can be poisoned in fairly large number*— especially during lambing season — has been proved by Mr. J. F. Jager, a local grazier at Swan Hill. The method adopted by him is to use, for pre- ference, the freshly skinned carcass of sheep or lamb, flay it well, and smear evenly all over with S.A.P. rabbit poison, partly remove the en- trails, smear them also, and replace. The fleshy side of the skin may be smeared in the same manner, and hung over a log or stump near at hand. If the carcass is treated while the animal lieat is still in it, so much the better. This method of ]X)isoning crows i? superior to '• bait- ing " with strychnine, or the practice of mixing strychnine and fat, the birds being generally able to disgorge the strychnine bait before it ha. time to have a fatal effect. A tin or two of S.A.P. kept in secret places in the paddocks can be used on the carcass of any dead or dving slioep that may from time to time be found en the usual visit round the run. 280 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS.* STALLION PARADES. TIME TABLE, 1916. (Subject to alteration on short notice.) District and Date. Place. Time. OflBcer Arrives. Officer Departs. SPECIALS. Every Saturday : — June 24 to Dec. 23 . . Agricultural Offices 10 a.m. to 12 noon July 17 to July 19 .. City Horse Bazaar 10 a.m. July 24 to July 26 . . Royal Show Grounds WIMMERA No. 1. Monday, July 3 Ararat 2 p.m. 1.27 p.m. 7.50 p.m. Tuesday, July 4 Goroke 3.30 p.m. . . 3.15 p.m. 7 p.m. Wednesday. July 5 \ Thursday, July 6 j Horsham . . 10 a.m. . . 10.20 p.m. (4th) 4.40 p.m. (6th) Friday, July 7 Stawell 12 noon . . 7.40 p.m. (6th). . 2.40 p.m. MALLEE No. 1. Monday, July 10 Tuesday. July 11 Mildura 2 p.m. 7 a.m. 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 12. . Ouyen 2 p.m. 9.45 p.m. (11th) 9.45 p.m. Thursday, July 13 . . Sea Lake . . 3 p.m. Driving 8.30 a.m. (14th) Friday, July 14 Wycheproof 11.50 a.m. 11.50 a.m. 12.40 p.m. WESTERN No. 1. Tuesday, August 1 . . Coleraine . . 11 a.m. . . 7.35 j).m. (July 31) Driving Driving Tuesday, August 1 Casterton . . 3 p.m. 8.30 a.m. (2ud) Wednesday, August 2 Hamilton . . 3 p.m. 12 noon 6.10 a.m. (3rd) Thursday, August 3 . . Warrnambool 12 noon . . 9.52 a.m. 3.15 p.m. Friday, August 4 Camperdown 10 a.m. .. 5.10 p.m. (3rd).. Driving Friday, August 4 Colac 2 p.m. Driving 3.35 p.m. WIMMERA No. 1. Monday, Augu.st 7 . . Tuesday, August 8 . . Rainbow 2 p.m. 11.55 a.m. 8. 0 p.m. Wednesday, August 9 Minyip 3 p.m. . . Driving (i.22 p.m. Thursday', August 10 Hopetoun . . 10 a.m. .. 10.40 p.m. (9th) 10..50 a.m. Thursday, August 10 Warrackna- beal 3 p.m. 1.35 p.m. 10.30 a.m. (Uth) Thursday, August 10 Geelong 3 p.m. 12.50 p.m. 6 p.m. Friday, August 11 Murtoa 2 p.m. 12.30 p.m. i 5.50 p.m. * Owing to pressure on space the Ninth Annual R3port (Season i915) by Mr. W. A. N- Robertson, B.V.Sc, Chief Veterinary Officer, on the A'oterinary Examination of Stallions, has been omitted and will appear in next issue. 10 May, 1916.] Certification of Stallions. 281 Stallion Parades, Time Table — continued. District and Date. Place. Time. Officer Arrives. Officer Departs. WIMMERA No. 2. Monday, August 14 . . Tuesday, August 15 .. Kaniva 2 p.m. 2.28 a.m. 12.42 a.m. (16th) Wednesday, August I fi Nhill 2 p.m. 1.24 a.m. 8.14 a.m. (17th) Thursday, August 1 7 Dimboola . , 2 p.m. . . 10.19 a.m. 11 a.m. (18th) Friday, August IS . . .Teparit 2 p.m. 12.23 p.m. 9.23 p.m. MALLEE No. 2 and CENTRAL No. 1. Tuesday, August 22 . . Blrchip 2 p.m. 8.20 p.m. (21st) 3.15 p.m Tuesday, August 22 . . Donald 5.15 p.m. . . 5.15 p.m. 5.50 a.m. (23rd) Wednesday, August 2^^ St. Araaud . . 10 a.m. .. 7.1 1 a.m. 2.10 p.m. Wednesday. August 23 Maryborough 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6.30 p.m. Thursday, August 24 Smeaton 1 1 a.m. . . Driving Driving Thursday, August 24 J)aylesford . . 2 p.m. Driving 3.25 p.m. Friday, .August 25 . . Rochester . . 1 1 a.m. . . 9.49 p.m. (23rd) 1.36 p.m. Friday, August 25 . . Echuca 2.15 p.m. 2.15 p.m. 3.45 p.m. Friday, August 25 . . Elmore 5 p.m. 4.55 p.m. 9.25 a.m. (26th) MALLEE No. 3. Monday, August 28 . . Pyramid 3 p.m. . . 2.17 p.m. 9.4 p.m. Tuesday, August 29 . . Kerang 12 noon . . 10. If) p.m. (28th) .3.13 p.m Wednesday, August 30 Swan Hill . . 0 a.m. 6.25 p.m. (29th) 10.50 p.m. Wednesday, August .30 Quambatook 3 p.m. Driving Driving Thursday, August 31 llendigo 11 a.m. . . 10.45a.m. 12.1.') p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 Charlton 11 a.m. . . 4.7 p.m. (31. St August) 1.45 p.m. NORTH-EASTERN No. \. Monday. S<'])t. 4 Ruthergleu 2 p.m. . . 1.4S p.m. 3.22 p.m. Tuo.s . . licnalla 10 a.m. . . 10 a.m. .. j 11.25 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. (J . . Wangaratta 2 p.m. 12.7 p.m. 4.37 p.m. Thur.sday.'Sept. 7 . . Euroa 10 a.m. .. ().33 p.m. (tith) 11.11 a.ra. Thursday, Sept. 7 SejTnour 2 p.m. 12.5 p.m. 6.15 p.m. Friday, Sept. S Murchison , . 9.30 a.m. 7.30 p.m. (7th) 10.58 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8 Rnshworth 2 p.m. 11.48 a.ra. 4.50 p.in. y«a Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. Stallion Parades, Time Table — continued. District and Date. Place. Time. Officer Arrives. GOULBURN VALLEY No. 1. Monday, Sept. 11 Numurkah . . 1 p.m. 12.18 p.m. Monday, Sept, 11 Cobram 2.30 p.m. Driving Monday, Sept. 11 NathaUa 4.30 p.m. Driving TuesdaV, Sept. 12 .. Dookie 10 a.m. .. Dri ur g Tuesday, Sept. 12 Sheppartoii . . 1 p.m. Drivirg Tuesday, Sept. 12 .. Kyabram . . 3 p.m. Driving Tuesday, Sept. 12 . . Tatura 4 p.m. Driving Wednesday, Sept. 13. . Mansfield . . 2 p.m. 1.50 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 . . Alexandra . . 2 p.m. 12.25 p.m. Priday, Sejit. 15 Kilmore 9.30 a.m . . 9.C0 p.m. (14th) Saturday, Sept. 16 . . Werribee 12 notm . . 11.47 a.m. CENTRAL No. 2. Monday, Sept. 18 Memda 2 p.m. 12.50 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 . . Kyneton 3.30 p.m.. . 3.12 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 Romsey 2 p.m. 10.21 a.m. Thursday, Sspt. 21 .. Bacchus Marsh 12 noon . . 9.11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22 . . Ballan 9 a.m. 6..33p.m. (2'st) Friday, Sept. 22 Ballarat 12 noon . . 11.8 a.m. SPECIAL. Monday, Sept. 2.5 Royal Show 9 a.m. GIPPSLANDNo. 1. Monday, October 2 . . Warragul . . 2 p.m. 10.30 a.m. Tuesday, October 3 . . Trafalgar . . 10 a.m. . . 8.8 p.m. (2nd) Tuesday, October 3 . . Sale 2 p.m. . . 1.2G p.m. Wednesday, October 4 Traralgon . . 11 a.m. . . 5.42 p.m. (3rd) . Wednesday, October 4 Bau-nsdale . . 3.30 p.m. 3.25 p.m. Thursday, October 5 Dandenong 3 p.m. 12.37 p.m. Friday, October 0 . . Lang Lang. . S) a.m. . . 7.14 p.m. (5th).. Friday, October 6 Korumburra 3 p.m. 10.32 a.m. GIPPSLAND No. 2. Monday, October 9 . . Lilydale 3 p.m. 2.47 p.m. Tuesday, October 10 Dalyston 2 p.m. 10.34 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11 . . Leongatha . . 10 a.m. . . 9.2 p.m. (10th). Wednesday, Oct. 11.. Foster 2 p.m. 12.40 p.m. Thursday, October 12 Yarram 11 a.m. . . 10 p.m. (11th) . Friday, October 13 .. NORTH-EASTERN No. 2. Tuesday, October 17. . Tallangatta 4.30 p.m. 4.30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18.. Corryoug . . 3.30 p.m. 3.30 p.m. Tuesday, October 17. . Orbost 3 p.m. 2.45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 . , Omeo 3 p.m. 6.30 p.m. (24th) Officer Departs Driving Drivii: g Drivirg Driving Driving Drivirg Driving 3.30 p.m. 4.40 p.m. 10.37 a.m. 1.36 p.m. 8 p.m. 5.5 p.m. 5.25 p.m. 5.40 p.m. 10.5 a.m. 3.5 p.m. 7.36 p.m. 11.16 a.m. 4.33 p.m. 12.20 p.m. 5.40 a.m. (5th) 6 p.m. 9.50 a.m. 5 p.m. 5.35 p.m. 4.20 p.m. 11.16 a.m. 8.44 p.m. 12.5 p.m. 5 a.m. (18th) 7 a.m. (1 9th) 8 a.m. (18th) 6.30 a.m. (26th) 10 May, 1916.] Certification of Stallions. 283 SUPPLEMENTARY LIST OF LIFE CERTIFICATED STALLIONS. Cert. No. Name of Horse. Age. Owner. Parade. Date of Exami- nation. 2905 Abbey Dale 6 years 2805 Abbot's Pride 6 years 2813 Admiral Howard 6 years 2845 Aird Laddie 6 years 2840 Albert Onward 5 years 2819 Argyll' 5 years 2841 Barnay 5 years 2804 Baron 5 years 2893 Baron's Heir 6 years 2889 Baron's Heir 5 years 2856 Baron's Own 5 years 2827 Blossom's Pride 5 years 2896 Bonny Prince 5 years 2829 Convincer 5 years 2820 Dominition 5 years 2812 Drumelzcr . . 5 years 2851 Drum Style 5 years 2897 Fashion of the Day . . 5 years 2834 Fashion's Pride 5 years 2878 Federal Clansman . . 5 years 2846 Federal Tax 5 years 2884 General Scott 5 years 2803 Glcnbarr . . 5 years 2895 Glenmarkie 6 years 2868 Grampian Star 5 years 2826 Hamilton's Pride . . 5 years 2857 Khartomn 5 years 2847 Kilbnrnic . . 5 years 2800 Kinc of the Kings. . 5 years 2825 Kinfz of tlie Valley . . 5 years 2836 Laird of Selkirk .. 5 years 2818 Lanark Again 5 years 2848 Lord Huntley 5 years 2850 Major Lawrence 5 years 2872 Mount Everest 6 years 2830 Newfleld's Baron 5 years Xewton Stewart 5 years 2853 Xoble Knight 5 years 2863 Overton . . 5 years 2835 Premier Darnley . . 5 years 2808 Premier Glenorchy . . 5 years 2831 Premier Jack 5 years 2875 Prince Aldie 5 years 2817 Prince Edward 5 years 2854 Prince Imperial 5 years 2821 Prince of XiiUan . . 5 years 2869 Referee 5 years 2887 Hob Roy . . 5 years 2873 Royal Navy 5 years 2871 Scotland's Bloom . . 5 years 2838 Scottie 5 years 2860 .scotty Chief 5 years 2882 Shant«'r 5 years 2890 Sir Alick . . 5 years 2880 Sir Donald's Pride.. 5 years 2894 Sir Knight 5 years it 5 yearn 2855 Sir .Mac 2861 Storkman 5 years 2886 Territorhil . . 0 years 28«2 The Crown 5 years 2807 The Leiuler 5 year» DRAUGHTS. Mitchell and O'Brien Hon. S. Winter- Cooke R. N. Herkes .. C. and E. C. Yea- man T. ColdwcU F. McRae G. and L.Smith .. N. McDonald O. Maroske G. Fr;iser S. Nixon T. McMillan D. Murphy Dyke Bros. A. Arnold J.R. MeKenzie .. R . Stewart D Murphy A. D. McLarty .. McDonald and Draper C. N. Davies A. St ra whom McDougall Bros. J. McRae D. McDonald King Bros. T. Wignell A. Yeaman O. Maroske C.B.Woodyard . W. Trov W. .1. MoU A. W. Butcher . Berryman Bros. . J. A. MeKenzie . J. Duxson W. Crozier R. Barron A. McCallum A. Lowric Coonan and Caflrcy G. Oxley. junr Broek Bros. D. King and Sons A. Minchin J. Annison \V. T. Manifold (i. Butler .1. McUwain ,1. Wylie Hansen Bros. X. Rintoul O. Syme Tijiliett Bros. J. Gregg Milehell O'Brien A. J. Donald.son. C. II. Perkins . F. D. .McGauran. S. At well J. R. Jackson . and special Agricultural Offices Special Hamilton Newmarket Rochester Shcpparton Warracknabeal . . Shepparton Casterton New Zealand Exam. Ballarat Eiiroa . . Mildura Echuca Special Exam. St. Arnaud Warracknabeal . . Glenroy Special Exam. Kyatjram Echuca Exam. Swan Hill Yarra Glen Special Exam. Rof liester Kyneton Ararat . . Romscy . . Camperdown Birehip . . Euroa . . Rochester Horsham Wangaratta Kerang . . Dimboola Rochester Eetiuca . . Werribee St. .\maud New South Wall Exam. Tatura . . Jeparit Swan Hill City Horse Bazaar St. Arnaud Trafalgar Rutherglcn Tatura . . Warracknabeal Cunperdown MarvlHjrough Malfra . . Cohic . . Numurkah NhiU Gisliorne SjH^cial Exam. Ballarat Korumburra New Zealand Exam. Tatura . . KahilKiw Yarram lUiinUiw Hnnultiin 18.3.16 14.7.15 27.7.15 17.8.15 12.8.15 6.8.15 12.8.15 13.7.15 6.9.15 10.9.15 20.8.15 4.8.15 6.10.15 6.8.15 6.8.15 16.7.15 19.8.1.>i 6.10.15 11.8.15 7.9.15 17.8.15 7.9.15 15 15 15 15 15 15 1 29.9 25.8 3.8 20.8 17.8 6.7 5.8.15 12.8.15 3.8.15 17.8.15 18.8.15 28.8.15 6.8.15 27.3.15 19.8.15 20.8.15 11.8.15 19.7.15 6.8.15 3.9.15 2.8.15 19.8.15 fl.8.15 25.8.15 9.0.15 2.9.15 27.8.15 11. S.I 5 18.8.15 7.9.15 10.9.15 3.0.15 6.0.15 19.8.15 19.8.15 9 9.15 10.8.15 U.7.15 W.M.L. R.G. R.N.J. W.J.C- R.N.J. R.G. R.N.J. R.G. R.G. W.J.C. W.M.L- W.M.L. W.M.L. R.G. E.AK. W.J.C. W.M.L. W.M.L- W.M.L. W.J.C. R.G. R.G. R.N.J. R.N.J. W.M.L. W.J.C. W.J.C. R.G. R.N.J. W.M.L. R.G. W.J.C. W.J.C. R.G. W.M.L. W.J.C. R.N.J. W.M.L. W.M.L. W..M.L. R.G. R.N.J. W.J.C. R.G. R.N.J. R.G. W.M.L. R N.J. R.N.J. R.N.J. R.O. R.G. W.JI.L. W.J.C. R.N J. W.M.L. R.N.J. R.O. 284 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. Supplementary List of Life Certificated Stallions — continued. Cert. No. Name of Horse. Age. Owner. Parade. Date of Exami- nation. Officer. 2864 2801 2822 2837 2883 Topgallant Warkworth's Pride Wimmera Prince Young Herod Young Lord Lyon Draughts — continued. 0 years 6 years .5 years 5 years 6 years F. L. Mcintosh G. Harris Jeparit . . Horsham C. Hewitt and Sons Warracknabeal A. B. Douglas W. and G. Main Kerang . ICyneton 20.8.15 R.N.J. 7.7.15 R.G. 6.8.15 R.G. 12.8.15 W.M.L 7.9.15 R.G. THOROUGHBREDS. 2904 Border King 6 years P. Uren Werribee 20.10.15 R.G. 2814 Doongara . . 5 years J. B. Henry Newmarket 26.7.15 B.N.J. 2816 Falmouth 7 vears A. F. CuUen Butherglen 2.8.15 R.N.J. 2876 Nadir Aged D. Mcintosh Melton . . 4.9.15 W.M.L 2810 Problematic 5 years H. T. Bust City Horse Bazaar 19.7.15 R.G. 2811 The Vanquisher Aged Coonan and Caff rey City Horse Bazaar 19.7.15 W.M.L LIGHT HORSES. 2806 Aristocrat 5 years H. Jeitz Hamilton 14.7.15 R.G. 2842 Billie Wilks 5 years T. Moore Sliepparton 12.8.15 R.N.J. 2843 Cathedral Chimes . . 6 years J. J. Mitchell . . Northcote Special Exam. Minyip . . 13.8.15 R.G. 2823 Doctor Jack 6 years J. H. Byron 5.8.15 R.G. 2824 Don Alto . . 7 years G. Maxwell Wangaratta 5.8.15 R.N.J. 2866 Emulator's Pride . . 5 years W. MacArthur . . Camperdown 25.8.15 B.N.J. 2879 e.y.o. .. 5 years J. N. Bowman . . Korumburra 8.9.15 W.M.L 2865 Harry Alto 6 years A. G. Hunter Seymour 25.8.15 B.G. 2874 Honest Wilks 5 years F. English Trafalgar 3.9.15 R.G.. Len Rose 11. B. McNair Tasmanian Exam. 8.8.14 2898 Lord Lindsy 7 years B. London Maldon Special Exam. 26.10.15 R.G. 2832 Match It . . 5 years B. J. Wakeman and Sons Pyramid 9.8.15 W.M.L. 2802 Obligation 5 years J. McClounan Horsliam 7.7.15 W.M.L. 2809 Pride of Rothschild 7 years Mitchell and O'Brien City Horse Bazaar 19.7.15 R.G. 2844 Prince Harold Junior 5 years H. A. Hussey New South Wales Exam. 23.2.10 2849 Slam 5 years B. Hunter Bochester 17.8.15 W.J.C. 2877 Smoodger Aged B. F. England . . Craigieburn Special Exam. 4.9.15 R.N.J. 2881 True Royal 5 years F. Mackin Korumburra 8.9.15 W.M.L. 2828 Wliite Stockings .. 7 years L. Brooks Ouyen . . 5.8.15 W.M.L. 2839 Zolock 0. 5 years D. McLeod Nuraurkali 11.8.15 B.N.J. PONIES. 2815 Assembler 5 years F. Watson Ararat . . 5.7.15 B.G. 2885 Brightlight 5 years J. M. Brown Yarram 9.9.15 W.M.L. 2858 Dandy Hero 5 years E. Brock Sea Lake 20.8.15 W.M.L. 2902 Dandy Nut 5 years E. E. Small French Is. Special Exam. Colac 15.11.15 B.G. 2870 First Office 6 years W. J. Trask 27.8.15 B.N.J. 2859 Gibbie 5 years W. Sanders Nhill 18.8.15 R.N.J. 2867 Gold Top 5 years D. McDonald .. Camperdown 25.8.15 R.N.J. 2900 Grainmyr . . 5 years E. Whiting Alexandra 11.11.15 R.G. 2892 Hauteur . . 6 years R. V. Kelly Melbourne 21.9.15 W.M.L. 2852 King Tony 5 years J. H. Hunt Kyabram 19.8.15 W.J.C. 2891 Leo 5 years J. Brown Agricultural Offices 11.9.15 W.M.L. 2833 Baouf Aged Dr. J. P. Ryan . . Agricultural Offices 14.8.15 W.M.L. 2888 Sparrow . . 6 years R. Jukes Maryborough 9.9.15 R.G. 2899 The Joker.. 6 years W. R. Williams . . Maldon Special Exam. 26.10.15 R.G. 2901 Tim Brigham Aged G. Payne Alexandra 11.11.15 R.G. 10 May. 1916. Certification of Stallions. 285 LIST OF TERMINABLE CERTIFICATED STALLIONS. Four-year-old Certificates expiring 30th June, 1916.) Cert. No. Name of Horse. Parade. Date of Exami- nation. Officer. DRAUGHTS. 1061/4 1017/4 1023/4 1025/4 1060/4 1062/4 1041/4 1022/4 1034/4 1039/4 1024/4 1019/4 1042/4 1015/4 1035/4 1020/4 1056/4 1043/4 1016/4 1040/4 1027/4 1044/4 1063/4 1032/4 1011/4 1048/4 1036/4 1021/4 1059/4 1029/4 1045/4 1038/4 1065/4 Abbot's Pride Arawa Baron Abbot . . Haron Milford Haron Northcote Baron Samson Haron Twist . . British Hope . . Clan McGregor Clermont Colonel Vounc Duke of Dahlon Karl Dundonald Federal Duke Forw'ard Inverniay Johnnie Walker Kint; Albert . . Lyndale Lord ICvorest Model King . . Newton Prince Orbost .\sain Plunket's Pride Premier Thomas Royal Salute . . Royal Son Saxon I'rince Scott ie Scottish Chief Shephenl Kins; Starlight Thorn Hlend . . Young McClelland .T. Grant . . Melbourne . . 21.9.15 R.X.J. .T. R. McKenzie Glenroy Special ICxam. 16.7.15 E.A.K. MeNamara and Mc- Yarrawonga . . 3.8.15 R.N.J. Dougall A. C. Petrass Minvi]) 5.8.15 R.G. R. H. Grant Pallarat 10.9.15 R.G. .J. Grant . . Mell)ouriie . . 21.9.15 W.M.L E. and C. Ham Rochester 17.8.15 W.J.C. .J. R. Henry New Zealand Exam. .. 1.7.15 Dookie Agricultural Dookie 9.8.15 R.X.J. College G. C. Dufty NhiU 18.8.15 R.N.J. H. W. Oberin Elmore 13.8.15 W.M.I.. H. ('. .TorgiMisen Dimboola 3.8.15 R.(i. .1. K. Itenry Newmarket . . 26.7.15 R.N..I. i;. Williamson Charlton 18.8.15 W..M.I.. E. M. Walter ( itv Horse Bazaar 19.7.15 W.M.I.. A. C'olvin . . Nathalia 11.8.15 R.N.J. J. R. Stokes Newmarket . . 26.7.15 R.N.J. T. McKay Kyncton 7.9.15 R.G. A. McKinnon Charlton 18.8.15 W.M.I.. .T. White . . City Horse Bazaar 19.7.15 R.(;. IT. Boyd . . Elmore 13.8.15 W.M.I,. H. C. Younger Wangaratta . . 5.8.15 R.N.J. P. A. Deckert NhiU 18.8.15 R.N.J. J. Helding Melbourne .. 21.9.15 W.M.L. W. MaclCnight Swan Hill 11.8.15 W.M.L I'odey liros. Horsham 7.7.15 R.G. .7. .1. (ileeson Warrnambool 26.8.15 R.N.J. T. Wearne Numurkah . . 11.8.15 R.N.J. G. W. Francis Newmarket . . 29.7.15 R.N.J. ,T. Galloway MaryborouL'h 9.9.15 R.(;. .1. I'".rwin, sen. P\Tamid 9.8.15 W.M.L (i. .1. I'lythman Niiill 18.8.15 K.N.J. .T. Alexander Shepparton . . 12.8.15 U.N.J. H. McKinley Romsey 29.9.15 K.N.J. 1057/4 I Bengore THOROUGHBRED. I J. Bl.iir .. I 9.9.15 I W.M.L LIGHT HORSES. 1().')4, 1 I'el il 1 liimes Helmiint Stud I'arm Melbduriii' spe ... . ., — View of Permanent Fertilizer Plots, State Research Farm, Werribee. Researches carried out in the chemical laboratory of this Depart- ment during the past year show that immediately superphosphate is applied to the soil it commences to revert into other forms. It changes more or less rapidly into citrate soluble phosphate, and a small portion becomes converted into insoluble phosphate. This process is called reversion, and the rate at which it proceeds depends on the type of soil. Investigations have been conducted with typical wheat soils from various parts of the State to find out, (1) the rate at which reversion takes place with light and heavy dressings of super, and (2) the influence of the nature of the soil on the rate of change. The results of these investigations are approaching completion, and will be presented in due course. Suffice it to say for the present that the tests show that more than half of the water soluble phosphate in super, is reverted to citrate soluble phosphate within a week of its application, and that within a month practically the whole of the soluble phosphate is so converted. 10 May, 1916. Results of Experiments, 1915. 289 Why, it may be asked, need we manufacture at considerable cost superphosphate from insoluble phosphates if this process of reversion takes place sO' quickly in our wheat lauds. The explanation is probably as follows : — Before the superphosphate reverts the soluble phosphate, which is its essential constituent, becomes dissolved in the soil water, and assumes a form infinitely nioi-e minute than can ever be attained by mechanical grinding. In this minute form it gets distributed evenly throughout the surface soil. Its superiority is due to its fineness of subdivision and its intimate diffusion through the soil. Reversion of the water soluble phosphate takes place shortly after application of the super, to the soil; but wherever the root hairs of tlip plant may penetrate small quantities of citrate soluble phosphate in the most minutely subdivided form are everywhere awaiting absorption. For the past three years tests have been conducted at the State Farms with the object of finding out the most profitable rate at which superphosphate could be applied per acre, and the results are sum- marized in the following tables. The results are interesting inasmuch as they show the gross returns and net profits per acre (1) in wet seasons and (2) over an average of years. The results in the case of Rutherglen are on an average of four years, and those of Werribee and Longerenong for three years. Returns from Plots treated wiih Light and Hsavy Dressings oi Superphosphate, Season 1915. No raaiiuro i cwt. Supcir. 1 cwt. Supor. 2 cwt. Super. H\itlirr^U>n. 6-0 10-8 15-6 12-0 20-0 27-5 28-75 28-0 Lon^crenons;. 37-5 49-4 51-3 54-7 Avprajjc Returns from Thrc- Cciitrt'S. 21-0 29-2 .SI -9 3r() II. Average Yields for three seasons (1913 15) from Light and Heavy Dressings of Superphospiiaie. I.oil'Ji'rciloiH^. K itliorRlrn. W.rrilH'.'. .\vir;im' Dt .\ll ('"'titr. No nianiirc ,', cwt. Sii|H'r. 1 cwt. Siip'i. 2 cwt. Sn|)cr. 19-3 2(5-7 28-8 30-2 9-4 i:?-9 Kl-fl It; -2 n •(> ic.-u 17-1 IS-o i:;-j is-«> 4444.— B 290 Journal of Af/riculturc, Victorid. [10 May, 1916. III. Average net profits per acre from Light and Heavy Dressings of Superphosphate over unmanured plots for the Season 1915— Longerenong, Rutherglen, and Werribee combined. Average Increase Value of Net Profit Plot. 1 Yield for over no Increase, Cost of per acre 1 Three Manure Plot at 3s. 4d. Manure. over 1 Centres. Bush. Per Bush. no Manure. ' £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. No manure 21-0 h cwt. Super. 29-2 8-2 1 7 4 0 2 6 1 4 10 1 cwt. Super. 31-9 10-9 1 16 4 0 5 0 1 11 4 2 cwt. Super. 31-6 10-6 1 15 4 0 10 0 1 5 4 Average net profils per acre from Light and Heavy Dressings of Superphosphate over unmanured plots from all centres for Seasons 1913-14-15. No manure . . . . 13 * 2 . . I 1 cwt. Super. .. .. 18-9 5-7 0 19 0 | 0 2 6 0 16 i cwt. Super. .. .. j 20-9 7-7 15 8 0 5 0 10 2 cwt. Super. .. .. 21 '3 8-1 17 0 0 10 0 0 17 0 These four tables show conclusively that dressings of 1 cwt. of super, give a higher net return per acre after deducting the cost of manure than light dressings of ^cwt. per acre; and this is not only true in good seasons such as the one we have just experienced, but is also true of normal and droughty years. Last year the half-hundredweight dressing gave an average net profit over the unmanured plot of £1 4s. 8d. per acre. In the case of the hundredweight dressing, however, the net profit per acre was £1 lis. 4d. per acre after deducting the cost of the manure. For the past three years (which include the drought year) the average net profit per acre from all centres was 20s. 8d. per acre from the heavy dressing, as compared with 16s. 6d. per acre from the lighter application. In these calculations the price of wheat was taken at 3s. 4d. per bushel. At present prices the net profits would be correspondingly great>er. Moreover in addition to the direct returns as measured by grain yields, it must not be forgotten that the indirect returns from the grazing of sheep would be much greater with the heavy dressings than with the lighter dressings. 2.— GREEN MANURE TESTS. One of the problems confroniTng every wheat-grower in the drier districts is to extract from the soil the highest possible wheat yield, and at the same time maintain unimpaired the productive power of the soil. In the oldest wheat districts there is evidence that some of the practices in vogue are slowly depleting the soil of its organic matter, which is the basis of soil fertility and productiveness. Bare-fallowing is generally admitted to be the best preparation for a wheat crop in the drier districts, but it has two manifest objections. The land is lying idle for a whole year, bringing in no return; and, moreover, the practice of bare-fallowing in our dry climate undoubtedly leads to losses of organic matter. 10 May, 1916. 1 Results of Experiments, 1915. 291 Where land is cheap and has not long been cropped, these objections possibly do not carry weight. Where land values are high and wheat- growing has been practised for a generation, the matter is more serious. Instead of a year of idleness the land could be made in winter to produce some crop other than wheat, to be fed down by sheep, and subsequently worked through the summer as a partial fallow for a subsequent wheat crop. The practical question, however, is, would such procedure pay. To answer this question was the objective of a set of experiments at the State Research Farm, Werribee, and while only two years' results are available, the figures obtained are certainly suggestive. Three years ago a set of twenty 1-acre plots were marked out at Werribee. Ten were sown with forage for feeding off and ploughing in, whilst ten were sown with wheat. By alternating the ten forage plots with the ten wheat plots each year, comparative results will be obtained of the value of wheat after each of the forages when fed off as compared with wheat following the same forages ploughed m. General View of Green Manure Trials, State Research Farm, Wen-ibee, showing method of feeding off Rye and Vetches and Cape Barley with Sheep. The average results for the two seasons 1914-15 are as follow: — Tahle T. — Returns from Wheat Plots Grown in Rotation with Forages Fed Off and Forages Ploughed In. AVlTilgl Yk'lUs i; 14. 1SI15. for Soasons 1914- 11U6. ., Bub lbs. BuH. lbs. BU8. lbs. 1. Whoat after JlajM' VM Off . . ' 1*; 48 16 41 16 44i 2. Whiiat aftfT Harloy „ Ki 43 19 21 18 2 :J. Wheat aftur I'caso ,, 18 :}9 21 3;-) 20 7 4. Wheat after Vetches ,, 17 21 18 4 17 42i 5. Wheat after l)are-fallow 20 12 21 44 20 r.8 (). Wheat after Rijk-, I'1iiul,'1h <1 in 18 9 21 23 1!) 46 7. Wheat after I'.arlev 10 58 20 40 IS 49 S. Wheat after l'ea;(^ Id 27 2.{ 17 19 ".2 n. Wh.'at after Vetehes 1.-) 2(> 20 12 17 49 I((. Wheat after bare-fallow (manurod) 21 22 23 20 22 26* Note. — Plot 10 (Bare-fill low) rpccivcil a dmibli' dnso of iiiHiiiirr, 1 cwf. bi'liiu «own durlnx fullowtnit operations, and 1 cwt. being sown with the wlieat croj). Plot 5 rccelvctl 1 ewt when town with wheat. 292 ■Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. It will be noticed that the differences between the bare-fallow and the remaining plots were very marked in 1914 (the drought year), but that in 1915 two of the plots, viz., wheat after peas, both fed off and ploughed in, gave better returns than the corresponding plot of bare-fallow (Plot 5). The results demonstrate that the yield of wheat grown after forages fed off with sheep are nearly as high as those in which the green crop was ploughed under. Neither systems, however, give as high a yield as bare-fallow, as might have been expected in a district where soil moisture is the limiting factor to crop production. The net profit per acre obtained by growing wheat in rotation with forages fed off is, however, much higher than than after bare-fallow. In order to assess the cash value of the forages fed to the sheep, the in- crease of live weight in sheep during the depasturing of the crop was obtained by weighing a given number of sheep on and off the plots. The increase in live weight ha? been reckoned at 2d. per lb., and the increased value of the wool at l^d. }>er head per week. a Green Manure Trials — Feeding off Cape Barley with Sheep. This method of determining the value of the pasture has its limita- tions, but it gives a good idea of the relative stock-carrying capacity of >ach fodder. The results are summarized in the table. Plot 1 . Rape „ 2. Barley . . „ 3. Pease ,, 4. Rye and Vetches ,, 5. Bare-fallow Average Value of Fodder Crops in Seasons 1913-14. 15 13 16 18 d. 9 1 2 11 Average Value of Wheat Crop at 4s. per bushel, 1914-15. s. d. 6 11 12 0 10 10 3 11 Average Gross Return for two years. s. d. 2 8 5 3 16 8 9 9 3 11 10 May, 1016. 1 UpsiiJfs of Experiments, J91o. 293 294 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. It will be seen that over a two years • period a crop of wheat grown after bare-fallow gave a gross return of £4 3s. lid. When grown in rotation with barley, rye and vetches fed off the gross returns range from £6 5s. 3d. to £6 9s. 9d. per acre — an increase over the bare- fallowed plot of £2 Is. 4d. and £2 5s. lOd. per acre. The fodder crops were treated as catch crops, and the cost of cultiva- tion, including seed and manure did not exceed 25s. per acre; conse- quently the net profit by growing wheat in rotation with forages fed ofE was, approximately, £1 per acre greater than growing wheat after bare- fallow. The results are the more striking in that they include the drought year of 1914. Precisely similar results were obtained at Rutherglen. In districts similarly sitviated to Werribee, enjoying a rainfall of 20 inches or over, the growing of wheat in rotation with forages fed off is likely to give bigger net returns than by growing wheat after bare-fallow. This applies particularly to the Western District wheat country. and portions of the North-East and Gippsland. 3. RATE OF SOWING AND TIME OF SEEDING TRIALS. During the j)ast year a series of tests were carried out to determine the differences between early sowing and late sowing of early, midseason, and late varieties. Marshall's N'o. 3, Yandilla King, Federation, King's Early, and Gluyas wheats Avere sown in one batch on 16tlL April, 1915, and a second batch on 5th June at the State Research Farm, Werribee. The former date corresponds roughly to the beginning of the seeding in normal seasons, and the latter date agrees approximately with the com- pletion of seeding. The plots were sown on worn-out clay land. The results were as follows : — Early Sowing (16th April). Marshall's No. Yandilla King Federation King's Early Gluyas . . . 24 21 19 18 lbs. per acre. ... 24 ... 32 ... 20 ... 20 ... 40 Late Sowing (5fh June) Marshall's No. 3 Yandilla King ... Federation King's Early Gluyas ... 21 21 17 26 24 4 52 20 24 48 Raiiifttll during the Growing Period. Early sown plots, 10.8 inches. Late sown plots, 8.65 inches. It Avill be seen that the midseason and late maturing varieties, e.g., Federation, Marshall's, and Yandilla King gave best results Avhen sown early, the three early sown plots averaging 2 bushels 40 lbs. more per acre" than the same varieties so-^vn late. On the other hand, the early 10 May, 1916.] Results of Experiments, 1915. 295 maturing wheats, Gluyas and King's Early, with a short a-rowing period, gave 6 bushels 36 lbs. more per acre when sown late in the season than when sown early. Similar results were obtained at other centres. These results imply that the seeding season may be protracted if the farmer uses a judicious selection of early and late maturing wheat varieties. The seeding should be commenced with the late maturing types, such as Yandilla King, Marshall's ISTo. 3, followed by midseason types as Federation, and the early maturing varieties such as Gluyas, Bunyip, and King's Early should be reserved until the completion of seeding. The rate of seeding is closely connected with the time of sowing. Wheat sown early on well prepared land requires the minimum amount of seed. The temperatures in April and early May favour speedy germina- tion and vigorous healthy stooling. At the end of June the soil tempera- tures approach 41 deg. F., the temperature at which germination and plant growth are suspended. Seed sown late needs thicker seeding to counteract the lessened germination and diminished stooling powers of the plant. These points are Avell illustrated in the rate of sowing trials at Wvuna last season with Federation wheat. Early Sowing (May). ;30 lbs 45 60 75 90 120 per acre Bushels. 31.4 34.5 36.6 35.8 34.7 33.2 30 lbs 45 60 75 90 120 I. A IK Sowing (June), per acre 28.8 27.3 31.9 34.0 35.3 32.1 The above table shows that the maximum yield per acre, 36.6 bui^hels, was obtained by sowing 60 lbs. of seed early in May. In spite of the mildness of the season and the Inte spring rains, none of the late so^vn plots quite equalled this yiihl. The maximum yield on the late sown plots was 35.3 bushels, but in order to secure this yield no less than 90 lbs. of .'^eed per ncre had to be used. The i-jiinfiill (lui'iiiii- the o-i-oAvim:- period w:is 12. S5 iiicbes. 296 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. COST OF PRODUCTION OF FIELD CROPS. 1.— WHEAT. JJ// //. C. Wilson, Manar/er, Central EesearcJi Farm; and A. J. Whelan, Field Officer, Werribee. (Continued from page 413, July Journal, 1915.) In the July number of this Journcd last year, the costs of prepara- tion, including seeding of a wheat crop at the Central Research Farm, Werribee, was discussed. The present article deals with harvesting expenses of this crop, and presents a balance-sheet. The results should correspcnd with costs under similar conditions of soil and climate in other localities. The July article gave full detailed costs of the operations leading up to and including seeding. (See Table 1.) The field of wheat, which was approximately 345 acres, was looking well and stooling freely when the former article was written. Harvesting has now been completed, and the detailed costs can be seen in Table No. 2. In harvesting this field, three separate series of operations were conducted. This was found necessary, because nothing but pure seed wheat was sown, and the crop, comprising some thirteen varieties, was gathered for seed. The three operations consisted of: — (1) Harvesting 12 acres of headland for hay. (2) Harvesting with binder 309 acres for threshing. (3) Stripping and winnowing 24 acres, comprising three varieties, the areas of which were not large enough to be harvested by the threshing method. Harvesting Headlands for Hay. A headland of J chain of King's Early wheat was sown around this field, and the total, 12 acres, was cut for hay on 20th to 22nd October, 1915. This headland acted as a break for wind and ravages of pests, as well as a protection from the pcssibility of mixing grain at the ends of the several plots of different varieties sown Hay was harvested very early in the season, and valued in the stack, on 10th November, 1915, at £5 per ton. The total hay harvested from the 12 acres, and weighed over thn farm weighbridge before stacking, was 26 tons. Therefore, the gross value amounted to £130. The cost of all operations connected with the production of this hay, including rent of the land, and a share in the whole of the inci- dental expenses incurred, was £35 7s. 5d. ; which means £2 18s. ll^d. per acre, or £1 7s. 2|d. per ton. It seems, in the face of these figures, that, unless the farmer can realize approximately 30s. per ton for his hay in the stack, even though he has a normal season and a fair crop, tlie occupation would be unprofitable. Cutting Crop for Grain, and Threshing. Harvesting by means of the threshing machine seems the most popular method of handling a wheat crop for grain in this locality. 10 May, 1916. 1 Cost of Frodudiou of Field Crops. 297 Firstly, because it has the advantage of a market near at hand for baled straw; and secondly, the damp coastal conditions do not permit of efficient harvesting of large quantities of grain by means of the stripper and winnower, or combined harvester. Ploughing with Disc Plough, State Research Farm, Werribee. a ^ iM miS ■-m . ymiam^^r^ ^'^-^^^r^^ % •;-»-";--<: •^ _J JL Ploughing with Mould-board Plough, State Research Farm. Werribee. Of tlie 315 acres liarvested. 309 acres were cut witli the binder tor llirefhing. The work wa^ started on '2nd Deceinlior, and the separate operations of cutting, stooking, carting, ami sl.Kkin/ of wheat in the sheaf, were carried out in December, V^\h . 298 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. 10 May, 1916.] Cost of Production of Field Crops. 299 o H o CO O > o 1^ « .- o OS -*o ff S, i^^a w CO M r-i ,-1 Total 0 Harve an Prod "-I crt 05 0> QC r-l OS C-- r-li-H CO CI § o CO o rHOi-l O to o CO s-^a ■e in M o CO >o t^ o c- «s 00 IM -t t^ O O Q. o o -I* r? o o en n -t (N'^S O « H O tH iH * • OOlflOT • qoi3o Jo ojov Jaj -jsoo K «o o m o> !M C^J « « CI •aoi^Baadoito'Ba JO S8J0V JO "O^I CJ IM 05 O CJ o o cS ^ 0 M . •« O o o o s CO o O ooc:^-^ T" tH H a C o ^ O vn o in t~ o o P .5 cj C ti g c*l o o r^ CO H « H -* H ooo O £ o o oo O 03 P. « in in COCl ■ • OOf^ o S a^ "S O s CO M ^t3 e in J2 00 $ : '■*< ^ CI o CO ■8 o o o o o o OOCO 00 00 o c o ■ o • o • o CI cj • s^a ^ o •* in in ;c CI CI « iH ■A.va Jaj Xuj JO o%v's^ a^a OOCO OOit-2 •jnoqt'7 JO sXcp JO -o^i ti t- « ca ■*"o ^coS^ •poHJOAV sXbct jo "OV •poJiJOj^ sosjoH JO •o^J eo ■<)< ci CJ P 2 .a <> 00 o •- o JS 0-" in c CI CI -T3 — .. "^ O rt"^ to " o -00 « 00 rH • -T o o M »i ^ i; ii «S a e c O O C3 • «5 • ^ • *^ ■" >-s j: 1^ ^ ^ .o ,.-— 0-«— 1) -r -t I- t- t- r- r- CI CI CI 22 i o 'i eye fctfl ..II o M o 5?55 uo Ct3 300 J( of Agriculture, Victoria. 1 10 May, 1916. Threshing, stacking straw, and carting wheat to the barn was under- taken from the 14th to the 31st of January last. The straw was baled, carted to the Werribee railway station, and loaded on trucks for sale, from 27th January to 16th February, 1916. l^^^0n ■:«* >-- Cutting Wheat for Threshing. Threshing the Grain. The weather was very favorable throughout the harvesting opera- tions, and little delay was caused in the work by wet conditions. Harvesting work was done by the permanent farm hands and temporary harvest workers at the ruling district rates of pay. The cost per acre can be seen in Table No. 2. 10 May, 1916.] Cost of Production of Field Crops. 301 Threshing, baling straw, and loading pressed straw on trucks at Werribe© railway station, was let to contractors; and this season, because of the high rates of labour, and increased prices of material through the war, the cost for this contract work has advanced 20 per cent. However, the total cost of the whole of the harvesting operations of the 309 acres, from the time the crop was cut until the wheat was delivered into the barn, and the baled straw loaded on the trucks, inclusive of sacks and twine, was £699 3s. 9d., or £2 5s. 3d. per acre. Add to this the cost last season of all operations up to and including seeding, £1 10s. 2;|d. per acre; rent of land, 12s. per acre; and tem- porarv improvements, which worked out at, approximately. 3d. per acre (see Table No. 1), it will be found that the total cost of production was £4 7s. 8|d. per acre. The profit on the venture will be seen in the balance-sheet below. Stripping and Winnowing. Harvesting wheat by th.is means is not favoured locally, as previously mentioned; but it was found necessary to sti'ip 24 acres, because the three varieties of grain grown, viz.. Dart's Imperial, Commonwealth, and Warden, were in plots which were considered too small to be efficiently handled without loss or chance of mixing the grain by means of the thresher. On 17th to 23rd December, 1915, stripping of this area was under- taken, and winnowing completed on the 31st. Fortunately, good weather conditions were experienced, and the cost of this method of harvesting will be seen in Table No. 2. The total, including the cost of sacks, twine, cartage of wheat to tlie barn of the 24 acres, amount to £18 lis. 4^d., or 15s. 5 Ad. per acre. Add to this the cost of all operations up to and including seeding, £1 10s. 2^d., per acre; 12s. per acre, rent of land: 3d. per acre, tem- porary improvements; and the total is £2 17s. 10-,'d. per acre. The profit on this method cf ])roducing and harvesting wheat will ])e noticed in the balance-sheet. Cost of Production. The total cost of harvesting the hay, grain, and straw from this 345-acre field was £727 13s. Ikl., or £2 2s. 2|d. per acre. Add «o tliis the expense incurred in all operations up to and including seeding, together with cost of seed wheat and manure, as detailed in Table No. i. amounting to £520 13s. lOAd. ; also rent of the land, £207; temporary improvements, £4 lis. 6d. ; and the grand total amounts to £1,459 18s. 6d., or £4 4s. 7id. per acre. The balance-sheet below will show the gross returns, and tlie profit realized from this field. Items of Interest in the Balance-Sheet. The ])alance-sheet has been prepared with a view of showing: — (1) The net profit which has lieen made this year from a fiehl of 345 acres of wheat . (2) The individual j)rofits which liave been realized from tlu* three series of ojx'rations necessary in the practical harvesting of the field. The \wl profit from the 315 a< res was £1,222 l.'^. 7d.. or r3 10s. lOjd. [>er acre. 302 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. H lyri < l-H H 1 W 1—1 !< Gi l-H -&( >^ o o c/; O t-H < (72 H 1 a 1 D R M W q E4 « W ^ "? f^ w o o ;< OS o O pq o "& E? ^ 1^ "cS 5 2:3 >« Ph Tf. ' ^ tJ cc © ' S =S C 02 o -^ o 1^ 2 C3 . -« - S CO pq n> (-1 2 tS (M f!i| I S"-IO cS rf£ ■^ !33 •- ce-5 " q c5 aj H s ^., _d -^ o O ^ O ;3 ffl o o e Ph=+h Id >- o pq ^"^ g -« _ § § oo eS O == O O O O " ^ -i s g § ^ s. S ^ f^ ^ .ia tq ^i "m °o H 10 May, 1916.J Cost of Production of Field Crops. 303 This profit was made ou the following prices of produce: — Hay sold for £5 per ton in the stack on 10th November, 1915. Straw sold for £1 19s. 7|d. per ton in January, 1916. Wheat — Firsts, 4s. 9d. per bushel in barn. Seconds, 4s. per bushel in barn. The hay and straw both realized prices above the average because of the early market secured, while the wheat was valued at 4s. 9d., and not sold. As it is stud seed, sown and harvested as such, a some- what increased cost of production was incurred. But, for a purpose or valuation, 4s. 9d. per bushel was taken as the marketable value of this grain as a f.a.q. sample only. If, however, the actual value of the wheat after grading had been reckoned in the balance-sheet, the net profit would have been much greater; but this would be hardly fair from a practical, wheat-growing stand-point. The individual profits from the three series of harvesting operations actually carried out were : — 1. — Harvesting the Uf.idlands for Hay. £ s. d. Value of hay ... ... 130 0 0 12 acres. J Cost of production ... 35 7 5 ^Net profit ... ... 94 12 7 A profit of £7 r7s. 8^,d. per acre was made, which is unusually large, because of the very high price of £5 per ton realized by securing tlie November market in a year of great scarcity. If, however, the present value be taken, quite a lean margin of profit would be shown. 2. — HarveHtiny with the Binder, Threshing, and Straw Pre.tsing. £ s. d. [Value of wheat and straw ... 2,408 15 11 309 acres. ) Cost of production ... 1,355 0 lOf [Net profit ... ... 1,053 15 0} A profit of £3 8s. 2|d. per acre was made, based on f.a.q. wheat, at- 4s. 9d., seconds at 4s., and straw at £1 19s. 7^d. per ton. 3. — Harvesting hy means of the Stripper and Winnower. £ s. d. Value of wheat ... ... 143 7 2 24 acres. J Cost of production ... 69 10 2^ Net profit ... . . 73 16 llf A profit of £3 Is. 6id. per acre was made; with the wheat at f.a.q. value, 4s. 9d. ; and seconds at 4s. A comparison of the above two methods of liarvesting a crop of wheat for grain will show that the profit per acre came out in favour of the threshing and pre.ssing by 6s. 8d. per acre. This is. no doubt, due to the ready market obtainable for the pressed straw, and the good price obtained this season at WerriWe. 304 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. JO ;soo i«40x ■ci'- o M O " i» w »M o O o «o o o in (M o M CO l>4 o> to ■»)< O * CO in ■* CO 00 in Til CO in CO in 00 in -* CO •s^uaraaiduii jo d\\\v.\ uo ^sajajiix %c ■» o i-H o o o o Hei UO Ol in t^ o 00 o ■sosjOH JO -3° oo'<3S to o o (N 00 in o o OI o o o o C3 •sasjOH JO ani^A UO uonupaidaa %oi .00 » CO o CO 00 o o (N CO 00 in 00 o 00 o •smaiuaiduij jo ani«A uo uoijBpajdafl %oi o J 01 01 rH 05 rH COr-ICO •uoijBJado aSuini o 5 >- S ?H O K 3 2 g&SP -, •= 'S > 5 o £ = .S be a-= s.::^ a2 ^ oi b .O -3 ~ S rt .S S g 10 May. 1916.] Cost of Production of Field Crops. 305 o < o M H M P O o ij 05 o o o = 3 o o a. H O O M M -^ 1^ -^ -^ C^l O .— eoi^M "Mi.) CO « ei 0. 0 cres of acli rati C-l C-l a ^ o ^< "^ m o k-^ O , . ■so o o e " o P-a »Oin o i'^ S,c g £ « '-' a-s^-« ertOO t~ o "M -C '.- o c c •*- -a le "S -, o O S i ~ Win • oo^ «»» o cc ■w . • ^■^° to < ■" ^ SO Ml ^^ ^ = =.■« O O '■« O ■^ ■ o o •3 ^ . M -I- o «^ p< • etJ O rl CO O 'So al) 05 £s 2^ 005 •^ ^ «- 3 0 ;ij f :i ^ c ~--^ ^a! >w s ♦^ =5-0 o-o c C 3 it., >i5 a? r; 2 > ^ ' ■ --J - - ■* 1 ec ae — =5 X -r G S 5^ t ' •■ 3 K-^ 0 S H ;_i^^-iC S ■= c S '^ ? •« i c g £ g ■ft 5" o rt CI -r « .S o «i a 306 Journal of AgricuJtvrc, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. ;? o !-l r-i < fi i4 O > o fc( J o < s P5 tf O o H J2; f ) & « O o K PU H H W o CO Eh w C o < hJ -< M o 00 GO & o .3 o O CC r-- o 2 a^ -i-3 ^"-'^ C , o I.- r^ ^_, O t^ » ^ O ^ © 05 2 -« i^ 4i a -Q II t- rQ ^..r-- o PhIO 00 a<-i« Ph .^ on 00 »o CO t^ ^ ■ i^W d s o tn c GO c;! +2 pa o " 2 IS eS s> «5 2 S 2 u .£ o ■ ■ ;r ' — . o '*C rl m t^ P-,i^ s O S >-i 2 S H 10 May, 1!»16. | Cost of Production of Field Crops. 307 Tables 3 and 4 and balance-sheet set out the cost and the returns from this field with commodities at their normal level of values. The seeding of this paddock was carried out at a time when horse- feed was at famine prices, and at harvest the prices both of fodder and straw were considerably beyond normal values. Consequently the tables have been drawn to show what would be the cost of production under average conditions. The cost of horses has been allowed for at 2s. per day, which is the normal cost of maintaining a working horse at the farm, and allowing' for depreciation, interest on outlay, and idle days. Labour has been charged at the current rates prevailing in the dis- trict, namely, 7s. to 8s. per day at seed-time, and 9s. to 10s. per day at harvest. Standard cornsacks and binder twine have been reckoned at the average price ruling for the past few years. Wheat has been taken at its normal value, namely, 3s. 4d. per bushel for f.a.q. quality and 2s. 9d. per bushel for seconds. Tlie past season, on which these roturns have been based, although a yield of 27 bushels per acre was realized, cannot be considered excep- tionally good, because of the fact that the rainfall for the whole year was 15.55 inches, or 5 inches below the average; and the fall during the growing period of the crop, namely, May to November, was 10.84 inches, as compared with the average fall during the same period for 42 years of 12.10 inches. It will be seen that a wheat farmer who exercises ordinary care and economy and who attends consistently to the thorough cultivation of his soil, liberal manuring of the crop, and judicious selection of his seed, can assure himself of a good return on his capital and industry in a normal season . 308 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. AGRICULTURAL ITEMS. Influenza, a catarrhal disease, affects horses from time to time. It is known as pink eye on the American continent. It is generally deemed an infectious ailment, but is as erratic in its departure as it is sudden in its intrusion into a stud. Fit^hting sheep are kept by the native princes in India. These rams are o-enerally white, with a trace of brown on the head and feet. The nose is arched and the horns large and massive, projecting in spiral form about the head. The tail measures about 4 inches in length. The more systematically either arable or pasture land is ridged and furrowed, the more rapid is the process of Wieathering, and the larger the quantity of food made and liberated for the use of plants; hence the soil maker has to adopt methods of draining and soaking the sub- material to a greater depth than takes place under natural conditions. The shape of the udder is a valuable indication of milking capacity when considered in conjunction with manual examination. The fleshy vessel is soon discovered, and where the fleshiness is pronounced it almost certainly indicates lack of milking qualities. The vessel that has a good "fall" and is level rather than pendulous is the type of udder that dairymen like. Deep-rooting crops are soil factors of the lughest value, and many weeds, notably thistles, mallows, and other subjects, which make piped roots and cavities in the soil, are by no means a misfortune where soil is at all shallow, or excessively heated and dry in summer. In many quarters, the roots of weeds will be found to be the only disrupting and deepening soil factors. Good farmers improve their land; bad farmers impoverish it. The man who makes soil, makes money, and he who increases his banking account at the expense of his farm is a false economist. The soil is ever the medium, and if it can be made a safe medium of profit for a thousand years, it will return an infinitely higher reward than where a " take-all " or exploitation policy is pursued. Probably the best sweetener of pasture-land is lime. In one form or another lime checks acidity, develops sweetness, and brings back much clover whose presence may not be suspected. Foggy pastures benefit greatly by liming. The nethods of applying lime are many.- There is the ordinary ground lime, which is often difficult to get locally. Lime- stone ground is very useful, and experiments have shown that it is little iy.ferior to the burnt stone. Then in basic slag there is a certain element of lime, which accounts for slagging largely superseding the old practice of liming. The manure pit should be planned on a tonnage basis, since, accord- ing to the class of land and kind of farm to be worked, it will demand a definite quantity of bulk manure per axre. Under ordinary conditions of feeding and housing, pigs yield more manure than any other animal, but the manure supply of the farm depends, not so much on the number of animals raised, as the care and provision made in accumulating and conserving it. It is to this neglect of our homestead manure supply that we must attribute so many depleted areas, which, under more intelligent management, would have improved rather than declined in value 10 May, 1916.] What shall ve do with our Lucerne. 309 The roots of crops, manure of any kind, old surface soil, water, and air are the true soil-making factors, and when these penetrate to the subsoil, or the subsoil is mixed through them, then the true " weather- ing " takes place, and more soil is m.ade. To work poor and bare soil to any depth is, therefore, of little or no value. Let us say that it is always wrong to plough a bare fallow, in so far as we desire to make more soil, since no addition is made, and little or no change of importance takes place in the soil. It is looser, sweeter, and more acceptable to a given crop, but an exhaustive process all the same, whereas every crop should compensate in some form or other for what it takes from the soil. — Auckland Weekh/ Times. WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH OUR LUCERNE? B. T. Archer^ Senior Dairy Inspector. In discussing means of obtaining satisfactory^ returns for lucerne on irrigation settlements, the impression appears abroad that the present price of dairy cows is prohibitive. If that were so, how could tlu* British farmer afford to conduct a dairy farm at all, for the regular price for a dairy stock there is always about equal to the prices ruling here this season. As will be seen from the table given below, the dairy farmer in England does not receive higher rates for produce of good quality on an average than the farmer in this country, be it milk, butter, or cheese. Also our herd testing exi>erience leads us to the o})inion that our cattle are capable of as good returns as those of Britain or other countries Avhen well fed. That is where the difference lies. In Britain the cows are well fed the year round. Here they generally have sufficient feed while there is abundance of spring grass, but as soon as that becomes short or dry, and as substitutes er supple- mentary feeds are not provided, the cows dry off, consequently the returns are profitable for five or six months only. Dairy cows have now arrived at a fair valuation, and it should be an indr.cement to those farmers who own tliem to pay more attention to improvement in breeding and management. In the past, it has been generally conceded that £7 10s. per annum would cover the cost of keeping a cow, including food, interest, labour. &c. To this must now be added interest and sinking fund on increased cost of purchase, Avhich will probably be £15. Allowing 5 per cent, interest = ir)s., and 20 i)er cent, sinking fund — - £3, nuiking annual cost £11 5s. A herd of such cows would easily average -'500 lbs. of fat. which at Is. would return £1"). Skim milk u-ouhi amount to about .■').400 lbs. As .'JO lbs. of skim milk will produce 1 lb. of pork, there would be 180 lbs. of ])ork per ccw. valuing this ai (5d. would give £4 lOs. (present and probable future prico for somt- vears will be 50 jjer cent, above that). At this rate the total gros> return per cow would be £19 10s., or net £S 5s., besides the calf. One acre of lucerne should i>rovide sutHcient feed for a cow for a year (i.r.. 5 cuts of 1 ton of hay each, equal to '^ tons green stuff, or 15 tons for the year of green lucerne); that would give a return ecpial to £19 per aci-e foi- lucerne converted into milk. 310 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. With regard to heifers, it, has been found to cost at least £6 per head to rear to two years old, when they will usually drop their first calf, but very rarely could anything like that amount be obtained for them, so that instead of showing a profit they were sold at an absolute loss, consequently there was no inducement to rear, l^ow these heifers will bring £12 to £15 per head, and so will pay well to rear. I notice in the Age, of 1st March, a statement by the Hon. the Minister of Water Supply, to the effect that a farmer at Cohuna realized an average return per cow of £19 per head, so the foregoing is not an exaggeration. Cheese makers in the Western District have for years past made some- where about that figure. In conjunction with the dairy, for satisfactory results, the pig is almost indispensable, and while 30 lbs. of skim milk will produce 1 lb. of pork, when combined with grain feed or mill offal the return is enormously increased. The addition of lucerne chaff, or better still lucerne meal as produced by the Kelly Duplex, or similar mill, is also very beneficial from an economic point of view. When lucerne is ground into meal it is practically equal to pollard or other meal pound for pound. It is fovmd that 40 lbs. of green or 15 lbs. of dry lucerne will produce 1 lb. of pork. So that one acre of green lucerne, equal to 15 tons, should produce 840 lbs. of pork. This at 6d. per lb. is equal to £21. When the pig industry has developed, however, we shall have to depend upon export values, which are ruled by the London market, so that we should reckon on about 4d. per lb., which would work out at about £14 per acre. Of course, it must not be assumed that this return will be obtained by feeding lucerne alone, but in conjunction with other food, such as skim milk and grain. It has been found that lucerne, like clover, has an increased value through being rich comparatively in mineral matter, such as phosphate of lime, especially in the case of young animals, as growing pigs. A plentiful supply of phosphat3 of lime whether in the food naturally or added in the form of bone meal, reduces the cost of production very considerably, by enabling the animals to digest and assimilate a bigger percentage of the food they consume. It must not be expected that these good results are likely to be obtained by novices, but they can be and are being obtained by those who understand the management of stock. The high prices now ruling should increase the interest in herd testing, for a dairyman would be safer in paying a good price for a cow that, by the test, has proved a good producer. Yery frequently the finest looking cow is absolutely unprofitable Avhen her capacity for production is ascertained. It must ever be borne in mind that a cow must have all she can eat if she is to produce her maximum, and that then it takes about 60 per cent, of the food she eats to keep the body going, and it is only what she eats in excess of her bodily requirements that she can convert into milk. A very large number of cows in this country are unprofiable only because they do not receive sufficient feed. The most primitive form of farming is to grow crops for sale to other people, who buy them to feed to stock for the purpose of making profit, which the grower might as easily obtain. Besides by feeding for the production of milk or meat, the crop is concentrated to from ^ to -^o the weight, thereby saving considerably in freight. Another point that is all important, but lost sight of, is that when selling the crop for 10 May, 1916.] What shall ice do with our Lucerne. 311 consumption off the farm the fertility of the soil is being continually depleted also the mechanical condition is detrimentally affected through the decrease in the amount of organic matter or humus in the soil. Either animals' droppings or the systematic ploughing m of green crops appears to he the only practicable means of keeping this up to the normal. Comparative Price of Stock, Feed, and Produce. ENGLAND. Week ending 5th January, 1916. MIDWINTER. Cows. First grade springers, £26 to £32. _ First grade springers in milk, with calf at foot, £26 10s. to £34 10s. 10i4d. per lb. Veal. Pigs. Pork (carcass, first quality), lOd. per lb. Bacon (first quality), 9d. per lb. Lard, 7Vsd. per lb. Butter. SupcM-linc, Is. 8d. Cheese. Finest Chcddnr (matured), 11 Hd. Milk. i:p.jd. j.cr Imperial gallon. Stock Feeh). Meadow Ilav, average £G per ton, 2,240 lbs. Clover Ilav, £7 4a. liran, £« per 2,000 lbs. Pollard, £S i)er 2,000 lbs. Barlcv, Ss. per .'lO lbs. Oats, '4s. 2d. per 40 lbs. Oat hulls, £;■) 10a. per 2,240 lbs. Swede turnips, 2.'5s. Kiec meal. £0 ,1s. i)or 2,240 lbs. VICTORIA. Week ending 8th January, 1916. MIDSUMMER. Cows. Springers (15th January), £12 to £26. 6-yid. per lb. Veal. Pigs. Pork (carcass, first quality), Is. per lb. Bacon (first quality). Is. 2d. per lb. Lard, lOUd. per lb. Porkers, 45s. to 83s. Small light baconers, 84s. Prime heavy, £5 8s. Choice farmers' lots, £5 Ss. Butter. Superfine, Is. Id. Finest Cheddar, Is. 4d. per lb. Semi-matured, Is. Id. per lb. :Milk. Is. ]>er Imperial gallon. Stock Feed. Oaten Hay, £3 lOs. Lucerne Ilav. £3 10s. Bran, £4 5s.' per 2,000 lbs. Pollard, £G 10s. per 2.000 lbs. Barlev, 28. 2d. per 5(» lbs. Oats. "2s. 2d. i^er in jhs. 312 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. FIFTH VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION 1915-1916. Commenced 15th April, 1915; concluded 14th April, 1916. FINAL RESULTS. CONDUCTED AT THE BURNLEY SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Six Birds. Pen No. 38 34 42 23 69 5 8 2 54 30 19 3 28 16 60 44 58 18 27 9 32 22 7 11 4 26 13 20 10 43 15 21 1 24 55 46 33 12 60 41 36 49 40 48 62 37 63 45 25 47 57 14 31 56 Breeds. White Legliorns . . (5 birds) (5 bird's) (5 birds) (i bird's) (5 birds') (5 birds) (5 birds) (5 birds) (5 birds) Owner. Totals. 15.4.13 to 14.3.1G LIGHT BREEDS. Wet Mash ' G. McDonnell . . H. McKenzie and Son W.M. Bayles .. Fulham Parl£ . . W. G. Osburne . . J.J. West C. J. Jaclsson E. A. Lawson . . W. fl. Clingin . . A. E. Silbereisen L. G. Broadbent J- H. Gill R. Lethbridge . . N. Burston John Hood Mrs. F. M. Oliver W. M. Sewell . . F. Doldissen Thirliell and Smith D. Adams J. A. Stahl J. Schwabb F. Hodges S. Buscumb MarviUe Poultry Farm J. B. Brigden R. Hay A. Mowatt T. Hustler R. W. Pope A.E. Tuttleby .. H. I. Merrick H. N. H. Mirams E. B. Harris Mrs. H. Stevenson Lysbeth Poultry Farm W. N. O'Mullane R. Berrv A. W. Hall G. Heyman H. C. Brock J. A. Donaldson Weldon Poultry Yards Bennett and Chapman C. C. Dunn C. J. Beatty A. A. Sandland A. Ross W. G. Swift South Yan Yean Poultry Farm Giddy and Son J. C. Armstrong B. Mitchell W. Flood L. McLean C. Hurst Total 1.557 1,524 1,505 1,417 1,408 1,412 1,425 1,451 1,379 1,388 1,439 1,363 1,380 1,350 1,337 1,316 1,332 1,317 1,312 1,319 1,308 1,313 1,285 1,286 1,356 1,313 1,287 1,287 1,282 1,285 1.273 1,268 1,278 1,308 1,267 1,252 1,212 1,188 1,224 1,191 1,205 1,193 1,221 1,229 1,146 1,180 1,156 1,132 1,172 1,110 1,166 1,142 1.075 1,073 1,053 985 71,632 15 3 16 to 14.4.16 104 113 118 125 126 112 91 42 104 81 28 103 82 91 100 107 82 96 99 88 99 82 108 106 29 67 83 81 76 71 81 82 71 10 47 61 101 107 68 93 76 80 51 16 88 44 62 84 34 63 45 15 59 4,268 Twelve months. 1,661 1,637 1,623 1,542 1,534 1,524 1,516 1,493 1,483 1,469 1,467 1,466 1,462 1,441 1,437 1,423 1,414 1,413 1,411 1,407 1,407 1,395 1,393 1,392 1,385 1,380 1,370 1,368 1,358 1,356 1,354 1,350 1,349 1,318 1,31 4 1,313 1,313 1,295 1,292 1,284 1,281 1,273 1,272 1,245 1,234 1,224 1,218 1,216 1,206 1,195 1.190 1,169 1,138 1,118 1,068 1,044 75,900 Position Id Competi- tion. 10 11 12 13 14 15 10 17 18 19 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 10 May, 1916.] Fiftli Victorian Efig-hn/iug Competition. 313 Fifth Victorian Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16 — continued. Six Birds. Pen No. Breeds. Owner. Totals. 15 .4 to 15 14 .3 16 15. 3. 16 to 14.4.16 Twelve months. Position la Competi- tion. LIGHT BREEDS. Dry Mash. 80 White Leghorns . . | W. H. Robbins .. 1,541 97 1,638 1 68 j^ H. McKenzie and Son 1,490 111 1,601 2 76 ,, A. A. Sandiand . . 1.364 93 1,457 3 63 j^ A. H. Padman . . 1,355 90 1,445 4 79 Lysbeth Poultry Farm . . 1,363 65 1,428 5 61 ,, Mrs. H. Stevenson 1,262 112 1,374 6 67 __ C. C. Dunn 1,287 79 1,366 7 65 ^, Thirkeli and Smith 1,267 83 1,355 8 62 _, Benwerren Egg Farm 1,308 35 1,343 9 66 „ E. A. Lawson . . 1.263 49 1,312 10 69 ,_ E. MacBrown . . 1.264 41 1,305 11 72 ,, Mrs. E. Zimmerman 1,244 55 1,299 12 71 ,, Moritz Bros. 1,239 41 1,280 13 78 ,, H. Hanbury 1,203 74 1,277 14 73 ,, C. L. Lindrea 1.165 105 1,270 15 77 ^ South Van Yean Poultry 1,149 93 1,242 16 Farm 64 (2 birds) W. M. Bavles . . 1.150 40 1,190 17 74 (5 birds) J. H. Giif 970 43 1,013 18 76 «t Fulham Park Total 937 32 969 19 23,821 1,343 25,104 HEAVY BREE Mrs. T. W. Pearce 1,275 88 1,363 6 93 (5 bird.-i) L. W . Parker . . 1,225 71 1,296 7 88 J. Mc Allan 1.171 91 1,262 8 98 Faverolles Iv. Courtenay . . 1,138 108 1,246 9 JOO IJLifli Orpingtons (5 birds; J. H. Wright . . 1,179 48 1,227 10 87 ., W. C. Spencer . . 1,1.52 53 1,205 11 84 )> Cowan Ilros. l.lfil 41 1,202 12 90 (5 birds) Oaklands Poultry Farm . . 1.125 64 1,189 13 91 ,, A. Greenhalgh . . 1,145 22 1,1(17 14 99 .• L. McLean 1,130 36 1,172 15 95 .SiiverWyandottes. . W. H. Forsj-th .. 1,046 63 1,109 16 83 lilack Orpingtons . . (}. Mayberry 953 31 984 17 94 Black Orpingtons (5 birds) D. Fisher 966 12 978 18 82 White Wyandottes (5 birds) J. B.Brigden .. 756 64 820 19 20 96 White Orpingtons . . Stranks Bros. . . Total 6.') 4 33 687 24,0.55 22,7tiii 1,295 Department of Agriculture, Melbourne. Victoria. A. ITakt. riiicf riHiltfv E.xpcrt. ol4 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. INSECT PESTS OF THE FRUIT, FLOWER, AND VEGETABLE GARDEN. AND HOW TO TREAT THEM. By C. French, Jnr., Govcrmnent Enfomolog/st. (Continued from page 218.) The Gkeen Peach Aphis. This is larger than the black peach aphis. It appears later in the season, and attacks the shoots and leaves. The leaves are frequently blistered, so that they look as if distorted by the peach curl fungus. In these blisters dozens of the aphides may be seen in dif- ferent forms. Like most of the insects of the same order, it breeds very rapidly; so that there are a number of broods before midsummer, at which time the survivors go under- ground and fasten on to the roots. The females of the black peach aphis deposit their eggs — which are small, oval, and of a shiny black colour — in the crevices of the tree, behind the buds, &c. While the trees are dormant, spray with lime and sulphur wash, or red oil. Quassia chips are frequently used with beneficial results. When the leaves are on the trees, spray with tobacco water, which is made as follows: — Steep 1 lb. tobacco in 1 gallon of hot water, and allow it to soak for 24 hours. Boil 1 lb. of soap in 1 gallon of water until the soap is dissolved ; strain the tobacco water into the soap water ; stir well, and make up to 5 or 6 gallons. Use waste Fig. 6.— Green Peach Aphis (Myzus, Sp.). stems of tobacco. The Cherry Green Beetle. This is a beautiful green beetle, about one-third of an inch in length. It is a native of Victoria, and formerly fed on the leaves of the various ti- or tea trees at Caulfield, Warburton, Cheltenham, and other locali- 10 May, 1016.] Feds of Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Gardens. 315 ties near Melbourne. It appears about November, and is often to be found in millions swarming over the trees attacked. Unfortunately, during the last few years, it has forsaken its native food, and is doing great damage to all kinds of fruit and garden plants, rosea especially being destroyed. Not only are the young buds destroyed, but the epidermis is completely eaten o£E the leaves ; rose bushes then look Fig. 7.— The Cherry Green Beetle {IHphucephala colaspidoides, Gyll.). Pig. 8. The Cottony cushion Scale ■h-i-niu I'linlnisi. .Mii>koll). as if a fire had scorched them. During the past season, these insects have been playin.^ havoc with cherries, i>eacl.es, raspberries, and other aman frmtr^on.ethnes they oc-cur in countless nun.l>ers in chez-ry o cliards near Melbourne, and "are blown out to sea by the -rt ; -inds and drowned. Large numbers are found on tl.o foreshores amund the M6 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916 Bay washed up by the waves. When they appear in a garden, smudge fires should be tried. Spray trees with arsenate of lead before the fruit ripens. The Cottony-cushion Scale. This is a well-known psst on orange, lemon, acacia (wattles), pittos- j>orum and other trees, also many garden plants. The fully-matured females are easily distinguished by the large, white, fluted, cottony egg masses at the posterior end of the red, yellow, or dark-brown bodies — which together are from \ to \ in. long, and three-fourths as wide. The eggs are deposited within the cottony masses, and are ol^long, and a rich cardinal red. From 400 to 1,000 may be laid by a single female. The young are bright red. The males are small, two- winged, red-bodied insects, with long antenuEc. The large cottony masses are the egg- sacs of the females. The majority of the members of the (Coccidae) " Scale In- sects " have the ability to produce a scale-like covering, from which the common name is derived ; while some, unable to form a scale, have the epidermis hardened into a thick, hard, chitinous wall ; and still others secrete an abundance of white, powdery, or cotton-like wax as a cover- ing. They feed by inserting into the tissues of the plants their small beaks or mouth parts, and sucking the juices. As a consequence of their great numbers, and the re- moval of a large amount of juicas, the plants become weakened. Fig. 9.— The Oleander Scale Nerii, Boucbe). (Aspidiotus This scale was at one time one of the worst insect pests of citrus trees in California; but, through the introduction of our Australian ladybird beetles into California, they have practically wiped the scales out. In Victoria, the red oil, lime and sulphur, and kesosene emulsion sprays are used against these insects. The Oleander or Ivy Scale. This species is rather a common greenhouse and garden pest, and not infrequently it causes considerable damage to palms, ivy, orchids, aspidistrias, and many other plants, fruit trees, and shrubs. Plants 10 May. 1910.1 Orchard and Garden Notes. 317 attacked by this scale may be recognised by the yellowish-white, irregular patches of scale insects. The conditions in the greenhouse usually permit this insect to breed continuously, .so that there is no demarcation of broods. Adult females, half-grown individuals, and crawling young can usually be found at almost any time. This pest is an introduction from Europe, where its attacks on garden plants are very severe. In some gardens this scale is destroyed by small wasps. During the last few years, the red oil sprays have been used for scale insects of all kinds, and the results have been most satisfactory. For deciduous fruit trees, apples, pears, &c., in winter, when buds are dormant, spray with red oil, 1 in 20 ; or in spring, when the buds are bursting, use 1 in 30. For ornamental trees and plants, spray in winter, when buds are dormant, 1 in 20. For palms, for scale insects, spray during spring or autumn. Plants growing outdoor, 1 in 30; in the greenhouse, spray on bright d;iy with this sprav, 1 in 40. Lime and sulphur is also used ;i8 a winter spray for scale insects. (To he continued.) ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. K. E. rpi^volf, F.L.S., Principal, School of TJorticuItnre, Burnley. The Orchard. CuLTIVAJTION. Cullivation work should be well on the way by this time. The ploughiiig should be advanced, so as to leave plenty of time for other orchard work. The autumn ploughing may be as rough as possible, taking care to ))lough to the trees, so that the drainage furrow is left between the rows. Manuring. Tt is just possible, where heavy crops have been carried, that a top diessing of stable manure will l>e required to add humus to the soil. The fertility of the soil must be maintained ; and, althougli stable and chemical manures as a general rule are of undoubted value as tree stimu- lants, well-cultivated and thoroughly tilled land will always carry fair crops, and with far less manure than otherwise. Also, if the orchard land is well and thoroughly drained, cultivated, and sub-soiled, any manures tliat are used will be far more beneficial to the trees. Tlie more suitable c-onditions tliat are given to the trees, tlie better they can appreciate and assimilate their food. Perhaps the most useful and valualile of manures is stable manure. It is of great use, not only as a manure and as an introducer of neces- .sary bacteria inhi flic s^iil, l)Ut its value in adtling iiuinus to the soil is 318 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. iucalculable. Organic matter, such as stable manure, introduced into the soil quickly becomes humus; this greatly ameliorates and improves soil conditions. It is impossible to say what quantity of stable manure is necessary per acre; that alone can be determined by each circumstance. Orchards in different climates and in different soils will require differing quantities. A too liberal use of stable manure will be over-stimulating in most cases ; while an escess beyond what is necessary for present use will only be waste, as humus is readily lost from the soil, once it is in an available food form. It has been pointed out in these notes previously that an improved physical condition is far more profitable to the fruit-grower than the continued use of manures. A tree will be far more productive if it is happy in its soil conditions; unoomfortable conditions will always result in un^orosperous trees. A dressing of lime, vising about 4 or 5 cwt. per acre, is of great value in stiff or heavy orchard lands; and it may be given at this season. The lime, which must be fresh, should be distributed in small heaps between the trees, covered with a layer of soil, and allowed to remain for a few days before ploughing or harrowing in. Pests. The advice given last month for spraying should be followed, particu- larly where any oil emulsions or washes are to be used. Orchards will benefit if an attack is now made upon the Codlin moth. All hiding places, nooks, and crannies, where the larvae have hidden, should be thoroughly searched and cleaned out. The orchardist has far more time now to do this work than he will have in the spring time. General Work. Drainage systems should now be extended with as little loss of time as possible. New planting areas should be prepared, and" subsoiled or trenched wherever possible. The Vegetable Garden, Weeds must be kept down in the vegetable garden. Weeds are generally free growing at this season ; their growth is very insidious, and they will crowd out the young seedlings or planis in a very quick time. Hoeing and hand weeding must be resorted to, preferably hoeing. The frequent use of the hoe in winter time is of much benefit in the vegetable garden. A varied assortment of crops is now being produced; and if these can be kept growing much better crops will result. The soil quickly stagnates in the winter, and the only way to prevent this is to keep the surface stirred. Thus, a double service is performed with the aid of the hoe. The application of lime is of great necessity at this season. In addi- tion to amending unhealthy and unsiiitable soil conditions, liire is par- ticularly useful as an insecticide. It assists in destroying both eggs and insects in immense numbers, that would breed and live in the ground ready to do damage to all classes of vegetable crops. Therefore, wherever possible, the soil should receive an application of lime. The 10 May, 1916.] Orchard and Garden Notes. 319 garden should, as well, be manured with stable manure, but not for some weeks after the lime application. Cabbage and cauliflower plants may be planted out; and seeds of parsnips, carrots, onions, peas, and broad beans may be sown. The Flower Garden. The whole flower section should now be thoroughly dug over. All beds should be cleaned up, top-dressed with manure, and well dug. The light rubbish, such as foliage, twiggy growths, weeds, &c., may all be dug in, and they will thus form a useful addition to the soil. These ■should never be wasted. Only the coarser and stouter growths should be carted away for burning, and then the ashes may be used as manure. No part, whatever, of garden rubbish or litter need be wasted. In one form or another it should be replaced in the soil. May is a good month for establishing new gardens, and for planting out. All deciduous plants and shrubs may now be planted. It is not necessary to dig a deep hole for planting. A hole in which the roots of the plant can be comfortably arranged, without crowding or crampT ing, will be quite sufficient for the purpose. Continue to sow seeds of hardy annuals, including sweet i>eas, although the main crop of sweet peas should be well above ground. Where there has been any overplanting, the young plants will readi'y stand transplanting, and this will greatly assist those that are to remain. Annuals should not be crowded in the beds. They require ample room for suitable development, and thus the seeds should be sown thinly or the plants set out a good distance from each other. All herbaceous perennials that have finished blooming may now be cut down. Included amongst these are phlox, delphiniums, &c. If these are to remain in their present situation for another season it is always an advantage to raise them somewhat, by slightly lifting them with a fork, so that too much water will not settle around the crowns;- they may also be mulched with stable manure, or the manure may be forked into the soil around the crowns. REMINDERS FOR JUNE. LIVE STOCK. Houses. — Those stabled and in regular work sliovild be fed liberally. Those doing fast or heavy work slimihl be clipped; if not wholly, tiien traee higii. Those not rugged on coming into tlie stable at niglit slioiild be wiped down and in half- an-iiour's time rugged or covered with bags until tlie coat is dry. Old liorses and weaned foals sliould be given cruslied oats. Grass-fed working htu'ses should be given liay or straw, if tiiere is no old grass, to counteract the purging effects of the young growth. Old and badly-conditioned horses siiouhl be given some boiled barley. I'addcKked liorses should be looked at from time to time to ascertain if they are doing satisfactorily. 320 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. Cattle. — Cows, if not lioused, sliould be rugged. Rugs should be removed and aired in tiic daytime when the shade temperature reaches 60 degrees. Give a ration of hay or straw, whole or chaffed, to counteract the purging effects of young grass. Cows about to calve, if over fat, sliould be put into a paddock in which the feed is not too abundant. If in low condition feed well to tide them over the period and stiiiuilate milk flow. Calves should be kept in warm dry shed. Cows and heifers for early autumn calving may be put to tiie bull. Sheep. — Clear muck-balls from tails and legs of all sheep. Have the wool cleared from round udders and eyes of all young lambing ewes, and see them first thing every morning. Mark the ram lambs at earliest chance. Cut off ewes with oldest wether lambs to best pastui'e or fodder crops. Sheep with overgrown hoofs are untlirifty. Whenever noticed trim back into shape; tliey cut easily during winter. If left, are conducive to lameness, and even foot rot. In the case of common foot rot, or scald, the feet can be placed into a thick paste made of lime and boiling water. Obstinate cases of long standing may need more drastic remedies, and persistent attention. In all cases pare away all loose portions, and leave the diseased parts clearly exposed. Foxes are more ravenous during winter months. Sparrows, starlings, and parrots are good bait. Poisoning lambs already killed usually accounts for scavenger foxes only, and in many case? innocent good dogs. Every fox is not a lamb killer. - Remove all lambs for two or three nights if at all possible, and birds then will rarely fail to entice Eeynard the second or third night. Powdered strychnine, just sufficient to cover nicely a tlireepenny-piece, is the usual dose. PouLTEY. — Supplies of shell grit and charcoal should always be available. Sow a mixture of English grass and clover; this not only removes taint in soil but provides excellent green fodder for stock. Where possible, lucerne and silver beet should now be sown for summer feed; liver (cooked) and maize aids to egg production during cold weather. Morning mash should be mixed with liver soup given to the birds warm in a crumbly condition. All yards should be drained to ensure comfort for the birds. CULTIVATION. Farm. — Plough potato land. Land to be sown later on with potatoes, man- golds, maize, and millet should be manured and well worked. Sow malting barley and finish sowing of cereals. Lift and store mangolds, turnips, &c. Clean out drains and water furrows. Clean up and stack manure in heaps protected from the weather. Orchard.— Finish ploughing; plant young trees; spray with red oil or petroleum for scales, mites, aphis, «S:c.; carry out drainage system; clean out ilrains; commence pruning. Vegetable Garden. — Prepare beds for crops; cultivate deeply; practise rota- tion in planting out; renovate asparagus beds; plant out all seedlings; sow radish, peas, broad beans, leeks, spinach, lettuce, carrot, &c.; plant rhubarb. Flower Garden. — Continue digging and manuring; dig all weeds and leafy growths; plant out shrubs, roses, &c.; plant rose cuttings; prune deciduous trees and shrubs; sow sweet peas and plant out seedlings. Vineyard. — Thoroughly prepare for plantation, land already subsoiled for the purpose. Remember that the freer it is kept from weeds from this forward, the less trouble will there be from cut-worms next spring. Applications for ungrafted resistant rootlings and cuttings must be made before the end of the month — see Journal for February, 191(5. Pruning and ploughing should be actively proceeded with. In northern districts plough to a depth of seven or eight inches. Manures should be applied as early as possible. Cellar. — Rack all wines which have not been previouslj' dealt with. Fortify aweet wines to full strength. 10 May, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. LUCERNE The King of Fodder Crops THE Cultivation of Lucerne and Hs unsurpassable value as a fodder plant, with irrigation, has become generally recojrnised during the past few jears, and Lucerne is now bein? extensively cultivated in Victoria, especially in the Northern district, where it has been found to do exctedinplv well. It can be cut five or six times during a season, and. beinp: perennial, will yield good crops for many years, but it requires re^fuhir nianurinf,' every year to return to the soil the substance withdrawn by roots and prowth. The quantity of seed required to sow an acre depends on the situation, but 10 lbs. will g-cnerally be found sultioient. It should be sown in drills aoout two feet apart, so that the cultivator can be used to exterminate weeds and open \ip the soil. Lucerne will fatten cattle, sheep, pi^'S, &c., better than any other feed, and with loss expense. All our Lucernes are specially machine '•leaned, hand sieved, free from dodder, and true to name, and have passerl the OoMTumciit test. HUNTER RIVER & TAMWORTH RIVER— Australian grown, exceeberi, t* ther are doine »ery Kood work. Willi mine I have oloia OB 1,(XX) tram and itumpa irrubbed out. I have dona all this work myaelt without any aMiitance. Bo I ooDiidar tba Orubbar haa mora than daubly paid for itaelf." fnU The "MONKBY WINOH" will asve tlma, labour and monay on fmriijuUxri yaur land olaarlns, la alwaya raady, and can ba workad In /f»m — tha vary rou^haat country and In any olaaa of timbar. TREWHELLA BROS. pty. ltd., TRENTHAM Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE To Owners of Pedigreed Stock of all kinds, Dairy Farmers and Others The Department has compiled a Stock Breeding Record Book Comprising Table of Service and Due Dates, Females with Record of Progeny, Sires with Record of Service, General Service Record, Pedigree Charts, Milk Fat and Butter Records for Dairy Stock This Book contains 234 pages on stiff paper, and is stror.gly bound in half leather. A limited number available. Price, 10/6 Postage — Victoria 1/6, other States and N. Zealand 2/8 extra. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. 10 May, 1916.] Jovrnnl of Agriculture, Victoria. XXI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA. Burnley Horticultural School E. E. PESCOTT, Principal. ANNOUNCEiVIENT. THE curriculum and management of the Burnley Horti- cultural School have now been arranged so that greater advantages and facilities will be given to students of both sexes in Horticulture and allied subjects. The present course of Horticulture for male students includes a two years' course, students being charged a fee of £5 per annum. Classes have been formed at Burnley, whereby students of both sexes may receive mstruction on two afternoons of each week — Tuesdays and Fridays. Instruction includes theoretical and practical work, and will commence at 2 p.m. This will be a two years' course, and the fee charged will be £2 per annum. It has also been arranged that several short lecture courses shall be given on subjects which are suitable adjuncts to Horticulture, such as Poultry Farming, Bee-keeping, and Fruit Preserving, and these courses will be open and free to the general public. The subjects and dates of the Short Course Lectures will be announced in this Journal. STUDENTS SHOULD ENROLL WITHOUT DELAY. Application for Admission should be made to the Director of Agriculture, Public Offices, Melbourne ; or to the Principal. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT COOL STORES THE NEW STORES AT ViaORIA DOCK have a capacity of 310,000 cubic feet insulated, and are capable of holding 155,000 boxes of butter, or 105,000 cases of fruit, or 140,000 carcasses of lamb and mutton. Prodace can be placed on conveyors at any point and mechanically carried to any chamber in the building, or conveyed from the chambers diredt into the ship's hold. Eledric motor power totals 820 H.P. The Railway Department Goods Sheds are adjacent to and connedted with the Cool Stores by diredt lines ; delay and exposure ol produce through shunting in the Spencer-street yards, or cartage, are thus avoided. The Stores are situated in close proximity to the Vidtoria Dock, where vessels drawing up to 30 feet of water can be berthed ; excellent facilities for the efficient and economical treatment and shipment of frozen and perishable produdts are provided. EXPERT OFFICERS are connected with every Branch, so that any one requiring information regarding the produdion, preparation, and shipment of produce can rely upon being promptly supplied with up-to-date information upon all matters. lO May, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT COOL STORES. FACILITIES are provided for producers and smaller exporters of the various kinds oi produce, so that dired: shipments on their own account may be under- taken. The Government ownership and condu(5t of Cool Stores places producers in an independent position, and, in addition, preserves an open channel for the carrying on of tht export trade in perishable products. THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE will receive, handle, freeze, store, and ship Butter, Cheese, Eggs, Fruit, Meat, Poultry, Rabbits and Hares, &c., for producers and exporters. PRODUCE to the value of over £27,000,000 has been treated at the Govern- ment Cool Stores. Government Cool Stores. Telephones. ,,.r,r^^^,. .vrv^., ^.v .. « v( Office: 10383 Central VICTORIA DOCK (Dudley Street)] ^ ^, .^.p, (^EngineeT-ln-Lharge : \\JjOZ ,, Doncaster - - 397 Canterbury Ringwood - - 397 ,, Burwood East - - 651 ,, Diamond Creek - - 151 Heidelberg Tyabb - - SCALE OF CHARGES, ETC. and further parliculan may be obtained upon application to the exports superintendent, department of agriculture. Produce Offices. 605-7 Flinders Street. Melbourne. Telephone 9380 Central. v^ XXIV Journal of Ar/rtcutture, Victoria. [10 May, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE POULTRY FOR SETTLERS Young COCKERELS From the following strains may now be booked for delivery any time —•^————^•^— under six months — ^^^— ^"^"^^""^"^^ WYUNA WHITE LEGHORNS (Waldon Hens x Padman Cock) (3rd 1912-13 Competition) Wyuna White Leghorns (Padman Pullets x Swift-Cosh Cock) Wyuna White Leghorns (Swift-Cosh Hens x Padman Cock) WYUNA BLACK ORPINGTONS (Burnley Pullets x 1st and Champion Orpington Cock, Royal Show, 1913) Wyuna Black Orpingtons (Utility Strains) CHOICE- from either of two grades from the above strains AT One Guinea and Half Guinea -= RESPECTIVELY : BOOKING ACCORDING TO PRIORITY OF ORDER Postal Order or Cheque should accompany order, which should be addressed to MANAGER, GOVERNMENT FARM, WYUNA Inspection by arrangement with W. C. RUGG, Poultry Manager, WYUNA FARM By Authority : Alueki J. Mulleit, Government Printer Me^bq DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VICTORIA PUBLICATIONS JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 64 pp. Illustrated. The Journal is issued monthly, and deals vith all phases of up-to-date agriculture. The subscription, which is payable in advance, and includes postage, is 3s. per annum for the Commonwealth and New Zealand, and 5s. for the United Kingdom and foreign countries. Single copy, 3d. New volume commences with the January number of each year. A limited number of the issues comprising Volumes IIF. (1905), 8 parts, exclusive of February, March, April, and May, out of print; IV. (1906), 10 parts, exclusive of Parts 7 and 9 (July and September) out of print ; V. (1907), and VI. (1908), 12 parts each ; VII. (1909), 10 parts, exclusive of F'arts 2 and 10 (f'tbruary and October) out of print ; and VIII. (1910), 12 parts, are at present in stock, and will be supplied at the foregoing rales. The parts forming the current volume may also be obtained. A few bound copies of Volumes Vlll. (1910), IX. (191 1). X. (1912), and XI. (1913). are at present available. Price, 5s. per volume. Postage : C, 3^d.; N.Z., Is. 2d.; B. & P.. 2s. 4d. YEAR BOOK OF AGRICULTURE FOR 1905. 448 p.p., 200 illustrations, 2 coloured plates. Cloth, 3s. 6d.; paper, 2s. 6d. Postage: C, cloth 2|d., paper 2d.; N.Z., cloth 9d., paper 8d.; B. & 1'., cloth Is. 6d., paper Is. 4d. AUSTRALIAN FUNGI. B. & P., Is. 8d. Ry Dr. Cooke. £l Is. Postage: C. PLAN AND SPECIFICATION OF SHEEP-SHEARING SHED. Id. MILK CHARTS (Montl.'y and Weekly;, 6d. per dozen, post free, farmers should mention " Monthly" or "Weekly." 5d.; N.Z. lOd.; 2s. 6d. Postage, When ordering, dairy By Professor A. }. Ewart, (government Botanist. WEEDS, POISON PLANTS, AND NATURALIZED ALIENS OF VICTORIA. 2s. 6d. Postage: C. l.|.d.; N.Z., 5d.; B. & P., lOd. PLANTS INDIGENOUS TO VICTORIA. Vol. II., iOs. Postage: C. 2d.; N.Z.. 8d.. B. 6c P., Is. 4d. By C. French, F.E.S., Qovernment Entomologist. DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA. Parts I., II., III., IV., V.. 2». 6d. each. Postage: Parts 1. and 11 1. , C. , 1 d. ; N.Z. . 3d. ; B. & P. , 6d. each. Parts II. and iV., C. Ud.; N.Z.,4d.; B. 6c F.. 8d. each. Part V. , C. , Id.; N.Z..4d.; B. & P., 7d. Application, accompanied by Postal Orders or Notes, must be made to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE. We are Sole Agents for . . . "BROOKLITE 5J THE ALL BRITISH Asbestos Cement Sheets FOR OUTSIDE BUILDING AND U UNITED 9i High-Grade Paints MANUFACTURED IN Australia for Australians YOU CANNOT HAVE ANYTHING BETTER Agents also for . . DCAVER BOARD BEAVER BOARD MADE SPECIALLY FOR Building Beautiful Interiors :: :: at Moderate Cost :: :: BETTER THAN LATHS AND PLASTER PURE WOOD-FIBRE Write for particulars — BROOKS, ROBINSON & CO. Ltd. 59-65 Elizabeth St., Melbourne REPORT ON EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, Vol. XIV. BURNLEY, 1915-16. Part 6. [Refifistered at the General Tost Ottiie, Melbourne, for transmission by Post as a Newspaper.) PRICE THREEPENCE. (Annual Subscription Victoria, Inter-State, and N.Z., 3/-; British and Foreign, 6/-.} FOR COLD DISTRICTS Phalaris Commutata (The King of Winter Fodder Plants) GROWS AN INCH A DAY IN THE COLDEST WEATHER WRITE FOR FULL PARTICULARS SPRAY YOUR TREES EARLY AND ENSURE YOUR CROP BEING FREE FROM DISEASE SPRAY PUMPS OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS — A SPECIALTY — — — WRITE US, stating your requirements, and we will gladly submit Estimates. ORCHARD REQUISITES Spray Pumps, Secateurs, Gloves, Manilla Labels, Grafting Wax, Raffia, Spraying Oil, Arsenate of Lead, Harbas, Black Leaf 40, Bluestone, Nikoteen I A POST CARD WILL BRING FULL LIST WITH PRICES I FRUIT TREES All our trees are true to name and type, and grown in our Somerville Nurseries. Book early to secure your requirements as some varieties are scarce this season. CITRUS TREES We are head-quarters for Citrus and can quote good clean speci- mens of all varieties to advantage. It's worth your while to give us a trial. 1916 SEED CATALOG POST FREE ON APPLICATION BRUNNINGS 64 ELIZABETH ST., MELBOURNE THE JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTOK,!^^, .A-XJSTK-^^I-.I.A-. CONTENTS.— JUNE, 1916. PAGE Contagious Abortion ... ... ... W. A. N. Robertson, B.V. Sc. 321 Report on the Fiftli Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16 ... ... A. Hart 329 Lectures, Farmers' Classes, and Stallion Parades ... ... ... ... 340 Vitieultural Nursery, Wahgunj'ah ... ... ... ... ... 345 (jlovernnient Certilication of Stallions — Ninth Annual Rejiort (Sea.son 1915) ... ... ... W. A. N. Roberl-son, B.V.Sc. 354 I'ractical Poultry Keeping ... ... ... ... A. Hart S66 Field Crop Competitions (Potatoes) Standard Test Co^vs Sixth Victorian Egg-laying Competition, lUUI-lT Orchard and Garden Notes Kemindcrs J. T. Ramsay 372 ... 376 379 E. E. Pe^cott 381 ... 384 COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES. The Articles in the Journal of the Departmenc of Agriculture of Victoria are protected by the provisions of the Copyright Act. Proprietors of newspapers wishing to republisli any matter are at libertj' to do so, provided the. Journal mid author are holh ar/:iioirled(/((l. The Journal is issued monthly. The sul)scriptiou, whicii is payable in advance and inclutles postage, is 3s. per a-inum for the Commonwealth and New Zealand, and 5s. for the United Kingdom and Foreisrn Countries. Single cop^', Threepence. Subscriptions should l)e forwarded to the l)iie{;tor of .Agriculture, Melbourne. A complete list of the various publications issued l)v the l)c|>artment of Agriculture will be supplied by the latter. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. A Million produced In one season from one San Jose Scale Control it by using Prepared Red Spraying oa Better penetration than other sprays. The surest destroyer of all scales. Directions on each container. Our free descriptive booklet on Orchard Pests is full of information- send for it. Vacuum Oil Co. Pty. Ltd. Throughout the Commonwealth and New Zealand 10 June, 1916.] Joiirndl of A f/riciiJfiire, Victoria. USE Improved :: 19 13:: FOR BRANDING YOUR SHEEP KEMP'S Sheep-Branding LIQUID It has been proved by Kundreds of Woolgrowers, amongft them some of the largest squatters m Au^ralia, to be an un- quahfied success, and to do everythmg that is claimed for it. BLACK, RED, AND BLUE (in Cases) Containing Two ^%l^^ pei* Or Eight 1-gal. tins 4-gal. tins :: T"/ X^ gal. :: S/- per gal. AGENTS DALGETY & Co. Ltd. MELBOURNE & GEELONG WATER LIFTED 500 FEET AND PUMPED A MILE At a Cost of One Penny per Hour. OUR FARM PUMP Engine will do this as well as cut chart, saw wood, work shearing machines, &c. It can be attached to a windmill or almost any other pump in 3 minutes. Needs no mechanic to fix or operate, and works all day without attention. Hundreds sold and giving satislacti Price £35, with "Bosch" Magneto. If interested in water supply or irrigation, state your working conditions and we will quote. We stock Sleam, Kerosenf. Petrol, and Hoi Air Eng'nes, Centri- fugal I'umps, and "Myers'," "Gould's" fie "Deming's" Pumps for ail services. " Mackie's" Rock and Water Borer and plants (or deep well and bore pumping a specialty. We erect if required and give easy terms. Catalogs and Expert Advice Free. Sole Agents for "Lister's" (British Built) Petrol and Kerosene Engines, " Bosch" Magneto Ignition, U. 3. 5, 7. .-.nd 9 HP. in Stock. ^cnd for Special Catalogues. Over 3,000 Easy Termn. Agents Wanted Everywhere. THE "CHALLENGE" The High Quality— Low Price Mill. It's all steel, all galvanised, internal geared, fitted with forged crank, positive brake, sensitive govsrnor, renewable bearings, and efficient lubrication. One customer has purchased I I 7 mills. Scores hive purchased 30 to 40. All give satisfaction. 6 ft. Mill, weight 330 lbs. ., £6 8 ft 420 && 10 ft 526 £10 Other sizes in proportion. Towers from £3. Get Catalog. Pumps, piping, troughs, tanks, tank stands, all accessories stocked. Our Flxpert will inspect site, quote price, and erect if required. t«sy terms given. Langwill Bros. & Davies Pty. Ltd. 110-114 STURT ST. (Near Prince's Bridge) SOUTH MELBOURNE Jofirnal of Acfriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 19 10. PRUNING TOOLS HIGH in QUALITY — but — NOT in PRICE Disston's "Orchard" Pruning Hook and Saw The Knife and Saw are made of the best crucible steel, and are properly hardened and tempered. The tool can be used either with or without the pole. It is both light and very strong. The saw IS detachable when not m use. The saw blade is attached to the hook by means of two clamp screws as shown in the illustra- tion, which also shows the method of attaching to the pole. The tool can be supplied either as a pruning hook without saw blade, or as a saw only. "Orchard" Pruning Hook only, 3/9; "Orchard" Pruning Saw only, 3/9; Combined "Orchard" Pruning Hook and Saw, 6/3. Prices do not include the pole. Duplex Pruning Saws Good quality blade, beech handled, three brass screws, with plain teeth on one side and lightning teeth on the other side of blade; 12 inch, 2 -; 14 inch. 2/2. The Disston Tapered Pruning Saws Are designed for general pruning, more especially awkward cuts. They have strong steel frames and best quality blades. 3/9, 4/3, 5/-. Secateurs No. 1632- Wrought iron frame, steel blade, snail spring, wire clip, bright finish, 8 in., 2/-. No. 8286 — French pattern wrought iron frame, best quality steel blades, steel coil spring with runner. Bright finish — 8 inch, 2/9 ; bf inch, 3/- ; % inch, 3/3. Large Range of Secateurs from 1/- each. Genuine "MEXEUR' Pruning Shears Solid forged steel frame, with best shear steel blades, bright finish, £-j inch, 6/3; % inch, 7/6. 'Rockdale' Cutters Branch 26 inch handles, 3/3 ; 41 inch handles, 4/6. Ward & Payne's Branch Cutters Best quality steel blades, fast handles of polished wood. No. 1 length, 27 in., 5/- No. 2 „ 30 „ 6/- No. 3 „ 36 .. 7/6 No. 4 „ 39 „ 8/3 Pruning Knives Best quality steel blades — 1/6, 2/6, 3 '3 Scores of other Pruning Tools in slock. Get your Spraying Outfit too. MS^PhersoiVS V"'"^ Proprietary Ltd EXPERTS in TOOLS 554-66 & 582-88 Collins Street, Melb. Established S6 Years. 10 June, 1916.] Joiinid] of Agricidt lire, Victoria. Decide upon a BILLABONG REIMEMBER '^ ^^'^^ ^^ "*^'' "^ thing you buy every day; that a defective or heavy runniug mill mighty bad asset to any farm. It is evident that the which acts responsively will do more work ,, ar with corresponding]}^ less wear and tear. " Billabong" buyers are assured of a smooth and easy running mill - a powerful mill, pos- sessing lifetime service-giving qualities. Buy intelligently. Send for free printed matter and prices of this windmill to-da}-. DANKS John Danks & Son Pty. Ltd. 393-399 Bourke St., Melb. Channel Irrigation Preventing Seepage Ttlje fact that so inuih water is lost by seepage and percolation in earth (Channels was forcibly broiight home duriiiji thedrouj;htof 1914. Settle- ments situated a Ioni Season .. 5,515 lbs. Milk. 3J2 lbs. liutter (5-12 Age. 1914. test). 1915. test). 1915. test). Apply :-C. GORDON LYON, "BANYULE," HEIDELBERG, VICTORIA. 'Phone 7419 Central \ Tke Australasian Mutual Insurance Society Lti. 400-2 COLLINS ST., MELBOURNE. Farmers and Breeders We will undertake to Insure your Live Stock at the Lowest Current Rates obtainable in Australia OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF BUSINESS. Fire, Marine, Fidelity Guarantee, Plate Glass, Personal Accident and Sickness, Employers' Liability, Workmen's Compen- sation, Public Risk, Motor Car & Burglary. t^^^^^^^* ^^ INSURE WITH THIS SOCIETY, AND RECOIVirvlEND IT TO YIUR NEIGHBOURS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA PUBLICATIONS By D. Mc Alpine, Government Vegetable Pathologist. RUSTS OF AUSTRALIA. 5s. Postage: C. 2d.; N.Z., 8d. ; B. & F., Is. 4d. SMUTS OF AUSTRALIA. 4s. Postage: C. Zid.; N.Z., 9d. ; B. & F., Is. 6d. FUNGUS DISEASES OF CITRUS TREES IN AUSTRALIA. 2s. Postage: C, Id. N.Z. 2s. 6d. Postage: C, IJd. : Postage: C, 2d.: N.Z.. 3d.; B. & F., 6d. FUNGUS DISEASES OF STONE FRUIT TREES IN AUSTRALIA. N.Z.. 5d. ; B. & F., lOd. SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT OF AUSTRALIAN FUNGI. 3s. 8d. : B. & F., Is. 4d. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque covering price and postage to be forwarded to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. 10 June, 1916.] Journal of Agricitlture, Victoria. y'n THERE ARE LOTS OF THINGS THAT COUNT, TO THE MAN ON THE LAND Blacksmithing, Carpentry, Plumbing, Turning and Fitting, Wool Classing and Sorting, and several other of the 74 subjects taught at THE WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE THE MELBOURNE TECHNICAL SCHOOL Why nit send for out Prospe£lus, ready now, and learn about them. First Term 1916 started February 7th. ENROL NOW Burnt Lilydale Lime FOR THE LAND Farmers who have not used BURNT LIME should try it. The action of Burnt Lime on the land is IMMEDIATE. The demand for Building Lime having slackened owing to the War, Farmers have the opportunity of getting a supply of the WELL-KNOWN LILYDALE LIME. ANALYSIS ^o as high as 98% Calcium Oxide. Apply— WorkB- DAVID MITCHELL, CAVE HILL. Sole Proprietor, LILYDALE. OLIVER'S LANE. MELBOURNE. DOOKIE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE Provides Special Facilities for Practical and Scientific Agricultural Education. Notable Agriculturists say that this College offers the best agricultural education and practical training in the world. The Sessions commence MARCH and SEPTEMBER, and Students may be enrolled at any time. Total Fees — £25/-/- per annum. Alternative Courses — (a) Diploma Course .. Three Years, (i) One Year's Course. The College contains modern and well equipped laboratory and le<5lure hall, single bedrooms, recreation and sports grounds. 0( the 5,913 acres o( (arm land at Oookie, 1, 000 acres were put under crop by students last season; and champion prizes were won (or sheep and pigs at the last Royal Agricultural Society's Show. FARM SUBJECTS. — -Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Fruit Growing, Butter and Cheese Factory Management, Building Construction for Farmers. EACH BRANCH UNDER SPECIALLY TRAINED EXPERTS LONGERENONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SESSIONS COMMENCE MARCH AND SEPTEMBER. This College is specially adapted for Junior Students from 14 years of age. AREA OF FARM, 2,336 ACRES. MAIN BRANCHES OF FARM WORK.— Grain Growing, Fat Lamb Raising, Dairying. Irrigation of Fodder Crops, Fruit. &c. Total Fees £25 per annum. Full particulars obtainable (rom T. J. PURVIS, Esq., Secretary, Council of Agricultural Education, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, or ihc Principals of the Colleges. ViM Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON "THE FINEST WAGON EVER" PATENT STEEL WHEELS Patent Felloes. Renewable Oarron Boxes & Oil Caps. The only Steel Wheel that has stood the Test. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS Wheels Guaranteed tor S years against Breakage, Sc. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON.— Irrigationisls, Orchardists, Faraers. This Spring Wagon to carry 2 tons, £30 up. Wheels, 36* and 32' dia. 4' Tyres. Table, 9i x 5i feet. Pole or Shafts. Weighs 10 cwt Ordinary Block Wagon to carry 3 tons, £35. Weighs 12 cwt. Thete Wheels are guaranteed and will last for all time. HIGHER WHEELS IF NEEDED, and Wagons built to carry any weight up to 20 tons. TRACTION TRAILERS A SPECIALTY. TABLE TOP — ^Truck body, and all classes of little Wagons for Farm and Station work. Wagons Shipped to all PorU in Australia. WRITE FOR CATALOG TO-DAY. BRUCE STREET, INGTON, VICTORIA R. J. L. HILDYARD, kenIm DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE | Handbook of Potato Diseases in Australia — and their Treatment By D. McALPlNE, GOVERNMENT VEGETABLE PATHOLOGIST. With Appendices by W. Laidlaw, B.Sc. (Biologist). on Eel Worms: and C. French, Jnr. (GoTetnment Entomolosist), on Insect Pests of the Potato. 23S P»«es (Cloth). 58 Full Plates. Prirp '^ /■ Postage: Commonwealth, 2d.; New Zealand, 8d.: 176 Illustrations. 1 IICC, «-r/ British and Foreign. 1/4. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to The Director of AgrlcuUnre, Melbourne, Victoria. Remittances hom beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. Farmers ! DON'T NEGLECT s YOUR EYES u They are your most valuable possession, and neglect in the early stages may lead to something much more serious. DAIRY & INCUBATOR THERMOMETERS HYGROMETERS HYDROMETERS ARTIFICIAL THERMOMETERS BAROMETERS EYES, Etc., Eto. ^OOD 77ie Optician 'Phcn.6778 Equitable Buildings, 95 Elizabeth St., Melbourne 10 June, 1916.] Journul of Agriculture, Victoria. IX W. & W 506 No GOOD FENCE is so Cheap and no Ordinary Fence is so good as the CYCLONE SPRING COIL Cyclone Spring Coil Fence is made of best qutJity wire, galvanised. Moisture does not affect it. Expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature are provided for by crimps in the horizontal lines. Once up, the fence needs no after straining. The crimps make the fence elastic Stock rushing it are thrown back, and both stock and fence are uninjured. Th« cross ties, I ft. apart, make a perfect web, through which no stock can pass. Get our Catalogue. It tells you more about it CYCLONE Pty. Ltd. 459 SWANSTON STREET MELBOURNE 1 LAND ON EASY TERMS (UNDER THE CLOSER SETTLEMENT ACTS). FARMS and Agricultural Labourers' Allotments in Country Districts. WORKMEN'S HOMES.— Allotments near Large Centres, Available Under Closer Settlement Conditions. Deposit, only 3 per cent; balance payable over 3H year*, at 3 per cent, half-yearly, covering principal and interest. Residence Compulsory for Eight Months in Each Year. Railway Certificates to Travel at Half Rates for Inspection of Land. Al 1 Ll Lands Purchase and Management Board; Or, INQUIRY BRANCH. LANDS DEPARTMENT. MELBOURNE. I Journal of Af/rlciilf iirr, Vlcfonri. [10 June, 1916. NuNAN's Patent Spray System Enhance your profits, increase your returns, save trouble, save time, hy laying down now^ Nunan's Pa'ent Spray Irrigation System. Produces a Rainfall as Steady as Nature's Own. Nunan's is the simplest method Lnown for soaking your ground readily and naturally. Send for full details to NEWELL & COY., 189 King St., Melb. VICTORIA PHOSPHATE Basic Phosphate intensely ground 15% and 17% Phosphoric Acid 57/6 and 63/6 per ton In Truck lots on Rail at Siding, Macaulay. Orders taken Now. This company, the erection of whose works was delayed by war difficulties, has, however, been enabled to open up a very excellent deposit of Phosphate discovered by the Mines Department. The deposit was originally found by Mr. A. M. Howitt, Field Geologist, and is being developed in co-operation with the Scientific Officers of the Geological Survey. The Company is perfectly satisfied that a Cheap and First-class Fertilizer can now be offered to the Farmers and Graziers of the Commonwealth. SUPER AND OTHER TYPES TO FOLLOW. Heathcote Chemical Company Proprietary Ltd. NORTH MELBOURNE. Telephone 10538 Central. 10 June, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. "THE BEST is CHEAPEST— ALWAYS ! " LYSAGHT'S CORRUGATED ROOFING IRON Look for the "ORB" P^^'Sn Brand on every Sheet. Obtainable from all leading Ironmongers, Storekeepers, and Timber Merchants throughout Australia. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAMPHLETS New Series Obtainable from llie Director of Agriculture, Melbourne — Free on Application. 1. SILO CONSTRUCTION. 2. HINTS FOR NEW SETTLERS. T. A.J.Smith. 3. APPLE GROWING FOR EXPORT. P. J. Carmody. 5. CIDER MAKING. ./. Km. ,1,1. 7. CITRUS FRUIT CULTURE. E. E. PescoU. 8. BUILDING HINTS FOR SETTLERS. A. S. Kenyon. C.E.. anJ others. 9. TOBACCO CULTURE. T. A. .) . Smith. 10. SILOS AND SILAGE. O. //. /•'. linker. 11. THE BEET SUGAR INDUSTRY AND CLOSER SETTLEMENT. U. T. Ensterby. 12. WORMS IN SHEEP, .s. N r'ameron, D.V.Sc, M.H.C.i'.S. 13. CHEEBE MAKING Cheddari. (\ S. Sawers. 14. FARM BJ.ACK3MITHING. '/. Ilaxter. 15. BROOM FIBRE INDUSTRY. / . .1. J. .SmiV/i. 17. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1911-12. W. A. N. Robertson, D.V.Sc. 18. REPORT ON FIRST EGG-LAYING COMPETITION AT BURNLEY, 1911-12. //. V. H.itikin$. 19. LIME IN AGRICULTURE. I>r. s. S. fawr.m mui nii,,-rs. 20. NUMERICAL SYSTEM OF PACKING APPLES. 11. M,;-km.j. 21. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS. 1912-13. ir. A. N. RoberUoix. U.V.Se. 22. WHEAT AND ITS CULTIVATION. .1. /.. 1 . lUi-hnnison, M.A.. li.Sc. 23. HINTS ON PACKING AND FORWARDING FRUIT FOR EXPORT. J.O. Turner. 24. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1913-14. W. A. X. Hubertson, B.\'.Se. 25. SUCCESSFUL POULTRY KEEPING, &c. .1 ll'nt. 26. TOMATO CULTURE IN VICTORIA. .V. .1. r,.,-l:. 27. SUMMER FODDER CROPS. /.,„(/'.• .1. ./. Smilh. 29. THE BEE-KEEPING INDUSTRY JN VICTORIA. F. li. Itruhn,: 30. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1914-15. ^^'. A. i\. Robeitiioii. B.r..'Sc. Also l.iallilM on I'oul Itrool of Wn-t. Tnmgforriii',' r.i'i-<, IVrdiiiff Cow8 for Milk I'roiluction. I'tility of IVstiiitj: Cows, The " K*-utrhi'on" — A liiiiiie to .Milkinu MiTit, Sulphitint:, Sonic Niiin-c Con- siderations, Sprinif Frosts, Cut Worms, Insect Pests of the I'otato. ■Journal of A f/riciflture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. P- NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES — Will dear your land of trees, stumps, boulders, &c., in a fraction of the time required by any other means, and at less than half the cost. They are also invaluable for sub-soiling. rj- If you are mterested write to us and ask for Pamphlet, entitled : — ''EXPLOSIVES FOR THE FARM." DALGETY& Co. Ltd,, Bourke-st., Melb. Sole Agents for NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES Co. Ltd., GLASGOW. Till NEW ZEALAND Loan & Mercantile Agency Company Limited HEAD OFFICE- MELBOURNE OFFICE— LONDON. COLLINS ST. W. LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES Wool, Grain, Skins, Hides, Tallow, Baric, Stock & Station Brokers on Commission only Butter Shipments undertaken on Owner's Account •AGENTS FOR- COOPER'S DIP FOR VICTORIA AND RIVERINA. Page's Patent Wire Strainer and Ironside's Wire Cutter CHIEF AGENTS IN VICTORIA for the PALATINE INSURANCE COY. THE BEST AMMUNITION FOR THE SHEEPMAN IS PACKED IN CASES LIKE THIS .C00P€PS4^_ ~:dippinc^ rjROWDER 10 June, 1916 1 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. UMBmasamL HHIvVffi w,^ wiu) £hai chapjM You must have heard these words often — perhaps you have said them yourscif when you have seen an cid school com- panion who has outpaced you in the Race of Life! *" You remember he was your Junior at school, and you used to think you were the better fellow. Now HE is away ahead of YOU — ^it hurts you, doesn't it? Have you ever thought WHY this man, who started level with you as a boy, has gone beyond you? It is easy to explain ic by saying your friend was lucky, but Success cannot be explained away in this fashion. Only one successful man in a thousand owes his Success to luck — the other nine hundred and ninety-nine WORKED to win. YOUR friend worked while you had a good time. He was able to take advantage of opportunity when it came — now HE is having a good time. But you can beg^n to work NOW — there are a thousand opportunities waiti.:g for the man who is prepared. If you study in ycur spare time yuu cannot fail to fit yourself to earn more money. That is the first step upward. Write NOW for a free copv ofour illuslrau-d Prospectus"!)." This iiiierestii\:; IJuok is worth readinif, and will show you how to take the iirst step towards a succcs^-ful career. Get it NOW while vou lliiiiii of it. Among our sso courses are the following! — STOTTS Correspondence College, (Ai .iicsl offire 100 Russell Street, Melbourne. 70 Pitt Street. Sydney. Creek Street, Brisbane. EnKinccimi; Bridge Construction Survtying Electrical Engineering iphy. Telephony Engineering CSS Telegraphy ,nd Oil Enamel n Gat Plants Irrigation Engineering Sanitary Engineering Mining Engineering Chemistry. Meiallurgy Telegr Suttii Shorthand. Typewr Accountancy Commercial Law Journalism. Literature Story Writing Mathematics Languages Drawing. Illuslraiint Architecture Architectural Drawing Building Construction i Estimating Mecha al Ur. Agric Fruit ing. etc \Vc Surcessfullv Prepnre (or AIL Tell us what YOU are interested in. Information FREE! Journal of Af/riciiItKre, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. BONEDUST, SUPERPHOSPHATE, And Other High-Grade Fertilizers. Poultry Bone Grit, Meat Meal, Cattle Lick Delivered at Railway Station, Footscray, or on Wharf, Melbourne J. COCKBILL, Bonedust :: Manufacturer OFFICE : 407 POST OFFICE PLACE, MELBOURNE BONES BOUGHT. CONSIGN TO ME, FOOTSCRAY. Telephone 2098. The university of MELBOURNE VETERINARY SCHOOL Complete Courses of Instruction are conducted in all Subjects for the Degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc), and for the License (L.Sc). Veterinary Surgeons possessing the above qualifications are eligible for registration under the Veterinary Surgeons Act (Victoria) and for Veterinary Appointments in the Commonwealth and State Services and in the Army Veterinary Corps. For full particulars apply — The DIRECTOR, Veterinary School. PARKVILLE, VICTORIA This Journal offers exceptional : : advantages : : To Stock Owners, Produce Agents and Stock Sales- men, Implement Makers, Sellers of Milking Ma- chines and Dairy Utensils, Orchard Appliances and Materials, and all Farmers' Supplies for Advertising 10,000 copies per month Guaranteed Circulation throughoat the Country Districts of Victoria tuid amongst Farmers of the Commonwealtli, reach- ing also country professional men, tradesmen, schoolmasters, teachers, and the like. Exceptionally satisfac- torj^ results have followed the adver- tising of Stud Stock in this Journal. MfS;"j£t:J:. Mr. J. J. WRIGHT and Mrs. HEMMING do Editor. Department of Agriculture. Melbourne. 10 June, 1916.] JotiriKtJ of A;// /en/ hue, Vktorui. y BEFORE YOU GO TO TOWN. T TSR Lifebuoy Soap before you journey in 'Bus, Train ^-^ or Tramcar. It will protect you from the germs and microbes of disease, which Scientists si>' abound in thicklv populated areas. Lifebuo> Soap keeps you free from infection and enables you to be a protection rather than a danger to those with w horn you come into contact. Lifebuoy Soap is a germicide. Scientists have tested in the laboratory its power to destroy disease germs. Doctors and Nurses speak for its good service in daily use. So do wives and mothers. MORE THAN SOAP YET COSTS NO MORE. irVFR IIROTUFRS MMITrO. SYDNEY. JfVl Joiinial of A (/rinilf lire, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. WINDMILLS Alston's New Gearless Is the Simplest Windmill Motion ever inven ted Only Three working parts Ball Bearings Throughout All Moving Parts enclosed in Dust-proof Case and Run in Oil Oi!i 40,000 "ALSTON" Mills in use throughout Australia ^^NO ATTENTION REQUIRED -^ Expert Advice and Catalogues Free on application. James Alston & Sons Windmill, Trough and 'Pump Manufacturers QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA me JOURNAL OP T^Re department of Moricufture OP VICTORIA. Vol. XIV. Part 6. 10th June, 1916. CONTAGIOUS ABORTION.* An Agent in the Depletion of Dairy Herds. B// W.A. X. Robertson, Ji.V.Sc, Chief Veteriiiar// Officer, Department of Agi-iculture. That the dairy herds of Victoria have suffered very serious depletion of recent years is a fact admitted by all, and it behoves us to look care- fully into the matter in an endeavour to ascertain to what extent this has occurred. What are the causes? Are they preventable? And what does the future hold in store ? The figures of the Government Statist, upon which we must estimate cur losses, are based on the returns at 1st March. We must, therefore, go back over the last two years and bear in mind that the early part of 1914 and tlie latter part of 1915 were good seasons, during which the unknown quantity of natural increase would affect the return. T.\BLE Showing Cattle in Victoria for Three Years (^ Based on Return on 1st March following). - Dairy Cattle. ()o6,08() (il<>,.-)17 451,088 Decrease. other Cattle. Decrease. Total. Decrease. inn I'M 1 I'll". 4r).5t)3 159,42{t 827,47:} 7r)2.(>25 5!»2,rjl() lL'n.44S 279,957 1 ..-)2s.r).-):< i.:{(i2,r)42 1 .04:{.»iu4 ir.d'.Oii :n8,'.».ss 204,992 484,049 • Paper read before the Farmers' Convention 1910 .-.920. 322 Journal of Agriculture, Virforia. [10 June, 1916. Whilst the industry as a whole is short this amount it must not be taken as total loss, for a large percentage would be of stock slaughtered —for example— in 1914 the decrease was 166,011, but 112 548 head of this can be accounted for by excess of slaughtering over previous year, 59,317. and increase of exports. 40,869, and a decrease of imports, 12,362, so that the unaccountable total for 1914 is only 53,463. In the same way it will probably be seen at a latter date that a large pro- portion of the 1915 decrease went to the slaughter yards. In whatever way, however, the loss was incurred, the industry is short to an alarm- ing extent. Let us then turn from the figures and ask, what are the causes of ihis depletion which we know has occurred, and are they preventable. We have not to search very far for the primary cause of our present position for nearly every farmer will be able to give figures of his losses during the recent drought. If, however, we look a little deeper into this question, and will be honest enough to throw off the convenient cloak behind which it has been so easy to hide, the majority of farmers must answer the charge of bad management. Let us, therefore, drop the term " drought " and say the primary cause is, in plain terms, bad management. It is not my purpose to enter into a discussion as to the why and wherefore of this, further than to say that a number of farmers are unable to give their losses, because they did not have any, and this for the reason that, by virtue of good management, they provided a sufficient reserve of fodder to see them through the trying time. The financial wisdom of their foresight requires no comment, and the answer to the question : "Are losses preventable under this head?" is em- phatically " Yes." How many, however, will profit by their experience? Are we not committing just as great a folly at the present time, and are we not all just like the child being chastised by its mother, crying, " I will be good — I won't do it again " and repeating the offence as soon as the prior soreness loses its sting ? Another factor which has been in operation during the past few months, and is bringing about, not only a reduction in the present num- bers, but a very serious position for the future of the industry, is the indiscriminate slaughter of females both young and old. Again the charge of bad managem.ent must be answered by the farm.er. Bad m.anagem.ent shortened our supplies — the demand then became keen, and bad manage- ment is answering the demand. Does a man who wishes to build a house sell the foundation posts on his property with the knowledge that he will have to buy more at a later date before he can commence building ? Will any one claim it is good management to put a little cash in their pocket to-day with the knowledge that they must pay a lot out in the near future for the same article 1 The man who is to-day resisting the lure offered for calves and saving them for the foundation of a herd (for the bad manager) will, in the near future, reap a handsome reward, for I cannot see how there is to be any material decrease in the price of cattle for some years — if ever. Taking my illustration of house building a little further, what sort of structure*^ will be erected by the farmer who obtains some of his timber at one place, and some at another, without reference to its quality its strength, and the duration of its seasoning, &c. His house will 10 June, 1916.] Contagious Abortion. 323 quickly warp, twist, and split, and need constant repairs. The careful builder will know his timbers, and build a lasting edifice, and will oil paint, and varnish it. So with the dairy herd — the good manager will know his cows, will use a good bull, one that will improve his herd, not merely get calves, he will rear his females, and by painting the inside with nourishing food build up a business that gives him a hand- some profit. By knowing his animals he can improve them, by avoiding indiscriminately purchasing, he will obviate the danger of introducing disease into his herd. Th:s brings us to another cause of depletion, and one which the bad manager is going to keep with us in good or bad seasons — I refer to contagious abortion. This disease has been known to exist for many years. As far back as 1567 attention was drawn to it in England, but it was not until 1876 that it was conclusively proved to be due ta in- fection. It then took twenty years to find and prove which organism was responsible — this was done in 1896, by Bang. The losses that occur as the result of this disease are enormous — not, unfortunately, from the death of the infected animals, for if this occurred it could more easily be controlled ; but by virtue of the fact that every affected animal lives and acts as a centre of distribution, and thus the disease becomes difficult to eradicate. It has been estimated that in some parts of England 50 to 60 per cent, of cows are affected, while the' evidence given before a committee appointed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1909 to inquire into the disease, goes to show that approximately 25 per cent, of animals in England and Scotland were inficted. Gilruth, some years ago, estimated the loss to the dairy farmer in New Zealand as between ^200,000 and i;300,000 p^r annum. How, some may ask, do the losses arise since the cow does not die. The one who asks this question has evidently not experienced the trouble, and should use his utmost endeavours to keep his herd free. The losses may be classified under three headings, viz.: — 1. Loi-s of calf aborted. This is probably the smallest, yet, in view of our shortage of stock, a very serious one. 2. Diminislied milk yield due to premature calving. This is a very considerable loss, for it is well known that a cow that slips her calf seldom if ever comes to her full milking capacity in that year. 3. A combination of the previous two repeated in subsequent years. This is the most serious loss, for the sterility that so often follows, and is shown by the cow jjersistently returning to the bull after she has aborted, means that if she does hold to the bull she comes in ♦^^oo late in the season to make lier maximum profit or remains barren, then for several years the calf is not produced and the cow remains dry It is extremely difficult to give an accurate estimate as to wi.U this all amounts to for reasons at once obvious, but let us take some figures in order to see the possibilities. So as not to be classed as too bio; an alarmist, bv taking the English figures,— 25 per cent, affected— let ns suppose that 10 per cent, of the cows in Victoria were to become affected with the disease; on the latest statistics there are 451.088 cows in 324 Jonnidl of Af/rim/fiire, Victoria. [10 June. 1916. Victoria; this would mean 45,000 cases of abortion; then we will have an account something like this — Loss of calves 1st year ... ... 45,000 Diminished milk yield from 45,000 cows, say, I of 300 gallons ... 4,500 000 gallons. In the 2nd year h of these fail to get in calf, and the other ^ abort — Loss of calves ... ... ... 45,000 Total loss of milk, 22,500 cows, say, 300 gallons each... ... .".. 6,750,000 gallons. Diminished yield from 22,500 cows, ^ of 300 gallons ... ... ... 2,250,000 Convert this into money value, and a loss of between £300,000 and £400,000 per annum is evident. I have not so converted the figures, for who can say the value to the industry of a calf just born; to the farmer it is worth what he can get for it, but there is another value to be considered and that is the potential one, of motherhood to raise a subsequent generation. Whatever the figure taken the loss is sufficiently serious to justify our attention to the cause. Abortion may be classified under two headings, v:z. : — 1. Accidental, when owing to injury or disease of mother or foetus, the fcetus may be expelled prematurely. 2. Contagious abortion, due to changes in the foetus and its mem- branes induced by a specific organism, which brings about its expulsion without any material evidence of disease in the mother. It is the latter form we are chiefly concerned with, but I would say to all, until you have satisfactory proof that an abortion is accidental, it would be wise to consider it as contagious. The reason for this will be more clearly seen at a later stage. Cause. The organism, which can be isolated, and has been shown to be re- sponsible for this disease, is a very small bacillus which does not form spores, and which can be grown artificially without much trouble. Cor- rosive sublimate or perchloride ol mercury has been shown to be per- haps the best agent to destroy it, but in internal secretions, and inside the womb, it may retain its virulence for many m.onths. Injections of pure cultures into the vagina of healthy pregnant cows will induce abortion in eight to ten weeks, or feeding with the same, will bring about the event in one to two months. In any case the change that is set up is an inflammation of the womb, and the membranes, which causes an extensive exudate to form between the uterus of the mother and the membranes surrounding the foetus. This leads to a par- tial detachment of the foetal membranes, with the consequences that abortion, or premature expulsion of the foetus, may occur at any stage of gestation. Natural infection may take place from the external genitals, a bull that has served a cow recently aborted will transmit the organism to the cows he next serves; further, bails, stalls, bedding, camping places, &c., which become contaminated by the discharges from the vagina will serve as convenient means of transmitting to other cows which occupy the K) June, IS16.] Contaijious Abortion. 325 same position. By contamination of pastures in the same way, the organism may pass through the alimentary canal, and this method j» probaVjly the chief one in the spread in a herd of pregnant cows. An abortion occurring on a farm is regarded by the farmer in far too light a manner — not until a number have occurred does he realize the gravity of the situation. I have previously said that until proved other- wise every abortion should be regarded as of the contagious variety. This applies more particularly to the first case which occurs in a herd. As a rule, the farmer is content to say it is just a case of " slipping." If it should happen to be the contagious form of the disease the evil effects spread considerably, and when a number are affected the farmer becomes worried. Tlie time to worry is at the first sign of trouble, nor wait until the disease has gained a firm footing. Strict isolation of the first case to occur on a farm, until it is proved to be' non-contagious, will be a splendid insurance against the remainder becoming affected, or, at any rate, it will assist considerably in keeping an outbreak within reason- able limits. Symptoms. Cows are most likely to abort in the fifth or seventh month of preg- nancy, though it may occur both earlier and later, there is a tendency for a cow that lias once aborted to carry the calf for a longer period at subsequent gestations, if she becomes pregnant. Abortion is usually preceded by slight swelling of the genital passages, and an odourless discharge of reddish grey or yellowish colour occurs. At times it mav be blood stained. If the cow is milking, the secretion becomes dimin shed, and the character of the milk changes to somewhat like colostrum or first milk. Within a few days the abortion takes j^lace. If it is early in the period of gestation the membranes come away with the foetus, if later in the period, the membranes may remain attached for some time. Following the abortion there is a continuous vaginal discharge of dirty brown or reddish material with sometimes fetid odour. This gradually diminishes, and may cease completely, and tliere is nothiuf?: to show the animal is affected except an inability to get her in calf again. The earlier after abortion that pregnancy can be obtained, the more certain is a subsequent abortion, whilst the longer interval that occurs the more likely is normal birth to occur. D1AGX0.SIS. Tiie infectious character of the abortion is indicated by the pre- monitory signs which usually appear two or three days before aborting, and by the continuous discharge after; in this discharge the organism may he found on microscopical examination. Laboratory methods 01 diagnosis have been tried, but up to the ))resent no finality l>^s bet-n reached . COURSK. The disease persists in a herd for years, after the fust ca.se there id a period of calm followed by almrtions in rapid sucres-sioii mitil normal ])irths are exceptional. This continues until two or tliree al)ortid. The course of the disease in Victoria appears to vary somewhat to that in CJreat Britain, for lure. 326 Journal of AgricvUiire, Victoria. [10 June. 1916. there seems to be a far greater difficulty in getting cows to hold to the bull, the cows lemaining sterile for a long period, so that a second abor- tion is not often seen. If we could be sure of a pregnancy the loss from the disease would not be nearly so severe. Treatment. The farmer who has been unfortunate enough to have an outbreak on his farm must make up his mind to apply himself energetically for some years' work. No half-and-half measures will answer the purpose, and, indeed, some who have tackled the problem with which they are faced, in a thorough manner, will say. that even full measures are disheartening. Bearing in mind the manner in which the disease is spread, the principal methods of treatment are apparent. Isolation stands out as indispensable. Under this heading I must again emphasize the necessity of looking after the first case. As soon as any premonitory symptoms are apparent the animal should be completely isolated, and the premises about which she may have been dischargiii,g thoroughly disinfected. If abortion has actually taken place every effort should be made to keep the apparently healthy cows in isolation, and away from the affected area, with the object of breaking the cycle of infection. The organism is expelled from the cow per vagina, and enters others either through the mouth or the vagina. Any break in this chain is going to assist in eradication; therefore, remove your cows from the source of infection and endeavour to destroy the organisms. This latter is done by the U'Se of antiseptics, of which perchloride of mercury has been found most satisfactory. Its one drawback is that it induces some degree of strain- ing, but this, however, need cause no alarm. For convenience, the whole procedure has been tabulated as follows : — CONTAGIOUS ABORTION IN CATTLE. General Instructions for Guidance of Owner in Control and Treatment of Outbreak. Stock. 1. When cows abort or " slink," the prematurely born calf, together with after-birth and any discharges, must be immediately destroyed completely by burning on the spot where they are found : these cows ta be kept in paddock where they aborted. 2. Cows which have not up to the present aborted should be removed at one© to " clean " paddocks and kept from contact with those aborting. Any subsequent aborting or showing signs of being likely to do so, must be immediately returned to the original paddock. The calf and after- birth, &c., to be destroyed on the spot as before. 3. Bull to be removed from herd and isolated. 4. A second shed or enclosure should, if possible, be made available for separate milking and treatment of cows which have not up to the present aborted. Aborting cows to be kept out of the shed or enclosures. 5. Intelligent responsible persons should be detailed for milking and handling aborting and non-aborting cows, and their respective duties must not be interchanged. 10 Jtjxe, 1916.] Contagious Abortion. 327 Treatment. To be carried out in the order as liereunder indicated: — 1. Wash thoroughly the rump, hip to hocks, escutcheon, tail, back passages (outside) of cows nearest calving, and which have not pre- viously aborted, two or three times a week for a period of three weeks with a 6 per cent, solution of copper sulphate or 1 in 1,000 solution of corrosive sublimate. Follow this with injections into genital passage of lukewarm corrosive sublimate — 1 in 3,000. Repeat whole process after an interval of three weeks. 2. Treat in same way — (a) Cows now in milk, whetlier in calf or iiot, and which have not previously aborted, twice a week. (h) Cows in which longest time has passed since they aborted, (c) Cows which have recently aborted, once a day for one or two weeks, then two or three tim.es a week for two weeks, or until discharge has stopped. 3. The Bull. — Clip long hair from sheath and belly. Wash skin surrounding with same solution as for cows. Subsequently flood interior of sheath witli corrosive sublimate solution 1 in 3,000, closing the open- ing with hand and manipulating fluid well into furthermost parts of sheath. (Note. — This should be done the da}^ before bull is required for ser- vice, and repeated two or three times for a week after each service. The bull may be required to be thrown for the purpose.) 4. Newly-born calves born to full time should be sponged all over with the copper sulphate solution before being allowed to mix with h^rd 5. Cows which have aborted should not be served for at least four months after aborting. Premises. 1. {a) Thoroughly sweep down whole iiitei'ior of milking shed, collect refuse, and dispose of as indicated in paragraph ((). (h) Scrub bails, mangers, and other woodwork with hot solution of washing soda (1 lb. to 4 gallons of water). (c) Collect manure, urine, and other refuse in convenient recep- tacles at shed door, convey to place inaccessible to cows, and thoroughly sprinkle with 6 per cent, copper sulphate solution. (d) Thoroughly spray ceilings, bails, ix)sts. and tloor witli b per cent, copper sulphate solution. 2. Clean up all refuse immediately after each milking, and treat as in paragraph (c). 3. Repeat spraying of shed with the solution of copper sulphat<» at least once every week during treatment of cows, and siilxsequently limewash thoroughly with 1 lb. of crude carbolic acid to fonr gallons of freshly-made liniewash. Note. — Care should be exercisetl in using ;il)«)vc solutions on account of their poisonous properties. 328 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. For irrigating or injecting into the calf passages special metal or india-rubber pumps can be procured at surgical instrument suppliers. In usi?ig the perchloride. of mercury solution ordinary metal syringes, or mixing dishes, shotdd on no account he vsed. A simple and convenient apparatus can be made by fixing a large enamel funnel in one end ot a 2-ft. piece of india-rubber tubing and a small long wooden or vulcanite nozzle in the other. Never dispose of a cow that you can get in calf; by keeping her you will more quickly bring the disease to a standstill than by disposing of her and bringing fresh material on to the farm. Keep newly pur- chased pregnant animals isolated until natural calving occurs. Methods of Prevention. Several methods have been from time to time promulgated, but nothing definite has been determined. Subcutaneous injection of 2 per cent, solution of carbolic acid 10 c.c. per week has been highly spoken of by some authorities, others have had no success. Immunization experiments have been conducted but are not yet satis- factory for general application. The Future. Let us glance at the outlook for the future in relation to contagious abortion. There are two channels to direct our attention to. 1. Effort hy the Farmer. — This effort is one which all should make first by trying to keep clear of the disease by — (a) breeding your own stock : {h) isolating and observing all purchased animals; (c) using your own clean bull. Second, by trying to check the spread by — (a) following the directions for control; {h) never selling an aborted cow. This will only spread the disease to the unfortunate purchaser. Some day you may be the purchaser. 2. Effort hy the State. — If the farmer will not exert his efforts under No. 1, then the second channel of control must be takeii in hand. This would entail quarantine restrictions, and the prohibition of the move- ment of cows, either that have aborted, or have been in a herd in which abortion has occurred. This would be such a drastic procedure and such a heavy loss to owners that I will leave you to consider which course it were wiser to adopt. In conclusion, let me urge upon you to keep your females, every female killed destroys a potential increase. Let every female of breeding age stand in the position of invested capital to you from which you will annually draw your interest in the shape of calves and milk. The market of the world requires some concern to supply meat, Aus- tralia offers the finest opportunity for the foundation of such a concern, get a share in the shape of a female. Do not be led away by high prices now to dispose of your share, rather use your utmost endeavour to obtain more shares. The price of them will not go back. 10 June, 1916.] Fifth Egg-laying Competition, 1915-16. 329 REPORT OX THE FIFTH VICTORIAN EGGLAYING COMPETITION, 11)15-16. Conducted at the Burnley School of Horticulture by the Department of Agriculture, Victoria. Bg A. Ildit, Chief Fonltry Expert. RECORDS ESTABLISHED. In presenting the annual report of the laying competition which has just been concluded at Burnley, I would instance the immense extent of the poultry industry in both England and America. During the year 1913 the value of tlie eggs imported into England from other countries amounted to £9,590,602, while poultry valued at £954,540 was imported -during the same period, making up a total of £10,545,142 for one year. IV. H. Robbins, White Leghorns, 1st prize and gold medal, for dry mash section, 1,638 eggs, twelve months' test; also 1st prize for greatest market value of eggs for the year, £10 19s. 10V2'i- Although these figures were materially reduced during 1915 through war () 1 i.(>:{7 1 .112:? 27(iS 272^ 27(1 i Id Id 1(» 1!) Iti 1 1 .u sj LIGHT BREEDS. DRY MASH. Wliitc i.c;,'linrn.< . . 1 i.(i;{H l,(iUl i.4r)7 27;{ 2()();'> 242 i Id Id II 12 KU :? :{ HEAVY BREEDS. WET MASH. 1 Ml ick O.pinptcn.s Khddo Island Red s I,.) 1-1 H 'e5 UJ hJ 1 i« en Q u UJ U-4 LiJ o oc tS DQ ^ o o 1- I o sltion in mpe- ion. rtI.IC3T)iiOffil-()0050rHC'iT^T)<.Oa;l~OOOJo -HIMCO^ UO O OIOI 1^00 05 0 IN Ol oa CO — oi« coco CO CO <^l^'-^ _»rac005COC-4CCr-.Tt«XOitOO»rtOsr5«C>^COai>OCi>0OCO T-H l^ «>-*o>«o 0 0«5 ■* Aver Weig pe Dcze O CI ffl 01 IM IM (N (N C-I IM S^ (>J C-4 Ol (M CJ -oiOTtirHooooio:oco oioicoooo5oias5C--iomoa50!rtOic:oi-HOOooooi>n 00 ^ 00 0-. O OSOOO oi a xoo 05 -^Oq 00O03 to t^t^00mO00u0U0C000O'* o; ^ ■* Ol CO Ol m •* o; OlCil^OSOOOOOJOOCOmO-^-^OS CO tC Ol .- O --I O ■* 00 ■* Ol Ol -* Ol m 00 0)0 i-H F-i o o moo OO! coo 00 caoi 1> Ol O ^ Q •*mooooiOr-noa!t~oit^mo«OrHO-. too— icoi^^oirM mm'*mcooomm^-#-#>#«*-*cocooi^«ommoO"*-* -#OI CO m CO oo 02i^oimosoooooooomt-xoxOrtto-.oo5cowiX)00^ mmcommoi-*moi'*T)"*moimoio7 0i^oiTi1 Tf^ ^ 01X-* m« o Ol O «>mooot^t^mi--r-05mcoxoio5-tmt^«01':Om Ti- o P. iX)X-^^mx>-iooi-ixoO'it^050"*Timxoi-*ooieoxcoO'*C5tDxxi^050ioit- !-!•* tocoot m?^oimmoOT-s oir-m-^oo m-ioi eooj rn oj^oir com r-l iH 10 June, 1916.] Fifth Egg-layiiuj Competitio7i, 1915-16. 337 ■^ s vs r-H M 1 w o < t— ( S T— < H Q W > < ^ 1 rr O O tf fn m o H 0 w 03 o o •«•- CIS O O I- » C! o — ■ S irt ^ -^ »o O 05 OS 'M in H* -^ -*• O C'l 'Jl i>l i>) O) O) Jl ■>! « ■>] C -< 'M "H I- t^ -H o "5 C'l <-*»»C3 in O ClOOO) 00-* CO OJ IM IM e-I 'M IM < -.2 i.O uO -f O r? « Tl -* COOO 35-fCO CO OC ~?i ^ "- 05 01 -M O-n 30 o 00 05 1- 05 CO -I-** OOO C5 :S00 O^ n 05 o CO -H fflrH 05 05 (M « O .a 00 tC QOO SS-HOl rH lO •* -M O 00 03 f-H 00 O 1.0 05 O 05 05 I- O -< "* 00 to IM -t l> •*00 00 U3-H 005 00 , 00 >n ^ -t o OO'M -■oom o — 0 7171 ■■O -> O l> !M 0» CO rH rt CI >0 g OS — o — (MO(N 0-. O ,-HO rH rH UO 00 00 (M rH lOOl w rHOTiM 05 1^0CO to 0-. o m C5 00 Ol 01 rH 01 to ■^ oo CO r- in 01 O Ol CO O 05 CO > o o OIOIOI lo uo o i.n CO rH com 01 to Ol -t in 1- -H Ol-H OlO Ol 01 050CE CO O Ol l-OS coo 01 in o CO OlOl t^ to cool CO r* Olr). in " CO 01 .n o: -f o 00 CO rC— icO ooo OlrH OS CO 5 ^ '-*nn CO h-r; o ^ rH -H OOCOI- CO CO rH Ol •* 00 01 CO r-oi CO — 05 o o CO rH 05 I- 1- in 05 CO oc»in CO 01 Ol -Hrt Or- eo CO 0105 Ol CO 01 » O 00 I- CO 05 Ol in o to OSrHt- OlrH to 05l^ rHO s o •3 o Ol 0 01CO OI-05 05 010 01 i>-o-io in O i- o i.n o Ol o o O00-* OS 00» §g to i 1-5 ■n a-. oooo ooK >n rH-*TllCO o in 1- 1- CO 1- lO OS in -H X O GC CO CO Ol 00 to OS OS •* GOOD co» -tin to 00 00 01 CO o;o 00O5-H 05-0 OCO l» Ol 15 35 01 ooixoi «050inH(i rH r^ g OOICO 05 xe- X o in to in 01 l^-HCC e-iioo o 1^ r- in CO to rH O CO Ol in r- 01 ceo rl< -* -.O CO ■* o Ol Ol to 05C0 O I- in M to in CO 05 to CO •* o? - U~ £1 ■=> ■■< 5? 3 « ■—CM! iJ li ;«, "-2 CmJ b 33 3^ 3^ 3 ■V, I .2 a ''; X is as •_- -; r ." »= 5" i?«-^ uSn^I? c t'S:;; J - s|l I • • c ti c „ if -^ >. £ E 2i -^ « *j ^S-^|« ^S 111 J5£ or-Mi-r? in in i-i--» — ts -rT'-.r:'!> -r oi -• - - - - 338 J OH null of .[(/ririilt are, ]'irtorla. [10 June, 1916. I CO CO -^ < kO ^ tH 05 ■rH > ^ rr T3 n a ,Ji i C/) Q be III bi UJ U-l rr O OQ TS o 1- a> I « O Position in Compe- tition. rH ■M r: -* o ------ - X O Average Weight per Dozen. .in 00 0000 O !M M OI IN (N -* 00 t~ -H i~ 1' oi -^ « ^ ^i ?*■ «5 in ^ .n ^ ^ un M S) o IM IN 'M »I M ^1 I-l »1 (M »J s^ o IM •M IM '-3 -< O t-. Tf (M 00 cocoeo«r-t ■^ Si -M -1 rH IM -H (M ■* -* 00 Id ^ in O O 00 l> l~ X X CO m CO m -t 01 OI -f -H -J CO s o CO OS in in of o OOCOrHI>00 CO com r* CO o in -* uo CO r^ t- CO o ^ t- CO--* -*in-HC0 01rt)OC0 01 CO CO o rd o CD in in Ol O CO o OS oi in i.o :o m -.o in oi o X OS m rf -f CO CO t^ t~ coin-^co'tirticoincoin-* CD r»i r*l OI Ol OS Ol X Ol c- a: OS -C O 01 X -t< -sO -f in -i< rH t^ CO CO OS Ol -+ OS O CO CO s 'B CD o OS CD of CD X I^ X 0> •* CO oi in CO Ol CD rt c: C I~ Ol CO rC I^ lO in OI 01 -c CO rH oi OS oi -f CO oi 'i X of ^^ in C-. CO X X CO X -H oi in oico-*oicoasrHcDcDco-+ 01 CO c» CO un oi X X r- OS t~ ■CO OS Ol OS OS X i rH X CD C5 r). m ^ in CO o: **"' = '' = " s s !- -c in in rfx O in rH o5 in CO rH c: CD -)■ — 1 CD o CO m oi OS cooosocoooiososrHin oi Ol 01 o co 1 <1 in Ti< ^ in in OS rH in — X oi OS in OS OI 01 rH^COCDCDinCDrH-*01 o OS o c c ot3 ffi-3J= •= 3^ t o c g o ^ ^ ^ CO s "2 o nil |=|f|||i|||l| _: I : u^ 5 -i^ f" — "c; -.-^ ~ = 2 5 ^ '5 S ^ *H .^ cj . . ^ o . ?;'^^' -3 10 June, 1916.] /•'///// Ef/fi-hij/iini fompefifioN, 1915-16. 339 I , (n < ID 2 ■rH UJ "O ^ rt nJ CO (/I Q bfl 111 U UJ > « < u I _ fL § ^ .,„ -f ut •-! I- A - - „ •:i „ -ru': •— l-X _ _ 2 "■ 0 ♦i " " "" " " " — , ^ -H "" !^ ^^ ^ HI *i c ~;3!inffl >o ^ _^ _^ ^ 3! o 1* ■ 0 TO -Til- • r ^r -f -J. .- ;^ ir* i-" .^ c; 0 C' i-l !M C-l CI . C5 -*• oo o 0 ~ -f (M C: I* «D CS O -f ■?! - - - - — - 1-^ -t -r CC CC CC 0>1 c-l 'M c-l CI 1^ C^ -* cn^ t~ ooir: -r ,-1 rH t^ ^ CI ift 0 ._, M ^, x. CC C1-* cc r:cc CI -*•+ 0 1-1 -H CI .-■ CI r: -c 0. "1* <; .,,. _ ci -^ ^: -f CICIX I-'; 3: ci « MC50K ■.-J „ o C t-« 0 -t t~ -♦ ?? u-5 0 « 1- 0 C-. » CO C5C1 :C ^"^ 0 .c coo -H -■ OC5 OCl^. t~ t> 0 1^ -* 0 •* \^ -^' « 3-. 0 -t l-i-i « CO Ti- CO ■CI t^cc r* i£5 r^ cc CI CC t~ lO B —c « -iCi 00-Hoo C-. --laD 00 Ci 00 c. 0 t>. CI CO 1-5 ,„ ,_ ^, (~- -JC :c I- irt — 1 CI C-. » t^ , , Y 0 C5 0 CI =! « -- ^ X -1 cc T? c C-. X o ■ ci « C-. CI r; o ^ Cl — X CI 1!^ rcocs inocio"* Cl X c I- -t o Cl C-. o r: i~ m i.-^ rr -< Cl Cl O -*■ o X M -. ffl C 10 S-. 3 O I^ X 1^ -♦ O ?t Cl X c — ' O Cl -" =: Cl -<■ in o cir^ci CXcit^-H OOMSS 010050 "* -f r- i-i M i-H t~ •* -in sec c s o « 2 B ■o-c-a. -•=.•«•■ CQ Ba CO CQ n;i^C3 :~' -'70 -fo-- ■5 aa ca x a a e 6 • a • • l3 £• ~ ^ Sl, _:z 11^ 2 • . ji B e M ^ >.>, • B "6 £ *" "^ 5 • •Of- . -r«i CQ .:< ■ :.:*£!? «^/:s S^a *' 5:2 s-3-sS a B g ^s« S-jSJ '^^^-j ?oo ►^i;s-a -1 X OI^O lOiN — « 00 coo OOSIO t» 1 0 e>-Hin«Hi 04 « «aoo V 000 0) « •»» eeaxe) « a 340 Jnurnal of A f/riri/Jfiirr, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. PAST RECORDS. Held under Government Supervision. For Six Pallets in Twelve Months. South Australia. — Plighest record (vVliite Leghorns), 1,589, R. Walsh, Victoria. Western Australia. — Highest record, 1,564, A. II. Padman, South Australia. New South Wales. — Highest record, 1,541, S. Champion, New South Wales. Queensland. — Highest record, 1,564, Moritz Brothers, South Australia. Victoria. — Highest record, 1,699, W. N. O'Mullane, Victoria. Victoria. — Highest record previously, 1,667;, J. H. Gill. Victoria. New Zealand. — Highest record, 1,632, W. A. Nixon, New Zealand. Victoria. — Highest record (Black Orpingtons), 1,562, J. McAllan, Victoria. Victoria. — Heavy breeds — World's record for Winter test, J. H. Wright, 524. LECTURES, FARMERS' CLASSES, AND STALLION PARADES. The following letter has been addressed to the secretaries of all Agri- cultural Societies throughout the State by the Director of Agriculture, Dr. S. S. Cameron: — I have the honor, by direction, to inform you that, on account of the financial stress, it has been determined to suspend the Government grant to agricultural societies. The Department's arrangements for the holding of stallion parades, lectures, and farmers' classes, which have hitherto been associated with the subsidy, will be continued. Stallion Parades. A somewhat curtailed time-table for stallion parades is being arranged, and will be forwarded to you shortly, so that the necessary loc-^1 arrangements may be made as usual. It is desired, also, that the system confirming the award of prize.-; to certified stallions only shall be continued, in order that societies may obtain the benefit of the subsidy when it is resumed. Lectures. ' Enclosed is a list of lectures and demonstrations for 1916. On account of the shortage in the staff through enlistment, the usual number of lectures on veterinary subjects and agriculture cannot be given, but the whole 10 June, 1916. Lectures, Farmers' Classes, and Stallion Parades. 341 programme on otlier subjects can be arranged, and the Department will be glad to comply with the requests of societies in this direction. It is suggested, in order to save the time of officers, and travelling expenses, that societies requiring the usual four lectures should arrauL'c tliiit at least two should be held at centres in the same district on two following dates, or as near one another as practicable. Farmers' Classes. It has been decided to shorten the period for farmers' classes from a fort- night to a week, in order to lessen the inconvenience to farmers, farmers' sons, and others, and thereby promote larger attendances. It will also be possible, under this arrangement, to meet the applications of a larger number of districts. The object of the Agricultural Department in offering lectures or classes free of charge to farmers and land-owners is to enable them to obtain information on up-to-date farming methods, and the results of the research and experimental work on the research farms in Victoria. The Agricultural Department recognises the fact that Agricultural Societies and Progress Associatiens can assist largely in organizing meet- ings for these purposes, and for the benefit of the agricultural com- munity generally. A competent staff of lecturers is available from both the practical and scientific aspects of the subjects to be dealt with. A list of subjects and the staff employed for lecturing is submitted herewith. The benefits to be derived are — Agriculture. A knowledge of our different crop requirements, and how to supply them for the greatest profit. The best systems of cultivation. The right kinds of manures and quantities to use for various crops and soils. The saving of money in the purchase of manures. Systems of farm management. Main points in successful wheat culture. Live Stock. How to treat injuries and ailments in horses and cattle. Systems to adopt in breeding. General care of animals. Dairying, How to breed ami manage dairy cows. The building of sheds, silos, &c. Methods of testing cream and milk. Foods to feed for maximum results. The management of pigs, breeding and fccdincr. Cheese-making. Apiculture. How to hanfl'c and manage bees. Treatment of their diseases and methods of control. 342 Journal of A (/ricultiin-, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. Poultry. The best methods of breeding, sek^ctiiig, rearing and managing fowls for table use or egg production. How to feed for highest profits. The treatment of common ailments. Orchard and Viticulture. The main points in making these industries successful. STALLION PARADES. The awards of prizes in all classes for stallions three years old and over at the Society's Show, to be subject to the possession by the exhibit of a Government certificate of soundness. Stallion Inspection Parades will be held at different centres through- out the State prior to the commencement of the Show season (Time-table for Stallion Parades for 1916 will be available shortly after 1st May, 1916). The parade centres are so arranged that all owners of Show stallions have the opportunity of submitting them for examination for the Government certificate of soundness before the closing of entries for the Show. Show secretaries will require to obtain evidence of the possession of the Government certificate in respect of exhibits at the time of entry, and should not accept entries of other than certificated horses. Immediately after the Show, secretaries of societies are required to forward the names of all the horses that have won the prizes in stallion classes, together with the names of the owners, to the Director of Agriculture. FARMERS' CLASSES. Applications should be submitted as early as possible. Thirty students at least must be enrolled before a class can be held. The rent of hall and all local charges are to be paid by the Society; all other expenses by the Department. Arrangements must be made to insure the uninterrupted use of the hall during the time the lectures are going on. A roll of attendances at lectures and demonstrations shall be kept. The Agricultural Classes will extend over one week, consisting of not more than five evening lectures. Field demonstrations will be arranged for day-time instruction on days as required. The majority of the lectures will be illustrated by limelight views. Examinations will be held at the conclusion of each class, provided not less than five students compete. The successful competitor at each class will be eligible to take part in a final examination for the A.N. A. gold medal in Melbourne. Free rail tickets will be issued to students to attend this final exami- nation. Five competitors or more must attend or no medal will be awarded. Professional men, students in attendance at Agricultural High Schools and Colleges, or at the Continuation Schools, and teachers from such institutions or State schools, are not allowed to ^sit for the exami- nation. LECTURES. Applications should be submitted as early as possible, and accom- panying the application must be a list of the subjects (see pages 343-44) 10 June, 1916.] Ltdurrx, Farmers' C'la>oints to recommend them. It was curious. Iiowever, that they were not more sj)oken of in recent viticultural literature. A recent article by Professor Ravaz was qtioted, dealing with stocks for dry situation, in which the contradictory nature of the question was pointed out. He holds the ])ure Rupestris to be poor drought resisters ; they often suffer more than Riparia even, probably on account of the greater loaf surface, which evaporates more moisture. 348 Joaru'd of A griculi iiit\ Virtoiid. [10 June, 1916. Professor Ravaz gives the following list of stocks suitable for dry situations : — Rich, dry, shallow soils, with stiff subsoil. — Riparia 106.8, 420A, 41B. Poor, dry, shallow soil.— 3306, 3309, 41B, 420A. Rich, drv. deep soil (friable subsoil).— Riparia, 106.8, 420A, 41B, 3306, and 3309. Poor, dry, deep soil.— Rupestrs du Lot, 3306, 3309, 420A, and 41B. If the soil is very wet in winter and very dry in summer, as sometimes happens, 1202 and A. R.G.I. It may come as a surprise to some to see the old Riparia still men- tioned. It is not suitable for Australian conditions. It will be also noted that 41B and 420A are recommended for all the above soils. Professor Ravaz's advice concerning stocks to produce high gravity musts is also interesting — in his opinion it is stocks with Riparia like be- Bench grafted rooted vines, 9 montlis old, State Nursery, Wahgunyab. haviour which should be selected — one requires vines with slow and regular vegetation, the activity of which ceases early in the season. In a word, the vines should behave in as nearly as possible the same way as though they were growing on a dry hillside. The stocks recommended are Riparia Gloire, 106.8, 420A ; and 3306, 3309, and 101.14, if the soil be poor. For sandy soils strong growers are not recommended. Their fruit would not set. Vialla (an old-fashioned stock in France) is recom- mended, as well as 106.8 and 420a. The Riparia and Rupestris hybrids (3306, 3309, and 101.14) grow rather too vigorously on sandy soils. Malbeck grafted on du Lot has proved an unhappy union in most of our vineyards. The setting of the fruit is very unsatisfactory. Numerous experiments conducted last spring have had no appreciable results. A method worth trying is extra early pruning to weaken the 10 Jus'E, 1916.] Viticultural Nursery, Wahgunyah. 349 vine, and thus render it more fruitful. To be effectual, the pruning must be very early — as soon as vintage is over. If postponed until May, the vine is strengthened, rather than weakened. Extra early pruning delays the start of growth the following spring. Vines which start to grow late are usually better bearers, because the vegetative action commences when the weather is warm. Pruning im- mediately would be worth trying on Malbecks grafted on du Lob. The mysterious disease known in France as Court nout, literally short joint, was referred to. It seems to have some relationship with what we know here as " Rogue" vines, occasionally to be met with in most vineyards. Vines which show a characteristic abnormal vegetation and bear little or no fruit. In the heavily manured vineyards of Southern France, Court none has sometimes done much damage. No parasite has yet been discovered as its cause, but it is claimed in some quarters that New pumping plant and fluming, uugrafted resistant lootliugs iu foreground, State Nursery, Wahgunyah. a marked improvement in the affected vines was obtained by pruning before the fall of the leaves and painting all cuts made with tlie secateur with coal tar. Growers were recommended to try tliis treatment on any " Rogue " vines in their vineyards. Citrus Nursery. One of the features of tlie work being carried out is the propagation of the orange and lemon tree. Mr. Carmody stated that there was a great divers.. y of opinion throughout tlie world as to which of the stocks was the Wst for citr-t? trees. California favoured the sour orange stock «as being the hardiest and as having an exceptionally good rooting system. Florida also favoured this stock. Of late years, the Tahiti orange .'^tock was popular wilh S()n:p American growers, but it had a dwarfing effect. 350 Journal of Afjricultnrc, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. In New South Wales, the sweet lemon was regarded as the best. From a nurseryman's point of view, this stock was the most profitable, as it was easily raised and a very free grower. Mr. Snider, who was in charge of the nursery, regarded this stock as excelling all others, not only from the nurseryman's point of view,. but also from the growers'. He had had a long experience of this stock- in Palestine, and knew of groves of 50 years' standing to be highly profitable and to withstand hardships and disease superior to any other stock in general use. Other growers were favorable to the Citrus trifoliata, a stock that had a dwarfing effect on the scion, but under unfavorable soil conditions v/as, perhaps, the hardiest of all. During last year's drought the Mildura growers applied to their citrus groves the water from the Murray, which, late in the season, was exceptionally salty, and had a most disastrous effect upon the orange trees. The leaves fell off, and the trees were in a very perilous condition, and the first application of fresh water during the subsequent irrigation season accentuated the trouble to an alarming extent. The General citrus stocks of 1915 seeding, State Nursery, Wahgunyah. trees that came through the trying ordeal were those which had been worked on the sour orange stock. Mr. Davidson, the district orchard supervisor, informed him that, not only the oranges worked on the sour orange stock, but also the lemons on the same stock, unquestionably came off the best. The stock had an exceptionally good root system, but certainly the trees worked on it required, if not planted out in a very fertile soil, that they should be heavily fed with manures and the soil properly managed. The lemon stock grows rapidly, and was a good forager, so that in poor soils trees on this stock had the advantage and should be given preference to. In addition, they came into bearing early, so that settlers were assured of comparatively quick returns. The 2,000 seedling lemon stocks now under process of budding were only planted out from seed last spring, so that one could readily under- stand the popularity this stock obtained with nurserymen. The sour orange stock block, which consisted of about 25,000, was being budded with buds obtained principally from Mildura, and, as 10 June, 1916.] Viticultiirfil Xurscrij, Wahqnnyah. 351 fai- as practicable, the buds were taken from trees of good behaviour, both as regards quality of fruit and bearing habit. He hoped to be able to have trees from Wahgunyah ready for the gi'owers in the spring of 1917, and thence onwards an increasing supply sufficient to meet the requirements of the State. Mr. D. B. Smith (Chairman of the Vinegrowers' Progress Com- mittee) stated that he wished Mr. Richardson to convey to the Hon. the Minister the best thanks of the growers for the work that was being carried out in the interest of the growers, and for the general develop- ment of the viticultural and citrus fruit industries of the State. From what they had seen that day it was evident that the experts of the Department wera working on sound lines, and the growers were well Rough lemon stock budded; seed sown, September, 1915, State Nursery, Wahgunyah. satisfied with liaving such capable men watching the general interests of viticulture. He wished to thank Mr. Adcock for liaving arranged for the inspection, and Mr. Adcock had proved to l)e the riglit man for the ])osition of jirincipal of the college. Their friend, Mr. de Castella, never misse<:I an opportunity to promote the interests uf tlie industry, and the advice that he had given, from time to time, to growers had been appreciated. Tii Mr. Wilkinson, the vineyard tiianager, tliey had a practical man who was closelv interested in liis work. Mr. Carmody was not so well known to the growers, but the results of Iiis work besj)oke of its value. The Hon. J. Bowser, M.L.A., stated that lie was delighted to have the opportunity of viewing the work l)eing carried out by the Depart- ment. The nursery was a credit to the oflicers. and it was a pity that 352 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June. 1916. more members of Parliament did not visit it and view the fine work that the Department was carrying out to have the vineyards of the State reconstituted, and to give the people good citrus trees — true to name. A vote of thanks to the Department was then carried with applause. In responding to a vote of thanks to the Department of Agriculture, Mr. A. E. V. Eichardson, M.A., B.Sc. (Agricultural Superintendent), said that the number of grafted and ungrafted resistant stock applied for during the past three years averaged 1,000,000 per annum, of which, approximately, 700,000 were for grafted rootlings, and 300,000 for un- grafted rootlings. Three years ago, tlie Department could supply only one vine for every five applied for. The limiting factor hitherto con- trolling the output was the limited supplies of mother wood. During the past three years, therefore, special attention had been focussed on Augmenting supplies of mother wood. A 20-acre vineyard at Violet . ^.M.-MM 1 ^ttk'ibftttfli^^ w^ » ^1 • n Si'-v ,>•>. • -s«i,- ''•■*|??. M tm ■ V. ... . /r^i^ ■■'v- --' ■ 1 '''■■-■-- ^^• ^- ■ ^ •- -t IX^'.-J lS.V=>c%--''^i34fv ■ ' -^. ys^-jr^ l^^dH^I ■oir'^V^^^^' ■''^^fe r J^HIflKvSn^V^u: ^Rzing is an exces- sive loss of moisture. This is shown by a marked lowering of specific gravity. The percentages of sugar and acid decrease slightly but definitely. Siiu-e tho change in the composition of tlie juice is slight, tlio edible qualities are not impaired if the fruit is not frozen so severely as to cause it to dry up. — IT. D. Young, in Jotirval ■■' 7»,r ,nul Fnn. C/um., December, 1915. r)'.i20. H 354 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS. NINTH ANNUAL REPORT (SEASON 1915) ON THE VETERINARY EXAMINA- TION OF STALLIONS FOR GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATE OF SOUNDNESS AND APPROVAL. By W. A. N. Robertson, B.V.Sc., Chief Veterinary Officer. The ninth year of the examination of stallions for Qovernment certification has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion, notwith- standing the many difficulties which were encountered, which originated from the depletion of the veterinary staff by the exigencies of the European war. Only one member of the staff was unable to " fall in " behind the flag, to the honovir of which Australia has so liberally subscribed. Fortunately, we were able to add one officer to our staff, in the person of Mr. W. M. Lerew, G.M.V.C., who has had considerable experience as a practitioner in the Hamilton district, and who had been unable to volunteer for active service. By the courtesy of the Defence Depart- ment, we were, in addition, enabled to call upon the services of Lieut. - Colonel E. A. Kendall and Captain R. IST. Johnstone for a limited period, such officers not having left our shores. Finally, by requisitioning the service of Mr. W. J. Cother, Chief Inspector of Stock, who had previously been attached to the veterinary staff, we were able to fulfil all engagements, which had — in anticipation of difficulties to be encountered — been considerably curtailed, and here I would like to express my thanks to those agricultural societies who, in response to a circular letter pointing out the difficulties of the situa- tion, arranged in some cases for amalgamation with adjacent societies or for strict adherence to the time-table, and in others, where no horses were coming forward, for abandonment of the parade. In this way we were enabled to get through the season by conducting 96 parades instead of 143 as in the previous year. Arrangements for Coming Season. For the coming season even greater difficulties are to be encountered, for we will be unable to rely upon the Defence Department for assist- ance, the officers concerned having either left or about to leave for servica abroad, whilst Mr. Lerew is engaged in the work of purchasing remounts. It is possible the latter officer will be available when the parades com- mence, but in order to keep appointments as far as possible a time-table has been arranged on the basis of one officer only being available. In order to get through with the examination before the shows and mating season, this will necessitate a slight curtailment on last year's operations, and in some cases the distance between places at which parades are arranged will be extended. Some owners will probably require to travel their stallions a greater distance than in the past, but it is hoped that the difficulties will be appreciated ; and that consideration which has been shown in the past will be extended over the coming 10 June, 1916.] Government Certification of Stallions. 355 season. In many cases the examination will be conducted while the train waits at the station, and secretaries of agricultural societies will greatly assist by making the necessary arrangements and so conserve the time of the veterinary officer. It is possible that the arrangements, as shown in the time-table published, will require considerable amendment when the Railway De- partment issue their winter time-table, therefore owners of stallions will find it advantageous to arrange to submit their stallions at parades arranged for in main lines as far as possible in order to avoid disappoint- ment should it be found impossible for an officer to attend on branch lines as now proposed. At the 96 parades held last season, 355 horses were submitted for examination, and the action taken by the individual officers concerned in the examination is shown in the following table : — Officer. Mr. K. A. Kendall, B.V.Sc. .. Mr. R. Griffia. M.R.C.V.S. , Mr. R. N. Johnstone, B.V.Sc. Mr. W. M. Lerew, G.M.V.C. Mr. W. J. Cother, G.M.V.C. Appeal Boards ... Totals... Number Examined, « 123 100 101 20 5 355 Number Number Certificated. Rejected. G 74 49 60 40 64 37 15 5 1 4 220 135 Per cent. Rejected. 39-83 -10 no .36 63 25 Oo SO 00 38-03 Examinations and Rejections. The total number of stallions examined, viz., 355, was a consideraljl*' reduction on that of the previous year, when 603 were submitted. A large proportion of this difference was probably due to the restrictetl number of parades and abandonment of country shows, owmers pre- ferring to let tlic examination stand over until normal conditions are resumed, though restricted importations were accountable for a con- siderable number, a.s the following table sliows : — Imports of Horses from Great Britain and New Zealand, horsf.s from great britain. Year. Shires. Clydesdales. Thoroughbreds. other. Total. 1910-11 51 4 65 14 134 1911-12 67 38 39 171 1912-13 7 3 62 3 75 1913-14 2 7 21 ( 37 1914-15 ' 49 1 ^ 356 Journal of Agriciili inw, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. FROM NEW ZEALAND. Draught Horses. Year. Stallions. Mares. Geldings. Total. 1910-11 292 1,786 758 2,836 1911-12 246 452 208 906 1912-13 173 113 40 326 1913-14 125 51 6 182 1914-15 48 51 99 Light Horses. Grand Total. Stallions. Mares. Geldings. Total. 11 16 10 37 2,873 12 35 14 61 967 4 19 9 32 353 5 9 6 20 202 2 5 7 106 Of the number examined, 135, or 38.03 per cent., were rejected. As in previous years sidebone, amongst the unsoundnesses, was respon- sible for the greatest number of rejections in draught horses, viz., 39, or 16.32 per cent , or 10.98 per cent, of the total number examined ; this percentage is higher than has been noted during the past four seasons, and is probably due to the fact that a much smaller number of indi- viduals has been dealt with, it being always found that the percentage is higher as the total diminishes. An example is shown in the unsound- ness curb, where 2.82 per cent, of light horses were affected, whilst to the total number on\j .84 per cent, were rejected on this account. The number of rejections on the grounds of being below reasonable standard also shows a slight increase, and the same reason may be applied here. The subjoined table shows an analysis of the examination for the season : — Analysis of Defects of Rejects, Season 1915-16. Draughts. Lights. Ponies. Totals. Examined. 239 Certifi- cated. 144 Examined. 71 Certifi- cated. 48 Examined. 45 Certifi- cated. 28 Per cent. Rejects. Examined. 355 Certifi- cated. 220 Rejected. 1 Per cent. Rejects. Rejected. Per cent. Rejects. Rejected. Rejected. Per cent. Rejects. Unsoundness. Bog Spavin Bone Spavin Cataract Chorea (shivering) Curb Navicular Disease Nasal Disease Ringbone ... Roaring Sidebone . . Stringhalt .. Thoroughpin Whistling . . . 1 1 i 1 •42 •42 •42 167 16-32 •42 3 "2 5 18 4-22 2-'82 1 2-22 ... 4 1 3 1 4 39 l 113 •28 •84 •28 M3 10^98 •28 Total unsound- nesses Disapproved 47 48 19-67 20 •OS 7-04 25 35 1 16 2 22 35-55 53 82 14 93 2310 Total rejected 95 39-75 23 32.39 17 •^1-11 135 .38 03 10 JuN^, 1916.] Govcnunetif Certification of Stallions. 357 Re-examination. Daring the season 19.14, 267 stallions, 4 years old and under, were given season certificates; of this number only 161 were presented for re-examination as sho'wni hereunder: — Horses Submitted for Renewal of Certificates, 1915-1916. 3 years. 4 years. 5 years. Totals. Reasons for Rejection. Examined. 8 Certifi- cated. 6 Examined. 52 Certifi- cated. 40 Examined. 101 Certifi- cated. 69 Examined. 161 Certifi- cated. 115 Rejected. Per cent. Rejects. Rejected. Per cent. Rejects. Rejected. Per cent. Rejects. Rejected. Percent. Rejects. Disapproval Sidebone . . Curb Spavin Roaring . . Whistling 1 1 12-50 12-50 5 5 I 1 9^61 9^61 1^92 1^92 14 14 3 1 13-86 13-86 2-97 -99 20 20 1 1 3 1 12-42 12-42 -62 -62 1-86 •62 Total re- jections 2 25-00 12 23 •OT 32 31-68 46 28-57 2 year olds T'ertific vted 1914-15 3 „ .. Total 16 125 126 267 Presented for re-examination 1015-16 Total 8 52 101 161 It would apix^ar from the&e tables that a number of 2 and 3 year olds in 1914 were put out of use for stud purposes. In 1915 only 25 of the 4 year olds failed to be presented for life certificates. Transferred Certific.vtes. The number of certificates presented for transfer for Victorian Government certificates is as follows : — New Zealand . . . . 14 INTew South Wales . . . . 1 Soulli Australia . . . . 1 l^otal K) in addition to the above, two certificates issued in other States were indorsed for recognition at Victorian shows. These were as follows: — New South Wales Tasmania . . Total 358 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. Appeals. The number of appeals lodged against rejection by Government officers was five, three being on the question of disapproval and two as regards unsoundness. The boards appointed to deal wtih these cases upheld the action of the veterinary officers in four of the cases, and recommended the issue of a certificate in the fifth. Legal Proceedings. A case of more than usual interest to stallion owners occupied the attention of the Courts during the season. A stallion owner, being charged at the Lancefield Court with having forged a paper, purporting to be a certificate of soundness and approval, issued to a draught stallion, defendant was committed for trial. The following extract from the Australasian of 19th February, 1916, reports the interesting features of the case : — " The trial in Melbourne last week of a horse owner on a charge of forgery is of particular interest to farmers. As far back as 1907 a Government certificate of soundness was obtained for a horse, which has since died. The owner of the certificate subsequently made extensive alterations to it, which covered the name, place of parade, and date on which the certificate was issued, and thus purported to apply to another horse. The defendant pleaded guilty, and was bound over to come up for sentence when called upon. Inasmuch as these certifi- cates of soundness are intended primarily to safeguard the interests of owners of mares, the detection of the forgery will serve to give a feeling of greater security, and furthermore a knowledge that conviction of an offence of this kind is in future likely to be punished by fine or im- prisonment, or both, to any amount or extent, may serve to prevent any repetition of the offence." 10 June, 1916.] Government Certification of Stallions. 359 •aS^Bjuaojaj i >o c t^oo ^ I "1* »o I oa I oi o to o to t* OS 04 I — ■ rt I W I — ■ I - • « I oc o o I to I « o OSGO |t^ Id OS I^ lO* ■§2 t=£) -H r-oo lift -H— e-i iMt^^ lo — O-li-H lO-H-'cll-H oq|^_ o :t « CO I to I CON •a P c - 3 S pa »a -pa^uomjjaO •pauioi'Bxa; •aSB(lU90J9cJ to ^ 'I' 00 00 o CO 00 IN t~ 20-10 3-29 25-65 OS 00 '* to 21-09 4-09 27-86 to OS CO CO to iH into iM I cc: 00 uo : ^00- -o ir- iio^ |o> |7iif5 |i^ fioco loo |t~o |h- |i-ito ir- iMN coco oileal W(N mimI r-i|rH •O O SQ sa i^a sa •p34'BOB!}jaj 2 •paunnBxg •9aujU80J8J to to 00 CO CO OS cl t- to to 9 CO .-o X lA O 0-* 3 00 r- t~ X 5 to ^9 rt Sx cool lO »l!M lO .-ICO .* -HM a .2 PQ i-H I-* ics-f ICO I to OS lin ■ CO T(< -.-» CO It-1C0 I>o •O 2 PQ PQ •«2 o ^ p5 •pajBogiviao ^ •pantniBxa: « 'e8«)n33iaj M CO 00 OS s CO OS com g (N to mm § mo X Ifi rtoo OS cool oos " OCT OS CO c: m mt- s £§ cox O) CO (N CO CO OS CO CO 04 X CJ (N t- OS IN 1- OS PHOO s mr- CO CO 2S !0 to I Ol I t- CO OS CO CO CO ol t3 O ^o 2 PQ t-X im I-*"* IX |(3S05 IX lOSOl Irt rtMm«mcoxio-»t-col« ■?£ Si PQ PQ s.§ PQ PQ •p9j»00!!M90 i-1 ■paafoisxa ^ 360 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. REGULATIONS Governing the Examination op Stallions for the Government Certificate of Soundness and Approval. I. — Examination Parades. (1) Societies within whose district an Inspection Parade is appointed are required to provide a suitable place for the examinations to be conducted, and to suitably and reasonably advertise the holding of the parade on receipt of notice from the Department of the fixture. The secretary or some member of the committee of the society is required to be in attendance at the appointed time to assist the examin- ing officer in the arrangements for the inspection. (2) The Parades will be conducted and the Veterinary Officer will attend without expense to Societies other than that involved in adver- tising and making known the occasion to the public and the stallion owners in the district, and providing the examination ground. (3) The Examining Officer will attend Inspection Parades held at times and places set out in the official Time Table for the year, and all examinations of stallions for the Government Certificate will be made at such Parades or on some such publicly advertised occasion, unless under special circumstances as provided for in clause 5. (4) In the event of it being found impossible for local reasons to hold the Parade in any district at the time and date set out in the Time Table, notice to that effect — together with suggestions for alter- native date and time compatible with the rest of the Time Table — should be given not later than 1st June, after which no alteration in the Time Table can be made. (5) The special examination of stallions for the Government Certi- ficate of Soundness at other than the advertised stallion parades may be arranged for in cases where, through accidental circumstances, the owner has failed to submit the horse at such parade. Such examinations will only be arranged when the attendance of the Examining Officer will not interfere with the requirements of the Department for his services in other directions. An owner requesting such special examinations will be required to prepay a fee of £1 Is. for each horse examined; also the railway fare (first class return), and travelling expenses at the rate of 14s. per day, of the visiting officer. II. — Grounds for Eejection. (1) Refusal of Certificate on the ground of unsoundness will be made only when, in the opinion of the Examining Officer, the horse is affected at the time of examination with one or more of the following hereditary unsoundnesses, viz.: — Bog Spavin Ringbone Bone Spavin Roaring Cataract Sidebone Chorea " Shivering " or "Nervy " Stringhalt Curb Thoroughpin Navicular disease Whistling Nasal disease (Osteo-porosis) or such other hereditary unsoundness as the Minister may at any time declare. (Blemishes or unsoundness, the result — in the opinion of 10 June, 1916.] Government Certification oj Stallions. 361 the Examining Officer on appearances then presented — of accident, injury, and over-strain or over-work, will not disqualify.) (2) For the purpose of these regulations tlie following shall be the definitions of "Ringbone," "Sidebone," and "Curb": — (a) Any exostosis on the antero or lateral aspect of the pha- langes beiow the upper tliird of the On Siiffrayiiiis shall constitute a Ringbone ; (6) Any ossification of the lateral cartilage shall constitute a Sidebone; (c) Any circumscribed swelling on the posterior aspect of the hock in the median line and within the limits of the lower third of the hock and the head of the metatarsal bones shall constitute a Curb. (3) The Certificate will also be refused in the case of animals con- sidered by the Examining Officer to be below a reasonable standard for Government approval, as regards type, conformation, and breeding. (4) Stallions three or four years old, which are refused a Certifi- cate as regards type, conformation, and Isreeding may be re-submitted annually until five years old, after which the refusal shall be subject to review under Part V. of these regulations only. (5) In the case of horses that have been rejected for any reason whatsoever, a notification containing all particulars of identification shall be sent to all Chief Veterinary Officers of the other States of the Commonwealth as early as practicable after such examination has taken place. III. — Certificates. (1) Particulars concerning the identity of the horse — name, breeder, pedigree, age, prior ownership, &c. — must be furnished to the Examining Officer at the time of examination. If deemed necessary in any case the owner may be called upon to furnish a statutory declaration as to tbe correctness of such particulars. (2) Certificates will be issued within seven days of the holding of the Parades, and will be forwarded to the owner direct. Secretaries of Societies under whose auspices the Parade is held will be notified which, if any, of the horses submitted for examination obtain their Certificates. (3) The owners of stallions for which a Certificate is refused will within seven days of such refusal be officially notified of the fact; the reason for such rejection will also be given. (4) Until the issue of a Certificate, or until the publication of the official list of certificated stallions, the result of the Veterinary examination will not be coinnnmicated to any person except as liert>in provided or under circumstances as follow: — The Examining Officer may, on request on proper occasion, communicate to the owner or his agent — duly authorized in writing to inquire — the result of the examination. In case of refusal of the Certificate the reasons for refusal will not under any circumstances, save in legal proceedings under the direction of the Court, be communicated to any person except the owner or his agent duly authorized in writing. Secretaries of Societies, persons in charge of the horse, grooms or relatives of the owner will not be considered authorized agents for tliat purpose \\n\Qsa 362 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. they deliver to the officer the owner's signed authority to receive the information. (5) The Victorian Government Certificate of Soundness can only be issued in respect of horses three years old and over, that have been examined by a Victorian Government Veterinary Officer, or horses in respect of which any of the following certificates are produced : — The Government Certificate of Soundness of any Australian State or New Zealand. The Veterinary Certificate of the Royal Shire Horse Society (England). The Veterinary Certificate of Royal Agricultural Society (England). The Veterinary Certificate of Royal Dublin Society (Ireland). The Veterinary Certificate of Highland and Agricultural Society (Scotland). The Veterinary Certificate of Glasgow and West of Scotland Agri- cultural Society. The Veterinary Certificate of the Board of Agriculture and fisheries (England). The Veterinary Certificate of the Board of Agriculture (Scotland). Provided that such horses have been examined in accordance with these regulations. Any horse which has been rejected by the Veterinary Examiners for any of the above certificates will not be eligible for examination for the Victorian Government Certificate of Soundness. (6) The form of the Victorian Government Certificate of Sound- ness is as follows: — "G.R. — Department of Agriculture, Victoria, No. Certificate of Soundness and Approval, issued for the season (or issued for Life as the case may be), given in respect of the (breed) stallion (^name and description of stallion) sub- mitted for Government inspection by the owner (name of owner) at (place of ^ examination) such horse having been found suitable for stud service and free from hereditary unsoundness and defects of conformation predisposing thereto on examination by (signature of Examining Officer) Veterinary Officer on the day of 19 (Signature). Chief Veterinary Officer. Issued by direction of the Minister of Agriculture. (Signature). Director of Agriculture." (7) Two-year-old colts may be submitted for examination and a temporary certificate will be issued in respect of such as pass the examination. Such temporary certificate must not be taken to imply suitability for stud service of approval as regards type, nor is the issue of it intended as an indication of the likelihood of a certificate being issued when submitted for examination at a more mature age. (8) The season in respect of Government Certificates shall be con- sidered as opening on 1st July Stallions passing the examination any 10 June, 1916.] Government Certif cation of Stollions. 363 time during the three months previous to this date in New Zealand or Australia will be granted a Certificate for the season next following. In respect of stallions examined in Great Britain examinations on or after 1st January will be considered as examinations for the following season. IV. — Tenure of Certificate. (1) Certificates issued during the season in respect of horses five years old and over are life certificates; those for three-year-olds and four-year-olds are season certificates only, and such horses must be submitted for re-examination at four and five years before a life certifi- cate will be issued. (2) The Season certificate issued in respect of any horse must be handed to the Examining Officer at the time of re-examination or for- warded to the Chief Veterinary Officer before a subsequent Season certificate or a Life certificate will be issued. (3) The IMinister retains the right to at any time have a certi- ficated stallion submitted for re-examination, and to withdraw the certificate, in the event of the animal being declared, to his satisfaction, unsound. V. — Board of Appeal. (1) Any owner of a stallion who is dissatisfied with the refusal of a Government certificate in respect of his horse may appeal against the decision to the IMinister at any time within thirty days of the examination, under the following conditions: — (a) That the appeal be in writing and be accompanied by the lodgment of £5, such amount to be forfeited in the event of the appeal not being upheld, unless the Board shall for good cause otherwise direct. (6) That the appeal be accompanied by an undertaking to pay any railway fares and hotel expenses incurred by the Board of Appeal in connexion with the settlement of the appeal. (c) That, in the event of refusal having been on the ground of unsoundness, the appeal be accompanied by a certificate from a registered Veterinary Surgeon setting out that the horse has been foiuid by him on examination since the refusal appealed against to be free from all the unsoundnesses set out in Part II. of these regulations. {d) That, in the event of refusal having been on the ground of being l)elow standard for Government approval, the appeal be accompanied by a certificate from, the President and two members of the Committee of the Society under whose auspices the parade was held, setting out that in their opinion the horse is of fit and proper type, eon- formation, and breeding to be approved .-is a stud horse. (2) On receipt of Notice of Ajipeal in proper form, and with the :above conditions eomi)lied with, llie Minister will appoint a Board of Appeal, which sliall consist of: — (a) In the case of appeals against refu.sal of certificate on the around of unsoundness, the Cliief Veterinary Officer and two practising Veterinary Surgeons. 364 Journal of AgricuHure, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. (&) In the case of appeals against refusal of certificate as being below standard for Government approval, the Chief Veterinary Officer and two horsemen of repute and standing. Such Board shall act and decide on the appeal, and its decision shall be final, and not subject to review. (3) In the event of the appeal being allowed, refund shall be made of the deposit and any expenses paid by the appellant imder Clause 1 (&). Further, the Board may recommend to the Minister the allow- ance of such of the expenses of the appellant in supporting his appeal as it may consider reasonable under the circumstances of the case, and the Minister may, in his discretion, confirm the recommendation in whole or in part, whereupon allowance shall be made to the appellant accordingly. (4) No stallion in respect of which a Government certificate is refused will be allowed to be re-submitted for examination except in the case of an appeal or in such case as when a three or four years old stallion has been refused on account of type as herein provided for. In the event of any rejected stallion being re-submitted for examina- tion under another name or under such circumstances as in the opinion of the Minister are calculated to mislead the Examining Officer into- the belief that the horse has not previously been examined, the owner of such rejected stallion, if proved to the satisfaction of the Minister that he is responsible for such re-submission, shall be debarred from submitting any horse for examination for such period as the Minister shall determine. NOTICE TO SECRETARIES OF AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. Section " A "of the conditions to be complied with by Agricultural Societies before being eligible for participation in the annual Govern- ment grant is as follows: — " A. — That the aivards of prizes in all classes for stallions, three years old and over, at the Society's Shoiv mnst he subject to the possession by the exhibit of a Goveriiment certificate of sound- ness. ' ' In order to comply with the above, the special attention of show secretaries is invited to the receiving of entries in stallion classes. No- entry should be received unless at the time of entry the Government certificate is produced, or unless satisfactory evidence is given that a Government certificate is held by the owner in respect of the exhibit. The awarding of a prize card and the withholding of prize money in respect of any exhibit shall not be deemed as compliance with the condition. Care should be taken also to see that the certificate is not out of date, that is to say : — For three-year-olds, a 1916 three-year-old certificate must be held. For four-year-olds, a 1916 four-year-old certificate must be held: (the 1915 certificates are out of date). 10 June, 1916.] Government Certification of Stallions. 365 For horses five years old and over, a life certificate must be held. Horses holding Government certificates issued by any other State are not eligible to compete at shows unless such certificate is endorsed by the Victorian Department, " Recognised for Victorian Shows." Particular attention is directed to the method now in vogue of classifying certificated stallions. The list is now divided into horses carrying a life certificate and those which are terminable, and supple- mentary lists will be issued annually which should be added to those listed in Bulletins No. 30, No. 17, No. 24, and No. 30 (New Series). Secretaries are strongly urged to become familiar with the regula- tions, particularly Regulation IV., which deals with the tenure of certificates. Secretaries are required to forward immediately after the show a return (forms for which will be sent to each society) giving required particulars concerning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners as under: — Return to be forwarded to the Chief Veterinary Officer concerning Stallions (three years old and over) awarded Prizes at the Agricultural Society 's Show held Nanif of Certificate Number. Name of Class and Section (not Number). Prize Awarded. Owner's Name. Owner's Stallion . 1st. 2nd. 1 3rd. Address. (Signed) Secretary .Agricultural Society. Date 366 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPING. ADOPT A SYSTEM. By A. Hart, Chief Poultry Expert. Hints to Beginners. In these days of keen competition in the poultry-keeping industry everything in connexion with the business must be conducted on up-to- date lines. Money, of course, is the sole object in view of the man who keeps poultry for profit only. But even in his case it is absolutely neces- sary to select the very best possible strain and feed and care for the birds on up-to-date lines if success is to be obtained. The best stock are the cheapest in the end, and the proved methods of keeping and feeding the birds should be practised by every beginner in the business. In Successful poultry keeping in large flocks. making a start the beginner must first decide what varieties he will keep. If eggs are desired as the sole source of profit, then White Leg- horns should be his selection. But if a combination of egg production and rearing table poultry for market is wanted, then he must select some other breed as well as White Leghorns. We have Orpingtons, Wyan- dottes, Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, Faverolles, and Sussex, which are all useful in the production of general utility or all-round stock. But as eggs are at present the main source of return from poultry in Victoria, I would advise the beginner to select White Leghorns for 10 June, 1915.] Practical Poultry Keeping . 367 Trap nests. By the use of these nests it is possible to discover the hens that pay and those that do not. Woman s work. Kesults obtained during the first year by a successful beginner. the greater proportion of his flock. Tlie l)<\i:iimer who wishes to improve his stock should start with birds of tlie very l:>est possible laying strain, procuring cocks or cockerels unrelated and bred from high-^rade layers. It is just as necessary to have good laying strains on the nuile bird's side as it is to have it on tho side of the hens. By startinsj with birds as 368 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. described above you have good material to work upon. As the beginner may experience some difficulty in indicating the best layers in his stock. I would advise him to use trapnests. By this method he can pick out his best egg producers with certainty, and by breeding from none but tested layers he can improve the young stock to a marked degree. By adopting the plan of marking your birds with rings you can keep a record of each hen's egg production. Celluloid rings of different colours can be procured, and all that you have to do is to note the colour of the ring as she leaves the nest, and mark the egg accordingly. Another point which is essential in breeding strong and vigorous young birds of good constitution is to allow your breeding birds plenty of range. A small pen is not conducive to the production of strong chickens and fer- tility, and although good stock may be hatched under these conditions better birds still would be protiuced from the same parents if allowed more room. Animal food is also very useful in procuring good results in hatching, as well as increasing the egg production. But too much "is harmful and about h an ounce to each bird two or three times a week will generally be sufficient for stock birds. The food given should be fresh, sound, and sweet. The grain should be plump and clean. Wheat is, of course, the staple grain, but oats, peas, and maize ai'e also to be recom- mended in small quantities. Plenty of green food should be given every day, about noon being the most suitable time to give it. The morning meal should be a warm mash composed of pollard, bran, peameal, and oat pol- lard moistened with meat soup or warm separated milk or water, working it to a crumbly consistency. Fresh water should be regularly supplied, and the vessels thoroughly cleaned out every day. Plenty of shell grit and charcoal should be provided, and a dust bath is also very neces- sary, consisting of wood ashes, sand, and sulphur. The roosting house should be kept thoroughly clean, and a sharp lookout made for red mites or other forms of pests which infest poultry. Nest boxes should be kept very clean and well lined 1 /N /N 2 4\ /\ 3 /^ /\ 4 /\ ^ 5 /\ /1^ 6 4^ /N 7 /t\ 4^ 8 /h 4\ 9 4\ /h 10 4\ ^ - - /^ /hs 12 4^ 4\ 13 4^ yh 14 4- ^ 15 /h A 16 4^ Right foot. Left foot. Punch marks on feet for iden- tification of the different strains and mating. These marks should be made di- rectly birds leave incubator. \ 10 June, 1915.] practical roultri/ Keeping. 369 with fresh straw so as to insure the eggs being clean. Eggs do not im- prove in looks by being washed, and the best method is to keep tliem clean by having the nests prepared so that they do not become stained or lose the fresh appearance they have when laid. This pen has been specially mated up to produce prolitic layers. This pen has been specially mated up to produce cockerels to improve the size of the egg. Adopt a System. Tlie poult ry-keejier who starts in this business and wishes to become a practical man niiist use a system. Book-keeping is (|uite as necessary in connexion with profitable poultry-keeping as it is in any other busi- ness. A cash-bojjk will indicate tlir daily receipts and oxpendifure in 370 Jmirnal of Agriculture., Victoria. [10 June, 1916 connexion with your fowls. A ledger will show how the businesss stands from month to month, and in connexion with an egg record, will tell you how the stock are producing. A diary will also be very useful for writing down the doings of each day, and must form a very valuable book of reference for the owner of the farm. It does seem strange that so many poultry-keepers do not keep full and correct accounts of their business. If this system were regularly practised, I venture tO' say that the poultry industry would be much improved. If poultry-keepers want to know if their stock is paying, if they want to know when a change of breeding birds is necessary, if they want to know anything certain about the business, the only reliable method is to adopt a system and keep books. Four books will be quite sufficient. A cash-book, a ledger, an egg-reoord book, and a diary will be required, and if kept properly the poultry-keeper will certainly admit that the system is well worth the extra trouble entailed. Key to Success. The cash-book will show you exactly the amount of business you did on every day of the previous year, also the price of the food purchased. The price of buildings, as well as many other items of interest will be in the cash-book for reference, and its value is only known to those who have given it a trial. The ledger will give you full particulars of the rece'pts and expenditure for the past year, and will show you whether your business has been a success. The egg-record book will indicate with certainty the quantity of eggs produced by birds from the different pens, the time when they commenced laying, the birds which contracted broodiness, and a great deal of other essential information. The diary is one of the most useful books in the set. It is a daily record of all that happens in connexion with the business you are engaged in, show- ing a complete record of what takes place every day. As a book of refer- ence it is invaluable, and for this reason alone no poultry-keeper should be without a dairy kept on up-to-date lines. The adoption of a system 10 June, 1916.] Practical Poultry Keeping. 371 on the above lines must be especially valuable to all poultry-keepers who take an interest in the business, and it can be termed one of the main stepping stones towards success in this industry. Red Mite. One of the most common as well as the most annoyin,g of the para- sites that infest the poultry houses and their inmates is what is known as the red mite. It is one of the smallest of these pests, but it mvilti- plies so quickly that myriads will be found in a few weeks after it first makes its appearance. Although known as red mite, this parasite is is naturally grey in colour, the reddish tinge to the body being given by the blood it sucks from the fowls it preys upon. The eggs are laid on the fowls themselves, and can often be seen in thousands attached to the feathers. They will also be found in cracks and crevices of the fowl- house or other buildings. The heat of the fowl will encourage the hatch- ing of the eggs which are attached to the feathers, and the approach of warm weather will also act similarly on the eggs that are in sheltered parts of the fowl-house. They quickly attain full size, and at once proceed to annoy the fowls by sucking the blood from them. Al- though all of them do not always stay on the fowl, it will be found that a good proportion of them do so, the remainder filling them- selves with blood and then going back to the roosts or boxes. In the case of chickens the red mite is especially harmful. They infest them in such large numbers that they quickly suck the greater portion of the blood out, and the chicken literally weakens and dies through their ravages. When hens are used for hatching purposes, the red mites will prove a very serious trouble unless strict supervision and certain preventives are used. Sittings of eggs are often spoilt through the red mite, amateur owners not finding out what is the cause until the hen has left her eggs and the chickens are dead in the shells. When chickens are reared in brooders, the red mite is also likely to make its appearance, and if not exterminated, will speedily cause many deaths among the inmates. You may see a number of chickens with the back of tiieir heads and necks slightly bare, their wings drooping, and their general condition indicating tliat they are full of disease. On examination it will be found that it is the red mites that are causing all the trouble, and with their speedy eradication the chickens will quickly improve and throw off all signs of disease. There are several methods of eradicating these pests, but the system of prevention is the best of all cures. By applying the remedies durini' the winter months you effectivelv prevent the eggs from liatching. and if this is done properly, the task of keeping the mito down during tlie sum- mer and autumn nmnths will be com]):irativelv liglit. The most effective remedy for red mite is spraying or painting the jilaces wliore tlie eggs or mites accumulate with kerosene. The spraying is the quickest metliwl. and any ordinary garden spray with a fine nozzle will answer the pur- pose. Painting with a soft and fairly large brush is also suitable, but Red Mite (magnified 85 times). 372 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. ^10 June, 1916. in any case it is absolutely necessary that the whole of the building should receive its share. If any crack or crevice remains untouched, the operation is practically useless. Another remedy is kerosene emulsion. This is made by boilina a gallon of water and adding about a pound of soft soap. Then stir in a quart of kerosene and apply as hot as possible with either a spray or brush. A coating of boiling tar to which a little pitch is added may be used. This will kill the mites and also fill up cracks or crevices. Washing with hot limewash is also a remedy. There are also several forms of insect powder and ointments which are useful in eradicating red mites. Kerosene or emulsion will, however, be found an effective as well as a cheap remedy. FIELD CROP COMPETITIOXS (POTATOES). B// J. T. Ramsay, Potato ExjJert. Continuing their efforts to foster the potato-growing industry in their respective districts, the Agricultural Societies of Pakenham, Leon- gatha, Trafalgar, and Yarragon (the latter two in conjunction), again offered prizes fcr the best crops for the season 1915-16. For this the societies are to be commended. Their example might be followed with profitable results by the societies of other districts, not only for potato crops, but for every crop commerically grown. Competition is the soul of business, and it is equally true that com])etition in crop-growing is the best whip that is possible of application, to induce land-holders to put that interest and applied knowledge into practice. These two things only can raise the average production of their acres and elevate the standard of their operations to a plane worthy of the name of farming. Such competitions cannot but have an all-round beneficial influence. The leavening of friendly rivalry created by them must of necessity pro- mote effort to incrcas3 "knowledge of how soils can best be husbanded to increase their productiveness, and how crops can best be treated so that their prolificacy may be augmented. The acquirement of that knowledge, coupled with the desire to eclipse the results obtained by other growers, must develop interest which will find expression in its practical application to the cultivation of crops, with the necessary re- sult that higher all-round yields will obtain than can possibly be secured by what might be termed a laissez-faire system of farming. These being self-evident truths, the societies promoting these com- petitions deserve every support by the growers in their respective dis- tricts. If these growers would only realize that in supporting and making the competition a success they were not merely advertising the society, but advertising the district and their own wares in a most effective manner, there would be no paucity of competitors for the honour of securing the distinction of having produced the best crop of the season. 10 June, 1916.] Field Crop Co»ip'<^t/fioiis {I'otatoes). 373 It may be argued that the growing of a few acres for a competition would not affect the standard of cultivation of the larger areas gene- rally grown commercially. A moment's consideration should be suffi- cient to prove the fallacy of such argument. The educational benefit derived from the practical demonstration of the increased yield from the small area on which more intense cultural methods were practised wculd make it obvious that these methods produce returns showing a greater proportionate profit, and would have the effect of causing these improved methods to be applied to the larger areas. Pressure forced the wheat farmers of Australia to use improved methods of farming in producing their wheat. Pressure likewise will compel the farmers of other crops to improve their methods. These competitions, if properly availed of by growers, will do much to anticipate this economic pressure, which, although a useful and effective lever for improving the output of any industry, is often an unpleasant experience to those attached thereto. In judging these crops a maximum of 100 points was divided as follows : — Evenness of crop ... ... ... 10 points Cleanliness of crop as regards cultiva- tion and disease ... ... 10 ,, Quality of crop ... ... ... 45 ,, Weight yjer acre ... ... ... 35 ,, in allotting points for weight, the crop scoring highest in that section was given full marks, and the others were given marks pro rata. Some very heavy yields were recorded. In the Pakenham comy>etition, the winner, Mr. J. Savage, had a nice crop estimated to scale 11 tons per acre of marketable tubers. In the Trafalgar and Yarragon competition, Mr. T. Cconerty topped the Carman class with a 17-ton crop. Mr. W. Dowton, in the class for any other variety, had two entries which would yield 14 and 17 tons respectively per acre, but which were, un- fortunately for him, disqualified, because his area was not up to the measurement demanded by the conditions of the competition, and the first place was taken by Mr. H. Best, who was next highest in points. Mr. J. Geale scored heavily in the Leongatha competition with a mag- nfficent crop of 18 tons to the acre. The quality of the crops, with few exceptions, would have besn much improved had the growers adopted the practice of clos?r planting than is the rule. Land which is capable of growing 15 to 18 tons of jiotatoes to the acre is rich enough to carry a full crop with planting lant closer, and .so restriiH the feeding ai-ea of the plants. The result would be improve- ment ill size, imjirovemcnt in quality, and equally heavy, if not a heavier, tonnage In estimating the weights per acre, one row re])re- sentative of the average of the whole area was selected, and one chain long dug out of it. The result was multiplied by ten times the numlier of rows planted to one chain width. Tlie only margin of error per- nntted by this system of calculation is possible in estimating what is a fair average row of the area. 374 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. The results of the various competitions are given herewith. Pakenham Agricultural Society's Competition. Potatoes. Evenness. Cleanness. Quality. Weight. Total. 10 9 10 45 38 35 100 J. Savage 9 35 91 M. Sexton 9 10 40 26 85 J. Dixon 9 9 40 26 84 McW. Piper . . 8 8 43 24 82 McCarthy Bros. 7 7 40 26 80 M. Cunningham 9 9 38 23 79 T. Anderson 6 9 45 19 79 T. Clapperton . . 7 9 43 18 77 C. G. Reid 7 7 42 16 72 J. B. Reid 8 8 45 10 71 A. S. Reid 8 8 45 9 70 W. A. Reid . . 8 7 43 7 65 Trafalgar and Yarragon Societies' Competitions. Potatoes. CARMAN CLASS. Evenness. Cleanness. Quality. Weight. Total. 10 10 45 35 100 T. Coonerty 9 9 40 35 93 W. J. Casey . 9 8 42 28 87 J. F. Young . 8 8 41 25 82 C. Tucker 8 9 42 23 82 D. L. Young . 9 9 40 23 . 81 H. Best 8 9 42 21 80 G. Mulcahy 8 9 42 18 77 W. A. Tyrrell . 9 10 40 17 76 J. A. Briggs 9 8 41 17 75 ANY OTHER VARIETY. Name. W. Dowton W. Dowton H. Best J. A. Briggs W. J. Casey D. L. Young O. Tucker . . Variety. Gold Coin Dates . . Cook's Favorite Even- ness. Clean- ness. Quality. 10 10 45 8 9 8 9 8 10 8 10 10 10 8 9 9 9 39 41 43 43 40 40 41 Weight. 35 35 29 21 21 23 19 18 Total. 100 92 89 82 81 80 78 76 10 June, 1916.] Field Crop Competitions {Potatoes). 375 Leongatha Agricultueal Societies' Competition. Potatoes. Xame of Grower. J. Geale N. E. Hayes W. M. Hayes Evenne.ss. Cleanness. Quality. Weight. Total. 10 10 45 35 100 8 8 43 35 94 8 7 42 14 71 4 4 40 15 63 The result of five crops of one acre of maize for fodder which were entered for a prize given by the Trafalgar and Yarragon Societies is also given here. Tlie winner of this, Mr. C. Tucker, had an exceptional crop of beautiful quality Hickory King maize, which did him great credit, and which was estimated (by the same means used in arriving at the weights of the potato crops) to yield 40 tons per acre of succulent green maize. MAIZE. C. Tucker . . H. Matthew.s M. O'Brien R. S. Youn^ A. Cuthbert Cultiva- tion. 9 8 8 10 7 Method of Sowing. 10 10 10 0 Quality. 18 17 17 13 14 Yield. 40 33 30 28 25 Clean- ness. Freedom from Total. Disease. 10 96 10 87 10 81 10 80 10 70 ■^^^^t^f^^^^^' 376 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. STANDARD TEST COWS. QUARTERLY REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDED 31sl MARCH, 1916. During the period 50 cows completed their term under the regula- tions. Of this number 38 qualified for their certificate. Individual returns are as follows : — Mrs. A. BLACK, Noorat. (Jersey.) Completed since last report, 2. Certificated, 1. i£ 5? ■3u- o p o a^ ^° Name of Cow. ^ . c o 1 PO o g I.E PgP C 3 III i lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Madge . . 3575 27.5.15 3.6.15 273 12 4,624J 5-04 233*04 200 265i DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Werribee. (Red Poll.) Completed since last report, 16. Certificated, 14. o o . 3 P o "StS %l Name of Cow. 1^ 3'> Po Date of Entry \ Test. "3S I.S Ml J3 si 1 . "Sis BP4 c8 O lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Connecticut Not yet allotted 3.4.15 10.4.15 273 21 7,2044 4-75 342-36 250 390i Panama . . 12.4.15 19.4.15 273 17 5.869 4-23 248*45 200 283i Vuelta . . 25.4.15 2.5.15 273 20 8,311J 4*03 334- 89 250 381J Phillipina 26.4.15 3.5.15 273 19 7,122J 4*82 343*13 250 391i Primrose League (imp.) Alpina 10.5.15 17.5.15 273 19i 6,831 4-34 296*27 3371 13.5.15 20.5.15 273 15i 6,357 4-00 254* 23 250 289} Tiirka 16.5.15 23.5.15 273 32| 6,362i 4' 96 315*92 250 360i Cameo 23.5.15 30.5.15 273 15i 5,873i 4' 72 277*32 250 316J 24.5.15 31.5.15 273 20 7,494i 4-40 329* 71 250 375i Tennessee 26.5.15 2.6.15 273 14* 5,075i 4-09 207*77 200 236i Mexicana 1.6.15 8.6.15 273 16 7,969 4-39 349* 54 250 398^ Asiana 5.6.15 12.6.15 273 12i 6.367 4-63 29b* 00 250 336i Samorna 12.6.15 10.6.15 273 lOi 5,400J- 4*71 254*68 200 290J Netherlana 22.6.15 29.6.15 273 28 9,455^ 4-25 402*03 250 458i GEELONG HARBOR TRUST, Marshalltown. (Ayrshire.) Completed since last report, 9. Certificated, 3. ^ y: -o <*- Name of Cow. Herd Boo No. Date of Calving. Date of Entry to Test. P . PSP O ^3 ■3-d c 3 Ms lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Gipsv Maid of Glen 1818 2.4.15 9.4.15 273 Si 6,180 4*27 264*09 250 301 Elgin Ruby of Glen Elgin 1836 6.5.15 13.5.15 273 19 8,538 4*13 352*98 250 402* Ruby of Sparrovale 2512 18.6.15 25.6.15 273 ' "i 7,178 4*37 313*42 200 357J 10 June, 1916.] Standard Teat Govs. 377 T. HARVEY, Boisdale. (Jersey.) Completed since last report, 1. Certificated, 1. >, ■i. «M Name of Cow. o ■3 o f ^ >■ 1 M ■s.§ o o , "S Name of Cow. O ° a o o ss . . 3657 16.4.15 23.4.15 273 18i 7,784J 5' 96 464-28 250 Pearl III. ol Mel'ose Not yet 20.4.15 27.4.15 273 9 4 016J 6-49 260- 62 175 =-. allotted Lady MeU-ese IV. . . •• 27.4.15 4.5.15 273 m 7,336 4' 92 360-99 200 411J 10 June, 1916.] Sixth Egg-laying Competition, 1916-17. 379 SIXTH VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, 1916-1917. Commenced loth April, 1916; concluding 14th April, 1917. CONDUCTED AT THE BURNLEY SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA. Six Birds. 15.4.16 Position in Owner. Breeds. to Competi- Pen 14.5.16 tion. No. 13 H. .T. Meddows . . 11 R. W . Pope 17 W. G. Swift 27 JoJin Blaclcer . . 38 V. Little 40 A. Brundrett 16 F. CoIlin^s 15 G. Lausiilan 36 E. W. Hlppe 1 G. McDonnell . . 3 W. M. Bayles . . 12 G. Hayman 41 Excelsior Poultry Farm . . 7 C. J. Jackson 34 F. G. Silbereisen 26 Mrs. A. Dumas . . 25 A. H. Mould . . 18 C. Ludwig 37 J. M. Smith 5 W. G. Osburne . . 6 J. J. West 23 T. A. Pettiarove 20 H. Merrick 45 C. H. Oliver 28 S. Cheatle 92 Mrs. H. Stevenson 24 H. N. H. Mirams 30 F. T. Denner . . 21 A. E. Payne 44 J. Jamieson 43 S. Buscumb O H. McKenzie and Son 42 Thirkell and Smith 19 Benwerren Egg Farm 14 W. B. Hu.stlcr . . 9 W. H. Clinsin .. 33 E. M. Evans 8 E. \. Lawson . . 29 A. S. Hyndnian 32 N. Burston 10 J. H. Duncan . . 31 .1. H. Gill 101 v. E. Silbereisen 39 L. McLean 4 Fulhani Park . . 35 Tom Fisher LIGHT BREEDS. Wet Mash. White Leghorns R.C.B. Leghorns White Leghorns Total 122 121 120 116 115 115 115 113 113 111 110 109 108 108 105 104 104 103 103 101 101 93 93 83 83 83 79 79 74 71 70 69 68 65 65 59 54 52 50 44 44 32 15 12 3,764 ]» 10 11 12 }„ 15 >16 20 24 1 27 29 30 31 32 33 .34 36 37 38 39 J40 42 43 44 45 46 97 98 95 100 94 99 90 D. Fisher Marville, P. F. . . Mrs. Pearce Oaklands Poultry Farm Mrs. ( 'oad J. Ogden K. Hunt HEAVY BREEDS. Dry M.\sh. Black Orpingtons 95 78 70 08 30 3 380 Journal of A (iVicu]tur(\ Victoria. [10 JuNK, 1916. Sixth Victorian Egg-Laying Competition, 1916-1917 — continued. Six l!ir>ls. Owner. Breeds. Pen Xo. 15 .-t to 16 14 0. 16. Position in Competi- tion. LIGHT BREEDS. 40 59 52 61 55 65 53 70 64 54 58 56 62 48 69 47 49 51 60 67 50 57 68 66 63 W. H. Kobhins T. a. Pettiiirove W. J. Tlioin C. C. Dunn Rev. J. Mayo . . Izard and Tiernev W. N. O'Mullanc" G. Willn Farm N. Burston Dry Mash. White liesliorns Total 140 1 134 2 128 128 l» 119 119 ]-' 115 i 113 8 110 9 108 10 105 11 104 12 103 13 95 14 91 15 83 16 81 17 80 18 77 19 60 20 57 21 46 22 20 23 15 24 25 2,231 HEAVY BREEDS. Wet Mash. 72 Jlarville Po\iltry Farm . . Black Orpingtons . . 141 1 74 Oaklands Poultry Farm . . >j 140 2 89 Brooklyn Poultry I'^arm . . It 136 3 87 S. Buscunib ij 119 4 86 C. LudwisT ,. 118 5 80 Mrs. Pearce > J 104 6 85 Mrs. M. Coad 91 7 79 Stranks Bros. White Orpingtons 00 8 81 K. C'ourtenay Faverolles 87 9 83 L. McLean Black Orpingtons . . 69 10 92 J. H. Wright . . 60 1" 88 .\. D. McLean . . 60 77 Mrs. G. R. Bald Wliite Plymouth Rocks 56 13 93 L. W. Parker . . Black Orpingtons . . 49 14 73 E. W. Hippe . . Rhode Island Reds 40 j,5 90 Excelsior Poultry Farm . . Black Orpingtons . . 40 91 Js^ Papayanui ? ' 36 17 78 Reliable I'oultry Farm , . 33 18 75 Mrs. Drake Rhode Island Reds 32 19 84 H . L. Trevana . . ) 30 20 76 ]j. A. Errey Silver Wyandottes 18 21 82 J. Ogden Black Orpingtons . . 3 22 71 C. E. Graham . . Total 1,552 23 Department of Agriculture, Mell)ourne, Victoria. A. HART, Cliief Poultry Expert. 10 June, 1916.] Orchdrd and Garden Notes. 381 Monthly Report. The weather during the past month was mild and warm for time of year, consequently the new birds settled down and commenced laying better than usual. The yield of eggs for the month has been very satis- factory. A few birds have gone into partial moult, and others went off after arrival, whilst two birds have gone brcody. Temperatures: highest, 82 deg. Fahr. ; lowest, 45 deg. Fahr. Rainfall, 229 points. Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. A. HART, Chief Poultry Expert. ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., Frincipcd, School of Horticulture, BurnleiJ. The Orchard. Planting. The time has now arrived when the general planting of deciduous fruit trees will take place. The soil should have previously been well ploughed and subsoiled, and, as far as possible, drained. Certainly to insure satisfactory results, the orchard must be subsoiled. Where expense is a consideration, drainage may be left for subsequent years, but once the orchard has been planted, it will be impossible to subsoil. When planting out, the distance between the trees will be determined by the kinds to be planted. For ordinary deciduous fruiting trees it is the custom in this State to plant them 20 feet apart in the rows, the rows also being 20 feet apart. Results have proved this to be a satisfac- tory practice. Almond trees may be planted 15 or 16 feet apart each way, while walnuts, owing to their spreading habit, require a distance of 30 feet apart each way. Deep planting is not advocated, the general practice being that the depth of planting in the nursery should be followed. If holes are dug, they should be shallow the bottom being merely loosened to allow a comfortable friable bed for the tree roots. A good practice is to dig the whole strip along which the trees are to be planted, merely removing sufficient soil afterwards when planting. Another satisfactory custom is to plough furrows 20 feet apart, and to plant the trees in the furrows, filling in the soil over the roots and trampling well down. Before planting, the roots of the young trees should be well trimmed, shaped to an even form, and cleanly cut. As the result of their removal from the nursery beds, the roots are generally more or less damaged, and numbers of the fibrous roots, becoming: dry, shrivel and die. These all require a clean trimming. Then it is often desirable to remove some of the roots so as to balance the root system. The trimming of the roots gives the young tree a clean root system, and it is enabled to establish itself with young, vigorous roots. After planting, the top should be well rut back, so as to leave three nr four ai'iiis, with Ihiec or foiir buds on each. Where it is not possible 382 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. to have this number of arms or limbs it is frequently advisable to cut back to one stem, allowing the buds to break out strongly and frame the tree after planting. In some localities, the custom of not cutting back the trees the first year is favoured. Local experience has not resulted in favour of this practice, as it is found to be inadvisable to unduly strain the young tree by leaving a heavy top to be supported by the weak- growing root system. A number of good commercial fruits have been found to be either wholly or partially self-sterile, requiring other varieties near them to enable them to set their fruit. For this purpose it is necessary that the bloom periods should be somewhat coincident. Spraying. The dry season has been favorable, in many districts, to the increase of certain scale insects, woolly aphis, and the bryobia mite. The use of red oil has been advocated for these pests, and, as well, crude petroleum, kerosene and other oil emulsions have proved satisfactory. Some years ago the use of lime, sulphur and salt spray was much in vogue as a winter spray. Owing, however, to the difficulty of preparing the spray, and to its caustic effect on the skin, it was practically abandoned as an insecticide. Even then it was claimed, and rightly so, that the spray was, to a certain extent, a very good fungicide. The use of this mixture as a winter wash, with the omission of the salt, which has been found to be an unnecessary ingredient, is now general; and, as it is obtainable in a ready-made form, it is to be strongly recommended as a good all round winter spray. Generat. Work. All ploughing should now be completed; if not, it should be finished before spraying and pruning operations are proceeded with. Any autumn manuring or liming should also be now carried out. This, too, should be finished before spraying or pruning. Before spray- ing with oils or with lime sulphur wash, all rough bark on apple and pear trees should be scraped off. This will mean the certain destruction of any codlin moth larvae hiding underneath. Vegetable Garden. If not previously done, asparagus beds should be well cleaned out, and a top dressing of manure given. To insure good drainage, the soil from the paths, or between the beds, may be thrown up on the beds, so as to deepen the surface drainage, and to consequently warm the beds. This will mean earlier growths. A heavy dressing of manure should be given, and the beds well and roughly dug over. Plant out seeds of tomatoes and the pumpkin family in the frames; and sow in the open, seeds of peas, lettuce, spinach, broad beans, radish, onions, carrot and leek. Asparagus crowns, rhubarb roots, tubers of Jerusalem artichokes, shallots and onions may now be planted out. Celery should still be earthed up, taking care not to have the beds too wet. Flower Garden. General cleaning up and digging will be the work for this month in flower section and shubbery. Where the soil is heavy or sour, or where 10 June, 1916.] Orchard and Garden Notes. 383 sorrel is plentiful, the garden should be given a heavy dressing of fresh lime, giving a fair dusting all over the surface. Lime should not be used in conjunction with leaves, garden debris, leaf-mould, stable manure, or any other organic matter used for humus. These should be first disposed of by digging well into tlie soil ; then shortly afterwards a top dressing of lime may be given. Should no humic material be used, the lime may be dug in with the autumn digging. In cleaning up gardens, all light litter and foliage should be either dug in, or, better still, it should be placed in an out-of-the-way corner to form a compost heap. Leaf-mould, well rotted, is especially useful in any garden, and where such plants as Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Liliums, &c., are grown, or for pot plant work it is exceedingly valuable. In forming tlie compost heap, no medium whatever should be added to help tlie rotting down of the leaves unless it be a little sand. Any chemical added will render the mould unsuitable for its special objects. Any hardy annuals may be planted out, such as stocks, pansies, wall- flowers, &c., and cuttings of roses and hardwood shrubs may also be planted. In planting out cuttings it is very important that all the eyes should be removed from the part of the cutting which is to be below the ground. If this be not done, there will always be the subsequent danger of the plant suckering. Roses and any summer and autumn flowering shrubs that have finished flowering may be pruned. If the spring flowering shrubs have not pre- viously been pruned, they should be allowed to remain until after the next flowering season. This especially applies to such plants as Spireas, Philadelphus (Mock Orange), Deutzia, Prunus Mume, and other early flowering shrubs. To prune these now would mean the certain loss of a great proportion of their flowers. In pruning, the shrubs may be well thinned out. especially removing any weak upright or old flowering growths; keepthe shrub always at an outward growth, inclining to a broad bushy tvpe, instead of to an upright habit. By this means, the lower regions will always be furnished with good growth. Shrubs and trees of all descriptions should never be allowed to become too crowded ; they require to be opened, so as to allow sunlight and air into the interior, where it is most needed. This is one means by which this class of plants may be kept healthy and free from disease. Very few shrubs resent pruning, and the majority of them, including Australian shrubs, such as Acacias, are very amenable to the pruning knife. In rose pruning, the rule is that strong growing plants require less severe cutting than the weak growing ones. As roses alwavs flower on new wood, it is essential that to have good blooms the bushes must be pruned regularly. All weak growths, exhausted and worn out wood must be removed, retaining only vigorous growths. It is generally advisable to alwavs prune to four or five eyes or buds, so as to have subseouent strong growths, always pruning into the previous season's wood. Spindly growtlis, especially in the centres of the bushes, should be removed, the plants being trained with an open and angular habit. To prevent loss by decay, it will be advisable to lift and store such herbaceous plants as delphiniums, perennial phlox, rudbeckias. &c., also dahlias, tubers, chrysanthemums, cannas, and perennial sunflowers and asters. Failing the possibility of doing this, they should be lifted gently with a fork, so as to allow of a slight air space under the crown. 384 Joiirniil of Af/ricuJi iirc, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. REMINDERS FOR JULY. Live Stock. Horses. — Those stabled and worked regularly should be fed liberally. Those doing fast or heavy work should be clipped ; if not wholly, then trace high. Those not rugged on coming into the stable at night should be wiped down and in half- an-hour's time rugged or covered with bags until the coat is dry. Old horses and weaned foals should be given crushed oats. Grass-fed working horses should be given hay or straw, if there is no old grass, to counteract the purging effects of the young growth. Old and badly-conditioned horses should be given some boiled barley or linseed. Mares due to foal early if in poor condition should be fed liberally. Commence preparing stallion for season, especially if worked. Cattle, — Cows, if not housed, should be rugged. Rugs should be removed and aired in the daytime when the shade temperature reaches 60 degrees. Give a ration of hay or straw, whole or chaffed, to counteract the purging effects of the young grass. Cows about to calve, if over fat, should be put into a paddock in which the feed is not too abundant. Newly-calved cows should be fed liberally to stimulate milk flow. Calves should be kept in warm, dry shed. Pigs. — Supply plenty of bedding in warm, well-ventilated styes. Keep styes clean and dry. Store pigs should be placed in fnttening styes. Sows in fine weather should be given a grass run. Young pigs over two months old should be removed from lucerne run. Sheep. — Go carefully through all breeding flocks on conclusion of lambing. Reserve all best-framed and profitable-fleeced ewes. Ear mark all found unde- sirable to breed from, and dispose of any that may be fat before prices recede in the spring. Use a neat mark for ear-marking, not the " slash," " top off," and " quarter," the usual rough ear marks made by the knife. Discard all undersized, narrow-framed ew^es, any with short yellow fleeces, those with thin locky staple, any with very fine, light, and wasty fleeces, ewes with " bottle " udders, single teats, undershot, overshot, or otherwise deformed mouths, ewes six years old and over. Draw teeth of aged ewes altogether, if showing open and signs of feed slipping through. Consider well before selling any early born, good-fleeced ewe lambs this coming season. Select best rams for future service; remember, wide, thick sheep are best thrivers, but they must carry good fleeces as well. Keep all ewes well crutched and the udders and eyes well cleared of w^ool previous to lambing. Give lambing flocks good attention. The early lambing over an extensive area has been again a partial failure, therefore every lamb saved will be well worth the trouble. Poultry. — Mating of birds intended for breeding purposes should receive im- mediate attention. Ten second-season Leghorns or Minorcas, or six of the heavier birds, such as Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, and Wyandottes (preferably in their second year), with a vigorous unrelated cockerel will be found satisfactory. Table birds bred in March or April will pay handsomely prior to the Cup Carnival. A tonic in drinking water as a preventive against chicken pox and other ailments is advantageous. Cultivation. Farm. — Finish sowing barley, peas and beans, and late white oats in backward districts. Trim hedges. Fallow for potatoes, maize, and other summer crops; in early districts, plant potatoes. Graze off early crops where possible. Orchard.— Continue to plant deciduous fruit trees, bush fruits, and straw- berries. Continue cultivating and pruning. Spray for mites, aphides, and scales. Flower Garden. — Plant shrubs, climbers, and permanent plants, including roses ; also annuals and herbaceous perennials, early Gladioli, Liliums, Iris, and similar plants. Continue digging, manuring, trenching, and liming. Vegetable Garden. — Plant out seedlings. Sow seeds of carrots, parsnips, cauliflowers, onions, peas, broad beans, and tomatoes. Dig all vacant plots. Vineyard. — Proceed with pruning, burning off, and ploughing. Complete, as early as possible, the application of manures if not already done. Mark out la,nd for new plantations. If ground is in good order and not too wet, proceed With plantation of young vines (unpruned). Remove cuttings or scions from vines previously marked, and keep fresh by burying horizontally in almost dry sand in cool, sheltered place. Permanently stake or trellis last year's plantations. Cellars. — Rack all young wines, whether previously racked or not. Rack older wines also. For this work choose, as much as possible, fine weather and high barometer. Fill up regularly all unfortified wines. This is a good time for bottling wine. 10 June, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. XVll Phalaris Commutata THIS is a splendid Winter perennial grass and is excellent for Spring and Summer in all climates. Grows between 6 and 7 feet high, and stands feeding or cutting. Makes rapid g'owth all through the Winter, resist- ing frosts and droughts. It has proved itself one of the best introductiors of recent years. Price of Seed 5/6 per lb. ; 5/- per lb. in 14 lb. lots; 4 6 per lb. in 28 lb. lots or more. Strong Plants, 2/- per 100; 10 - per 1 ,000. Strawberry Clover (The great Tarwin Meadow Clover) has rapidly come to the fore of late years, as it is a most valuable forage plant for damp lands, producing immense quantities of fattening herbage. Greatly relished by stock. When established if becomes a very rapid grower and quickly covers vacant spaces. Seed, in husks, 7 6 per lb. ; 7 lb. lots, 7 - per lb. ; 14 lb. lots or more, 6/6 per lb. Clean Seed. 12, 6 per lb.; 10 lb. lots. 12 '- per lb.; 28 lb. lots, or over, 116 per lb. Roots, 10 - per 1,000; or in sugar bag lots, 20'-. Sheep's Burnet Is a most valuable fodder plant, and will thrive on even the poorest chalk soil. Very suitable for dry country, where lucerne will not exist. Greatly liked by cattle. I 3 per lb. The coming fodder — Silver Beet Its freedom from insect pests and fungoid diseases, its resistance to droughts and frosts, the enormous tonnage of succulent forage it produces, and its fairly high feeding value, place it in the foreground of all other forage or root crops. 5 - per 11). ; 20 lbs., 4 - per lb. ; 56 II). lots or more, 3 6 per lb. LAW, SOMNER & CO. " HeadQuarters for Lucerne " 139-141 Swanston St., Melbourne Branch: 83 Swanston St. (3 Doors South of Collins St.) Journal of AgriciiUure, Victoria. [10 June, 19l6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Keel r oil l/airy rlera (NOTE.— All the bull calves of 1915 drop have been sold, and choices from covtrs to calve this season have been booked ahead of calving. The demand for bull calves is so strong that farmers contemplating purchase are advised to study the records of the herd published in the September (1915) Journal of Agriculture and book their orders ahead, stipulating choice of bull calves from, say, three of the record cows.) Bull Calves are sold at prices based approximately on the actual milk and butter 'fat record of the dam at the rate of Is. per lb. of butter fat yielded. INDIVIDUAL RECORDS cows. Name. Days Weeks Milk, A verage Butter Commercial Price of in Milk. in Milk, in lbs. Test. Pat (lbs.) Butter (lbs.) Bull Calf. Muria 365 52 14,972 5-9 884-6 1,007-94 43 Guineas. Viielta . . 2S9 41 i 7,750 0-2 485 10 553 00 24 Persica . . 351 50 9,607 4-9 479 94 547 13 23 Cuba 337 48 10,464 4-5 478 14 545 07 23 Birdseye . . 321 45 J 8,522 5-5 473 79 540 12 23 Bullion .. 321 45| 10,928 4-3 468 99 534 64 23 Virginia . . 344 40 10,252 4-4 456 76 5-iO 13 22 Peninylvania 348 49i 10,607 4-1 437 42 498 65 21 Sumatra . . 290 4U 9,232 4-6 431 49 491 89 21 Egypta . . 327 46i 10,646 3-9 418 55 477 14 20 India 365 52 8,556 40 390 60 445 28 19 Mexicana 282 40i 8,641 4-6 399 75 455 71 19 Euiopa . . 347 49 i 8,765 4-4 3S7 11 441 30 19 Goldleaf 362 5U 8,415 4-4 377 67 430 54 18 Connecticut 283 40i 6,780 5-3 364 00 415 00 18 Phillipina 284 40. V 6,829 5-0 343 33 391 39 17 Turka 279 39f 6,395 4-9 316 07 360 31 15 Kentucky 2S8 zn 7,904 3-9 313 25 357 00 15 Ardath 3:^2 47i 6,261 4-S 302 91 345 31 15 Britannia 329 47 7,637 3-9 300 71 842 81 15 Asiana 279 39i 5,933 4-9 292 01 332 62 14 Netherlan*i 292 41 i 6,903 4-2 291 78 332 62 14 Havana . . 325 46i 7,001 4-0 285 80 325 88 14 Cameo 303 43i 5,536 5-1 285 GO 325 5S 14 Alpina 286 40j 6,995 3-9 276 86 315 62 13 Ilispana ., 365 52 0,574 30 241-60 275-52 12 HEIFERS. 1 Pipio 334 47 i 6,802 4 8 326-37 372-06 16 Oiiinfas. Carribea . . 305 52 7,142 4 3 310-63 354' 12 15 ,. 1 Tennessee 311 44i 6,706 4 2 282-88 322 48 14 Japana 357 51 7,788 3 6 282-62 322 19 14 Samorna 365 52 5,490 4 9 271-76 309 80 13 La Reina 342 m 5,070 5 1 261-96 293 63 13 Oceana . . 365 6,247 4 1 250-64 292 57 12 Panama . . 2S8 41 5,997 4 2 253-99 289 55 12 Ontario . . 365 52 6,059 4 1 251-40 286 6 12 Soudaiia . . i 340 49i 5,480 4 5 249-32 284 22 12 Mongolia 301 43 5,799 4 2 244 - 95 279 24 12 Sylvia 301 43 4,897 4 7 235-79 268 80 u Laurel 325 46J 5,554 4-0 225-70 257-30 11 Inspection of the Herd is invited. Visitors will be met at the Station on notification to :— Mr. R. R. KERR, Dairy Supervisor \ or State Research Farm, Werribee. Mr. ED. STEER, Herdsman J Application for purchase to DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE. 10 JuxK, l!JlG.| .loiir/Kil of Ayriciitturc, Victoria. NATIONAL TRUSTEES Executors & Agency Company of Australasia, Ltd. DIRECTORS : HON. WALTER MADDEN. Chairmaa acd ManaBini Director. EDWARD FtTZGERALD. E.q.. LL.D. MICHAEL MORNANE. E.q. HON, DUNCAN E. McBRYDE. M.L.C. HENRY MADDEN, E.q. DAVID HUNTER. Etq. This Comp.-iny Acts as Executor or Joint Executor of Wills, Administrator, Trustee of Settlements, and Agent for Absentees under Power of Attorney. MONEY TO LEND ON BROAD ACRES AND FARM LANDS Oifices - 1 13 Queen St. (Corner of Little Coliins-st.) Melbourne The State Savings Bank OF VICTORIA GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA Reserve Fund £500,000 DEPOSITS now exceed TWENTY-FIVE MILLION POUNDS INTEREST 3]/z per cent, on sums from £l to £350; and on DEPOSIT STOCK m sums from £lO to £1,000 in addition to the ordmary account bearing Interest up to £350. Deposits Received from ONE SHILLING to ONE THOUSAND POUNDS Depositors may deposit or withdraw on demand at any of llie 128 Brandies or 327 Agencies in Victoria. Money is payable also at any State Savings Bank in Australia, also in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Soldiers may operate accounts in London, Alexandria, Cairo, and Malta. Head Office GEO. E. EMERY, ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE. Inspector.Qeneral. ••^ 'Wiiy:h Grubber "1000 TREES & STUMPS GRUBBED OUT'' Thu« writas Mr. J. Sutherland, P«.rw*r>. " I atn T^ry well pleoiteii wiili thf Orubberi, m Ihty are doinf; rery (rood work. With mine I have olot* on 1,000 treet and ■tuni|iii i;iwM>ed out. I have done all lhi« work ni.vaelf without any aaaiatanre. So I ooDtldar iha Orubbar haa mora tbao dautily paid for itaeK." FmU TK* "MONKIY WINOH" will ■live time, labour and money on p^riijulart ireur land olearlng. Is always ready, and can be w^orked In fr*m — tHe very roug^heat country and In any class of timber. TREWHELLA BROS. pty. ltd., TRENTHAM XX Joiinml oj Atjiiciil t lire, Victoria. [10 June, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE To Owners of Pedigreed Stock of all kinds, Dairy Farmers and Others The Deparlmenl has compiled a Stock Breeding Record Book Comprising Table of Service and Due Dates, Females with Record of Progeny, Sires with Record of Service, General Service Record, Pedigree Charts, Milk Fat and Butter Records for Dairy Stock This Book contains 234 pages on stiff paper, and is strongly bound in half leather. A limited number available. Price, 10/ 6 Postage — Victoria I /6, other States and N . Zealand 2/8 extra. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. 10 Junk, 1916.] J onriKi'l o} AyriviiUitre, V iclornt . 5^5fi DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA. Burnley Horticultural School E. E. PESCOTT, Principal. ANNOUNCEMENT. THE curriculum and management of ihe Burnley Horli- cultural School have now been arranged so that greater advantages and facilities will be given to students of both sexes in Horticulture and allied subjects. The present course of Horticulture for male students includes a two years' course, students being charged a fee of £5 per annum. Classes have been formed at Burnley, whereby students of both sexes may receive instruction on two afternoons of each week — Tuesdays and Fridays. Instruction includes theoretical and practical work, and will commence at 2 p.m. This will be a two years' course, and the fee charged will be £2 per annum. It has also been arranged that several short lecture courses shall be given on subjects which are suitable adjuncts to Horticulture, such as Poultry Farming, Bee-keei)mg, and Fruit Preserving, and these courses will be open and free to the general public. The subjects and dates of the Short Course Lectures will be announced in this Journal. STUDENTS SHOULD ENROLL WITHOUT DELAY. Application for Admission should be made to the Director of Agriculture, Public Offices, Melbourne ; or to the Principal. X-x'n .loiinia) oj A (jricnh iirc, Viclorui. [lO June, I9l6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT COOL STORES THE NEW STORES AT VICTORIA DOCK have a capacity of 310,000 cubic feel insulated, and are capable of holding 155,000 boxes of butter, or 105,000 cases of fruit, or 140,000 carcasses of lamb and mutton. Produce can be placed on conveyors at any point and mechanically carried to any chamber in the building, or conveyed from the chambers diredl into the ship's hold. Eledlric motor power totals 820 H.P. The Railway Department Goods Sheds are adjacent to and conneded with the Cool Stores by dire<5l lines ; delay and exposure oJ produce through shunting in the Spencer-street yards, or cartage, are thus avoided. The Stores are situated in close proximity to the Victoria Dock, where vessels drawing up to 30 feet of water can be berthed; excellent facilities for the efficient and economical treatment and shipment of frozen and perishable produ*(oli 445 Reminders ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 448 COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES. The Articles in the .Journal of the Department of Agriculture ot \')ctoria are protected by the provisions of the Copyright Act. Proprietors of newspapers wisiiing to republish any matter are at liberty to do so, provided the Journal and author are both ac.knorvledffed. The Jouinal is issued monthl}-. The subscri[)tion, which is pa\al)le in advance and includes postage, is .'is. per annum for t)ie Con\nion\vealth and New Zealand, and na. for the United Kingdom and Foreisrn Countries. Single copy, Threepence. Sul)scri[)tions should be forwarded to the Director of Agriculture, Melbourne. ^2 A complete list of tlie various publications issued by the Department ot .Agriculture will be supplied by the latter. Cv2 LO CO Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. A Million produced in one season from one San Jose Scale Control it by using Prepared Red Spraying Oil Better penetration than other sprays. The surest destroyer of all scales. Directions an each container. Our free descriptive booklet on Orchard Pests is full of information- send for it. Vacuum Oil Co. Pty. Ltd. Throughout the Commonwealth and New Zealand 10 July, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. USE Improved :: 19 13:: FOR BRANDING YOUR SHEEP Vi^ KEMP'S Sheep-Branding LIQUID It has been proved by hundreds of Woolgrowers, among^ them some of the largest squatters in Au^ralia, to be an un- qualified success, and to do everything that is claimed for it. BLACK, RED, AND BLUE (in Cases) Containing Two yf /^^^ per Or Eight 1-gal. tins 4-gal. tins :: TT/ X^ gal. :: 5/- per gal. AGENTS DALGETY & Co. Ltd. MELBOURNE & GEELONG WATER LIFTED 500 FEET AND PUMPED A MILE At a Cost of One Penny per Hour. OUR FARM PUMP Engine will do this as well as cut chaff, saw wood, work shearing machines, 6cc. It can be allached to a windmill or almost any other pump in 3 minutes. Needs no mechanic to fix or operate, and works all day without attention. ^3 Hundreds sold and giving satisfaction. Price £35, with "Bosch" Magneto. If interested in water supply or irrigation, state your working conditions and we will quote. We stock Steam, Kerosene, Petrol, and Hot Air Engines, Centri- fugal I'umps, and "Myers'," "Gould's" 6c "Deming's" Pumps for all services. " Mackie's " Rock and Water Borer and plants for deep well and bore pumf)ing a specially. We erect if required and give easy terms. Catalog* and Expert Advice Free. Sole Agents for •• Lister's " (British Built) Petrol and Kerosene Engines, " Bosch" Magneto Ignition, U. 3. 5. 7. and 9 111', in Stock. Send for Special CataloKUc*. Over 3,000 Ea»y Terma, Agents ■Wanted Everywhere. THE "CHALLENGE The High Quality — Low Price MiU. It's all steel, all galvanised, internal geared, fitted with forged crank, positive brake, sensitive govarnor, renewable bearings, and efficient lubrication. One customer has purchased I 17 mills. Scores have purchased 30 to 40. All give satisfaction. £6 6 ft. Mill, weight 330 lbs. 8 ft. 10 ft. 420 526 £8 Other sizes in proportion. Towers from £3. Gel Catalog. Pumps, piping, troughs, tanks, tank stands, all accessories slocked. Our Eiyiert will inspect site, quote price, and erect i( required. Easy terms given. Langwill Bros. & Davies Pty. Ltd. 110-114 STURT ST. (Near Prince's Bridge) SOUTH MELBOURNE Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Send for PRUNING POINTS A little book, containing a splendid article on How, When and Where to Prune, by Mr. E. E. Pescott, Principal of Burnley School of Horticulture. Also gives our Pruning Equipment at Money-saving Prices. Post Free Everywhere. The "Success" is a fine Spray Pump and will do to perfection all the spraying necessary in the med ium-sized orchard. In addition to orchard work the "Success** (being such a handy size) can be used effec- tively in the Garden and Greenhouse, and for disinfecting Stables, Poultry Houses, &c., Washing Windows, Buggies, &c. The work- ing parts in the "Success" are all brass, no fear of corrosion from spray mixtures. The Air Chamber assists in throwing a constant stream, so that rapid pumping is unnecessary. 5 feet of Hose and Bordeaux Patent Nozzle (which throws from a solid jet to the finest spray) are supplied with each "Success" Pump. For Planting Fruit Trees, or for Digging Post Holes for Fencing, Use the "IWAN" Digger The "IWAN" Post Hole Digger makes fencing or any earth boring quite simple. No more pressure is needed than to lean on the digger and turn it to the right. Six half turns usually fills the digger, and six times filling makes your 3 feet hole. Bores the hole just about right for the post, leaving very little earth to shovel back and ram. 10 inch is the usual fencing size, and 120 holes in a day is easy going. Splendid for planting fruit trees, and effective in boring for water. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 in. 7/6 7/6 7/6 7/6 8/6 9/6 10/6 12/- 28/6 36/6 UmASE Tools are profitable for Cultivation Illustration shows No. 6 Horse Hoe and Cultivator, with Expander Lever and Plain Wheel. Packed weight, 76 lbs. Price, 48/6. The Hoe Standards are solid steel securely attached to the frame bars by malleable ratchet castings — these give several easy adjustments to the side hoes, sidewise and at different angles. Horse Hoes, Harrows, Culti- vators, Garden Drills and Wheel Hoes. 38 Varieties in stock. Ask for "Iron Age" Booklet — Post Free. »:i_ t-, o .^^ . ■, ^^ ■. For Fariri & Orchard Tools. MS^PItcrsoivl; W"^ Proprietary Ltd 554-66 and 582-88 Collins St., Melbourne. Estd. 56 Years. 10 July, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. 69098 Modern Styles in Working Heads and Pump Jacks Fig. 69098 is a Deep Well Working Head designed to meet the demand for a medium priced head for power pumping from wells or bores by means of belt drive from gasoline, oil or steam engine, electric motor or line shaft. It is of simple construction, all gearing is close to the base, and the driving pully is located between the two driving pinions. Two gears on one shaft are connected to the crosshead by connecting rods, and are driven by two pinions. The cross- head is guided by two upright rotls, and is so built that plunger and rods can be taken from tl:e wells without re- moving the head — or the head can be moved with very little trouble. Pamphlet of full particalars mailed free. Will be exhibited at forthcoming Royal Show Fig. 69493 is a geared pump jack for operating any ordinary windmill pump head or standard by belt drive. Substantially constructed, supported by its own base, and clamps to head or standard. Pinion is protected by guard. The gears and plungers are so arranged that the pitman moves vertically on the upstroke without side-thrust. Adapted for hand, windmill, or engine- power by changing one bolt and adjusting the pitman. Gear ratio, 5 to i . Wrist pins are of steel. Fast and loose pulleys measure 12 inches by 3 inches. Strokes : 6, 8. or 10 inch. Pamphlet giving full particulars mailed free. Makers of NVindmills, Pumps, Troughs. Flumiri);. Tanks. Stands, &c. 393-399 Bourke St., Melb. 324-330 Pitt St.. Sydney. 69493 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. JERSEY BUTTER BULLS SIRE-MABEL'S CHIEF (imp.). Dam's Performance under „™o j a Government Herd Testing. 273 days. Age. LASSIE 2nd (1136) - December, 1915 Last Season . . 9,335 lbs. Milk. .513J lbs. Butter (4-79 test). This Season .. 8,r,44 lbs. Milk. 47S lbs. Butter (4-91 test). LASSIE (509) - - January, 191C Last Season . . 7,340 lbs. Milk. 425 lbs. Butter (5-08 test). This Season . . 6,997 lbs. Milk. 417 lbs. Butter (5-24 test). Ri,ii= Dam's Performance under .,,.3 . . ^""^- Government Herd Testing. ^^^ ^^y^- Age. 1. ETTIE 4th (2889) - December, 1914 This Season .. 8,743 lbs. Milk. 445 lbs. Butter (4-46 test). 2. SILVERMINE 5th (1386) - February, 1915 Last Season . . 5,51.') lbs. Milk. 322 1 bs. Butter (5-12 test). 3. AUDREY LASSIE (825) 2n(i October, 1915 Last Season . . 7,6.')7 lbs. Milk. 440 lbs. Butter (5-04 test). Bulls. 4. S. Apply :-C. GORDON LYON, "BANYULE," HEIDELBERG, VICTORIA. 'Phone 7419 Central The Australasian Mutual 400-2 COLLINS ST., MELBOURNE. Insupanee Society Ltd, Farmers and Breeders We will undertake to Insure your Live Steele at the Lowest Current Rates obtainable in Australia OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF BUSINESS. Fire, Marine, Fidelity Guarantee, Plate Glass, Personal Accident and Sickness, Employers' Liability, Workmen's Compen- sation, Public Risk, Motor Car & Burglary. Ifl^ INSURE WITH THIS SOCIETY. AND REC01\1IVIEND IT TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS 1 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA PUBLICATIONS By D. Mc Alpine, Government Vegetable Pathologist. RUSTS OF AUSTRALIA. 5s. Postage: C, 26.-, N.Z.. 8d.; B. & F . h 4d SMUTS OF AUSTRALIA. 4s. Postage: C. 2id.: N.Z.. 9d. ; B &F Is 6d FUNGUS DISEASES OF CITRUS TREES IN AUSTRALIA. 2s. Postage: C. Id.; N.Z.. 3d. ; B. & F., 6d. FUNGUS DISEASES OF STONE FRUIT TREES IN AUSTRALIA. 2s. 6d. Postage: C. IJd.: N.Z., 5d. ; B. & F., lOd. SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT OF AUSTRALIAN FUNGI. 8d. : B. & F.. Is. 4d. 3s. Postage: C. 2d.; N.Z.. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque covering price and postage to be forwarded to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be m,adt by Pott Office Order. 10 July, 1916. J Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. THERE ARE LOTS OF THINGS THAT COUNT, TO THE MAN ON THE LAND Blacksmithing, Carpentry, Plumbing, Turning and Fitting, Wool Classing and Sorting, and several other of the 74 subjects taught at THE WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE THE MELBOURNE TECHNICAL SCHOOL IVhy not send for our Prospe3us, ready now, and learn about them. First Term 1916 started February 7th. ENROL NOW r Burnt Lilydale Lime FOR THE LAND Farmers who have not used BURNT LIME should try it. The action of Burnt Lime on the land is IMMEDIATE. The demand for Building Lime having slackened owing to the War, Farmers have the opportunity of getting a supply of the WELL-KNOWN LILYDALE LIME. ANALYSIS ^o as high as 98% Calcium Oxide. Apply — ^/^ork,- DAVID MITCHELL, CAVE HILL. Sole Proprietor. LILYDALE. OLIVER'S LANE. MELBOURNE. DOOKIE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE Provides Special Facilities for Practical and Scientific Agricultural Education. Notable Agriculturists say that this ColleKe oFfers the best agricultural education and practical training in the world. The Sessions commence MARCH and SEPTEMBER, and Students may be enrolled at any time. Total Fees — £25/-/- per annum. Alternative Courses - (a) Diploma Course .. Three Years. (A) One Year's Course. The College contains modern and well equipped laboratory and ludlure hall, single bedrooms, recreation and sports grounds. Of the 5,913 acres of farm land at Dookie, 1,000 acres were put under crop by students last season: and champion prizes were won for sheep and pigs at the last Royal Agricultural Society's Show. FARM SUBJECTS. — Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Fruit Crowing, Butter and Cheese Factory Management, Buildinu Construction for Farmers. EACH BRANCH UNDER SPECIALLY TRAINED EXPERTS LONGERENONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SESSIONS COMMENCE MARCH AND SEPTEMBER. This College is specially adapted for Junior Students from 14 years of age. AREA OF FARM, 2.336 ACRES. MAIN BRANCHES OF FARM WORK. Grain Growinw, Fat Lamb Raiting, DairyinK. Irrigation of Fodder Crops, Fruit. &c. Total Fees £25 per annum. hull pnrliculnrs nblnin.ibjp Irnm T. J. PURVIS, Esq., Secn-tiiry. Council of Agricultural Education. Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, i.r tlu- Principals of the Colleges. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. AUSTRALIA'S WACON "THE FINEST WAGON EVER" PATENT STEEL WHEELS Patent Felloes. Renewable Carron Boxes & Oil Caps. The only Steel WTieel that has stood the Test. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS Wheels Guaranteed for 3 years afjalnst Breakage, &c. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON. -Irrigationists, Orchardists, Farmers. This Sprino; Wagon bo carry 2 tons, £30 up. Wheels, 36* and 32' dia. 4' Tyres. Table, 9i x 5i feet. Pole or Shafts. Weighs 10 cwt Ordinary Block Wagon to carry 3 tons, £35. Weighs 12 cwt. These Wheels are guaranteed and will last for all tivie. HIGHER WHEELS IF NEEDED, and Wagons built to carry any weight up to 20 tons. TRACTION TRAILERS A SPECIALTY. TABLE TOP — Truck body, and all classes of little Wagons for Farm and Station work. Wagons Shipped to all Ports in Australia. WRITE FOR CATALOG TO-DAY. BRUCE STREET, KENSINGTON, VICTORIA R. J. L. HILDYARD, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE Handbook of Potato Diseases in Australia — and their Treatment By D. McALPINE. government vegetable pathologist. With Appendices by W. Laidlaw, B.Sc. (Biologisl). on Eel Worms: and C. French, Jnr. (GoTernment Entomologist), on Insect Pests of the Potato. 235 Pages (Cloth). 58 Full Plates. PrirP ^ /- Postage : Commonweallh. 2d.; New Zealand, 8d.; 176 Illustrations. 1 I IV-C, *-»/ British and Foreign, 1/4. Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to The Director Of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. Farmers ! DON'T NEGLECT :: YOUR EYES :: They are your most valuable possession, and neglect in the early stages may lead to something much more serious. DAIRY & INCUBATOR THERMOMETERS HYGROMETERS HYDROMETERS ARTIFICIAL THERMOMETERS BAROMETERS EYES, Etc., Etc. 'WOOD 77»e Optician 'ff"""^^^^ Equitable Buildings, 95 Elizabeth St., Melbourne 10 July, 1916.] Journal of Agriculturt, Victoria. w. & W. 506 No GOOD FENCE is so Cheap and no Ordinary Fence is so good as the CYCLONE SPRING COIL Cyclone Spring Coil Fence 13 made of best quality wire, galvanised. Moisture does not affect it. Expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature are provided for by crin^pa in the horizontal lines. Once up, the Fence needs no after straining. The crimps make the fence elastic Stock rushing it are thrown back, and both stock and fence are uninjured. Th« cross ties, 1 ft. apart, make a perfect web, th'ough which no stock can pass. Get our Catalogue. It tells you more about it CYCLONE Pty. Ltd 459 SWANSTON STREET MELBOURNE LAND ON EASY TERMS (UNDER THE CLOSER SETTLEMENT ACTS). FARMS and Agricultural Labourers' Allotments in Country Districts. WORKMEN'S HOMES.— Allotments near Large Centres, Available Under Closer Settlement Conditions. Deposit, only 3 per cent; balance payable over 31 ^ years, at 3 per cent, half-yearly, covering principal and interest. Residence Compulsory for Eight Months in Each Year. Railway Certificates to Travel at Half Rates for Inspection of L.and. -APPLY- Lands Purchase and Management Board; Or. INQUIRY BRANCH, LANDS DEPARTMENT. MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. NuNAN's Patent Spray System Enhance your profits, increase your returns, save trouble, save time, by laying down now Nunan's Patent Spray Irrigation System. Producei a Rainfall as Steady as Nature's Own. Nunan's is the simplest method known for soaking your ground readily and naturally. Send (or full details to NEWELL & COY., 189 King St., Melb. VICTORIA PHOSPHATE Manufactured by the Heathcote Chemical Co. Pty. Ltd. from a Victorian Deposit. Basic Phosphate intensely ground 15% and 17% Phosphoric Acid (Registered as 2 to 3% citrate soluble, 13 to 14% citrate insoluble.) NOTE. — There is no citric acid in the soil. Recent writers state that aluminium phosphate intensely ground, while fairly available as a plant food, is hut slightly soluble in citric acid. 57/6 and 63/6 per ton ON RAILWAY SIDING. MACAULAY The deposit was originally found by Mr. A. M. Howitt, Field Geologist, and is being developed in co-operation with the Scientific Officers of the Geological Survey. The Company is perfectly satisfied that a Cheap and First-class Fertilizer can now be offered to the Farmers and Graziers of the Commonwealth. SUPER AND OTHER TYPES TO FOLLOW. Orders can now be supplied on application to the Victorian Producers' Co-Operative Co. Ltd. S89 to 605 COLLINS STREET WEST MELBOURNE 10 July, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. XI "THE BEST is CHEAPEST— ALWAYS !" LYSAGHT'S CORRUGATED ROOFING IRON Look for the "ORB Brand on every Sheet. Obtainable from all leading Ironmongers, Storekeepers, and Timber Merchants throughout Australia. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAMPHLETS New Series Obtainable from the Director of Agriculture, Melbourne — Free on Application. 1. SILO CONSTRUCTION. 2. HINTS FOR NEW SETTLERS. T. A.J. Smith. 3. APPLE GROWING FOR EXPORT. P.J.Carmody. 6. CIDER MAKING. J. Knviht. 7. CITRUS FRUIT CULTURE. E. E. PeicoU. 8. BUILDING HINTS FOR SETTLERS. A. S. Kenyan, C.R., and other*. 9. TOBACCO CULTURE. T.A.J.SmUh. 10. SILOS AND SILAGE, ti. H. F. linker. 11. THE BEET SUGAR INDUSTRY AND CLOSER SETTLEMENT. U. T. Easterby. 12. WORMS IN SHEEP. S. S. Cameron, D.V.Sc, M.Il.C.V.S. 13. CHEEiE MAKING (Cheddar). C.^.Sawer$. 14. FAriM BLACKSMITHING. (]. Hazter. 15. BROOM FIBRE INDUSTRY. T. .i. J . Smith. 17. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1911-12. W. A. N. Robertson, B.V.Se. 18. REPORT ON FIRST EGG-LAYING COMPETITION AT BURNLEY, 1911-12. H. V. Haickint. 19. LIME IN AGRICULTURE. Dr. S. S. Ctm'rnn and ol/u-rs. 20. NUMERICAL SYSTEM OF PACKING APPLES. E. .Uffkiwj. 21. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1912-13. W. A. N. RobtrUon, B.V.Se. 22. WHEAT AND ITS CULTIVATION, .i. E. V. liirhnrds.m, M..i.. H.Sc. 23. HINTS ON PACKING AND FORWARDING FRUIT FOR EXPORT. J.O. Turner. 24 GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIO.^3, 1913-14. W. A. S. Hobertson, B.V.Se, 25. SUCCESSFUL POULTRY KEEPING, Ac. .1. Hart. 26. TOMATO CULTURE IN VICTORIA. .S. A. dn-k. 27. SUMMER FODDER CROPS. l.-.ii,,l.- .1. ./. Smith. 29. THE BEE-KEEPING INDUSTRY IN VICTORIA. F. 11. linihiu). 30. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1914-15. W. A. N. Rnl^rtMm. D.V.Sc. .VImo LeatU-t8 on Koul Brood o( Huen, Trnniiferririif Hees, KfiMliiit; Cowg (or Milk rrori, Utility of Tc«liii(f Cows, The " I'jicutoheon " — A Guiile to Milking Merit, .Siilphilintc, Some \intaj,'e Con- siderationH, Sprinjf FroHlo, Cut Worms, Imteot I'cst-. of the Potato. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES Will clear your land of trees, stumps, boulders, &c., in a fraction of the time required by any other means, and at less than half the cost. They are also invaluable for sub-soiling. If von are interested write to us and ask for Pamphlet, entitled. — ''EXPLOSIVES FOR THE EAR2L" DALGETY & CO. Ltd, Bourke St, Melb. Sole Agents for NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES CO. Ltd., GLASGOW. WHEN ENQUIRING, PLEASE MENTION THIS JOURNAL. NEW ZEALAND Loan & Mercantile Agency Company Limited HEAD OFFICE- MELBOURNE OFFICE- LONDON. COLLINS ST. W. LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES Wool, Grain, Skins, Hides, Tallow, Bark, Stock & Station Brokers on Commission only Butter Shipments undertaken on Owner's Account AGENTS FOR- COOPER'S DIP FOR VICTORIA AND RIVERINA. Page's Patent Wire Strainer and Ironside's Wire Cutter CHIEF AGENTS IN VICTORIA for the PALATINE INSURANCE COY. THE BEST FOR THE SHEEPMAN IS PACKED IN CASES LIKE THIS ,CeoP€Ps4^ ,^^t3lPPINC i'jROWDER 10 July, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. :::::::! YOU must have heard these words often — perhaps you have :::::il: said them yourself when you have seen an old school com- :::!:::: panion who has outpaced you in the Race of Life! * jii::::! You remember he was your Junior at school, and you used to think j::::::! you were the better fellow. Now HE is away ahead of YOU — 'it ::!::::: hurts you, doesn't it? ::•:!::; Have you ever thought WHY this man, who started level with you •::::::: as a boy, has gone beyond you? It is easy to explain it by saying ::::l::i your friend was lucky, but Success cannot be explained away in this J:-:---! fashion. Only one successful man in a thousand owes his Success to :::::::• luck — the other nine hundred and ninety-nine WORKED to win. :::::::; YOUR friend worked while you had a good time. He was able jjiji::! to take advantage of opportunity when it came — now HE is :::•:::: having a good time. :::::::j But you can begin to work NOW — there are a thousand opportunities Ijjjji:; waiting for the man who is prepared. If you study in your spare III::::; time you cannot fail to fit yourself to earn more money. That is the :::.;::lj first step upward. ::::::a Write NOW for a free copy of our illustrated Prospectus "D." This interesting Book is worth reading, and will show you how to take the first step towards a successful career. Get it NOW while you think of it. Among our aso courses ARE THE FOLLOWING! — STOTT'S Correspondence College, (Address nearest office.) 100 Russell Street. Melbourne. 70 Pitt Street, Sydney. Creek Street, Brisbane. irt EnKineermg H Bridge Constructioa ■ Survty.ng H Etectncat Engineering ■ Telegraphy. Telephony Steam Engineering ^ Wireless Telegraphy I Gas and Oil Engines ■ Suction Gas Plants Irrigation Engineering ■ Sanitary Engineering Mining Engineering ■ Chemistry. Metallurgy MechaniCAl Drawing Shorthdnd, Typewriting Accoununcy Commercial Law Journalism, Literature Story Writmg Mathematics Languagei Drawing. Illuitratlnc Architecture Architectural Drawing Building Construction a Estimating Agriculture Fruil Crowing, etc We Successfully Propnre lor AIL Tell us what YOU arc mrtRtSTCD in. Information FREE ! Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. BONEDUST, SUPERPHOSPHATE, And Other High-Grade Fertilizers. Poultry Bone Grit, Meat Meal, Cattle Lick Delivered at Railway Station, Footscray, or on Wharf, Melbourne Bonedust :: Manufacturer J. COCKBILL, OFFICE : 407 POST OFFICE PLACE, MELBOURNE CONSIGN TO ME. FOOTSCRAY. Telephone 2098. BONES BOUGHT. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA NOW AVAILABLE To Owners of Pedigreed Stock of all kinds. Dairy Farmers : : and Others : : This Book contains 234 pages on stiff paper, and is strong- ly bound in half leather. A limited number available- Price 10/6 Postage : — Victoria 1/6, other States and New Zealand 2/8 extra. The Department has compiled a Stock Breeding Record Book Comprising Table of Service and Due Dates, Females with Record of Progeny, Sires with Record of Service, General Service Record, Pedigree Charts, Milk Fat and Butter Records for Dairy Stock Applications accompanied by Postal Note or Cheque, covering Price and Postage, to be forwarded to The Director of Agricalture, Melbourne, Victoria. Remittances from beyond the Commonwealth to be made by Post Office Order. This Journal offers exceptional : : advantages : : To Stock Owners, Produce Agents and Stock Sales- men, Implement Makers, Sellers of Milking Ma- chines and Dairy Utensils, Orchard Appliances and Materials, and all Farmers' Supplies for Advertisin 10,000 copies per month Guaranteed Circulation throughout the Country Districts of Victoria and amonsj^st Farmers of the Commonwealth, re.ich- ing also country piofessional men, tradesmen, sehoolmasteis, teachers, and the liUe. Exce[)tionally satisfac- tory results have followed the adver tising of Stud Stock in this Journal. Rates on application to __ . . lai rki rt ■ ■•«■ ■ __ .._ the Official Canvassers: MT. J. J. WRIGHT End MTS. HEMMING c/o Editor, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne. 10 July, 1916.] Joumal of Agriculture, Victoria. xv Better Result. Mr. Shanahan, of Shanahan, Fitzgerald & Co., Auctioneers, Coleraine, writes : — Dear Sirs, I am enclosing cheque for Oil-cake. It took me a long time before I could get the cows to eat it, but they got to like it by degrees, and the result is entirely satisfactory. I really do not know of a substance that could give a better result. I regret very much that I did not have it earlier, and I feel sure I would have doubled my supply of cream. One of my cows was nearly dry, and was not giving more than a pint of milk per day. Now she is giving lyi gallons. Certainly some of the result is due to the increased supply of grass, but from the time I got her to eat the Oil-cake she steadily im- proved and is continuing on the improve. Please send me 2 cwt. more as the last lot is nearly used up. Yours faithfully, (Signed) JOHN SHANAHAN. For Post Free Book— SCIENCE IN THE DAIRY. By L. A. SAUNDERS. Ijite Editor *• Australian Field." Write to Lever Brothers Limited. Melbourne. junlight Oilcake (iiiaranteed Pure. Sec that the name "Suoltght" It branded oa CTer) cake. Journal of Ayriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. i — -WINDMILLS I Alston's New Gearless Is the Simplest Windmill Motion ever invented Only Three working parts Ball Bearings Throughout All Moving Parts enclosed in Dust-proof Case and Run in Oil Ois: 40,000 "ALSTON" Mills in use throughout Australia t^NO ATTENTION REQUIRED"^ Expert Advice and Catalogues Free on application. James Alston & Sons Windmill, Trough and 'T^ump Manufacturers QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA THe J0URNi\l9 OF T^e ©eparfment of M^ncufture OP VICTPOKIA. Vol. XIV. Part 7. 10th July, 1916. THE RAISING OF DAIRY HEIFERS.* Jii/ R. R. Kerr, Dairy Supervisor. Considering the great shortage of dairy cows, consequent on the unparalleled drought last year, with its attendant misery and death of cattle, the subject under discussion makes a strong appeal to all stock X'aisers. The price of meat to the consumer for the next few years will be mainly influenced by the number of calves reared at the present time. Our flocks and herds are depleted, importation on a large scale is out of the question, and only one thing remains to be done-— the reservation of desirable females for breeding purposes. While the object of this paper deals with the subject from the stand-point of the dairyman, and only advocates rearing the best calves, the grazier has a problem to solve in securing cattle to supply the meat markets, and it will be to his interest to see as many calves reared as possible. Many calves can be reared in the Western and Gippsland Districts at a very cheap rate, owing to the abundant supply of skim milk. In the past, I am doubtful if it paid to rear steer-calves on the dairy farm; but, for the next few years, the j)rices will be high, and the rearing of calves will considerably augment the farmer's income. This applies more esjjecially to the farmers who hitherto failed to take advantage of that much-neglected food, skim milk. The large amount of skim milk always available ai)pears to disparage its value, but no other food lias the same ])roperties for building bone and muscle. The time is not far distant when its full value will be realized, and the farmer will then look back to the time Avhen he doubted its value at Id, per gallon, and sometimes poured it down the drain, ^fany are the cases when farmers, returning from the creameries, emptied their cans on the roadside. If it had been syst^'matically applied to their own land, the loss would have been lessened, as some of its manurial • In writing this art ide I am In It-btod to Mr. H >ent in the purchase of the right bull is a good investment, when we consider the increased value of his progeny. A dozen heifers a year for three years, at an increased value of only £1 per head, would mean £36. But the majority of our farmers would be astounded if asked to give that ])riee f(ir a hull. They seem content to rely on the ]>rogeny of mongrel sires, valued by the number of cows they put in calf. A 2 388 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. When erossbred sires are used, undesirable traits are very frequent, and the progeny is not uniform in quaUty. Hence, the returns of many of our milking herds are disappointingly low. Breeding for the dairy is a comprehensive study, and needs all the forethought that an intelli- gent farmer can apply to it. Before dealing with the treatment of the young calf, we will presume that a desirable sire of sound constitution has been used, and that he is not introducing the germs of contagious abortion into the herd. The first principle to be observed is : that the progeny is first fed through the mother, and that any shortage of feeding at the period of pregnancy affects the unborn calf. Any sudden change of feed to the cow at this stage is also unwise. Examine all young calves for deformities, and remove rudimentary teats from the heifers, dehorn all cross-bred stock — this should be done during the first week by clipping the hair from the horn bud, and apply- ing caustic potash. In the case of male calves, see that their testicles are well developed. Never use a bull with one testicle, as such a fault is generally hereditary. 50 40 50 20 70 80 90 3 8 System of Number Ear-marking. The young calf needs some identifying brand at an early date, in case of confusion as to dam, and the accompanying system of ear- marking is very effective. The calf should be taken from its mother within twenty-four hours after birth, and allowed to remain another twelve hours before any attempt at feeding is made — the calf is then hungry, and will more readily adapt itself to the will of the feeder. Always feed the mother's milk for a few days — it contains medicinal properties of benefit to the young animal. The change from whole to skim milk should be gradual — any sudden change from one food to another causes stomach trouble. Generally, if the correct methods are adopted, the calf will feed itself within a fortnight. Any one attempting to feed calves must work on a system, and be possessed of patience, to achieve success. A. calf cannot be forced to drink. Women make better calf feeders than men ; they seem to have more patience, and use more kindly treatment. Tn open-trough feeding, unnecessary violence is often vented on the calves in preventing the quickest drinker from obtaining too great a quantity, and it is no uncommon sight to see a heavy stick used for the purpose, sometimes inflicting permanent injuries. A piece of ordinary rubber hose pipe is just as effective, and does no harm. The bail system of 10 July, 1916.] The raising of Dairij Heifers. 389 feeding is the ideal method, the calves receiving their correct allowance without any bustle or hurry, and the usual practice of sucking ears is prevented. The bails can be erected very economically, and half kerosene tins used as feeding vessels; but the tins need washing every day, just as well as the other dairy utensils. Many failures are found in rearing calves; but skim milk in itself cannot be blamed, as it is a food specially endowed by nature for rearing heifers. The portion (fat) removed by the separator is not absolutely essential, and can be replaced by a less costly substitute. When trouble occurs, it is generally the result of non-observance of the following rules: — "Absolute cleanliness," "Regularity in time and quantity of feeding," and " Temperature," which should be 101 to 102 degrees" Fahrenheit (body heat), and never under 80 degrees Fahrenheit — this applies to all calves under four months old. As to the quantity to feed the calf, the feeder will be guided by the ability of the calf to utilize a given amount; but never overfeed. Many deaths occur as the result cf too much freshly-separated skim milk. Herkes's Patent Movable Bail Feeding Arrangement for Calves. Herke's Patent Movable Bail Feeding Arrangement for Calves. Most of the calf meals on the market are suitable as substitutes for the fat removed by the separator. Linseed, pollard, and cod liver oil are also good. I.inseed is probably one of the best, and when soaked with water and boiled, becomes a jelly, a cupful of which, given to the calf twice daily in the milk, goes a long way in keeping it thriving. Some diflBculty will be found in giving calves cod liver oil, as it is an acquired taste — this aj)plies to some of the other calf foods as well. The mechanical calf feeders on the market are effective in themselves, but the danger lies in keeping them in a sanitary condition, as filth germs are the greatest source of troulile in calf rearing. Scours ai'e the general outcome of neglect in this res])ect. Milk that passes through closed pipes, which do not permit of efficient cleansing, becoines contaminated. The all too common use of milk unfitted for market purjKJSes as food for calves, should be avoided. 1 refer in particular to cows suffering from sickness, udder injuries, or 390 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. mammitis. The sickness may be a serious disease, and the calf becomes affected. Considering the prevalence of tuberculosis in some of the main dairying districts, the danger of feeding milk from tubercular cows presents a continual menace; such being the case, the skim milk needs boiling or heating to 180 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the germs of the disease. The mere fact of cattle showing pronounced signs, or suc- cumbing to tuberculosis at under two^ years of age, is convincing proof that the disease was contracted when in the calf stage. Steam should be used in all dairies, and not much extra expense is required to enable the fixing of a steam pipe to heat the milk. During the warm weather, the boiling prevents the milk from souring. Many farmers who are strictly clean in ordinary daily routine work, are plainly neglectful with the calves — dirty drinking vessels and filthy calf pens are the surest causes of failures in calf rearing. Calves would be better exposed to all rigors of climatic changes than confined in unhealthy pens. Calf pens need impervious floors, and raised wooden platforms supplied with plenty of bedding. To allow the calves to camp on an accumulated mass of semi-decomposed manure, is courting disaster, and one of the surest ways of inviting pneumonia. The pens should be erected on well-drained ground, and face the morning sun, and be so constructed as to permit of the drafting of the calves accord- ing to their ages. The sheds should be limewashed, and the drains and floors well sprinkled with lime — it adds to the appearance, and helps to preserve healthy conditions. One of the healthiest methods of rearing is to erect a grass hay-stack in the calf paddock, and allow the calves to have access to it; they can eat at will, and always have the benefit of a sheltered side. For the calves of advanced age, a small water-trough is needed in their enclosure. When very large troughs are used, the water becomes stale, unless emptied frequently. Calves are often the victims of foolish pranks by children who are ignorant of the damage they are doing. When calves have been frightened and ill-used, they always are in fear, and never develop into the leisurely, good-tempered animal so much desired. Do not allow horses to run in the same paddock, as they frequently kick calves, who will persist in getting in the way. The calf pens should be at a distance from the main dairying build- ing, the bleating of the young animals agitate the newly-calved cows, and the jiresence of either cne is detrimental to the well-being of the other. By feeding the calves at regulated intervals, their organs of digestion become accustomed to their work. Dairy calve® are generally fed twice daily; this should be early in the morning and late in the evening, to more evenly regulate the period elapsing between the meals. Calves are creatures of habit, and pay well for a definite system of treatment. When the young calf is two or three weeks old, it begins to eat hay, at first only a straw at a time, but the longing increases very quickly, and if fine hay is supplied, either luceime, clover, or meadow, the calf does well on it, and suffers less from scours. The hay should be fed in small racks in a sheltered position. Once the feeding has commenced, any ordinary farm hay or grain may be utilized. Use only small mangers or troughs, and do not allow any stale food to remain. 10 JiLY, 1916.1 The raising of Dairy Heifers. 391 Chaff and bran may be given when pastures are scanty, and silage is relished by them when the taste is acquired ; but avoid mouldy or fermenting food, as scours are certain to result. A cupful of limeM'ater given in the milk once daily reduces the scour. Linieirattr. — Place a few handfuls of quicklime in a tub and fill up with water. Stir up, and allow to settle; the clear water is limewater. When used, fill and stir up again until all the lime is absorbed, which may be seen by breathing through a tube into the limewater. If lime is present, the water will become cloudy. If all the lime has been used up, the water will remain clear, and iiore lime needs adding. liingirorin . — This skin disease is very prevalent amongst calves. White scaly patches appear, without hair — most abundant about the head and neck. It is caused by a vegetable parasite. The patches may be destroyed by applying red mercurial blistering ointment, made by mixing one part biniodide of mercury with sixteen parts of lard. The parts should be prepared by scraping ofl' the scales before applying the dressing. Early maturity must become an important factor in dairy farming as progress is made, and, in perusing the returns, we find this welcome ability strongly inherent in our dairy cattle. Even since the breeding of cattle has been seriously entered upon, early maturity has been one of the greatest aims, not only in dairying, but in all branches of live stock husbandry. A much quicker turnover of capital, and a greater return for the food supplied, is obtained from the younger animals, as their powers of digestion and assimilation are more pronounced. Cattle which possess iieavy milking qualities at an early age must have an added value, and the performances of the one year and ten- month old heifers, under herd testing conditions, have every claim to recognition. The return of 304 lbs. fat (over £15 worth), and the 16 lbs. of 6 per cent, milk on the last day of the nine mouths, speaks well for the breeders and the phenomenal dairy development of their cattle. On appearance, these animals have not suffex'ed in any degree. If the heifer's bodily development receives a check when young by supplying insufficient nutritious food, no amount of extra feeding after- wards can compensate for the former neglect. While tlie early maturing qualities of some of our cattle are so strongly developed, there is perhaps a limit in this direction, so much so, tliat tlie constitution of the animal may l)e impaired, and loss of powers of production may result after a few lactation periods. The old practice of keeping dairy heifers until three years and over before calving, is a thing of the past, and tlie extra size of tlie animal, or the yield in milk and butter, in no way com|>ensates for what might bo termed one year of idleness. I consider that two years and tliree months is young enough ; but the idea of allowing them to be three years old before coming into profit is false economy. When the testing of cows becomes general- -as it must do — oows then will be sold on ])erformance, and their untried heifers on the per- formances of tlieir dams. Greatly incifasinl pric^os to what generally exists to-day will then be obtained. 392 Journal of Agricullurc, Victoria. [10 July, 1916, Nine Months' Test Period. Average Production at Different Ages. Number of Heifers. 26 9 Age in months. 22-3 25-8 33-1 Millj. ISs. 5,141-06 5,545-81 6,896-44 Test. 5 92 5 27 4 75 304-73 312-93 327-66 Com. Milk Butter. last day. lbs. lbs. 347-38 16 356-74 15-48 373-67 14-36 Fat value Is. per lb. £ s. d. 15 4 9 15 12 11 16 7 7 While 102 heifers secured certificates under the 175 lbs. fat standard, 43 made 275 lbs. fat and over, and averaged 26.7 months old at the time of calving, and in their nine months' test period, yielded 6,032 lbs. milk; test, 5.21; fat, 314.5 lbs.; and 15A lbs. milk on the last day of the nine months. When the fat is taken at Is. per lb., the return is equal to £15 14s. 6d. per head, which would be considerably augmented in a twelve months' season, as they are yielding nearly 1 lb. fat on the Ayrshire Bull " Wallace of Gowrie Park," his Dam, Laura, and First Progeny, ' ' Bloomer of Gowrie Park. ' ' last day; so that the return would be in the vicinity of £17 per head; aJso the value of the skim milk, rich in non-fatty solids, which, in these days of high prices, is worth at least 2d. a gallon, but for comparative purposes is put at Id. per gallon, equals £2 10s. In addition must be added the value of the pure calf, which, in the case of the above heifers, is easily worth £20. Seeing, then, that at two years three months, which is slightly above the average, they started to produce, if they had begun at three years old, the above-mentioned returns would be lost. Such heifers can be reared for £7 — Six months' skim milk, at Id. per gallon (2 gallons daily) Twelve months' grass, at 9d. per week Nine months' grass, at Is. 3d. per week Labour Hay, or chaff, or grain ... ... £1 10 0 1 19 0 2 8 9 0 10 0 0 10 0 £6 17 9 10 JiLY, 1916.] The raising of Dainj Heifers. 393 > « m a; 5jd'5 •S 1^ l/J -i^ (U en ^ 5 rt <0 IS .2 ^H en 3 o T T3 -*J C 0) £I^>-'I-'?7~.^-^><5-^CL( : ...^^ •»=<«»,■»=««• dc c-S a c = = = ccc ace sec cc coo GOO OOO CO Sga|====2 s=a sas asa aa is '-liO'-'iM^""'^;" ift O w in lO n i?5 5-1 'M ^ .-H t9cSc3cS3c!ceSric3 c3eSt3;3r3cJ-:SSS:;:S=5c!d:; X >i>>>i>i>.,>v>i>^>, >> >.>>>.>>>.>.>>>>>>>-.>.>>>»>.X>. in '5~ > ■M rl »>] ! ^ I": in o in in i.n in m m -I- t- t^ O) >S I- o o in c-i 51 ri i-n c-i i~ 51 in in m 51 1- m C'l X O O O X I^ O O i-c 0 « 51 X X I'n ^ 51 X X i- 51 — 0 ci 0 to 1- fM o o o X » t^ to in in '* -f cc r; r3 55 « 51 51 51 51 51 51 >-i -H m -i'r)) o ooc:=5C. r: r;c!xxxxxxxt^ ^M^Mrrrr^rtCT^^; r^ r: r5 IN 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 5i 51 51 51 (N en ^ -f -M -H •M o ~ t^ -I- -f o (N 0 •- X 1^ I- 55 X I- r- r: X C-. -c r5 rt r^ X X o S3 r; 1^ -o -.o -I" r: w •*i-i-.o-fr: -cxoocirftom-i'toi^ »i -t •* ^ O -* ..1 i.O 1.-5 >o -f in to lO in -^ -1* in in i.n i.n to to in CO to 0 in w. ^ -I'XCOMr^t^r-tMOt^ .-i«toxmx tor:-i>tor:o55totci X « CO « X r- X t~ -H i^ o « 00c— itOX51-ft^ — X55-f51?5in ini-Ht-CDIMC-. OOO-d" tDXM-teiinot~toxto5ior-(5ioo <: XXt^iOt*in:0500;0 in ^ in in lo to I.n »n in -# -^ -* in X -t -t m w in >H £ i ' ' o •=■=■= >, >» >i >> >> >,ii >*>*>»>» >»3 >>>*>»>»>.>» >.rr >i >» H ^^^ a o o D o f ^ o CO < := o'^ho : = .a3 JT3 P 2 2_ o g £ — 5 S i; s.>-y-?= ■s =^ ttZ Z. '^ -T. 3 „ o — ^■m =ji: ( -r in -o I- r. r. r — 51 r! •♦ lO » t- te as 3 — 51 « -► « ^ _ » M M ,.« » M _ J.) g.| f.) 5.1 51 394 Join mil of Agriculture. Victoria. [10 July, 1916. P5 i=l >^ — "S ^ CO o — .^ tc 3 Ol - ^ ^ S =^ O 01 ^ ^ ., Q ^ •f g -S Cl 3 .3 O H — < . w — w w CO OCX »oo;:^^5 (M O ^ W t^ C o o o :j — p o o o C3 3 S ~ CSC ■S .2S CLi 2 = > a "" c-20^ -"S o"t; ^-ti o o|.|-s=3| = S = ,j o S -05 .-" I-l h, I. .-^ ^ ^ > >i ;„ '^ S >^ in «;„ >? o S S ^ J S '£ 2 ^ ss ? ^ ^ i-t ^ :r. 00 ^ ; >>>-.>■. >i >i >i >> >> irit^GOoo^-'<* CC lii CC 00 f-H i-H _r cci>:Di-i-*-x)30(m fH — ^'-<,o^ q_ -* 00 i-^'-'^ ir^^o vn^'io iri '* ^*^ P3 5-' :;* c; o o d; o o ^ -: "-s •-: '-s i-s ^ '5^'5 !> C C" •— . c;^ ."t? i-neacc-^in^t^x cs ■—So •_£^c'^fl^ S; ^' rJ ec -f in ;c i> 00 >- a . 0 "So > - es — Eli •a - trim — rH • ••- •n fe 6 IN in i IM — to .', 2 voars 1 month i:{.V 2 yoarx 8 month.s 20-33 29-66 months Sire of Heifer. Wallacf of Ciowrie Park Wallaoo of Oowrie Park Wallaoo of (H>wri»< Park 396 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. The Goverument Herd Testing Scheme has not yet been long enough in existence to present a very complete list of sires showing consistent dairy heredity, but its influence for good will become more apparent as time goes on. The Jersey bull " Pretty Noble," imported from the Jersey Islands by Mr. W. Woodmason, has proved himself the sire of very fine heifers, and the yields of the first seven to complete the nine months' test ai'e given, which, for consistency and general ability, would be very hard to beat. It is a matter of satisfaction to know that our breeders, generally speaking, now import only animals having records of butter production. Though they are desirous of securing animals true to type, they realize that production is the main essential. Name of Heifer. Lassie Fowler of Melrose (467) Chevy VIII. of Melrose Empire 476 of Melrose Jessie 478 of Melrose Edith 462 of Melrose Pleasance V. of Melrose Gr ceful Duchess 476 of Melrose A vera see Milk. Test. lbs. 5,977 5-09 6,011 5-63 5,661 5-42 5,063 5-99 5,418 5-48 4,859 5- 1 4,470 6-02 5,351 • 2 5-69 Fat. lbs. 340 -32 338-56 307-08 303 -25 296-69 277-57 269-29 304-68 Butter. Milk Last Day. lbs. 388 lbs. 151 387-75 19 350 15 345-5 18 338-25 14 316-5 13i 306-98 14i 347-33 15-6 Age at Calving. 2 years 1 month 2 years 3 months 2 years 1 year 1 1 months 2 years 6 months 2 years 1 month 1 year 8 months 24- 8 months Sire of Heifer. Pretty (imp.) Pretty (imp.) Pretty (imp.) Pretty (imp.) Pretty (imp.) Pretty (imp.) Pretty (imp.) Noble Noble Noble Noble Noble Noble Noble Decentralization is on© of the burning questions of the day, and for our young, trained farmers to leave the land and seek employment at some apparently more attractive employment in the city, is indeed a loss to the State. The very root of this trouble often rests with the farmer who bemoans his fate, complaining of the ingratitude of his children. Enthusiasm is generally the keynote of success in any busi- ness, and this enthusiasm is lacking at many farms where, after years of dairy farming, the cows are not even named, and if any calves are reared, the sires and dams are either unknown or forgotten. During the present season, a large herd of dairy cows was disposed of, and, as the result of twenty odd years of dairy farming, the cows were sold without a name, and minus any record of their abilities as producers. This is only one of the many cases which could be cited, but is in itself a striking instance of the owner's neglect of his responsibilities, and disre- gard of common fairness to his business. "Boys learn best by example." It is up to the farmers to look on the bright side of their calling — dairying, when worked by slack methods, becomes a drudgery. Any farmer who has any respect for his calling, should teach his children to love animals, remember their pedigrees 10 July, 1916.] The raising of Dairy Heifers. 397 and capabilities iu whatever line of production he is engaged in. Teach them to test the cows, and rear the calves from the best, and name the heifer when young. A farmer's boy, imbued with the right spirit and a respect for his calling, will be a great benefit to his father as the years pass by, and a direct acquisition to the producing interests of the State. Do not blame the children for not taking an interest in the dairy, when you show by example that you have not sufficient enthusiasm to test the cows and cull out the animals that never pay their way. Any bright, sensible boy wants to know what the future 4 ii^" ^ "if H _J Dam of ' ' Pretty Noble, " " Boutilliere. ' ' liolds in store for him, and he cannot be expected to kindle an enthusiasm in a business that is being decried by his own father. If we are going to save the rural population, we must put our best efforts on the building of a home that will have all the conveniences of the city, witli all the gloi^ of the country, so that when the girls and boys reach womanhood and manhood, their one desire will be to remain on a portion of the old farm, and rear a home patterned after the one in which they spent the happy days of their vouth. -'r^i^)^^'>^ .- 398 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. PORTUGUESE VARIETIES OF VINES. Bi/ M. d'A. Burney. When Mr. de Castella visited Europe on behalf of the Victorian Government he made arrangements for the grafting in France of some varieties of Portuguese vines. The major portion of these vines imported by Mr. B. W . Bagenal, was acquired by Mr. A. Prentice, and was planted in his vineyard near Kutherglen. At the end of 1913 this vineyard was purchased by Burgoyne Bros. As it contains the largest area under Portuguese varieties in Australia, it may be of interest to record the result of the 1916 vintage, as each variety has been gatliered, weighed, and fermented sei^arately. In the two previous years the crop was so small that separate treatment was quite impossible. The wine resulting from the mixture is totally different in style and character from any other sweet wines produced here ; but, as the varieties were mixed, it was impossible to attribute this difference to any one variety. The three varieties are Touriga, Alvarelhao, and Bastardo. These may be considered to be the most important of the varieties cidtivated in Portugal, but there are others which find favour in Portugal and which are not included in the Mount Athos vineyard. Among those absent it would be of interest to mention: — Souzao, Mourisco Preto, Donzellinho do Castello, Tinta Cao, Tinto Carvalho, &c., all of which are largely cultivated in Portugal. The selection made by Mr. de Castella was, however, for the purpose of obtaining grapes of the finest quality only for the production of wines of a port type. The results obtained at the 1916 vintage appear to amply justify this selection. In order to compare the yield of these Portuguese varieties with other varieties well known in Australia, the following table showing the yield per acre and the sugar strength of the bulk will be of interest. Considerable care was taken to pick each variety separately in order to get an absolutely accurate estimate of the yield per acre. Picking took place of all the varieties described below upon the 21st and 22nd March: — Toiiriga Bastardo Alverelhae Greiiaelie Shira/. Yield per \cre. Sugar Strengtli. tons, cwl . (irs. Beaume. 2 0 3 12.5 degrees 2 4 1 13 degrees 1 15 1 13 degrees 2 0 0 14 degrees 2 .3 0 16 degrees It will be seen that the sugar strengths are appreciably less than Grenache and Shiraz picked imder similar conditions. The soil is of .schistose formation, Avith a considerable proportion of stone running through it. The appearance of the grapes at the time of vintne:e was deceptive. Bastardo is the earliest vine to come into leaf. The grapes appear to ripen earlier than Shiraz, but the vegetation is by no moans 10 Jui.Y, 1916. 1 Foitttguese Varieties of Vines. 3&9 luxuriant, and tlie leaves start to fall early. In 1915 the sugar strength of Bastardo was 16 degrees at the beginning of vintage in February. The lower sugar strength this year was probably due to insufficient foliage to nourish the crop, but the bunches contained a very largo percentage of raisins, of which the sugar Avas not in solution in the mu?t when the sugar strength was taken. Alvarelliao is a far more vigorous grower, and the somewhat pale- coloured bunches were extremely numerous, but they weighed very badly. The berries had started to shrivel, and the acidity strength had greatly diminished. At the same time, this variety could have been picked later with advantage, although in appearance complete maturity had been reached. Judging from the experience of the 1916 vintage, Alvarelhao is not a heav}^ bearer, and must be classed as a quality grape pure and simple. Touriga cari-ied a good crop, which proved to be larger than that carried upon the Grenache, although in appearance the crop on the Grenache seemed very much superior. The bunches were solid and well filled, and showed no signs whatever of shrivelling from the heat. This must be classed as a variety ripening later than Shiraz, and standing dry weather better. If it had been picked later the sugar strength would undoubtedly have been greater. This appears to be an extremely valuable vine. The yield is satisfactory, it resists drought well, the berries are thick-skinned, and stand Aveather, and the quality of the wine is at present showing great promise. It is a variety to be recom- mended for extensive culture. As it appears to ripen later than Shiraz it should be of very great utility in the Rutherglen district for dry wines as well as sweet. All the Portuguese varieties were fermented in the same manner. The grapes were stemmed and crushed, and the must was pumped iiito the fermenting tanks in the ordinary war. Yeast was at once added of a variety cultivated by Mr. de Castolla, and which was used for the whole Mount Opliir vintage. No false heads were used, and the skins were allowed to rise to the surface. As soon as the marc became firm the liquid was run off from the skins on an average 24 hours after the vats had been filler]. Contact with the skins might have been prolonged with advantage witli Bastardo and Alvarelluu) without unduly increasing the colour. Touriga if left in prolonged contact with the skins wcmld produce a. wine of very deep colour. Fermentation was checked by fortification when the must of eacli variety had been rcMluced to about 5 degrees TJeaumr. Owing to a limited spirit supply each variety did not receive itU'iitical treatment, and a slight variation in suijar content resulted. During fermentation eacli variety had a totallv different perfume to the better-knoAvn Euro})ean varieties. In tlie case of Alvarelhao this wai especially mark(>d. The wines resulting are now entirely distinct. Alvarelbilo has a pronounced boucpn't and ])ungent almost ])e[)perv flavour. IJastardo i« a pale-coloured wine witli a most marked raisin flavonr. Touriga is a wine of distiiu'tive character, and a flavour already suggesting vintaire port. Grenache treated under identical conditions is a far more neutral wine. At a latei- slaire it will be more easy to arrive .-if a true estimate of the relative (pinlity of eacdi variety. At present the wines show great 400 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. promise, and seem to be quite different from the produce of any other European varieties. It is already obvious that to obtain a wiue of a ^' vintage " type more prolonged contact with the skins is necessary, in Portugal prolonged maceration is the rule, whether the wines are intended for " vintage " or tawny types. Here in Australia Brown Muscat is frequently introduced into port blends, with the resulr that the blend losses any resemblance that it may have had to true port. Pale-coloured x\ustralian ports which win prizes at wine shoAvs in Australia have usually greater resemblance to brown sherry than to !iny other European wine. In Portugal wine-spirit only about 30 over proof is used for the fortification of ilie best quality wines. This is probably with the object of reducing the percentage of acidity, which does not find favour Avith the English palate. In Australia, where complete maturity can always be obtained, absolutely silent spirit should be preferable. There are already cellars in Australia containing very fine old wines of the port type made from Shiraz, Grenache and other varieties which are not cultivated in Portugal. The varieties now in full bearing m the Mount Athos vineyard should enable a great improvement to be made in producing a type of wine more closely resembling true port, and for which there is a large market in Great Britain at a high price. It is obvious that there is still much to be learned in the handling of these Portuguese varieties, but the results of the 1916 vintage should enable us to emerge from the experimental stage and act with a con- siderable degree of certainty in the production of wines of the port type in the future. As reasonable success has already been achieved in the production of wines of a port type in Australia from varieties of grapes hitherto confined in Europe to the production of dry table wines, it is obviou> that Australia possesses conditions of soil and climate entirely favorable to the production of sweet wines. The introduction of the true Portuguese varieties must therefore logically improve the type of wine the moment that we can learn by experience how these varieties should be treated. Notes on Portuguese Vine Varieties. By F. cle Castella, Government Vitlculturist. Mr. Burney's note on the results of the Alto Douro Vine varieties growing at Mount Athos vineyard wdll doubtless be read Avith much interest by all Victorian wine-growers producing wines of port type. Rutherglen, and several other parts of the north-east of Victoria, have already produced sweet wines of remarkable quality, and this mainly from grapes usually cultivated in France for dry wine produc- tion. The similai'ity of climate and soil to those of the Alto Douro makes it highly probable that the utilization of the vine varieties which yield the Avorld's highest grade sweet red wines may haA^e results of far-reaching importance in Australia. Independent expressions of opinion, such as Mr. Burney's note, are of the greatest value at the present time, Avhen we are beginning to cultiA'ate, on a commercial scale, many recent introductions of consider- able promise. Undue multiplication of varieties is no doubt undesir- able, but there is reason to believe that some of the new-comers will 10 July, 1916.] Portuguese Variclies of Vines. 401 prove valuable additions. Some may even prove superior to, and eventually dis])lace, some of our old(>r favorites Such additions or substitutions must be entered on witli caution. Eeoent introductions arc being regularly and continuously tested, by this Department, at the Kutherglen Yiticultural Station, but the co-operation of private growers in thoroughly testing these new vines is most welcome, and is cordially invited. It is hoped that Mr. Burney's excellent initiative will be followed by other growers. The occasion is, perha])S, opportune to give some extracts concerning the true port varieties, their cultural and wine-making peculiarities, from the writings of leading Portuguese authorities. An Explanation. Mr. Burney gives the writer considerably more credit than he -deserves in connexion with the introduction of the port varieties at Mount xVthos. As the planting of these may quite possibly mark an epoch in our Avinc-making history, it is well that the facts, which in themselves are interesting, should be here recorded. It is true that in the course of his viticultural investigations in the Peninsula in 1907, the writer was able to secure from the Real Companhia Horticolo- Agricola Portuense, of Oporto, grafted rootlings of sev'ei-al choice Portuguese varieties which were planted in the collection of the Kuther- glen Viticultural Station in 1908, Avhere they are still growing. The following sorts were secured: — Alvarcdhao, Bastardo, Cornifesto, Don- zelinho do Castello, Tinta Amarella, Tinta Carvalha, Tinta Roriz. Touriga. Several others, notably Souzao, Mourisco Preto, Tinto can. were not obtainable. The vines, the packing of Avhich Avas scarcely adequate for so long a voyage, arrived only in fair order; nevertheless some of every variety imported, survived. The extensive plantation at Mount Athos is to be credited to the initiative of Mr. Alec. Pi-entice, who, in 1910, managed the property (then known as Emu vineyard) for Messrs. Prentice Bros. 'Sir. Pn-ntice, who was then plncing a considerable order for grafted vines with Richter's nursery at Montpellier (France), througli Mr. B. TT. Bagenal, was desirous of obtaining some of the best Port varieties. The writer was consulted as to the most suitable sorts. Port is remarkable as being the product of a greater number of distinct varieties than most celebrated wines. For the sake of simplicity, the follnwinc: four Avere rccoiiiiiiciMled as likely to combine most of the qualities characteristic of a high-grade ])ort : — Alvarelliao, Bastnrdo, Touriga. and Tinta eAo. ^fr. P>affenal, who was then leaving on a trip to Euro])e, was com- iiiissioiied l)y Mr. Prentice to secure the necessarv scions. After j'e])eated endeavours, he failed to do so from the leading TiOndon Avine merchants, Avhose Oporto representatives, in liis opinion, showed tlie same reluctance to part with any of their stoek as do Soutli African ostrich fanners. Tn France he was mon^ fortunate, ^f. Ricliter I'eiiur eventujillv aide to secure the desired scioTis throuijh nn ex-sfudent of MojitiK'llier College then residitiL' in Portiitral. These scions W(>re "■rafte'l in Richter's nurseries in Jiinnarv ;iml Pebrnarv, 1900. struck '"n niir^erv in the usual Avnv, and ship{)e(i to ^lelbournc in cool storatro in 1910. ' 402 Jounud of Agriculture , Victoria. [10 July^ 1916. The Vines of the Douro. The rortvgal Vinieoln as being typical Douro varieties. 10 Ji'LY, 1916.] Pottugiietie Varieties of Vines. 403 It is interesting to note that it lias a good reputation as a quality variety, for the production of wines of totally different character to port, in other parts of Portugal, especially in the north, where the so-called green wines are grown. Those are very light dry red wines of high acidity. In Minlio (cxtrcmo nortli of Portugalj, uspecially at Amarante and at Basto, Alvarelliiio, under the name of Locaia, is vory much appreciated. Here it is cultivated on hif;li overliead trellises or iirrriaft, a mode of culture which causes the nature of the grape to differ considerabh' from that of the same variety, trained as a low vine in the centre of tlie liot Douro region. Ne%"ertlielcss, the generous virtues peculiar to this vine are such that the wines of Basto are still iicid, and justly so, to be the best in the province of Minho. In the province of Traz os Montes, Alvarelhao is well known under the similar name of Alvarelho. According to Villa Maior there are. at least, two varieties; that which is called pe ruxo (red foot) or pe de perdiz (partridge foot) is the best. The other, called pe branro or verde (white or green foot or stalk), being inferior. A third, with a still darker stalk, is sometimes distinguished, under the name of pe preio (black foot), but this is considered to be identical with the first. Alvarelhao l)e de perdiz is doubtless one of the best sorts cultivated in Portugal, by the qualities it communicates to the wine, and, in our opinion, it should, on this account, be much more propagated than it has so far been. It •ripens towards the end of August or commencement of September, and is one of the sorts wliich ripen most regularly. Its bunches do not decay in wet years, nor do tliey fear drought much, especially in light soils. On heavier soils it produces abundantly. On the Douro it is trained low and pruned long. It is lather liable to oidiiun. At complete maturity, end of August, it gives, according to Villa Maior, 02 kilos, of juice per 100 kilos, of bunches, this juice containing .131 of acid (estimated as sulphuric) and 20.00 per cent, of sugar (14.4 Bcaum^). it produces bunches of medi 'm size, somewhat branched, usually 18 to 19 cm (7 to 7^ inches) long. Its berries are of rather small size, oval, loose, detaching themselves readilv from the stalk, and of a bluish tint, except a few which tend towards violet. The usual dimensions are 15mm. longitudinal by 13mm. trans- verse section (.59 in. x .51 in.). I have occasionally seen rather larger samples from Mirandella." " In Havour this grape is very agreeably sweet, at the same time striking the palate by a peculiar acidity, which gives it quite a characteristic piquancy, making it most acceptable. It is generally used for wine making, thougii it is appre- ciated by some for the table on account (jf tliis peculiar flavour. Tlie special quality of this variety caused Bebello da Fonseca to strongly recommend it, both as a scion for grafting and for new phmtations, near Lisbon, in order to completely correct tlie flat after-taste, for which that author blamed tlie wines of this part of Portugal." " The must of .\lv;irclbA > is pale in colour; the yield of juice is fair — HI per cent, by weight — 100 kilos, of grapes gave 74 litres of liquid (162.8 gallons to the ton). This was in 1899 vintage. Villa Maior held the yield to he less, or 62 per cent. (124 gallons to the ton). These discrepancies are not surprising, seeing how grapes from different localities may vary Villa Maior estimates the '•agar content at 20.6 per cent (about 14.4 Bei.ume), whilst my analyses fix it at 21.5 per cent, (about 12.1 Beanm^)." " It lias not been possible for me to study the wine made from this grape alone; nevertheless, from what I know of the composition of the must T am led to think that AlvarelhAi alone should fjive wines of excellent cliaractor, soft, mellow ciirr/r.s-l, of wellprnportioncd alcriholic "^trencth and delicntely aromatic, if the wine is made by the process known as i/c Feitoria. as is the usual prac- tice on the Douro. it sliould possess considerable fro-^hncss and grace, I'diich will be given to it Vjy the high acidity of the skins. Whilst the acidity of the must ' TUr wonl " clnn-tp " Is nsnd in Portnirii'^»r to cli'^i-riKo n llnht. dry f«M<' wino — n rlnn-t. 404 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. is usually about 2.5 to 3 per thousand (estimated as sulphuric), the acidity of the . skin goes up to 5.8 per thousand.2 The work of feiioria (trampling) causes the wine to benefit from tiiis higher acidity of the skins, which tluis raises the average acidity of the must. Fig. 1.— Bunches of Alvarelhao Grapes. Reproduced from 0 Portugal Tinicola, by B. C. Cincinnato da Costa, reduced to .37 (approximately ons-third) natural size. A fact well in evidence in the case of tliis variety, which, however, has been also remarked to a greater or lesser degree in the majority of the varieties analyzed, is that the major part of the acid of the grape resides in the skin, the pulp coming next, and the stalks last, so far as acidity is concerned. Though further investigation is desirable to confirm this point, it seems to me to be one w^hich should be duly weighed by wine-makers. 3 * Estimated as tartaric atid, tliese flwures would he respectively 3'8, 4'6, and 8-8 per mil. ' The foregoing quotations are from 0 Portugal Vinicola. 10 July, 1916.] Portuguese Varieties of Viiies. 405 He then gives the arapelographical description which was drawn up by the Trasmontana (N. Portugal) Agricultural Station, which agrees on most points with that given in Ampelograpliie'^ , which is reproduced. RebeOo da Fonseca, so long ago as 1791, states — " With the grapes known as Alvarelhao, Pe agudo preto, Tinta cao, and Sou zao is made a strong wine of good colour and body, and with fine flavour. With Bastardo and Donzelinho, mixed with the foregoing in small proportion, the roughness of the Alvarelhao and Souza > is softened and sweetened, and the fragrance of the bouquet is increased. Fig. 2- Leaf of Alvarelhao -44 (approximately half) natural size, riioto taken at tlio l\utlicrjrl<-ii \it iciiltuial Station, .Xpril, l!ii;j. He proceeds to discuss, at considerable length, the l:)enefit to tlio Portuguese wine industry of the substitution of choice for common vines, and quaintlv describes the curious flavour of Alvarelhao already referred to, explaining that " its juice is sweet, with a suggestion of roughness" {pica azrdo) "similar to well-sweetened lemonade." This variety then formed the basis of the wines of the Alto Douro to such an extent " that with respect to all otlu-r red varieties together, Alvarelhao constituted three parts out of four." * AmpelogrnphU, published undor the dirrrtion "f P. Vliilii uiid V. ViTiuorel. A full drscrip- tion is Kivcn of .'i,-j()0 distinct vini' viirictic», articles bi-linj ruiitrlbuted by Iciullni; nuthoritioM In all the impottuiit wini'-produ(-iii({ cuiititrii's. 406 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Gyrao (1822) r;coinmeucls blending Alvarelhao with otlier sorts, and in not too considerable a proportion, siiice its wine is of poor colour. He nevertheless states that " it yields a wine of the most graceful piquancy (do niais engrat^.ado pica) that one could have." He further states that this vine " and also Donzelmho de Castello are of such good quality that even laterals and suckers bear grapes, thus forming an exception to the rule." From this it would seem that even in case of damage by frost this variety would still yield some fruit. Figueridj (1875) describes Alvarelhao as a grape-producing wine of quality (Tinho fino) , of light colour, fairly astringent if made with thorough feitoria (trampling), which, with age, acquires precious qualities, developing into a most generous wine. From this grape, without addition of alcohol, and with little trampling, can be made a delicious light table wine (Vinlio de I'fisto) — tlie best that we know Its yield cannot be depended upon with as much certainty as that of Touriga; it gives a wine more open (lighter) in colour, very aromatic, and fairly alcoholic. The description of Alvarelhiao in Anipelographie is contributed by Sr. Duarte de Oliveira. He quotes from several of the authors whose works we have made extracts from, and gives some further information concerning this variety, from which the following is abridged: — Alvarelhao is one of the oldest varieties in the regions of Douro and Tras os Montes, where it was formerly preferred in large vineyards on account of its always giving a very special character to the wine into the composition of which it entered. It certainly plays the prin- cipal part in the wines which have made the world-wide reputation of Port.' In Douro and Tras os Montes Alvarelha > is usually pnined long. In these regions it is a very good bearer, but in Minho it produces little unless pruned very long. Being very subject to coulure (faulty setting), its bunch contains many small seedless berries {millerande) if blossoming occurs in damp foggy weather. Even if the fruit appears to set satisfactorily, the berries are liable to drop off afterwards (in tbis respect it seems to resemble Malbeck). It is very liable to oidium, requiring much sulphuring; it is mucli less S3nsitive to downy mildew. In view of the exquisite delicacy of flavour it communicates, the wine-taster can immediately recognise it, even if present in small proportions, in a wine It causes Port wine to age, since it favours oxidization; thus, a wine containing vsome Alvarelhao in its composition might, at eight years old, be easily mistaken, as regards colout, for a wine of ten or twelve years. The following ampelographical description is given: — " Yine. — Vigorous, spreading grower; bark dark brown, with readily detach- able grey strips; buds large, white, and downy; young growth whitish, with carmine edges. ''Canes of medium thickness, very long; wood hard and brittle; internodes fairly lono' (10-14 cm. = 4 to 5i inches); striations well marked; of vinous red colour; buds medium; tendrils numerous and strong. " Leaves. — Five-lobed, large, as broad as long, thick, hard to the touch, crisp, fleshy, bulged (between the veins) ; upper surface dark green, with traces of tine tomentum, resembling cobweb; under surface downy and of yellowish green; lateral lower sinus deeper than the upper; petiolar sinus deep, forming an elongated eliptical opening — main veins strongly marked and secondary veins prominent. Teeth almost equal, medium, slightly mucronate; terminal teeth large and of irregular form. Leaf stalk short, compressed for one-half of its length, and downy. "Fruit. — Bunch fairly large, irregularly conical, usually loose, sometimes with one or two short wings; stalk long, wine coloured, somewhat herbaceous; 10 July, 1916.] Portuguese Varieties of Vines. 407 pedicels long, slender, with a pronounced warty swelling; berries medium, rather on the large side, ellipsoidal, dark, glossy, bluish black, juicy, and delicately perfumed; with short and weak brushi ; skin hard, containing little colouring mutter; juice very sweet and delicate." Alvarelliao is very easy to identify, in view of its characteristic foliage, which differentiates it sliarply from most other varieties, so that any one at all familiar with it can readily pick it out. One of its 'Host striking characteristics is the peculiar funnel shape of the majority of the leaves ; the midrib is often a continuation of the leaf stalk, the limb being rolled or twisted round; it is scarcely ever flat, nor can it be pressed so without a fold or crinkle. Though difficult to adequatelv portray without a stereoscope, this is fairly well shown in Fig. 2, and perhaps better in Fig. 3; it is also in evidence in the smaller leaf shown on Fig. 1. The ribbed and goffered texture of the substance of the Fig. 3— Vine of Alvaiciiiao at Quiiita de Roriz, Alto Dome, Portugal. Photo taken in October, 1007. The curious slate trcllisiufr |)<>sts an- bIiuwii, also tiio ttrraccd arranfrcinont of tlie vine land. 'Iho stairway at the top rifjht hand corner loads to a higher terrace. leaf, between the secondary veins, is also characteristic-; tliis is sliown in Fig. 2. Tn colour, the leaves are dark green above and whitish beneath ; the traces of cotton on the upper side and on tlie leaf stalks give a cliancteristic grey look to the wliole vine, as though it had been lightly dusted with ashes, soinewh it after the style of Pinot Meunier (Miller's Burgundy), though not to nearly the same extent. From the above, two facts stand out. First — That AlvarelhjV> is in a large measure responsible for the peculiar character of Port wine. AH connoisseurs are familiar with the curious " drv finish " of a true ' By "brush" is uncl.r-t.MHl ili.- fri»'im>'nt ■<< pulp lullurlim to rli>' i« a ration for milking cows, it is inadvisible to restrict the protein content to the theoretical amount, for two reasons: — (1) The food values of foodstuffs vary within wide limits; (2) a slight excess of easily digestible j)rotein jiossesses a stimiilat itig effect on milk secretion. Wheji a})plied to cattle foods, protein, albuminoids, and nitrogenous substances are synonvmons. 410 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Carbohydrate. The term carbohydrate is given to a large group of compounds chemically related. They are composed of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and to this class belong sugars, starches, gums, cellulose, &c. In the animal body, carbohydrates are used for the production of energy and heat, and any excess is converted into body fat. Unlike protein, any excess of carbohydrates over immediate require- ments is not passed off unused, but is stored as a reserve in the form of fat. Carbohydrates cannot replace protein, altliough protein may replace carbohydrate, but only at s. high cost. In the analysis of cattle foods, tlie term carbohydrate is given to the combined amounts of nitrogen free extract and crude fibre, and, although the estimation is not purely carbohydrate, no appreciable error is made by giving it an average carbohydrate value. Fat. Crude fat, or ether extract, although some of the members of this group consist of the same elements C.H.O. as the carbohydrate, they differ chemically. The ether extract sometimes includes, besides fat or oils, wax, chlorophyll, which are Avithout feeding value, conse- quently, the food value of the ether extract is dependent upon its source. That obtained from oil cakes, grains, and their offals, give a higher value than that obtained from hays or green fodders. The digestible portion of the ether extract serves the same function as the carbohydrate, but its capacity for heat production is much greater, pure fat having two and a half times the value of carbohydrate. The crude fat or ether extract of oil cakes, grain, bran, &c., possesses a capacity for heat production two and two-fifths times greater than carbohydrate, whereas the fat estimation of hays and green fodders is only about twice the value of carbohydrate. Nutritive Ratio. The nutritive ratio, or N.R., of any food means the ratio of the protein content to the carbohydrate and ether extract combined ; the ether extract is reduced to its starch equivalent. The nutritive ratio of any food, or combination of foods, is a most important factor m determining its efficiency. Milking cows yielding up to 3J gallons daily are most economically fed on a ratio with a N.R. of 1 to 6 or 7, which is the ratio of good mixed pasture grass ; but for heavy milkers yielding 4 gallons and over, the ratio may be effectively reduced to 1 to 5, which means that for eacli part of digestible protein, there are 6, 7, or 5 parts of carbohydrate respectively. In practice, the N.R. of any ration is valuable when purchased foods are used, because it shows in what proportions the constituents should be combined to produce the best return. Both money and feed may be wasted by disregarding its value. When the N.R. is too wide, the food is deficient in protein, and consequently not sufficient protein is ingested to meet the needs of the animal, whilst at the same time the digestibilit 10 JiLY, 1916.] Feeding Terms. 411 of the. food is depressed. Maize (green) is an example of a food with a wide ratio, there being 1 part of protein to 12 of carbohydrates. When the ratio is too narrow, protein is wasted, because the amount of food consumed under general conditions contains a greater amount of protein than the animal can utilize. An average milking herd requires food possessing an average ratio of 1 to 6 and 1 to 7. When the amount of carbohydrate is greater, the ratio is wide; when less, narrow. Examples of foods, with their ratios: — Narrow N.R. Green lucerne ... 1:3. Bran ... ... 1:4. Linseed meal ... 1 : 2. Brewers' grain ... 1:3. The use of any of these foods alone results in considerable waste, and is not conductive to an economical return ; but a combination of the above foods provides, not only the necessary food substances, but contains them in that proportion which produces the most economical return. Balanced Ration. A combination of foods in that proportion which gives the best results for any particular purpose. Some of the above-mentioned foods, when combined in the following proportion, form a balanced ration for an average milking herd : — Maize . . 40 I Bran . . . . 4 1 Chaff . . . . 10 Bran .. 10 Green Luccriie ,. 15 | Linseed Mc^al .. 1 Chaff . . 5 Maize . . . . 40 I Brewers' Grain . . 20 Wide N.R. Green maize ... 1 : 12 Oaten hav 1 11 Oaten straw ... 1 46 Potatoes 1 : 18 Lucerne Hay . . 12 Maize. . . . oO Bran . . . . 10 The amounts fed are determined by the quantities of milk secreted. It must not be infen-ed that, when some of the above feeds are fed alone, good returns are not attained, but a combination increases the yield, and at the same time decreases the cost of production when market values are given to home-grown crops, or when purchasing. Concentrates. A term applied to foodstuffs relatively rich in easily digestible food substances, as oil cakes, grains, bran, and mill products. Lucerne hay — although popularly regarded as such — is not a concentrate in the above definition, owing to the high cost of digestion. It should be used as a bulky feed, and, when farm-grown, should be i>rovided in large quantities. Maintenance Ration. That amount of food refpiired to maintain a nou-prcducing animal iu a healthy condition. In any system of feetling, the first demand is made for maintenance : what is available over this requirement can be used fcr work or milk production. In feeding milking cows, the maintenance part of the ration is most clieapiy sunt>lied by bulky foods, such as hays, and green fodder. That part to be used for milk secretion is best provided by oiisily digestible concentrates. 412 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Digestible Nutrients. For the purpose of determining the relative food values of foodstuffs, each is analyzed to determine the percentages of protein, carbohydrate, and crude fat or ether extract. This process gives the total amounts present, but does not indicate the food value of the substance. To ascertain its nutritive properties, the palatability and digestibility are determined by feeding it either alone or in combination with other foods of known value and digestibility, for a period of several days, to animals — in this case, to cows. The manure is carefully collected, weighed, and analyzed, and the difference between that contained in the original food and manure represents what has been digested and is available for the animal's use. DIGESTIBILITY OF SILAGE. With regard to the question of the digestibility of silage against that of the original crop from which it is produced, it is generally recognised, according to a note by Messrs. Guthrie and Ramsay in the Government agricultural publication of New South Wales, that it is about the same as that of dried fodder (hay), both silage and hay being slightly less digestible than the original green fodder. This low digestibility is not due to any actual decrease of indigestible material, but to the fact that there is always a considerable loss in the conversion of the green ci'op into hay or silage (apart from the loss of water), and that this loss chiefly consists of sugar and similar soluble substances which are wholly digestible. A loss of as high as 20 per cent, of material is possible in the conversion of green crop into silage, and the material so lost is for the most part the digestible portion of the fodder. On the whole, there is less loss of material when the crop is converted into silage than in the case of field-cured crops, and the silage, if properly prepared, is much more succulent and palatable to stock. If the fodder in drying is exposed to rain, a very considerable loss of material results; whereas in the conversion into silage, such conditions can be avoided. — Auckland Weekh/ News, 24th February, 1916. RADIUM AS A FERTILIZER. For the past two years experiments have been instituted at Reading, England, to investigate the power of radium as a fertilizer. As a result of the above experiments it is made clear that while in some cases plants dressed with radio-active ore have given better results than the control plants, the improvement has not been of such a nature as to warrant the assumption that so expensive a commodity as radium could be profitably applied to crops. Accepting these investigations as conclusive, the farmer and gardener, says the Times, need look for no material benefit from radium. The chief result has been to emphasize the value of farmyard manures and artificial fertilizers. — Extract from current Industrial News, Journal of Ind. and Eng. Chem., December, 1915. 10 July, 1916.] Tree-planting Competition. 413 TREE-PLANTING COMPETITION. In 1912, a tree-planting competition was arranged by authority of the Cabinet, acting on proposals submitted by the Lands Department. JFor the working out of the details of the scheme, a special committee was constituted, comprising the horticultural representatives of the Australasian, Leader, and Weekly Times papers, the Secretary for Lands, the Conservator of Forests, and the Curator of the Botanic Gardens. The State was divided into five large divisions, having regard to physical and climatic conditions, and two further divisions — " small holdings dry " and '' small holdings irrigated." For each of the first five divisions, the prizes oft'ered were — 1st, £60; 2nd, £25; 3rd, £15; and 1st, £25; 2nd, £15; and 3rd, £10, for each of the two small holdings; a gold medal being awarded to every winner of a first prize. Very wide publicity was given to the scheme, through the generous help rendered by the entire press of the State, the full details being published and given great prominence. The total number of entries accepted was 111, being fewer than were expected, A very complete list of trees suitalsle to the various divisions, and classified accordin,g to their value for (a) shelter, sliade, and wind-breaks; (&) timber supply; (c) ornamental and other pur])oses, was com])iled by the Committee and freely circulated. The period over which the competition extended was three years. At the end of the first year, all competitors were asked by circular letter for a report, and it was then found that, as a result of the unfavor- able season of 1912-13, a good many of the attempts had not given satisfactory results, and a number of the competitors withdrew. The withdrawals included all those who had entered for competition in Division 1, '' Malice Country," and Division 5, " Hill Country." A review of the Avork of the remaining growers — five divisions — has now been completed by Mr. J. Cronin (Director of Botanic Gardens). His report shows that a greater measure of success has attended the project than is actually revealed ])y the prize plantations. Failure, in some cases, inspired renewed effort, and a measure of experimentation. It is considered by the Committee that valuable object-lessons are now provided in tlie widely-distributed localities, and that tree-planting, as an aid to settlement, will be encouraged thereby. There are evidences throughout tlie State of increasing interest in this good work, to wliich the ti-ee-])lanting competition has materially contributed, and it is being fui-ther assisted by the Arbor Day celebrations. Mr. Cronin reports: — "As a result of my investigations, 1 ]»lace flie competitors in tlie following order: — Division 2. A. W E. Ilulh.nd . Cornish Newnliam Division Avon riains Lake Boga Xagainl)it> 3. . . 1 2 . . 3 C. s. W. (uiibb C. Rossi ter N. Francis Traraliron IT.-dley ( 'ojeraine 1 .. 2 . . 3 414 Journal of Agriculture. Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Division 4. E. Bell, Jun. J. Bosisto & Co. . • Mockinya Emerald . . 1 .. 2 Division 6. Mrs. M. Tredrea . T. Lee Bake D. J. Corboy (\ioma Swan Hill Shepparton . 1 . . 2 .. 3 Division 7. E. C. Pettett Mrs. E. Tehan . S. Matchett • Glenorcliy Millgrove lona .. 1 .. 2 .. 3 I consider tliat the competitors named should be avt^arded the prizes offered by the Government, and that in each case the plantation is worthy of the prize recommended." This report has been adopted by the Committee, and the prizes awarded accordingly. Joseph Harris. Jno. Callander. (Signed) D. M. Dow. J. M. Eeed, H. Mackay. J. Cronin. Mr. Cronin further reports : — ^' The plantations inspected were situated in widely different parts of the State, including Coleraine, Skipton, Horsham, Avon Plains, Swan Hill, Shepparton, Cooma, Welshpool, Traralgon, Szc, and, as might be expected, most of them were situated at some distance from the towns. The soils and climatic conditions were also widely different in character. In forming their plantations, the o^mers had generally accepted the lessons of earlier plantings, and had used the ' Sugar Gum ' and ' Monterey Pine ' very liberally for the purpose. Outside of these, the range on the whole was fairly wide, a few trees of several genera and species being selected, in some cases as an experiment, in others to afford some variety and ornamental effect. The most conspicuous failure was the 'Monterey Cypress' (Cupressus macrocarpa) and its varieties, a result probably largely due to drought, but in more than one case traceable to the trees having been planted in holes dug into the subsoil. In every case where this Avas done the trees of all kinds were comparative failures, and a similar result followed planting in low. undrained situations. The best trees were always found in high and well-drained places, where the initial cultivation was shallow but thorough. In most places these trees are now quite safe, except in case of fire. The plantations visited were all fenced, and in most places the young trees had been attended to in the matters of training, cultivation, &c. In only one case was evidence given of the use of manure. Some trees of Eucalyptus calophylla were so large that I expressed doubt as to their age. The owner proved that the trees were planted in 1912, but stated that he had manured them, giving each a handful of gypsum at planting. 10 July, 1916.] Tree-planting Competition. 415 A brief note respecting the nature of the plantations of the successful competitors may be of interest. A. Holland, 1st in Division 2, has planted twelve plantations of * sugar gums ' and one of ' pepper trees ' around a small water reserve and at his house at Avon Plains, 20 miles from St. Arnaud. These trees have all made fine growth, and are quite a feature in a bare, treeless district. Pines and other trees had been previously planted, but entirely failed to grow. The plantations total 15 acres, and the gums are about 15 feet in height. (It is stated that the sugar gums were first planted in this portion of Victoria in 1885 by the late John Crewar, who obtained the seeds from the South Australian Government. The plants from these seeds are still thriving, and are very fine specimens.) J. W. Grubb, Traralgon, 1st in Division 3. — The plantations consist of lines around various paddocks, a patch of about 3 acres for timber, and specimens for ornament and shelter. Pinus insignis and P. canariensis have been planted about 30 feet apart on the boundary lines, with Eucalyptus hotryoides midway between. The pines have made fine growth, but the gums have suffered from insect attacks. They are all growing, and may do well noAV. The timber patch is planted with ]')ines, sycamores, peppermints, and box, set out 6 feet apart. The specimen and ornamental trees are very different in character and are doing well. C. C. Rossiter, Hedley, 2nd in Division 3. — The property of this competitor was a dense tea-tree swamp eight years ago. It is now all drained and cleared, except for a few patches of the tea-tree left for stock shelter, but these are steadily dying out. The owner planted Pinus insignis about seven years ago, and a fine shelter bolt now exists. A new plantation of 8 acres was fonned for the competition, and Pinus insignis was liberally planted. These trees are all thriving. Cupressus macrocarpa, too, is doing fairly well here, but eucalypts of various species have been tried and have failed. Acacias and a few oaks are growing satisfactorily. A short hedge of about 100 feet of * Murray Pine,' Callitris rhomhoidea (cupressiformis) , is most satisfactory, and foi-ms, without any trimming, a dense screen about 7 feet high and beautiful in its deep green colouring. The pine and other trees have all been pruned to a clean stem to allow of sheep being jdafod in the enclosures to feed off the grass as a protective measure against fire. E. Bell, Jun., 1st in Division 4. — The place is situated at Mockinya, about 25 miles from ITorsham, where some 20 acres of sandy land have been planted, principally with black wattles and sugar gums. .Vlthough there was no great variety of jdants here, they bad boon cnrcfnlly cultivated, and Avere all in good condition. Mrs. M. Tredea, 1st in Division f!. -A small fann situated at Cooma, about 13 miles from Tatui'a, and placed in the section for 'small holdings irrigated.' Gums of several kinds have boon planted in lines around various small paddocks. Pinus insignis, willows along the channels and in a slight depression, and acacias of many species have also l)eon pbintcd, together with a wide selection of other trees. This is a most satisfactory plantation, and would be diHicnlt to surpass. The whole of the trees have made excellent growtli, have been properly attended to, and have l)eon planted witli good judgment. 416 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. E. C. Pettett, 1st in Division 7. — Tliis competitor ovms a small farm of 40 acres at Warra Warra, about 8 miles from Glenorcliy. He is an apiarist, and lias planted trees for the competition that produce pollen and honey for his bees. Hitherto he has been compelled to move his bee-hives as pollen or honey became scarce, but says that now he can depend on a supply of both from his plantings. The plantation acts as a breakwind and shelter, and is decidedly ornamental also. Gums of various species, E. Calophylla, ficifolia. cornuta, corynocalyx, &c., have all made very fine growth, as indeed have all the trees on the place. Acacias of several kinds are thriving equally with the eucalypts, viz., A. decurrens, A. norynalis, A. Baileyana, A. cultriformis, and others doing well, but the severe frost experienced at times is too much for Acacia elata, which has been cut back repeatedly. Tagosaste, broom,, and other bee-feeding plants have also grown well. I have to say, in conclusion, that the arrangement of the competitors in the various divisions was made with a thorough knowledge of the conditions of the various parts of the State. After fully considering the matter on the ground, I know of no single instance where a competitor should have been placed in a different division to that allotted to him or her." Tree List for the various Divisions, as prepared by the Committee. Divisions 1 and 2. Mallee Countey and Dry Northern Country. Shelter, Shade, and Windbreaks. AUSTRALIAN TREKS. Currajong Tree {Sterculia diversijolia). White Ironbark (Eucalyptus hucoxylon.) Bull Oak [Casuarlna glauca). Red Ironbark {Eucalyptus sideroxylon.) Black Box [Eucalyptus bicolor). Silky Oak (Grevillea rohusta). Sugar Gum (E^icalyptus corynocalyx). EXOTIC TREES. Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). Monterey Pine {Pimcs insignis). Olive (Olea Europcea). Locust Tree {Bobinia pseudacacia). Aleppo Pine (Pinus Halepensis). Pepper Tree {Schinus Molle). Timber. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Bull Oak [Casaurina glauca). White Ironbark (Eucalyptus leucoxylon). Black Box (Eucalyptus bicolor). Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon). Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus corynocalyx). Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta). EXOTIC TREES. Monterey Cypress (Cupre-fsus macrocarpa). Montere}' Pine (Pinus insignis). Ornamental or other purposes. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia Baileyana). Golden-rain Wattle (Acacia prominens). Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata). Victorian Laurel (Pittosporum undulatum). EXOTIC TREES. Box Elder or Manitoba Maple (Acer False Tree Lucerne or Tagasaste (Cytisus negundo). proli ferns). Oleander (Neriums). 10 JiLY, 1916. 1 Tree-planting Competition. 417 Division 3. Southern Country (Coastal, Plain, and Upland). Shelter, Shade, and Windbreaks. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Gi])\)sla,nd Mahogany (Eucalijptus botryoides). Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora). Yate {Eucalyptus cornuta). Coastal Tea Tree (Leptospermum Icevi- Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus corynocalyx). gatum). exotic trees. Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). Aleppo Piiie (Pinus Halepensis). NepauJ Cypress (Cupressus torulosa). Monterey Pine (Pinus insiqnis). Olive (Olea Europcea). Pepper Tree (Schinus Molle). Canar}' Island Pine (Pinus Canariensis). Timber. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus corynocalyx). Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon). Yate (Eucalyptus cornuta). Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis). YeUow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora). exotic trees. Canary Island Pine (Pinus Canariensis). Corsican Pine (Pinus laricio). Monterey Pine (Pimis insignia). Ornamental and other purposes. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Cootaraundra Wattle (Acacia Bnileyana). West Australian Red Gum (Eucalyptus Green Wattle (Acacia decurrens, var. nor- calophylla). malis). Scarlet Flowering Gum (Eucalyptus ficifolia). Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata). Eugenias of sorts. Acacia longifolia, var. sophorcs.* Victorian Laurel (Pittosporum undulatum). Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnaniha). New South Wales Brush Box (Tristania Willow Wattle (Acacia salignn). conferta). Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria excelsa). EXOTIC TREES. White Mulberry (Morus alba). False Tree Lucerne or Tagasaate (Cytisus New Zealand Flax (Phorrnium tenax). proliferus). Tamarisks of sorts. Lime or Linden Tree (Tilia Europeea). Division 4. Hill Country (not Heavy Forest). Shelter, Shade, and Windbreaks. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Peppermint Gum (Eucalyptus am,ygdalina). Yellow Box (Eucalyptus mdliodora). G\\y\)s]a\\(\M.a\\ou,any (Eucalyptus l\i)tryoides). Red Box (Eucalyptus polyanthemos). Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus corynocalyx). Victorian Laurel (Pittosporum undulatum). exotic trees. Lambert's Spreading Cypress (Cupressus Aleppo Pine (Pinus Halepensis). Lambertinna, var. horizontalis). Monterey Pino (Pinus i)i.si(jnis). Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). Yellow Pine (Pinus pondcrosa). Nepaul Cypress (Cupressus toridosa). Mammoth Tree (Sequoia gigantea). Canary Island Pine (Pinus Canariensis). Timber. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Blackwood (Accu-ia mclanoxylon). New South Wales Blackbutt (Eucalyptus Sugar Gum (Eucrdyptus corynoc(Uyx). pilularis). Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus). Forest Red Gum (EuctUyptus tereticornis). EXOTIC TREES. Canary Island Pine (Pinus Canariensis). Corsican Pine (Pinus laricio). Monterey Pino (Pinu-f iiusignis). Kuro|H>an .\a\\ (Fraxinus excelsior). * Particularly suitable a» a sand-iikay. 7662.— B 418 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Ornamenlal and other purposes. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia Baileyana). West Australian Red Gum {Eucalyptus Green Wattle (Acacia decurrens, var. nor- calophi/lla). malts). Scarlet Flowering Gum (Eucalyptus firifolia). Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata). Red Flowering White Ironbark (Eucalyptus leucoxylon, var. rosea). EXOTIC TREES. Sweet Chestnut (Gastanea sativa). White Oak (Quercus alba). Common Walnut (Juglans regia). Portugal Oak (Quercus lusitanica). Bead Tree or White Cedar (Melia Lime or Linden Tree (Tilia Europcea). Azedarach). English Elm (Ulmus campe^tris). New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax). American White Elm (Ulmus Americana). Pin Oak (Quercus palustris). White Mulberry (llorus alba). Division 5. Hill Country (formerly Forest, more or less Cleared and old Timber Killed). Shelter, Shade, and Windbreaks. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Apple Tree (Angophora intermedia). Gippsland Mahogany (Eucalyptus holryoides). Satin Box (Erinstemon squameus). Victorian Laurel (Pittosporum undulatum). Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus corynocalyx). EXOTIC TREES. Monterey Cypress (Cupre^suf< macrocarpa). Monterey Pine (Pinus insignis). Nepaul Cypress (Cupressus torulosa). Yellow Pine (Pinus ponderosa). Aleppo Pine (Pinus Halepensis). Timber. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon). Yellow Stringy Bark (Eucalyptus Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus amygdalina- Mydlrrinna). regnanft). Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua). Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus). EXOTIC TREES. Canary Island Pine (Pinus Canariensis). Corsican Pine (Pinus laricio). Monterey Pnie (Pinus insignix). Ornam<>ntal and other purposes. AUSTRALIAN TKEES Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia Baileyann). Golltu-riin Wattle (Acacia promine.ns). Green Wattle (Acacia decurrens, var. West Australiar Red Gum (Eucalyptus normalis). raJophylla.) Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata). Scarlet Flowering Gum (Eucalyptus fcifolia) EXOTIC TREES. Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa). PoTtnsial Oak (Quercus lusitanica). ('a])e Chestnut (Calodendrov capcnse). False Tree Lucerne or Tagasaste (Cytisus White. Mulberry (Mor%is alia). pmliftru.s). New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax). Lime or Linden Tree (Tilia Europcea). Pin Oak (Quercus palustris). Divisions 0 and 7. Smat l Holdings. Shelter, Sfiade, and Windbreaks. AUSTRALIAN TREES. Gums (Eucalypls) of kinds, according to locality (vide other lists). KXOTIC TREES. Monterey Pine (Pinus insignis). Pepper Tree (Schinus Molle). Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). Victorian Laurel (Pittosporum undulatum). Olive (Olea Europcea). False Tree Lucerne or Tagasaste (Cytisus Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica). proliferus). 10 July, 1916.] Tree-planting Competiti 419 Ornamental and other purposes. AUSTRALIAN TREES. VVattles (^cacta-st) of kinds, according to locality {vide other lists). EXOTIC TREES. Walnut {Juglans regia). Bead Tree {Melia Azedarach). Camphor Tree (Ginnammomum Camphora). New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax). PROPAGATION METHODS. Every settler should have a small plot for the raising of his own trees. The following are some general methods which may be adopted for the sowing of tree seeds, viz. : — 1. Indiscriminate or Broadcast Solving. — (a) The area where the seed is to be sown should be in such a con- dition that the seed, when scattered, will find a ready lodgment either in the soil or in decaying vegetable matter suitable for inducing germina- tion, and providing the necessary light, moisture, and nourishment for the future plants to establish themselves. (b) The area may be scarified or ploughed and harrowed, being worked to a fine tilth, before sowing, if its natural condition is not suited for the reception of the seed. Sugar Gum Plantation, 21/4 Years Old. 2. Sowing Seeds in Drills. — If necessary, the plough or a drilling machine may be run lightly along the lines where the seed is desired to be sown. This will allow light and moisture to penetrate the drills and stimulate the germination of the seeds. After sowing the seeds, they may be lightly covered with some friable soil, or the rake may be very lightly drawn along the drills, with the object of covering the seeds, which may then be gently pressed down with the foot. 3. Seed Sowing in Prepared. Open Beds or Shaded Frames. — The beds should bo formed in some slightly sheltered position. The soil should be of two-thirds peaty or sandy nature and one-third of good loamy character After thorough preparation and levelling of the beds, the seeds may be sown and lightly covered with fine soil and carefully hand-watered with can. When the seedling plants have develoi>ed, care must be taken not to allow them to beconie either too dry or over moistened. R 2 420 JournaJ of AgricuUare, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. It is sometimes an advantage to have the beds formed in frames or framed around thus: — Front View. End View. so as to allow of calico-shading being rolled up or down, in order to pro- vide for the protection of beds during unfavorable weather. 4. Seed Sowing in Pots, Fans, or Flat Boxes. — The receptacles should be well drained. Use similar soil and exercise the same care as in the case of seed sowing m open beds. Note. — -Tn all cases of seed-sowing, the general practice may be adopted of covering the seeds with suitable soil to a depth corresponding to the size of the seeds. Sugar Gums and Pepper Trees at Mildura — 12 Years after Planting. Sowing of Pine Seeds. The ground should be well dug, lined out in 4 or 5 ft. beds, and then raked to a fine surface. The pine seeds should be soaked in cold water, and allowed to swell. The water should then be drained off, and the 10 July, 1916.] T'ree-plaiding Competition. 421 seed placed under cover for a few hours. Drill lightly the beds in three or four lines, and sow the seed straight away in the drilled lines, and cover up with the back of a light rake. If the soil is dry, water well with watering can and fine rose, and keep the ground moderately moist. In ten or eleven months' time the seedling plants should be lifted, and transplanted in nursery lines, 3 to 4 in. apart and from 14 to 18 in. be- tween the rows. In this position they can remain for one or two years. They will then be large enough to remove to their permanent quarters. The sowing should be done during August and September, but this depends on the season and district, the northern areas being first planted. In 1 lb. weight of pine seed there are from 19,000 to 90,000 seeds. The Raising of Gums. Sowing in Beds ami Boxes. — -The seed can b© sown from September to November, in open beds, boxes, pots, or pans. If in open beds, in the '^flHH >J^S i^ ^^i \k j^ ^^^ ^hB « '"^S- ^^ wk iHj yjjH^^^f-C ■ .«?i 'lE^^ [^H ^^^1 ^^K "1 l^l^^^g ^^^^H ^^^^^^H pi tt ^ HI mn IB , _ _^ — xiiimI p m ■ 1 i Pine Trees and Gums, Titanga Estate, Lismore — i« years alter planting. absence of a cement bottom something in the shape of hardwood boards or sheet-iron should be laid 7 or 8 in. below the surface to prevent the roots of the seedling gums from going down. The seed beds should be from 3 to 4 ft. wide, with a fine smooth surface. Water the bed before sowing. Sow broadcast, and spread some finely sifted loamy soil, light and dry, with a little decayed leaf mould mixed lightly and evenly over the seed ; then water with a fine rose. A temporary screen over the beds will assist the seed and protect the plants. If boxes are used they siiould he from 4 to 6 in. deep, with holes in the bottom for drainage. When filling the boxes, pots, or ))ans, place over the holes (for oj>en drainage purposes) curved pieces of crocks or charcoal. Fill in with moderately-sifted loamy soil to within lA in. of the top ; water, sow, and cover the .seed as directed for the oj>en beds. As plants in boxes are liable to be drawn, great care must be takeu to 422 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. keep them exposed to the light, and only shade when required. The seed will cost from Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. per ounce. Soivifig in Belts. — Wher© this can be done it is the cheapest and best. In rangy country, where there are steep slopes tliickly dotted with tree stumps and outcrops of rock, and the surface is a tangle of roots, nursery growth must be planted. Where the soil is free from obstacles of this kind, seed planting can be proceeded with. The nature of the surface and subsoil should be understood, as on this will depend the depth of the ploughing. A good shallow surface must not be buried or mixed out of proportion with a stiff clay subsoil, that will run together in wet weather, and bake into a hard crust in summer. If the subsoil is free, open, and porous, plough deeply, and work it up to a fine tilth. Mix the gum seed with dry sandy loam, well sifted, and sow by hand broadcast out of a dish, seed bag, or box. Then pass a light Jaarrow over it. This done, the success of the crop will depend on the season. For this work May, August, and September months are the best. On the climate and district will depend the month selected for the work. As tbe trees advance in growth thin out, and allow them growing space. A mixed sowing should not be done unless the cultivator understands the nature and habiti of the trees he is about to mix. Fence off with a temporary dropper fence. The seed, cultivation, and fence will cost from £2 5s. to £3 5s. per acre, that is, when the planting is done along a permanent boundary fence. Preparing the Ground and Planting. Take out square holes 12 x 12 or 24 x 2'4 in. wide, and the same in depth ; place the surface soil on one side of the hole, and the subsoil on the other. For shelter planting on exposed sites the holes should be 8 ft. apart; thin out as the trees grow. When the soil is pulverized, and not too wet or too dry, and the holes free of water, fill in by placing the soil as it was taken out. Should the subsoil be poor, mix a little surface soil with it. For planting select dull weather. Dry winds are injurious to plants out of the ground; avoid removing them. For plant- ing it is better that two persons should be employed at the work. When root space is made in the centre of the filled-in hole by one man, the other can place the tree in its position from beneath a cover, and steady it while the fine earth is being filled in and pressed gently round. Pines, cypresses, &c., should be planted out in June or July, and not later than August In warm districts, where frosts are not severe, gums (if properly hardened off) can also be planted. They will then be well established before the hot weather sets in. In cool districts, where frosts are severe, gums should not be set out until all danger is past. In lifting the gums for transplanting, great care must be taken not to injure or expose the roots. Allow as much earth as possible to remain on the roots; on gums every root is required. If reduced when transplanted into a new soil and position, the remaining roots will be unable to supply the siem and foliage with sufficient moisture. Hence, so many deaths, through the moisture passing away from the stem growth faster than the roots can supply the sap waste. Gums should be planted out in their permanent place when young and small, say, from four to twelve months old. Great care should be taken to exclude al! stock from the plantations. As rabbits do great injury to many of the seedling trees and plants wire p-^tted fences will be a necessity in most localities. 10 July, 1916.] Sheep Dips. 423 SHEEP DIPS. By A . W. Curlewis, Inspector of Stock. The following particulars and plans of a few sheep dips which have given satisfaction to those using them may be of interest to sheep- owners and others intending to construct dips this year: — No. 1. — For small flocks only. — This is a portable iron dip used at Longerenong College, among other places, and described in a former issue of the Journal by Mr. G. A. Sinclair, Principal of the College, as under : — " The plan adopted at this institution is for small flocks only, and about 800 sheep per day can be put through comfortably and thoroughly. We are indebted to a well-known Tasmanian sheep breeder, Mr. F. Burbury, of Ashgrove, for the general idea of the yards, and the details worked out here may be useful to many at this jvmcture. Experience has shown that there are objections to the usual style of dipping yards with a long race often leading upwards and thus entailing much No. 1. — Dipping bath for small flocks. handling and bruising of sheep, ending in a sudden drop into the dip, and a long climb out at the other end. These are well known to most farmers; and the aim in this plan was to avoid these drawbacks as much as possible. " The galvanized iron dip used cost £1 15s. in Melbourne, and was built there by a local manufacturer. The whole of the work is on one general level. The floor of the draining pens has a fall of 1 inch from the centre to each side, where a drain catches the liquid dripping from the sheep and runs it into two wells (w.w), each drain having a fall of 2 inclies from back to front. The liquid is pumped from the wells back into the dip with a Californian pump made by a local plumber. The bottom of tlie pump is closed and perforated to keep out any dirt. "When ordering the bath it would be advisable to stipulate for a curved pipe to be put in at the end near the top at s which should lead to a shallow opening at G, covered with a grating. If the drains are led to this, the liquid draining off (he slieep will run back to the bath by gravitation. The pi|>e should be 3 inches in diameter. 424 Juarnal of Agriculiitre. Victoria. [10 July. 1916. " In the catching yard and draining yards the soil was excavated to a depth of 15 inches. Sand was then put in to a height of 1 foot, and a floor of bricks in cement made on top. The yards cost more with us than 1 HfO #■ Draining \ Pens 18' Din and Yards Lon^^ranon^ Co If age \ < Dip and yards, Longerenon^ Agricultural College they would in a district where good splitting timber is available. All the timber had to be purchased ; and, with the exception of the posts, which 10 Jrr.Y, 1916.] Sheep Dips. 425 were old railway sleepers, sawn timber was used. The fences are about. 3 ft. 6 in. high, boarded with four 6-in. X 1-in. hardwood boards, six boards being used from a to a on plan to prevent the sheep seeing the dip. The posts are about 6 feet apart, and 2 feet in the ground. A hurdle is placed across the front of the decoy pen, so that the sheep in it can be plainly seen by the flock. The draining pens will each hold about 40 crossbred sheep, and the yards and catch- ing pens about 400 to 500 sheep. The price of the timber will vary so considerably with the district, that it is of little use to give the cost of the yards. " To protect the bath, and to obviate the necessity of re- moving it each year, we built a wooden framework around the outside, between it and the earth, both the bath and the framework being tarred. A check gate is provided with the. bath, to prevent the sheep going through too quickly; but we found that many of them jumped well out and the bar of the gate caught them under the neck, so the check gate was removed. The sheep can easily be kept in the liquid by means of the criitch without injuring them. To ])revent splash, a good plan is to put a 6-in. y 1-in. board along each side of the bath on its flat and pro^ jecting an inch or two over the bath. This can be fastened down to the sill under the rim of the bath, or to blocks driven into the ground." No. 2. — This is also for deal- ing with small flocks, but is of substantial construction, built for Mr. n. Mcl)onald for use on his j)ropertv at Darraweit Ouim. 426 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Dimensions of Bath. — Length at top, 16 feet; length on floor, to foot of ramp or "walk-out," 9 feet; width, inside measurement, 3 ft. 9 in. at top, 1 ft. 3 in. at bottom; depth, 5 feet. No slide was made, the sheep being put in by hand from a small pen alongside bath. There is a sliding door at the foot of ramp to keep the sheep in as long as required. Draining Yards. — Two are provided, each 8 feet x 8 feet, with swing-gate hung on end of dividing fence to enable yards to be used alternately. Material. — Concrete mixed in proportion of seven parts gravel to one of cement. Walls and floor of bath are 5 inches in thickness, faced by \ inch of cement mortar, four of sand to one of cement. Floor of ramp is faced with mortar, two to one sand and cement, and is formed in slats or corrugations to give a good foothold. Floor of drain- ing yards is 6 inclies in thickness, laid on good sand foundation, and faced with 1 inch cement mortar two in one, and formed with a slope of 3 inches in 8 feet towards dividing fence between yards, and also from back of yards towards bath. Ten casks of cement and about 9 cubic yards of gravel were used in construction, and total cost was about £20, including labour. Since this dip was constructed, however, the price of cement has largely increased, and it would probably be better to substitute bricks for concrete, and grout with cement mortar. No. 3. — Ballarat City Council Dip. — This is a circular bath dip, the sheep passing down a slide from the end of the race leading from receiv- ing yards, fixed at an angle of 45 degrees to the race, with a drop of five in seven. There is a decoy pen at the end of race to hold two or three sheep. I saw some 400 young sheep put through in an hour under the direction of Mr. Cadden, the City Council's ofiicer. They went well, and were thoroughly dipped. The bath holds eight average-sized sheep at a time, and the last " block " of the race has the same capacity, so that whilst the sheep are soaking the race is refilled, and the loss of time is slight. When a dip is required for comparatively small lots of sheep, a round bath is, in my opinion, preferred to a short rectangular one. In the former, the sheep may be kept swimming round as long as desired without any check, whereas in the latter they must be checked in order to give them the requisite time to soak, and they are either kept floundering about or turned back ; in the latter case they meet sheep swimming in the opposite direction, and a block occurs. A circular bath such as the one under notice (and one of smaller dimensions might be made if desired) is also comparatively economical to fill, and may, therefore, be bailed and recharged when used for several lots of sheep, thus avoiding the use of foul wash. Its full capacity is 1,160 gallons. It may be used down to the 3-ft. mark for small sheep and lambs. This depth represents about 500 gallons of wash. It will be seen that, when refilled, the liquor is very much freshened, and the necessity of very frequent cleaning out is much reduced, hence cheaper work can be done for small lots. 10 July, 1916.] Sheep Dips. 427 428 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Hereunder is a description and par- ticulars of its construction, kindly su,p- plied by Mr. Farrer, City Engineer, Ballarat : — - Diwensions of Bath. — Inside diameter, at top, 9 feet; inside diameter, at bottom. 4 feet; depth, 5 ft. 3 in., with a 12-ft. long ramp or " walk-out " ; slope, one m three. Draining Yards.- — Two, each 16 feet s. 10 feet, with slope towards gutter at outer edge, whence the liquid runs into small settling pits, one on each side, fitted with gully-weil to catch grit and filth, and grating to strain off floating matter, hence only strained liquid gets back to bath. The silt and thick liquor so checked is drained away by removing a wooden sluice-gate, which opens the pit to the bottom. When the dip is not in use, this, sluice-gate is left out, so that rain water draining off the pens cannot get into the bath. The constructive material is cement concrete, in proportion of six parts gravel lo one of cement for the main part of the work. The inner sides of all walls and bottom are rendered to a thickness of \ inch with two to one cement mortar, finished off with a coat of \ inch thick of one to one cement mortar. The walls and floor of bath are both 6 inches in thickness. The floor of draining yards is 3 inches thick of six to one, as before, faced by. I inch of two and a half to one grit and cement, and formed on good sand founda- tion. "Slide-in" above bath top is of timber, lined on bottom with plain sheet iron, about f inch thick. Hereunder is given the capacity of bath at different marks, as gauged by tank measurements : ■ — ■ Mark at depth of — 4 ft. 9 in. ... ... 1,160 gallons. 4 ft. 3 in 949 4 feet ... ... ... 848 3 ft. 9 in. ... ... 757 3 ft. 6 in. ... ... 664 3 ft. 3 in. ... ... 571 3 feet ... ... ... 497 Note. — One hundred and sixty average- sized shee,p will remove 100 gallons of f^. 10 July, 1916.] Sheep Dips. 429 fluid from tha bath, but a considerable portion of this will be returned if the animals are allowed sufficient time in the draining yards. Approximate cost of bath and draining floor was £35 (in 1913). Total cost, inclusive of fencing and gates for receiving, drainin| yards, and race, paving, two' water tanks, and water service from main was about £126. No. 4. — This is a dip shown on Departmental Farm Buildings Plan No. 1 ; it is of about same dimensions and style as that of No. 3, with the addition of a central pillar, which results in a saving of wash, and lUB e^^g^g^g^ 3 IDE V/EW ' fDECOV Pen I II Collecting Pen Ground Plan O lO 20 3ca/e of feet 2>0 40 50 No. \. — Dip Circular bath with centre pillar. is considered an improvement ; it should tend to keep the sheep swim- ming round evenly, and regulate the uniformity of time each slieep remained in the bath. Sj^ecifications regarding material, &c., are similar to those given for No. 3. No. 5. — Tliis is a dip suitable for large flocks, and is sliown on Dep:irtment'il Farm Buildings Plan No. 8. Tlie bath i)rovide.s for a swim of upwards of 30 feet, and the draining i)eiis are well planned. 430 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. as are also the receiving and forcing yards. The sheep enter the bath by a slide leading straight from the end of race, and no decoy pen is provided for. Specifications of material, &c., may be worked out from those given relative to No. 6. No. 6.— Dip constructed by Mr, Wallace, at Drummartin Estate, near Elmore. Material. — Brick grouted in cement, faced with cement mortar, three of sand to one of cement. Dimensions. — Bath — length, 40 feet at top; 26 feet at bottom to the foot of ramp or "walk-out"; width, inside, 22 inches at top, 10 inches at bottom; depth, 5 feet at the back, 4 feet at foot of ramp. Construction. — Walls of bath 4 inches, i.e., one brick in thickness, with a pier or column of three bricks square built in each wall, 13 feet from the back end, to strengthen it; building iron is laid in every fourth course, and a good packing of clay or other solid material rammed in behind to support walls. The wall at the back, and for 4 feet of side opposite the slide-in, is built 3 feet above the level of the ground. Along the top of the wall, all round, one brick is placed lengthways, at right angles, to form a coping. On the floor of bath the bricks are laid on edge on good sand foundation. The ramp is faced, or overlaid, with 3 inches of cement mortar (three in one), and formed in slats or corrugations to give the sheep a good foothold in walking out; it is also widened slightly towards the top. Draining Yards. — Two yards, each 20 feet x 20 feet, floor formed of bricks laid on edge on good sand foundation, grouted and faced with 1 inch of cement mortar, as before mentioned. The floor has a slope of 3 inches in 10 feet from the sides to the centre of each yard, and a slope from the back of the yards towards the bath of 1 inch in 10 feet. The liquid drains into two settling pits 2 feet in depth by 2 feet x 1 ft. 3 in., from which it runs through strainers placed at the entrance to channels near the top of the pits, and thence by pipes or channels under the surface to the bath, which it enters 8 feet from the " walk- out." These pits can be frequently skimmed of droppings, pieces of wool, &;c., and baled out when necessary, thus to an extent preventing the dip from becoming fouled. A gate is hung on end of fence dividing the two yards, to fasten back to a post at either side of walk-out, and so that the yards may be used alternately. Entrance to dip is by a race leading from receiving yards, 10 feet long, 1 ft. 3 in. in width, inside measurement, with slide 3 ft. 6 in. on the side of the end abutting bath. The slide, which is placed at an angle of about 45 degrees, is constructed of hardwood, aiid is kept well greased or wet when the sheep are going through. 10 July, 1916.] Sheep Dips. 431 -:: : 1 d !^ ?- 1 4J K Uj 1 bn !=! S^ , P. P< 1 <^4 1 •ci ii-kj 1 s 0) oj Is- w ■^^^ CnT .•♦J bn ^ 1 § 1 O o 1 \6 M d T IZi \'^> 0-* h 432 Journal of Agriculture. Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Half way along the race is a gate which opens into decoy pen, which in this dip extends along the for- ward part of the race and round the end of it to the back of the " slide-in." The fence between the race and this long decoy pen is fairly open, so that the sheep can readily see through it; the outer side of race, where the " yarders-up " work, is boarded up. The race is floored with hardwood, with a slight fall in the last panel to top of " slide-in," which really forms the end of race. Water is laid on, and the arrangements of this di^p are complete and con- venient, Mr. Wallace hav- ing, as far as possible, com- bined the good points of various dips he had in- spected before having his own constriicted. I consider the draining system and style of decoy pen particularly good. The owner kindly supplied me with the following particu- lars re approximate cost, &c., and will, I feel sure, be pleased to give any sheep-owner further details if desired : — SLOP£-^!c^ SLOPE 1 SLOPE -4^ 1 1 - SLOPE 1 1 DRAINING 1 YAR[>^ . 1 , ■ >. 1 -< * 1 V -^1 CCi $1 Q. Ql ! '\ ?- PlT-U D^ Pit N K. r 5s ^^ O • ^.^ ^ /■ •_fl -J y ^ ^ < • u ' i ^r n 1 4^ C3, 1 * I u --4 *^ V Q 5; I =i 2 k cx. -$ 5 I I ►5 <= ''J- s » s ■^ CM I ^ s «5 T n aT 0) 4J S ^ nollofBafh"^ SL t nP 5; Raised 3 /IboveSurface f/V 1 ^ o o !:! P. Small Gate ./ 3 - O Ul CO u «>: d 0: IZi Cat E N Material used — Bricks, 5,800 Cement, casks ... Posts, rails, &e. Labour ... Cartage ... Total eight £3P 24* £63 *Price of cement has in- creased, and i^robably cost of labour also, since the above estimate was given. ^'T^<^ YARD ^^^ YARD ffEC£/V/NC YARD T^-Z 10 July, 1916.] hi'^tct rests of Fruit, Flowers, and Vef/etahhs. 433 INSECT PESTS OF THE FRUIT, FLOWER, AND VEGETABLE GARDEN. AND HOW TO TREAT THEM. Bi/ C. Fre?ich, Jnr., Government Entomologist. [Continued from page 317.) Case Moths. There are several species of stick-case insects, which attack vegetables, fruit, and fruit trees, and garden plants. Most of the damage is done by the insects before they are noticed. The perfect insects, in most cases, are small moths, the females being destitute of wings, and are rarely seen outside their stick-hoiises. The females bring forth their young in myriads; these latter escape in crowds, let themselves down, by a silk thread spun from the lower lip of the case, until they reach a twig or leaf ; and then each im- mediately begins to con- struct a separate case of tough Kilk, the outside covered with particles of bai'k, &c., to protect it during the .period of its larval existence. Tree- growers will have noticed little clusters of leaf -like substances, which are con- stantly on the move. If these be examined carefully, it will be seen that the mov- ing objects are these insects in their early stages; and even when so small, it is surprising the amount of damage they do in a very short space of time. The orange case moth causes considerable damage to crauge, lemon, quince trees. Fig. 10. — Case Moths. Miliini rlnrigafa, Saunders.) and vines. Several s])ec:es of the " lictor, or faggot case moths," which appear at intervals in immense numl^ers. are very destructive to cypress hedges near Melbourne. Fortunalelv, these case moths are easily 434 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. destroyed by the arsenical sprays, Paris green, or arsenate of lead. The latter spray causes the hedges to look as if they had been whitewashed; but after the insects have been destroyed, which is about a day, the hedges should be hosed, and all traces of the spray will disappear. The Vine Moth. This is probably one of the commonest moths found in Victoria; it is recorded from every locality where vines are cultivated, and is one of the vignerons' greatest enemies. The moths deposit their eggs on the vine, and these soon hatch, and the young caterpillars at once commence to feed. The first brood generally appears in October, and after a few weeks enter the pupa state about the beginning of December, the moths emerg- ing about the end of December. It will thus be seen how rapidly these in- sects increase. The larvae, when newly-hatched, are of a dark greenish-black colour ; but as they increase in size, the colouring be- comes greenish-yellow. This moth is a native insect, but, unfortunately, is one that forsakes its native food for something which is no doubt easier eaten and more palatable. When vines, fuchsias, or Virginian creepers are attacked, spray with arsenate of lead. Another moth, the vine hawk moth, probably an in- troduction from Europe,, is also destructive to our vines. Its larva is a formidable- looking creature, sometimes greenish in colour, and sometimes brown, measur- ing often 3 inches in lensfth. Fig. 11. — The Vine Moth. {Agarista glijcine, Lewin.) Tomato Moth. One of the worst pests of tomatoes is the tomato moth. It belongs to the cutworm moths (Agrotis, Heliothis, &c.). These caterpillars hide just under the soil in the day time, and at nigrht come up and eat the tomatoes. At other times, the moths deposit their eggs on the tomatoes, and the young, as soon as they emerge, commence to bore into the tomato, and in a very short time the inside is eaten out. The cater- pillars are about an inch long, of a dirty, brownish colour. They are usually curled up just under the soil. The female moths hide in the day time under wood, old bags, weeds, &e., and in the evening fly about 10 July, 1916.] Insect Pests of Fruit, Flowers, and Vegetables. 435 from plant to plant depositing their eggs. Poisoned baits can be used, which are made as follows: — Bran, 10 lbs. ; molasses, 4 lbs. ; Paris green, 4 ozs. The whole is to be made into a paste or dough, and placed, in small pieces about the size of a nut, amongst the tomato plants; this will destroy cutworms wholesale. The tomatoes themselves should be sprayed with arsenate of lead, but should be washed before using. Cutworms. of These moths, which are found in countless thousands in all parts Victoria, are known as " Bogong," and "Take-all" moths. The Fig. 12. — The Tomato Moth. {Ilcliotliris armifjera, Ilubn.) caterpillars not only destroy wheat and other grain crops, but attack vegetable and garden plants, esipeci- allv carnations, dahlias, and rose buds. One species, A gratis munda, " the Bogong moth," was re- garded as a great delicacy by the Aborigines, and an- nual trips to the Bogong and other ranges were taken, where the moths could be obtained in thou- sands. The Bogong moths crowd on the surfaces, and also in the crevices of granite rocks in incredible quantities; to procure them with greater facility, the natives used to make smothered fires underneath these rocks, and about them the moths collected, and were suffocated with the smoke. After they had collected a large quantity, the blacks proceeded to pre- pare them. According to various authorities, the fol- lowing procedure was ob- served: — A circular place was cleared ii,pon the ground, of a size proportional to the number of insects to be prepared : on it a fire was lighted and kept burning until the ground was con- sidered to be sufficiently heated, a\ lien the fire was removed, and the ashes cleared away. The moths were placed upon the heated ground, and stirred about until the down and wings were removed. They were then placed upon pieces of bark, and winnowed to separate the dijst and wings from the bodies; they were then eaten, or placed in a wooden vessel called a " Ctililian." and pounded by a piece of wood into masses or cakes resembling lumps of fat. These were smoked, and kept good for a fairly Inng period. The first time this diet is partaken of by 436 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. the native tribes, violent sickness is caused ; but, after becoming accus- tomed to it — generally in a. few days — they thrive and fatten in a remarkable manner upon it. The quantities of moths that may be collected from one of the granite groups, it is calculated, would amount to at least 5 or 6 bushels. These moths appear in countless millions near Melbourne, at irregular intervals, in the summer evenings after a hot day. When a- hot north wind is blowing, they are carried out to sea, and when the tide comes in they can be seen strewn for miles along the beaches at Sandringham, Mordialloc, Frankston, and other parts along the Bay; in fact, they can be shovelled up in places. The remedies recommended for tomato moths will rid gardens of these pests. Painted Apple Moth. The inroads that many moths, whose natural food plants grow in our bush, are making into the orchards and gardens of Victoria and New South Wales is a sub- ject well worthy of investi- gation. The caterpillars of this handsome little moth are very destructive. In its native state, it feeds upon the foliage of a number of different species of wattles, but it is now almost omnivorous in its habits. It has been particularly plenti- ful recently, and has at- tacked apple®, quinces, plums, also pelargoniums, stocks, bouvardias, and other garden plants. When fully grown, the cater- pillars measure about 1 inch in length. They are clothed in long hairs, with two curious appendages project- ing from near the tail. When fully grown, they crawl into any corner, and spin a loose, light-brown, silken cocoon, through which the pupae can be seen. The male moth measures about an inch across its outspread wings, of which the fore pair are dark-brown, marbled with yellow and grey markings. The female is much larger, and is wingless; its life is very short for it crawls out of the cocoon, lays its eggs upon the top of it, and dies. Fig. 13. — Cutworm Moths. (Mamestra Evimji, and Agrotis sp.) 10 July, 1916.] Insect Pests of Fruit, Flowers, and Vegetables. 437 Fig. 14. — The Painted Apple Moths.. (Teia anartoides. Walk.) Fig. 15. — Gum Emperor Moth. (Anthcrca mrdhiiiti, Scott.) 438 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Prevention and Remedies. Hessian bands, similar to those used for codlin moth, have been tried with great success. Spraying the trees with any of the arsenical sprays will also be found of much advantage. Gum Emperor Moth. This is one of the finest Victorian moths, and has a wide range over the other States. Its large, beautiful green caterpillars are often to be seen on pepper and eucalyptus trees in our gardens. The eggs, which are like little white or creamy beads, are generally placed on the edges of the leaves, sometimes the edges being lined with them. When hatched, the caterpillars are very dark, almost black-coloured, but by successive moults soon change to the beautiful green tint of the full- grown caterpillars, which has star-like tufts on each segment. The caterpillars often measure 5 inches in length. The cocoons are oval in shape, and measure 1 inch to \\ inch in length, and are very tough. The moths are of a delicate reddish-fawn colour, but variable in both size and colour, often with a pink tint and four eye-like spots or blotches — two on the upper wings and two on the lower wings. Recently, these caterpillars have attacked apple trees and roses. Spray with any of the arsenical sprays. These insects are often destroyed by ichneumons and other hymenopterous insects, wasps, &c., also by parasitic flies. {To he continued.) COST OF INSECT PESTS. " We hardly realize," says an American magazine, " that £50,000,000 a year, about £1,000,000 a week, is spent directly or indirectly in trying to check the ravages of the insect pests that prey on the crops. Besides this the pests eat, according to Government estimates, about £160,000,000 worth of food annually, which brings their cost up to over £200,000,000 a year clear loss. In every State effective war is waged on these pests. Every weapon known to science is employed. But no sooner is a particular pest conquered in one part of the country than it appears in another. Emphasis has been placed in recent years on insect-destroying birds, and these are being protected in all kinds of ways. Laws against the use of bird feathers on hats are part of this protection, and in many States forest areas have been established as bird refuges. Science has also attacked the problem in breeding insects to destroy other insects. The melon aphis, for example, used to cost the growers in one Californian valley £1,000,000 a year. The lady bug, it was found, devoured the aphis. So lady bugs were collected and kept in cold storage. About 2,000 lbs. were gathered in certain can^'ons in the Sierras, each pound representing about 25,000 bugs. They bred prodigiously. It was found that 50,000 of them would keep 20 acres of melons free of the aphis and other plant lice. As a result, bumper crops have since been raised. So now scientists are studying the problem of bugs to eat bu2:s, which shall in themselves be harmless to the crop. And thus the battle for the crop goes on yenrlv. ^^^^'^ ri^^-^v before, perhaps, wnth such success or with such genorrl npplicat'.cii." 10 July, 1916.] Victorian Rainfall. 439 VICTORIAN RAINFALL. First Quarter, Year 1916. District. >, ^ s 3 .c Quarter. c Points. Points. Points. Points. Mallee North . . District Mean . . 49 1 5 55 Normal 55 68 116 239 Per cent, above normal „ below „ 11 99 19 96 77 Mallee South . . District Mean . . 146 10 175 Normal 57 78 100 235 Per cent, above normal 156 „ below „ 76 90 26 North Wimmera District Mean . . 100 32 2 134 Normal 64 70 98 232 Per cent, above normal 56 „ below „ 54 98 42 South Wimmera District Mean . . 105 27 1 133 Normal 93 78 112 283 Per cent, above normal 13 ,, below „ 65 99 53 Lower Northern Countrv District Mean . . 168 62 9 239 Normal 90 79 118 287 Per cent, above normal 87 , , . , „ below „ 22 92 17 Upper Northern Country District Mean. . 163 05 10 268 Normal 116 96 138 350 Per cent, above normal 41 „ b3low „ 1 93 23 Lower North-Eaat District Mean . . 192 125 74 391 Normal 154 147 231 532 Per cent, above normal 25 „ below „ 15 68 27 Upper North- Flast District Mean . . 336 235 76 647 Normal 217 182 284 683 Per cent, above normal 56 29 „ below 73 5 East GipjiHl.ind District Mean. . 291 415 OO] 927 Normal 256 217 241 714 Per cent, above normal 14 91 30 „ bolow „ 8 West Gippsland District Mean. . 419 348 124 801 Normiil 229 150 280 668 Per cent, above normal 83 119 33 ,, below ,. 56 440 Journal of Agricidtiire. Victo7'ia. [10 July, 1916. Victorian Rainfall — continued. District. East Cojitral . . District Mean . . Normal Per cent, above normal ., below „ West Central . . District Mean . . Normal Per cent, above normal below ,, North Central District Mean . . Normal Per cent, above normal „ below ,, Volcanic Plains District Mean Normal Per cent, above normal „ below ,, West Coast District Mean . . Normal Per cent, above norma] ,, below „ Points. Points. 381 182 233 173 64 5 214 172 146 131 47 31 214 118 130 122 65 3 217 62 139 117 56 47 87 254 148 126 72 31 a Quart rr. Points. Points. 67 630 282 688 "76 8 28 414 211 488 "87 15 11 343 180 432 94 21 9 288 184 440 '95 35 24 365 209 483 "89 24 N.B.— 100 points = 1 inch. Dry ccnditions prevailed generally during the first three weeks of January, but the latter end of the month witnessed some very heavy falls, rains of a widespread character falling throughout the State. In the Mallee these rains hindered the harvesting operations, but in the Central, South, and Western Districts their effect was decidedly advan- tageous with regard to the potatoes, summer fodders, and orchards. With few exceptions, the harvesting results equalled or exceeded anticipations, and in the neighbourhood of Lismore, in the west, the average yields were estimated at 25 bushels per acre; and in parts of the Wimmera, 42 bushels were obtained. All the available stock were in exceedinglv good condition owing to the abundance of food, but the general regret of the farmer was that he had insufficient stock to eat down the prolific herbage. In Gippsland the early rains were exceedingly beneficial, and arrived most opportunely, and in time to resurrect the late-sown maize, and also the potato crop. Very little rain occurred in the ^lallee and Wimmera during February, but in the North-East and Gippsland, some heavy falls were experienced, due mostly to monsoonal conditions; and some very heavy thunderstorms, especially in Central and ISTorth-East, took place. These rains had a beneficial effect on the maize and, potatr crops, promoting vigorous growth, and insuring more than a sufficiencv 10 July, 1916.] Victorian RainfaU. 441 of green grass; but, as stxjck was exceptioually dear, and the priceb fabulous — as much as £20 being demanded for milch cows — the replenish- ing of the herds and flocks could not be undertaken, except by the hnancially strong class. March was a dry month, at some places north of the Divide an entire absence of ram was noticeable. In fact, East Gipjjslanders were the only ones to benefit during the period ; the rains in this part o^ the State either exceeded or approximated to average conditions. They were the results of thunderstorms, and were higiily appreciated, as stock maintained their j)revious high standard of excellence in condition, and the potato, maize, and other summer crops showed splendid results, and dairying operations were ideal. In the Mallee, the absence of rain in any appreciable quantity during this month, and its predecessor, had a bad effect on the pastures ; and in the Wimmera, stock were generally falling off in condition, and water was becoming scarce. Else- whei-e, stock were fat, but inland rivers had ceased to flow and the supply of water was diminishing — Gippsland being the exception. Record yields of fruit of exceptionally good quality were being obtained every- where. H. A. Hunt, Commonwealth Meteorologist. 29.4.16. WALL PAPERS THAT DESTROY LIGHT. People are constantly asking Avhat is the best colour for wall paper or hangings. The following table will give the fullest particulars. Common wall papers were tested recently in an illuminating laboratory for their light-absorbing qualities, with the following results : — Pcrcontivgc of Wall paper.'!, liKlit iilisorbi'd. White . . . . . . . . 30 Chrome yelloAv . . . . . . .'18 Orange . . . . . . . . ."iO Plain deal . . . . . . 55 Yellow . . . . . . . . 60 Light pink . . . . . . 64 Emerald green . . . . . . 82 Dark brown . . . . 87 Vermilion . . . . . . 88 Blue-green . . . . . . 88 Cobalt-blue . . . . . . 88 Deep chocolate . . . . . . 06 This table shows that if a rnnin papered with dark green be rc- papercd with chrome yellow, it will 1)C four times as light with the sajue lamps and window.^. Tn many case.i hou.'^iehnhlcrs j)ay too much for electricity and fin>i lighting because their light-ahsorhing wall coverings destroy the light rays. 442 . Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. BUILDING UP A FLOCK. Thirteen years ago, when Mr. J. Anderson, of Knysvale, Victoria, was a child, an uncle gave him a Shropshire ewe as a birthday present, and later on lent a Shropshire ram. In due course twin lambs were bom. Later on, the original ewe and two ewe lambs dropped more lambs, the boy being indebted again to his uncle for the loan of a ram. A proportionate increase was recorded with each succeeding year, and tne youthful stockbreeder had retained a few of his ram lambs. His father then gave him the free use of a paddock of 300 acres. Mr. Anderson remarked to the writer: — " I wanted my boy to stay on the farm, and since he displayed an intelligent interest in his little flock I reckoned that if he could make money out of sheep he would soon realize that he had something better than a billet in the city." He has got something better than " a billet." He made a practice of selling a majority of the ram lambs and breeding from the ewe lambs. To-day his flock of 67 Shropshires is the result of his own breeding. With money originally realized through the sale of Shropshire ram lambs, he purchased crossbreds, since he had the freedom of ample grazing area. Further sales brought in more money, with which he purchased additional sheep. In April last, when his flock comprised about 135 ewes and 7 rams all told, he purchased 55 crossbred ewes. This purchase was made with money banked from sale returns of the character noted. His deal of the past year returned him 7s. per head for wool shorn from sheep that cost him 13s. each last April. The ewes are his property still, and, in addition, he has a complement of lambs. What this extra asset means to-day it is hardly necessary to specify, but given a fair percentage of ewe lambs, this rrost interesting flock shows every promise of increasing well up to the 500 total before the end of the present year. — AucJdand Weekly News, 24th February, 1916. STOCKHOLM TAR. N'ow that the season for pruning fruit trees and lopping forest and ornamental trees is approaching, it is an appropriate time to bring under notice the virtues of Stockholm tar as an antiseptic and germ destroyer. Where a branch is sawn or cut of? and the bark trimmed round with a knife, then the tar should be at once applied with a brush or piece of stick. If genuine Stockholm tar, it will be very thick and viscous in cold weather, and should be warmed before application. The whole of the surface of the wound should be covered. This is Listerism applied to vegetation, as the tar prevents unfavorable germs from developing and promotes a healthy grow^th. In a short time new wood completely covers the wound even when the branch is 6 inches or more through, and a perfect cicatrix results. Coal tar must not be used, as it is destructive and objectionable. 10 July, 1916.] Sixth Victorian Egg-laying Competition, 1916-17. 443 SIXTH VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, 1916-1917. Commenced 15th April, 1916; concluding 14tli April, 1917. CONDUCTED AT THE BURNLEY SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE] BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA. Six Birds. 15.4.16 15.5.16 Total Position in Owner. Breeds. to to to Competi- Pen 14.5.16 14.6.16 Date. tion. No. LIGHT BREEDS. Wet Mash. 17 W. G. Swift White TvCghorns . . 120 135 255 1 27 Jolin Blacker 116 134 250 2 40 A. Brundrett 115 132 247 3 7 C. J. Jackson 108 137 245 4 13 H. J. Meddows . . >> 122 118 240 1^ 36 ]•:. W. Hippe . . j> 113 127 240 41 iOxcelsior Poultry Farm . . )) 108 129 237 }' 25 A. H. Mould . . >> 104 133 237 11 B,. W . Pope 121 112 233 9 38 V. Little /) 115 117 232 10 16 F. Ceilings )i 115 115 230 11 1 G. McDonnell . . »» 111 118 229 12 37 .T. M. Smith ,. > 103 116 219 13 3 W. M. Bayles . . >> 110 103 213 14 28 S. Cheatle R.C.B. Leghorns . . 83 129 212 15 34 F. G. Silbereisen White Leghorns . . 105 105 210 16 26 Mrs. A. Dumas . . ,, 104 101 205 }17 24 H. N. 11. Mirams ,. (.i hirds) 79 126 205 15 G. LauKhlan White Leghorns . . 113 91 204 1 44 J. Jamieson »» 71 133 204 U9 30 F. T. Denner . . J, 79 125 204 J 23 T. A. Pettiarovc I 93 109 202 22 22 Mrs. H. Stevenson I 83 115 198 23 12 G. Haynian >. 109 87 196 24 10 J. H. Duncan . . >i 44 143 187 25 18 C. Ludwi? *} 103 80 183 26 14 W. B. Hu.stler . . , 65 113 178 27 46 C.H.Oliver .. >. 83 93 176 28 32 N. Burston >> 44 124 168 29 5 W. G. Osburne . . »> 101 61 162 ]30 20 IT. Merrick . 93 69 162 6 J. J. West >> 101 57 158 32 21 A. R. Payne >. 74 79 153 33 42 'J'iiirkell and Smith »> 68 76 144 J34 19 Bcnwerren Egg Farm i> 65 79 144 29 A. S. Ilyndman .1 50 93 143 36 39 L. McLean • y 12 124 1,36 37 43 S. Buscumb . . )> 70 50 120 38 8 F,. A. Lawsoh . . »> 52 66 118 39 101 A. K. .Silbcrolsen l» 15 91 106 40 33 F,. F. Evans >> 54 37 91 41 9 W. H. Clingin .. }r 59 12 71 42 3.T T(im Fisher )» 5 64 69 43 31 J. H. Gill i» 32 26 58 44 4 Fulhani Park Total HEAVY BREEl 5 31 36 45 3,695 4,415 8.110 3S. Dry Mash. 98 M.irville Poultry Farm lilack Orpingtons . . 78 157 235 1 97 D. Wisher 1 95 12.S 223 2 100 Oaklands Poultry Farm .. ',', ■ ■ 68 132 200 3 94 Mrs. Ccad .. 30 130 IfiO 4 9.5 T. W. Pcarce 1. 70 61 131 5 99 .1. 02.1on .. 3 39 42 6 90 H.Hunt Total 18 18 344 6«5 1,009 444 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Sixth Victorian Egg-Laying Competition, \^IQ-I*d\l— continued. Osvner. Breeds. 15 A to 16 14 5 16. 15 5 to 16 1-t .6 16 Total to Date. Position in Competi- tion. LIGHT BREEDS. Dry Mash. W. H. Robbing White Leghorns 140 134 274 1 T. A. Pettigrovo . 134 139 273 2 C. C. Dunn 128 130 258 3 W. J. Thorn 128 127 255 4 Mrs. Huehes 108 141 249 5 W. N. O'Miillane 115 129 244 6 C. LudvviK 105 137 242 7 Izard and Tiernev 119 122 241 8 Mrs. NiL'oll 104 136 240 9 J. W. Morrow . . 103 126 229 10 G. Williinson . . 113 112 225 11 A. Bennett 110 83 193 12 Tliirkell and Smith 95 97 192 13 Rev. J. Mayo . . 119 62 181 14 H. MoKenzie and -Son 83 93 176 15 A. Greenhalgh . . 77 98 175 16 C. Lane 81 85 166 17 E. A. Lawson . . 91 61 152 18 H. J. Brown (5 birds) 46 105 151 19 Lysbeth Ponltry Farm . 60 87 147 20 Reliable Poultry Farm . 80 60 140 21 Clevedon Poultry Farm . 57 69 126 22 Ben wen en Bag Farm 15 49 64 23 W. G. Osburne . . 20 43 63 24 N. Burston 56 56 25 Total 2,231 2,481 4,712 HEAVY BREEDS. Wet Mase . 74 Oaklands Poultry Farm . . Black Orpingtons . 140 154 294 1 89 Brooklyn Poultry Farm . . .. 136 150 286 2 72 Marvilie Poultry Farm . . M 141 119 260 3 87 S. Busoumb 119 119 238 4 86 C. Ludwig ,, 118 117 235 5 80 Mrs. Pearce ,, 104 109 213 6 79 Stranks Bros. . White Orpingtons. 90 116 206 7 85 Mrs. M. Goad . Black Orpingtons . 91 109 200 8 88 A. D. McLean . . , 60 138 198 9 83 L. McLean ,, 69 128 197 10 92 J. H. Wright . ? J 60 135 195 i" 93 L. W. Pa'rker . ,, 49 146 195 81 K. Courtenav Favorolles 87 98 185 13 77 Mrs. G. R. Bald Wliite Plymoutl Rocks 1 56 91 147 14 90 Excelsior Poultry Farm . . Black Orpingtons . 40 92 132 15 78 Reliable Poultry' Farm . . ,, 33 98 131 16 91 N. Papavanui . ,, 36 70 106 17 73 E. W. Hippe . Rhode Island Reds 40 64 104 18 84 H. L. Trevana . , 30 49 79 19 76 L. A. Errey Silver Wyandottes 18 33 51 20 75 Mrs. Drake Rhode Island Reds 32 IS 50 21 71 C. E. Graham . Black Orpingtons . 40 40 22 82 J. Ogden Total 1,552 1 4 23 2,194 3,746 Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. A. I1,\RT, Chief Poultry Expert. ]0 Jt-ly, 1016.] Orchaid and Garden Xotcs. 445 Burnley Report. A week of heavy frosts was a feature of the weather this mouth. Temperature as low as 23 F. was registered 2 feet above ground, and 28 F. iu houses. Frozen water pipes were the chief trouble experienced. Notwith- standing adverse conditions the birds have done really well, the dry mash light breeds and heavy breeds wet section especially so. The num- ber of partial moulters is not so large as last year, and broodies are also less. Temperature — lowest, 28 F. ; highest, 66 F. Rainfall, 208 points. A. HART, Chief Poultry Expert. ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. h' . E. I'escoff, F.L.S., Frincipal Scliool of Horticulture, Burnley. The Orchard. Pruning. Pruning operations will now be in full swing. In pruning the young trees, heavy pruning will be required in order to produce strong growths and a good frame, but as the tree advances in age the pruning will be reduced considerably. It should be remembered that strong, heavy pruning results in wood growth, and that weak pruning steadies the tree, and promotes an even growth. When framing and building a tree, the former consideration is observed, and when the tree is coming into fruit bearing or is mature, it will be pruned according to the latter. Any operation that will cause the tree to produce less wood growth will induce the tree to become more fruitful, provided the tree be in a healthy condi- tion; so that when trees are mature, pruning operations, as a rule, should not be severe, but rather the reverse. Old fruiting wood, and dead and dying wood should always be re- moved, and aged spurs should be considerably reduced, in order to make them produce new growths. Crowded and overlapping laterals should be shortened back ; fruit-bearing in the higher portions of the tree should not be encouraged : and due consideration should be given to the admis- sion of light and air to all parts of the tree. Where varieties of fruit trees are prone to bearing crops evei-y second year, their lateral system should be pi'uned so that they will not produce too heavy a crop in tlie fruiting year; and at the same time they will produce wood in their fruiting year to give a crop in the subsequent season. A model troo will always be light on its topmost leaders, bearing the major portions of the crop in the lower regions of the tree. The main point to be noted is that a heavv wood growth in the upper portion of the tree tends to reduce the l)earin2: capabilities of the tree in its most useful parts. 446 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. Drainage. The rains of winter will always show the necessity for draining or- chards. Where undersoil drains do not exist, the trees are bound to suffer. If the damage is n6t immediately apparent, it will be later found that in some way loss will accrue. Either the tree will be weakened by the loss of roots through rotting, or it will be devitalized so that it will not carry a satisfactory crop of fruit. Too often surface drainage is relied on to remove the so-called surplus water. There should be no sur- plus wator for surface drains. The water is only surplus or excess when it is in the soil. Two circumstances, and two only, permit of surface drainage. First, when it is necessary to carry away excessive storm- water; and, second, when it is practically impossible to find an outlet for under-drams, owing to the low-lying situation of the area. The term " surface drainage " does not apply to open drains, which, cwing to their depth, act also as soil drains; neither does it apply to graded surfaces which allow a more equitable distribution of water. Sur- face draining is usually applied to a system, whereby a considerable quan- tity of water is removed by gravitation before it enters the soil. Such a system cannot be too roundly condemned. As much water as can be obtained by natural means should be induced to enter orchard soils ; and then whatever is in excess will be carried away by under drainage, pro- vided that drainage, either natural or artificial, be in existence. Where suitable drainage is not provided, the tree roots are compelled to remain in a few inches of surface soil. Their feeding area is thus ex- tremely limited indeed; and when, at any time, rain-water does filter and penetrate through the soil, it carries with it the soluble and other plant foods, below the reach of the tree roots. Soil ventilation is only possible with a system of drainage, and air is as necessary to the roots of a tree as it is to the foliage. By the removal of the surplus water and the consequent admission of air into the soil, the soil temperature is rendered far more equable, warmer in winter and spring, and cooler in summer; and such a change must be beneficial to the trees. Drainage is thus an essential for all orchard lands. When natural drainage occurs, the orchardist is fortunate ; but whether natural or arti- ficial, a system of drainage will always materially increase the crop of fruit, strengthen the trees, and considerably add to their term of life. Drainage schemes should be carried out at the present season of the year. In closed drains, such drainage media as cinders, charcoal, stones, brushwood, timber, logs, or tile pipes may be used, but the latter gener- ally give more satisfactory and permanent results. They are also less liable to silting up than any other materials. Drains should be placed into the clay, if this be not too deep. In any case, they should be below any possible interference from cultiva- ing instruments. Spraying. In order to keep in check such pests as Bryobia, scale insects, woolly aphis, and others, a strong and forcible spraying with lime sulphur spray should not be delayed any longer. The whole tree should be thoroughly wetted with the spray. A good, vigorous, and thorough winter spraying with lime sulphur will place a large majority of the trees in quite a satisfactory condition of freedom from these pests for the whole year. 10 July, 1916.] Orchard and Garden Notes. 447 The lime sulphur spray, too, is an excellent fungicide, and a strong winter spray will go a very long way in reducing any attack of the black spot fungus on either the apple or the pear. In addition, if the peach trees are sprayed at this time with lime sulphur, both peach aphis and peach leaf curl will be considerably minimised in the spring time. Flower Garden. Digging in the garden should be continued. Before digging, the beds should be given a top dressing of lime or stable manure, and subse- quently these should be dug well into the soil. Care must be taken not to injure the roots of any shrubs, trees, or roses. Root cutting and root pruning will always dwarf any plant. In digging, it is not wise to dis- card any leaves, twiggy growths, or weeds. Unless they are required for the compost heap they should always be dug into the soil. Leaf- mould is especially useful in any garden, and where such plants as Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Liliums, &c., are grown, or for pot-plant work, it is exceedingly valuable. In forming the compost heap, no medium whatever should be added to help the rotting down of the leaves unless it be a little sand. Any chemical added will render the mould unsuit- able for its special objects. All shrubs that produce flowers on their young growths, including roses, should now be pruned. Care should be taken to distinguish be- tween those shrubs that flower on the new wood and those that flower on the wood of the past season's growth. Those that flower on the new wood, and may now be pruned, are Lasiandra, Lantana, Cestrura, Tecoma, Hydrangea, Plumbago, Erythrina (some species), &c., and those that should not be touched at present time are Spirea, Erythrina (some species), Pyrus Japonica, Weigelia, Prunus pissardi, P. Vesuvius, P. mume, Deutzia, Polygala, Ceanothus, &c. It is a safe rule in pruning shrubs to wait until they have flowered before pruning. This will cer- tainly give the shrubs a somewhat ragged appearance in the winter, but it is the only way to secure the best flowering results. All herbaceous plants, such as Salvia, Aster, Delphinium, Polygonum, Boltonia, Gaura, and Chrysanthemum, should be cut back, and, if neces- sary, lifted and " heeled in " in a temporary location for the winter. Plant out Gladioli, Iris, and Liliums. Continue digging, manuring, and trenching. Vegetable Garden. Seedlings from boxes or seed plots mav now be planted out. Care should bo taken that all vegetable beds are well raised and tlirown up. By throwing up the soil, and thus deepening the paths and the spaces between the plots, the latter are well drained, and the soil is made con- siderably warmer. This will greatly facilitate the growth of the young plants. As;)aragus may be planted ; sow seeds of carrots, parsnips, cauli- flowers, onions, peas, broad beans, and tomatoes, the latter being forc4^ on in a frame, so as to obtain good plants quickly. 448 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. REMINDERS FOR AUGUST. Live Stock. Horses. — Those stabled can be fed liberally. Those doing fast or heavy work should be clipped; if not wholly, then trace high. Those not rugged on coming into the stable at night should be wiped down and in half-an-hour's time rugged or covered with bags until the coat is dry. Old horses and weaned foals should be given crushed oats. Grass-fed working horses should be given hay or straw, if there is no old grass, to counteract the purging effects of the young growth. Old and badh'-conditioned horses should be given some boiled barley. Cattle. — Cows, if not housed, should be rugged. Rugs should be removed in the day-time when the shade temperature reaches 60 degrees. Give a ration of hay or straw, whole or chaffed, to counteract the purging effects of young grass. Calves should be kept in warm, dry shed. Those on the bucket should be given their milk warm. Look out for milk fever and treat as recommended in Year Book of Afjriculture, 1905. Pigs. — Supply plenty of bedding in warm, well-ventilated styes. Keep stj-es clean and dry, and the feeding troughs clean and wholesome. Store pigs should be placed in fattening styes. Sows in fine weather should be given a grass run. Sheep. — Decide on the breed and number of rams required for the coming- season. Place orders as soon as possible, for breeders can then give better satis- faction and allot preference to the earlier applications. The result of mating should be given most careful consideration from a wool point of view. Evidence points to an extreme shortage of good merino and fine cross-bred wool for years to come. At the same time, a steadily increasing demand has set in for materials manufactured from these finer grades. The world's civilian requirements must 1)0 met, and for flannels and finer materials for temperate and cold climates these are indispensable. After all coarse wools liavc a limited use. Cull stud ewes carefully, especially merinoes, consider form as well as evenness of covering and style of wool. Discard for thin fribby forearm';, for coarse common thighs, for mushy wasty undercovering, inferior patches aero s the shoulders, common and short between the hip bones. Individual merit must be considered carefully, pedigree alone is not sufficient. Poultry. — Yards should be turned over with a spade or fork, and sown down with rape or barley. Keep the breeders busy — straw litter with a little grain scattered about will make them exercise. Overhaul incubators ; see that the capsule of thermostat acts properly; thoroughly clean lamps, egg dr:iwers, and chimneys. Test machine for two days before putting eggs in. It is also advisable to have thermometer tested. When additional incubators are required, it is more satisfactory to keep to the one make. Cultivation. Farm. — Second fallow where necessary for summer crops. If required, roll or harrow crops. Plant very early potatoes in forward districts. Sow mangolds. Apply slow-acting fertilizers, such as blood and bone manures, for maize. Orchard. — Complete planting and pruning of deciduous trees. Watch for peach aphis, and spray with tobacco solution, if present. Prepare for planting citrus trees. Spray for woolly aphis with lime sulphur spray. Flower Garden. — Finish digging and pruning of roses, &c. Leave pruning of shrubs till after flowering. Keep weeds in cheek; weed out seed beds. Divide and plant out all herbaceous plants, such as phlox, delphiniums, rudbeckia, &c. Plant out gladioli. Complete planting of shrubs. Mulch young plants. Vegetable Garden. — Top-dress asparagus beds; plant new asparagus plots. Plant herb divisions, and potatoes. Sow cabbage, cauliflower, peas, carrots, beans, radish, and leituee seeds. Sow tomato seeds in a hot frame. Finish digging. Vineyard. — August is the best month for planting vines (grafted or ungrafted). This should be actively proceeded with and completed before end of month. Scions for field grafting may still be preserved as detailed last month, or better stni by placing them in cool storage. They should all be removed from vines before end of month, at latest. Conclude pruning and tie down rods. Where black spot has been prevalent, apply 1st acid iron sulphate treatment (see Journal for Jitlji, 1011). Cellar. — Rack again, towards end of month, wines which have as yet only been once racked (spring racking). Fill up regularly all unfortified wines. . Clean up generally in cellar and whitewash walls, woodwork, &c. 10 July, 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. For seeds and plants that "GROW" come straight here ASPARAGUS ROOTS DEERING'S MAMMOTH.— We have purchased the enlire slock of this very large variety, which vtas awarded two first-class certificates, causing a great furore at the shows wrhere exhibited. Without earthing up. stems grow I 2 to 15 inches long and 1 inch in diameter ; earthed up, they grow 18 to 24 inches long. Of extremely full fine flavour. A very robust and early variety. Roots — I year old plants, 10/- per 100; 2 year old, 12/6 per 100; 3 year old. 13/- per 100. OTHER ASPARAGUS ROOTS.— I to 2 year old plants. 5/- per 100; 2 to 3 year old, 7 6 per 100. RHUBARB ROOTS EARLY ALBERT;^— A fine, early, medium size Rhubarb ; 9d. each ; 6/- per dozen. Extra strong plants, 1/- each ; 9/- per dozen. TOPP'S WINTER. — A most valuable variety, furnishing a large quantity of stem of fine flavour and colour all through the winter. 9d. each ; 6/- per dozen. Extra strong plants, 1/- each ; 9/- per dozen. WILSON'S RUBY WINTER. — Stouter and shorter than other winter varieties. Of good flavour. I/- each ; 9/- per dozen: carriage extra. STRAWBERRIES " LEURA " (New). — A great cropper, fruiting continuously from November till April. 25 roots, 1/6; 50 for 2/6; 100 for 4/-; 1,000 for £2. "MELBA" (Up-to-mark). — Strongly recommended. Will bear good crops from November to May. 1/- for 25 roots; 3/6 for 100; 30/- for 1,000. COLLECTIONS OF FRUIT TREES Ours are the best grown. They are well-rooted, clean, healthy, and true to name. No. 1 Collection. — 12 Choicest Fruit Trees (including Orange and Lemon). Value 17/6; for 15/- packed. No. 2 Collection.- Including No. 1 ; also 2 Blackberries, 2 Vines, 6 Currants, 100 Strawberries, 6 Gooseberries, and 12 Raspberries. Value £l 1 Is. 6d. ; for 27/6 packed. ' Other Collections on application. GARDEN-LOVERS! PLANT YOUR ROSES NOW "ARGUS " 12 and 24. Admittedly the best collections — buy yours now. "Argus" Collection of 12 — price 1 1/6. " Argus " Collection of 24 price 22/6. We have these also in half, three-quarter, and full standards as follows: — Halt-standards, 2/- each ; 1 1/- half-dozen ; 20/- per dozen, Three-quarter standards, 2/6 each; 13/- half-dozen; 24/- per dozen. Full standards, 3/- each; 16/- half-dozen; 30/- per dozen. "HARBAS" RED OIL FOR SPRAYING 1 his Oil IS spf( ially prepared, and i» undoubtedly the best spray (or controlling the various scale pests that affect Fruit and other Frees. It is certain destruction to San Jose Scale, American Blight, and Red Spider It is easy to mix and easy to apply. Tins containing one pint. 1/3 each. fins containing one quart, 2/3 each. Tins containing oni' gallon, 5/- each. Tins containing four gallons, 15/- each. LAW, SOMNER & CO. " HeadQuarters for Lucerne " 139-141 Swanston St., Melbourne Branch : 83 Swanston St. (3 Doors South of Collins St.) L. R.W. Journal of Agricnltvrc, Victoria. [10 July, 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Keel roll Uairy rterd (NOTE.— All the bull calves of 1915 drop have been sold, and choices from cows to calve this season have been booked ahead of calving. The demand for bull calves is so strong that farmers contemplating purchase are advised to study the records of the herd published in the September (1915) Journal of Agriculture and book their orders ahead, stipulating choice of bull calves from, say, three of the record cows.) Bull Calves are sold at prices based approximately on the actual milk and butter fat record of the dam at the rate of Is. per lb. of butter fat yielded. INDIVIDUAL RECORDS cows. jfame. Days Weeks MUk, Average Butter Commercial Price of in Milk. in Milk. in lbs. Test. Fat (lbs.) Butter (lbs.) Bull Calf. Muria 365 52 14,972 5-9 884-6 1,007-94 43 Guineas. Vuelta . . 289 41i 7,750 6 2 485 10 553-00 24 Persica . . 351 50 9,607 4 9 479 94 547-13 23 Cuba 337 48 10,464 4 5 478 14 545-07 23 Birdseye . . 321 45i 8,522 5 5 473 79 540-12 23 Bullion . . 321 45i 10,928 4 3 468 99 534-64 23 Virginia . . 344 49 10,252 4 4 456 76 520-13 22 Pennsylvania 348 49i 10,607 4 1 437 42 498-65 21 Sumatra . . 290 4U 9,232 4 6 431 49 491-89 21 Egypta . . 327 46i 10,646 3 9 418 55 47714 20 India 365 52 8,556 4 6 390 60 445-28 19 Mexicana 282 40i 8,641 4 6 399 75 455-71 19 Europa . . 347 m 8,765 4 4 387 11 441-30 19 Goldleaf 362 51* 8,415 4 4 377 67 430-54 18 . „ Connecticut 283 40i 6,780 5 3 364 00 415-00 18 Phillipina 284 40i 6,829 5 0 343 33 391-39 17 Turka 279 39f 6,395 4 9 316 07 360-31 15 Kentucky 288 39i 7,904 3 9 313 25 357-00 15 Ardath 332 m 6,261 4 8 302 91 345-31 15 Britannia 329 47 7,637 3 9 30O 71 342-81 15 Asiana 279 39| 5,933 4 9 292 01 332-62 14 Netherlann anil ManaKins Director. EDWARD FITZGERALD. E.q.. LL.D. MICHAEL MORNANE. Esq. HON. DUNCAN E. McBRYDE. M.L.C. HENRY MADDEN, E*q. DAVID HUNTER. Eiq. TKis Company Acts as Executor or Joint Executor of Wiils, Administrator, Trustee of Settlements, and Agent for Absentees under Power of Attorney. MONEY TO LEND ON BROAD ACRES AND FARM LANDS Ofiicef-1 13 Queen St. (Corner of Little Collins-st.) Melbourne The State Savings Bank OF VICTORIA GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA Reserve Fund £500,000 DEPOSITS now exceed TWENTY-FIVE MILLION POUNDS INTEREST 3>^ per cent, on sums from £l to £350; and on DEPOSIT STOCK in sums from £lO to £1,000 m addition to the ordinary account bearing Interest up to £350. Deposits Received from ONE SHILLING to ONE THOUSAND POUNDS Depositors may deposit or withdraw on demand at any of the 128 Branches or 327 Agencies in Victoria. Money is payable also at any State Savings Bank in Australia, also in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Soldiers may operate accounts in London, Alexandria, Cairo, and Malta. Head Office— GEO. E. EMERY, ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE. Inspector-Qeneral. =^ ^^ WlIvc^ Grubber ^ "1000 TREES & STUMPS GRUBBED OUT" Thus write* Mr. J. Sutherland, Parw»n. " I am Tfry "*-i>ll pUdgprl with the OnihberB, u ther are doing T«ry food work. With mine I have oloi* oa l,u«' treat ami atumpa KTubht^ out. I have don* all thii work myielt without »iiy auittance. .^o I ooniirlar ib* Orubh«r ha* mor» than daubly paid for it«el(." 'xU TK* "MONKIY WINOH" will save time, labour and money on pmrHjular$ yeur lan«l olearln*, la always raady, and can b* worked In ft9vn — the vary rouKhaat oountry and In any olaaa of timber. TREWHELLA BROS. pty. ltd., TRENTHAM Joiinidl of A(/ficii/fiiir, Victoria. [10 July, 19l6. <^ SITTINGS OF EGGS Are now being booked from the Poultry Pens at the Wyuna Farm for delivery from July — September, 1916. Prices, £1 Is. and 10s, 6d. per sitting Wyuna White Leghorns (Wyuna Special Mating for Prolific Layers) „ ,, „ (Subiaco No. 1 Special) „ „ „ (Cosh No. 1 Special) Note.— The Mother of W. N. O'Mullane's Champion Burnley Pen (1914-1915), which established the world's record of 1,699 eggs, was hatched from eggs obtained from the Wyuna Poultry Yards. This pen recently realized £75 ^^r>i^ To allow for infertile eggs, sixteen eggs will be II^J^^^ forwarded for each sitting. No guarantee of fertility or replacements w^ill therefore be made. SPECIAL QUOTATIONS GIVEN FOR INCUBATOR LOTS Postal Order or Cheque should accompany order, which should be addressed to Manager, Government Farm, WYUNA Bv Authority: Al.uiiUT .) . MCLM'T'i . (JiiveriimeTit Printer, .\felhoiiriiP DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VICTORIA PUBLICATIONS JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 64 pp. Illusirated. The Journal is issued montiily, and deals with all phases of up-to-date agriculture. The subscription, which is payable in advance, and includes postage, is 3s. per annum for the Commonwealth and New Zealand, and 5s. for the United Kingdom and foreign countries. Single copy, 3d. New volume commences with the January number of each year. A limited number of the issues comprising Volumes III. (1905), 8 parts, exclusive of February, March, April, and May, out of print; IV. (1906), 10 parts, exclusive of Parts 7 and 9 (July and September) out of print; V. (1907), and VI. (1908), 12 parts each; VII. (1909), 10 parts, exclusive of Parts 2 and 10 (February and October) out of print ; and VIII. (1910), 12 parts, are at present in stock, and will be supplied at the foregoing rates. The parts forming the current volume may also be obtained. A few bound copies of Volumes VIII. (1910). IX. (1911), X.(I912), XI. (1913), XII. (1914), and XIII. (1913), are at present available. Price, 5s. per volume. Postage: C.,3\d.; N.Z., Is. 2d. ; B. & F., 2s. 4d YEAR BOOK OF AGRICULTURE FOR 1905. 448 pp., 200 illustrations, 2 coloured plates. Cloth, 3s. 6d.; paper, 2s. 6d. Postage: C, cloth, 22-d., paper, 2d.; N.Z., cloth 9d., paper 8d.; B.&F., cloth. Is. 6d., paper Is. 4d. AUSTRALIAN FUNGI. B. & F., Is. 8d. By Dr. CoDke. £1 Is. Postage: C, 5d.; N.Z. lOd. ; PLAN AND SPECIFICATION OF SHEEP-SHEARING SHED. 2s. 6d. Postage, Id. MILK CHARTS (Monthly and Weekly), I/- per dozen, post free. When ordering, dairy farmers should mention " Monthly" or "Weekly." By Professor A. J. Ewart, Qovernmenl Botanist. WEEDS, POISON PLANTS, AND NATURALIZED ALIENS OF VICTORIA. 2s. 6d. Postage: C, Ud.; N.Z., 5d.; B. & P., lOd. PLANTS INDIGENOUS TO VICTORIA. Vol. II., lOs. Postage: C.,2d.; N.Z.. 8d.. B. & p., Is. 4d. By C. French, F.E.S., Qooernment Entomologist. DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA. Parts I.. II., III.. IV., V.. 2s. 6d. each. Postage: Parts 1. and III., C, Id.; N.Z., 3d.; B. & F., 6d. each. Paris II. and IV.. C, lid.; N.Z.,4d.; B. & P., 8d. each. Part V.. C, I d. ; N.Z., 4d. ; B. & p.. 7d. Application, accompanied by Postal Orders or Notes, must be made to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE We are Sole Agents for . . . "BROOKLITE J) THE ALL BRITISH Asbestos Cement Sheets FOR OUTSIDE BUILDING AND "UNITED » High -Grade Paints MANUFACTURED IN Australia for Australians YOU CANNOT HAVE ANYTHING BETTER Agents also for BEAVER BOARD MADE SPECIALLY FOR Building Beautiful Interiors :: :: at Moderate Cost :: :: BETTER THAN LATHS AND PLASTER PURE WOOD-FIBRE Write for particulars — BROOKS, ROBINSON & CO. Ltd. 59-65 Elizabeth St., Melbourne BEAVER BOARD Vol. XIV. LUCERNE MANURIAL TESTS. Part 8. (Kf,y:istfM'(l at tlu' (ifiicral I'ost oilier, .Mclfioiinie, f(ir tr;uisniiss'c)n liy Post as :\ Newspaper.] ,wm' :..:\THE KING OF FODDERS PKlUt IHREEPENCE. (Annual Subscription- Victoria, Inter-State, and N.Z., 3 -; British and foruign, 5 -.) FOR COLD DISTRICTS Phalaris Commutata (The King of Winter Fodder Plants) GROWS AN INCH A DAY IN THE COLDEST WEATHER WRITE FOR FULL PARTICULARS SPRAY YOUR TREES EARLY AND ENSURE YOUR CROP BEING FREE FROM DISEASE SPRAY PUMPS OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS A SPECIALTY WRITE US, stating your requirements, and we will gladly submit Estimates. ORCHARD REQUISITES Spray Pumps, Secateurs, Gloves, Manilla Labels, Grafting Wax, RaflTia, Spraying Oil, Arsenate of Lead, Harbas, Black Leaf 40, Bluestone, Nikoteen I A POST CARD WILL BRING FULL LIST WITH PRICES | FRUIT TREES All our trees are true to name and type, and grown in our Somerville Nurseries. Book early to secure your requirements as some varieties are scarce this season. CITRUS TREES We are head-quarters for Citrus and can quote good clean speci- mens of all varieties to advantage. It's worth your while to give us a trial. 1916 SEED CATALOG POST FREE ON APPLICATION BRUNNINGS 64 ELIZABETH ST., MELBOURNE THE JOUl^NAL OF THE DEPARTMI'^XT OF AGRICULTURE, V^XCTOTITJ^^ .A-USTK-^^LI A.- CONTENTS— AUGUST, 1916. PAOB Lucerne Man u rial Tests ... ... A. E. V. Richarchon, M.A., B.Sc. 449 Mxperimeuts in the Cultivation ot Potatoe.s, 1915-1 fi ... J.T.Rauisay 461 Apple Culture in Victoria ... ... ... J. Farrell 471 Bee-Keeping in Victoria . .. ... ... ... F. li. Beuhne 479 The New Alcohol Tables .. ... .. ... ... ... 487 Rice Cultivation, Koyuga .. ... Temple A. J. Smith 493 Insect Pests of the Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable GarrleTi ... C. French, Jnr. 495 Vernacular Names of Victorian Plants A. J. EwaH, D.Sc, Ph.D., and C. S. ShIIoh, M.B., Ch.B. 499 iSixth Victorian Kgglaj'ing Competition, 1916-17 .. . ... 502 Growing Feed for Cows— Lessons of the Drought .. J as. Grant 505 Victorian Rainfall ... ... ... ' H.A.Hunt 507 Orchard and Can lei 1 Note.-, ... ... "* K. K. PtHCoti 509 Reminders ... .. ... . ... ... ... oil COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES. The Articles in tiie .Joiunal ot tiie l)t;partment oi Agriculture ot N'ictoria are protected by the provisions of the Copyright Act. Proprietors of newspapers wisliin;j: ru rej)ublish any matter are at liberty to do so, prnrided the JoKnic/ niid author are I'O/h aehioic/eil(/f'il. The Journal is issued monthly. The sub.scripiion, which is payalile in advance and includes postage, is 'As. per aiiium for the Commonwealth and N'ew Zealanil, and OS. for the United Kin'.'doni and ForeilTXjiirtl»| \ - -—-— ^os^ 10 Aug., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. USE Improved :: 19 13:: FOR BRANDING YOUR SHEEP v^ KEMP'S Sheep-Branding LIQUID It has been proved by Hundreds of Woolgrowers, amongst them some of the largest squatters in Au^ralia, to be an un- qualified success, and to do everything that is claimed for it. BLACK, RED, AND BLUE (in Cases) Containing Two ^%_l^^ pei* Or Eight 1-gaI. tins 4-ga!. tins :: *r/ \3 gal. :: 5/- per gal. AGENTS DALGETY & Co. Ltd. MELBOURNE & GEELONG WATER LIFTED 500 FEET AND PUMPED A MILE At a Cost of One Penny per Hour. OUR FARM f>UMP Engine will do this as well as cut chaff, saw wood, woric shearing mach'nes, &c. It can be attached to a windmill or almost any other pump in 3 minutes. Needs no mechanic to Bx or operate, and works all day without attention. Hundreds sold and giving salislaction. Price £35, with "Bosch" Magneto. I( interested in water supply or irrigation, state your working conditions and we will quote. We stocL Steam, Kerosene, Petrol, and Hoi Air Engines, Centri- fugal Pumps, and "Myers'," "Gould's" & "Deming's" Pumps for ail services. " Mackie's" Rock and Water Borer and plants for deep well and bore pumping ■ specialty. We erect if required and give easy terms. Catalogs and Expert Advice Free. Sole Agents for "Lifter's" (British Built) Petrol and Kerosene Engines, "Bosch" Magneto Ignition, li, 3. 5. 7. and 9 III', in Slock. Send for Special Cnlnlogues. Over 3,000 Easy Terma. Agents Wanted Everywhere. THE "CHALLENGE" The High Quality— Low Price Mill. It's all steel, all galvanised, internal geared, fitted with forged crank, positive brake, senlilive govsrnor, renewable bearings, and efficient lubrication. One customer has purchased I I 7 mills. Scores have purchased 30 to 40. All give satisfaction. 6 ft. Mill, weight 330 lbs. .. £6 8 ft 420 £8 10 ft 526 &\0 Other sizes in proportion. Towers from £.3. Gel Catalog. Pumps, piping, troughs, tanks, t.ink stands, all accessories stocked. Our Expert will in^'-cl site, quote price, and erect if required. Easy terms given. Langwill Bros. & Davies Pty. Ltd. 110-114 STURT ST. (Near Prince's Bridge) SOUTH MELBOURNE Journal of Ayricnlturt, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. Send for PRUNING POINTS A little book, containing a splendid article on How, When and Where to Prune, by Mr. E. E. Pescolt, Principal of Burnley School of Horticulture. Also gives our Pruning Equipment at Money-saving Prices. Post Free Everywhere. The "Success" is a fine Spray Pump and 'w^ill do to perfection all the .spraying necessary in the medium-sized orchard. In addition to orchard work the "Success" (being such a handy size) can be used effec- tively in the Garden and Greenhouse, and for disinfecting Stables, Poultry Houses, Stc, Washing Windows, Buggies, &c. The work- ing parts in the "Success" are all brass, no fear of corrosion from spray mixtures. The Air Chamber assists in throwing a constant stream, so that rapid pumping is unnecessary. 5 feet of Hose and Bordeaux Patent Nozzle (wliich throws from a solid jet to the finest spray) are supplied with each "Success" Pump. 22/6 without Bucket 22/6 For Planting Fruit Trees, or for Digging Post Holes for ^ Fencing, Use the "IWAN" Digger The "IWAN" Post Hole Digger makes fencing or any earth boring quite simple. No more pressure is needed than to lean on the digger and turn it to the right. Six half turns usually fills the digger, and six limes filling makes your 3 feet hole. Bores the hole just about right for the post, leaving very little earth to shovel back and ram. 10 inch is the usual fencing size, and 120 holes in a day is easy going- Splendid for planting fruit trees, and effective in boring for water. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 in. 7/6 7/6 7/6 7/6 8/6 9/6 10/6 12/- 28/6 36/6 ISONASE Tools are profitable for Cultivation Illustration shows No. 6 Horse Hoe and Cultivator, with Expander Lever and Plain Wheel. Packed weight, 76 lbs. Price, 48/6. The Hoe Standards are solid steel securely attached to the frame bars by malleable ratchet castings — these give several easy adjustments to the side hoes, sidewise and at different angles. Horse Hoes, Harrows, Culti- vators, Garden Drills and Wheel Hoes. 38 Varieties in stock. Ask for "Iron Age" Booklet — Post Free. MS^Pher^ons; ^'^ Proprietary Ltd For Farm & Orchard Tools. 554-66 and 582-88 Collins St., Melbourne. Estd. 56 Years. 10 Aug.. 1916.] JfiiiriKil of A (iriniltiirt', Victoria. ru your stock w^ell watered Allow you to pursue farm duties free from worry, confident that the water supply for your stock and household purposes is in good hands. I have splendid references for working capabilities, am a prompt starter, and while there is work to be done, I'll graft morning, noon and night. Oil me, that's all. I've a splendid constitution, and a power of strength. 391-403 Bourke St., Melb. 324-330 Pitt St., Sydney See Exhibit at forthcoming Royal Show AGENTS West Australia ^ Messrs. W. D. Moore & Co., Fremaotle. SOUTH Australia— Messrs. J. H. Horwood & Co. Ltd., Adelaide. Queensland Messrs. DalEcty & Company Ltd., Brisbane. Makers of Pumps Pipes Troughs Fiuming Tanks Tankstands Suppliers of W.I. Pipe and Fittings Sprinklers Spray Nozzles Oil Engines &c., &c. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. JERSEY BUTTER BULLS Bulls, 1. SIRE-MABEL'S 273 days. Age, Dam's Performance under Government Herd Testing. ETTIE 4th (2889) • December, 1914 This Season . . 8,743 lbs. Milk. 445 lbs. Butter (4-46 test). SILVERMINE 5th (1386) - February, 1915 Last Season . . 5,515 lbs. Milk. 322 lbs. Butter (5 -12 test). AUDREY LASSIE (825) 2nd October, 1915 Last Season . . 7,657 lbs. Milk. 440 lbs. Butter (5-04 test). CHIEF (imp.). Tj,,ii_ Dam's Performance under m,,le .i. ./. Smith. 29. THE BEE-KEEPING INDUSTRY IN VICTORIA. F. II. lleuhiie. 30. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1914-15. IF. A. N. Robertson. B.i'.Sc. Also Leaflets on Koul Brood o( Uee§, Traiuferriiii: Bees, Kewliiip Cows (or Milk Production, Utility of Testinff Cows, The " Escutcheon " — A Oiiitie to Milking Merit, SulphitinK. Some Vintage Con- siderations, Spring Frosts, Cut Worms, Insect Pests ol the Potato. Journal of Ac/nciiJture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES Will clear your land of trees, stumps, boulders, &c., in a fraction of the time required by any other means, and at less than half the cost. They are also invaluable for sub-soiling. If you are interested write to vs and ask for Pamphlet, entitled: — "EXPLOSIVES FOR THE FARM:' DALGEH & CO. Ltd., Bourke St., Melb. Sole Agents for NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES CO. Ltd., GLASGOW. WHEN ENQUIRING, PLEASE MENTION THIS JOURNAL. NEW ZEALAND Loan & Mercantile Agency Company Limited HEAD OFFICE- LONDON. MELBOURNE OFFICE- COLLINS ST. W. LIBERAL GASH ADVANCES Wool, Grain, Skins, Hides, Tallow, Bark, Stock & Station Brokers on Commission only Butter Shipments undertaken on Owner's Account AGENTS FOR- COOPER'S DIP FOR VICTORIA AND RIVERINA. Page's Patent Wire Strainer and Ironside's Wire Cutter CHIEF AGENTS IN VICTORIA for the PALATINE INSURANCE COY. THE BEST FOR THE SHEEPMAN IS PACKED IN CASES LIKE THIS P 1 .Cooper s^^, S'iBOWDER 10 Aug.. 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. •iliiiis :!:::::3 iiiiiiij :::::::3 iiiiiii: c::::::: ti ^^"Lum. : ■ reDt^tbscwm' wiU) thsit ch&p^M You must have heard these words often — perhaps you have •::::::; said them yourself when you have seen an old school com- jjijjlj: panion who has outpaced you in the Race of Life! «" :ij::::j You remember he was your Junior at school, and you used to think ::::::ij you were the better fellow. Now HE is away ahead of YOU — it :::::::: hurts you, doesn't it? !:!::::: Have you ever thought WHY this man, w'ho started level with you :::::::: as a boy, has gone beyond you? It is easy to explain it by saying Ijj::::: your friend was lucky, but Success cannot be explained away in this jjjjjjj: fashion. Only one successful man in a thousand owes his Success to ::::::•: luck — the other nine hundred and ninety-nine WORKED to w^in. |::::::j YOUR friend worked while you had a good time. He was able jijljij: to take advantage of opportunity when it came — now HE is :::::::: having a good time. ::":::jil But you can begin to work NOW — there are a thousand opportunities JiJiJiJI waiting for the man who is prepared. If you study in your spare :::::::: time you cannot fail to fit yourself to earn more money. That is the :::::::: first step upward. ..."la Write NOW for a free copy of our illustrated Prospectus "D." This interesting JJook is worth reading, and will show you how to take the first step towards a successful _ r- .. V 1S.T/-V\^r U-l .1-1 C-. i C.v.l Eng,n«rinK Bookketp.ng career. uet it NOW while you tlimk of it. ■ sh.rt Engineering sho.ih.,nd. Typ^ I Bridge Construction Accountancy CTATTJC I I'^'cVrnlaf Engineermg JnTZ'sm. LuL.ure O 1 \J \ \ \J ? Telegraphy. Telephony Story Writing I Steam Engineeimg M«ihenvalics Correspondence College, \:^z^'^..'=:::^^^, ^ ■ Suction Gas Pl.inls A.chiiecture (Address nearest office.) I irrigation Engineering Aich.'eclural Drawing ■ Sanitary Engineering H'u .ling Construction . Mining Engineering i Estimating nt\ D'«.» Ci. <. C J I Chemistry. Metallurgy A.;-,tulture 70 Kitt btreet, Sydney. 1 Mechanical Drawing l.im Growing, etc Creek Street. Brisbane. | ^^^ s„rce..sfi.llv Prepnre for ALL PuI.lK- I- Tell us what YOU are interested in. Information FREE ! Among our 250 courses? are the following! — .Journal of Ar/rinilture^ Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. BONEDUST, SUPERPHOSPHATE, And Other High-Grade Fertilizers. Poultry Bone Grit, Meat Meal, Cattle Lick Delivered at Railway Station, Footscray, or on Wharf, Melbourne J. COCKBILL, Bonedust :: Manufacturer OFFICE : 407 POST OFFICE PLACE, MELBOURNE BONES BOUGHT. CONSIGN TO ME, FOOTSCRAY. Telephone 2098. The university of MELBOURNE VETERINARY SCHOOL Complete Courses of Instruction are conducted in all Subjects for the Degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc), and for the License (L.Sc). Veterinary Surgeons possessing the above qualifications are eligible for registration under the Veterinary Surgeons Act (Victoria) and for Veterinary .Appointments in the Commonwealth and Stale Services and in the Army Veterinary Corps. For full particulars apply — The DIRECTOR, Veterinary School, PARKVILLE, VICTORIA This Journal offers exceptional : : advantages : : To Stock Owners, Produce Agents and Stock Sales- men, Implement Makers, Sellers of Milking Ma- chines and Dairy Utensils, Orchard Appliances and Materials, and all Farmers' Supplies for Advertising 10,000 copies per month Guaranteed Circulation throughout the Country Districts of Victoria and amongst Farmers of the Commonwealtli, reach- ing also country professional men, tradesmen, schoolmasters, teachers, and the like. Exceptionally satisfac- tory results have followed the adver- tising of Stud Stock in this Journal. fhtoZTca^^Ze^: Mp. J. J. WRIGHT and Mrs. HEMMING c/o Editor, Department of Agriculture. Melbourne. 10 Aug., 1916.] Journal of AgricuHure, Victoria. Better Result. Mr. Shanahan, of Shanahan, Fitzgerald & Co., Auctioneers, Coleraine, writes : — Dear Sirs, I am enclosing cheque for Oil-cake. It took me a long time before I could get the cows to eat it, but they got to like it by degrees, and the result is entirely satisfactory. I really do not know of a substance that could give a better result. I regret very much that I did not have it earlier, and I feel sure I would have doubled my supply of cream. One of my cows was nearly dry, and was not giving more than a pint of milk per day. Now she is giving 1>4 gallons. Certainly some of the result is due to the increased supply of grass, but from the time I got her to eat the Oil-cake she steadily im- proved and is continuing on the improve. Please send me 2 cwt. more as the last lot is nearly used up. Yours faithfully, (Signed) JOHN SHANAHAN. For Post Free Book— SCIENCE IN THE DAIRY. By L. A. SAUNDERS. Late Editor "Australian Field." Write to Lever Brothers Limited, Melbourne. SUNLIGHT OiLCAKt Guaranteed Pure. See that the name " Snnllgbt " U branded on every cake. Journal of A f/rlr/dtiiri', Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. WINDMILLS Alston's New Gearless Is the Simplest Windmill Motion ever invented 1 w Only Three working parts ■E i\ Ball Bearings Throughout .mm n # All Moving Parts enclosed in Dust-prool Case and Run in Oil JBipKaJiBj'w.-iaT-al^B'-^df % B> iala^ 0^" 40,000 "ALSTON" Mills in use throughout Australia e^NO ATTENTION REG QUIRED -^ Expert Advice and Catalogues Free on application. James Alston & Sons Windmill, Trough and l^ump Manufacturers QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA TH6 JOUHNAfe OP ^•f[Q department of Mgricutture OF VICTORIA. Vol. XIV. Part 8. 10th August, 1916. LUCERNE MANURIAL TESTS. STATE RESEARCH FARM, WERRIBEE. .4. E. V. Richardson, M.A., B.Sc, Agricultural Superintendent. Lucerne is one of the staple crops of the irrigation areas, and its cultivation is rapidly extending. In 1914-15, there were 71,217 acres of lucerne in the irrieration settlements of the State, as compared with 55,535 acres in 1913-14. Its cultivation is spreading through Gippsland, where the ample rainfall enables heavy crops to be grown without irrigation. Water Requirements of Lucerne. Where soil and climatic conditions are favorable to its growth, lucerne is one of the most profitable of forage crops. It requires, how- ever, considerable quantities of water to produce heavy cuts of hay, and, given a well-drained soil and a warm climate, the yield of hay is, within certain limits, approximately proportional to the rainfall, or to the amount of irrigation water applied. In carefully controlled tests at Rutherglen and Werribee, to determine the Water Requirements of the crop, it has been found that at least 7 inches of rain or irrigation water were required to produce a ton of lucerne hay per acre. Allowing for the inevitable loss of water from the soil by evaporation, it would hardly be possible to grow a ton of lucerne hay under Victorian condi- tions on much less than 9-10 inches of rain or irrigation water. To secure annually a yield of 5 tons ,per acre, lucerne must have an amount of water equivalent to 45 inches of rain. If the rainfall, say, is 20 inches per annum, then, to secure a yield of 5 tons per annum, the rainfall must be supplemented by another 25 inches of irrigation water. It will be seen, therefore, that, apart from the quality of the soil, heavy yields of lucerne are only to be ex.pected — (1) In districts of abundant rainfall, or (2) Where subterranean water is within easy reacli of the lucerne roots. (3) Where irrigation is practised. 8022. 450 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. Soil Requirements of Lucerne, So far as the soil conditions are concerned rich river flats resting on a well-drained, porous subsoil present almost ideal conditions for lucerne. The soil® of the Nemingha Valley, in New South Wales, and at Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, and the reclaimed swamps along the Murray River (S.A.) are of this character, and it is on these soils that we see lucerne at its best. In these subsoils the lucerne can develop its wonderful root system, carry on its unequalled power of nitrogen fixation, and draw the necessary water supplies for the vigorous overhead develcpment of the plant. In the Nemingha Valley irrigation is unnecessary, as the district enjoys a good rainfall and the roots are within easy reach of sub- terranean water. On the reclaimed swamps of the Murray River and at Bacchus March lucerne may be seen at its best under irrigation. Fig. 1. — View Showing Method of Harvesting Lucerne, State Research Farm, Werrlbee. The high rentals paid for lucerne lands in these areas are a striking testimony of the wealth-producing power of the lucerne plant. Un- fortunately the areas, of such superlatively rich soil are limited, and the great bulk of the soil and subsoil on which lucerne is grown has neither the favorable mechanical condition nor the chemical composition of these naturally rich soils. Much of the lucerne in the irrigation areas has been sown on old wheat lands. These coiisist mostly of clay loams resting on a more or less stiff clay subsoil. These soils are well suited for wheat-growing, but the subsoils are generally too stiflp to permit the perfect development of the root system of the lucerne, and the overhead growth — and consequently the yield of produce per acre — is considerably less than that of the more favoured districts. On many of the settlements, particularly Cohuna, and Bamawm, and Shep,parton, loamy soils resting on porus subsoils are often met with, and on these 10 Aug., 1916.] Lucerne Manurial Tests. 451 the growth of lucerne leaves little to be desired, and the yields from such soils under irrigation compare favorably with the best lucerne lands in Australia. The Werribee Soils. The soil at present under lucerne at the State Research Farm, Werri- bee, is similar in character to much of the land in the Goulburn Valley. It consists of reddish clay loam 7 inches to 10 inches deep, resting on a stiff, red clay subsoil. It takes water slowly and hets hard after irrigation. It is naturally deficient in organic matter, and continuous cropping with cereals for twenty-six years prior to the laying down of the lucerne tests had considerably depleted the already limited reserves of this all-important soil ingredient. The land, therefore, was in a similar condition to^ much of the soil in the northern irrigation areas, where wheat-growing had been carried on for at least a generation prior to sowing down with lucerne. The results obtained at Werribee justify the view that even on these worn-out lands heavy and profitable crops of lucerne can be grown. In October, 1912, a block of 15 acres was subsoiled 12 inches deep, graded, and sown with Tamworth lucerne. In the following season six cuts were obtained from this area, and the block averaged 6^ tons of com- mercial hay (85 per cent, of dry matter) over the weighbridge. • Preliminary experiments with various manures suggested a promising field for investigation, and in Seiptember. 1913, a series of manurial tests were laid down to test the value of different manures on the yield of lucerne. Unfortunately, however, since 1913, there has been a chronic shortage of irrigation water owing to the breakdown of the water supply at Pyke's Creek Reservoir, and the value of the results of the tests has been considerably impaired. The Plots. The tests comprise trials of nitrogenous, potassic, and phospliatic manures, stable manure, lime, and ground limestone. The plots were each 10 chains long and .15 acre in area, and sown on land with a natural fall of 2h inches to the chain, with the plots running along the contour lines and at right angles to the flow of the water. The plots were sown with Tamworth lucerne at the rate of 16 lbs. per acre in September, 1913. During both 1914 and 1915 the Pyke's Creek Reservoir, upon whicli the Werril:)ee Irrigation Settlement has hitherto de])ended, failed. Each irrigafion season the lucerne received only three waterings during the growing season and this, combined with the deficient rainfall, prevented the lucerne making full development. Had a full supply of irrigation water been available, it is certAin that the yields would have been much higher than they were. As it was, only five cuts were obtained in the 1914-15 season, and but four cuts in 1915-16, instead of the customary six and seven cuts in a normal irrigation season. Each plot was cut separatelv with a mower and raked into windrows, cocked, and weighed over the weighbridge. A sample of hay was taken from every load and the amount of dry matter determined sf) as to reduce the weights to a uniform basis for comparison. Tn all cases the returns have been calculated in terms of commercial hay (85 per cent, of dry matter). A 2 452 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. The results are summarized in Table I. Table I. — Showing Weight of Lucerne Hay Cut from Plots Treated with Various Manures. No. of Plot. 2 9 12 6 10 11 Lime 20 cwt. + Super 1 cwt. + Nitrate of Soda 1 cwt. . . Lime 20 cwt- + Stable Manure 10 tons Lime 20 cwt. + Super 2 cwt. -f Blood Manure 1 cwt. . . Lime 20 cwt. -|- Super 2 cwt. + Sulph. of Potash 1 cwt. . . Lime 40 cwt. + Super 2 cwt. Lime 20 cwt. + Super 2 cwt. Super 2 cwt. only . . Lime 20 cwt. + Thomas' Phosphate 2 cwt. Lime 20 cwt. + Bonedust 2 cwt. Lime only 20 cwt. Ground Limestone 36 cwt. No manure (check plot) 1914-15. 1915-16. tons cwt. tons cwt. 5 191 4 13-6 5 90 5 3-6 5 131 4 18-8 5 2-8 5 5-6 5 4 2 5 16-8 5 8-3 4 4-8 5 110 4 1-6 5 4-2 4 5-6 5 7-8 4 1-6 5 30 3 6-8 4 16-8 3 13-6 4 12-7 3 4-8 Total Cut for Two Seasons. tons cwt. 10 12 10 12 10 12 10 8 10 1 9 13 9 12 9 9 9 9 8 10 8 10 7 17 5 Table II. — Showing Profit per Acre from Various Manures Applied to Lucerne. No. of Plot. Treatment of Plot. Total Weight of Hay for Two Seasons. Increase over Unmanured Plot. Vaue of Increase per acre at £2 10s. per ton. Cost of Manure per acre. Net profit per acre over Unmanured Plot. . 4 1 3 5 ■ Lime 20 cwt.. Super 2 cwt., Nitrate of Soda 1 cwt. Lime 20 cwt.. Super 2 cwt., Blood Manure 1 cwt. Lime 20 cwt.. Stable Manure 10 tons Lime 20 cwt.. Super 2 cwt., Sulph. of Potasb 1 cwt. . . Super only 2 cwt. . . Lime 20 cwt.. Super 2 cwt. . . Lime 20 cwt, Basic Slag 2 cwt. Lime 20 cwt., Bonedust 2 cwt. Lime 40 cwt., Super 2 cwt. . . tons cwt. 10 12- 7 10 12*4 10 12' 6 10 8*4 tons cwt. 2 15-2 2 14*9 2 15-1 2 10*9 £ s. d. 6 18 0 6 17 3 6 17 9 6 7 3 £ s. 2 15 2 9 2 15 2 15 0 10 2 0 2 0 2 2 3 10 d. 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 £ s. d. 4 3 0 4 8 3 4 2 9 3 12 3 9 8 10 7 2 9 12- 6 9 13- 1 9 9-8 9 9-4 10 I'O 1 15-1 1 15-6 1 12-3 1 11-9 2 3*5 4 7 9 4 9 0 4 0 11 3 19 9 5 8 9 3 17 9 2 9 0 2 0 11 1 17 9 1 18 9 6 10 Lime only 20 cwt. per acre Ground iLimestone 36 cwt. per acre 8 10-6 8 10' 4 0 13-1 0 12*9 1 12 9 1 12 3 1 10 1 11 0 6 0 2 9 0 0 9 11 Nil (Control Plot) . . 7 17*5 Nil Nil Nil Nil In computing the above results, the approximate cost of the fer- tilisers on the farm was taken as a basis of comparison. The values per ton for the artificial fertilisers were — Ground lime, 30s. ; ground lime- stone, 17s. 6d. ; superphosphate, .£5 ; basic slag, £5 ; bcnedust, £6 ; blood manure, £9; nitrate of soda, £15; sulphate of potash, £15. lU Aug., 1916.] Lucemr Maniirial Tests. 453 A perusal of these returns will give some interesting comparisons. Taking the results for the two years the following deductions would seem to be permissible : — 1. The Use of Lime and Ground Limestone. — The a,pplication of lime or ground limestone has increased the yields of hay by 12i cwt. per acre. There is practically no difference in yield between the results from a ton of lime per acre and its equivalent in the form of ground limestone (36 cwt.). It will be seen that the first season the quick lime gave a better return than the ground limestone, but in the second year the returns were reversed. So far as the profit is con- cerned, it will be seen that, with lucerne hay averaging 50s. per ton over a period of years, the increased return for the two years is just sufficient to cover the cost of the manure and its application. In fair- ness to the lime and ground limestone it should be added that the effects of these applications are likely to persist for more than two years, and the whole cost of the manure therefore should not be debited to the Fig. 2. — View of Fifty-acre Block of Lucerne, Fertilised with 2 cwt. Superphosphate per acre, State Research Farm, Werribee, first two seasons' returns. Moreover, had more irrigation water been available, it is probable that the differences in yield compared with the unmanured plot would have been still more striking. 2. The Value of I'hosphatlc Manures for Lucerne. — The results un- mistakablv demonstrate the value of phosphatic manures for lucerne, and particularly superphosphate. A comparison of the yields from Plots 7, 8, and 9 (lime with 2 cwt. phosphate) with that from Plot 8 (lime only) shows that the addition of 2 cwt. of a water soluble (super), a citrate soluble (basic slag), or an insoluble phosphate (bone dust) in- creases the yield of hay by a ton per acre. As 2 cwt. of the phosphate costs but 10s. to 12s. the profit on the outlay is at least £2 per acre. It will be noted, however, that when superphosphate and 20 cwt. lime are applied in combination the yields are practically the same as super a,pplied by itself. Thus Plot 12. treated with super 2 cwt. gave 9 tons 12.6 cwt.. wliilst the addition 454 JovrnoJ of A(/rici//t are, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. of a ton of lime (Plot 9) increased the yeld of hay by only a half hundredweight. Even the addition of an extra ton of lime (Plot 2) gave only 8 cwt. extra of hay over Plot 9, an increase which would not cover the cost of the additional manure. Moreover, of all the phosphatic manures it will be noted that super is the most effective. 3. Nitrogenous Manures. — One of the most striking features of the table is the effect of the nitrogenous manures on the hay yield. Lucerne belongs to the family of leguminosae, all the members of which are capable of extracting the nitrogen of the air. So far as is known, this power of utilizing the nitrogen of the air is exclusively possessed by this class of plants. For this reason peas, beans, clover, lucerne, and other such plants are used as much as possible in building up a rotation which will conserve the fertility of the soil. The curious wart-like nodules found on the roots of healthy lucerne, peas, beans, vetches, and clover ,plants are really colonies of bacteria Fig. 3. — View of Lime Spreader Applying Lime to Land prior to Sowing Down with Lucerne. engaged in the work of assimilating free nitrogen from the soil air, and transforming it into forms suitable for absorption by the plants. It is usually considered unnecessary to add nitrogenous manures to leguminous crops, even though the soil be naturally poor in nitrogen. If nitrogenous manures are applied to these crops they will make use of it, and correspondingly less nitrogen will be absorbed by the bacteria. The question that concerns the farmer is whether the application of nitrogenous manures is a profitable practice. Whatever may be said of the policy of using nitrogenous manures on lucerne, the results at Werribee suggest that the practice is ,profitable. Compare, e.g.. Plot 4 with Plot 9. Both plots have a uniform dressing of lime and super, but Plot 4 has, in addition, a dressing of 1 cwt. of nitrate of soda. The increase in yield due to this dressing is 19^ cwt., an increase worth 48s. 9d. per acre, and obtained by expending an additional 15s. in nitrate of soda. 10 Aug., 1916.] Lucerne Manurial Tests. 455 A similar result is obtained on Plot 1, which received a dressing of blood manure, in addition to super and lime. Here the increase was 19.3 cwt. over Plot 9, an increase worth 48s. 3d. per acre, obtained by an added expenditure of 5s. per acre. 4. Stable Manure. — -Observe also the results from stable manure. Ten tons of stable manure gave practically the same effect as a combined dressing of 2 cwt. of super and 1 cwt. of nitrate of soda. Its effects are more likely to persist than the other nitrogenous manure®, and its effects should be noticed for some years. Plot 3 should really, however, be compared with Plot 6. Lime alone gave a total yield of 8 tons 10.6 cwt. The addition of 10 tons of stable manure resulted in an increase of 2 tons 2 cwt. per acre, worth £5 5s. As the labour involved in its production would not exceed 2s. 6d. per ton, the net profit per acre is at least £2 5s. Stable manure has an additional advantage over the other manures applied. It is bulky, and when applied in winter as a top dressing and Fig. 4. — View of Lucerne Spring-tooth Cultivator at Work, State Eesearch Farm, Werribee. cultivated in it helps to prevent surface caking, and thus acts as a mulch as well as permitting the air and water to penetrate the soil. Lucerne Makes a Heavy Drain on the Soil. Even if tlie results of manurial tests were not available, a moment's reflection on the quantity of nutrients removed from the soil by a lucerne croj) would suggest the possible advantage of liberal dressings of manures, particularly phos])hates. In considering the quantity of ))lant nutrients removed by a lu(;erne crop, we will suppose that the whole of the crop is removed in the form of hay. Under these circumstances Plot 11, yielding 7 tons 17^ cwt. per acre, would remove tlie following nutrients per acre : — Nitrogen, 321 lbs. per acre. Potash, 348 lbs. per acre. Phos,plioric acid, 65 lbs. per acre. Lime, 349 lbs. j^er acre. 456 Journal of A f/riri//fii/r, Victoria. ["10 Aug., 1916. Now contrast this with the amount removed by a 30-bushel wheat crop. If the grain is carted off the farm, and the straw burnt in situ, or ploughed in, a 30-bushel crop of grain will remove — Nitrogen, 34 lbs. Potash, 9.3 lbs. Phosphoric acid, 14.2 lbs. Lime, 2 lbs. These figures should give some idea of the tremendous foraging power of lucerne. The worst plot on the Experimental Field at Werribee in two years removed from the soil — 9 times as much nitrogen as a 30-bushel wheat crop. 36 times as much potash as a 30-bushel wheat crop. 172 timesi as much lime as a 30-bushel wheat crop. 4.5 times as much phosphoric acid as a 30-bushel wheat crop. Now, experience has shown that wheat lands are generally deficient in phosphoric acid, and that superphosphate must be sown with the seed if profitable crops are to be reaped. What then must we say of a crop which uses up every two years enough phosphoric acid to supply the needs of nearly five 30-bushel wheat crops? And since phosphoric acid is the most deficient plant food in our Australian soils, it follows that the fertilizers applied should contain a substantial amount of phosphates. There are now verv few wheat farmers in Victoria who fail to apply phosphatic manures with everv crop of wheat they sow. Experience has taught them that phosphates are absolutely essential for successful cropping. How much more essential should it be to apply an occasional dressing of phosphates to an established lucerne crop, grown in many cases on worn out wheat lands. It will be seen, too, that lucerne makes a heavy drain on the potash supplies of the soil. Victorian soils, however, are generally well sup- plied with potash, and the average wheat soil contains at least 2 per cent., or 7,000 lbs. of potash for each acre-foot of soil. The subsoils are even richer. Only a small portion (possibly not more than 1 per cent, of the total potash in the soil) is available for the use of the crop at any given moment. The use of such soil amendments as lime, gypsum, and ground limestone, helps to liberaJte some of the insoluble phosphates and potash of the soil, and this explains the increased returns of lucerne following the use of dressings of lime. Regarding the nitrogen supply, the lucerne plant is, of course, able to draw on the supplies of nitrogen from the air, and probably the greater part of the nitrogen gathered by the plant comes from this source. Of- course, if the whole of the crop is removed in the form of hay, then the drain on. the nutrients of the soil is considerable. If the lucerne is grazed, however, or consumed on the farm by live stock and the drippings returned as top dressings, approximately one-third _ to one-half of these nutrients are returned to the soil, the balance being utilized to maintain the animals, and build up muscle, flesh, and bone. These figures are certainly striking, and they explain why oM lucerne fields are so productive for some years after their renovation. It is particularly noticeable on the irrigation settlements, where old lucerne fields are broken up and sown with forage and grain crops prior to re- sowing down with lucerne. The large quantities of nutrient material, 10 Aug., 1916.] Lucerne Manurial Tests. A5I particularly nitrogen, accumulated by the lucerne roots during the time it occupied the ground, are gradually made available to these crops. This reserve of plant food, together with the amount normally supplied by the soil, is sufficient to provide for the demands of the heaviest crops. Crops like sorghum, ambercane, imphee, maize, &c., grow par- ticularly well. . One other point needs to be mentioned. Most farm crops secure their mineral nutrients from near the surface. Lucerne, on the other hand, can penetrate the soil to a great de])th. At Bacchus Marsh and Tamworth the roots have been traced to a depth of 30-35 feet. Near Tamworth, New .South Wales, many old paddocks of lucerne have been undermined by the eroding action of the Peel and the Cock- burn rivers, and the root system to a depth of 30 feet exposed to full view. Though the total amount of plant food removed per acre by lucerne is considerable, it must be borne in mind that a goodly quantity of tins material is gathered from regions inaccessible to the roots of ordinary farm crops. The reader will see that the lucerne crop makes a heavy drain on the mineral constituents of the soil. He may infer that lucerne is an ex- Fig. 5. — Cutting Crops on Lucerne Manurial Plots, State Research Farm, Werribee. Iiausting crop, and that its continual growth will deplete the soil of its fertility. There is no doubt that lucerne, as compared with cereal -crops, does make heavy calls on the soil; but the old adage " One cannot eat the cake and have the cake " applies here. A large crop of high nutritive value cannot be Drcdueed without removing from the soil large c|uantities of plant food. The amount of plant food removed from the soil by any given crop is, roughly, proportionate to the size of the crop. The skilful cultivator endeavours to raise as big a crop as possible, and recognises that the larger the crop, the more the necessity for replacing some of the nutrients removed by the crop. Large Amount of Plant Food Stored Up in Lucerne Roots. It may be of interest in passing to briefly indicate the amount of plant food stored up in the lucerne roots. A number of lucerne plants were grown at Rutherglen during 1914-15 in deep pots to gather infor- mation as to the ratio of root development to overhead growth, and tlie amount of plant food stored up by me roots. 458 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. It was found as an average of a number of tests that the root growth was equal to 22 per cent, of the overhead development. The average composition of the roots was — nitrogen, 2.1 per cent. ; phosphoric acid, .5 per cent.; potash, 1.1 per cent.; and lime, 1.2 per cent. Applying these results to the unmanured plot mentioned above, the total weight of roots formed during the two years would be equal to 47 cwt. of dry roots and root hairs per acre. Hence, there would remain in the roots of this crop — Nitrogen, 69.2 lbs. Phosphoric acid. 16.2 lbs. Potash, 36.0 lbs. Lime, 39.6 lbs. These figures will give some idea of the enormous foraging power of the root system of lucerne. Fig. 6. — Curing Hay on Lucerne Manurial Plots, State Research Farm, Werribee. The Wonderful Foraging Power of Lucerne. In other words, during the space of two years the unmanured plot of lucerne took from the soil enough phosphoric acid to supply the needs of five 30-bushel wheat crops, and left behind in its roots more than enough of the same ingredient to bring a 30-bushel crop to maturity. It took from the soil in two years enough nitrogen to sup- ply nine 30-bushel wheat crops, and it left behind in its roots enough nitrogen for more than tiro such crops. Finally it removed potash in two years sufficient to supply thirty-six wheat crops, and at the same time there was enough left in its roots to furnish potash for four wheat crops. Time and Manner of Applying Fertilisers. The most suitable time to apply top dressings to established lucerne is in August, just before the soil temperatures begin to rise. The lucerne may be grazed with sheep towards the end of July, or early in August, if the soil is dry enough to carry them without puddling the 10 Aug., 1916.] Lucernr Manurial Tests. 459 surface. The sheep will clean up all weeds and crop the lucerne fairly close. After the sheep are removed, the cultivator should be run over the lucerne, and the tines of the cultivator allowed to work to a fair depth. There are many types of lucerne cultivators on the market. The ideal machine is one that is light of draught, stirs the soil to a good depth, and does the minimum of damage to the lucerne. On the whole, the spring-tooth cultivator fulfils these conditions fairly well. In Fig. 4 is a view of a lucerne cultivator at work on a 50-acre field of lucerne at the State Research Farm, Werribee. The lucerne depicted in the illustration was closely grazed with sheep and then deeply cultivated in two' directions at right angles early in August. This permits access of air to the lucerne roots and puts the soil in good condition for absorbing the spring rains. The artificial fertilisers may then be applied with Fig. 7. — Carting Produce of Lucerne Manurial Trials to the Weighbridge. the drill. Lime is most conveniently applied with a lime spreader {vide Fig. 3), and is best applied by itself a week or so before the application of phosphatic fertilisers. Summary. The results of tests conducted at the State Research Farm, Werribe^. during the past two years demonstrate tliat the yields of lucerne hay may be considerably increased by the application of suitable fertilisers (1) Lucerne sown without m-mure gave in two years a total yield of 7 tons 17^ cwt. of commercial hay. (2) Lime applied at the rate of 1 ton of lime per acre, or its equiva- lent in the form of ground limestone, enabled croj>s of 8.jl tons to lie reaped — an increase of 13 cwt. — whicli was sufficient to cover the cost of the manure. 460 Journal, of Ar/ncuHure, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. (3) The addition of phosphates, no matter whether in the form of super, basic slag, or bone dust, enabled the limit of production to be raised to 9 tons 13 cwt. — an increase of 35 cwt. — which was very profit- able. (4) Of all the phosphatic manures super was the most eflfective. _ It was almost as effective applied by itself as when applied in conjunction with lime. (5) There is no manure that is likely to give the lucerne grower such substantial and .profitable results as the dressing of 2 cwt. of super applied every two years. For an outlay of 10s. per acre (Plot 12) an increase of 35 cwt. was secured, valued at £4 7s. 6d. (6) The addition of nitrogenous manures, combined with super and lime, enabled the limit of production to be raised to 10 tons 12 J cwt., an increase of 2f tons as compared with the no-manure plot. (7) Despite the fact that the lucerne can secure nitrogen from the air, the tests show that, on Werribee soils, the application of nitrates, is likely to be a profitable practice. (8) Stable manure in dressings of 10 tons per acre is a most valuable manure for lucerne, especially on worn-out soils, such as those at Werri- bee. Not only does it give as good a return as a combination of super and nitrate of soda, but it helps to keep the soil open and acts as a mulch. (9) ijucerne makes a heavy drain on the mineral constituents of the soil. The unmanured plot of lucerne at Werribee in two years removed frdm the soil 4^ times as much phosphoric acid, 9 times as much nitrogen, and thirty-six times as much potash as a 30-bushel whec t crop. This alone, apart from a consideration of the actual results of tests, is sufficient to suggest to the farmer the need for liberality :n applying artificial fertilisers. (10) Lucerne also leaves in the soil large quantities of mineral food gathered from the regions beyond the reach of ordinary farm crops. In two years the unmanured lucerne plot had stored up in its roots enough phosphoric acid to supply the need of a 30-Dushel wheat crop, enough nitrogen for two such crops and enough potash for four such crops. That is the reason why cereal and fodder crops thrive so well on so 1 that had been sown to lucerne for a number of years. (11) It is suggested that the lucerne fields be grazed in winter, culti- vated with a spring-tooth cultivator, and top-dressed, either with 2 cwl. 01 super every two years, or with 1 cwt. of super per acre every winter. Cereal farmers never fail to apply phosphates to their cereal crops. At the present time, very few lucerne growers top-dress their lucerne fields with artificial manures. The Werribee results show that there would be a handsome profit in the practice. -^^^?p'rs<35^^ 10 Aug., 1916.] Experiments in the L'ultivatton of Fotatoes. 461 EXPERIMENTS IN THE CULTIVATION OF POTATOES, 1915-1916. By J. T. Ramsay, Potato Expert. The following report and comment, relative to the experimental work in potato cultivation conducted by the Department during the season 1915-16, is submitted herewith: — These tests were carried out at three different centres, viz., Leongatha, Koo-wee-roip, and Portland, and were designed and undertaken with the object of getting practical demonstration of the effects of varying treatments of the crop, the best of which are feasible of adoption into the farm practice of growers for the benefit of their soils, their crops, and their pockets. The climatic conditions governing the crop of the season were extreme in their variations. The genial weather experienced at planting time proved to be the start of a period of drought which lasted over two months. During this time the thorough preparatory and inter-cultivation which was given to the "plots was severely tried in its counteraction to the baneful effects of a distressing sequence of dry days which were un- pleasantly and consistently favoured by an abundance of moisture- stealing winds. This spell of drought was particularly favorable to the spread of the notorious Rutherglen Bug (Ni/siiis Vinitor) which made its appearance at Leongatha about the middle of January, and threatened the crop with destruction. Fortunately its advent was noticed and steps combative to it were immediately taken. Numerous smudge fires made from waste straw, bagging, &c., were set burning in such positions as would allow the wind to carry the smoke over the crop, and to each fire was added a I'^'-dhil of sulphur. The result was effective. The whole area treated was soon envelo,ped with the pungent and suffocating smoke, which had the effect of either killing or driving off the insects. No further visita- tion of this pest was experienced. Good rains fell during the third week in January, and improved the aspect. The crop responded and was favoured with genial climatic environment for the remainder of the maturation period. LEONGATHA. At Leongatha an area of 5^ acres was subdivided into seven sections which had objectives as follows: — 1. The effect on the crop of phosphatic, potassic, and nitrogenous manures in varying combinations, and at varying rat.es of application per acre. 2. The effect of dipping seed in an antisejitic solution, and spray- ing the crop with a fungicidal preparation, as disease preventives. 3. The effect on the yield of varying deptlis of planting the seed. 4. The effect on {lie yield of varying spacings between the setii. 5. The respective influences on the yield of immature and rij)e seed. 6. The cropping capabilities of different varieties. 7. The propagation of now varieties. 462 Journal of Aynculture, Victoria. 1 10 Aug., 1916. Planting was finished on this area on 17th November, 1915. The soil, in which these tests were made at Leongatha, is a grey loam, which is very deficient in phos,phoric acid and potash, as is shown by the analysis. Analysis of Leongatha Soil,. Parts per 100,000. Nitrogen Phos. Acid Potash Lime Magnesia. . Chlorine . . Reaction Acid Soil. Subsoil. 157 87 45 70 58 35 136 204 112 84 14 12 Acid For comparison, a Good Soil should contain^ 150 150 250 500 Not more than lime Not more than 35 Neutral to slightly alkaline The following tables give the results obtained in tlie different sections : — Section 1. — Manure Tests. 1. No manure (average of four Sections) 2. 3 cwt. Super. 3. 3 cwt. Basic Phosphate 4. 3 cwt. Blood and Bone 5. 3 cwt. Potato Manure 6. 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash, 3 cwt. Blood and Bone 7. 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash, 3 cwt. Super. 8. 3 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash, 1 cwt. Sulphate Ammonia 9. 3 cwt. Super., I cwt. Sulphate of Potash, 2 cwt. Blood 10. 6 cwt. Super., \h cwt. Sulphate of Potash, H cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia 11. 9 cwt. Super., 3 cwt. Sulphate of Potash, 3 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia t Dns per Increase, due Acre. to Manure. tons cwt. lbs. tons .cwt lbs. 3 7 56 5 15 0 2 7 56 5 5 0 1 17 56 4 5 0 0 17 56 4 7 56 ] 0 0 4 17 56 1 10 0 5 10 0 2 2 56 ij 15 0 2 7 56 6 8 84 3 1 28 9 7 56 6 0 0 10 2 56 6 15 0 In every case an increased weight of the crop was obtained from the application of manures, and the amount of the increase was fairly pro- portionate to the amount of manure applied. Some doubt was expressed at the beginning of the season as to whether the fairly heavy dressings of 9 cwt. and 15 cwt. applied to sub-sections 10 and 11 respectively, would prove profitable. The following table, which expresses the results of these manurial trials in money values, settles this doubt. 10 Aug.. 1916.] Experiments in the Cultivation of I'otatoes. 463 In computing, the values of the manures used, have been taken at the rates per cwt. shown hereunder: — Superphosphate, 4s. 6d. ; sulphate of potash, 14s. ; sulphate of am- monia, 16s. ; blood and bone, 7s. ; basic phosphate, 4s. ; potato manure, 6s. 6d. ; blood, 6s. 9d. The value of the crop has been reckoned at £5, a rate which must be admitted moderate when the prices of the past two seasons are con- sidered. Kesults op Manure Tests in Money Values. Rates per acre. No Manure 3 cwt. Super. 3 cwt. Basic Phosphate 3 cwt. Blood and Bone 3 cwt. Potato Manure 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash, 3 cwt. Blood and Bone 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash. .3 cwt. Sup(»r. 3 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash, 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia 3 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash, 2 cwt. Blood . . 6 cwt. Super., li cwt. Sulphate of Potash, H cwt. Sul- phate of Ammonia . . . . ^ 9 cwt. Super., 3 cwt. Sulphate of Potash, 3 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia Gros-s Value at £5 per Ton. £ s. d. 16 17 6 28 15 0 26 5 0 21 5 0 21 17 6 24 7 6 27 10 0 28 15 0 32 3 9 46 17 6 50 12 6 Cost of Manure. £ s. d. 0 13 6 0 12 0 1 1 0 0 19 6 1 15 0 1 7 6 2 3 6 2 1 0 3 12 0 6 10 6 Cash Increase, after paying for Manure. £ s. d. 11 4 0 8 15 6 3 6 6 4 0 6 5 15 0 9 5 U 9 14 0 13 5 3 26 8 0 27 4 6 These figures should be more than interesting to potato growers. In every case there is shown a cash increase after paying for manure, and, here is the strongest possible evidence of the fact that the more liberal the ex.penditure on suitable manures, the bigger is the margin of profit which accrues. Not many growers in the State apply dressings up to the heavier weights tested at Leongatha. Yet these figures, and those of last year, show that where soil is deficient in the necessary quantity of plant food, liberal manuring is a sound investment which returns a handsome in- terest. Tlie building up of fertility by manuring increases land values per acre, by increasing its potential productiveness. Section 2. — Dipping and Spraying Test. In this section the variety " Up-to-date " was subjected to the treat- ments indicated in the accompanying table. All the seed used was taken from one parcel, and was clean. The dipj>ing solution for seed was made from 1 oz. of corrosive sublimate to 6 gallons of water and the seed was immersed in this for one and a half to two hours. The si)rayiug solution was made from copiper sul])liate, 2 lbs. ; wasliiiig soda, 2h lbs. ; to 10 gallons of water. Under all treatments the re.sultiug crop was clean so that the test for this sea.^on has no practical value. 464 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. 10 Aug., 1916. The followiug weight® were recorded, which show variations insuffi- cient for remark : — tons cvvt. lbs. Dipped at Planting, and Sprayed . . . . . . 5 13 8 Dipped at Digging, and Sprayed Dipped at Planting, not Sprayed Dipped at Digging, not Sprayed. Sprayed only . . Untreated r> 2 96 5 6 8 5 7 4 5 11 8 4 17 96 Section 3. — Depth of Planting Test. In this test the shallower planted sets, viz., 3 inches and 3| inches, came away most quickly at the beginning of the season, but were more severely affected by the long spell of dry weather, and consequently finished with a lighter crop than those planted at depths of 4 inches and over. The figures resulting from the various depths indicate that 4 inches to 5 inches were the most suitable for this season. This test will be repeated. Depth of Planting Test. 3 inches deep . . 3i inches deep 4 inches deep . . 4^ inches deep 5 inches deep . . 6 inches deep . . tons cwt lbs. 2 14 .0 3 15 0 4 16 8 4 12 96 5 2 96 4 10 40 Section 4. ^Spacing Test. Four spacings were used in this section, viz., 12 inches. 15 inches, 18 inches, and 21 inches, and the results bear out the expectation that the closer plantings would produce the heavier yields. Besides yielding the heavier tonnage, the tubers from the closer spacings were of a more even size than those grown at 18 inches to 21 inches a,part. In many parts of the State growers are inclined to be too sparing in the use of seed, some making a practise of using as little as 7 cwt. to seed an acre of ground. This is undoubtedly a mistake. When sets are placed, say, 20 inches apart in the rows, the tendency is for the tubers pro- duced to be too large and coarse. Thicker seeding produces heavier tonnages of better quality potatoes. This is borne out by tne fact that the competitors who score highest in the field crop competitions are those who use fair-sized seed sets and plant them closely. The following weights were obtained from the various spacings : — 12 inches apart, x rows 2 ft. 15 inches apart, x rows 2 ft. 18 inches apart, x rows 2 ft. 21 inches apart, x 2 ft. 3 in. Spacing Test. 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. tons cwt. lbs. 6 1 8 5 9 32 4 18 64 4 16 88 Section 5. — Immature r. Ripe Seed. The seed used in this section was saved from the previous season's crop at Leongatha. Seven varieties were subjected to the trial. In the case of each variety the seed was secured at two stages of the growth of 10 Aug., 1916.] hxpei-i inputs in the C'u/fivatioii of Potatoes. 465 the plants: — 1. Before the crop was ripe, and, 2, after the crop had ripened. Both classes of seed were subjected to the same cultural treat- ment and were planted side by side. The weights recorded in each casei are tabulated below : — Immature and Kipe Seed Test. Variety. Sutton's Factors White Elephant Carman I. . . Early Norther Black Prince Gold Coin . . 0 0 (i 0 0 5 0 0 11 14 0 10 3 94 7 4 89, 4 0 80 3 17 86: 2 17 16 6 12 103 4 8 64 Increase, due to Immature Seed. tons cwt lbs. 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 10 18 3 4 9 1 0 70 2 3 39 1 2 94 It will be seen that there is a marked increase in favour of im- mature seed. The increases vary from 1 ton per acre in the case of the " Factor " variety, to 3 tons 4 cwt. in the case of Carman I., hut the increase is constant through all th« varieties. The accompanying table shows the relative cash returns per acr© of the crops grown from immature and ripe seed: — Cash Value of Crop Per Acre at £5 Per Ton. Variety. Sutton's Factors White Elephant Carman I. . . Early Norther Black Prince Gold Coin . . Increase, due to Immature Seed. £ s. d. 10 0 0 5 0 0 7 11 3 16 0 0 5 2 3 11 2 6 5 13 9 The smallest increase in value per acre is <£5, and the greatest £16, both being appreciable. The average of the seven varieties in vield per acre and money value of crop is given herewith. Average Returns of Seven Tests of Immature and Ripe Seed. tons cwt. 11)8. 1 14 64 At £5 per ton £ .t 33 18 £ 25 £ a. d. 8 13 0 466 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. Nothing could be more convincing in proving the super-efficiency of immature seed as compared to ripe seed. The limit of argument shovild be reached when the subject is discussed in money values. This result confirms the result of last year's demonstration, and con- firms the result obtained in every case where immature and ripe seed are tried together. It is gratifying to know that some of the leading growers in the State have adopted the practice of using immature seed and it should only be a matter of time before the rank and file have the superior worth of this class of seed driven home to them with sufficient force to cause them to follow the lead. There is no risk about the matter, it is beyond the experimental stage, it is a hard and definite fact that im- mature seed must be used if the heaviest crops are to be produced. Section 6. — Variety Tests. The following are the varieties which yielded the heaviest crops at Leongatha this season : — White Elephant Windsor Castle Carman I Sutton's Abundance Black Prince . . Up-to-date Factors Brown River . . Peach Bloom . . Gold Coin Section 7. — New Varieties. This year thirty-eight new varieties were tested. These were grown from seed supplied to this Department by Dr. Wilson, of ,St. Andrew's University, Scotland. Out of the thirty-eight sixteen produced crops of over 5 tons to the acre, and it is intended to further propagate these, and make the best of them available to- growers. There are a number of them which give promise of being well worthy of inclusion amongst the varieties commercially grown in this State. tons cwt. lbs. 11 14 0 8 14 0 7 14 89 7 0 0 6 13 0 6 1 0 6 0 0 5 5 23 5 3 4 4 19 70 KOO=WEE=RUP. At this centre an area of 2 acres was devoted to experimental work in the field cropping of potatoes. These were planted on 21st October, 1915. The objectives in this case were: — 1. Manurial tests. 2. Prolificacy of different varieties. 3. Normal seed versus weak seed. 4. Immature v. ripe seed. The results obtained from the different manures at Koo-wee-rup varied in such an irregular manner as to render them of no value, therefore space will not be given to their tabulation. The only conclusion that could be drawn from them is that the fertility of the soil on the area planted varied, for some reason or other, to such an evtent as to prevent the effect of the various dressings being distinguishable. The crops .pro- duced in sections 1, 3, and 4 are of some value, as these tests extended over all manures, and the results are therefore reported here. 10 Aug., 1916.] h.xperiment.'^ in the C ultivafion of Fotafoes. 467 Section 2. — Vaeiety Tests. In this case five varieties were tested with the following results for the area planted : — tons cwt. lbs. Adirondak . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 0 56 Factors Carman I. Cook's Favorite Manistee 6 17 0 5 3 0 4 18 56 4 17 0 Section 3. — Normal Seed v. Weak Seed. When the Carman po-tatoes were being cut for planting it was de- cided to make a test between sets showing weak shoots and those with normally strong buds. The two classes of seed were planted side by side. From the time they came through the ground there was visible evidence that the sets with weak shoots were handicapped, and when the crop was dug this was supported by the weights recorded ; these being : — tons cwt. lbs. Normal Buds . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 12 77 Weak Buds . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 12 98 This makes practically a 2-ton to the acre difference in favour of the portion planted with sets showing fair strength in their shoots, and emphasises the advisability of discarding at planting time sets or tubers which show any evidence of lack of vigour. Section 4. — Immature i\ Ripe Seed. The Factor variety from Leongatha was used in this test at Koo-wee-rup. Ripe and immature seed of this variety were planted side by side with the following result: — tons cwt. lbs. Immature Seed . . . . . . . . . . 7 1 7 56 Ripe Seed . . . . . . . . . . ..6170 Increase, due to Immature Seed . . . . . . 1 0 56 PORTLAND. On the heath country at Cashmore-Portland experiments were carried out on two classes of soil, viz., " Hill " land, which takes its name from the fact that it is characteristic of the soil found on the higher parts of the undulations of the heath, and "Flat" land, so called because it is tvpical of the class of soil prevailing on the lower levels. Of the two soils the " Hill " land appears, to ocular observation of the uninitiated, to be the richer of the two, but, chemical analysis shows it to be but little different to the "Flat" land, in its content of plant food. Its cropping power up to the present has proved a dead loss, on account of the fact that no treatment of it has yet been found effective in making it produce any crqp adequate to the expenditure involved in its ))roduction. No reason can be given here for this phenomenon. It 463 Journal of Agnail fare, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. is possible that further cultivation, i.e., working of this land may make, it productive. Further analysis of it is being made now to deter- mine whether it contains anything toxic to plant life. The "Flat" land has always proved responsive to manurial treatments. This is a grey, sandy soil of such a physical texture as permits it to be worked with ease at any season of the year, and it is well suited to the culti- vation of potatoes and other root crops. The analyses of the two classes of soil are given herewith : — Analysis of Cashmore Heath " Hill Land." Parts per 100,000. SoiL Subsoil. Nitrogen . . 118 72 Phos. Acid 11 8 Potash 16 9 Lime . . ' 82 62 Magnesia . . 86 66 Chlorine . . 8 8 Reaction . . Acid Acid Analysis of Cashmore Heath " Flat Land." Parts per 100,000. Soil. Subsoil. Nitrogen . . 109 35 Phos. Acid 13 10 Potash 17 17 Lime 122 54 Magnesia . . 99 67 Chlorine . . 8 8 Reaction . . . . Acid Acid Both analysis show a moderate content of nitrogen, but a great shortaga in the necessary proportions of .phosphoric acid and potash. The objects aimed at in conducting these tests were : — 1. The relative efficiency of various manures. 2. Prolificacy of varieties. 3. Immature v. ripe seed. Planting was completed at Cashmore on the 29th November, 1915, and the plots were harvested on the 9th June, 1916. 10 Aug., 1916.] Experimtnis in the Cultivation of Potatoes. 469 The results of the tests on the " Flat" land are given herewith Section 1. — " Flat " Land. Manure Tests — Un-Linied Portion. Average cf all varieties. No Manure 4i tons Stable Manure 4 cwt. Potato Manure 4 cwt. Blood 4 cwt. Blood and Bone 4 cwt. Blood and Bone. 1 cwt. .Sulphate of Potash 2 cwt. Basic Phosphate, 2 cwt. Blood, 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash . . No Manure 6 cwt. Sujjcr. 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash 4 cwt. Super.. 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia, 2 cwt. Sul phate of Potash . . No Manure of Potash, 1 cwt. Sulphate tons cwt. lbs. 1 15 0 7 0 0 o 0 0 2 15 0 3 5 0 4 10 0 5 10 0 1 15 0 4 15 0 6 5 0 ; 4 15 0 ! o 15 0 8 15 0 1 15 0 Value per Acre, at £5 per Ton. £ s. d. 8 15 0 35 0 0 25 0 0 13 15 0 16 5 0 22 10 0 27 10 0 8 15 0 23 15^0 31 5 0 : 23 15 0 28 15 0 43 15 0 8 15 0 A remarkable result obtained here is the large increase in the crop caused by the application of a very small dressing of stable manure of ^h tons to the acre. The crops grown on the plots treated with phosphoric acid and potassic manures also showed a marked increase thereby demon- strating the need of such manures in this soil. On the limed sub-section the results of which follow, similar increases were harvested, which further proves the responsiveness of this land to manuring. The appli- cation of lime at the rate of 1 ton per acre gave no noticeable results this season, probably due to the fact that it was applied somewhat late. Its effect will probably be marked in next year's crop. Manure Tests — Limed Portion. Sulphate of Potash 1 . No Manure 2. 4i tons Stable Manure 3. 4 cwt. Potato Manure 4. 4 cwt. Blood 5. 4 cwt. Blood and Bone 6. 4 cwt. Blood and Bone, 1 cwt 7. 2 cwt. Ba>ic Phosphate, 2 cwt. Blood, 1 cwt. Sulphate o Potash . . 8. No Manure 9. () cwt. Super. 10. 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia, 1 cwt. Snlpliati of Pf)tash 1 1 . 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia 12. 4 cwt. Super.. 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash 13. 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia, 2 cwt. Sul phate of Potash . . 14. No Manure i tons cwt. lbs. 1 15 0 (i 1 5 0 4 15 0 3 0 0 3 15 0 4 5 0 5 5 o! Value per .\cre. at £5 per Ton. £ 8. d. 8 15 0 33 15 0 23 15 0 15 0 0 18 15 0 21 5 0 0 10 15 15 26 I 8 1.' 21 ; 30 0 0 27 10 0 38 15 0 41 5 0 8 15 0 470 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 19" These results give a glaring example of the effectiveness of manuring on this class of soil. In order that this may be the more clearly demon- strated the following tabulation of the net cash increases in the value of the crop under the various manurings is given: — (Rate per ton £5). Table Showing Cash Increases Per Acre Due to Manuring. Sulphate of Potash Blood, 1 cwt. Sulphate o 1. No Manure 2. 4| tons Stable Manure 3. 4 cwt. Potato Manure 4. 4 cwt. Blood 5. 4 cwt. Blood and Bone 6. 4 cwt. Blood and Bone, 1 cwt 7. 2 cwt. Basic Phosphate, 2 cwt Potash . . 8. No Manure 9. 6 cwt. Super. 10. 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia, 1 phate of Potash . . 11. 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia 12. 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Potash 13. 4 cwt. Super., 1 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia, phate of Potash . . 14. No Manure side bv lbs. Section 2. — Variety Tests. Six varieties subjected to the same treatment were grown side. These produced the recorded weights: — tons cwt. Brownell's Beauty Up-to-date Sutton's Abundance Scruffle Clark's Main Crop Early Norther. . All of these turned out a fine sample, and were clean and free from disease. Section 3. — Immature v. Ripe Seed. As at Leongatha. 'and Koo-wee-rup the Cashmore test of these two classes of seed was strong in its proof of the profitableness of using immature seed. The variety used was Sutton's Abundance, grown last season at Leongatha. 5 11 8 5 4 72 5 17 56 3 7 16 6 0 0 4 1 8 The crop resulting was: — Immature Seed Ripe Seed Increase, due to Immature Seed Per Aero, tons cwt. lbs. .5 13 14 2 5 0 3 8 14 This expressed in money means that every acre grown from immature seed under the Cashmore conditions of 1915-16 (with potatoes at ,£5 per ton) would be worth £17 Is. 3d. more than that grown from ripe seed — fcurely enough evidence of its value to induce growers to us6 it. 10 Aug., 1916.] A pph Culture in VirtdiKi. 471 APPLE CULTURE IN VICTORIA. Jiij J . Farrtl], Orchard Supervisor. The Apple {Fyrus Mulus). For many centuries the apple has been the most extensively grown, universally popular, prolific, and profitable of our cultivated commercial fruits. It belongs to the natural order Rosacece, and is capable of adapting itself to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions, consequently it is cultivated in all the civilized countries of the world. During the long period thx-oughout which the apple has been in use, and, compared with other fruits, it has had no equal as a tonic, food and blood purifier. Since the apple was introduced into Victoria the area under its culti- vation has steadily increased from year to year until its production has become one of our chief national industries. A ripe apple contains acid, sugar, fat, lime, phosphorus, protein, carbohydrates, magnesia, &c. The proportions, beautiful combinations, and blending of these chemicals, as in the ap])le, constitute a food which is procurable only through Nature's dis}>ensary. When writing of the apple in England, Hogg states: — " There is no fruit in temperate climates so universally esteemed and so extensively cultivated, nor is there any which is so closely identified with the social habits of the human species as the apple. Apart from the many domestic purposes to which it is applicable, the facility of its cultivation and itf^ adaptation to every latitude have rendered it \w all ages an object of special attention and regard. There is no part of our island where one or other of its numerous varieties are not cultivated, and few localities where the fruit cannot be brought to perfection. The apple is a native of this, as well as almost every other country in Europe. Its normal form is the common Wild Crab I'l/rus Malus of Linnsus, and the numer- ous varieties with which our gardens and orchards abound ai*e the result either of the natural tendency of that tree to variation, or by its varieties being hybridized with the original species or with each other." During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the varieties have been considerably increased in number, and point of size and quality much improved, not only by means of interpollination and the consequent cross-feriilization of selected varieties, but also by the propagation of cliance seedlings and " sports," and by careful cultivation and general good management. As the early ripening varieties now grown lack not only quality, but perish in a remarkably short time, it is the duty of horticulturists of the present day to win from Nature's inexhaustible store the apple that is desired. There is a good su])ply of mid-season and late ripening sorts suitable for oversea and Tnter-State markets. While in search of the e^rlv varieties, others mitrlit be found which would thrive better under warm sinl and rli!mtic conditions, irrigation, &c., than some of those at present grown. Tn addition, also, if a variety resistant to black snot (Fitxidar/im/i fJevlriliriim) and bitter pit could be evolved, incalculable benefit would be bestowed on the fruit-grower. 472 Journal of Aynculture, Victoria. 10 Aug., 1916. Most kinds of fruits have to be consumed wlien in season because they keep, as fresh fruit, only a few weeks or, in some instances, even a few days. They may, however, be preserved or converted into by-products, but apples can be kept much longer fresh than most other fruits, even under ordinary conditions. But since the advent of cool storage they may even be kept as fresh fruit all the year round, and the surplus con- verted into many valuable commercial by-products as well, viz., dried apples, cider, jelly, spirit, pomade, &c. Apples are also largely used in the manufacture of jams. Plate 1. — Ploughing and Subsoiling. Plate 2. — Subsoil Plough. The present, and perhaps the immediate fixture are ours, therefoie all persons interested in apple culture should become, if not alread}', active students of pomology, so that they may learn and practise all the essentials to scientific and successful apple culture, and thus be in a position to hand down to the next generation the apple with possible improvements on its useful and glorious past. 10 Aug., 1916.] A jijiVe f'nifure i/t Vtctonu. 475 When the Commonwealth Industrial Research Bureau is being estab- lished it might include a few original scientific investigators, thoroughly equipped, to further explore the regions of horticultural research. The Government of Victoria has taken steps to instruct returned soldiers who wish to take up fruit growing as their future occupation at the Dookie College, and the Department of Agriculture is desirous that the Orchard Supervision Branch should work in harmony and co-opera- tion with the officers of the college in this regard. It is realized that the soldiers will have to fight an uphill battle until their orchards come into bearing. These articles are intended to be of some service, so that the nucleus of our new horticultural army may be equipped with practical and rein- forced with scientific knowledge to enable it to successfully attack an^ Anzac barriers that may arise between itself and successful fruit growing. It is proposed to include all the details relative to apple culture in this series of articles, with illustrations, to be published in the Journal of Agriculture monthly until they are completed. Selection of Locality. Owing to the conditions which have for some time prevailed in this State, it is desirable that the prospective apple-grower should keep in view the fact that the future of the industry depends largely upon the production of varieties suitable for export oversea. He should also become acquainted with the conditions prevailing in the localities in which these varieties thrive best. The locality chosen should be as near as possible to the city, so as to minimize the cost of production, haulage, and railway freights. Any person, without previous knowledge of orchard work, going into the business should select his land, if possible, in an established fruit district, where he may be able to obtain skilled labour when required on his orchard. He would then, through intelligent application to his work, be in a position to master all the details of orcharding by the time his trees came into bearing. Site for Orchard. When it is decided that the locality for the orchard is to be in undu- lating country, the site should be selected with a gradual slope to tlie east or north-east, and, if not naturally protected by higli lands or forest growth from northerly or westerly winds, breakwind hedges should be provided. Planting on steep abrupt slopes should be avoided, as heavy i-ains wash away the cultivated soil from the trees and increases the ccst of cultivation. The slopes lend themselves to drainage, and the blossoms of trees growing on them are less liable to be injured by late frosts tlian those growing on low-lying flat lands. Slightly elevated tablelands are pre- ferable to low valleys for this reason, as the colder air, being heavier, descends and flows down the slopes, leaving the warm and lighter air enconijiassing the orchard site. In the past two seasons many fruit- growers wliosp orchards occupy low-lying valleys have suffered very con- siderably from late frosts, and. unless pi*epared to meet heavy expenses in taking remedial measures atrajnst them, such silos should be avoided. 474 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. 110 Aug., 191G. Soils. Throu,e;hout the State there are lar^e tracts of country eminently suitable for the apple, but the deep sandy loams plenti- fully supplied with humus and overlying; a permeable clav sub- soil offer ideal conditions to the production of this particular kind of fruit. It is always to be re- membered that the apple does not adapt itself to soils of a wet or sour nature, and, unless sub- drainasfe is effectively carried out under such conditions, one cannot hope to be successful in the cultivation of the apple. It is found by experience that the character of the soil plays a most important part, not only on the trees themselves, but also on the orolificacy and quality of the yield. Soils of granitic origin offer a genial home for the apple, where, under proper manage- ment, the trees are thrifty throughout a long series of years, yielding generous crops of fruit of excellent quality and colour. A remarkable feature of orchards established in soils of this char- acter is the evident precocity of the trees, as it is not uncommon to gather considerable quantities of fruit three or four years after planting. Orchardists favored with this class of soil have no dread of the root-borer, which plays such sad havoc in many fruit-growing centres where the soil is suitable to its depreda- tions, nor is t!ie root-fungus (Armillaria mellea) much in evi- dence in soils of granitic origin. Generally speaking, granitic soils are rich in potash, and this may account for the advantages in colour, quality, and produc- tion of orchards therein estab- lished. Silurian soils are also much favoured by growers, and yield heavy crops of fruit of good 10 Aug., 1916.] Apple Culture in Victoria. 475 quality and colour. Generally, however, in such soils the subsoil is heavier and more tenacious than the former, and require to be thoroughly under-ground drained. The root-borer is often found in this class of soil, while being entirely absent in granitic country adjoining or not far distant. Apple orchards give less satisfaction in the red soils of Gippsland, and these should be avoided for the more favorable ones previously men- tioned. The deep siltations of river valleys yield fruit incomparably more abundantly than anywhere else, but as the tree ages its size precludes it from the economical management necessary for the suppression of pests, the harvesting of the crop, and treatment whereby the quality of the fruit is maintained. Plate 4. — Buck-scraper at Work. The universal avoidance of basalt soils by growers throughout the State goes to show their estimation of this class of country for fruit- growing. Climatic Conditions. Consideration has been given to locality, site, and soil conditions, with suggestions as to how tliey may be made applicable to apple culture generally. However, we know that there are certain varieties which do not yield remunerative crops, no matter how perfect these conditions may be, if tlie climatic or atmospheric conditions do not prove congenial environments to the particular variety. Under those adverse climatic conditions certain trees may grow to be large and healthy. They may carry a plentiful supply of apparently vigorous blooms, but the resultant fruit is usually small, sparse, and of inferior quality. This is a phase of fruit-growing whicli a large percentage of those engaged in tlie industry have learned to tlieir cost. Many thousands 476 Journal of A(//-/cii/i lire, Victoria. 10 Aug., 1916. of Munroe's Favorite, Cleopatra, Adams' Pearmain, and Nickajack tiees have been grown to maturity, found wanting, and cut down in certain southern districts of Victoria owing to this cause, although they are mostly prolific bearers when cultivated north of the Dividing Range. Preparation of the Land. When the preliminary essentials — locality, site, soil, and climate — have received consideration, attention should be directed to the prepara- tion of the land. If it is decided to plant on virgin soil, which is mostly preferable, the land, if timbered, should be cleared, and all roots carefully removed to a depth of about 2 feet. This facilitates deep plougliing and sub- soiling operations, and prevents the spread of the root-fungus (Ar miliaria mellea), which, if not treated, soon attacks the roots of the young fruit trees, becomes a menace to them, frequently causing their death in a remarkably short time. This fungus, being saprophytic, is capable of living on the dead roots of the forest timber until those of the young trees are reached. Plate 5. — Slickers at Work. The removal of the roots also reduces to a minimum the opportunity of the apple root-borer {Lejitops Hopei) attacking the roots of the young tresa. To eradicate this pest from the orchard area before planting operations commence, no suckers or undergrowths should be allowed to vegetate. They should be dug out and burned rather than ploughed under. Clearing operations are n:ore easily carried out during winter than at any other time, and when this work is completed in early spring the land should be ploughed and subsoiled, if possible.* The latter opera- tion alters the original formation of the subsoil, assists drainage, which tends to aerate the soil, more moisture is retained during dry weather, thorough cultivation is facilitated, and finally trees planted on soil treated as described thrive better, come into bearing sooner, and produce more uniformly heavy crops of fruit than those cultivated under less congenial conditions. * Except whore the sub-.soils are loose and offer free drainage. lu Aug., 1916.] Apple ('ill lure in Victoria. 477 Plate 1 shows the work of ploughing and subsoiling in progress. An ordinary single-furrow plough is used, and the sod may be from 8 to 10 inches, according to the depth of the surface soil. The sub- soiler follows in the same furrow, breaking up the subsoil to a depth of from 8 to 10 inches, according to requirements. Care should be taken not to bring the subsoil to the surface during this operation. Plate 2 gives a full view of the subsoiler, showing its construction and the arrangements for regulating the depth at which it may be worked, &c. In charge of a competent operator, this implement has proved highly satisfactory. When ploughing and subsoiling operations are completed by Sep- tember, the land should be allowed to remain in the rough until November, when it should be thoroughly worked with a disc cultivator. Plate 3 shows the class of implement used for this kind of work at the Leongatha Labour Colony. After discing the land it should be cross- ploughed and allowed to fallow during the summer. As soon as weather conditions become favorable in the. autumn, the orchard area should be again worked with the cultivator, or harrowed, to prepare it for grading, prior to being brought into a fit state of tilth to receive the young trees. "** - ■-.'v--^ — -— - zr Plate 6. — Buck-scraper. Grading the Orchard Land. When an orchard is being established in a northern irrigation {Jistrict where, as a rule, the land has naturally a fairly even surface, the difl5- culties met with in grading and making it suitable for irrigation from channels are not so great as those which obtain in the soutliern and mostly undulating districts, where irrigation from dams is practised. When serious inequalities in the orchard surface occur, and slightly elevated portions have to be carried away to fill up depressions, the scoop- shaped buck-scraper shown in Plate 4 has been found eminently suitable for the purpose. Where depressions exist, and there are not sufficient elevations to fill them up, tlie surface soil could be removed from the headlands, or from situations where dams are to be constructed and used, for this purpose with advantage. Where slight unevenness exists it may be fined down by the " Slicker," shown in Plate 5. This slicker has l>een usod with satisfaction on the Central Researcli Farm, Werribee, where it is regarded as one of tlie most useful implements in grading the land and producing a fine 478 JotiriKil of A. m m. Fig. .51(a).— The Spotted Blue Gum (/•:. Maideni, P. von M.) {.Xdult foliage). From I'roccH'i-Lc(jatriisis, K. T. Baker). I'Voin I'roccediii^s, Liinioan Society, N.S.W., 1000. Tlie flowers are few, stalkless, at the shoulders of leaves on a much flattened cluster stalk. The flow cup is angular or flattened, the lid of tlie bud much constricted and warty. Fruit, A inch in diameter, thus much smaller than that of the real Blue Gum "(A'. f/J')f>ii/us) to|) shaped tn somewhat half-rou!id. 486 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. The Spotted Blue Gum in general appearance resembles the Blue Gum (L\ globulus) and the Mountain Gum (E. r/oniocalyx). From the latter, with which it grows in company on the mountain slopes, it is often not readily distinguished, trunks and foliage of the two trees hav- ing much the same appearance. They differ, however, in their fruits and sucker leaves, so that there is little difficulty in distinguishing them. They also differ in their timber, while that of the Mountain Gum (E. goniocalyx) is of a dirty brown colour that of the Spotted Blue Gum is of a yellow tint. Though not much used, except occasionally for wheelwright's work, it is nevertheless a good durable timber. No distinct information is yet available as to the value of this species to honey producers and its habits and time of flowering. The Red Mountain Ash {Eucalyptus Delegatensis). (FiS. 52.) A very tall tree occurring on the top of mountain ranges. The bark is stringy and reddish extending well up the trunk. The leaves are comparatively large, often 9 inches long and 2 broad, pointed lance- shaped, with the veins prominent, the marginal vein removed from the edge. Sucker leaves broad, lance-shaped unevensided with pro- minent veins. Flowers six to ten in a cluster on a stalk about 6 inches long at shoulders of leaves; buds with short tube and half-round blunt lid. Fruit pear-shaped with thick rim. Judged by specimens, of leaves and buds this tree is difficult to dif- ferentiate from the Silver Top {E. Sitheriana), sucker leaves also are very similar, but bark and timber of the two are quite different. Found in Victoria on mountain ranges in the eastern part. {To he continued). The importance of fineness of subdivision to the utility of crusted limestone for soil amendment is shown from the results of experiments conducted at the Pennsylvania Experiment Station, and reported by Walter Thomas and William Frear, in June, 1915. The crop grown was clover, and separate plots were treated with crusted limestone of various known degrees of fineness. After eight and a half months the crop was harvested, air dried, and weighed. Th© figures show (1) the need of the soil for amendment to fit it for clover production ; (2) that the fineness of limestone greatly affects its value as an amendment for many months after its application, even to a highly acid soil — the finer the limestone the better the crop, i.e., up to the limits of fineness tested, which was finer that one-hundredth of an inch. It is given that compact limestone of high purity should be crusted to a fineness of not less than one-sixtieth of an inch, to fit it for econo- mical use as a soil amendment. lo Aug., 1916.] The New Alcohol Tables. 487 THE NEW ALCOHOL TABLES. From 1st January next the old tables which liave been used for many years past in conjunction with Sikes Hydrometer for the determination of alcohol strengths throughout the Empire will be superseded by new tables, known as Thorpe's, recently compiled for and adopted by the Imperial Government. Though the change will not be of a revolutionary nature, seeing that the maximum divergence between the old tables and the new is in the neighbourhood of 1 per cent, of proof-spirit, it is desirable that wine- riakers and all interested in questions of spirit strengths should prepare for the adoption of the new tables, which will come into fore© on New Year's Day next. Curiously enough, iE is at 30 per cent, of proof- spirit, a strength of considerable importance to the wine trade, that the greatest difference between the old and new tables occurs. Thirty per cent, proof marks the dividing line between the Is. 3d. per gallon and the 3s. per gallon duties for admission of wine into the United Kingdom. The change will mean that a wine now considered tO' be of a strength of 29.5 per cent, proof, and therefore dutiable at Is. 3d. per gallon, will, after the 1st January next, according to the new, or Thorpe's Tables, be held to contain 30.5 per cent, of proof -spirit and will have to pay the higher duty of 3s. per gallon. The change will also affect contract sales where it is stipulated that the wine should be of a given alcoholic strength. The report of the Commonwealth Analyst dealing with the subject , a copy of which has been recently received from the Acting Prime Min- ister, and which is here reproduced, will no doubt be read with interest by Victorian vine-growers. Several other points are also dealt with ; the report recalls, for instance, the old-time controversy concerning the maximum strength of a natural wine, which gave rise to so much dis- cussion in the late seventies of last century. The investigations as to the strengths of Australian wines shipped to London are also most interesting. The discrepancy between the deter- minations of alcohol strengths in Melbourne and in London (set Table I.) constitute a curious point, and one concerning which further information will be awaited with interest. Francois de Castella, Government Viticulturist . Alcoholic Stren^rth of Australian Wines. Report submitted by W. Percy Wilkinson, Commonwealth Analyst. The Compiioller-G'enertil of Customs. The revised tables adopted by the British Government for the calcula- tion of the proof-strength of wines and spirits are legalized by Section 19 of the Finance (No. 2) Act of 1915. 2. The revised tables were compiled in the Government Laboratory, London, under the direction of Sir Edward Thorpe, late Principal of the Government Laboratory, by Mr. T. .1. Cheater and Mr. John Holmes 488 Journal of Ar/ricultiire, Victoria. | 10 Aug., 1916- 3. During my visit to Loudon in 1912 the Principal of the Govern- ment Laboratory, Sir James Dobbie, informed me of the progress mad& in the computation of the revised alcohol tables, and subsequently Mr.. Cheater and Mr. Holmes afforded me detailed information of the proce- dure followed in the numerous recalculations, carried out with extra- ordinary accuracy, involved in the preparation of the new tables from the original alcoholometric investigations of Sir Charles Blagden, Gilpin, Drinkwater, and Mendeleeff. 4. The change to the new tables will materially affect the incidence of the wine duty, which is fixed in Great Britain at the limit of 30 per cent, proof -spirit, as the dividing line between the higher and lower rates of duty. 5. The 30 per cent, proof -spirit dividing line between the higher and lower rates of duty was adopted by the British Government on the recom- mendation contained in the report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the wine duties presented to Parliament in 1879. The Committee, in it® report, mentioned that the dividing line which then obtained of 26 per cent, proof-spirit between the higher and lower rates of duty on wines had been fixed " to facilitate the consumption of genuine wine, under provisions insuring the necessary safeguard against importation of spirit in the guise of wine, to the detriment of the duty on spirits. With that view, 26 per cent, was fixed as the limit of the alcoholic strength of wines called natural." Evidence was given before the Committee contending that Australian wines were naturally of a higher strength than 26 per cent, proof-spirit. The principal witnesses were Sir H. Blyth, Agent-General for South Australia ; Mr. P. B. Bur- goyne; Sir H. Barclay, sometime Governor of Cape Colony; and others. Adverse evidence was given by Mr. A. Lalande, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Bordeaux, and by Mr. W. H. Burston, South Australia, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Committee. 6. The Select Committee concluded its report by recommending that the standard of strength of wines be raised so as to admit of Australian wines entering at the lower rate. 7. The British Government, acting on the recommendation of the Select Committee of 1879, raised the degree of strength at which wines were admitted at the lower rate from 26 per cent, up to 30 per cent.^ and it has stood at the latter figure ever since. 8. During the past two years a number of samples, representative of bulk shipments of Australian wine to London, have been tested in the Commonwealth I^aboratory. The samples are averages, and representa- tive of shipments comprising at least 1,475 hhds. and quarter-casks, the contents of which were approximately 69,000 gallons. The same casks from which the samples were drawn in Australia prior to shipment were also sampled by the Officers of Customs and Excise after arrival at the London docks, and tested in the Government Laboratory, London, under arrangement agreed to by the Board of Customs and Excise. 9 The tests of these Australian wine im.ports conducted in the Government Laboratory, London, are, in general, in good agreement with the tests of samples drawn from the same casks in Australia prior to shipment. (See Table I., appended hereto.) The differences observed are, in the majority of instances, lower readings for strength to the extent of about 0.5 per cent. In five cases only has an increase in strength been recorded in London ; in four of these the difference falls IJ Aug., 1916.] The New Alcohol Tables. 480 within the limit of experimental error. The remaining instance showed a gain in strength of 1.2 per cent, proof-spirit. This, howevir, has not been due to secondary fermentation during the voyage to London, as the wine, prior to shipment, was proved to contain no fermentable sugar. 10. In Table II., appended, details are tabulated of the tests made in the Commonwealth Laboratory of these shipments of Australian wine, and the strength, as ascertained by Hehner's tables, and also by the new tables, are recorded for comparison. It will be observed that the strength of the bulk shipments of wines exported during the past two years, wiien calculated by the new tables, ranges from a minimum of 23.3 per cent, up to a maximum of 28.7 per cent. By the Hehner tables, the strength found was uniformly 0.5 per cent, higher. It is generally known, how- ever, that Hehner's tables give higher values than the official Sikes iiables to the extent of about 1 per cent. This was commented upon by -Sir James Dobbie. 11. It is desirable that the fact should be emphasized strongly that the bulk exports of Australian wines represent blends on a very large scale of wines of similar character and type, though often of different vintages. The alcoholic strength of the wines entering into a blend is therefore normally subject to some variation, the strength of the blend being proportionate to those of the wines entering into the blend. 12. It has not yet been proved that the earlier statements as to the alcoholic strength of Australian wines, though exceptionally only, rising to as much as 30 per cent, of proof -spirit, or even exceeding that figure, are not correct. Investigations into this matter have been in progress in the Commonwealth Laboratory for some time, and are not yet •completed. 13. The incidence of the British new tables for ascertaining the strength of spirits and wines becomes, therefore, a matter of importance to the Australian wine industry. In Table III., appended hereto, the special incidence of the new tables, as compared with the Sikes tables, is shown for the degrees Sikes ranging from 89.0 degrees to 92.0 degrees: it is at the higher degrees of Sikes, viz., those in the neighbourhood of 30 per cent, prcof-spirit, that the naturally strong Australian wine.s may occasionally be at a disadvantage on importation to Great Britain, for the alcoholic strength by the old tables of a wine formerly permitted importation under the lower rate of duty at 29.5 per cent, proof-spirit would, under the new tables, be assessed at 30.5 per cent, proof -spirit at the higher rate of duty. 14. Bearing in mind that the samples representing bulk wine exported to London, tested in the Commonwealth Laboratory during the past two years, have lieen blends of wines varying to some extent in their natural alcoholic strength, it must be conceded that there is a possibility, when unblended Australian wines of the maximum strength are exported to Great Britain, that they may be charged at the higher rate of duty, for the new tables, in the critical neighbourhood of 29 to 30 per cent, proof-spirit, read approximately 1 per cent, higher than the old official tables. 15. Ill view of the above fnrts. and also as a means of providing against the coii'mon sources of experimental error in the sampling of bulk wiues and in the analytical testing for alcoholic strength, it is recommended that representations be made to the Under-Secretarv of 490 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 191G. s o IN OJ ec ic -r •vXJ-sP ^ U5 \0\P ■* I> 2i o OO o o o o (N I-H O OO O O o ^ OO OO ■q 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 + + t t 1 + + + 1 1 + "'■^'l CI (N (N (N (N 00 »o (N IN 00 t~ IN IN * vP-sP e<5 CO (NO e<5 00 t- t- CO vP-vP ^ CO 00 00 c ^ CO CD (M (M 10 >c <35 05 (N W co >c t^ (M IN IM 00 CO IN IN t^ CO IN IN (N <• § § >. s e 5 e ^ s o s .^^ J '^ rg a V. OJ p. p. g o g o e o - - •a CS V g r g - £ = "b = o « £ > fe - 2 o 5 1 ' Oh ^ 5 ^ tn m tn in m 03 to 00 00 r, m 00 m OQ o6 CO 00 00 on 'i m ; w m m t« 0) 00 • a ea cS . ca ca eS "H o o t3 ^ ° CJ 00 a '— ' c vli jd -d >; ^ >: '5 *^ u -d s ^ ^ u* J3 -d cri 42 cr ^o cr" .it! o o o (N o O o o o o o 2 o o o CO o o o o o •"1 IN (N ^ lO r-l -^'-^ r*-*— ^ , — ^ , * . — ^-^ ^.^^-^ • — ^*. IN IN t~ -H OO (N IN lO -^ Gi 1-1 -* ~i* >C ^ CO -H lO o o O CO o o o c-i O Tf 00 Tt< o 'o o CO CO CO 'f t- CO CO 05 (N CO 05 ^ O O O O IN -* CO IN CO 00 OS OS 05 0\ (N ^ IN IN IN CO CO CO CO ^5 CO CO CO CO eo CO ^ bb bE ti) bb bb be bb tb bb tb ti) bb CO t^ CO 00 00 o 05 t- . lO C-l OS 00 o CO 00 ■<* CO -f o o CO ■* 05 cc_^ co__ Tti (N -f tn o IN CO CO °°. CO co' co' CO O CO . > > ■ 6 6 d d d d d d d d d S O O O O O O OO O o O o 73 T3 'O -^3 'V "O -O TJ T! TS x) D. C C rt a c c C C a c d X « «s cS ci cS cS Ob cS a ce ci S a> s> s> (D O O (C V s> ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^. ^^ ^ ^ C >> o o o o o o o o o o o -. L k- U) bO bC bO bC bD bC bO bO be bC 2 » t- »H b< t< «-< t- P h Ih f-t t- _g p 3 P P P P P P P p 3 « P3 m m m w C5P5 pq pq P5 fC W m m PP pq pacq P5 pq pq E^ p.: (1^ a; p; CM &; A^PM PM CL, Pu 10 Aug., 1916.] The Neiv Alcohol Tables. 491 Table II. Cask No. Com. Lab. Test, calculated by Com. Lab. Test, calculated by Reduction by Xew Tables. Hehner's Tables. Thorpe's Tables. 2 25-2% 24-8% - 0.4% 212 26-4% 25-9% - 0-5% 287 26-6% 26-1% - 0-5% 2205 25-8% 25-3% - 0-5% 2321 25-4o/„ 24-9% - 0-5% 1999 25-3% 24-8% - 0-5% 2145 25-8% 25-3% - 0-5% 2584 29-2% 28-7% - 0-5% 2644 29 0% 28-5% - 0-5% 3005 26-3% 25-8% - O-50/o 3051 25-8% 25-3% - 0-5% 3208 27-7% 27-2% - 0-5% 3431 28-7% 28-2% - 0-5% 3635 26- 1% 25-6% - 0-5% 3230 27-7% 27-2% - 0-5% 3340 26-3% 25 -80/0 - 0-5% 3870 25-1% 24-7% - O-40/o 3936 25-6% 25- 1% - 0-5% 3960 23-8% 23-3% - 0-5% 3990 23-8% 23-3% - 0-5% Table III. Table showing Incidence on Wine Duties of Thorpe's New Tables ON Alcohol. lticrea.sc in Sikes. Old Tables. Proof-spirit Percentage. .Vew Tables. Prooi -spirit Percpntat;o. PtTccntage Proof-spirit. duo to New Tables. Under-proof. % /o /o % /o 0/ /o 89 0 69-4 30-6 68-4 31-6 -f 10 89-2 70- 1 29-9 69- 1 30-9 -f 10 89-4 70-8 29-2 69-8 30 2 + 10 89-6 71-4 28-6 70-5 29-5 + 0-9 89-8 72- 1 27-9 71-2 28-8 + 0-9 900 72-8 27-2 71-9 28- 1 + 0-9 90-2 73-5 20-6 72-5 27-6 -f 10 90 4 74- 1 25.9 731 26-9 + 10 90 6 74-8 25-2 73-8 26 2 + 10 90-8 75-4 24-6 74-5 25-5 + 0-9 910 76 1 23-9 75-2 24-8 -f 0-9 920 79-2 20-8 78-4 21 6 + 0 8 .hiiirniil of A (/nni/fiirr. Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916- State, Colonial Office, to move tlie Comnnssioners of Customs and Excise, with the object of securing, in the administrative practice of their Departpient, a working tolerance or margin of safety of 0.5 per cent, on the limiting strength of 30 per cent, in favour of all wines imported in cask, and known to the trade as "dry" wines. These completely fermented and natural "dry" wines are the only types of bulk wines exported from Australia to the Mother Country* 16. As this matter is one of great importance to the Governments of the States of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, it is recommended that a copy of this report should be fur- nished to those Governments. * vv mist the above was in press the Acting Prime Minister was advised by the High Commissioner that the Lords Commissioners of the British Treasury are unable to agree to this suggestion, for the reason that it would not be practicable to give special treatment to Australian wines in the matter. They point out that the postponement of the operation of the new tables, as regards wines, imtil 1st January, 1917, should enable any necessary alteration in the strength of the wine to be made before importation into the United Kingdom. INCREASING THE MILK YIELD. The Farmer and Starlrhreeder says : — '' At the present time there is a strong demand that farmers should do their utmost to increase the production of food. It is interesting, therefore, to see what can be done in the way of producing more milk and butter. The first point we should remember in this connexion is, that the greater the milk yield, of our cows, the cheaper will the milk be produced per gallon. We can do very little by feeding. If we have a splendid cow we can feed her so that she will do her best ; if we have a poor cow we can do the same. But no amount of food will make a poor cow give a good yield. If we try to force her she may give a little more milk, but the extra milk will probably not pay for the extra food required. We might be able to increase the number of cows giving milk, and each must think that out for himself. The recognised way of increasing the milk yield of a herd is by selective breeding, but that is a process which requires years of careful attention to achieve a measurable improvement. By employ- ing bulls of a good milking strain and mating them with selected cows which have given good yields of milk, something can be done. The importance of weighing the milk from each cow and regularly recording it should be recognized. It is in times of stress usually that the greatest progress is made. The progress made in Sweden by the work of the milk recording societies is shown in the following calculated annual yields per cow:— 1870, 2,600 lbs.; 1880, 3,700 lbs.; 1903, 4,200 lbs.; 1913, 4,730 lbs. The champion American Holstein-Friesian cow, Tilly Alcatra, gave 30,451 lbs. of milk, so there is plenty of room for improve- ment in the average cow still." lU Aug., 1916. j Rice Cultivation, Koyuga. 493 RICE CULTIVATION, KOYUGA. By Temple A. J. Smith, Chief Field Officer. Mr. Montague Shan, who resides on an area 3 miles from the Koyuga railway station, has lately been experimenting with rice cultivation. The land on which the rice is growing is partly red land and partly low-lying black land, and was cultivated before sowing much as wheat land is prepared. The land was watered before seeding, and the seed drilled in in rows 14 inches apart at a depth of 1 inch, the quantity of seed sown being 30 lbs. per acre. The date of sowing the 26th November, 1915 — the variety being that known as " Takasuka." Water was applied once a week from the time of seeding until a week before harvesting, which operation was in progress at the time of my visit (1st June). Superphosphate at the rate of 120 lbs. per acre was applied. The crop, when ripe, was 2 ft. 6 in. in height, and very uniform, but had ripened unevenly, some of the heads and stalks being green, while others appeared fully matured. Patches of the crop had not filled well, Avhich will have a bad effect on the yield as a whole. The stooling capacity of rice is very great, from 30 to 40 stalks growing from one seed. 'No sign of disease was noticeable in the crop. A portion had been harvested with a stripper-harvester, yielding at the rate of seven bags per acre of rice with the hull on, which, when hulled, would leave 60 per cent, of marketable rice, viz., 756 lbs. per acre. This system of harvesting was wasteful, in that the harvester was not a suitable machine for the purpose, leaving some of the rice on the stalks, and slielling a portion on the ground. The straw also was left on the ground, and as this i.^^ useful for stock-feeding, thatching, &c., such a system of harvesting is not desirable. Mr. Shan has had constructed a special dam which is filled from the channels, and in which applications of water can be made when water is not available from the usual sources. This is higlily necessary, as the land on which the rice is growing must not be allowed to dry out, but must be kept moist at all times. The amount of water per acre used in this experiment was 5 acre-feet, and Mr. Shan makes the suggestion that rice could be grown in seasons when water is plentiful, and fodder crops in dry years Avlien they have a higher market value. Ho is of opinion that rico-groAving would utilize low-lying land that at present is too wet for the successful cropping of wheat and other cereals. There is a considerable area of such land along the Murray RiA^er and in A'arious otlior parts of the State. Mr. Shan gives the following estimate of the cost of growing rice: — £ s. d. Ront of land . . 0 10 0 liitficst oil cost of pradinp Water eharpos Seed and labour . . Cultivation, manures. Iiarvesting, &c. 0 10 0 1 5 0 1 15 0 1 10 0 £.5 10 0 756 lbs. at 2d. per lb. would return j£6 63. per acre — leaving a balance of 16s. i)cr aero. The average return from rice is a]iproxiniatoly W4 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. i 10 Aug., 1916. 1,600 lbs., which, at the wholesale price of 2d., would give £13 63. 8d. per acre. As might be nnticiputed, Mr. Shan's first experiment has shown that very material improvement in methods of cultivation can be made. The crop in the first place was much too thick, and instead of sowing 30 lbs. per acre, 20 lbs. would probably be quite sufficient, and lead to better filled heads. Cutting the crop with a reaper and binder and threshing later is the practice adopted on the rice fields of America, and this would probably be advisable here. It is unlikely that the most suitable variety has been found, at the first attempt, to give the best possible results, and further improvement is probable in the direction of the introduction of a rice seed yielding better than that already grown. Earlier seeding, say about the middle of October, would give the crop a better opportunity of maturing grain to advantage. Mr. Shan is to be congratulated upon the success of his first venture in rice-growing. He has proved that the crop can be grown under local conditions on land that for other purposes is of little value. He is so satisfied with the prospect that he intends sowing 60 acres in the coming season. Other farmers in the district are sowing small areas, and are obtaining the seed from Mr. Shan at Is. per lb. The main essentials for success in rice-growing appear to be a soil capable of holding moisture beyond the average. Perfect grading at an almost dead level. A thorough command of water as required. The right kind of machinery for handling the crop. The use of specially suited varieties. The land should be fallowed in autumn, and a good seed-bed prepared in the spring. The soil should never be allowed to dry out after the seed is planted, until harvest time. A good system of drainage so that the water can be taken off when required. The crop, after harvesting, should be well dried out before threshing, to save cracking the grain. Pf 10 Aug., 1916.] Insect Pests of the Gardens. 495 INSECT PESTS OF THE FRUIT, FLOWER, AND VEGETABLE GARDEN. AND HOW TO TREAT THEM. with, By C. French, Jnr., Government Entomologist. (Continued from page 438.) The Dark-Purple Wattle Scale. (Mealy Bug.) Unfortunately, growers of wattles have another native pest to contend namely, the dark-purple wattle scale (mealy bug) Fig. 16.— The Dark-Purple Wattle Scale {I'sriiiloiixiiis iilhiz:.:r. .M;is!cll). have Vjeen the red o oljtained by il in places scale (mealy bug). This for- midable insect was first dis- covered on the so-called cape wattle, but it now at- tacks all kinds of wattles planted in gardens and plantations. In general ap- pearance it is black and white, but upon closer ex- amination it may be seen that it is of a dark-plum colour, almost black, with a white margin, the female being covered with a cottony secretion. The larvae are singular-looking insects; at certain seasons of the year they simply swam over the affected trees, and from thence are easily distributed by means of plants, and possibly, by birds carrying them on their feet trom tree to tree. When a tree is badly affected, the hrauciies become black and dirty looking, and if the pests are left unchecked they will soon kill the tree right out. This pest is now spreading to orange trees, so growers sliould be on the lookout, as it is certainly a most destructive species. IManv remedies have l>een tiic^l. and good results using the kerosene emulsion < n large trees, and where there are onlv one or two small trees. 496 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. 1 10 Aug., 1916. Spraying with the red oil should be doue in summer or autumn. Several brands of this oil are on the market, the price of same being within the reach of all. Whilst on the topic of mealy bugs, I might be permitted to mention a pest very destructive to carnation plants, viz., the common mealy bug. This insect is often very prevalent, and causes growers much concern by living on the roots of carnations. Recent experiments with the manurial insecticide and fumus have given excellent results. These preparations are sprinkled on the soil and then dug into the ground. They are deadly to all kinds of insect life, &c., such as millipedes, wire- worms, slaters. The Bean Butterfly. This is a very common, small, blue butterfly, the larva of which causes growers of French and broad beans much annoy- ance. The eggs of the butterfly are deposited on the beans, and as soon as the young caterpillars are hatched they commence at once to bore into the pods, and soon eat the young beans; the pods then be- come yellow, and shrivel up. The larva of this insect is greenish, and in shape is not unlike the woodlouse (Slater). During the last couple of months, these butterflies have been very numerous in vegetable gar- dens in the suburbs, and growers of beans have had to wage continual warfare against them. Immediately the beans show signs of shape, and if the butterfly season be at hand, spray the rows with arsenate of lead, this preparation, on account of its weak strength, being particu- larly harmless to human beings. These insects have many natural enemies, especially amongst our insectivorous birds, such as " fly- caichers,' robins, wrens, tomtits, &c., all of which destroy vast num- bers of the perfect insects annually. The Pumpkin Beetle. This is a handsome little insect, about \ inch long by \ inch broad, not unlike some of the ladybird beetles. In colour it is a distinct orange- yellow, with a blackish patch in the shoulder of each wing-case, with Fig, 17.— The Bean Butterfly [Zizera labradus, Godt), 10 Aug., 1916.] Insect Pests of the Gardens. 497 a. corresponding but more rounded blackish spot towards the tips of the wing-cases. The eggs, which are placed on leaves, stems, &c., are irregularly oval in form, and finely granulated with an irregular net- work ])attern. Although they are only about as big as a pin's head, they are still easily seen with the naked eye. They take about a week Fig. 18. — The Pumpkin Beetle {AuUicnphom hiUiris. Boi;- Fig. 19. — Mottled Cup Moths {Dnralifmi rnhnrniis. !,c\vin). to hatch out. As a rule, the depredations of this beetle have niostb been confined to plants belonging to the melon, pumpkin, and marrow family; but, unfortunately, it has also started to altick p:achjs, nectarines, cherries, young apples, &c., and in some districts causes considerable losses. The. following sprays have been tried with splendid 498 Journal of AyricuUure, Victoria. 1 10 Aug., 1916. results: — Arsenate of lead, hellebore, Paris green, and kerosene emul- sion. Another remedy has been tried with good results, viz., 1 part of kei-osene oil, 1 part of sour milk, and 100 parts of water. The crude oil of tar, which is used generally for veterinary purposes, and costs about 2s. per gallon, can be used. One gallon makes 80 gallons of spray. When the pumpkin beetles were very plentiful in 1913, this spray was used with good results. Dusting the plants with air-slaked lime has also proved effectual. Mottled Cup Moths. The common name of the cup moth has been adopted on account of the singular woody and cup-shaped cocoon of the insect. The larvae of this moth are peculiar creatures, being flat and soft on the under side, and raised saddle-like on the upper side, the upper part being covered with clusters of spines. These spines can be withdrawn at the pleasure of the insect, and when handled by the incautious they produce a sharp stinging sensation, and on this account the larv« have earned for themselves the name of "stingers." This insect is usually found feeding on the leaves of the eucalypts, and at the present time are exceedingly numerous in and near the Dandenong and other Ranges, on the leaves of the peppermint and other eucalypts. The larvae eat the epidermis from the leaves, and in some localities many trees look as if a fire had scorched them. Like many of the other native insects, it has taken to fruit trees, principally apples and cherries. They are voracious feeders, and sometimes nine or ten larvae are found upon one leaf. The caterpillars of this moth have a very persistent enemy in one of the large Ichneumon wasps, which deposits its eggs on the grub before it begins to spin its cocoon ; and when the wasp is fully grown it gnaws a circular hole through the side of this prison, as, unlike the moth, it is unable to push the lid oflF. Arsenical sprays, Paris green, or arsenate of lead will deal effectively with this pest when on fruit trees. The caterpillars of this moth were killed in great numbers a year or so ago near Melbourne by means of a bacterial disease. Owing to their spines, the caterpillars of the cup moths are left severely alone by insect-eating birds. {To he continued.) 10 Aug., 1916.] Vernacular James of Victorian Plants. 499 VEGETABLE PAINT. In certain parts of Uruguay, the farm buildings are a fine white colour, even during the wet season. To obtain this neat effect, a white- wash is used, made from the sliced " leaves " of the Prickly Pear, which when macerated in water for twenty-four hours, produce a solution of <;reamy consistence. To this lime is added and well mixed in. When the solution is applied to any surface, be it wood, brick, iron, or other material, a beautiful pearly white appearance is produced, which endures through rains and frosts for many years. — The Tropical Agri- culturist, February, 1916. VERNACULAR NAMES OF VICTORIAN PLANTS. Communicated bv Alfred J. Ewart, D.Sc. Ph.D., Chairman, and C. S. Sutton, M.B. Ch.B., Secretary of the Plant Names Committee of tlie Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria. Continued from page 243, Vol. xiv. (10th April, 1916). Botanical Xainc Popular Name. Use or Character. SYMPETALE>E HYPOGYfiA—conlinued. LABI.\T/E. PlectraiUhus — •parviflorus, Henckel. Mentha — laxiflora, Benth. australis, R.Br. . . gracilis, R.Br. . . saturejoides, R.Br. Lycopus — europaeus, L. (L. australis, R.Br.) Salvia — plcbeja, R.Br. . . Prunella — vuljiaris, A. DC. . . Sailtellaria — molis, R.Br. huiiiilis, R.Br. . . ProslaiUhera — lasianthos, Labill. molissifolia, F.v.M. incisa, R.Br. rotuniiifolia, R.Br. violacpa, R.Br. . . hirtula, F.v.M. . . dontlculata, R.Br. splDOHa, K.v.M. . . cuneata, Benth. phylicifolia, F.v.M. (lecurtsata, K.v.M. Behrlana, Schlecli. nivea, Cunn. saxicola, R.Br. . . [any-flo\v(>ierl Myoporum Broad-leaved tongue Sweet Houndstougue Austral Houndstongue White Bochelia Burr Forget-me-not Hairy Eritrichmn Hotmds- Most of the species of this genus ar& worthy of garden culture, and more particularly W. rosmariniformis and W. glabra." Worthy of garden cultui'e, but apt tO' become a weed in moist pastures. }Miglit be improved by garden cultiva- tion. Formerly used as a medicinal herb. No known economic value. Useful as a fixing agent on marine mud flats and inlets. The bruised leaves of this plant are used by the aborigines for tanning wallaby and other skins. Of the Eremophilas, the following are especially worthy of garden cultiva- tion, E. bignoniflora, E. maculata, E. gibbosifolia, E. divaricuta; but E. maculata is a supposed poison plant, and appears to be most dangerous when in fruit. I Not injurious, but of no special i economic value. Suspected as a poison plant when in fruit. Useful for hedges and wind-breaks in coastaldistricts. Of no special economic value. Useful in rockeries and on the sides of railway cuttings, &c. This wood has a fine grain, is beautifully mottled, and is suitable for veneering Ac. Useful for garden cultivation. No special economic value, and apt to become weeds in pastures, while the nutlets adhere to wool. 10 Aug., 1916.] V emacuJar Names of Victorian Plants. 501 Vernacular Names of Victoriax Plants — continued. Botanical Name. Use or Character. Sympetale.^e HypoGYNiE — continued. BORAGINACE.B— eojiiuJXPf/. Myosotin — australis, ll.Br. . . suavfloons . Por. (M. exar- rhena) Halgania — cyanea, Lindl. . . lavaudnlacea, Enill. Heliotropiiini — Ciirassavicuni, L. europaeum, L. . . aspenimum, B.Br. Ehretia — aciiininata. R.Br. Ericace.e. Qaultiera — hispida, R.Br. . . WUtsteinia — vacciniacca, F.v. .^r. Epaciudace^. Styphelia — adsccndpns, R.Br. Astrolomn — humifusuni, R.Br. conostephioides, F.v.M. pinifoliuni, Benth. Melichrus — urceolatus, R.Br. Cyathodex — acerosa, R. Br. . . Lissant/ie — strigosa. II. 15r. . . montaiia, R.Bv. Leiicopof/on — laiici'olatu.«, R.Bi . Riclici, R.Br. . . australis. U.Br. . . thyiiiitiilius. Lindl. coilinns, li.Br. . . glacialis, Lindl. micropliyllus, ]<. Hi . costatus, K.v.JE. virgatus, R.Br. . . Hookcri.Sond. .. Macraei, F.v.M. attpnuatus. A. Cunn. ericoides, R. Br. corrtifolius, l-indl. biflorus, R.Br. . . Frascri, A. (Junii. junipcrinuH. R.Br. rufus, I jndl. Woodsii, F.v.M.. . Acrotriclie — scrriilata, Labill. var. vcntricosa . . ovalifolia, R.Br.. . dcpressa, R. Br. . . jUonotoca — elllptlca. R.Br. . . scoparln, R. Br. . . Austral Forsiet-me-not Sweet Forget-me-not Small-lea vpd TTalgauia Lavender Ifalgania Smooth Heliotrope Common Heliotrope Rough Heliotrope Brown Cedarwood Baw Baw Beriv (Jolden Heath .. Cranberry Heath Flame Heath Pine Heath Pitcher Heath . . Dagger Heath . . Peach Heath Mountain Peaoh Heath Lance Board Heath Coast Beard Heath Spike Beard Iteath Thyme Beard Heath Rough Beard Heath Twisted Beard Heath Scaly Beard Hc^ath Twiggy Beard Heath Snow Beard HeathM Moimtain Heard Heath . . Alpine Beard Heath fir<;y Beard Heath Pink Board Heath Heart-leaved Beard Heatli Twin-leaved Beard Iloath Slender Beard Heath Pricklv Beard Heath Ruddy Beard Ifeath Broom Beard Heath Green (iround Berry Trailing firound Berry . . Coast (iround Berry Wiry (iround Berry Tree Broom Heath Prickly Broom Heath Useful in garden cultivation. I Have bright blue flowers, and might / prove worthy of garden cultivation. I These plants are apt to become trouble- I some weeds in crops and pastures. The wood is useful for cabinet work. The fruits are edible, the flavour is not unpleasant. Worthy of garden culture. The fruits are edible. The fruits are edible They have a viscid sweetish pulp with a relatively large stone. » Worthy of garden cultivation. .Vll more or less worthy of garden culti- vation, especially L. Richei, L. ericoides, L. glacialis, and L. virgatus. ^The flowers yield honey, but the plants havonootherspcsclalocononiir valus. 502 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. 1 10 Aug., 1916. Vernacular Names op Victorian Plants —confinwerf. Botanical Name. Popular Name. Use or Character. Sympetalb^: HYPOOYNiE — continued. Epacridacb^ — continued. Brachyloma — daphnoldes, Benth. ciliatum, Benth. depress um, Benth. ericoides, Sonder. Troehocarpa — Clarkel, F.v.M. . . Pentachcndra — pumila, R.Br. . . Epacris — longiflora, Cav. . . impressa, Labill. petrophila, Hook. f. crassifolia, R.Br. robusta, Benth. obtusifolla, Smith lanuginosa, LabiU. paludosa, R.Br. breviflora, Stapf. bawbavviensis, Stapf. serpillifolia, R.Br. microphylla, R.Br. Sprengelia — incarnata, Smith Richea — Gunnii, Hook. f. Daphne Heath . . Fringe Heath Spreading Heath Bush Heath Wheel Heath . . Dwarf Heath . . Fuchsia Heath . . Common Heath Rock Heath Thin-leaved Heath Round Heath . . Blunt-leaved Heath Woolly Heath . . Swamp Heath . . Short-flowered Heath Baw Baw Heath Thyme Heath . . Coral Heath Pink Swamp Heath Richea . (Eaten by wallabies in time of drought r but of no special economic value. •■Of no known economic value. All more or less worthy of garden cul- ture, especially E. impressa, E. longi- flora, and E. microphylla. Worthy of garden culture, especially in moist situations. Of no known economic value. SIXTH VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, 1916-1917. Conducted at the School of Horticulture, Burnley. Monthly Report (15th June to 15th July, 1916). The average temperature for the past month has been low. This fact, in addition to the light rains which have fallen, has kept the yajrds wet and cold, and has been against heavy laying among the light breeds. The heavy breeds right through are doing well, and demonstratino; their great value as winter layers. The light breeds dry mash section are also giving good returns. Taken altogether, the output is as good as could be expected. Twelve of the heavy breeds and one Leghorn have been broody during the month. Temperature: Lowest, 32 deg. Fahr. ; highest, 60 deg. Rainfall, 162 points 10 Aug., 1916.] Egg-laying Competition, 1916-17. 503 SIXTH VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, 1916-17. Commenced 15th April, 1916; concluding 14th April, 1917. CONDUCTED AT THE BURNLEY SCHOOL OF HOETICULTUEE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA. Six Birds. Pen No. Owner. Breeds. 15 .4 to 16 14 .6 16 15.6.16 to 15.7.16 Total to Date. Position in Competi- tion. 7 25 40 13 1 36 27 17 37 41 24 38 28 10 22 44 23 15 16 34 14 30 26 18 45 3 11 32 12 39 29 6 21 101 19 42 5 8 43 20 35 33 9 4 31 C. J. Jackson . . A. H. Mould A. P.rundrett H. 3. Meddows .. G. McDonnell . . E. W. irippe John Blacker W. G. Swilt J. M. Smith Excelsior Poultry Farm H. N. H. Miranis \. Little S. Cheatle J. H. Duncan . . Mrs. H. Stevenson J. Jamieson T. A. Pettiarove G. Laughlan P. Collings F. G. Silbereisen W. R. Hustler . . F. T. Denner Mrs. A. Dumas .. C. Ludwig C. IF. Oliver W. M. Bayles . . R. W . Pope N. P.urston G. Ilayman L. Mci-ean A. S. Ilvndman J. J. West A. E. Payne A. E. Silbereisen Benwcrren Egg Farm Thirkell and Smith W. G. Osbiirne E. \. Lawson S. Buscunib If. .Merrick Tom Fisher E. F. Evans W. H. Clingin Fulham I'ark J. (I. Gill LIGHT BREEDS Wet Mash. White Leghorns „ (5 birds) White Leghorns . . R.C.B. Lechorns . . White Leghorns . . (5 birds) (5 birds) Total 245 237 247 240 229 240 250 255 219 237 205 232 212 187 198 204 202 204 230 210 178 204 205 183 176 213 233 168 106 136 143 158 153 106 144 144 162 118 120 162 69 91 71 36 58 8,110 122 119 106 107 115 103 93 83 111 90 118 90 110 130 119 101 95 85 56 75 107 79 69 90 96 78 29 86 54 112 93 78 75 108 61 61 43 88 86 20 108 59 42 54 24 3,808 367 356 353 347 344 343 343 338 330 327 323 322 322 317 317 305 297 289 286 285 285 283 274 273 272 271 262 254 250 248 236 236 228 214 205 205 205 206 206 182 177 150 113 90 82 11,918 10 11 ]" 16 17 18 19 J20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 ]31 33 34 1 37 ■ 35 40 41 42 43 44 45 98 97 100 94 95 96 90 Marville I'oultry Farm D. rislicr 0»Ul:u)(U I'oultry Farm Mrs. (•(■ae swelling, anil consequently loosen tlieir outside scales. It wil' be safe, if the work be done at once, to spray apple, pear and -quince trees with this spray, especially where the Kyrobia ^lite, scale insects, or woolly aphis are ])revalent. If it is intended that the lime-sulphur wash be the specitic for these and otlier pests, it niav be used witli safelv. nlthnugh the spraying 510 Journal of A f/riculture, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916- should be completed as early as possible. This mixture has a certain value as a fungicide, and it is well worth trying on peach trees that have been affected with the leaf curl ; more especially in view of the fact that in some districts severe burning has occurred in peach orchards as a result of using Bordeaux mixture late in the season. Where peach aphis has appeared, it will be advisable to spray at once with a strong nicotine solution. Tobacco stems should be soaked in cold water for some days, adding a teaspoonful of caustic soda to a cask of steeping stems. The liquid should be made strong, and every endeavour should be made to kill out the first insects that appear. The pruning of deciduous trees should be at an end this month. The pruning of evergreens such as oranges, lemons, and guavas, may be left until later. Young deciduous trees should be planted not later than this month. The soil should be trodden firm round the roots, and, when planting^ has been completed, the tree should be headed back to three or four buds on each arm. Preparation may be made for planting citrus and other evergresn trees. The soil should be well ploughed and sweetened in anticipation of planting in September and October. In root-borer affected districts, the beetles will begin to appear during the latter part of the month. A close observance should be kept on them and the insects should be regularly collected and destroyed. The Vegetable Garden. The plots should be well dug over at this time, adding gypsum or lime where any pests have been prevalent. In other beds stable manure should be well worked into the soil. The soil should be rich, well worked, and warm, so that a quick growth niay result. Vegetables grown quickly are generally more tender than slowly grown ones; and frequent changes of crops in the plots will give better results. At this season, the weeds will require constant checking; frequent use of the hoe will, therefore, be neces- sary, and in the rows band-weeding should be resorted to. All seedlings should be planted out, especially seedlings of cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, and onion. Seeds of peas, carrots, parsnips, radish, lettuce, tomato, and broad beans may be sown. Where they can be sheltered and protected from frosts, young tomato plants may be planted out for early fruiting. One method of managing these early plants is to place the young plant a few inches below the surface, and then a box, 8 or 9 inches deep, with top and bottom re- moved, over the plant at ground level. This can then be covered loosely with a piece of glass whenever necessary. Potatoes, artichokes, and asparagus crowns may be planted. Asparagus beds should be kept free from weeds; they shouM have a loose surface, and a light top dressing with old manure would be beneficial. Ill the frames, cucumbei, vegetable marrow, melon, pumpkin, water and rock melon seeds may be planted. These are best planted in pots, placing three or four seeds in each pot. They then suffer no check when being transplanted into beds. 10 Aug., 1916.] Remindem for September. 511 The Flower Garden. All winter-flowering shrubs that have dropped their blosson^s may now be pruned. It is important to prune these immediately after flowering, so that the plant may be able to make plenty of flowering wood for next season. Seed beds and plots need constant cleaning and weeding. Weeds must now be kept out of the garden, both by hoeing and hand pickiiip The seedlings that are growing ju their permanent situations should be thinned out and given a good chance to develop strong and sturdy plants. Divisions of herbaceous plants such as delphiniums, cannas, shasta daisy, herbaceous chrysanthemums, rudbeckias, salvias, and phlox, may be still planted out. If it is intended that such plants shall remain in the same location as last season, they should be lifted, the soil being well dug and manured, and the crowns planted back again. By this means the plants retain their vigour, and are able to produce good flowers each season. Evergreen shrubs may now be planted out, the soil having previously been well dug and aired. All beds should be well dug over by this time, manure and refuse litter having been dug into the soil. A few corms and tubers of early summer flowering bulbous plants may now be planted. REIVIINDERS FOR SEPTEMBER. LIVE STOCK, Horses. — Still continue to feed stabled horses well; feed green stuff if avail- able. Continue rugging to encourage the shedding of the coat; good grooming will also be beneficial. Continue giving hay or straw to grass-fed working horses. Feed old and badly-conditioned horses liberally. In foal mares due to foal early, if worked, should be turned out to paddock. Feed stallions doing stud duty liberally. Equivalent amount of cracked Indian corn (maize) may with advan- tage be substituted for oats, if latter grain is scarce. Cattle. — Cows should still be rugged, but coverings should be removed frequently, in order to enable the animal to get rid of the old coat; or, better still, a good curry-combing may be given. Continue hay or straw. Look up treatment for milk fever in Year-Book of Agriculture, 1905, and treat cattle accordingly. Give calves a good warm dry shed. Give the milk to young calves at blood heat. Have feeding troughs or buckets clean. Don't over-feed. Feed regularly with regard to quantity and time. Provide a good grass run, or fine hay or crushed oats in a box or trough. Give a cupful of limewater per calf per day in the milk. The problem with many at the present time is how to rear calves without milk. This can be done very well by st-^rtiug them on new milk for a fortni^iit, and then gradually substituting the milk with one of the calf meals on tiie market. To tliese it would be advisable to add two or three tablespoonfuls of cod liver oil. The following meal is in general use in Ireland : — Two parts, by weight, of oatmenl, 2 parts maize meal, 1 part pure ground lin- seed, all finely ground. Scald witli boiling water, and allow to stand for twelve hours. Start with new milk, tlien griulually substitute skim ;ind \ lb. daily of the meal mi.xture per bead per day, gradually increasing to 1 lb. or more. In a month milk mav be dispensed witli altogether. The crushed oats, fed dry, have been found to give excellent results. Pigs. — Supply plenty of bedding in warm well-ventilated sties. Keep sties clean and dry. and feeding troughs clean and wholesome. Sows may now be 512 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. 1 10 Aug., 1916. turned into grass run. If pigs are lousy dress with kerosene emulsion or sulphur and lard, rubbing well into crevices of skin, and disinfect sties. Con- sidering the present high price of pork, there should be a good margin of profit in fattening pigs. Worms are very prevalent at present, and may be treated by giving 2 to 10 grains of Santonin in form of pill, or from half to one teaspoonful' of oil of turpentine in milk or castor oil. Sheep. — Wherever early shearing is possible, and shelter available, all sheep' to be disposed of can be fattened earlier, if shorn. Sheep or lambs not good enough for freezing also thrive better after being shorn. Where insufficient know- ledge of grading cross-bred wool exists, draft the coarse sheep from the fine before coming into the shed, and shear and bale separately. Clean all daggy sheep before bringing them on to the shearing board. Avoid deep and careless skirting. Only dense seedy parts, and heavy fribs and stains should come off fleeces. Press in a box press, which forms square sides to bales, and avoid round bales, called " Sew Downs." Brand boldly and neatly on the long and narrow side. Clean carefully all straw, chaff, &c., from shearing place. Cut back all misshapen feet when noticed during shearing. Poultry. — September is one of the best months for hatching for winter eggs.. Incubators should be kept going, and broody hens set. Care must be taken to keep down vermin, as they now breed quickly; use sprays in houses and Insecti- bane or Izal in nests — nothing stunts chickens quicker than vermin. The food for young chicks should be fine oatmeal, stale bread crumbs or biscuit meal, a little calcined bird's grit, a little chopped green stuff such as lettuce, thistles, or- green lucerne or spring onions occasionally cut fine is a good tonic, and a pinch cf powdered charcoal. Slightly moisten with new milk. Make the whole friable, and feed frequently ("little and often") just as much as they will readily eat, as an excess of food only sours and disturbs their digestive organs. Animal food may be given in small quantities after the first ten days once or twice a week. Chickens should be protected from damp ground and the cold, bleak winds. CULTIVATION. Farm. — Plant early potatoes, and work up fallow for the main crop. Keep fallow for summer forage crops m'cU worked up with the disc and harrows. Make early sowings of mangolds, beet, field carrots, and turnips. Push on with the fallowing in the Northern Districts. Prepare land for tobacco seed beds by burning rubbish on the site; afterwards work up to depth of three or four inches. Orchard. — Commence spring ploughing; plough in leguminous crops for green manure as soon as the plants are in full flower. Finish grafting early in the month. Spray peach and apricot trees with Bordeaux mixture as the blossom buds are opening, as a preventive against " leaf curl " and " shot hole " fungi ; watch for peach aphis, and spray when present with tobacco- solution. Flower Garden. — Cultivate and work up the surface to a fine tilth — clear out all weeds. Water newly-planted shrubs, &c., if the weather is dry. Plant out cannas, early dahlias, chrysanthemums, gladioli, and other herbaceous plants. Vegetable Garden. — Plant out seedlings. Sow seeds for summer use, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, marrows, pumpkins, melons, &c. Plant out tomatoes, and shelter till frosts are over. Hoe and work up the soil surface. Vineyard. — Plantation of young vines (grafted or ungrafted) should be- concluded before the commencement of September; pruning of old vines like- wise, as well as tying down of rods on long-pruned vines. Prune recently- planted vines just before buds commence to swell (if not pruned when planted), cutting strongest cane back to two buds. Do not delay this work until bud& have shot, as this seriously weakens the young vine. Field grafting may be carried out, if weather be fine and warm. If cold and wet, postpone until October. Swab with acid iron sulphate vines which showed signs of Black Spot last season. To avoid burning, tliis must be completed before the buds commence to swell. Cultivation (scarifying or discing) must receive attention when soil is in suitable condition. Cellar. — Conclude spring racking early in month, if not already done. Fill up, regularly, all unfortified wines. 10 Aug., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. V^^^i:^ ^f;>; §^:'-; --'•'-= yj,^:i'^':i-'i4 Lucerne "The King of Fodder Crops " IT can be cut five or six times during a season, and, being perennial, will yield good crops for many years, but it requires regular manuring every year to return to the soil the substance withdrawn by roots and growth. Will fatten Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, &c., better than any other feed, and with less expense. All our Lucernes are specially machine cleaned, hand-sieved, free from dodder, and true to name, and have passed the Government Test. Hunter River. 1/9 per lb. Persian. 1/6 per lb.; 140/- per cwt. French Provence, 1/3 per lb.; 120/-percwt; Extra quality, 1/6 per lb.; l40/-percwt. Kangaroo Rape "The King of Rapes" HERE, indeed, is a wonderful fodder 1 It fattens three sheep more to the acre than other kinds. Grows to a height of 1 1 feet. Has long, strong taproot that enables it to stand long periods of drought. It is an unexcelled fodder for cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, fowls, &c.; but stocks are limited, and you should order at once. Giant Kangaroo. 100/- per cwt.; 95/- per cwt. in 5 cwt. lots or more. We can also supply Best English Dwarf Essex. 74/8 per cwt.; 70/- per cwt. in 5 cwt. lots or more. Best French Dwarf Essex, 65/4 per cwt.; 60/- per cwt. in 5 cwt. lots or more. Colonial Dwarf Essex. 42 '- per cwt.; 40'- per cwt. in 5 cwt. lots or more. Japanese Rape, 35/- per cwt. AW OMMER I39-I4l(a^60 S3)5\VAfSSTOrs SI MtLB TIT-. C( NT. >29 ^J^ "'tf^^l • jdiinutl i)f Agnciitture, Yicioria. [10 Aug., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Red Poll Dairy Herd (NOTE. All the bull calves of 1915 drop have been sold, and choices from cows to calve this season have been booked ahead of calving. The demand for bull calves is so strong that farmers contemplating purchase are advised to study the records of the herd published in the September (1915) Journal of Agriculture and book their orders ahead, stipulating choice of bull calves from, say, three of the record cows.) Bull Calves are sold at prices based approximately on the actual milk and butter fat record of the dam at the rate of Is. per lb. of butter fat yielded. INDIVIDUAL RECORDS cows. N&iiie. Davs Weeks Milk, Average Butter Commercial Price of in Milk. in Milk. in lbs. Test. Fat (lbs.) Butter (lbs.) Bull Calf. Muria 365 52 14,972 5-9 884-6 1,007-94 43 Guineas. Vuelta . . 289 41J 7,750 6 2 485 - 10 5.53-00 24 Persica . . 351 50 9,607 4 9 479-94 547 - 13 23 Cuba 337 48 10,464 4 5 478 • 14 545-07 23 Birdseye . . 321 45} 8,522 5 5 473-79 540 12 23 Bullion . . 321 45i 10,9-28 4 3 468-99 534-64 23 Virg-inia . . 344 49 10,252 4 4 456-76 5-J0-13 22 Pennsylvania 348 49i 10,607 4 1 437-42 498-65 21 Sumatra . . 290 4l| 9,232 4 6 431-49 491-89 21 Egypta . . 327 46J 10,646 3 9 418-55 477 ^14 20 India 365 52 8,556 4 6 390-60 445-28 19 Mexicana •.;82 401 8,641 4 6 399-75 455-71 19 Europa . . 347 49i 8,765 4 4 3S7-11 441-30 19 Goldleaf 362 51i 8,415 4 4 377-67 430-54 18 Connecticut 283 40i 6,780 5 3 304-00 415-00 18 Phillipina 284 40i 6,829 5 0 343-33 391-89 17 Turka 279 39} 6,395 4 9 316-07 360-31 15 Kentucky 288 39} 7,904 3 9 313-25 357-00 15 Ardath . . 332 47J 6,261 4 8 302-91 345-31 15 Britannia 329 47 7,637 3 9 300-71 342-81 15 Asiana 279 39} 5,933 4 9 292-01 332-62 14 Netherlaiw 292 414 6,903 4 2 291-78 332-62 14 Havana . . 325 46J 7,001 4 0 285-86 325-88 14 Cameo . . 303 43i 5,536 5 1 285-60 325-53 14 Alpina Hispana . . 286 40} 52 6,995 6,574 3 o 276-86 241-69 315-62 275-52 IQ 365 3-6 12 HEIFERS. 1 Pipio 334 *7i 6,802 4-8 326-37 372-06 16 Guimas. I Carribea . . 365 52 7,142 4-3 310-63 354 12 15 Tennessee .311 44} 6,706 4-2 282 -88 322 48 14 Japana 357 51 7,788 3-6 282-62 322 19 14 Samorna 365 52 5,490 4-9 271 - 76 309 80 13 La Reina 342 43} 5,070 5-1 261-96 ' 298 63 13 Oceana . . 365 52 6,247 4-1 256-64 292 57 12 Panama . . 2S8 41 5,997 4-2 263-99 289 55 12 Ontario . . 365 52 6,059 4-1 251-40 286 6 12 Soudan a . . 346 49J 5,486 4-5 249-32 284 22 12 Mongolia 1 301 43 5,799 4-2 244-95 279 24 12 Sylvia . . 301 43 4,897 4-7 235 - 79 268 80 11 Laurel 325 46i 5,554 4-0 225-70 ■257-30 11 Inspection of the Herd is invited. Visitors will be met at the Station on notification to :— Mr. R. R. KERR, Dairy Supervisor \ or I State Research Farm, Werribee. Mr. ED. STEER, Herdsman J Application for purchase to DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE. 10 Aug., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. NATIONAL TRUSTEES Executors & Agency Company of Australasia, Ltd. DIRECTORS : HON. WALTER MADDEN. ChairmaD and ManasioB Director. EDWARD FITZGERALD, E.«j.. LL.D. MICHAEL MORNANE. Esq. HON. DUNCAN E. McBRYDE. M.L.C. HENRY MADDEN. E.q. DAVID HUNTER. Eiq. This Company Acts as Executor or Joint Executor of Wills, Admin>«trator, Trustee of Settlements, and Agent for Absentees under Povtfer of Attorney. MONEY TO LEND ON BROAD ACRES AND FARM LANDS Offices 113 Queen St. (C^rier of Little CoUins-st.) Melbourne The State Savings Bank OF VICTORIA GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA Reserve Fund £500,000 DEPOSITS now exceed TWENTY-FIVE MILLION POUNDS INTEREST 3}4 per cent, on sums from £l to £350; and on DEPOSIT STOCK in sums from £lO to £1,000 in addition to the ordinary account bearing Interest up to £350. Deposits Received from ONE SHILLING to ONE THOUSAND POUNDS Depositors may deposit or withdraw on demand at any of the 128 Branches or 327 Agencies in Victoria. Money is payable also at any State Savings Bank in Australia, also in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Soldiers may operate accounts in London, Alexandria, Cairo, and Malta. Head Office— QEO. E. EMERY, ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE. Inspector-Qeneral. =^ "1000 TREES & STUMPS GRUBBED OUT" Thus write* Mr. J. Sutherland, P«rw»n. " I am Tnry well pleased with the Orubbere, km thay are doinf; Ter,v rood work. With niin* I have olott OB 1,000 traei and ttumpii grubbed out. I have done all thii work myself without any aMiitaoee. 9o I ooneldar the (irut)bar haa mora ihao d«ut)ljr paid for itaelf." t^i'l Th* 'MONKKY WINOH" will aava tim*, lak>our and monay on f "'Hjitlari iraur lan^ olaarlnc la alvwaya raady, and can ba Mrorkad In ffin — tha vary reufhaat country and In any olaaa of timbar. TREWHELLA BROS. pty. ltd., TRENTHAM xx Journal of Agriculture^ Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. cy DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MELBOURNE, VICTORIA. AUSTRALIA ceo NOW AVAILABLE BULLETIN 31 BEE-KEEPING IN VICTORIA By F. R. BEUHNE, Government Apicullurht. Comprising 126 pages, divided into 25 chapters (illustrated) dealing with various phases of Bee-keeping, and specially adapted to Australian conditions. Suitably indexed. Price: ONE SHILLING Postage: Commonwealth, Id.; New Zealand, 2^d. ; British and Foreign. 5d. Applications, accompanied by Postal Note covering price and postage, to be forwarded to the Director, Department of y^riculture, Melbourne, Victoria. 10 Aug., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. DEPARTMENT OK AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA. Burnley Horticultural School E. E. PESCOTT, Principal. ANNOUNCEMENT. THE curriculum and management of the Burnley Horti- cultural School have now been arranged so that greater advantages and facilities will be given to students of both sexes in Horticulture and allied subjects. The present course of Horticulture for male students includes a two years* course, students being charged a fee of £5 per annum. Classes have been formed at Burnley, whereby students of both sexes may receive instruction on two afternoons of each week — Tuesdays and Fridays. Instruction includes theoretical and practical work, and will commence at 2 p.m. This will be a two years' course, and the fee charged will be £2 per annum. It has also been arranged that several short lecture courses shall be given on subjects which are suitable adjuncts to Horticulture, such as Poultry Farming, Bee-keepmg. and Fruit Preserving, and these courses will be open and free to the general public. The subjects and dates of the Short Giurse Lectures will be announced in this Journal. STUDENTS SHOULD ENROLL WITHOUT DELAY. Application for Admission should be made to the Director of Agriculture, Public Offices, Melbourne ; or to the Principal. Journal of AgriculUire, Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT COOL STORES THE NEW STORES AT VICTORIA DOCK have a capacity of 310,000 cubic feet insulated, and are capable of holding 155,000 boxes of butter, or 105,000 cases of fruit, or 140,000 carcasses of lamb and mutton. Produce can be placed on conveyors at any point and mechanically carried to any chamber in the building, or conveyed from the chambers diredt into the ship's hold. Electric motor power totals 820 H.P. The Railway Department Goods Sheds are adjacent to and connected with the Cool Stores by dire<5t lines ; delay and exposure of produce through shunting in the Spencer-street yards, or cartage, are thus avoided. The Stores are situated in close proximity to the Victoria Dock, where vessels drawing up to 30 feet of water can be berthed ; excellent facilities for the efficient and economical treatment and shipment of frozen and perishable produ<5ts are provided. EXPERT OFFICERS are conne<5ted with every Branch, so that any one requiring information regarding the production, preparation, and shipment of produce can rely upon being promptly supplied with up-to-date information upon all matters. ]() Aug., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. xxiii DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT COOL STORES. FACILITIES are provided for producers and smaller exporters of the various kinds of produce, so that diredt shipments on their own account may be under- taken. The Government ownership and conduct of Cool Stores places producers in an independent position, and, in addition, preserves an open channel for the carrying on of the export trade in perishable produdls. THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE will receive, handle, freeze, store, and ship Butter, Cheese, Eggs, Fruit, Meat, Poultry, Rabbits and Hares, &c., for producers and exporters. PRODUCE to the value of over £27,000,000 has been treated at the Govern- ment Cool Stores. Government Cool Stores. Telephones. ") Office: 10383 Central VICTORIA DOCK (Dudley Street) [ ^ . . ^, ,^,^^ ^ ' ^ tLngtneer-in-Lharge : ]0382 Doncaster - - 397 Canterbury Diamond Creek - - 151 Heidelberg Tyabb - - SCALE OF CHARGES, ETC. and further particulars may be obtained upon application to the Exports Superintendent. Department of Agriculture Produce Offices. 605-7 Flinders Street. Melbourne Telephone 9380 Central. Journal of A (iriruhnre^ Victoria. [10 Aug., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE POULTRY FOR SEHLERS SITTINGS OF EGGS Are now being booked from the Poultry Pens at the Wyuna Farm for delivery from July — September, 1916. Prices, £1 Is. and 10s. 6d. per sitting Wyuna White Leghorns (Wyuna Special Mating for Prolific Layers) „ „ jf (Subiaco No. 1 Special) „ „ „ (Cosh No. 1 Special) Note.— The Mother of W. N. O'Mullane's Champion Burnley Pen (1914-1915), which established the world's record of 1,699 eggs, was hatched from eggs obtained from the Wyuna Poultry Yards. This pen recently realized £75 i^"^7y-J To allow for infertile eggs, sixteen eggs will be fe:^^ forwarded for each sitting. No guarantee of fertility or replacements will therefore be made. Postal Order or Cheque should accompany order, which should be addressed to Manager, Government Farm, WYUNA By Authority : Albeht J. Mullett, Government Printer, JTelbourne. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VICTORIA PUBLICATIONS JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 64 pp. Illustrated. The Journal is issued monthly, and deals with all phases of up-to-date agriculture. The subscription, which is payable in advance, and includes postage, is 3s. per annum for the Commonwealth and New Zealand, and 5s. for the United Kingdom and foreign countries. Single copy, 3d. New volume commences with the January number of each year. A limited number of the issues comprising Volumes III. (1905), 8 parts, exclusive of February, March, April, and May, out of print; IV. (1906), 10 parts, exclusive of Farts 7 and 9 (July and September) out of print; V. (1907), and VI. (1908), 12 pSrts each; VII. (1909), 10 parts, exclusive of Parts 2 and 10 (February and October) out of print ; and VIll. (1910), 12 parts, are at present in stock, and will be supplied at the foregong rates. The parts forming the current volume may also be obtained. A few bound copies of Volumes Vlll. (1910). IX. (1911). X.(1912), XI. (1913), XII. (1914), and XIll. (1915), are at present available. Price, 5s. per volume. Postage: C, 3id.; N.Z., Is. 2d.; B. & F., 2s. 4cl YEAR BOOK OF AGRICULTURE FOR 1905. 448 pp., 200 illustrations, 2 coloured plates. Cloth, 3s. 6d.; paper, 2s. 6d. Postage: C, cloth, 2^6., paper, 2d.; N.Z., cloth 9d., paper 8d. ; B. & F., cloth. Is. 6d., paper Is. 4d. AUSTRALIAN FUNGI. B. & F., Is. 8d. By Dr. Cooke. £1 Is. Postage: C, 5d.; N.Z. lOd. PLAN AND SPECIFICATION OF SHEEP-SHEARING SHED. 2s. 6d. Postage, Id. MILK CHARTS (Monthly and Weekly), I/- per dozen, post free. When ordering, dairy farmers should mention " Monthly" or "Weekly." By Professor A. J. Ewarl, Qocernment Botanist. WEEDS, POISON PLANTS. AND NATURALIZED ALIENS OF VICTORIA. 2s. 6d. Postage: C, l^d.; N.Z., 5d.; B. & F., lOf'. PLANTS INDIGENOUS TO VICTORIA. 8d., B. & F., Is. 4d. By C. French, F.E.S., Qocernment Entomologist. DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA. Parts 1., II., 111., IV.. V.. ?s. 6d. each Postage: Parts I. and III.. C. Id.; N.Z., 3d.; B. & F.. 6d. each. Paris II. and IV.. C, 4d.; N.Z..4d.; B. & F., 8d. each. Part V.. C. Id. ; N.Z.. 4d- B. & F.. 7d. Vol. II., lOs. Postage: C.,2d.; N.Z., Application, accompanied by Postal Orders or Notes, must be made to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE MELBOURNE We are Sole Agents for . . . "BROOKLITE )) THE ALL BRITISH Asbestos Cement Sheets FOR OUTSIDE BUILDING AND a UNITED 19 High -Grade Paints MANUFACTURED IN Australia for Australians YOU CANNOT HAVE ANYTHING BETTER Agents also for . . . BEAVER BOARD BEAVER BOARD MADE SPECIALLY FOR Building Beautiful Interiors :: :: at Moderate Cost :: :: BETTER THAN LATHS AND PLASTER PURE WOOD-FIBRE Write for particulars — BROOKS, ROBINSON & CO. Ltd. 59-65 Elizabeth St., Melbourne Vol. XIV. HERD TESTING. Part 9. [Reg-istered at the General Post OtRre, Melbourne, for transmission by Post as a Newspaper.] A NORTH-EASTERN DAIRY HERD. PRICE THREEPENCE. (Annual Subscription Victoria, Inter-State, and N.Z., 3 -; British and Foreign, 5/-.) ring & Summer Fodder Every department of our business is fitted to supply you with all requirements to your entire satisfaction. For over 64 years Brunning's Incomparable Seeds have been sold throughout Victoria, and are famous for their reliability. When asking for samples and prices kindly state approximately quantities required. MILLETS Japanese. Grows rapidly from 6 to 8 feet high, and yields 10 to 12 tons per acre of green fodder. Egyptian. A very productive seed grower. Russian. Extremely hardy. A great drought resister. Grows from 4 to 5 feet. SUDAN GRASS This grass reaches 5 feet, and the fodder is reckoned to be equal to Millet. Relished by stock, and seeds freely. TEFF GRASS A splendid Summer grass, gives good results in any soil, is very nutritious, and is readily eaten by all stock. Gives a cutting of green feedor hay infrom 10 to 1 2 weeks from seeding SORGHUMS Early Amber Sugar Cane. Sorghum Saccharatum. Early Orange Sugar Cane. Relished by horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. Planters' Friend or Imphee. One of the best late sorts and hardiest of all Sorghums. PURE BRED SEED MAIZE Our Seed Maize is grown specially to con- tract by the leading Maize expert of Aus- tralia. It is a higher price per bushel, but a smaller quantity is required to plant an acre, and much better results are obtained. BRUNNINGS " The Victoria Seed >Varehouse," 64 Elizabeth St., Melbourne Vic. THE JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGPJCULTURE, VICTOIil^A^.^ .A.TJ&TJEIJ^X^XJ^. CONTENTS.— SEPTEMBER, 1916. I'AOE Food Values and Rations ... ... ... ... B. A. Barr 513 Apple Culture in Victoria ... ... ... ... J. Farrell 522 Herd Testing — Fourth Annual Report on Testing Pedigree Herds ... .. W. A. N. Robertson, B.V.Sc, and R. T. Archer 533 Notes on Portuguese Vine Varieties ... ... ... F. de Castella 565 Sixth Victorian Egg-la\ing Competition, 1916-17 ... ... ... ... 571 Orchard and Garden Notes ... ... ... ... E. E. Pexcott 573 Reminders ... ... ... ... •.. ... ... ... 575 COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES. The Articles in the Journal of the Department of Agriculture of Victoria are protected by the provisions of the Copyright Act. Proprietors of newspapers wishing to republish any matter are at liberty to do so, provided the Journal and author are both achiowledfjed. The Journal is issued monthly. Tlie suV)scription, which is payal)le in advance and includes [jostage, is 3s. per a^inum for tlie Commonwealth and New Zealand, and 5s. for the United Kingdom and Foreitrn Countries. Siugle copy, Threepence. Subscriptions should be forwarded to the Director of .Agriculture, Melbourne. A complete list of the various publications issued bj' the Department of Agriculture will be supplied by tlie latter. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. Amongst the Ancient Greeks, 950 B.C: In the Greece that Homer has immortal- ised in verse, lamps were in regular use, for the bard sings of a "Festival of Lamps." The Lamps of Ancient Greece, were made of pottery or metal. Grecian maidens used to set lighted lamps before the oracles when they wished to consult them. Whilst this custom no longer prevails, the trimming and care of her lamps is an important part of many a housewife's duties. Laurel Kerosene The soft while light Reduces cleaning operations to a minimum. Laurel Kerosene feeds freely to the wick, and burns without smoke, flicker or smell; giving a brilliant, clear, white light restful and soothing to the eyes. Laurel is our new trade mark name for the highest quality American Kerosene ever sold in Australasia and replaces our old brand, White Rose. Insist on Laurel Vacuum Oil Company Pty. Ltd. Throughout the Commonwealth and New Zealand ■iiiaifflii 11 Sept., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. Ill USE Improved :: 19 13:: FOR BRANDING YOUR SHEEP ^ KEMP'S Sheep-Branding LIQUID It has been proved by hundreds of Woolgrowers, among^ them some of the largest squatters in Auitraha, to be an un- qualified success, and to do everything that is claimed for it. BLACK, RED, AND BLUE (in Cases) Containing Tw^o ^ /^^ pei* Or Eight 1-gal. tins 4-gal. tins :: ^t/ ^^ ■ jgal. :: 5/- per gal. AGENTS DALGETY & Co. Ltd. MELBOURNE & GEELONG WATER LIFTED 500 FEET AND PUMPED A MILE At a Cost of One Penny per Hour. OUR FARM PUMP Engine will do this as well as cut chaff, saw wood, work shearing machines, &c. It can be attached to a windmill or almost any other pump in 3 minutes. Needs no mechanic to fix or operate, and works all day without attention Hundreds sold and giving satisfaction. Price £40, with "Bosch" Magneto. if interested in water supply or irrigation, state your ^vorkinfc conditions and we will quote. We stock Steam, Kerosene, Petrol, and Hot Air Engines, Centri- fugal Pumps, and "Myers," "Gould's"&"Deming's " Pumps for all services. "Mackie's" Rock and Water Borer and plants for deep well and bore pumping a •pecially. We erect if required and give easy terms. Catalogs and Expert Advice Free. Sole Agints lor "Lister's" and "Tangye's" (British Built) Petrol and Kerosene Engines. li, 3, 3, 7, and 9 H.P. in Slock. Send for Special CataloRS. Easy Terms. Agents ■Wanted n iri/ II Everywhere. THE "CHALLENGE" The High Quality Low Price Mill. It's all steel, all galvanised, internal geared, fitted with forged crank, positive brake, sensitive governor, renewable bearings, and efficient lubrication. One customer has purchased I 17 mills. Scores have purchased 30 to 40. .Ail yive satisfaction. 6 ft. Mill, weight 330 lbs. £10 8 ft 420 ,. .. £12 10 ft 526 ,. . £14 Other sizes in proportion. Towers from £3. Get Catalog. Pumps, piping, troughs, tanks, tank stands, all accessories stocked. Our Expert will inspect site, quote price, and erect if required. Easy termsgivcn. Langwill Bros. & Davies Pty. Ltd, 110-114 STURT ST. (Near Prince's Bridge) SOUTH iVIELBOURr^E. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. Every Farm Needs a Forge. When a bolt, or some simple part, snaps in a machine, the man without a forge is at once de- pendent on the blacksmith — perhaps delayed for days. With a forge handy, and an idea of the rudiments of forge work, these delays (which are most expensive in the busy season) can be avoided. All kinds of repairs can be done to ploughs, harrows and small tools, as well as the making of hinges, hooks, and useful iron work for scores of jobs about the place. With a "STAR" Buffalo Forge You have the most practical cast-iron forge made. They are fitted with the "Australian" Geared Blower, with special gears which give back in blast every ounce of power put into the handle, which is placed to keep your face from the fire. PARTICULARS AND PRICES ON APPLICATION For Home Workshop, Farm Workshop, Store or Garage. The "Stewart" Handy Worker A Combination of Several Useful Tools in One. All you have to do is to bolt it to a table or work- ing bench and it is ready for work. There is a strong, powerful vice, with a jaw open- ing of 4J inches. The jaws are 4 inches in width and will hold any wood or metal article firmly and securely. There is a pipe vice which will grip pipe up to 1 } inches in diameter. There is an anvil, strongly and substantially made, and a steel cutting wedge for cutting wire or steel. There is a drill press which can be operated at two speeds. There are two drills and a rest to hold the job to the drill. There is a carborundum grinding wheel which will keep the edges of your wood or metal-cutting tools in tip-top shape. It has three speeds: direct, 4 to t and 1 6 to I . Here is a workshop equipment in itself which, with all the features and attachments here enumer- ated, you can buy for £3 15s. Complete. Less than the price of an ordinary bench vice. Weight of all, boxed for delivery, is 100 pounds Ask for Illustrated Booklet. Free to All. MS-Plicrson^ w^"^^ Proprietary Ltd EXPERTS in TOOLS 554-66 & 5S2-88 Collins Street. Melbourne. Established 1860. 11 Sept., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. Leak Proof, RIGID. 9 Remember, you can't "ret the BiilaboTiK' patent interlocking non-part non-leak joint in any other trouf,'h. This feature, plus very good quality, costs you no more either. Send for fully iilustrated and priced literature, and you will see that Billabonj; trouffhs cost no more than others not having this important feature. Billabong Troughing Remarkable Spray System Operating^ from a tank elevated but 20 feet, the "Marsh" Sprinkler will send a uniform and efficient distribution from its centre to the outside of a circle 42 feet in diameter. No power cost. A long' felt necessitj' for lucerne fields, orchards, market gardens, &c. A four page folder illustrates and tells about it. Send for a coi>y, without fail. KEROTIN SPRAY PUMP Indispensable on the small Orchard Handy for Spray- ing vines, fruit and rose trees ; Wash- ing down buggies, windows, and for lime washing, &c. Made at our Mel- bourne works from first quality materi- als. Brass Barrel and solid brass ball Valves. Iron Foot Stand. Packed Gland at Plunger. Valves not likely to clog. It is made of iron, japanned except the sierht tube which is of br.ass, nickel- plate d . Weight pack- ed, 13} lbs. Set out your Channels, Drains, &c., with the '%\^ Accurate Starrett Level Truly a farmer's level. Shorn of all unnecessary jiarts it is at once simple, convenient, and cheap. It provides a splendid line of sight, and is easily set up and carried about. It has no delicate parts, and will do ([uite accurate work. Directions sent with ea<'li iii-striuuent. Hardware and Tool Merchants. Makers of Windmills, jjiiimhi Pumps, Troughs, Flume, &c. | JOHN ciiiiii 391-403 Bourke St. Melbourne Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. JERSEY BUTTER BULLS BulU. SIRE— MABEL'S Dam's Performance under 070 j„vu eovtring prict and pottage to h» forwardtd to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Remittance from biyond th* Commonwtalth to 6« mad* by Pott Offiet Ordtr. 11 Sept., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. THERE ARE LOTS OF THINGS THAT COUNT, TO THE MAN ON THE LAND Blacksmithing, Carpentry, Plumbing, Turning and Fitting, Wool Classing and Sorting, and several other of the 74 subjects taught at THE WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE THE MELBOURNE TECHNICAL SCHOOL Why not send for our ProspeSlus, ready now, and learn about them. First Term 1916 started February 7th. ENROL NOW Burnt Lilydale Lime FOR THE LAND Farmers who have not used BURNT LIME should try it. The action of Burnt Lime on the land is IMMEDIATE. The demand for Building Lime having slackened owing to the War, Farmers have the opportunity of getting a supply of the WELL-KNOWN LILYDALE LIME. ANALYSIS go as high as 98% Calcium Oxide. Apply — Work*- DAVID MITCHELL, CAVE HILL. Sole Proprietor, LILYDALE. OLIVER'S LANE. MELBOURNE. DOOKIE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE Provides Special Facilities for Practical and Scientific Agricultural Education. Notable Afcriculturists say that this College offers the best agricultural education and practical training in the world. The Sessions commence MARCH and SEPTEMBER, and Students may be enrolled at any time. Alternative Coar»ea — (a) Diploma Course .. Three Years. (6) One Year"» Course. Total Fees— £25/-/- per annum. Tlie College containt modern and well equipped laboratory and le<3ure ball, single bedrooms, recreatioD tod sports grounds. Of the 5.913 acres o( farm land at Dookie. 1,000 acres were put under crop by students last season; and champion prizes were won for sheep and pigs at the last Royal Agricultural Society's Show. FARM SUBJECTS. — Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Fruit Growing, Butter and Cheese Factory Management, Building Construction for Farmers. EACH BRANCH UNDER SPECIALLY TRAINED EXPERTS LONGERENONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SESSIONS COMMENCE MARCH AND SEPTEMBER. This College is specially adapted for Junior Students from 14 years of age. AREA OF FARM, 2.336 ACRES. MAIN BRANCHES OF FARM WORK.— Grain Growing, Fat Lamb Raisins. Dairyins, Irrigation of Fodder Crops, Fruit, &c. Total Fees £25 per annum. Full particulars obtainable from T. J. PURVIS. Elsq., Secretary, Council of Agricultural Education. Department of Agriculture. Melbourne, or the Principals of the Colleges. J()}irnal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON "THE FINEST WAGON EVER" PATENT STEEL WHEELS Patent Felloes. Renewable Oarrop Boxes & Oil Caps. The only Steel Wheel that has stood the Test. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS Wheels Guaranteed tor 3 years agalost Breakage, &c. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON.— Irrigationists, Orchardists, Fanners. This Spring Wagon to carry 2 tons, £30 up. Wheels, 36' and 32' dia. 4' Tyres. Table, 9J x 5} feet. Pole or Shafts. Weighs 10 cwt Ordinary Block Wagon to carry 3 tons, £35. Weighs 12 cwt. These Wheels are guaranteed and will last for all tima. HIGHER ^^HEELS IF NEEDED, and Wagons built to carry any weight up to 20 tons. TRACTION TRAILERS A SPECIALTY. TABLE TOP — ^Truck body, and all classes of little Wagons for Farm and Station work. Wagons Shipped to all Ports in Australia. WRITE FOR CATALOG TO-DAY. R. J. L. HILDYARD, BRUCE STREET, KENSINGTON, VICTORIA Bartram's are Head-quarters for — — — Farm Machinery " L, K. G." Milkers "Bartram " Engines " Alf a-Laval " Separators " Prairie - State " Incubators " Excel! " 2-Cow Separators and Brooders Irrigation Outfits BARTRAM LINES ARE THE BEST OF THEIR KIND ALWAYS Send for fall particulars J. BARTRAM & SON [S 586 Bourke St. Melbourne Farmers ! DON'T NEGLECT :: YOUR EYES :: They are your most valuable possession, and neglect in the early stages may lead to something much more serious. DAIRY & INCUBATOR THERMOMETERS HYGROMETERS THERMOMETERS HYDROMETEflS ARTIFICIAL BAROMETERS EYES, Eto., Etc. WOOD 77ie Optician Xt:21^II£ Equitable Buildings, 95 Elizabeth St., Melbourne 11 Sept., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. IX W. 4W. 506 No GOOD FENCE is so Cheap and no Ordinary. Fence is so good as the CYCLONE SPRING COIL Cyclone Spring Coil Fence is made of be«t quality wire, galvanised. Moisture does not affect it. Elzpansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature are provided for by crimps in the horizontal lines. Once up, the fence needs no after straining. Th« crimps make the fence elastic Stock rushing it are thrown back, and bcth stock and fence are uninjured. Th« cross ties, 1 ft. apart, make a perfect web, through which no stock can pass. Get our Catalogue. It tells you more about it CYCLONE Pty. Ltd. 469 SWANSTON STREET MELBOURNE LAND ON EASY TERMS (UNDER THE CLOSER SETTLEMENT ACTS). FARMS and Agricultural Labourers' Allotments in Country Districts. WORKMEN'S HOMES.— Allotments near Large Centres, Available Under Closer Settlement Conditions. Deposit, only 3 per cent; balance payable over 31 A years, at 3 per cent, half-yearly, covering principal and interest. Residence Compulsory for Eight Months in Each Year. Railway Certificates to Travel at Half Rates for Inspection of Land. -APPLY- Lands Purchase and Management Board; Or, INQUIRY BRANCH. LANDS DEPARTMENT. MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. NuNAN's Patent Spray System Enhance your profits, increase your returns, save trouble, save time, by laying down now Nunan's Patent Spray Irrigation System. Produces a Rainfall as Steady as Nature's Own. Nunan's is the simplest method known for soaking your ground readily and naturally. Send for full details to NEWELL & COY., 189 King St., Melb. VICTORIA PHOSPHATE Manufactured by the Heathcote Chemical Co. Pty. Ltd. from a Victorian Deposit. Basic Phosphate intensely ground 15% and 17% Phosphoric Acid (Registered as 2 to 3% citrate soluble, 13 to 14% citrate insoluble.) NOTE. — There ia no citric acid in the soil. Recent writers slate that aluminium phosphate intensely ground, while/airly available as a plant food, is but slightly soluble in citric acid. 57/6 and 63/6 per ton ON RAILWAY SIDING. M AC AULAY The deposit was originally found by Mr. A. M. Howitt, Field Geologist, and is being developed in co-operation with the Scientific Officers of the Geological Survey. The Company is perfectly satisfied that a Cheap and First-class Fertilizer can now be offered to the Farmers and Graziers of the Commonwealth. SUPER AND OTHER TYPES TO FOLLOW^. Orders can now be supplied on application to the Victorian Producers' Co-Operative Co. Ltd. 589 to SOS COLLINS STREET >VEST MELBOURNE 11 "Sept., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. "THE BEST is CHEAPEST— ALWAYS !" LYSAGHT'S CORRUGATED ROOFING IRON Look for the "ORB" r^jW^ Brand on every Sheet. Obtainable from all leading Ironmongers, Storekeepers, and Timber Merchants throughout Australia. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PAMPHLETS New Series Obtainable from the Director of Agriculture, Melbourne — Free on Application. 1. SILO CONSTRUCTION. 2. HINTS FOR NEW SETTLERS. T.A.J. SmUh. 3. APPLE GROWING FOR EXPORT. P.J. Carmody. 6. CIDER MAKING. J. Knight. 7. CITRUS FRUIT CULTURE. E. E. PmcoU. 8. BUILDING HINTS FOR SETTLERS. A. S. Kenyon, C.E., and othtri. 9. TOBACCO CULTURE. T.A.J.SmUh. 10. SILOS AND SILAQE. O. 11. F. liaker. 11. THE BEET SUGAR INDUSTRY AND CLOSER SETTLEMENT. H. T. EatUrby. 12. WORMS IN SHEEP. S. S. Cameron, D.V.Sc, M.R.C.V.S. 13. CHEESE MAKING (Cheddar). C. S. Sawers. 14. FARM BLACKSMITHING. O. Baxter. 15. BROOM FIBRE INDUSTRY. T. A.J. SmUh. 17. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1911-12. W. A.N. Robertton, B.V.Se. 18. REPORT ON FIRST EGG-LAYING COMPETITION AT BURNLEY, 1911-12. H. V. Hatckim. 19. LIME IN AGRICULTURE. Dr. S. S. Caii'fnm and ollifrs. 20. NUMERICAL SYSTEM OF PACKING APPLES. E. Meeking. 21. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1912-13. W. A. N. RobtrUon, B.VJSe. 22. WHEAT AND ITS CULTIVATION. A. K. V. IHchardton, M.A., B.Sc. 23. HINTS ON PACKING AND FORWARDING FRUIT FOR EXPORT. J. 0. Turner. 24. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION OF STALLIONS, 1913-14. W. A. N. Robertson, B.WSc. 25. SUCCESSFUL POULTRY KEEPING, Ac. .i. Hart. 26. TOMATO CULTURE IN VICTORIA. S. A. Cock. 27. SUMMER FODDER CROPS. Tfrnidf. A. J. SmUh. 29. THE BEE-KEEPING INDUSTRY IN VICTORIA. P. R. Reuhne. 30. GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATION Of STALLIONS, 1914-16. W. A. N. Robertgon. B.V.Se. Also J>patlet3 oil I'oul Brood of Uee«, Traniferriiii,' Bees, Feeding: Cowg for Milk Production, Utility of TiMtiiijf Cows, The "Escutcheon" — A G\ii(le to Milkini; Merit, Sulphitinfr, Some Viiitofc'e Con- siderations, Spring Fro8t«, Cut Worms, Insect Pest* of the Potato. JournM of Agriculture. Victoria,. [11 Sept., 1916. NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES Will clear your land of trees, stumps, boulders, &c., in a fraction of the time required by any other means, and at less than half the cost. They are also invaluable for sub-soiling. If you are interested write to iis and ask for Pa7nphlety entitled: — ''EXPLOSIVES FOR THE FARM." DALGETY & CO. Ltd., Bourke St., Melb, Sole Agents for NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES CO. Ltd., GLASGOW. WHEN ENOUIRINO, PLEASE MENTION THIS JOURNAI.. NEW ZEALAND Loan & Mercantile Agency Company Limited-^ HEAD OFFICE- LONDON. MELBOURNE OFFICE- COLLINS ST. W. LIBERAL GASH ADVANCES Wool, Grain, Skins, Hides, Tallow, Bark, Stock & Station Brokers on Commission only Butter Shipments undertaken on Owner's Account AGENTS FOR- COOPER'S DIP FOR VICTORIA AND RIVERINA, Page's Patent Wire Strainer and Ironside's Wire Cutter CHIEF AGENTS IN VICTORIA for the PALATINE INSURANCE COY. THE BEST FOR THE SHEEPMAN IS PACKED IN CASES LIKE THIS .Coopeps4^ -^Dipping ^ 11 Sept., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. ijlljjji :::::::3 illiiiij :::::::: :::::::: i:::':::: wiw tbait chap% You must have heard these words often — perhaps you have :::::: j: said them yourself when you have seen an old school com- jijljlj: panion who has outpaced you in the Race of Life! * ::!!:';:; You remember he was your Junior at school, and you used to think :::::::| you were the better fellow. Now HE is away ahead of YOU — it j::::::: hurts you, doesn't it? :::::::: Have you ever thought WHY this man, who started level with you :j:::::: as a boy, has gone beyond you? It is easy to explain it by saying ji:::i:j your friend was lucky, but Success cannot be explained away in this jijjjjlj fashion. Only one successful man in a thousand owes his Success to ::j::::: luck — the other nine hundred and ninety-nine WORKED to win. iilj:::; YOUR friend worked while you had a good time. He was able jjijjlj: to take advantage of opportunity when it came — now HE is :::::::: having a good time. J:::!!:: But you can begin to work NOW — there are a thousand opportunities :::::::: waiting for the man who is prepared. If you study in your spare ::l:l::j time you cannot fail to fit yourself to earn more money. That is the :i::::y first step upward. * Write NOW for a free copy of our illustrated Prospectus "D." This interesting Book is worth reading, and will show you how to take the first step towards a successful career. Get it NOW while you think of it. Among our 250 courses are the following! — STOTT'S Correspondence College, (Address nearest office.) 100 Russell Street, Melbourne. 70 Pitt Street. Sydney. Creek Street, Brisbane. Shire EnR.nccnng Shorthand. Typewritin Bridge Construction Accountancy Surveying Commercial Law Electrical EnRineering Journalism. Literature Telegraphy. Telephony Story Writing Stoam Engineering Mathematics Wireless Telegraphy Languages U.is and Oil Engines Drawing. Illustrating SvKlion Gas Plants Architecture legation Engineering Architectural Drawing Sanitary Engineering Building Construction Mining Engineering & Estimating Chemistry, Metallurgy Agriculture Mechanical Drawing Fiuit Crowing, etc We Successlully Prepare (or AIL Tell us what WU arc iNTtRESito m. Information FREE ! Jouriml of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. BONEDUST, SUPERPHOSPHATE, And Other High-Grade Fertilizers. Poultry Bone Grit, Meat Meal, Cattle Lick Delivered at Railway Station, Footscray, or on Wharf, Melbourne Bonedust :: Manufacturer J. COCKBILL, OFFICE : 407 POST OFFICE PLACE, MELBOURNE CONSIGN TO ME. FOOTSCRAY. Telephone 2098. BONES BOUGHT. SAVE YOUR CALVES You can save your calves and sell your milk by using "Skylark" Calf Food. No milk is necessary, and there is little trouble in preparation. Each food used in the blend is selected for some special food value it possesses. Calves (ed upon SKYLARK Calf Food are not troubled with "scour." We have many unsolicited testimonials. One dated Wallan, 22/7/16, says: — "'Skylark' food is excellent. Calves doing well. Have more calves now, so want larger supply. Please send at once." May we send you a sample 28 lb. bag delivered free to your railway station on receipt of postal note 6/-, or 56 lb. for 11/6; I 12 lb. for 22/-? Manufactured only at the " Skylark" Mills, North Melbourne. You may obtain supplies through your dealer if quality found to be as advertised. When ordering mention this Journal. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA NOIV AVAILABLE BULLETIN 31 Bee-Keeping in Victoria By F. R. BEUHNE, : Government Apiculturist.^ Comprising 126 pages, divided into 25 chapters (illustrated) dealing with various phases of Bee-keeping, and specially adapted to Australian conditions. Suitably indexed. Price: ONE SHILLING Postage: Commonwealth, Id.; New Zealand, Ihd.; British & Foreign, 5d. Applications, accompanied by Postal Note covering price and postage, to be forwarded to the Director, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. 11 Sept., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. XV MORE EGGS! CUNLIGHT OIL CAKE is rich in Albuminoids and low in Moisture. The general cause of shortage in eggs is either too high feeding or too low. For laying hens, Sunlight Oil Cake will quickly give a return which will astonish the owner. For chickens at any time after the age of 6 weeks it is unequalled. Sunlight Oil Cake will impart the glossy sheen to the birds' appearance so prized by the fancier, and is specially valuable for this reason alone to all exhibitors of show poultry. It puts on solid flesh in an extremely short space of time, and experiments have proved that young, scraggy birds fed almost entirely on it have become covered with good plump meat in a few weeks, thus doubling their value to the market poulterer. J 32-Pa^e Booklet— 'Poultry Projits"— sent free on application to — Lever Brothers Limited^ Melbourne. V .^"C^.-<. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. WINDMILLS 1 Alston's New Gearless I Is the Simplest Windmill Motion ever invented Only Three working parts Ball Bearings Throughout All Moving Parts enclosed in Dust-proof Case and Run in Oil Oi!£ 40,000 "ALSTON" Mills in use throughout Australia CTNO ATTENTION REQUIRED ^^ Expert Advice and Catalogues Free on application. James Alston & Sons Windmill, Trough and T^ump Manufacturers QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA TH6 JOORNAIs OP Tfie department of ^gricufture OF VICTORIA. Vol. XIV. Part 9. 11th September, 1916. FOOD VALUES AND RATIONS. By B. A. Barr, Senior Dairy Supervisor. The total amount of essential constituents in cattle food determined by chemical analysis does not give any definite information of their respective food values. It serves to show in what proportions the consti- tuents are present, but it does not reveal whether they are in a condition to be readily digested, nor does a scrutiny of the figures convey any knowledge of that amount of nourishment available for animal nutrition. ISTevertheless, a chemical analysis is the first step to a comparison of relative food values, and the average obtained frojn a large number of samples is taken to represent the average composition of any particular variety of foodstuif. As a result of feeding trials, the percentages of digested protein, carbohydrates, and fat — called digestible nutrients — are found. This data furnishes coefficients of digestion, whicli find applica- tion in general practice. In addition to a knowledge of the amounts of digestible nutrients in any food, it is important to know the cost of digestion, i.e., the amount of energy expended in rendering the digestive matter to an assimilable state, as shoAvn in Table I. The energy expended in digestion reduces the value of the digested materials by the amount used, and the difference between the total energy of the digestible food- stuff and that used in digestion is net gain to the animal, which may be used for milk production. The cost of digestion varies according to class of foodstuff. Green grass is more easily digested than dry grass. Hay cut on green side is more easily digested tlian hay cut almost ripe. Pollard is more easily digested than bran. Crushed oats are more easily digested than whole oats. Some of the factors which influence the cost of digestion are, the variety of food, its chemical and physical condition. A food in a finely- divided state is digested at a lower cost than some of the same variety in a coarse state. The stage of growtli at which hays are cut influences both the digestibility and cost of digestion; as the ]>l;iiit ripens the 10372. 514 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. percentage of crude fibre increases, tlius rendering digestion both more costly and slower. The more slowly digestion proceeds the greater will be the loss from fermentation. The cost of digestion must not be confused with the digestibility of a food. Digestibility regulates the proportion digested, which is the difference between the amount consumed and the solid manure. The cost of digestion is a charge made against the food in changing it from the undigested to the digested condition. Table I Starch Equivalents Available In original -^j sample. for use Percentage gested. after deducting of cost of original. digestion. Bran 90 58 48 55 Oats 99 70 64 64 Lucerne hay 85 51 33 39 Oaten hay 90 45 30 33 Oat straw 82 40 16 19 The above table must not be used to compare the relative values of the foods included. It serves only to compare the amounts of food substances — reduced to a starch equivalent — in the original food with that which is available for use of the animal. Using as an illustration the two extremes — oats and oaten straw — it will be noticed that from 99 starch equivalents in oats, 64, or 64 per cent., represent net gain; 82 starch equivalents in oaten straw, 16, or 19 per cent., represent net gain. In the case of the former, 34 per cent is not available, due partly to a portion being indigestible, and partly to the energy consumed in digestion, whilst the latter shows a loss of 71 per cent, from the same causes, but largely owing to the heavy expenditure in digestion. A striking example is afforded in the following, which demonstrates the value of silage, and provides a reason for what has frequently been proved in practice : — Original Foodstuffs. Oaten Oaten hay silage Protein. Crude Fibre. Carbohydrate. 0/ 0/ o/ /o /o /o ..6 20 53 ..3 9 21 Digestible Nutrients. Fat. o/ /o 4.0 1.5 Starch equivalents. 90 37 Oaten Oaten hay silage Protein. Crude Fibre. Carbohydrate. 3.5 9 28 2.0 6 15 Fat. 2.5 1.0 Starch equivalents 45 26 ISTet Amount Available for Nutrition. Oaten hay Oaten silage Digestible — Cost of Digestion. Protein. Carbohydrate. 2.5 26 1.6 17 Fat. 2.0 Starch equivalents. 30 20 11 Sept., 1916.] Food Values and Rations. 515 Comparison by the use of the starch equivalent, although unsatis- factory, is perhaps the best system in use at present, provided compari- sons are restricted to members of natural groups, as green fodder and hays, grains, mill products, oil meals. The 30 net starch equivalents contained in 100 lbs. of hay may be compared with 20 in oaten silage, provided each is of good quality, and the deduction that 1 lb. oaten hay equals 1^ lbs. silage is supported by practice. In fact, when a scarcity of green feed prevails, the value of silage is greater, owing to its succulence. To compare the starch equivalents of bran with those of the oil meals or hay is incorrect, and would lead to wrong conclusions, because the three substances named differ greatly in composition and belong to separate groups. When the protein and carbohydrate are used to perform similar functions, viz., heat production, the use of starch equivalents may be made to all classes of foodstuffs. For this purpose protein is too expensive, and when used, as they should be, in the performance of dissimilar functions, viz., protein for development, repair of tissue and milk secretion, carbohydrate and fat for production of heat and formation of fat, no comparison between the nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous constituents is possible. For this reason cattle foods are arranged in groups. Hays. — To provide the nutrients necessary for maintenance when grasses or green fodder are insufficient for the total food supply, when only a small quantity of milk is yielded. Grasses, Clovers, and Green Fodder. — To supply sufficient to meet all needs. Concentrates. — To provide sufficient nutrients for milk supply when a deficiency occurs in natural pasture. In practice no attention need be given to the analysis of ordinary green crops or hays, insomuch as the analyses show that wide variations are greatest amongst individual samples of the same variety. Season, soil, climate, manure, farming practice, and stage of growth are all factors which influence the value of green fodders and hay. The following may be accepted as generalized statements :— Lucerne hay makes the best roughage, then follow clover, mixed grass, and cereal hays, when grown and harvested under favorable conditions. Green oats are preferred by cows to green barley, and have also a higher Value for milk production. Barley grows more vigorously in the early stages of growth than oats. Hays cut green are more nutritious than hays cut at a later period Millet is superior to maize for milking cows. Maize yields a heavier crop and makes excellent silage. Victorian Analysis of Concentrates. (Showing percentages of nutrients available for milk production,) Foodstuff. Protein. Carbo- hydrate. Fat. % Total starch equivalent. Nutritive ratio. Price. Cost per lb. % r§ d. Oats 8-5 4 64 (> 2s. 6d. per bushel •7.'-> Barley 9 64 2 80 8 38. 6d. •8 Maize 7 66 4 85 11 58. 10 Bran 9 32 2 48 4 £5 per ton •6 Pollard 10 55 3 75 (■> £0 „ •7 Polly feed 14 52 2 76 4 £5 „ •6 Linseed oil meal 2« 32 9 87 JJ £10 „ 1-2 Coconut oil calvc 19 42 5 78 S £12 .. 1-8 ^16 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept.^ 1916. The above table comprises standard conceBtrates. There are many others in the market, particularly mill offals, but owing to the great variations in composition, their inclusion is unwarranted. Where the feeder is obtaining good results from their use, he should continue; but, if frequent fluctuations are noticed in the results, it would be advisable to discontinue and make use of some concentrate more constant in value. The amount of net available nutrients in a food does not of itself fix the food value, even when different foods are obtainable at the same price. The palatability and quantities which may be fed without causing digestion troubles are important factors. Excessive quantities of oil meals should at all times be avoided, and a lesser quantity given in sum- mer than in winter. A mixture of concentrates is preferable to the sole use of any particular one. In selecting rations for dairy cows under local conditions, a difficulty arises in determining both the amount and quality of feed obtained in the paddock; whether it is sufficient to enable the cow to produce her maximum quantity of milk or only a portion of it. If sufficient is obtained in the paddock, then any addition is unnecessary, but if the paddoek feed is only sufficient to produce 2 gallons daily and the cow can on suitable feed produce 3 gallons, then it will be profitable — when prices for butter fat and concentrate are normal — to supplement the feed with the requisite amount of foodstuff. The dairy cow is always most profit- able when yielding her maximum. It is not an easy matter to tell when the individual members of a herd are producing their maximum amount of milk. Sometimes, condition acts as a rough guide. Cows putting on fat without increasing the flow of milk may be regarded as producing their best. The lower yielding cows may be compared with the higher. If in the same herd some cows are producing 4 gallons, one can readily assume that those giving 3 gallons on the same food and under equal conditions are not likely to profitably increase on receiving additional food. When a cow is losing condition it is a sure indication that her food supply is insufficient and should be increased, particularly by the addition of concentrates. This does not apply to fat newly-calved cows, and conversely where hand-feeding is practised, the putting on of fat should be regarded as a sign that the animal — from a milking view — is not making the most profitable use of her food, which should accordingly be reduced, unless it be for a drying cow to build up in preparation for the ensuing season. The first question to be considered in the feeding of milking cows is: Are they yielding their maximum amount of milk? If not, what kind and quantity of feed are necessary for them to do so, and will it pay to provide the amounts ? The first question can only be answered by increasing the feed and noting the result, the second by a consideration of the increase expected, the prices and food values of common cattle foods. The food of a milking cow is used for two purposes — 1. Maintenance. — The upkeep of the body and development of the foetus or unborn calf. 2. Milk Secretion. — The amount of food nutrients required for the maintenance of an average cow is — protein .5 lbs., carbohydrate 5 lbs., as determined from the average analysis of locally-grown foodstuffs. The above amounts were found by the writer to be sufficient for in-calf cows 11 Sept., 1916.] Food Values and Rations. 51T during the past drought in two herds under observation, when the whole of the food consumed was hand-fed. In a cold district a slightly increased amount would be necessary. 15 lbs. of good cereal hay contain the above amount, and for general application may be regarded as sufficient for maintenance. The maintenance or basal part of the ratio should be supplied as hay, green fodder, or silage, and that required for milk production as concentrates. A guide to the amount of food required for milk secretion may be obtained from a scrutiny of the composition of average milk. Average Composition or 4 per cent. Milk. Protein. Carbohydrate. Fat. iTfndTll^'stTg'a?' 3'4 "y 4'7 "y 4 ^ 14'7 •034 1b. •0471b. '04 lb. •1471b. Nutritive ratio, 1 : 4 The nutrients of the food are transformed into the nutrients of milk, and since the protein of the milk can only result from the protein of the food, .034 lb. of vegetable protein is essential for each lb. of milk secreted. But owing to variations in composition of foods and for other reasons outside the scope of this article, the minimum in general practice should not-be less than .045 lbs. protein and .15 lbs. carbohydrate (the fat or ether extract is reduced to its carbohydrate equivalent) for each lb. of milk in addition to the allowance for maintenance. A simpler method suitable for general practice is to allow 1 lb. of mixed concen- trate made from some of the following — bran, poUy feed, oats, linseed meal, pollard, coconut oil cake — for each 2J lbs. to 3 lbs. of milk, according to quality of milk : — Suitable Propoetions fob Mixture. Bran . . 300 Crushed oats . . 250 Bran . . 300 Polly feed . . 200 Bran . . 250 Polly feed . . 200 Oil meal . . 75 Oil meal . . 75 Pollard . . 150 When the paddock feed is insufficient for milking cows, though perhaps sufficient to keep dry ones in good condition, it is inadvisable to fill the milkers with chaff or hay. Concentrates are wanted. The oft- repeated saying " that hay causes the cows to dry off " is not due to any principle in the hay producing this effect, but is due to the fact that hay or chaff alone does not contain sufficient nourishment to supply the heavy demand made by the milking cow. A cow yielding 4 gallons of milk daily uses about 35 per cent, of the nutrients in her food for maintenance, the remaining 65 per cent, are utilized in milk production, whilst of the protein alone only 20 per cent, goes for maintenance and 80 per cent, for milk. It is hoped that whilst prices remain as at present dairy-farmers will take the opportunity of getting the most out of the cows by the general use of concentrates. It pays to gi^^e the best to good cows; to the other kind it does not pay to give anything. At current rates (August), 1 lb. of bran or polly feed costs 6d., and the samo amount of oil meal 1.2d., whilst 2J lbs. of 4 per cent, milk is worth 2d. for separation and 3.3d. for town milk supply. The following rations were used by various dairymen during June, July, and August. The nutritive contents, based on the average composi- tion of local foolstuffs, are given in detail to illustrate the relative values 51S Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. of tlie rations. It will be noticed that the amount of milk produced from 1 lb. of concentrates varies according to the richness of the feed. In every case the herds comprise mixed cows in all stages of lactation. No. 1. SiTITATKD NEAR MeLBOIJKNE. June, 1916 — 66 cows; daily average, 19^ lbs.; best cow, 48 lbs. Average Ration. 7 lbs. bran 1^ lbs. polly feed 16 lbs. chaff Protein, Carbohydrate. Fat. % .63 .21 .84 % 2.24 .78 3.02 % .14 .03 .17 Price, per ton. f s. d. 5 0 0 5 5 0 Cost per cow per day. d. 4.2 .9 5.1 3 10 0 6.0 11.1 Notes. — No paddock feed, except 2 bales lucerne hay at night. Milk sold wholesale. The cost of chaff for maintenance is greater than cost of concen- trates for milk production. Concentrates cost 2.6d. per gallon. Total feed costs 5.6d. per gallon. Cows yielding over 2 gallons receive a proportionate increase of feed. July — 70 cows; daily average, 20 lbs.; best cow, 40 lbs. Feed — Bran increased by ^ lb ; chaff increased by 1 lb., and 1 lb. branning added. August — 65 cows; daily average, 22 lbs.; best cow, 39 lbs. Feed — Bran increased to 8 lbs., otherwise feed the same as last month. No. 2. GippsLAND Farm. June, 1916 — 9 cows; daily average, 36 lbs.; average test, 4.8 per cent. ; best cow, 56 lbs. Ration. Protein. % Carbohydrate. % Fat. % Price. per ton. f s. d. Cost per cow per day. d. 2 lbs. bran .18 .64 .04 5 0 0 1.2 1 lb. linseed oil meal •26 .32 .09 10 0 0 1.2 .44 .13 2.4 Note. — Grazing good crops of green oats and barley alternatively. Concentrates cost .63d. per gallon, or 1.4d. per lb. ; butter fat at Is. 9d. July — 10 cows ; daily average, 34 lbs. ; average test, 5 per cent. ; best cow, 52 lbs. Same feed ; abundance of grass. August — 13 cows; daily average, 30 lbs.; average test, 5 per cent.; best cow, 50 lbs. Same feed. Cows rugged. During 86 days in May, June, and July, two cows in this herd yielded respectively 4,326 lbs. of 3.9 per cent, milk, and 4,271 lbs. of 5.2 per cent, milk, averaging over that period 50 lbs. and 49f lbs. per day. One-half of milk is separated, and the rest sent to condensing 11 Sept., 1916.] Food Values and Rations. 519 factory. During July this herd averaged 21s. 6d. per cow weekly. Although there is an abundance of grass and green feed, concentrates are used. To use the words of the owner, concentrates put a little substance into the cow, and give her something to work upon. 'No. 3. I^orth-Eastern District Farm. June, 1916 — 25 cows; daily average, 27^ lbs.; average test, 5.4 per cent. ; best cow, 31 lbs. A very even herd of high testing and consistent milkers. Ration per cow. Protein. Carbohydrate. Fat. Price, per busliel. Cost per day per cow. % % % £ s. d. d. 3 lbs. crushed oats .25 1.29 .12 0 2 1 per ton. 1.8 2 lbs. polly feed .28 1.10 .04 5 5 0 1.2 2 lbs. bran .18 .64 .04 5 0 0 1.2 2 lbs. coconut oil cake .38 .84 .10 12 0 0 2.6 1 lb. linseed oil meal .26 .32 .09 10 0 0 1.2 1.35 4.19 .39 8.0 Notes. — As much grass silage as cows will consume. Paddocks bare. Dry and young stock fed on silage to keep alive. Season very bad. Cows rugged. No chaff given. Ration fed moistened in bails. Concentrates cost 2.6d. per gallon, or 5.2d. per lb. butter fat at Is. 6d. The above ration appears to be costly, but it must be remembered that without supplementary feed the silage is only sufficient to keep the dry stock in fair condition. Without the silage the stock would die, as the paddocks are too bare for sheep. Assuming the silage to be required for maintenance and the concentrates available for milk production, the cost of concentrates is 5s. 9d. per week. The butter fat return average for month 17s. 6d. per week. When the season improves the herd will be in full profit and the cost of production will be reduced considerably. July — 22 cows; daily average, 28 lbs.; average test, 5.5 per cent.; best cow, 37 lbs. Feed — same concentrates as last month. To conserve silage, a portion has been replaced with grass hay. August — 31 cows, including 12 lieifers on 1st calf; daily average, 26 lbs. ; average test, 5.4 per cent. Cost per cow per day. d. 1.8 1.2 1.8 2.4 1.32 3.0 .4 7.2 Ration per cow. Protein. C !arboliyflrat( 3. Fat. Price, per bushel. % % % f s. d. 3 lbs. crushed oats .25 1.2 .12 0 2 1 per ton. 2 lbs. polly feed . . .28 1.1 .04 5 5 0 3 lbs. bran .27 .96 .06 5 0 0 2 lbs. linseed oil meal .52 . .64 .18 10 0 0 Note. — Same paddock feed as last month. 520 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. By changing ration a saving of Id. per cow daily was effected without influencing the milk yield, because the decrease from 27^ lbs. to 26 lbs., is accounted for by advanced lactation of best cows and calving of first year heifers. Note.- — That by selection of foods the same amount of nutrients may be obtained at reduced cost. Concentrates cost 2,7d. per gallon. No. 4. Situated near Melbourne. June, 1916 — 20 cows; daily average, 21f lbs.; best cow, 32 lbs. Ration per cow. Protein. Carbohydrate. Fat. Price, per ton. Cost per cow per day. % % % £ s. d. d. 3i lbs. polly feed .5 1.82 .07 5 5 0 per bushel. 2.1 3 lbs. crushed oats .25 1.29 .12 0 2 1 1.8 .75 3.11 1.9 per ton. 3.9 6 lbs. cbaff 3 10 0 2.25 6.15 Tsfote. — Short paddock feed, occasionally graze barley cro^j. Cows rugged Concentrates cost 1.8d. per gallon. Total feed costs 2.8d. per gallon. July — 20 cows; daily average, 22 lbs. ; best cow, 32 lbs. Feed changed to 3 lbs. polly feed, 2^ lbs. bran, If lbs. crushed oats. Daily cost increased to 4.3d. per cow. August — 20 cows; daily average, 19 lbs. per cow. Feed increased to 4 lbs. bran, 3 lbs. polly feed, 22 lbs. crushed oats, and 7-^ lbs. chaff, costing for concentrates 4.9 per cow daily, and 2.6 per gallon. The amount of milk yielded does not require this amount of concentrate. The increase is unnecessary and too costly. In June the cost of concen- trates was 1.8d. per gallon on 21f lbs. average; in August the cost has increased to 2.5 per gallon on 19 lbs. average. The paddock feed was apparently the same during each month. ^"0. 5. Situated 30 miles from Melbourne. August, 1916 — 124 cows; daily average, 21 lbs. Cost per cow per day. d. 3.9 1.8 5.7 Ration per cow. Protein. Carbohydrate. Fat. % % % 6A lbs. bran . . .58 2.08 .05 l| lbs. linseed meal .39 .48 .13 .97 2.56 .18 Notes. — ^Very short paddock feed. Milk sold wholesale. 34 lbs. maize silage and 10 lbs. oaten chaff. Concentrates cost 2.7d. per gallon. 11 Sept., 1916. J Food Values and Rations. 521 The daily averages on the above farms were obtained in all cases, but the last from the records of weights recorded each milking, and from the gallons of milk sold during the month. Attention is directed to the economy of changing feed in jSTo. 3. The suggestion is made to dairy-farmers depending during winter months on pasture and hay to try the effect of 3 lbs. to 8 lbs. concen- trate per cow per day. The amounts will be regulated by the amount of milk produced and its value. At the present time dairj^ products are bringing high prices, and every effort should be made to bring about profitable increases. When the herd is maintained at its maximum, not only is the output greater, but the season is longer. When all the food required to main- tain a good herd producing to its full capacity throughout the season can be provided by the farm, the profits must necessarily be greater; but if at the present time the cows cannot obtain sufficient food on the farm, and will not pay for purchased foodstuffs, or do not make profitable use of food supplied by the farm, they may be classed as cows, but not dairy cows. The chief object in feeding is profit. Whilst many farmers complain that they have not the wherewithal to improve their land, enormous bodies of material lie wasting on unpro- ductive areas. Ditches, so necessary to every type of farm, may be made to yield large quantities of useful soil dressings. The heavy deposits of silt, peaty and turfy matters found in hollows and by streams is to be regarded as the most substantial and profitable form of dressing for any land. The keeping of animals will insure the largest possible return to the soil, in place of that taken by the growing of crops. By these means, all of which are more or less within our power, we may actually add to the depth and value of soil, and thereby place ourselves in a better position to face droughts and bad seasons. Crops of various kinds, be they animal or vegetable, exhaust or refresh soil in fixed proportion to the extent of their waste, and return. Tn warm climates it is ever an affair of bulk. Not one or all of the chemical manures can so affect the temperature and moisture-holding conditions of the soil as to facilitate the action of bacteria for more than a brief season. The actual fermenting medium must be supplied from what we may term natural sources. Green manures, bulk manures from the farmyard, surface materials, which are well charged with organic waste — these are the things to which we must eternally look if we are to create such bodies of active soil as will insure permanent occupation and profit from any piece of land. The amount to be applied may vary in degree, but sooner or later it must become exhausted, if it receives not more or less of each or all of these materials. 522 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. APPLE CULTURE IN YICTORIA. (Continued from page 479.) By J. Farrell, Orchard Supervisor. Laying Out the Orchakd. The continually increasing cost of labour, implements, and spray- ing materials required in the orchard, the difficulties met with in the local marketing of fruit during years of heavy crops, and the keen competition by fruit-exporting States in the world's markets, are the chief factors which should influence the fruit-grower to adopt all the modem methods which tend towards the economic working of the orchard. Amongst those, the method of planting the orchard plays a most important part. The Square System of Planting. When an orchard is being laid out the trees should be planted in such a manner as to make sure of their subsequent cultivation and general management being carried out on sound commercial lines. The square method of planting is mostly practised in this State. By this method the rows of trees are placed at right angles to the headlands. This facilitates cultivation and spraying, &c., and is gene- rally better adapted to irrigation, whether from channels or dams, than when the trees are planted under systems which do not permit of the rows being so placed. When the hexagon or other methods of planting, by which the rows are placed in diagonal lines to the headlands, are employed they usually prove inconvenient, and particularly where irrigation and drainage are involved. Distance between Trees. Great diversity of opinions existed amongst the early growers as to the proper distance apart at which the trees should be planted. But the 16 feet by 16 feet and 18 feet by 18 feet were the distances mostly favoured. In the light of experience and more matured knowledge, however, growers who have established commercial orchards, during recent years, almost invariably planted 20 feet by 20 feet. This represents 108 trees to the acre, and it has practically become a standard. To find the number of trees necessary to plant an acre of land, bring one acre to square feet, and divide by the square of the distance allowed, thus — 4 X 40 X 301 X 9 1089 20 X 20 ~ 10 or lOSVii trees. The same method of working the 18 feet by 18 feet principle gives ^ -^° or 134|^ trees per acre. To find the lowest number, without a fraction, of trees necessary to plant the smallest number of acres at 20 feet by 20 feet, let the numerator (1089) of the improper fraction represent the trees and 11 Sept. 1916.] Apple Culture in Victoria. 523 the denominator (10) tlie number of acres. Thus, 1,089 trees will plant 10 acres, and in the case of the 18 by 18 system, 1,210 trees will plant 9 acres. Finding the Right Angle. When preparing to plant, the usual practice is to make a square with which to set out the right angle. Plate 8 shows method of constructing same on the 3, 4, and 5 principle. Secure three pieces of ordinary flooring boards 6 inches by 1 inch. One should be a 21-ft. Plate 8. — To make a square for right angle. length for the base, another 24-ft. to form the right angle, and a 7-ft. length for the diagonal. Place the base on the right-angle piece and put in screw (A). Measure 3 feet on the base, place diagonal as sbown, and insert screw (B). Tlien measure 4 feet on the right angle and 5 feet on the diagonal as depicted, bring right-angle board and diagonal into position, and drive in screw (C). The remaining six screws may bo placed in the square as shown. Provided the work is properly executed, tlie square will be correct. 524 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. An ordinary fencing wire, N"o. 8 or 10 gauge, and of sufficient length to measure tlie longest row of pegs in the orchard, is used in conjunction with the square to find the right angle and locate the positions of the pegs, which indicate where the trees are to he planted. The wire is marked by soldering on a piece of finer wire at every 20 feet, or whatever distance is allowed between the trees. A loop is made at each end, about 5 feet from the end marks, into which two iron pegs or crowbars are placed to hold the wire, when fixed in position. f f 4- 4- ■4- PCQS Of TRECS ^e 3^»- c^^ioft ■*• ZO-f^ 20 f I >. /^ence Line Plate 9. — Setting out the Orchard. Plate 9 illustrates method of planting 100 trees 20 feet by 20 feet. Peg (a) is put in 20 feet from (A) and (B) fence lines respec- tively. Then the wire (CD) is stretched to form the hasp line, the end mark on the wire is placed at (a), on the inside of the peg, and made fast by the iron pegs; when 20 feet has been measured from (B) fence line to (c), the row of pegs are then driven in. The wire is then removed to the position shown in the diagram, peg (&) is. put in, and the right angle is formed by using the square as depicted. When pegs (a) to (&) are driven in the wire is removed to {Jo d), but before driving in (d) test with wire (c) to (d). When the proper- 11 Sept., 1916.] Apple Culture in Victoria. 525 position for (d) has been found, put in the two rows of pegs. A square is then formed and the wire removed (/) (e), and when this row is filled in the remaining ones may be dealt with similarly. Whenever the fence lines (AB) describe a true right angle no square is required; simply allow 20 feet for the headlands, and distance between the trees may be found by using the wire. Plate 10 shows method of finding a right angle without using the square, and when there are no fence lines to describe it. This is based on the 3, 4, and 5 principle on which the square is constructed. I ^e tf' re Marked [verj BO Feet ^[^^ h ^ ^il aJ k — CO' /^ --1 Plate 10. — Method of finding a right angle without using a square. But a multiple of these numbers may be used in order to obtain greater accuracy. In this case the multiple of 20 increases the base (A), the right angle (B), and the diagonal (C) to 60, 80, and 100 feet respec- tively. The higber the multiple used the more accurate will be the right angle. To set out the right angle as illustrated stretch the wire from (a) to (e) and put in the row of ])egs. Tlien remove the wire to (a) ((Z),but before making it fast at (r/) measure 100 feet from the fourth peg (6) on tlie base to the fifth mark (r) o;i the right angle wire. When tlie points (a, h, and f) coincide as shown, make the wire fast 526 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. 2ii {d). To complete the square for 100 pegs by finding the position of (/) and finish the pegging out, follow the directions given in con- nexion with Plate 9. On account of its rapidity, simplicity, and accuracy, this is the method recommended for setting out the right angle. Whether the method of finding the right angle and the positions of the pegs as illustrated in Plate 9 or 10 is adopted, the positions of the pegs in relation to the lines described by the wire should be uniform. To illustrate this Plate 11 shows sixteen pegs in position. The corner one (A) is the first used, and consequently it may be regarded as the key to planting the whole orchard. The position it takes up is the most convenient in which it can be placed in relation to the 1 1 1 - 'ir b 1 ' ' 1 1 1 1 1 1 — ^ - - - 1 1 1 1 ; 1 1 "F" r 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 4«— 1 n V 1 1 )l n ') >; r> r r Plate 11. — Position of pegs in relation to the lines. dotted lines, which represent those marked out by the planting wire, and the others occupy corresponding positions. . Wide headlands are advocated. They should be 20 feet, which is also recommended as the distance between the trees. Planting in Depressions and on Elevations. When depressions and elevations exist in the area to be planted Plate 12 illustrates, in order to obtain straight rows of trees, how these difiiculties may be overcome, and the pegs placed in their proper places. Fig. 1 is the cross section of a depression over which the wire may be stretched in the usual manner from (d) to (a). Then the pegs (d c) are placed in position. A plumb line held at mark (/) on the wire will find that peg's position. Those between (/) and (e) 11 Sept. 1916.] Apple Culture in Victoria. 527 ^yud/l .t^ ^. Ci, Vr- ^ Wl 9UIJ ^ ^ Ki rO ^ 528 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. may be arranged similarly. The pegs (&) to (a) being on the level are fixed in the usual manner. Should the depression be too deep to permit of the plumb line being held to the marks on the wire, it may be stretched on the surface to describe a straight line. A 20-ft. measuring rod may be placed against peg (/) and plumbed at {g) as shown. Plate 12, Fig. 2, is section showing elevation and illustrating simple method of pegging out the land under these conditions. All ihe level land around the elevated portion is first pegged out in the 1 \ / < 0 ° o o o o o o / / 1 o o o o o ° - / o a ■ o 0 o o o / o 0 3 O o o o o / 0 o o o 1 O ° o o A" o 0 o o c J o o 0 0^ o 0 o o o 0 c / / / o 0 o o 0 r-. / 5'c ) o / o c o 0 o 0 ( 1 0 ° o 0 0 o o o o ffighf Ancjie Z'«f Plate 13. — Using the diagonal line as a check on the right angle. ordinary way (d c) and (&) to (a), &c. When this is completed, two Drdinary wires are drawn across each other, at right angles on the elevation and from corresponding pegs at each end of the wires. Where they cross each other marks the position of the pegs. Or the elevation may be pegged out as shown (g, f, c, Fig. 1). Positions of Tkees found. The rows of small circles in Plate 13' indicate the positions of 100 trees. The method of finding those positions is illustrated in Plates 9 11 Sept., 1916.] Apple Culture in Victoria. 529 and 10, and explained. Almost any number of acres in one orchard block may be worked in similarly. It frequently happens that prospective fruit-growers, without pre- vious knowledge of the work, and with limited capital, after selecting their land, usually clear and plant a few acres each year until the orchard area is completed. When commencing to plant an orchard in this manner particularly, the north-east corner, preferably, should be made the base of opera- tions, situation and general conditions permitting. WTien an orchard has been started, on the lines laid down in these illustrations, it becomes a simple matter to continue the desired yearly extensions to the planted area. This may be accomplished by using the planting wire to maintain straight right-angle lines in the direction to which the arrows point in Plate 13, using the diagonal line as a check on the right angles. Positions of Trees found by Sighting. Occasionally planters adopt the old method of " sighting " their trees into position. This is done by planting a tree in the right-angle corner in which operations are commenced. A peg is put in at the opposite end of the row, then a measuring rod is used to determine the distance between the first and second tree, a sight is taken from the first tree to the peg, and the second tree is planted in line, and so on until the row is planted. The remaining rows are worked in in like manner. But the planting cannot be so accurately done under the sighting process as it may be by using the planting wire. It frequently happens that the rows which run at right angles to those sighted do not run in straight lines. Therefore, this method is more tedious, costly, and less accurate than the one advocated. When all the essential details in connexion with laying out an orchard on sound commercial lines receive attention, at the proper time, the orchard becomes an object for prospective planters to emulate, a credit to the district in which it is situated, and a great attraction for intending purchasers, if the owner wishes to sell. Diagonal Planting. Although the square system of planting is recommended and mostly practised by our fruit-growers on account of its general suitability to the requirements essential to the thorough working of the orchard m relation to cnltivatioii, drainage, irrigation, &c., certain local conditions occasioiinlly occur in undulating districts, when the diagonal planting method bas its advantages in respect to the requirements mentioned. When orchards are planted on those hilly lands, irrigation from dams is the method invariably practised. When laying out the orchard, therefore, tbe lay of tbe land sbonld be regarded as an important factor when deteriiiiiiiug tlie method of planting to be adopted. Tbe diagonal system consists mainly of running the rows of trees from corner to corner of the orchard or in diagonal lines from the headlands. Plate 14 shows the diagonal system of planting and its suitability for cultivation and irrigation, &c., under certain circumstances. 530 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. To determine the positions for the pegs 20 feet is measured off for the headlands. Should the fence lines not describe a right angle, it may be found as previously described. When this is done the square may be completed, and the diagonal line found with the planting wire, and the row of pegs placed in position. The pegging out of the whole area may be completed by placing lines of pegs at right angles, or parallel to the diagonal line as depicted in the illustration. In order to understand why the method of planting under review is advocated when local conditions require it, and for the reasons already explained, assume that a ridge runs in the direction of the / \ \ ^o o o o A ^ '» o o o \ / \ / \ / ^. o o o O o '-',, "o / \ / \ / \ / \ /\ / \ X o o o o o o o \ \ / \ /' \ / \ /\ / \ /^X O 0 0 o o o -o / \ / \ / ^ /^ \^ \ / ^. ^ O O^ O 0 °\ o, o X o o o<^. \ O^ ^0 ^0 O Os o o ^ O O 0 \ ° O °, O 0 o 0, \ \ / \/ \ / ^s / \ / \ / \ \ o o o o o 0 o / \ / \ / \ /' ^. / \ / \ 4 O. °\ o o o o o \ A \ 0^ o o o o\oX o O o ^o Ov O \ Q> J^ ^ o \ \ \ \ \/ ■h=nrp / — *^ Plate 14. — Diagonal planting. diagonal line, and that the land slopes abruptly from the ridge on both sides. It will be seen that the trees run in rows parallel to the ridge. This facilitates ploughing, spraying, &c., in that direction. And suppose the dam (D) to be on the highest point of the ridge. The water escapes at the vent (a) and is carried in the small drains (B) and (C) down the headlands. The small arrows denote the points at which the water may be diverted from the drains and directed amongst the rows of trees. Tiow assume that the ridge runs in the direction to which the arrow (A) points and that the dam is on the highest point in line with it. Then it will be observed that, under these conditions, the square method 11 Sept., 1916.] Apple Culture in Victoria. 531 of planting would best suit the requirements, and for reasons similar to those advanced in favour of the diagonal method, when adopted advantageously. Generally speaking, when establishing an orchard in a locality in which serious irregular undulations exist in the area to be planted, work to the contour, as nearly as circumstances will permit, by placing the rows of trees parallel to the ridges. Stakes and Pegs. When the young trees are being planted out in their permanent positions in the orchard, particularly on exposed situations and when their roots are hard pruned, the use of stakes to support them is recommended. By tliis means they are enabled to maintain their upright positions until such time as the root systems are thoroughly estab- ^4^ Pound I ^^y/y^mm Surface \^ Fi','. 1. Fig. 2. Plate 15. — Stakes and pegs for trees. lished and thriftiness insured. When the stakes arc not employed for the purpose mentioned, the wind causes the trees to wobble, and the young roots are frequently broken off on the side on which the wind strikes, causing the trees to lean to the opposite direction. It often proves a difficult proposition to remedy this defect. When the stakes are used and the trees securely fastened to them, the root systems become established without interrui)tion. This not only insures the trees' uprightness and future stability, but also permits of more extended root areas being operated upon to supply the sap requirements of the trees. Trees with short stems, from 12 to 15 inches, are rccomiiicnded, and particularly when the orchard is in an exposed situation. The tree should 1)0 planted to the same depth at which it grew in the nursery row. 532 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. Plate 15, rig. 1, depicts stake, tree with three buds, from which the branch system is formed, projecting above top of stake, and method of tying. The relative positions of sixteen stakes of this kind are sho-\vn in Plate 11. The stakes are made from 2-in. by 2-in. hardwood 2 ft. 3 in. long, and pointed as shown in the diagram, with 1 ft. 6 in. driven into the ground and 9 inches above the surface. Stakes 6 inches longer should be provided for use in loose sandy soils or on land where subsoiling operations have been carried out. The trees should not be cut to the desired length prior to being planted, as the buds which are required to form the branch systems may be accidentally destroyed during planting operations. To secure the tree to the stake, procure a strip of hessian 2 feet long and 2 inches wide. Take one turn with the hessian first around the stake and then two turns around the tree and stake, then tie a piece of soft twine on the hessian to keep it in position as shown in the illustration. If the tree is planted on the side of the stake facing south, the stem will be somewhat shaded from the sun and hot northerly winds, which frequently cause hardness of the bark, and often impede its development. When stakes are not employed, pegs made from |-in. round hard- wood about 1 ft. 6 in. long, as shown in Plate 15, Fig. 2, may be used to mark the positions of the trees. They are removed when the trees are being planted with the planting board. {To he continued.) Abraham Lincoln had a good notion of intensive cultivation. " More brain, less sweat," was his view on the matter. " How foolish," he remarked, " to walk over 40 acres when an equal crop can be raised from 10 acres by intensive cultivation." As an instance of what irrigation can do, the example of Mildura may be cited. On an area of 12,000 acres, an inland community of 6,000 souls, enjoying a high standard of comfort, is maintained. The annual value of Mildura's products is no less than £450,000. How the war affects America as regards potash salts — shipments to America, August, 1914, 50,000 tons; shipments, August, 1915, 500 tons. A big nitrate of soda concern during the past twelve months made a gross profit of only £8,000 against about £80,000 for the previous year. When taking cows to or from pasture, or, for the matter of that, anywhere, never hurry them, but allow them to walk at their own natural pace, and do not shout and holloa and kick up a row generally, as though you had a crowd of wild and savage beasts to deal with. 11 Si 1916.] Herd Testing. 533 HERD TESTING. Fourth Annual Report on the Testing of Pedigree Herds Conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Victoria, for year ended 30th June, 19 1 6. By W. A. N. Robertson, B.V.Sc, Chief Veterinary Officer, and R. T. Archer, Senior Dairy Inspector. Although there is a small reduction in the number of herds tested in the fourth year of operations, it may be claimed that the scheme is not decreasing in interest and value. Two new herds have entered the ranks, and many more are promised for the coming year, when the effects of the drought have passed away — the reduction in the total number is due to the inability of some of the breeders to obtain sufficient Blood will tell, No. 1. Lady Viola, dam of NoWe of Oaklands. fodder during the drought to even keep their herds in milk. In 1914-15 21 herds were tested; in 191,5-16 only 16. Two herds dropped out by reason of dispersal sales, the balance by reason of drought and its consequent losses. It is anticipiifod th;it these latter will re-enter at an early date. The object of the test must always be kept before the minds of breeders and dairymen generally. In no case must it be tiiought that extraordinary records are aimed at — rather arc they discouraged for such are no indication of the merit of a herd. The main object is to work improvement in our stud stock, and by discovering straifis of cattle which, when i)roporly fed, will be a reliable source from which dairy- farmers may with confidence obtain sires as a means of increasing tlie average retiirn from tiicir cows. At the jjrescnt time, with the reduced numbers in our herds, the opportunity for the dairy-farmer to build up 534 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. Blood will tell, No. 2. Noble of Oaklands, sire of Pretty Noble. Blood will tell, No. 3. Boutilliere, dam of Pretty Noble. 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 535 the average of his cows is enormous. Our average return is by no means small compared with other countries, but that they can be still further improved requires no comment. That breeding along right Blood will tell, No. 4. Pretty Noble. Blood will tell, No. 5. Lassie Fowler IV. ul Melioae, u lines will make an improvement is recognised by all. An example, however, of the effect of a sire with good records belmul will not be out of place. 536 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. In an article in the Journal of this Department for July last, Mr. R. R. Kerr wrote — The Jersey bull " Pretty Noble," imported from the Jersey Islands by Mr. W. Woodmason, has proved himself the sire of very fine heifers, and the yields of the first seven to complete the nine months' test are given, which, for consistency and general ability, would be very hard to beat. It is a matter of satisfaction to know that our breeders, generally sjoeaking, now import only animals having records of butter production. Though they are desirous of securing animals true to type, they realize that production is the main essential. Name of Heifer.* MUl£. Test. Fat. Butter. Milk Last Day. lbs. Age at Calving. Sire of Heifer. lbs. lbs. lbs. Lassie Fowler IV. 5,977 5-69 340 -32 388 151 2 years 1 Pretty Noble of Melrose (467) month (imp.) Chevy VIII. of 6,011 5-63 338-56 387-75 19 2 years 3 Pretty Noble Melrose months (imp.) Empire V. of 5,661 5-42 307-08 350 15 2 years Pretty Noble Melrose (imp.) Jessie XII. of 5,063 5-99 303-25 345-5 18 1 year 1 1 Pretty Noble Melrose months (imp.) Edith II. of 5,418 5-48 296-69 338-25 14 2 years 6 Pretty Noble Melrose months (imp.) Pleasance V. of 4,859 5-1 277-57 316-5 nh 2 years 1 Pretty Noble Melrose month (imp.) Graceful Duchess 4,470 6-02 269-29 306-98 14* 1 year 8 Pretty Noble XI. of Melrose 5-69 15-6 months (imp.) Average . . 5,351-2 304-68 347-3! 24- 8 months * The names are now given as accepted for Herd Book. The dam of this bull, " Boutilliere," has had a wonderful record, her last obtained at 12 years of age being 12,103 lbs. milk, yielding 798f lbs. of butter. She is a winner of many show ring prizes and butter contests — her photo, shows her to be a typical specimen. " Pretty ISToble " is by " Noble of Oaklands," sold in America for £3,000, another specimen typical of the breed, and full of dairy qualities, inherited in turn from his dam, " Lady Viola," who had a wonderful record behind her both in the Show Ring and as a heavy testing cow. That individual records are not the main object of the test is sho\\Ti by the regulations under which the same is conducted. For instance, a lactation period of only nine months is taken instead of twelve months as followed in some countries, thus reducing the inducement to keep cows barren during the test, which would tend to increase the individual record. No breeder could afford to keep the whole herd out for the time required if this were done — nine months is taken as the fair period during which a cow milks, allowing her time to dry off and recuperate for the following season. To give an idea of her staying properties, the amount of milk given on the last day of the nine months is recorded, and a common basis is established upon which comparison may be made. In the same way butter fat production is taken. Nearly all countries of the world have now adopted this base, for no comparison can be made 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 537 when commercial butter is the term used to denote returns ; in this regard it is to be regretted that the breeders of New South Wales have not adopted this most equitable method of computation. It is somewhat early as yet to take returns of cows in Victoria to show the improvement of a herd by reason of testing, but the following example of the herd of Mr. August Kinch, in Sweden, is highly instructive : — Result of Ten Years' Testing in the Hekd of Mr. August Kinch, AT Beltaberga, Sweden. Average Average Average Average Cost Testing Period^ Number Milk Fat Test of lbs. to produce 365 Days. of Cows in Per Cow. Herd. Butter Pat 100 lbs. Herd. lbs. per cent. per Cow. Milk. 1899-1900 . . 70 7,320 3-05 223-26 s. d. 3 7 1900-1901 . . 28 7,905 3-13 247-42 3 8 1901-2 46 9,003 3-20 288-09 3 1 1902-3 55 9,984 3-18 317-49 2 8J 1903^ 61 10,584 3-22 340-80 2 7i 1904^5 64 11,236 3-22 361-79 2 7^ 1905-6 71 11,333 3-21 363-78 2 101 1906-7 79 11,486 3-18 365-25 2 11 1907-8 77 11,023 3-17 349 -42 3 0 1908-9 79 11,399 3-34 380-62 2 lOi +4,079 +0-29 + 157-36 -0 10^ Increase ( + ) ; Decrease ( — ). The original herd of 70 was reduced to 28. The others were proved unprofitable and sold. The heifers of the 28 were reared and added to the herd. In ten years the herd average had increased by 400 gallons of milk and 157 lbs. of butter fat, which, at Is., represents an increase of £7 17s. per cow. What results may be obtained from a number of herds is sho^vn in the following table covering a period of ten years: — Record of a Swedish Cow-testing Association for Ten Years. Average Milk Average lbs. Yield per Cow. Average Fat Test. Butter Fat per Cow. Ist year 6,890 3-11 214-27 2nd „ 6,582 3-11 204-70 3rcl „ 7,357 3-16 232 -48 4th „ 7,692 3-17 243-83 6th „ 7,653 3-04 232-65 6th „ ^ 8,269 3-04 251-37 7th „ 9,155 3-05 279-22 8th „ 9,338 3-15 294-14 9th „ 9,183 3-15 289-26 10th ,. 10,064 3-12 313-89 Increase 3,174 •• 109-62 538 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. The result of ten years' operations was to increase the average milk yield by 317 gallons, and butter fat 109 lbs., while the butter-fat test remained about the same. This is low compared with the average test in the herds in this country, and would indicate that we would have nothing to gain by the introduction of their breeds of cattle. If their methods of management and feeding were more largely adopted here our results would compare very favorably with those of other countries. Jessie VI. of Melrose (on completion of test), 1st in Order of Merit, 1916 (250 lbs. standard). Winner Annual Champion Prize. Owner, Mr. W. Woodmason. Lbs. of Milk. Test. Butter Standard Milk Last Days in Milk. 1915 1916 7,924J 8,342 6-71 6-27 Butter Pat (lbs.) 532' 17 523' 34 Standard (lbs.) 250 250 Milk Last Day (lbs.) 2H 13i 273 273 In Denmark the improvement of milk yield due to system of records adopted is shown by the following figures : — 1844 — average yield per cow 1864 — average yield per cov? 1884 — average yield per cow 1894 — average yield per cow 1911 — average yield per cow 1,650 lbs. 2,500 lbs. 3,300 lbs. 4,850 lbs. 6,150 lbs. In 1908, as against 1884, the average yield of butter had exactly doubled, and was 224 lbs. SCOTTISH RECORD. Professor Alexander Laurie, D.Sc, writes in regard to testing in Scotland — In Scotland the work is carried on through local societies, consisting of 20 to 24 members, so that the work of each society is suificient to take up the whole time of a recorder. The weighing and testing may be 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 539 done every 14 21, or 28 days, an interval of 21 days being most common. The recorder 'arrives at the farm in the afternoon, weighs, and deter- mines the percentage of fat in the evening milk and the mornmg s milk next day All the testing and weighing is done by the recorder, tlie farmer being only asked to supply details as to feeding, times of calving &c. A copy of the record is left with the farmer, and a copy lorwarded to the Central Committee. Lady Grey V., 2nd in Order of Merit 1916 (250 lbs. standard). Winner Annual Reserve Champion Prize. Owner, Mr. A. W. Jones. 1914 1915 1916 Lbs. of Milk. 5,4371 , 8,32:H . 9,615 Test. 5- 62 5-61 5-11 li utter Fat (lbs.) 305' 87 466- 93 491' 59 standard (lbs.) 175 200 250 Milk Last Day (lbs.) 12 20 33 Days in Milk. 273 273 In six or eight years the average annual milk yield has been increased by 100 to 200 gallons per cow. The increase in the value since the beginning of the scheme, of pedigreed (milk record) Ayrshires lor export purposes is estimated at about 50 per cent. There have not been sufficient sales conducted in Victoria as yet from which to learn to what extent testing adds to the value of a cow, but in the University of Illinois, where ccrtiiin information has been accumulated, it was found in respect of five different sales that — 187 cows without records averaged . . 171 cows with records averaged showing increased value due to record Amongst heifers — 184 heifers from dams without record averaged £42 0 133 heifers from dams with record averaged £68 10 showing a value of £26 10s. for the dam's record before the progeny came into profit. • i • v Before entering upon the records in Victoria during the past year, let us look at .some of those obtained in oihor countries. £57 10 93 0 £35 10 640 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. Tasmania. In Tasmania, the testing period covers only six months, and part of a herd only may be tested. Whilst the information thus gained is valuable, it encourages individual records by allowing only the best of the herd to enter and forcing for six months. The standard required is 200 lbs. butter fat and 4,000 lbs. milk. At a recent conference of dairymen it was reported that there were 17 Ayrshires in the register, as under : — Lbs. Fat. Lbs. Milk. Average Test. Jewel Queen of Gowrie Park 297-12 7,785 4-1 Princess . . . . . . 282-81 5,580 5-0 Hawthorn 273-11 6.090 4-4 Shamrock 261-10 5,640 4-6 Bonnie Jean . . 256-65 5,970 4-3 Lilac 253-52 6,150 4-1 Lessnessock's Favourite . . . . 249-03 6,450 3-7 Soncey 246-24 4,950 4-9 Fancy 234-81 5,250 4-5 Bonnie, Favourite of Gowrie Park 228-88 6,165 3-7 Lily 223-83 5,880 3-8 Dairymaid 223-14 4,590 4-8 Fan 212-64 5,010 4-2 Royal Dewdrop 209-19 4,755 4-4 Ruby 209 -03 4,590 4-4 Belle 203 -64 4,290 4-7 Maggie 202-26 5,310 3-8 There were ten Jerseys entered in the advanced registry of the Tasmanian Jersey Herd Booh. The average, production of these cows was, for the six months, 244 lbs. fat and 4,815 lbs. milk; average test, 5 per cent. The following are the cows in order of their production of butter fat: — Lbs. Fat. Lbs. Milk. Average Test. Roi 289-14 4,965 5-8 Sylvan 279-66 5,850 4-8 Meg, 1915 271-23 6,030 4-5 Niwa 266-07 5,100 5-3 Daphne 244-41 4,360 5-5 Violet 241 -98 4,740 5-1 Ruby 239 -46 4,620 5-1 Gay 232-41 4,275 5-4 Meg, 1914 214-77 4,385 4-9 Lil 202-65 4,140 4-9 Topsy 202-47 4,500 4-5 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 541 PWW'f**^ \ Parrakeet, 1st in Order of Merit 1916 (200 lbs. standard). Owner, Mr. C. Gordon Lyon. — Lbs. of MUk. Test. P.utter Fat (lbs.) Standard (lbs.) MUk Last Day (\h%.) Days in MUk 3915 7,287 . . 4-70 . . 342' 65 . 175 18 273 1916 9,827 . . 4*47 . . 438-90 . 200 20 273 Lady Grey 1st of St. Albans, 1st in Order of Merit 1916 (175 lbs. standard). Owner, Mr. A. W. Jones. — Lbs. of MUk. Test. Butter Standard MUk Last Days In MUk. Fat (lbs.) (lbs.) Day (lbs.) 1916 .. 5,255 6" 01 .. 347' 36 .. 175 .. 17^ .. 273 542 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. New Zealand. The ISTew Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders' Association's annual report for 1915-16 shows that during the past year 97 cows have been awarded certificates by the New Zealand Department of Agriculture as the result of the semi-official test conducted by that Department. The average production of these 97 cows was as follows: — — Days in Milk. Average lbs. of Milk. Average Test. Average lbs. Butter Fat. Average lbs. Milk per Day. Average lbs of Butter Fat per Day. 42 Two-year olds 22 Three-year olds 14 Four- year olds 19 Mature 344 354 335 348 6,538-6 7,686-47 8,459-11 7,796 -44 5-611 5-812 5-410 5-511 366 -94 446-81 457 -58 484-84 19-0 21-71 25-22 25-27 1-07 1-262 1-365 1-393 97 Cows (average) 345 7,518-75 5-604 421 -35 21-79 1-224 " Madam Mayflower," semi-official record of 11,793.2 lbs. of milk and 763.41 lbs. of butter-fat in 365 days, is claimed as a Jersey record for the Southern Hemisphere. It may be noted that the above records cover a period averaging 345 days. Canada. The average milk production of cows in Canada, according to official files, is 3,800 lbs., and of butter fat 150 lbs. per annum. In 1913 the number of cows tested in the Canadian herd test was 4,852, giving an average return for the full lactation period of 5,856 lbs. milk, with an average test of 3.4, and butter fat 201 lbs. The best records obtained are shown hereunder: — Breed. Hosltein Jersey Guernsey Ayrshire French- Canadian Name of Cow, Duchess Skylark Ormsby Tilly Alcarta Sophy 19th of Hood Farm Mume Cowan Auchenbrain Brown Kate 4th Fille .. Age. Lbs. of Per cent. Milk. Fat. Mature 27,761 4-3 ,, 30,452 3-1 ,, 17,557 5-6 ,, 24,008 4-5 " 23,022 3-9 10,767 4-2 Lbs. Fat. 1,205-09 951 -30 999-2 1,098-1 917-60 453 The highest records for Shorthorns are 13,535 lbs. milk, 540 lbs. fat, and 11,578 lbs. milk, 534 lbs. fat. 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. Lassie Fowler III. of Melrose. Lbs. of Milk Test. 1915 1916 7,287i 8,121 5- 83 5-49 Butter Fat (lbs.) 425*0 446*29 Owner, Mr. W. Woodmason. Days in Test. Standard (lbs.) 250 250 Milk Last Day (lbs.) 22 23 273 273 1914 1015 1916 Sweetbread 2ith Ump.). Lbs. of Milk. Test. 8,421 5-84 8,504 .. 5* 67 8,484 .. 5" 33 lUittor Fat (lbs.) 492* 19 482*26 452-42 Owner, Mr. standard (lbs.) 250 250 250 C. D. Lloyd. Milk Last Day (lbs.) 24 17 16 Days in Test. 273 273 273 544 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. United States of America. The conditions under whicli some of the testing is done in United States of America will be of interest. The following are the Rules and Regulations of the Advanced Register of the Holstein Friesian Society : — All tests are conducted by representatives of the State Agricultural Colleges, i.e., supervisors. Fees are fixed by the State colleges for conducting the test. Some charge £5 for a seven days' test, with 12s. 6d. a day for extra time. JSTew York charges 10s. a day for time actually occupied in test with 4s. 2d. extra for each cow that qualifies. In a seven days' test the supervisor must see the cow milked dry on the last milking prior to commencement of test, and carefully note the hour, so that the last milking of the test shall be done at exactly the same hour. Only one cow may be milked at a time, so that the milk can be kept under close scrutiny. It is recommended that a supervisor shall have only six cows at one time. Samples are taken by pouring the milk from one pail to another or by a dipper. Mythic. Owner, Mr. 0. G. Knight. — Lbs. of MQk. Test. Butter Fat (lbs.) standard (lbs.) Milk Last Day (lbs.) Days in Test 1915 6,031 5-25 .. 316*58 . 250 4J 253 1916 7,096J . . 5' 09 . . 361-27 . 250 Ui 273 Tests are made in duplicate, and the fat is shown in three decimals. If the fourth figure is 5 or greater, it is counted 1, if less than 5 it is dropped. Tests are made by the supervisors on the farm and composite sample is taken, I.e., with a pipette the same number of cubic centimetres as lbs, of milk into a jar from each milking, with a preservative. This is tested at the college as a check on the individual test. Subject to all conditions imposed by the rules of this association, State Agricultural Colleges may supervise the tests made by cows in their own herds; but no test made by any cow owned by such institution, that is made under the supervision of its own officers, shall be eligible to compete for any prize that may be offered by this association. 11 Si 1916. Herd Testing. 545 An official test may cover any number of consecutive days. N"o official test shall be accepted tbat is begun earlier in the lactation period than the morning of the seventh day after calving. Semi-official yearly test or lactation test is taken, on two consecutive days each month, beginning not earlier than fourth day after calving, continuing during the lactation period or such consecutive part of it, as the owaier may desire, but not exceeding 365 days in length. ISTot less than three different supervisors shall be employed in a semi-official test, and no supervisor should conduct the test in two successiv-e months Only officiai tests are accepted for Advanced Eegister, but semi-official records are credited when the cow has been accepted for Advanced Register. In Illinois, the highest records of the different breeds are as follows : — Name. Milk. Test. Fat. JersQy — Jacoba Irene Holstein Friesian — Pietertje Lass Aggie Netherland 2nd Guernsey — Dolly Bloom of Langwatter Brown Swiss — Belle Windsor lbs. 17,253 20,165-4 12,024-5 10,959-8 5-51 3-27 5-25 4-15 lbs. 952-0 660-70 632-34 455-08 These records are for 365 days. They claim Jacoba Irene's as the highest record ever made by a Jersey cow. The following are her records for four years : — — Milk. Fat. lbs. lbs. Year ending in 1906 11,391 619 1907 14,255 792 1908 17,253 952 1910 12,001 667-8 It will be noticed that she missed 1909. The inference is she was not in calf when she made her best record. Amongst Ayrshires in the Advanced Register it is seen that the average return is as under for a year's test: — Average for 2 year old ,. 3 ,. 4 ,, ,, mature Average for w1k)1c lbs. 8,719 10,079 10.560 10,977 9,888 Ti>>t. 40-5 3-78 4-02 3-83 3-95 lbs. ;}.")3-06 381 -26 424-10 420-62 390-22 10372.— B 546 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. Princess of Springhurst. Owner, Mr. J. D. Read. — Lbs. of Milk. Test. Butter Fat (lbs.) Standard (lbs.) MUk Last Day (lbs.) Days in Milk 1914 1915 1916 6,228f . . 6,291 5,869 6*14 5-87 6-05 . . 382- 33 . .. :!69*11 . .. :J55-28 . 250 250 250 m 84 273 273 273 Arcardia. Owner, Mr. 0. G. Knight. 1915 1916 Lbs. of MUk. 4,842J . 6,955^ . 5-49 5-31 I'.iitter Fat (lbs.) 265-9 ;56&' 55 Standard (lbs.) 250 250 ]\rilk Last Day (lbs.) 16J Days in Milk. 273 273 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 547 Victoria may well be proud, therefore, of some of the records already established for this breed amongst the Gowrie Park herd in 273 days' record. Moonlight Linda . . Laura I\^ Ida Honey Blossom Scottish Queen Pretty lbs. 10,079 13,401 10,764 11,917 12,655 10,601 12,022 11,196 Test. lbs. 4-95 499 4-78 640J 5-28 509 5-08 605 4-41 558 4-94 524 4-87 585 4-42 495 New South Wales. In the June issue of the Agricultural Gazette of ^ew South Wales appears the records of 57 cows, who have completed their nine months' test ; those giving a yield of more than 380 lbs. of butter are reproduced : — Yield, Nine Months. Yield: last Day. Name. Milk. Butter. Milk. Butter. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Pretty May 7,360 471 18-5 1-18 Bertha^of Euraaralla 6,784 459 20 1-29 Susie VT. 6,823 459 17-5 1-34 Daisy VI. 7,254 454 28 1-95 Silvery 6,757 451 16 1-07 Daisy IV. 6,604 447 12 1-01 Kenta's Twilish 6,504 421 12-5 0-84 Silver Bet 6,486 410 14 1-08 Daisy VII. 7,413 404 17 1-03 May Pinora . 6,276 400 14 1-01 Princess XIV. . . 6,582 390 13-5 0-98 Pearl i^. . 6,076 389 15-5 1-04 Goulisse 15th 5,727 383 16 1-17 Victoria. Let us now look at the records tliat have been obtained during the past year in Victorian herds. Bearing in mind that a portion of the drought period is included, and in all cases, owing to the same cause, the cows were heavily handicapped on entry, they cannot be regarded as other than highly satisfactory, and amongst so many good returns no more than passing notice can be given. The Jerseys arc again well to the fore both in the numbers entered and in the returns obtained. Pride of place is obtained by Mr. W . "Woodmason, with " Jessie VI. of Melrose," who gave 8,342 lbs. of milk, and an average test of 6.27, equal K 2 >48 JouT7ial of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept.^ 1916. to 523.34 lbs. of butter fat. This cow in the previous year was sixth in order of merit amongst all breeds, but first amongst the Jerseys, giving a slightly higher yield of butter fat on that occasion, 532 lbs. from a smaller yield of milk, viz., 7,924 lbs. A full sister " Jessie IX." comes nineteenth in order of merit, with 418 lbs. butter fat, showing that the strain is good. In gaining this position, and provided she calves again within fifteen months of last calving, Mr. Woodmason wins the iVnnual Champion Prize offered by the Department for the cow giving the greatest yield of butter fat during the year. Second in order of merit and winner of the Annual Reserve Champion Prize comes Mr. A. W. Jones, Avith " Lady Grey V.", having a record of 9.615 lbs. of milk and 491.5 lbs. of butter fat. This cow has been a persistent performer, giving 305 lbs. butter fat as a heifer when she was Dainty 6tli. Lbs. of Milk. Owner, Mr. Trevor Harvey. 1916 5,306 Test. 5- 66 Butter Fat (lbs.) 300* 33 Standard (lbs.) 17.5 :Milk Last Day (lbs.) 19i Days in Milk. sixth in her class, 466.9 lbs. on her second calf when she was third in her class, and now moves up to second place in the 250-lb. class. Her full sister, '' Lady Grey I.", as is shown later, is first in the heifer class. " Birdseye," one of the red polls on the Werribee Research Farm, is third. This cow was sixth in the 200-lb. class in 1914, with 341 lbs. of fat, 22nd in 1915 in the 250-lb. class, and now third with 485.9 lbs. of butter fat. Two cows that call for more than passing notice are Mr. C. G. Lyon's 16-year-old cow '^ ISToreen," who, with a return of 473 lbs. of fat, gained sixth place in the list; she was fifteenth last year, and third the year before, showing remarkable returns; and Mr. W. Woodmason's " Jessie's Progress," which, with a return of 464 lbs. of butter fat, is seventh in order of merit at the good old age of nineteen years. Only one daughter and one granddaughter of this old cow are in the test in 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 549 " Jessie XI.", the daughter, which is twelfth on the list with a return of 430 lbs. of butter fat, and " Wilful Venture," the granddaughter, exempted this year on account of sunstroke, but thirteenth last year with 480 lbs. of fat.' Brownbreacl. Owner, Mr. C. D. Lloyd Lbs. of Milk. I'.st. 3.9301 .. C'.J2 T.iitt-r Staii(l;inl Milk I.ii.st Davs in Milk. Fat (lbs.) (Ihs.) Day (lbs.) •IAS 70 . . 175 . . 8 . . 273 Tulip, Princess, Grannie, Nightshade. Owner, Mr. J. D. Read. "Sweetbread XXIV.," owned by .Mr. ('. 1). Lloyd, is again well to the fore, being ninth witb 452 lbs. of l)Utter fat, and one of her heifers, " Creatiilircad," conies fil'tli in the heifer class with ;nO lbs. 550 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. Ajrshires are not well represented in this year's operations, only two herds being entered, and both of these suffered severely by reason of the drought. Amongst the cows under 4 years of age — 200-lbs. standard — Mr. C. G. Lyon takes first place with " Parakeet," which yielded 438.9 lbs. of butter fat, passing from sixth in the heifer standard last year. Mr. Woodmason's " Mystery XIII. of Melrose " comes second, and maintains a high average test of 6.46, being the fifth highest for the year, while a half-sister, " Mystery IX.", comes seventeenth in order of merit, and best of this line in the open class. Mr. A. "W. Jones, with " Lady Grey VIII.", is third. In the heifer class Mr. A. W. Jones scores with "Lady Grey I. of St. Albans," with a return of 347 lbs. of fat, Mr. "Woodmason taking the three next positions with ''Chevy VIII. of Melrose.," ''Jessie XIII.", and " Handsome Girl VII." The highest average test obtained during the year is 6.71. This was obtained by Mr. C. D. Lloyd's " Queen Spark." HERD PRIZE. Six herds are eligible to compete for the herd prize donated by the Government, which is offered to herds in which ten or more cows complete their period within the twelve months ended 30th June. This prize is allotted on a handicap basis. In the first place, heifers who have to attain the 175-lb. standard receive a handicap of 75 lbs. of butter fat each. Those which have to reach 200-lbs. standard receive 50 lbs. each, and every cow in the herd, when the total is above ten, receives ^ lb. of butter fat for each cow. The average for each cow must be 300 lbs. of fat; thus a herd of ten cows, giving an average of 300 lbs. of fat, would be beaten by a herd of 30 cows whose average was 286 lbs. of fat. The 30 cows would each receive 15 lbs. handicap, bringing the total to 301 lbs. average, exclusive of handicaps for heifers and second calf cows. Only four of the herds, eligible by number of cows, are qualified by herd average for the prize, as shown below. ■ Mr. W. Woodmason's " Melrose " herd takes pride of place with the average return of 403 lbs. of butter fat per cow, including handicap allowances in a herd of 51 cows. Mr. C. G. Lyon's " Banyule " herd is second with 384 lbs. of fat, as an average with fourteen cows. The figures cannot be regarded as other than highly satisfactory. A pleasing feature of the result is seen in comparing the average of these herds without the herd allowance, when Mr. Woodmason's herd shows an average almost identical vnth. that of Mr. Lyon's. Seeing the difference in the number of cows, the inference is that the tail end of the herd is a good one. 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 551 552 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. PRIZE LIST. The following are the prizes offered by the Government for the year ended 30th June, 1916. The prizes will be awarded through the Koyal Agricultural Society : — (1) Grand Chamjnon Cow — under Herd Test regulations. A grand champion prize of £100 as a trophy or cash for maintaining the position of annual champion for three successive years. Not yet allotted. (2) Annual Champion Coiv — under Herd Test regulations. A prize of £25, to be awarded to the cow which, on com- pletion of lactation period, gives the greatest amount of butter fat under the herd testing regulations of this Department during a lactation period terminating within a year ending 30th June. If two lactation periods are completed within the year, the last will be the period considered. Won by " Jessie VI. of Melrose " ; owner, Mr. W. Woodmason. (3) Annual Reserve Chanifnon — under Herd Test regulations. A prize of £15 per annum to be awarded to the cow attaining second place under the herd testing regulations of the Depart- ment during year ended 30th June. These prizes to be awarded conditionally upon the winning cow being exhibited at the next Royal Agricultural Show. In the event of the death of the winning cow prior to such show, the owner to exhibit his next best cow. Won hy "Lady Grey V."; owner, Mr. A. W. Jones. (4) Best Herd — under Herd Testing regulations. A prize of £50, to be a^yarded to the herd giving the greatest average return under the herd testing regulations of this Depart- ment under the following conditions : — (1) Minimum number of cows (completing the test during the year) in a herd — 10. (2) Such herd to average 300 lbs. of butter fat. (a) Handicaps to be allowed under the following scale : — ■ I. A herd of more than 10 coavs will receive a handicap of l lb. of butter fat for each cow. II. Cows entered under Eegulation 11 (a) will receive a handicap of 75 lbs. of butter fat. III. Cows entered under Eegulation 11 (h) and (c) to receive a handicap of 50 lbs. of butter fat. The prize to be allotted for the year ending 30th June, and the three best cows in the winning herd to be exhibited at the next Royal Agricultural Society's Show. Won by Melrose Herd; owner, Mr. W. Woodmason. No cow competing for any prize shall be milked more than twice a day, and must calve again within 15 months. 11 Si 1916.] Herd Testing. 553 RETURN OF CERTIFICATED COWS FOR YEAR ENDING 30th JUNE, 1916. MRS. A. BLACK, Noorat. (JERSEY). Completed during the year — 12. Certificated — 2. Name of Cow. W;zi Madge DoUy of Clydebank II. 3575 3742 27.5.15 9.8.15 ci a £ 3.6.15 16.8.15 >> ^ ft . ■si & o ^1 1 • "Sis FQfH "2 3 II lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. 273 12 4,6241 5-04 233.04 200 248 4 3,596 6-32 227-46 200 lbs. 265i 259i A. BOX, Hiawatha. (JERSEY). Completed during the year— 8. Certificated — 8. a 1n •o>« Name of Cow. o •a o or o S ' H J o 1^ cS C S !z;.S mk m > g "S-g lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Roseneath Sylvia 3776 9.11.14 16.11.14 273 8^ 4,305 5-39 232-29 200 264i Rosencath Twylish Not vet 17.12.14 24.12.14 273 12i 3,884 5-21 202-58 175 231 allotted Roseneath Fox's Twy- lish 3775 19.12.14 26.12.14 273 13 4,959 5-35 265-43 250 302J Lass' Favourite Not vet aUotted 3.5.15 10.5.15 273 14 4,881i .-.. 215-82 175 246 Larkspur's Claribelle 3772 16.9.15 23.9.15 273 19 7,533.V 4-72 355- 52 250 405i VI. Roseneath Daphne 3774 16.9.15 23.9.15 273 9^ 4,968 5-48 272-38 250 3101 Jfay's Gem . . Not vet allotted 19.9.15 26.9.15 273 12 4,176.^ 4-91 205-29 175 234 Roseneath Favourite Not yet 23.9.15 30.9.15 273 10. V 5,821 4-45 259-33 200 295} IV. aUott«d i F. CURNICK, Malvern. (JERSEY). Conif)letcd during the- year — 2. Certiticated — 2. te 1 .^ :£ ^ ?! .— ■a*< Name of Cow. •2 . ^'1 o ighto klast y of T •OT! III w5 114 C 2 >^.S ^i^a >i3 £5 lbs. wsta lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Eva 3770 19.10.14 20.10.14 273 154 6.2101 4-78 297-20 200 338J Peerless Pearl 3771 2.2.15 9.2.15 273 17i 6,017 5-27 317-23 200 3611 554 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Werribee. (RED POLL.) Completed during the year ^-46. Certificated — 40. Name of Cow. o ■a 1/ o Date of Entry to Test. o S o Is H Is lbs. -2° lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Britannia !Tot yet aUotted 6.10.14 13.10.14 273 16 6,889i 3-92 268- 81 200 306i Soudana 20.11.14 27.11.14 273 15^ 4,707 4-40 207' 17 175 236J Laurel 8.12.14 15.12.14 273 13i 5,006^ 4' 02 201-41 175 229J Ontario 18.12.14 25.12.14 273 16 4,739 4-21 199-68 175 227i Japana 24.12.14 31.12.14 273 19J 6,568 3*50 229- 74 200 262 Carribea 3.1.1.5 10.1.15 273 18 5,518 i 4-29 236- 92 200 270 Ardath 15.1.15 22.1.15 273 13 6,189^ I 4- 78 296-05 250 337J India 8.3.15 15.3.15 273 26J 8,146 i 4-11 335-23 250 382| Connecticut . . 3.4.15 10.4.15 273 21 7,204* 4-75 342-36 250 390i Panama 12.4.15 19.4.15 273 17 5,869" 4-23 248-45 200 283i Vuelta 25.4.15 2.5.15 273 20 8,311^ 4-03 334-89 250 381J PhQlipina 26.4.15 3.5.15 273 19 7,122i 4-82 343- 13 250 391i Primrose League (imp.) ^ 10.5.15 17.5.15 273 19i 6,831 4*34 296- 27 250 3371 Alpina _ 13.5.15 20.5.15 273 15i 6,357 4-00 254-23 250 2891 Turlva 16.5.15 23.5.15 273 32^ 6,362* 4-96 315-92 250 360J Cameo 23.5.15 30.5.15 273 15,^ 5,S73i 4-72 277-32 250 316i Sumatra 24.5.15 31.5.15 273 20 7,494i 4-40 329- 71 250 375J Tennessee \ 26.5.15 2.6.15 273 14^ 5.075^ 4*09 207-77 200 236J Mexicana J 1.6.15 8.6.15 273 16 7,969 4' 39 349-54 250 398J Asiana 5.6.15 12.6.15 273 12i 6,367 4' 63 295-00 250 336i Samorna 12.6.15 19.6.15 273 lOJ 5,400J 4' 71 254- 68 200 290i Netlierlana . . 22.6.15 29.6.15 273 28 9,455^ 4-25 402-03 250 458i Serbia 30.5.15 6.7.15 *247 23^ 4,271 : 4-22 179' 79 175 205 Sylvia 4.7.15 11.7.15 273 13^ 4,899 4-78 234-43 200 267i Pipio 2.8.15 9.8.15 273 13 5,906J 5' 04 297-49 200 339i Itala 3.10.15 10.8.15 273 16i 4,695 1 4-14 194-30 175 221, La Reina 12.8.15 19.8.15 273 17 0,004* 1 4*96 297- 65 200 339 Cuba 17.8.15 24.8.15 273 19J 7,924" 4-55 360-82 250 411 Kentucky . . 22.8.15 29.8.15 273 18 9,032* 3*88 350- 67 250 399: Russia 25.7.16 1.8.15 273 23 4,933 3' 82 188- 69 175 215 Persica 26.8.15 2.9.15 273 18i 6,797i 4-93 335-29 250 382i Pennsylvania 27.8.15 3.9.15 273 7 8,203 4-00 327-96 250 373i Picotee 30.8.15 6.9.15 273 13i 7,317 4*34 317-76 250 • 362i LUy 1.9.15 8.9.15 273 18J 7,077J 4" 55 322- 35 200 367i Birdseye 7.9.15 14.9.15 273 18 7,573 6' 42 485-95 250 554 BuUion 12.9.15 19.9.15 273 11.V 7,121 4' 38 311-79 250 355J Violet III. . . 13.9.15 20.9.15 273 14i 7,940* 4*49 356-85 200 406J Paciflca 17.9.15 24.9.15 273 13" 3,868i 4-76 184-02 175 209i Mongolia 17.9.15 24.9.15 273 10 7,415 4-30 319-81 200 364i Goldleaf 20.9.15 27.9.15 245 4 6,665 4-43 1 295- 62 250 337 * Lost first 26 days through weights not being available. GEELONG HARBOUR TRUST, Marsh alltown. (AYRSHIRE.) Completed during the year — 16. Certificated — -6. M >. ■O-ti Name of Cow. o 1 = Date of Entry to Test. II 2 ■ ■5h sis ■a -a i =* lbs. « o lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Gipsy Maid II. of Sparrovale 2511 25.11.14 2.12.14 273 13* 4,916 4-40 216-12 175 246i Winnie of Glen Elgin 1850 25.2.15 4.3.15 273 m 6,265J 4-18 262- 20 250 299 Gipsy Maid of Glen El- gm 1818 2.4.15 9.4.15 273 8i 6,180 4-27 264-09 250 301 Ruby of Glen Elgin . . 1836 6.5.15 13.5.15 273 19 8,538 4.13 352.98 250 402i Ruby of Sparrovale . . 2512 18.6.15 25.6.15 273 7i 7,178 4-37 313-42 200 357i Princess Edith of Gow- rie Park . . 2876 1.9.15 8.9.15 273 7i 5,488J 4-19 229-85 200 262 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 555 TREVOR HARVEY, Boisdale. (JERSEY.) Completed during the year — 4. Certificated — 4. ja >. ^ Name of Cow. o n "3^ o Q_^. j= •s . .2 > ■sa-s ■s-^^- .£f.M O) O 5 "3 P'Ih ^.2 ^1 lbs. lbs. Dainty VI. . . Not yet allotted 10.1.15 17.1.15 273 19i 5,306 Ladv Marge IV. 12.4.15 19.4.15 273 12* 4,718J Sparkle 2978 29.4.15 6.5.15 273 15 5,091 mucbell of Pine Hills 2975 13.8.15 20.8.15 273 14 5,079 •0-6 M 3 eg J CP -tin BP^ m« lbs. lbs. 5-66 300- 33 175 5-43 256- 21 175 6-37 324-45 200 5-82 295*86 200 a o lbs. 342i 369i 337i A. W. JONES, Whiltington. (JERSEY.) Completed during the year — 4. Certificated — 4« M >> ^ o c« 13 •- Name of Cow. o o s to ^^ 13 T3 Herd No. Date Ctlvi ee a S 6^ iz;.s lit is "1 lbs. 1 1 lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Dolly 3754 10.12.14;17.12.14 273 18 4,936i 6' 24 308-23 200 351i Ladv Grey I. of St. 1 Albans Not yet 9.3.15 allotted 1 16.3.15 273 17i 5,255 6' 61 347-36 175 396 Ladv Grey VIII. 1 28.3.15; 4.4.15 2731 17i 7,126J 5«35 381-76 200 435i Lady Grey V.* 3756 I 8.7.15 15.7.15 2731 33 9,615 5-11 491-59 250 560J • Owing to an error in the calving and expiry dates this cow was not credited with fuU yield in the quarterly report. * C. G. KNIGHT, C3])rani. (JERSEY.) Completed during the year — -18. Certificated — 16. M >. «H a Name of Cow. 8 a og" o ft . s •3 S> -Sis-g ■s-=1>> ^M o 6 q3 a a a ^3 ^g« ^■4 ^ lbs. lbs. Arcadia 1534 28.9.14 4.10.14 273 9 4,842i T.ridismaid of Tampirr 2981 2.10.14 9.10.14 273 11 4,676 I'riiicrss of Tarnpirr . . 2986 8.10.14 15.10.14 273 8 4.835 Mi^llrtoo of 'I'arnpirr . . 2984 23.1.15 30.1.15 273 17 5,282 Uoiiiunv Lass 2563 18.5.15 25.5. 15 273 Hi 5,032i Amy elastics 1520 31.5.15 7.6.15 273 11 5,542 Alici' of Tariii)irr Not vet allotted 14.7.15 21.7.15 273 7 3,870 Sweetheart of Tarnpirr 2987 18.7.15 25.7.15 273 lOi 5,056 l.llv of Tarnpirr 2221 24.7.15 31.7.15 273 11 6,293 IdvWs Ideal 2096 30.7.15 6.8.15 273 Hi 5,426i Mythic 2404 6.8.15 13.8.15 273 14i 7,096i Foxglove of Tampirr . . 2983 13.8.15 20.8.15 273 lot 4.512J Arcadia liJ34 17.8.15 24.8.15 273 16i 6,955i Primrose of Tampirr . . 2985 27.8.15 3.9.15 273 lOi 4,655 HridoBmald of Tarnpirr 2981 7.9.15' 14.9.15 273 m 4,634i Bonnie of Tarnpirr 2980 15.9.15 22.0.15 273 14t 6,208i (O •5h >-• s . lbs. 5-49 265-90 4-85 226- 60 5-09 246- 26 5-29 279-32 5-63 283- 50 5-29 293- 16 5-80 224-60 4* 55 231-08 4-53 285-03 4-96 269.49 5-09 361-27 5-89 265-96 5-31 369- 55 5-81 270- 90 4-56 212-24 5-19 270- 13 •o — •a-o > 1^ Name of Cow. § n o^ o ^ -J a o Date Entr Test. & IIS lbs. lbs. Brownbread Not yet allotted 27.10.14 3.11.14 273 8 3,936J Countess Twylish 928 28.10.14 4.11.14 273 21 8,150 Queen Spark 25.33 5.12.14 12.12.14 273 lU 4,282i Doreen 2976 6.5.15 13.5.15 273 8i 5,233 Creambread . . Not yet allotted 19.8.15 26.8.15 273 15 5,203 Sweetbread XIV. 2979 24.8.15 31.8.15 273 16 8,484 ■a-d tc > s 3 c4 Ss o^H «E=:( CO W lbs. lbs. 6-32 248- 70 175 5-24 427- 50 250 6-71 287*19 250 5-13 268*93 200 5-97 310-81 175 5-33 452-42 250 Cm, .2 "m *^ "^ lbs. 283i 487i 327i 30 6 J 354i 515i C. GORDON LYON, Heidelberg. (JERSEY.) Completed during the year — 14. Certificated — 14. Name of Cow. Lassie III. of Banyule Molly III. of Banyule Lassie II. Ettie IV. Silver Audrey SilVermine III. Hawthorn of Banyule Hawthorn II. of Ban yule Velveteen II. Noreen Parrakeet MoEy IV. . . MoUy II. 3620 509 3624 1136 2889 1378 715 1064 3619 2927 636 3625 Not yet allotted. 614 & > 18.10.14 23 .10.14 6.11.14 10.12.14 16.12.14 19.1.15 19.2.15 16.3.15 1.4.15 2.4.15 1.8.15 31.8.15 6.9.15 24.9.15 >. o Q_^. o>. si's ■s tc ^s^ •H r^^ >. tlC_^ t-, ^ ^B ^3 =s ^■i s <1H 1 • JO lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. 273 8i 5,869 6-05 355-28 250 405 273 8 4,528* 5-45 246' 89 175 281 i 273 11 5,735 5-59 320-89 250 3651 259 9 5,464 5-05 275-84 250 314i 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 557 J D. READ, Springhurst. (JERSEY)— con s o lbs. 1^1 lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Euroa of Springhurst . . 1918 26.4.15 3.5.15 273 0 4.969i 5' 54 275*57 250 314J Graceful Magnet of Springhurst 2058 3.5.15 10.5.15 273 13 6.392 5.37 343.25 250 391i Musk of Springhurst . . Not vet allotted 8.5.15 15.5.15 273 11 3,700J 5*56 205*95 175 234f Balsam of Springhurst ,, 21.5.15 28.5.15 273 14 4,221 5*21 220*02 175 250i ALsyke of Springhurst 1515 10.6.15 17.6.15 273 8 5,724 5*26 301*07 250 343i Daisy of Springhurst . . 1788 14.6.15 21.6.15 273 n 5,673 5*23 296*56 250 338 Grannie of Springhurst 2059 14.6.15 21.6.15 273 5 5,385* 5' 23 281" 65 250 321 Hyacinth of Spring- 1 hurst 3705 22.6.15 29.6.15 273 9 3,713 5*89 218*74 200 249i Arum of Springhurst . . Not yet allotted 25.6.15 2.7.15 273 10 4,529^ 5*34 240*26 175 274 Buttercup of Spring- hurst 3702 27.6.15 4.7.15 273 8 5,369 6*03 32.3' 80 250 369i Boronia of Springhurst Not yet 5.7.15 12.7.15 273 4 4,031 5*00 201*67 175 230 aUotted Shamrock of Spring- I 1 hurst 3708 13.7.15 20.7.15 258 4 4,065i 5*14 209*12 200 238i Foxglove of Spring- hurst 3704 15.7.15 22.7.15 273 4 5,575 4*87 271*48 250 309J Honeysuckle of Spring- 1 hurst Not vet allotted 18.7.15 25.7.15 273 9i 4,053^ 5*22 211*82 175 241J Dulcie of Springhurst 1878 31.7.15 7.8.15 273 ^ 5,691 5*79 329-66 250 375f Nightshade of Spring- 1 hurst 3707 12.8.15 19.8.15 273 22k 8,051 5*10 410* 32 250 467i Miss S. L. ROBINSON, Malvern. (JERSEY.) Completed during the year — S. Certificated — 3. m a >» Name of Cow. o "Sg' ^2 «^. •d ■S2 ■2-S3-S ■H .^^>. 3 .?" ■ ■2-fe-g ^.^ ^^t. B^ a o cs-a a c o O^ ^~ a X'A Oo QWH ^a s=?-a 'f- s lbs. lbs. Flirt of Kllmaniock . . 3091 1 4.11.14 11.11.14 273 25 7,051 lbs. 207*05 ^<5 lbs. 250 lljs. 304i 558 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. C. E. WOOD, Frankston. (JERSEY.) Completed during the year — 2. Certificated — 2. Name of Cow. Jersey May . . White BeU II. M m ^ a o O a •a -a a o "Sg' te a S ■s^° 5- «!^ lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. 2115 23.11.14 30.11.14 273 8i 7,136i 4-96 353-96 , 250 3728 25.10.14 *1.12.14 273 9 3,333 5-94 198*01 175 lbs. 403i 2251 * Entry df ferred until weights available. E. N. WOOD, Caulfleld. (JERSEY.) Completed during the year — -2. Certificated — 2. 44 ^ +i Name of Cow. O ■si- o a^ sis -^ ■s . -2> .S^-^ •2>^>. _bp^ wl 5^ :« a S 03H ^.3 ^a^ ^1 lbs. lbs. Luxury " . . 3725 7.10.14 14.10.14 273 17 8,119| Luxury 3725 24.9.15 1.10.15 273 23^ 9,012 "CiTJ Si ^ 3 £ U o sis S H «!H Hfe ^(A lbs. lbs. 5-40 438* 83 250 5* 01 461-04 250 lbs. 500J 525J W. WOOD MASON, Malvern. Completed during the year — 52 (JERSEY.) Certificated — 51. Name of Cow. Daisy VI. of Melrose . . Banker VI. of Melrose Jessie V. of Melrose . . Edith II. of Melrose . . Flower VI. of Melrose M >> .fi o o o S °-^H •d-a HerdB No. Weight Milk. p ■g lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Not yet 25.9.14 2.10.14 273 lOJ 4,699J 5-14 241-83 175 allotted 3631 26.9.14 3.10.14 273 15 5,402i 5-64 304- 76 200 3652 5.10.14:12.10.14 273 19J 7,919^ 5-26 416-31 250 Not yet 10. 10.14,17. 10. 14 273 14 5,418 5-48 296- 69 175 allotted 3641 11.10.14 18.10.14 273 13 5,274i 6-14 324-17 250 lbs. 275i 347J 475J 338i 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 559 W. WOODMASON, Malvern — continued. Name of Cow. Graceful Duchess XI. of Melrose . . Quality VI. of Melrose Mystery XII. of Melrose Fuchsia X. of Melros<^ Daisy V. of Melrose . . Jessie XII. of Melrose Rarity VI. of Melrose Mystery XIII. of Mel- rose Chevy VIII. of Melrose Mystery IX. of Melrose Mermaid II. of Melrose Purity IV. of Melrose Jessie IX. of Melrose . . Lassie Fowler III. of Melrose Zoe V. of Melrose Jenny Lincl VIII. of Melrose Rarity V. of Melrose . . Mystery VIII. of Mel- rose Laura VI. of Melrose . . Jessie's Progress Pearl III. of INIelroso . . Lady jMelrose IV. Jessie XIII. of Jlelrose Vanilla VI. of Melrose Graceful Duchess X. of Melrose Merry Girl IV. of Mel- rose Graceful Duchess VIII. of Jlelrose Jessie VI. of Melrose . . Polly II. of Melrose . . Pearl of Melrose Waverley Lass 11. of Melrose Jessie XI. of Jfelrose . . Vanilla V. of Melrose . . Jessie VIII. of Melrose Fuclisia XI. of Melrose Peerless VII. of Melrose Empire V. of Melrose Lizzie VI. of Melrose . . Sweet Pansy II. of Mel- rose Handsome Girl VII. of Melrose Sweet Pansy of Melrose Lady Elector 1 1 . of Mel- rose Jessie X. of Melrose . . Carrie V. of Melrose . . Peerless VIII. of M. 1- Gaiety Girl" VI 11. of Mefrose Not yet allotted 3674 3667 Not vet aUotted 3637 Not yet allotted 3675 3668 J* ot yet allotted 3665 Not yet aUotted 1324 3654 1137 1496 3651 1344 3664 3658 3657 Not yet aUotted 3646 3662 1056 Not yet allotted 3669 Not yet allotted 3656 3678 3653 Not yet aUotted 3672 Not yet aUotted 1413 Not vet aUotted 3655 3634 3673 Not yet aUottcd 11" 14.10.14 21.10.14 20.10.14 27.10.14 21.10.14 28.10.14 12.11.14 19.11.14 20.11.14 27.11.14 20.11.14 27.11.14 27.11.14 4.12.14 2.12.14 9.12.14 17.12.14 24.12.14 ;z;.S i^SP 21.1.15 1.2.15 6.2.15 11.2.15 22.2.15 22.2.15| 18. 3. 15' 20.3.15 25.3.15! 5.4.15 16.4.15, 20.4.15 28.1.15' 8.2.15j I3.2.I5I 18.2.15i I.3.I5I 1.3.15| 25.3.15 27.3.15 1.4.15 12.4.15 23.4.15 27.4.15 27.4. 5.6, 12.7. 18.7. 30.7. 10.8. 10.8. 12.8. 13.8. 16.8. 18.8. 18.8. 22.8. 23.8. 15j 4.5.15 151 12.6.15 15| 19.7.15 15' 25.7.15 15 6.8.15 I 15i 17.8.15 15 17.8.15 19.8.15 20.8.15 23.8.15 15 15 15 15 25.8.15 15| 25.8.15 15 29.8.15 15 30.8.15 23.8.15 30.8.15 24.8.15 31.8.15 26.8.15 2.9.15 28.8.15 4.9.15 29.8. 31.8, 15 5.9.15 151 7.9.15 3.9.15 10.9.15 4.9. 7.9, 2.9. 15.9. 11.9.15 14.9.15 •16.9.15 22.9.15| 273 14* 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 2731 273 [ 273 273' 273 273 273 273 273; 273 1 273 j 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 273 273: 273 1 273 273 273' 273. 273 273 273 273 18 17i 16^ 18i 18 273 18J 23Jt 18' 23 16^ 13 20 15J 14 18i 9 18J 13i 13* 26i 13J 15} 18 9 16* 14' 18 11 14} 12* 7" 273 11 14* 15' ^1 4,470} 6-02 7,161 4- 7,511} 4- 3,845} 6- 7,317* 5- 8,644* 4- 7,268} 5 4,134 5 5,931} 6,696} 5 ■57 '06 ■89 54 ■28 64 15 22 60 73 63 5,394} 5-67 5,082 3,850} 4,829 4,421} 6,716 6,580} 7,108 4,759 5-94 u § . £ 0 269-29 175 307 478- 44 346-48 248-39 250 250 175 545} 395 283J 339-51 303-21 200 175 387 345f 423-48 250 482i 390-72 338-56 200 175 445* 386 421- 60 345-36 250 250 480} 3931 322- 48 418-62 250 250 367} 477J 446- 29 405-26 250 250 508| 462 346-38 429-06 200 250 394i 489 369- 68 416-36 464-28 260-62 250 250 250 175 421} 474f 529i 297 360-99 327-17 313-85 200 175 250 411} 373 357i 336-63 200 383f 325-10 250 370j 476-95 523-34 250 250 5431 596} 355-57 343-94 233-37 200 250 175 405} 392 266 430-21 392-96 384-50 233-54 2.50 250 250 175 490* 448' 438} 266} 306-94 353- 64 250 200 350 403} 234-22 200 267 220-82 175 251} 320-63 300-23 175 250 365} 349 262*85 175 299} 352-02 346*26 250 250 401} 394 390-26 250 445 256-53 175 292} * Entry extended seven days as weights not available. 560 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. COWS IN ORDER OF MERIT. Cows over 4 years of Age or on third lactation period — 250 lbs. Standard. o Name of Cow. 6 'A Owner. Breed. Milk. ^ _05 ■o'S a o > o ^i 3 OS ten ' 9,615 5-11 491-59 560i 3 }5irdseye Department of Agri- culture Red Poll 7,573 6*42 485-95 554 4 Quality VI. of Melrose 3674 W. Woodmason . . Jersey 8,349i 5« 73 478-44 545i 5 Graceful Duchess VIII. of Melrose 1056 W. Woodmason . . " 9,026 5*28 476-95 543S 6 Noreen 636 0. G. Lyon J, • • 10,314J 4' 59 473-42 539f 7 Jessie's Procress . . 3657 W. Woodmason . . ,, . . 7,784* 5-96 464-28 529J 8 Luxury 3725 E. N. Wood J) 9,012" 5' 01 461-04 525J 9 Sweetbread 2979 C. D. Lloyd >) ■ ■ 8,484 5-33 452-42 515? 10 Lassie Fowler III. of Melrose 1137 W. Woodmason . . M • • 8,121 5' 49 446-29 508| 11 Luxury 3725 E.N. Wood ,. . . 8,119i 5*40 438-83 500i 12 Jessie XI. of Melrose 3636 W. Woodmason . . ,, 7,317^ 5*89 430-21 490i 13 Rarity V. of Melrose 1344 W. Woodmason . . ,, . . 8,183^ 5-24 429-06 489 14 Countess Twvlish 928 C. D. Lloyd 11 8,150 5-24 427-50 487i 15 Rarity VI. of Melrose 3675 W. Woodmason . . )» 8,023 5-28 423- 48 482J 16 MoUy II. 614 C. G. T,yon 11 8,708 4-84 421-80 480J 17 Mystery IX. of Melrose . . 3665 W. Woodmason . . *) • • 7,047i 5-98 421-60 480i 18 Lassie II. 1136 C. G. Lyon ,, . . 8,544 4-91 419-56 478i 19 Jessie IX. of Melrose 3654 W. Woodmason . . ,, . . 7,359 5*69 418-62 477i 20 Jessie V. of Melrose 3652 W. Woodmason . . J» 7,919J 5-26 416-81 475i 21 Laura VI. of Melrose 3658 W. Woodmason . . M 7,172 5' 80 416-36 474} 22 Nightshade of Springhurst 3707 J. D. Read H 8,051 5-10 410-32 467J 23 Zoe V. of Melrose 1496 W. Woodmason )J 6,159i 6-58 405-26 462 24 Lotina 1160 Miss S. L. Robinson ,, 7,784 5' 19 403-95 460i 26 Netherlana Department of Agri- culture Red Poll 9,455J 4- 25 402-03 458i 26 Silvermine III. . . 715 C. G. Lyon Jersey 8,037J 4' 98 400-16 456i 27 Ettie IV. 2889 C. G. Lyon 8,743 4' 56 398-86 454J 28 Vanilla V. of Melrose 3678 W. Woodmason . . 8,644^ 4' 54 392-96 448 29 Peerless VIII. of Melrose . . 3673 W. Woodmason . . 7,108 5*48 390-26 445 30 Hawthorn of Banyule 1064 C. G. Lyon 7,557^ 5-09 385-12 439 31 Jessie VIII. of Melrose 3653 W. Woodmason . . 7,268^ 5-28 384-50 438i 32 Velveteen II. 2927 C. G. Lyon ,, , , 8,361 4-59 383-95 43 7J 33 Mystery VIII. of Melrose . . 3664 W. Woodmason . . 6,027 6' 13 369- 68 421i 34 Arcadia 1534 C. G. Knight 6,955^ 5' 31 369-55 421i 35 Lassie 509 C. G. I^yon 6,997^ 5-24 366-50 417J 36 Mythic 2404 C. G. Knight >> 7,096i 5' 09 361-27 411i 37 Cuba Department of Agri- culture Red Poll 7,924 4' 55 360-82 411i 33 Larkspur's Claribelle VI. . . 3772 A. Box . . Jersey 7,533i 4-72 355-52 405i 39 Princess of Springhurst 2521 J. D. Read 11 5,869 6-05 355-28 405 40 Jersey May 2115 C. E. Wood ,, . . 7,136i 4- 96 353-96 403J 41 Ruby of Glen Elgin 1836 Geelong Harbor Trust W. Woodmason . . Ayrshire . . 8,538 4-13 352-98 402i 42 Jessie X. of Melrose 3655 Jersey 6,716 5-24 352-02 401i 43 Kentucky Department of Agri- culture Red PoU 9,032J 3' 88 350- 67 399i 44 Mexicans Department of Agri- culture M 7,969 4*39 349-54 398i 45 Mystery XII. of Melrose . . 3667 W. Woodmason . . Jersey 6, 565 J 5*28 346-48 395 46 Carrie V. of Melrose 3634 W. Woodmason . . »> • • 6,580^ 5-26 346-26 394i 47 Mermaid II. of Melrose W. Woodmason . . n 6,733 5*13 345-36 3933 48 Pearl of Melrose . . 3669 W. Woodmason . . 1) 7,511J 4' 57 343-94 392 49 Graceful Magnet of Spring- hurst Phillipina 2058 J. D. Read ,, 6,392 5-37 343-25 391J 50 Department of Agri- Red PoU . . 7,122J 4*82 343-13 391i culture 61 Connecticut Department of Agri- culture 7,204J 4-75 342-36 390J 52 Perslca Department of Agri- culture " 6,797J 4' 93 335-29 382i 53 India Department of Agri- culture „ 8,146 4' 11 335- 23 382i 54 Vuelta Department of Agri- culture „ 8,311i 4-03 334-89 381J 55 Sumatra Department of Agri- culture „ 7,494J 4' 40 329- 71 375} 56 Dulcle of Springhurst 1878 J. D. Read Jersey 5,691 5' 79 329- 66 375i 57 Pennsylvania Department of Agri- culture Red Poll 8,203 4*00 327*96 373J 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 561 Cows OVER 4 Years of Age or on TnraD Lactation Period — 250 lbs. Standard — continued. Name of Cow. 89 90 91 Merry Girl IV. of Melrose Flower VI. of Melrose Buttercup of Springhurst Purity IV. of Jlelrose Tulip of Springhurst Plcotee Larkspur's Claril>elle Turka Vanilla VI. of :Me!rosc Lotina Bullion Peerless VII. of Melrose Sweet Pansy of ^lelrose Alsyke of Springhurst Daisy of Springhurst Primrose League Ardath Goldleaf Asiana Amy Castles Queen Spark Silver .\uilrcy Lily of Tanipirr . . Grannie of Springliurst Cameo Stockings of Springliurst Kuroa of Springhurst Rosencatli Daphne Koxulove of Springhurst Idyll's Idi'al l''lirt of Kilmarnock Arcadia Iloseneath Fox's Twylish Gipsy Maid of Glen Klgin Winnie of Glen Elgin Alpina 3662 36+1 3702 1324 2730 1132 1160 3672 1413 1515 1788 1520 2533 1378 2221 2059 2663 1918 3774 3704 2096 3091 1534 3775 1818 1850 W. Woodmason . . W. Woodmason . . J. D. Read W. Woodmason . . J. D. Head Department of Agri- culture Miss S. L. Robinson Department of Agri- culture W. Woodmason Miss S. L. Robinson Department of Agri- culture W. Woodmason . . W. Woodmason . . J. D. Read J. D. Read Department of Agri- culture Di'partment of Agri- culture Dcpartnumt of Agri- culture Department of Agri- culture C. (J. Knight C. 1). Lloyd C. G. Lyon C. G. Knight J. D. Read Department of Agri- culture J. D. Read J. D. Read A. Box . . J. D. Read C. G. Knight D. Sadler C. G. Knight A. Box . . Geelong Harbor Trust Geelong Harbor Trust Deiiartment of Agri- culture Breed. Jersey Red Poll Jersey Red Poll Jersey Red Poll ' Jersey Red Poll ' Jersey Red Poll Jersev Ayrshire Jersey -Ayrshire Red Poll a Milk. c3 > s 3 c8 lbs. RfH lbs. 6,023i 5-38 325* 10 5,274i 6' 14 324*17 5,369 6-03 323*80 5, 634 J 5-72 322*48 5,735 5-59 320*89 7,317 4-34 317*76 6,631 4' 79 317*46 6,362J 4-96 315*92 7,053 4-44 313*85 6,052i 5'16 312*19 7,121 4' 38 311*79 5,931i 5-15 306*94 5,394.^ 5-67 306*23 5,724 5-26 301*07 5,673 5-23 296-56 6,831 4-34 296*27 6,189i 4' 78 296*05 6,665 4-43 295* 62 6,367 4-63 295*00 5,542 5-29 293*16 4,282i 6' 71 287*19 5,887 4' 85 285* 74 6.293 4* 53 285*03 5,385^ 5-23 281*65 5,873i 4-72 277*32 5,464 5" 05 275*84 4,969.V 5*54 275* 57 4,968 5-48 272* 38 5,575 4-87 271*48 5,426^ 4' 96 269*49 7,051 3' 79 267*05 4,842,V 5*49 265*90 4,959 5" 35 265* 43 6,180 4' 27 264*09 6,265\ 4-18 262* 20 6,357 4-00 254-23 Cows under 4 Years of Age— 200 lbs. Standard. Name of C'ow. Parrakc(^t Mystery XIII. of Melrose . Latly (irey VIII. Ladv Melrose IV. Vlolit III. Polly II. of Melrose JOnijiirc V. of .Mi'lrosc Jenny Lind V 1 1 1 . of Melrose Daisy V. of Melrose Grac^'ful Duchess X. of Mel rose Sparkle Lily 3625 3668 3651 3637 3646 2978 Owner. C. G. Lyon . . j Jersey W. Woodmason . . ,, A. W. Jones . . ,, W. Woodmason .. | Department of .\grl- Ii<'d Poll culture W. Woodmason . . Jersey . W. Woodmason W. Woodmason W. Woodmason W. Woodmason T. Harvey . . | Depurtincnt of Agri- , Red Poll culture I K, Milk. 3"S - s ^ c8 '^H pq^ lbs. lbs. 5,255 6*61 347*36 6,011 5*63 338* 56 5,261J 6*21 327*17 4,829 6*63 320* 63 5,203 5*97 310*81 5,063J 5*99 303*21 5,622 5*38 302*28 5,306 5*66 300*33 5,418 5*48 296* 69 4,470i 6*02 269*29 11 Sept., 1916.] Herd Testing. 563 Heifers — 175 lbs. Standard — continued. OS 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Name of Cow. Lady Elector II. of Melrose Pearl III. of Melrose j (iaietv (Jirl VIII. of Melrose l.ady'Miiru'e IV. I'.ro\vnl)rr:i(l Ftu-lisia X. of >reIrose Princess Dettane* of Spring- hurst Daisy VI. of Melrose Anini of Sprinsliurst Fuchsia XI. of Melrose Waverley I.ass II. of Melrose bridesmaid of Tarnpirr Alice of Tarnpirr Sweet Pansy II. of MeIro.se iJalsain of Sprinjzhurst Gipsy Maid II. of Sparrovale Las-;' I'avourite IliiiK ysurkle of Springhurst .Musk of S]iringhurst Soudaiia May's Gem Roseneath Twylish Boronia of Springhur.st Laurel . . Ontario . . Lassie HI. of I'lanvule White bell II. . . Itala Russia . . Pacilica Serbia . . 2981 2511 3620 3728 Harbor W. Woodmason W. Woodmason W. Woodmason T. Harvev (;. D. Lloyd W. Woodmason J. D. Read W. Woodmason J. D. Read W. Woodmason W. Woodmason C. G. Knight 0. G. Knight W. Woodmason J. D. Head Geelong Trust A. Box . . J. D. Read J. D. Read Department of Agri- culture A. Box . . A. Box . . J. D. Read Department of Agri- culture Department of Agri- culture C. G. Lypn C. E. Wood. Department of Agri- culture Department of Agri- culture Department of Agri- culture Department of Agri- culture Breed. Jersey Ayrshire Jersey Red Poll Jersey Red Poll " Jersey Red Poll " Milk. lbs. 4,421J 4,016^ 4,759 4,7I8J 3,936Jt 5,503' 4,528J 5*94 6-49 5* 39 5-43 6' 32 4-51 5-45 lbs. 262- 85 260-62 256* 53 256-21 248- 70 248-39 246- 89 4,699J 5-14 241-83 4,529i 5-34 240-26 : 4,134 5-64 233-54 3,845i 6-06 233- 37 4,676 4-85 226- 60 3,870 5-80 224- 60 3,850J 5- 73 220-82 4,221 5-21 220-02 4,916 4-40 216-12 4,881i 4-42 215-82 4,053J^ 5-22 211-82 3.700i 5-56 205- 95 4,707 4-40 207-17 4,176J 4-91 205- 29 3,884 5-21 202- 58 4,031 5-00 201-67 5,006J 4-02 201-41 4,739 4-21 199-68 3,980 5-01 199-36 3,333 5-94 198-01 4,695 4-14 194-30 4,933 3-82 188- 69 3,868§ 4- 76 184-02 4,271 4-22 179-79 lbs. 299| 297 292* 292i| 283i 283i 281i 275f 274 266i 266 258i 256 251i 250J 24 6J 246 241* 234| 236i 234 231 230 229J 22 7i 227i 225J 221i 215 2093 205 HERD AVERAGES. W. WOODMASON'S "Melrose" Herd. Cows of Herd in tiieir Respective Classes. 28 Mature Cows yielded 9 Second-calf <.'ow9 yielded Handicap of 50 lbs. each 14 Heifers yielded Handicap of 75 lbs. each Return without herd allowance 51 Cows in lierd allowed 25J llis. each (equal to J lb. per cow) Herd total, including all handicap allowances 3,021-65 lbs. 450-00 lbs. 3.813-50 lbs. 1,050-00 lbs. Butter Fat. lbs. 10,920* 34 3,471'65 4,863- 50 19,255' 49 l.SOO* 60 20,555-99 Average. 390 01 335 74 272 39 377- 56 564 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. C. G. LYON'S "Banyule" Herd. Cows of Herd in their Bespective Classes. 9 Mature Cows yielded 3 Second-calf Cows yielded Handicap of 50 lbs. each 2 Heifers yielded Handicap of 75 lbs. each Return without herd allowance 14 Cows in herd allowed 7 lbs. each (equal to i lb. per cow) Herd total, including all handicap allowances 957-76 lbs. 150-00 lbs. 501-64 lbs. 150-00 lbs. 5,282- 77 98-00 5,380-77 Butter Fat. Average. lbs. 3,523-37 391-48 319-25 1,107-76 250-82 651-64 377-33 384- 33 DEPARTMENT OF AQRiCULTURE, Research Farm Herd. Cows of Herd in their Respective Classes. 25 Mature Cows yielded 13 Second-calf Cows yic^lded Handicap of 50 lbs. each 8 Heifers yielded Handicap of 75 lbs. each Return without herd allowance 46 Cows in herd allowed 23 lbs. each (equal to i lb. per cow) Herd total, including aU handicap allowances Butter Fat. 3,453-53 lbs. 650-00 lbs. 1.516-85 lbs. 600-00 lbs. lbs. 7,778- 2,116-85 13,999-26 1,058-00 15,057-26 Average. 327-32 265-65 304- 33 327-33 J. D. READ'S "Springhurst" Herd. Cows of Herd in their Respective Classes. 15 Mature Cows yielded 2 Second-calf Cows yielded Handicap of 75 lbs. each 8 Heifers yielded Handicap of 75 lbs. each Return without herd allowance 25 Cows in herd allowed 12i lbs. each (equal to \ lb. per cow) Herd total, including all handicap allowances Butter Fat. Average. 427-86 lbs. 150-00 lbs. lbs. 4,494-83 577-86 2,21C-61 299- 65 213-93 1,610-61 lbs. 600-00 lbs. 201-32 7,283-30 312- 50 291-33 7,595-80 303-83 11 Sept., 1916.] Notes on Portuguese Vine Varieties. 565 NOTES ON PORTUGUESE VINE VARIETIES. By F. de Castella, Government Viticiilturist. (Continucil from page 408.) Bastardo and Touriga, which will form the subject of the next articles differ widely from one another and from Alvarelhao (described in last issue). The last named appears to be mainly responsible for the curious " dry finish " of a high grade Port, but this is only one of the characteristics of this remarkable wine. The special character of .its bouquet and its flavour seem to be largely dependent on Bastardo, whilst Touriga is of, perhaps, equal importance in the direction of colour and body. It is the judicious combination and treatment of the fruit of these three, and of several other sorts to be described later, which result in what is known the world over as Port wine. These three sorts differ from each other to such an extent as to really constitute three distinct types, to one or other of which each of the other varieties used in the making of Port may be said to belong. Bastardo. This variety seems to be responsible for several of the leading features of Port, more especially of the ligliter-coloured type known as tawny Port. The wine yielded by Bastardo, like that of Grenache, con- tains a considerable percentage of alcohol. It is also remarkable for the instability of its colour, rapidly developing the tawny or onion-peel tint as it is termed in France, and the peculiar character known as the " rancio " taste. The small extent to which Grenache is grown on the Doui'o is perhaps explained by the fact that Bastardo possesses several of its leading peculiarities. Bastardo ripens earlier than Grenache ; perhaps, too early, in fact, for northern Victoria. This is a question which can only be answered by practical trial on a large scale, which must also decide as to whether and to what extent the one sort can replace the other in order to communicate a tawny colour and " rancio " taste to wines of Port type. Bastardo is one of the oldest Portuguese varieties, it is mentioned as long ago as 1532 by Buy Fernandez* as entering into the composition of a marvellous wine. Vincencio Alartef speaks of Bastardo as a very good grape, excellent to eat, and which, though poor in colour, softens the wine marvellously by its excellent sweetness, and gives its much freshness {noviddde, literally novelty). Rebello da Fonseca (1791) refers to Bastardo as softening the rough- ness of Alvarelhao and other grapes (see last issue). He deals with the curious fallacy that Bastardo should be identical with Pinot of Burgundy and Cliampagne, a subject mentioned by other Portuguese writers. The two sorts are really very different, and it is difficult to find how the idea originated. The &u])posed similarity led to a trial which he describes as follows: — " On 21.st Det-emher, 1789, 1 tasted a wine tluit Jose Jtnliu Pinto de Queiroz e Figueiredo; Chief dptain of Penaguiiio, iiad ordered to l)e made, tlie previoi's year, in imitation of Champagne, extracted from Bastardo grapes without any ♦ .\n Interesting description of agriculture in tlio noighbonrhood of Lainego, a town situated about the mi> 356 112 468 13 H. J. Meaddows »» . . 347 119 466 4 IC .1. H. Duncan .. >> 317 140 457 5 40 A. Brundrett M 3.i3 98 451 )» 36 E. \V. Hippe . . ,, . . 343 108 451 27 Joiin Blacker ,, . . 343 103 446 8 41 Excelsior Poultry Farm . . »> 327 117 444 9 24 H. N. 11. Mirams „ (5 birds) 323 120 443 10 22 Mrs. H. Stevenson ») . . 317 123 440 11 38 V. I.ittlc !> 322 110 432 12 28 S. Cheatle R.C.B.'Leghorns .. 322 105 427 13 37 J. M. Smith White Leghorns . . 330 90 420 !^ 17 W. G. Swift »> 338 82 420 15 Q. Lau5?hlan ,, 289 122 411 16 23 T. A. Pettisrove »» 297 111 408 17 44 J. Jamieson . 305 98 403 18 4I> C. H. Oliver It 272 127 399 19 30 F. T. DeiiUf r . . >i 283 112 395 20 3 W. M. Bayles . . »» 271 122 393 21 14 W. R. Hustler . . >> 285 107 392 22 34 F. G. Silbereisen 285 99 384 23 32 1< . Burston 254 123 377 24 18 C. Ludwig 273 103 376 25 39 L. McLean > 248 113 361 26 16 F. CollinRS , 286 70 356 27 26 Mrs. A. Dumas . . ,; (5 birds) 274 81 355 |28 6 J. .r. West 236 119 355 12 G. Hayman 250 89 339 30 29 A. S. llyndman " 236 96 332 31 101 A. E. Silbereisen 214 115 329 32 11 P.. W . Pope ,, . ■ 262 66 328 33 8 IC. A. Lawson j» 206 105 311 34 19 l?en\verron Egp F.irm )> 205 97 302 35 43 S. Buscutrib 206 92 298 36 5 W. G. Osburne . . > 205 84 289 37 42 Thirkell and Smith ','. (5 birds) 205 64 269 38 20 H. Merrick >> 182 66 248 39 36 Ton, I'isher >. 177 65 242 40 33 v.. F. lOvang 150 80 230 41 9 W. 11. ('lin(!in .. >. 113 112 225 42 4 Fulhani Bark ,1 90 79 169 43 31 J. H. Gill Total 82 53 4,440 135 44 11,690 DS. 16,130 HEAVY BREE Dry .M.\sh. 370 139 509 98 Marville Poultry Farm . . Black Orpington?* 1 97 D. Fisher 342 n3 4.><5 2 100 Oaklands Poultrv Farm .. 321 143 464 3 94 Mrs. M. Coad 273 111 384 4 95 T. W. Poarce 232 114 346 6 96 H. Hunt 137 113 280 6 99 J. Ogden '. 90 1,765 91 181 7 ToUl 884 2649 572 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. Sixth Victorian Egg-Laying Competition, 1916-1917 — continued. Conclusion of Winter Test — continued. Six Total Birds. 15.4.16 15.7.16 to Position in Owner. Breeds. to to Date Competi- Pen 14.7.16. 14.8.16 (Four tion. No. months). LIGHT BREEDS. Dry Mash. 46 W. H. Robbins White Leghorns 410 135 545 1 59 T. A. Pettigrove ^, 405 131 536 2 56 Mrs. Nicoll ^, 367 126 493 )' 52 W. J. Thorn 354 139 493 53 W. N. O'Mullane 347 123 470 5 70 G. Wilkinson . . \ 335 130 465 6 61 C. C. Dunn 1 363 91 454 7 58 C. Ludwi2 .) 343 105 448 8 65 Iznrtl and Tierney ' , 334 97 431 9 54 Mrs. A. 0. Huglies _, 349 79 428 10 47 H. Mclvenzie and Son ^, 291 136 427 11 62 J. W. -Morrow . . _ 320 100 420 12 48 Thirkell and Smitli ' 267 107 374 13 69 E. A. Lawson . . ^, 240 124 364 14 60 A. Greeniialgli . . 265 94 359 15 55 Rev. J. Mayo . . ^ 246 111 357 16 67 Lysbetii Poultry Farm . . ^, 233 106 339 17 49 C. Lane ^, 265 65 330 18 63 N. Burston 159 137 296 19 51 Reliable Poultry Farm . . ^ 2C4 80 284 20 50 Clevtidon Poultry Farm . . 179 97 276 21 66 Benwenen Egg Farm 140 115 255 22 64 A. Bennett _ 233 17 250 23 68 W. G. Osburne . . 93 79 172 24 Total 6,742 2,524 9,266 HEAVY BRT :rds Wkt Mas H. 74 Oaklands Poultry Farm .. Black Orpingtons 414 156 570 1 89 Brooklyn Poultry Farm . . 390 126 522 2 87 S. Busounib ,, 353 124 477 3 92 J.H.Wright .. ,, 324 152 476 4 85 Mrs. M. Coad . . ,, 328 138 466 5 83 L. McLean ,, 327 126 453 6 86 C. Ludwig ,, 315 135 450 7 88 A. L>. McLean . . 313 135 448 8 80 Mrs. M. Pearce . . ,, 315 132 447 9 72 Marville Poultry Farm . . ,^ 334 107 441 10 93 L. W Parker . . 303 118 421 11 90 Excelsior Poultry Farm . . „ 246 125 371 12 78 Reliable Poultry Farm . . ,, 245 113 358 13 91 N. Papayanui . . 206 147 353 14 81 K. (.ourtenay Favcrullcs 271 71 342 15 77 Mrs. G. R. Bald Wliite Plymou Rocks th 217 123 340 16 79 Stranks Bros. . . White Orps.,4 bir ds 287 40 327 17 73 E. W. Uippe . . Rhoile Island Rbl s 189 112 301 18 84 H. L. Trovana . . ^1 177 111 288 19 76 L. A. Erry Silver Wyandotte^ 134 139 273 20 71 C. E. Graham . . Bl;ick Oriiinstoiis 135 132 267 21 75 Mrs. Drake Rhode Island Red 3 108 94 202 22 82 J. Ogden Black Orpingtons Total 71 . . 6,008 130 201 23 2,786 8,794 Report fob Month ending 14th August, 1916. The weather conditions for the month were seasonable, with heavy winds, varied by occasional frosts and fine days. Several of the heavy breeds showed signs of broodiness; but owing to the time of the year they .soon started to lay again. 11 Sept., 1916.] Orchard and Garden Notes. 573 This year the heavy breed sections are a great improvement on previous years, both in point of quality and egg production ; this verdict is borne out by the fact that the world's record for a winter test for all breeds, both light and heavy, has been broken by a pen of six Black Orpingtons, owned by the Oaklands Poultry Farm, which laid 570 eggs, an average of about 5i eggs per week for each bird during the four months 15th April to 14th August. Brooklyn Poultry Farm, with a score of 522, obtained second place. Mr. W. H. Eobbins's pen of White Leghorns secured first prize in the winter test for light breeds, with a score of 545 eggs to its credit, while Mr. T. A. Pettigrove's pen was second, with a total of 536 eggs. The rainfall for the month was 65 points. Temperature — lowest, 32°, highest, 65°. A. Hart, Chief Poultry Expert. ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., Principal, School of Horticulture, P>iirnley. The Orchard. Spraying. The peach aphis will now have made its appearance in orchards which were not sprayed with the red oil emulsion in the winter. The tobacco solution will now be required, and this may be sprayed on as strongly as the grower wishes. If possible, a second spraying should be repeated quickly after the first operation, so as to kill any aphides previouslv protected by the others, or any that may have only been weakened by tbo first operation. The time has also arrived when spraying is needful for the pre- vention of all fungus diseases, such as shothole or scab, black spot, leaf rust, leaf curl, &:c. In the case of these pests. " prevention better than cure" is the invariable rule; and to delay beyond the correct period the application of the necessary sprays is to court disaster. For black spot of the apple and pear, the spraying should be performed as soon as the earliest flowers are opening. For shothole and scab the time to spray is before the flower ])etal'^ expand; and the spraying may be repeated, if necessary, after the fruit has set. For rust and leaf curl the spray sliould Ix' a])i)li('d before any sign of the trouble api)ears on the foliage; thus, if the fungus were present during the ])revious season, it will l)e necessary to spray early to combat it successfully. The basis of all the successful fungicides is sulphate of copper or bluestone. Bordeaux mixture (a mixture of bluestone, lime, and water, known as the 6.4.40 formula), is used; the materials and quan- tities being 6 lbs. bluestone, 4 lbs. lime, and 40 gallons water. Another spray, and in some locations equally successful in its re- sults as the Bordeaux mixture, is the co]iper-soda sjiray, tlie propor- tions being 6 lbs. bluestone, S lbs. washing soda, and 40 gallons of water. Tn each case the materials should be se|)aratelv dissolved, and then evenlv and siniultaneouslv niixrd in a third vessel. 574 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. It is very urgent that the lime should be thoroughly fresh and quick, otherwise the spray mixture will give very inferior results. A second necessary point is that the copper sprays should be used as soon as they are made. Where the grower does not wish to make his own spray, there are quite a number of ready-made Bordeaux pastes and Bordeaux mix- tures already on the market, which can be used with satisfactory re- sults. In fact, the use of these has become fairly general, and it is not now the practice for growers to make their own sprays. Geneeal. It is most important that ploughing should be completed as early as possible. In the past, it has very frequently happened that, owing to delaying the ploughing, the orchard and the fruit crop have both suffered very considerably. It is absolutely necessary to cultivate the surface early, to take advantage of the moist surface and consequent easy ploughing; and also to conserve as large an amount of moisture in the soil as possible. The longer the ploughing is delayed, the less amount of moisture is retained in the soil for summer use. Deferred ploughing certainly means dry soil, enfeebled trees, and diminished re- sults. Early ploughing gives exactly opposite results; the earlier the ploughing, the more soil water is conserved. When the ploughing is completed, the clods should be crushed, and the land harrowed, so that a fine earth mulch may be obtained. The orchard surface should be kept as level as possible, and no irregular ridging or furrows should be allowed. All cover crops planted to supply humus to the soil should now be ploughed in. If the plants are of a leguminous nature, the best time to plough these in is when they are in full flower. If the growth has been at all excessive or rank, the crop may be rolled before ploughing; or it may be cut or mowed with a mowing machine. Every care should be taken that the plants should be distributed evenly over the ground, and large quantities in a mass should not be ploughed under. Artificial and stable manures may also be given to the trees at this time. These should be applied before ploughing. Grafting. The work of grafting should be completed early in the month. The most useful method of reworking old trees is to cut the head right off, leaving only the stump. Then grafts can be put in according to the fancy of the grower. The old method of clef,t grafting has been super- seded by the bark or crown graft. The latter method does not cause any damage to the wood and thus, with care, no rotting can take place. The best method of bark grafting is the saddle graft; that is, the graft is inserted in the bark and a strip of bark is carried right across the trunk and inserted in the bark on the opposite side. This method is much slower than the ordinary bark graft, but it insures a much quicker healing over the old stump. Vegetable Garden. The vegetable plots should be cleaned from all weeds, having the light weeds dug in and the stronger ones pulled out and rotted in the compost heap. The surface should be worked up to a very fine tilth after digging; it must be kept constantly loose with the hoe to keep the 11 Sept., 1916.] Orchard and Garden Notes. 575 soil cool; and prior to digging it will be advantageous to give a top dressing of lime. If the weather be dry or windy, all newly-planted plants should be frequently watered. In transplanting seedlings, it is a help to dip the whole plant in water before planting. Any seedlings that are ready may be planted out; tomato plants may be planted out under shelter until the frosts are over. At the end of the month a sowing of French bean seeds may be made. Seeds of peas, broad beans, and beet, cabbage, khol-rabi, and radish, turnip, cauliflower, lettuce, carrot, parsnip, &c., may be sown in the open. Seeds of melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, marrows, and similar plants may be planted in frames for transplanting after the frosts have gone. Flower Garden. After digging, the surface must be kept constantly stirred with the hoe, so as to have it loose and friable for cooling and for moisture-con- serving purposes. All weeds must be kept down, as they are robbers of plant food and moisture at this season of the year. Shrubs of all kinds may still be planted out, and these should be well watered after planting. Rose and other aphides must be watched for, and sprayed when they appear. Rose scale sliould be sprayed with lime sulphur wash or with kerosene emulsion. This pest will soon disappear if the bushes are kept open to admit the air and the sunlight freely. Rose mildew Avill now be appearing, and the plants, as well as the soil, should be sprinkled with liberal dustings of sulphur. Sulphide of potassium is also a good specific for this fungus trouble, using it at the rate of 1 oz. to 3 gallons of water, Cannas, early chrysanthemums, and early dahlia tubers may ■ be ])lanted out, as well as all kinds of herbaceous plants, such as delphinius, perennial phlox, asters, &c. These clumps should be well divided, and in planting they should be fed with a liberal quantity of stable manure. Beds sliould be prepared and well dug over for exhibition chrysanthemums and dahlias. REMINDERS FOR OCTOBER. Live Stock. Horses. — Continue to feed stabled horses well, add a ration of green-stuff. Rug at night. Continue hay or straw, chaffed or whole, to grass-fed horses. Feed old or badly-conditioned horses liberally. If too fat, mares due to foal shortly should be put on poorer pasture. Mares with foals at foot should receive a good ration of oats daily. Those intended for breeding, if not already stinted, i-hould be put to the horse. Colts not intended to be kept as stallions should be gelded. Working horses due for a spell should be turned out to grass. Cattle. — Except on rare occasions, rugs niay now be used on cows at night only. Continue giving hay or straw, if possible, to counteract the effect of green grass. Be prepared for milk fever. Read article in Year-Book of Agriculture, 1905, page .314. Give calves a warm dry slied and a good grass run. Contiinie giving milk at blood lieat to calves. Be careful to keep utensils clean, or diarrlinea will result. Do not give too much milk at a time for the same reason. Feed regularly with regard to quantity and time. Give a cup of limewater in the milk to each calf, also place crushed oats or lucerne hay in a trough so that they can eat at will. Pigs. — Supply plenty of bedding in warm woll-ventilated styes. Keep styes clean and dry, and feeding troiiglia clean and wholesome. Sows may now be turned into grass run. Sows suckling young should bo well fed to enable them 576 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916, to produce plenty of milk. Give young pigs pollard and skim milk in separate trough as soon as they will take it, and keep them fattening from the start to get them off as early as possible. Give a tablespoonful of bone meal per 100 lbs. live weight in food daily. If pigs are lousy dress with kerosene emulsion or sulphur and lard, rubbing well into crevices of skin, and disinfect styes. Pig breeding and feeding should be very profitable for a long time to come, and it should be safe to launch out now. Sheep. — Shear as early as the weather will permit, and avoid the usual exces- sive dust in travelling to. and yarding at sheds. Burr and seeds collect on the fleeces as well, particularly with lambs, if shearing be left until late in the season. Shear all lambs not fit for export, they thrive better and make more growth through the ensuing summer and autumn. Fleeces from well-bred, good-backed sheep should be skirted with care, the better the class of wool the greater the necessity. Fleeces that have become dead and earthy on the backs need only removing the merest stains, there is little advantage in skirting these. It is better management to have ample tables and extra hands skirting closely than to hastily tear off imnecessary wool and then employ men at other tables to sort "broken fleece," "first," and "second" pieces, &c. All stains must be removed from ewes' fleeces, and pizzle stains from the bellies of wethers. Keep separate all coarse fleeces from the finer sorts, and in merinoes the yellow and mushy from the shafty and bright. Skirt all hairy thighs from crossbred fleeces. Avoid sending wool to market in long, round-sided bales, known as " sew-downs." Press in a box press, forming square sides. Brand l)ales neatly, and not with sheep- branding oil, tar, or paint. Stencil plates and branding ink can be obtained on application to tlie respective brokers. Poultry. — The bulk of incubation should cease this month — late chickens are not profitable. Devote attention to the chickens already hatched; avoid overcrowding. Feed with dry mash. Also add plenty of green food to ration, ordinary feeding to be 2 parts pollard, 1 part bran, and a little animal food after the first fortnight. Feed ground grain, such as wheat, hulled oats, maize, and peas, which should be fed in hopper to avoid waste. Grit or coarse sand should be available at all times. Variety of food is important to growing chicks; insect life aids growth. Remove brooders to new ground as often as possible; tainted ground will retard development. Cultivation. Farm. — Plant main crops of potatoes in early districts and prepare land for main crop in late districts. Fallow and work early fallow. Sow maize and millets where frosts are not late, also mangolds, beet, carrots, and turnips. Sow tobacco beds and keep covered with straw or hessian. Orchard. — Ploughing and cultivating to be continued, bringing surface to a good tilth, and suppressing all weeds. Spray with nicotine solution for peach aphis, with Bordeaux mixture for black spot of apple and pear, and with arsenate of lead for codlin moth in early districts. Vegetable Garden. — Sow seeds of carrot, turnip, parsnip, cabbage, peas, French beans, tomato, celery, radish, marrow, and pumpkins. Plant out seedlings from former sowings. Keep the surface well pulverized. Flower Garden. — Keep the weeds down and the soil open by continued hoe- ing. Plant out delphiniums, chrysanthemums, salvia, early dahlias, &c. Pre- pare ground for digging and manuring for autumn dahlias. Plant gladioli tubers and seeds of tender annuals. Spray roses for aphis and mildew. Vineyard. — This is the best month for field grafting. If stocks bleed too copiously, cut off 24 hours before grafting. Make sure that scions are fresh. Placing butts in clean water for a few days before grafting is recommended. Field grafts must be staked, to avoid subsequent straining by wind and to insure straight stem for future vine. Stakes are also necessary for grafted rootlings for same reasons. Temporary stakes 3 feet long will suffice. Keep a sharp look out for cut worms. (See Journal for July, 1911, and also October, 1913.) Disbud and tie up all vines, giving special care to young plantations. Beware of spring frosts. (See Journal for September, 1910.) Conclude spring cultivation (second ploughing or scarifying and digging or hoeing round vines ) . Weeds must be mastered and whole surface got into good tilth. Sulphur vines when shoots 4 to 6 inches long. Cellar. — Taste all young wines; beware of dangerous symptoms in unfortified fruity wines, which may need treatment. Fill up regularly all unfortified wines. 11 Sept., 1916.] // of A '//'"-ii// iirt . I ictoiK XVll Valuable Root Crops Plant Mangels Now EVERY (arnicr should have a crop it pays. Giant Half Sugar White and Giant Hali Sugar Rose, un- doubtedly the most nutritious of Mangels, combine the large size o( the Mangel with the greater feeding value of the Sugar Beet. 2/- per lb. ; 10 lb. lots. I /9 per lb- ; 28 lb. lots, 1/6 per lb. Very scarce. Long Red Mammoth, possesses extraordinary feeding qua ities, and is easilv cleaned for storing. 1/6 lb.; 10 lb. lots, I /41b.; 28 lb. lots, 1/2 lb. Sugar Beet SEPTEMBER and October are good months to sow seed at the rate of 4 to 6 lbs. per acre. We have imported direct from France a stock of the best Sugar producing varieties — White Silesian, Viimorsn's Im- proved, and Wanzleben. 1/6 per lb. Postage Extra. Special quotations for large quantitie.'-. Mangel Giant Half Sugar Headquarters for Rapes, Lucernes, Millets, Maize, and all Farm Seeds. LAW, SOMNER & CO. 139-141 Swanston St., Melbourne Branch : 83 Swanston St. (3 Doom South of Collins St.) XVlll Jofinuil of Agncaltiire, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORIA Red Poll Dairy Herd (NOTE.— All the bull calves of 1915 drop have been sold, and choices from cows to calve this season have been booked ahead of calving. The demand for bull calves is so strong that farmers contemplating purchase are advised to study the records of the herd published in the September (1915) Journal of Agriculture and book their orders ahead, stipulating choice of bull calves from, say, three of the record cows.) Bull Calves are sold at prices based approximately on the actual milk and butter fat record of the dam at the rate of Is. per lb. of butter fat yielded. INDIVIDUAL RECORDS cows. Name. Muria Vuelta .. Persica . . Cnl.a Birdseye .. Bullion . . Vir^nia . . Pennsylvania Sumatra . . Egypta . . India Mexicana £uro)va .. Ooldleaf Connecticut Phillipina Turka Kentucky Ardath Britannia Asiana Netherlan« Havana . . Cameo Alpina Hispana . . Pipio Carribea . . Tennessee Japana . . Samorna La Reina Oceana . . Panama . . Ontario Soudana . . Mongolia Sylvia Laurel Days in Milk. 365 289 351 337 321 321 344 348 290 327 365 ■282 347 362 283 284 279 288 332 329 279 292 326 303 286 365 Weeks in Milk. 52 41i 50 48 45f 45} 40 49i 4li 46} 52 40i 49i h\l 40i 40i 31.| 3Mi 47i 47 39} 41i 46i 43i 4(1} 52 Milk, in lbs. 14,972 7,7.10 9,6U7 10,464 8,522 10,928 10,252 10,607 9,232 10,646 8,556 8,641 8,765 8,415 6,780 6,829 6.395 7,904 6,261 7,637 5,933 6,903 7,001 5,536 6,995 6,574 HEIFERS. Average Test. Butter Fat (lbs.) 884-6 485-10 479-94 478-14 473-79 468 ■ 99 4.56 -76 437-42 431-49 418-55 390-60 399-75 387-11 377-67 364-00 343-33 316-07 313-25 302-91 3(10-71 292-01 291 - 78 285-86 285-00 276-86 241-69 Commercial Butter (lbs.) 1,007 - 94 553-00 547-13 545-07 540-12 534-64 .V20-13 498-65 491-89 47714 445-28 455-71 441-30 430-54 415-00 391-39 360-31 357-00 345-31 342-81 332-62 332-62 325-88 325-58 315-62 275-62 Price of Bull Calf. 43 Guineas. 24 23 23 23 23 22 21 21 20 19 19 19 18 18 17 16 15 15 15 14 14 14 14 13 12 334 47t 6,802 4 8 326-37 365 52 7,142 4 3 310-63 311 44i 6,706 4 2 282-88 357 51 7,788 3 6 282 - 62 365 52 5,490 4 9 271 ■ 76 342 43} 5,070 5 1 261-96 365 52 6,247 4 1 2.56-64 288 41 5,997 4 2 253 - 99 365 52 6,0.59 4 1 251-40 346 49i 5.486 4 5 249-32 301 43 5,709 4 2 244-05 301 43 4,S97 4 7 235-79 325 46i 5,.5o4 4 0 2-25 '70 372-06 16 Guineas. 354-12 15 3-22-48 14 3-22-19 14 309-80 13 298-63 13 292-57 12 •289-55 12 286-6 12 284-22 12 279-24 12 268-80 11 257-30 11 Inspection of the Herd is invited. Visitors will be met at the Station on notification to : — Mr. R. R. KERR, Dairy Supervisor^ Mr. ED. STEER, Herdsman State Research Farm, Werribee. Application for purchase to DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE. 11 Sept., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. xix NATIONAL TRUSTEES Executors &. Agency Company of Australasia, Ltd. DIRECTORS: HON. WALTER MADDEN. Chairman and Maoairiiit Director. EDWARD FITZGERALD. E«q.. LL.D. MICHAEL MORNANE. Esq. HON. DUNCAN E. McBRYDE, M.L.C. HENRY MADDEN. Eki. DAVID HUNTER. Esq. This Company Acts as EKecutor or Joint Executor of Wills, Administrator, Trusts* of Settlements, and Agent for Absentees under Power of Attorney. MONEY TO LEND ON BROAD ACRES AND FARM LANDS Offices— 113 Queen St. (Corner of Little CoIIins-st.) Melbourne CREDIT FONCIER 1 Loans on Farms UP TO TWO-THIRDS OF VALUATION In sums from £50 to £2,000 At 6 per cent. Interest and from H per cent, in reduction of principal, which pays off the loan in n\ years. Loans granted on Freeholds, or Crown Leaseholds which could be made freehold at any time on payment of the balance of Crown Rents. No Charge for Mortgage Deed Loans may be paid off on any half-yearly pay day, subject to a small charge if paid off withm the first five years, but no penalty after five years. Forms may be obtained at any Branch of the State Savings Bank, or by writing to — The Inspector-General, The State Savings Bank, ELIZABETH STREET. MELBOURNE. V J "1000 TREES & STUMPS GRUBBED OUT" Thus writes Mr. J. Sutherland, Parwan. " I am v.ry well pliiiHrfl with the flnilpborfl, as thcv .ire doiiiK very trood work. With mine I have clo.se on l.iKK) ircfit and simii)'s L'rnl.lMd out. I have done all this worit in.vseU without any assistance. So I consider the (iruljlur ha- more thun doubly I'aid for itself." Full The "MONKEY WINCH" will save time, labour and money on particulars your land c oarlns, '■ always ready, and can be worked in from — the very roughest country and in any class of timber. TREWHELLA BROS. pty. ltd., TRENTHAM Vi= ■loiinial of Agricii/f lire, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. B S 3 -0 s a s X be 3 O U 11 Sept., 1916. .1(1 II nut] (if Agriciilt urf\ Victor it;. THE WATERLOO BOY 12 H.P. at Draw Bar — equals 8 horses. 24 B.H.P. at Belt -Works on Kerosene. Successfully working all over the world. The fact that these high-grade Tractors are at work in England— the home of good machinery — ^is proof that this is an uncommonly good Tractor. Does any kind of farm and hauling work, and when your own is done It will earn money for you by domg your neighbour's. Drives any machinery, anywhere, that needs up to 24 B.H.P. Very simple. Easy to operate. Needs no expert attention. Only needs a driver — it is a one man machine. Government experts, after careful calculations, estimate that on the average a horse lives 90,000 hours, but only works 10,000 hours; so for every 9 hours you feed your horse, he gives you only 1 hour's work. The Waterloo only uses oil while it is at work, so get one, and save the money you are losing now. A Tractor is not a luxury. It saves and makes money for you. The Waterloo has the three Tractor essentials — Simple Engme -Powerful Pull — Low Up- Keep, Better and chea[)fr than most Tractors of same power. Ask for price, and please say you saw this advertisement. MITCHELL & CO. p£LH^ Office and Factory : West Footscray, Melbourne. Show Room : 596 Bourke St., Melbourne. Jo}irii(tJ of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept.. 1916. ==^ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT COOL STORES THE NEW STORES AT VICTORIA DOCK have a capacity of 310,000 cubic feet insulated, and are capable of holding 155,000 boxes of butter, or 105,000 cases of fruit, or 140,000 carcasses of lamb and mutton. Produce can be placed on conveyors at any point and mechanically carried to any chamber in the building, or conveyed from the chambers dired into the ship's hold. Eledlric motor powder totals 820 H.P. The Railway Department Goods Sheds are adjacent to and connected with the Cool Stores by dire<5t lines ; defay and exposure of produce through shunting in the Spencer-street yards, or cartage, are thus avoided. The Stores are situated in close proximity to the Vicftoria Dock, where vessels drawing up to 30 feet of water can be berthed ; excellent facilities for the efficient and economical treatment and shipment of frozen and perishable produdts are provided. EXPERT OFFICERS are connedted with every Branch, so that any one requiring information regarding the production, preparation, and shipment of produce can rely upon being promptly supplied with up-to-date information upon all matters. n §^EPT., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture. Victoria. xxiii DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GOVERNMENT COOL STORES. FACILITIES are provided for producers and smaller exporters of the various kinds of produce, so that diredl shipments on their own account may be under- taken. The Government ownership and condudl of Cool Stores places producers in an independent position, and, in addition, preserves an open channel for the carrying on of the export trade in perishable produds. THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE will receive, handle, freeze, store, and ship Butter, Cheese, Eggs, Fruit, Meat, Poultry, Rabbits and Hares, &c., for producers and exporters. PRODUCE to the value of over £27,000,000 has been treated at the Govern- ment Cool Stores. Government Cool Stores. Telephones. [ Office: 10383 Central VICTORIA DOCK (Dudley Street) ^ £„,,„„,.,„. cw,e . io382 Doncaster - - 397 Canterbury Diamond Creek - - 151 Heidelberg Tyabb - - SCALE OF CHARGES, ETC. anJ further particulars may be obtained upon application lo the EXPORTS Superintendent. Department of Agriculture Produce Offices. 605-7 Flinders Street. Melbourne Telephone 9380 Central. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE POULTRY FOR SEHLERS SITTINGS OF EGGS Are now being booked from the Poultry Pens at the Wyuna Farm for delivery from July — September, 1916. Prices, £1 Is. and 10s. 6d. per sitting Wyuna White Leghorns (Wyuna Special Mating for Prolific Layers) „ „ „ (Subiaco No. 1 Special) „ „ J, (Cosh No. 1 Special) Note.— The Mother of W. N. O'MuUane's Champion Burnley Pen (1914-191 5), which established the world's record of 1,699 eggs, was hatched from eggs obtained from the Wyuna Poultry Yards. This pen recently realized £75 To allow for infertile eggs, sixteen eggs will be forwarded for each sitting. No guarantee of fertility or replacements will therefore be made. Postal Order or Cheque should accompany order, which should be addressed to Manager, Government Farm, WYUNA By Authority : Albert ,T. Mullett, Government Printer, Melbourne. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VICTORIA PUBLICATIONS JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 64 pp. Illustrated. The Journal is issued monthly, and deals with all phases of up-to-date agriculture. The subscription, which is payable in advance, and includes postage, is 3s. per annum for the Commonwealth and New Zealand, and 5s. for the United Kingdom and foreign countries. Single copy, 3d. New volume commences with the January number of each year. A limited number of the issues comprising Volumes III. (1905), 8 parts, exclusive of February, March, April, and May, out of print; IV. (1906), 10 parts, exclusive of Parts 7 and 9 (July and September) out of print; V. (1907), and VI. (1908), 12 parts each; VII. (1909), 10 parts, exclusive of Parts 2 and 10 (February and October) out of print ; and VIll. (1910), 12 parts, are at present in stock, and will be supplied at the foregoing rates. The parts forming the current volume may also be obtained. A few bound copies of Volumes Vlll. (1910). IX. (19M), X.(19i2). XI. (1913), XII. (1914), and XIII. (1915), are at present available. Price, 5s. per volume. Postage: C. 3^d.; N.Z., Is. 2d.; B. & F., 2s. 4d YEAR BOOK OF AGRICULTURE FOR 1905. 448 pp., 200 illustrations. 2 coloured plates. Cloth, 3s. 6d.; paper, 2s. 6d. Postage: C, cloth, 2^d., paper, 2d.; N.Z., cloth 9d., paper 8d. ; B. & F., cloth, is. 6d., paper Is. 4d. AUSTRALIAN FUNGL B. & F., Is. 8d. By Dr. Cooke. £l Is. Postage: C. 5d.; N.Z. lOd.; PLAN AND SPECIFICATION OF SHEEP-SHEARING SHED. 2s. 6d. Postage. Id. MILK CHARTS (Monthly and Weekly), I/- per dozen, post free. When ordering, dairy farmers should mention " Monthly" or "Weekly." By Professor A. J. Ewart, Qovernment Botanist. WEEDS. POISON PLANTS, AND NATURALIZED ALIENS OF VICTORIA. 2s. 6d. Postage: C, l.ld.; N.Z., 5d.; B. & F., 10<'. PLANTS INDIGENOUS TO VICTORIA. Vol. II., lOs. Postage: C, 2d. ; N.Z 8d.. B. & F., Is. 4d. By C. French, F.E.S., government Entomologist, DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA. Parts I., II., III.. IV., V., 2s. 6d. each Postage: Parts I. and III.. C. id.; N.Z.. 3d.; B. & F.. 6d. each. Parts II. and IV., C. lid-: N.Z.,4d.; B. 6< F.. 8d. each. Part v.. C, Id.; N.Z. 4d- B. & F., 7d. Application, accompanied by Postal Orders or Notes, must be made to THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, MELBOURNE m We are Sole Agents for . . . ROOKLITE n THE ALL BRITISH Asbestos Cement Sheets FOR OUTSIDE BUILDING AND "UNITED n High -Grade Paints MANUFACTURED IN Australia for Australians YOU CANNOT HAVE ANYTHING BETTER Agents also for . . . BEAVER BOARD MADE SPECIALLY FOR Building Beautiful Interiors :: :: at Moderate Cost :: :: BEAVER BOARD BETTER THAN LATHS AND PLASTER PURE WOOD-FIBRE Write for particulars — BROOKS, ROBINSON & CO. Ltd. 59-65 Elizabeth St., Melbourne Vol. XIV. APPLE CULTURE IN VICTORIA. Part 10. [Registered at the General Post (Jtlice, Melbourne, for transmission by Post as a Newspaper.] PRICE THREEPENCE. (Annual Subscription Victoria, Inter-St.tt,-, and N.Z., 3 -; British and Foreign, 5^-.) SUDAN GRASS ^THE KING OF SORGHUMS. This splendid recent introduction gave first class results wherever grown last year, and it has been definitely proved that Sudan Grass is suited by the climatic conditions ruling in this State. Sudan Grass solves the summer hay problem. It is an annual, and lacks the aggressive root stocks which make Johnson Grass so difficult to eradicate. SUDAN GRASS NEVER TENDS TO BECOME A PEST. It will stand ^rougjit in extreme hot weather -better than MiJlet or Maize. -It^cao be cut .. (or hay, grazed, or made into silage. Special Booklet is free on application. WRITE FOR SAMPLES AND QUOTATIONS. BRUNNING'S SPECIALTIES SUMMER FODDER MIXTURES. Grow our Summer Fodder Mixtures and thus secure a properly balanced ration. SOY BEANS AND COW PEAS. MAIZE AND RAPE. SOY BEANS AND AMBERCANE. SUDAN GRASS and SOY BEANS. SOY BEANS AND MAIZE. MAIZE AND RED CLOVER. COW PEAS AND AMBERCANE. LUCERNE AND SOY BEANS. These Mixtures are suitable for growing for summer fodder under various conditions. We will gladly help you with advice as to the most suitable for conditions ruling in your district. Please write us for fuller particulars. OUR SPECIAL ILLUSTRATED BOOK 40 PAGES On Summer Fodders tor Victoria, post tree to all Aona fide agriculturalist*. Thit work contains a full description of method of planting, times of sowing, &c., of the plants most suitable for growing (or summet and autumn fodder in Victoria. Please address all applications to . . . THE MANAGER, FARM SEEDS DEPT.. BOX 857. MELBOURNE. '^VICTORIA SEED HOUSE," 64 ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE. THE JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICTORI^^, ^<^XJSTIl^e>.I-,IA.. NEW ^"- noTA CONTENTS.— OCTOBER, 1916. I'AOR Apple Culture in Victoriii ... ... ... ... J. Farrell fill Potato Cultivation ... ... ... ... ... J. T. Ram-say 590 Meat Preservation on the Farm ... ... ... ... J. C. Marshall 596 Blue Mould in Tobacco Plants ... ... .. ... ... ... 601 Insect Pests of the Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable (Jarden ... C. French, jnr. 604 Fruit Nomenclature ... . ... ... ... E. E. PescoU 612 Notes on Portuguese Wine Varieties ... ... F. de CaMella 622 Nosema Apis in Victoria ... . ... ... F. R. Beuhne 629 Farm Manufactured Butter ... .. ... E. E. Ash 633 Sixth Victorian Eggla^ing Competition, 1916-17 .. ... ... .. 63a Orchard and Garden Xote.-5 ... ... ... E. E. Pe>ers wishino to republish any mattei- are at libertj' to do so, proviiifd the Journal and author are lioth achnoidtdqed. The Journal i.^ issued monthly. The subscription, whicii is payable in advance and includes [wstage, is 3s. \nsr annum for the Coinmornvealth and Xcw Zealand, and 58. for the United Kingdom and Foreitrn Countries. Single copy, ThreejKJnce. Sul>scriptions should l)e forwarded to the Director of Agriculture, Melbourne. A coraplete list of tlie various publications issued by the DejMvrtment of Agriculture will bo sup[)lied by the latt«r. Journal of Agricvlture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916- With Rome in its Glory, 64 A.D. The luxury which Rome lavished on itself at the time of Nero was reflected in the lamps of that period. Magnificent stands holding six or eight lamps adorned the homes of the wealthy. Olive Oil was com- monly used in these lamps. The better classes, however, generally mixed perfume with their oil to counteract the strong smell. Laurel Kerosene Ihe soft white light When Laurel is used there is no smell. Laurel gives a brilliant, clear, white light, without flickering. The last thimbleful burns as well as the first. For lighting, heating and cooking, Laurel cannot be excelled. Laurel is our new trade mark name for the highest quality American Kerosene ever sold in Australasia and re- places our old brand, White Rose. Insist on Laurel Vacuum Oil Company Pty. Ltd. Throughout the Commonwealth and New Zealand iiiHiliil 10 Oct., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. Ill USE ) Improved I :: 19 13 :: | FOR BRANDING YOUR SHEEP KEMP'S Sheep-Branding LIQUID It has been proved by hundreds of Woolgrowers, amongst them some of the largest squatters in Au^ralia, to be an un- qualified success, and to do everything that is claimed for it. BLACK, RED, AND BLUE (in Cases) Containing Two ^J_/^^ P®** Or Eight 1-gal. tins 4-gal. tins :: ^X"/ X^ gal. :: 5/- per gal. :: AGENTS DALGETY & Co. Ltd. MELBOURNE & GEELONG GET CATAI.OGUF.S WE iloct Steam, Kerosene, Petrol, and Hot Air Engines, Centrifugal flumps, and " Myers," "Gould's," and "Drming's" Pumps for all services. Piping, I roughs. Panics, and lank Stands. MatLif's Rock and Water Borer. Working Heads and plants for deep well and bore pumping a specialty. immense storks water suiiply accessories. We erect plants if required and give easy terms. Expert will INSPECT SITE, QUOTE PRICE, and ERECf ORDER NOW BEFORE PRICES RISE. Mills of all sizes in slock, from 6 ft. to 14ft. and towers of any height, either black or (galvan- ized. Delivery same day as we receive order. I Facts That Speak — 117 Sold to One Man Hgures that can only give a clear indica- tion one way, and that is of the superiority of this mill. Built of high-grade steel, filled with inter- nal gear, forged crank, syphon oilers, and sensitive governor, it will stand the severest storm without flinching. Possesses strength that renders cost of upkeep and repairs infinitesimal. "Challenge" Windmills require only the slightest breeze to set them to work. The motion is smooth and silent compared with others ; it lifts and carries water without any eSort. Can be easily stopped when required, and no storm will move it. Scores of farmers, station owners, and nrchardisis have purchased as many as M) to 40, and they are doing great work. Over 3,000 are in u«e. Lanj^w ill Bros. & Davies Pty. Ltd. IK. -1 14 STURT STRKET. SOUTH MT.I.IiOl RNi;. Auent.-; Tanuyes Ltd. Oil l;ni[lne!t PiinipH. unit Muclilncry. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. Watch for Peach Aphis Spray Peach and Apricot Trees. You Need the '* Success'' Spray Pump It's a fine pump for the medium-sized orchard and is doing splendid work throughout Victoria. The working parts in the " Success" are all brass and immune from corrosion from spray mixtures. The bucket foot rest is of malleable iron. The Air Chamber assists in throwing a constant stream, so that the operator can pause between each stroke, making rapid pumping unnecessary. The " Success " is supplied by us complete with five feet of hose, and one Bordeaux Patent Nozzle, which can be instantly regulated to a solid jet of the finest spray. No bucket is supplied. Price 22/6 We Solve Pump Problems The "NEW DEERE" DRILL for Maize With Fertilizer Attachment In the "New Deere" Drill will be found the important features which, during the past twenty years, have made the " Deere " Planters the moil noted throughout the corn- growing districts, and in addition to these will be found many new, important, and original features distinguishing it from all drills now in the field. The "New Deere" Drill is simple in construction; has the moA accurate drop ever invented, large hopper of unusual capacity, and the drive wheel is made entirely of steel. THE FERTILIZER ATTACHMENT-Attached to "New Deere" Drill The custom of using commercial fertilizer is growing every year, and has only needed a reliable machine for applying it to make it increase more rapidly. It is very simple, has no delicate parts to get out of order, and is capable of a wide range of work, and is convenient to operate. Price, without Attachment, is £4 13s. Attachment, 32/- Extra. Inspect our Stock V^ Proprietary Ltd EXPERTS in TOOLS. 554-66 k 582-88 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE. Established 1860. 10 Oct., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. WATER SUPPLY EQUIPMENT. BILLABONG QUALITY WINDMILLS This is the Windmill which users agree that is silent, smooth-work- ing, and powerful. All that GOES FOR EFFICIENCY is embodied in BILLABONG construction, and at the price asked it is big value. Tap and Hose Fittings. Fig. 60b.— Rubber Slip-on Union, J-in. - 1/3. Fig. 56b.— Xut and Tail for conneotiny hose to screw taps, Ain. lOd. Fig. 54b. — Hrass Rose Spray. Cast, ^-in., 1/4. Strong stamped - i/- Tap Union Clips for attaching rubl.er unions to taps. Grips in a wink. No more sodden string knots. i-in., 4d. 4-in., 6d. Pluming is Cheaper than Piping Supphes a long-fell need (or something cheap to carry water over distances to the point where it is to be diyerted among the cultivated area. BILLABONG FLUMING is portable and readily connected up. Send for Illustrated Price List. Pipes and Fittings, Tanks, Tank Stands, Windmill and Power Pumps, Hand Pumps, Etc., Etc. Marsh Spray System operates from Tank. A Rain-Maker for LUCERNE FIELDS, MARKET GARDENS, ORCHARDS, LAWNS, FARMS, &c. The "Marsh" Spray System of Irrigation will work at full capacity on a pressure as low as 8 lb. — or from a tank elevated 20 feet. Each separate standpipe will deliver through the spray nozzles a uniform and even distribution of water over a circular area 42 feet in dia- meter. This is the system which covert a lot of ground with comparatively little piping. Fully illustrated folder awaits your acceptance. Makers of PUMPS. WINDMILLS, TANKS, IMM.U TROUGHS. Etc.. im.............l 391-403 Bourke St., MELBOURNE. 324-330 Pirr STREET. SYDNEY. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria.. [10 Oct., 1916. JERSEY BUTTER BULLS SIRE-MABEL'S n,-,ii= Dam's Performance under ^nt j„.,» a 1 Bulls. Government Herd Testing. 2^3 days. Age. I 1 . ETTIE 4th (2889) - December, 1914 This Season . . 8,743 lbs. Milk. 445 lbs. Butter (4-46 test). 2. SILVERMINE 5th (1386) - February, 1915 Last Season . . 5,515 lbs. Milk. 322 lbs. Butter (5 -12 test). 3. AUDREY LASSIE (825) 2nd October, 1915 Last Season . . 7,657 lbs. Milk. 440 lbs. Butter (5-04 test). CHIEF (imp.) Bulls. 4. Dam's Performance under «,, j„„. •„„ Government Herd Testing. ^'^ ""y^- ^«^- LASSIE 2nd (1136) - December, 1915 Last Season . . 9,335 lbs. Milk. 613 J lbs. Butter (4-79 test). This Season . . 8,544 lbs. Milk. 478 lbs. Butter (4-91 test). LASSIE (509) • - January, 1916 Last Season .. 7,340 lbs. Milk. 425 lbs. Butter (5-08 test). This Season . . 6,997 lbs. Milk. 417 lbs. Butter (5-24 test). Apply :-C. GORDON LYON, "BANYULE," HEIDELBERG, VICTORIA. 'Phone 7419 Central Tte Australasian Mutual 400-2 Collins St., MELBOURNE. Live Stock Insured at Lowest Current Rates obtainable in Australia. Insupanee Society ltd. OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF BUSINESS. Fire, Marine, Fidelity Gaarantee, Plate Glass, Personal Accident and Sickness, Employers' Liability, Workmen's Compen- sation, Public Risk, Motor Car, and Burglary. m- INSURE WITH THIS SOCIETY, AND RECOMMEND IT TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS I The university of MELBOURNE VETERINARY SCHOOL Complete Courses of Instruction are conducted in all Subjects for the Degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc), and for the License (L.Sc). Veterinary Surgeons possessing the above qualifications are eligible for registration under the Veterinary Surgeons Act (Victoria) and for Veterinary .Aippointments in the Commonwealth and State Services and in the Army Veterinary Corps. For full particulars apply — The DIRECTOR. Veterinary School. PARKVILLE, VICTORIA 10 Oct., 1916.] Journal of Agiiculturt, Victoria. vii ?o°u GET FULL VALUE for WOOL? and if you don't HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU DON'T? Send your son to the .... Woolclassing Dept, of The Working Men's College LATROBE STREET, MELBOURNE. and YOU will have a competent Classer whom your neighbours will be glad to employ and who will SAVE YOU MONEY. WHEN YOU COME TO TOWN, DROP IN; WE WILL BE GLAD TO SHOW YOU THE COLLEGE. Prosceclus ooated on application, or given at College. S. N. RODDA. Principal. Burnt Lilydale Lime FOR THE LAND Farmers who have not used BURNT LIME should try it. The action of Burnt Lime on the land is IMMEDIATE. The demand for Building Lime having slackened owing to the War, Farmers have the opportunity of getting a supply of the WELL-KNOWN LILYDALE LIME. ' ANALYSIS go as high as 98% Calcium Oxide. Apply — Work,- DAVID MITCHELL, CAVE HILL. Sole Proprietor. LILYDALE. OLIVER'S LANE. MELBOURNE. DOOKIE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE Provides Special Facilities for Practical and Scientific Agricultural Education. Notable Agriculturiats say that this College offers the best aKricultural education and practical training in the world. The Sessions commence MARCH and SEPTEMBER, and Students may be enrolled at any time. Alternative Courses (a) Diploma Course .. Three Years, (fc) One Year's Course. Total Fees — £25/-/- per annum. The Colleje contains modern and well equipped laboratory and ledlure hall, single bedrooms, recreation and sports grounds. 0( ihe 5.913 acres of (arm land at Dookie, 1 ,000 acres were put under crop by students last season; and champion prizes were won (or sheep and pi«s at the last Royal Auiicultural Society's Show. FARM SUBJECTS. — Agriculture. Animal Husbandry, Poultry, Fruit Growing, Butter and Cheese Factory Management, Building Construction for Farmers. EACH BRANCH UNDER SPECIALLY TRAINED EXPERTS LONGERENONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SESSIONS COMMENCE MARCH AND SEPTEMBER. This College is specially adapted for Junior Students from 14 years of age. AREA OF FARM, 2.336 ACRES. MAIN BRANCHES OF FARM WORK.— Grain Growing. Fat Lamb Raising. Dairying. Irrigation of Fodder Crops, Fruit. &c. Total Fees £25 per annum. hull particulars ohiainabic (rem T. J. PURVIS, Esq., Secretary, Council of Agricultural Education, Deportment of Agriculture, Melbourne, or the Principals of the Colleges. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 19ie. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON "THE FINEST WAGON EVER" PATENT STEEL WHEELS Patent Felloes. Renewable Carron Boxes & Oil Caps. The only Steel Wheel that has stood the Test. BEWARE OF IMITATIONS Wheels Gaaranteed for S years against Breakage, &c. AUSTRALIA'S WAGON.— Irrigationists, Orchardiste, Farmers. This Spring Wagon to carry 2 tons, £30 up. Wheels, 36* and 82' dia. 4' Tyres. Table, 9J x 5} feet. Pole or Shafts. Weighs 10 cwt Ordinary Block Wagon to carry 3 tons, £35. Weighs 12 cwt. These Wheels are guaranteed and will last for all (im«. HIGHER WHEELS IF NEEDED, and Wag-ons built to carry any weight up to 20 tons. TRACTION TRAILERS A SPECIALTY. TABLE TOP — Truck body, and all classes of little Wagons for Farm and Station work. Wagoni Shipped to all Ports in Australia. WRITE FOR CATALOG TO-DAY, R. J. L. HILDYARD, BRUCE STREET, KENSINGTON, VICTORIA BARTRAM'S are Head-quarters FOR ALL KINDS OF FARM MACHINERY " L.K.G." Milkers, "Alfa-Laval" Separators, " Excell" 2-cow Separators, " Bartram " Engines, "Prairie-State" Incubators and Brooders, Irrigation Outfits, &c. Also for " Leslies' Salt Licks " and " Meggitt's Linseed Oil Meal." " BARTRAM " LINES ARE THE BEST OF THEIR KIND -ALWAYS 'AHa Laval " Separator Send for Jescriptioe Catalogs, Post Free on request. J. BARTRAM & SON Z: 586 Bourke St. MELB. Farmers ! DON'T NEGLECT s YOUR EYES s They are your most valuable possession, and neglect in the early stages may lead to something much more serious. i DAIRY & INCUBATOR THERMOMETERS HYGROMETERS THERMOMETERS HYDROMETERS ARTIFICIAL BAROMETERS EYES, Eto., Eto. 'Phonm 6778 WOOD 77ie Optician Equitable Buildings, 95 Elizabeth St., Melbourne 10 Oct., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. I No GOOD FENCE is so Cheap and no I Ordinary Fence is so g:ood as tlie I CYCLONE SPRING COIL w. & w eo6 Cyclone Spring Coil Fence is made of beat quality wire, galvanised. Moisture does not affect it. Elxpantion and contraction caused by changes in temperature are provided for by crimps m the horizontal lines. Once up, the fence needs no after straining. Th« crimps make the fence elastic Stock rushing it are thrown back, and b' th stock and fence are uninjured. Th« cross ties, 1 ft. apart, make a perfect web, trough which no stock can pass. Get our Catalogue. It tells you more about it CYCLONE Pty. Ltd. 459 SWANSTON STREET MELBOURNE LAND ON EASY TERMS (UNDER THE CLOSER SETTLEMENT ACTS). FARMS and Agricultural Labourers' Allotments in Country Districts. WORKMEN'S HOMES.— Allotments near Large Centres, Available Under Closer Settlement Conditions. Deposit, only 3 per cent; balance payable over 31^ years, at 3 per cent, half-yearly, covering principal and interest. Residence Compulsory for Eight Months in Each Year. Railway Certificates to Travel at Half Rates for Inspection of Land. -APPLY- Lands Purchase and Management Board; Or, INQUIRY BRANCH, LANDS DEPARTMENT, MELBOURNE. Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. NuNAN's Patent Spray System Enhance your proBts, increase your returns, save trouble, save time, by laying down now Nunan'g Patent Spray Irrigation System. Produces a Rainfall as Steady as Nature's Own. Nunan's is the simplest method known (or soaking your ground readily and naturally. Send for full details to NEWELL & COY., 189 King St., Melb. VICTORIA PHOSPHATE Manufactured by the Heathcote Chemical Co. Pty. Ltd. from a Victorian Deposit. Basic Phosphate intensely ground 15% and 17% Phosphoric Acid (Registered as 2 to 3% citrate soluble, 13 to 14% citrate insoluble.) NOTE. — There is no cllrlc acid In the soil. Recent writers stale that aluminium phosphate tntenseltl ground, while fairly available as a plant food. Is but slightly soluble in citric acid. S7/6 and 63/6 per ton ON RAILWAY SIDING. MACAULAY The deposit was originally found by Mr. A. M. Hewitt, Field Geologist, and is being developed in co-operation with the Scientific Officers of the Geological Survey. The Company is perfectly satisfied that a Cheap and First-class Fertilizer can jiow be offered to the Farmers and Graziers of the Commonwealth. SUPER AND OTHER TYPES TO FOLLOW. Orders can now be supplied on application to the Victorian Producers' Co-Operative Co. Ltd. 589 to 605 COLLINS STREET >VEST MELBOURNE 10 Oct., 1916.] Journal of Agricultvre, Victoria. "THE BEST is CHEAPEST— ALWAYS !" LYSAGHT'S CORRUGATED ROOFING IRON Look for the ''ORB <W AVAILABLE .'. BULLETIN 31. BEE-KEEPING in VICTORIA By F. R. BEUHNE. Government Apiculturist. Comprising 126 pages, divided into 25 chapters (illustrated) dealing with various phases of BEF.-KEEPING. and speclrlly adapted to Australian conditions. Suitably indexed. Price: ONE SHILLING. Postage: Commonweahh, Id. ; New Zealand, 2id. ; British and Foreign, Sd- Applications, accompanied by Postal Note covering price and postag-e, to be forwarded to the Director, Department of Agriculture, Melbourne, Victoria. 10 Oct., 1916.] Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. MORE EGGS! CUNLIGHT OIL CAKE is rich in Albuminoids and low in Moisture. The general cause of shortage in eggs is either too high feeding or too \o\\. For laying hens, Sunlight Oil Cake will quickly give a return which will astonish the owner. For chickens at any time after the age of 6 weeks it is unequalled. Sunlight Oil Cake will impart the glossy sheen to the birds' appearance so prized by the fancier, and is specially valuable for this reason alone to all exhibitors of show poultry. It puts on solid flesh in an extremely short space of time, and experiments have proved that young, scraggy birds fed almost entireh^ on it have become covered with good plump meat in a few weeks, thus doubling their value to the market poulterer. A 32-Pasre Booklet— Poultry Profits''— sent free on application to — Lever Ihntliers Limited^ Melbourne. Journal of Agriculturt, Victoria. no Oct., 1916. WINDMILLS Alston's New Gearless Is the Simplest WindmiU Motion ever inven ted Only Three working parts Ball Bearings Throughout All Moving Parts enclosed in Dust-proof Case and Run in Oil OjH 40,000 "ALSTON" Mills in use throughout Australia e^NO ATTENTION REQUIRED"^ Expert Advice and Catalogues Free on application. James Alston & Sons Windmill, Trough and T^ump Manufacturers QUEEN'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA THG JOURNAL OP Yfie department of Mgricufture OF VICTORIA. Vol. XIV. Part lO. 10th October, 1916^ APPLE CULTURE IN VICTORIA. (Continued from page 532.) By J. Farrell, Orchard Supervisor. Propagation of Young Trees. In starting an apple orchard it is a matter of prime importance to commence with good trees, which should, preferably, be yearling " whip " growths on double-worked blight-proof stocks. The varieties mostly used for stocks are Northern Spy and Winter Majetin, as they resist the attack of woolly aphis (Eriosema lanigera). If not worked by the intending planter, early application should be made to nurser^'uien for the young trees necessary. They should be ordered the season before being required for planting, as it frequently happens that, when orders are delayed, growers experience diffictilties in obtaining supplies. For many years past nurserymen have not been able to meet the annual demand for poi)ular varieties. Tlie placing of early requisitions witli the pro])agators gives them an opportunity to supjdy the required number of well-worked trees of even standard and good (puility. The variety desired for planting may be cither budded or grafted on to stocks produced from root grafts or layers. Seedlings make undesirable stocks because their roots are mostly suscejitible to the attack of woolly bliglit. The use of suckers is also to be deprecated, as they generally tlirow up other suckers, and ])articularly when tlieir roots are interfered willi during tlie process of cultivation. Tills has an injurious <'ffect on the trees, friiit production being reduced while file cost of working the orchard is increased. 12091. 578 Journal of Agric\iUure, Victoria. |10 Oct., 1916. Double-worked Stocks. A double-worked blight-proof stock consists of two portions of the blight-resistant variety intended for use. A piece of root is employed as a " starter " on which is grafted a scion, or portion of yearling wood, which produces the shoot on which the desired variety may be either budded or grafted. Double-worked Northern Spy root grafts are the stocks recommended, and they are mostly fav- oured by' the fruit- growei's in this State. FTata 16 shows method of making this stock. Fig. 1 (A) is a piece of Northern Spy root 2| inches long, cut with grafting knife and tongued (a). Fig. 1 (B) is a portion of yearling wood of the same variety 4 inches lon^ cut and tongued (/>). Therootand scion are then placed to- gether and the tongues put into each other to make a firm graft, and tied with a piece of soft string. Fig. 2 shows the grafting operation completed. The root graft is planted during , early spring, and the bud, Fig. 2 {a), is al- lowed to project above the soil level (h). The sap commences to move in the starter (e) (d), that is, the piece of root on which the scion is grafted. Fibrous roots are thrown out, and a cambium connexion is soon formed with the scion (a) (d). Fibrous roots are also thrown out at the nodes (c) to {d), and from these the tree's future root system is mainly formed. This characteristic of the Northern Spy scion to establish a root system for itself independent altogether of the root-stock on which it is grafted, often gives rise to the erroneous idea of a diseased condition, being mistaken for crown gall or liairy root. Plate 17, Fig. 1, shows development of the root graft during the first growing period after it was planted,. the original graft being {d) to Plate 16.— Root Grafts. 10 Oct., 1916.] Apple Culture in Victoria. r>:f> (h), and (h) the surface level. The starter (d) to (a) made a weak growth on account of the scion (a) to (h) having sent out strong roots from the nodes hetween (/) and (a), while a strong shoot was sent up from (b) wliicli was originally tlie tei'ininal bud. This is an ideal Plate 17. — Stocks. stock in whi<-h a l)ud oi' I he selected variety may he inserted (r) during Fel)ruary ami the growth above it removed at (r) in Sc|»tember following. Should the bud miss, the stock may be cut (g) and top-grafted about. 9 inehcs froui the ground, when the sap rises, in the early spring. 580 Journal of Agriculture. Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. Fig. 2 is a stock worked similarly to Fig. 1, tlie starter (a) to (c) ibeing ISTorthern Spy, but the scion (a) to (h) Winter Majetin, and when in the nursery row (d) represents the ground level. The starter made a stronger growth than in Fig. 1, but as almost invariably happens, in the case of the "Winter Majetin, no roots were thrown out from (/) or the other nodes on the scion. This is also the case when the Majttin is worked on its own starter. It will be observed that when a stock has to depend solely upon the starter to produce the root system of the tree, such root system is less perfect than when roots are given out by the scion also. The develop- ment of the strong root (e) indicates the influence of the scion upon the starter in this respect. The Majetin on its own starter usually ■ produces a similar result. Stocks Produced from Layers. Plate 17, Fig. 3, is a stock cut (a) from the parent Northern Spy layer. To produce these stocks a I^orthern Spy tree is planted, and when a few years old a trench, about 8 inches deep, is dug in line with it, and the tree is bent down into the trench, and covered in with the earth. Trenches about 10 inches deep and running parallel to the layer, on both sides, about 15 inches away from it, are dug to insure perfect drainage. During the first year after this treatment of the layer, young shoots are thrown up from the nodes. These shoots give out roots at the node (d) as well as from the others beneath the surface level (b). As a rule these stocks are removed from the layer during early spring and planted out in rows, to the same depth (h) as when on the layer, and cut (e) to allow bud (c) to produce the shoot on which the desired variety may be either budded or grafted as explained in connexion with Fig. 1. During the year following the removal of the first stocks from the layer, the young shoots are produced at the points at Avhich the first stocks were cut off. This process, continued during succeeding years, causes the development of extensive stools from which great numbers of stocks are obtained. Budding. In order to secure a high percentage of successfully budded stocks it is desirable that the budding operation in each case should be carefully executed. The conditions governing the sap flow in the stocks during the months of January and February are, as a rule, more conducive to successful budding than those existing at any other time. The sketches in Plate 18 depict method of budding. Fig. 1 (a) is a portion of yearling wood, of the variety selected for propagation, and from which the buds are secured. ISTeither the buds near the base side, nor yet near the terminal, are chosen. The leaf is first cut off as indicated (g). Then the budding knife is drawn from (e) to (/), and the bud, with a thin strip of wood about 5 inch in length, to which it is attached, care- 10 Oct., 1916.] Apple Culture in Victoria. 581 fully removed. Fig. 1 (6) is side view, (c) front, and {d) the back of the bud. To insert the bud in the stock, Fig. 2, the budding knife is drawn upward to make the vertical incision (a) about 1 inch in length, and the transverse incision (&) completes a (T). When this has been done, the bark may be lifted, with the budding knife, as shown in the diagram, and the bud carefully inserted. Fig. 3 shows the bud in position and the bark closed in around it. Fig. 4 illustrates method of tying the budded part. A piece of prepared rafHa is used for this purpose. The / .^ Ficjl Fu /y.o //y fioA Fin S '!)■ '■J 6 Plate 18. — Budding. raffia should be neatly and fiiinly applied with a view to excluding the air from tlie wound until the bud has taken. As a rule stocks produced from root grafts are fairly straight, and in such cases it is immaterial on wiuit side of the stock the l)ud it inserted. But when, as in the case of the stock represented by Fig. 5, the growth from the terminal bud on the scion of the root graft strikes off at an angle, producing a crooked st(Mn, it is advisable to place the bud on the inside of the bend, as shown, so that it may grow in tlie direction 582 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. of the dotted vertical line, and thus produce a straight tree. If the bud IS inserted on the outside like Fig. 6, the tendency is to exaggerate the evil and render the tree less amenable to pruning and general manage- ment. When it is observed that the bud has taken, the growth above it may be removed in early spring, as explained in connexion with Plate 17, Fig. 1 (e). J ;c^ Plate 19. — Grafting. Grafting. Should the bud miss, and if it is desired to utilize the stock during the ensuing year, it may be top-grafted. Plate 19 illustrates the whip tongue method of grafting, which is the easiest and most successful when working on small wood. Fig. 1 (A) is a scion and (B) the stock. Au upward cut is made, with the grafting knife, in the stock, about 9 inches above the ground, and then it is tongued as shown. 10 Oct., 1916.] Apple Culture in Victoria. 583 The starting of the braneli system of the tree, on the three-bud or equilateral triangle principle, is advocated. Consequently, a scion or portion of yearling wood and containing three buds like (A) is taken from the variety selected for propagation. A downward cut, at the same angle to the vertical as that in the stock, is made in the scion. Then it also is tongued so that it may fit correctly on the stock when placed in position. Fig. 2 shows the relative ])ositions taken up by the scion and stock. When they are drawn firmly together and bound with a piece of waxed cloth about 9 inches long by 1 inch wide, like Fig. 3, the callus which causes the union between the scion and stock is soon formed. The growths, from which the scions are to be taken, should be collected during winter when pruning, and heeled in until required for use. The wood, when so treated, usually gives a much higher per- centage of successful grafts than when taken fresh from the tree. Yearling upright growths of medium strength should be selected. When viewed from the vertical any three consecutive buds on a shoot of this kind usually forms an equilateral triangle, whereas the buds on hori- zontal and pendulous growths mostly lean to one side of the shoot, in consequence of the leaves, at the bases of which they are produced inclining upAvards. In propagating trees, whether by grafting or budding, it is important to choose scions from trees that have proved to be of good bearing habit and producing typical fruit of the variety selected. It is only in this way that hereditary influence is conserved, and no other reason can be assigned in many eases for the variation in fruit production of different trees except the want of bud selection. Single-worked Stocks. A single-worked root-grafted stock consists of a portion of root of the JsTorthern Spy or other blight-resistant variety, on to which is grafted direct the one chosen for propagation. In most cases, our cultivated varieties throw out roots from the nodes, and at tlie callus on the scion, when single working is adopted. A tree worked in this manner is practically on its own roots, as the starter is invariably subdued. Many such trees, however, are found with their roots infested with woolly blight, when this pest is present in the orchard, and the practice is not to be recommended unless the variety itself is blight-proof. The Young Trees. Plate 20 is a photograph of three typical yearling trees taken from the nursery row. Figs. 1 and 3 are Jonathan, Fig. 2 is Granny Smith; (a) shows the points at which the stocks were budded, and, liofore the trees wore lifted, (h) represents the ground line. Yearling whij) growtlis invariably make tlio better sha])ed trees. But nurserymen freqnently top the young growths (c) about IS inches from the ground, during December and January, in order to make a head. This operation, like summer pruning, has a stunting effect on the trees, and it should nol Im- j)ractised, p;irt ii-ularly if they are making a 584 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. weak growth. Eig. 1 was the weakest tree at the time the tops of Fiffs 2 and 3 were removed, but on account of not having been inter- fered with, it became the strongest at the end of the period of growth. When the tops are re- moved as explained, the shoot sent up from the terminal buds (c) (Figs. 1 and 2) on the young softwood usually runs to the vertical, forming an objectionable centre, which has to be re- moved, when planted out, in order to start the frame work of the tree on proper lines. As a rule, when trees are treated in this manner in the nursery, to pre- maturely form heads, they are usually cut too high. To remedy this defect, when they are planted out in the orchard the whole of this head should be re- moved by cutting at (d), when a natural branch system may be estab- lished from the three buds, on the stronger wood, immediately below that point. When trees are being planted out in the orchard, their roots are usually cut back to about 6 inches. But as an experiment, the roots of these trees were almost completely removed, as shown in Plate 21. The strong root or foot in Plate 20, Fig. 1 (e) was produced to the detri- ment of the remainder of the root system. In- p^ate 20.— Typical Young Trees. itnl "of Un^lt' afsTown in Plate 21, Fig. 1 (»). .t should have been completely removed by cutting at the base. In the case of Figs. 2 and 3, there were no strong roots, but the fibrous ones Avere severely dealt with. The trees were then planted out 10 Oct.. 1916.] AppTe Culture in Victoria. 585 to the same depth at which they grew in the nursery, and were lifted again after the vegetative period and photographed. The growth made hy the roots and branches is shown in Plate 22. It will be observed that the portion of strong root retained again developed into a foot (Fig. 1 (a)') at the expense of the other roots, while Figs. 2 and 3 made strong, evenly balanced, root systems. Regulating the Branch System. It frequently hai)pens that when the young whip-growths, Jonathan particularly, Plate 22, Fig. 1, are cut for the first time a stronger and more vertical growth is sent out from the uppermost bud (h) than from the other two buds below it. When this growth reached the point (c) the terminal bud was pinched out. This treatment had a stunting effect upon the leader, and a greater quantity of sap was thrown into the one inmiediatelv below it. Plate 21.— Young Trees Cut to Desired Height. This one then made a stronger growth in consequence, and Avhen it reached the point {d) its terminal bud was removed. By that time the three small growths above (/) were produced, and their terminal buds (t) and (;") were also removed. Through treating the two stronger leaders in this manner the lower one, which was at first thrown out at a rather open angle, gradually became stronger and assumed a more upright position ( often developed into blossom buds, before tbe young bud immediately below tbe position of tbe one removed commences to extend into wood growtb. Tbe nearest bud or two down tbe young sboot may perform similarly, according to tbe vigour in tbe tree and tbe time of disbudding. Plate 23 illustrates tbis. Fig. 1 is enlarged section of wood taken from between (e) and (/) of tbe treated Jonatban leader in Plate 22, Fig. 1. Tbis shows well-ripened wood and bigbly developed buds. Fig. 2 is taken from between (g) and (h) of tbe same tree. In tbis case the wood is not so strong, and tbe buds are weaker, Tbis growtb would bave been still ligbter bad tbe otber two leaders not been treated so as to assist it. Tbis matter will be further explained wben summer pruning is being dealt witb later on. PrunijS^g the Two-year-old Tree. Plate 24 sbows tbe same tbree trees in Plate 22, and illustrating method of cutting tbe two-year-old tree. Their leaders are cut back to side buds, about six inches from tbe crown, witb the object of develop- ing two main growths, in each case, on the yearling wood. Fig. 1 is turned slightly around, to give a better view of tbe foot (a), the cause of the development of which has been previously explained. When photographed, the trees were again planted, with their roots unpruned. Shapely Young Trees. Plate 25 shows same trees one year older, Tbe buds to Avbich the cuts were made, as explained in connexion with Plate 24, responded, in every instance, by giving the two strong shoots desired. The shoots of Figs. 1 and 3, corresponding to those which produced the strong leaders during the previous year, were again inclined to offend simi- larly. Put tbe swollen parts on these shoots indicate whence their terminal buds were removed and the equilibrium of the branch systems maintained. « Similar treatment of the offending leader on Fig. 2 kept it in order also. By again cutting the young growths to buds corresponding with those to which they were pruned the previous year, suthcient loaders may be produced. Ten to twelve leaders are generally regarded snf- ficient for the root system to snppoi't on the class of soil usually favoured for apple growing, though where the grower practises heavy feeding of his trees it may be necessary to bave more, providing pro- vision is made for the free admission of liglii throughout the whole top. (To he continued.) 590 Joinval of AgricuUiire. Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. POTATO CULTIVATION. Cutting Seed and Rate of Seeding per Acre. Bt/ J. T. Ramsay, Potato Expert. The cutting of potatoes to be used for seed is essentially an economic question. In cases where only large tube.rs are available for planting the crop, it becomes necessary to subdivide these, in order that they may provide a greater number of sets, and so keep down the cost of seeding per acre. In subdividing or cutting these, however, many groAvers go to ex- tremes, and slice up the tubers into pieces which are too small. Wliere this is done, the crop is handicapped unduly at the outset. Factors Governing Size of Sets. The question may be asked — What is the best sized set? Before a direct answer can be given to this, several factors of environment have to be considered. The first of these is the vigor of the seed parcel. Seed of weak constitution will not stand as much cutting as seed which has been selected out of a healthy and prolific crop. Undoubtedly one of the main reasons for varieties of potatoes so quickly degenerating to a level at which their cultivation ceases to be profitable, is the fact that practically no selection of seed is made, and the seed used is too severely mutilated by the cutting knife. The second factor is the moisture content of the soil in which the seed has to be planted. Extremes of moisture and dryness are certain causes of " misses " when small cut sets are used. Therefore, unless the soil is in a nice condition of moisture, either whole or fair sized cut sets should be planted. A third consideration is the fertility standard of the soil. If the fertility and physical condition be good, there is a lessened risk from the use of small cut sets. Seed Cutting for Average Conditions. The following comments and recommendations are based on the assumption that normally good potato land in a good state of tilth is to be planted, and that a parcel of potatoes made up of seed and ware sizes is available for the planting. When commencing to cut the seed it should be borne in mind that, within reasonable limits, the weight of the crop is proportionate to the weight of the seed used. The fundamental reason for this is that the shoot or shoots pro- duced from the seed set are in the first stages of growth entirely depen- dent on the nourishment they derive from the seed set. That being so, it is obvious that the larger sets can give a better start to the crop than can the small sets, simply because they contain a greater amount of the essential nourishment for the first growths. Intense Propagation. Under exceptionally favorable soil conditions, good crops have been grown from sprouts which have been removed from the tubers, but this 10 Oct., 1916-1 Potato Cultivation. 591 Fig. 1. — Average Variation in Size of Tubers in Ordinary Seed Parcel. Fig. 2. — Method of Cutting Tubers Over Whole Seed Size. 59ii Journal of AgricuHxire, Victoria. [10 Ocr.^ 1916, degree of culture is not feasible in ordinary farm practice, and it is questionable if tbe prolificacj of a variety so treated would not be rapidly impaired by this method. Method of Cutting and Size of ISets. fig. 1 illustrates eight seed tubers, the respective weights of which, 'Commencing with the largest, are 9 ozs., 6 ozs., 5 ozs., Z ozs., 2^ ozs,. If ©z., 1^ oz., I5 oz. These are taken as being typical samples of variations in size found in the average seed parcel. In cutting these for planting it is recommended that this be done as illustrated in Fig. 2. It will be noted that no subdivision is made, and none is advised, of tubers under 3 ozs. in weight. The subdivision shown results as follows :— The 9 q^s. tuber -^- 4 gives four sets averaging 2J ozs. 6 ozs. tuber ^- 3 gives three sets averaging 2 ozs. 5 ozs. tuber -^- 2 gives two sets averaging 2| ozs. 3 ozs. tuber -^ 2 gives two sets averaging 1^ ozs. Cutting to smaller sizes than these is likely to prove false economy. The remaining tubers under 3 ozs. should be planted whole. Under no circumstances should tubers of less than I5 oz. be used as seed for a field crop; in fact, seed of less than 1^ oz. weight should not be used if the soil and the seed are not in the best of condition. In cutting large tubers, care should be taken — First, that at least one good eye is left on each section. Second, that the sections cut be as uniform in weight as possible and not less than 1^ oz. in weight. Third, that portions showing weak buds are discarded. Desprouting a Mistake. A fairly common practice of some growers is to rub off all sprouts which may be growing from the tubers at the time of planting. This is a certain error. By doing so, the seed tubers are set back some weeks in their growth, and are devitalized to the extent of the nourishment which they expended in producing the destroyed shoots. It may be contended that the shoots are sometimes too long to per- mit the tubers being handled without breaking them. If the tubers have long shoots growing from them, they are merely giving ocular demonstration that the grower's system of storage is very much at fault, and should urge him to the adoption of the system of storing his seed in proper seed potato boxes. These boxes have been described frequently in the columns of this journal and the press organs of the State. Desprouting means devitalizing. That is beyond argument. Fig. 3 illustrates tubers which have been allowed to exhaust them- selves through over-sprouting. It is obvious that seed in the condition J 0 Oct., 1916 1 Potato Cultivation. 593 shown could not be handled at planting time withoixt breaking off the excessive growths produced by them. If these sprouts were removed, the shrivelled tubers could not again produce vigorous shoots, because their store of nourishment has been almost depleted. This, of course, is an exaggerated case, but it serves to show how the vigour of seed potatoes is impaired by faulty storage conditions, condi- tions which force the sprouting of tbe tubers to such an extent that desprouting becomes a necessity. Storage of seed in seed potato boxes Fig. 3. — Potatoes with Shoots too far Advanced. Due to insufficiency of ventilation and light during storage period. eliminates a difficulty of this kind, and improves the power of reproduc- tion of the seed so treated. Time to Cut. It is advisable that seed, when cut, should be planted in the ground as soon as possible. It is courting failure to cut seed and .store it for some days before planting. The results of hundreds of tests prove that seed planted on the same day as that on which it is cut gives the heavier vield. 594 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. Drying the Cut Seed. The dusting of lime, ashes, or sulphur on the seed to dry the wound caused by cutting is not necessary, as the ruptured cells quickly dry on exposure to the air. Sulphuring at this stage may have some advantage, on account of it being fungicidal in its action, but it cannot, in this capacity, be as effective as spraying the growing crop. Viability of Various Portions of Tubers. Provided that the tubers used for seeding are normally healthy, and are cut to pieces of equal weight — no section of the potato has superior vigour to another, i.e., stem ends and terminals are of equal value, weight for weight. The number of eyes on each set is of minor importance — it is the size of the set which counts. Fig. 4.— Evidence of the Advantage of Boxed Seed. Note perfect condition of the two specimens of boxed tubers (on left.) Weight of Seed per Acre. This, obviously, depends on the individual weight of the sets and the distance at which they are planted. For general practice, the spacing recommended by this Department is 27 inches between the rows and about 15 inches between the sets in the rows. If planting is done at these distances, and two ounces is the average weight of the sets, approximately 17 cwt. of seed per acre will be required for planting. This is not a bit too much. The experience of specializing potato- growers goes to prove that it is sound business policy to use fairly heavy ratings of seed per acre, and to manure liberally. 3 0 Oct., 1916.1 Potato Cultivation. 595 Eugene Grubb, who acted as Special Commissioner to Europe in Potato Investigation for tlie United States of America Government, in summarizing his data obtained in the foremost potato districts of the world, states : — " The practice of successful growers indicates the best policy to be — High fertility of soil. Close planting. Heavy rate of seeding per acre." These elements of success in potato growing are within the control of the Victorian farmer, and until growers adopt improved methods of dealing with the crop, the average production per acre for the State (under three tons) will continue to be an unpleasant reflection. It is of greater moment that the acres at present cultivated should be made to produce more, than it is that more acres should be brought under cultivation. The former would mean a really progressive increase in the State's production — while the latter (with present-day farming standards) would only increase the magnitude of current mediocrity. SULPHATE OF AMMONIA AS A FERTILIZER. Special reference is given to the use of sulphate of ammonia as a fertilizing agent for various crops, in a pamphlet recently issued by the Department of Agriculture of Leeds University, England. The supplies of sodium nitrate not being available this year, farmers must rely on sulphate of ammonia for nitrogenous manure. Experiments have been conducted in the East and West Ridings of Yorkshire on land varying in character. In the case of barley, the yield was increased from 3| bushels per acre to 7| bushels by a moderate application of sulphate of ammonia. The effect on oats was more marked, the increase in one case being 9^ bushels of grain and 4J cwt. of straw per acre. For potato(>s, sulplutte of ammonia has been in great favour. In the case of turnips, it was found, as a result of 44 trials over a period of eight years, that an application of I cwt. of ammonia sulphate, in addition to dung and superj)hosphate, increased the yield of swedes by 12 cwt., while a dressing of 130 lbs. gave an average in- crease, over four years, of 6f cwts. per acre in the case of meadow hay. — Extract Joiirtial Indii.sl rial and Engineering Cheniistri/. June, 1916. Very little of the simjde manui'c niiiinouiuni snlphate is used in Victoria. A large percentage of the amount manufactured is exported. On small holdings in mixed farm areas in tlic southern portion of tlie State, in the midlnnd districts, ammonium snlpliato used in con- junction Avith other manures is well worthy of trial. Departmental expei'iiiieiits in the case of ])otatoes produced increased yields. 596 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. MEAT PRESERVATION ON THE FARM. By J. C. Marshall, Stoch Inspector. In the warm months of the year there is often considerable waste of meat where animals have to be slatightered for farm use. To mini- mize this loss prompts the writer to offer a few suggestions and methods to assist in the economical handling and preservation of meat on the farm. Be it beef, veal, mutton, or pork that is required, at least one animal has to be slaughtered, and if it cannot be all used in the fresh state, there is considerable loss and waste with the remainder. It may be said that from the time the knife is stuck into the animal, putrefaction begins, and the length of time the carcass will remain fresh depends, especially in the hot weather, mainly on its treatment after slaughter. If possible, the animal should be killed on a cool clear day, and if in the warmer months, the cool of the evening is the best time. The animal should be well bled, and heavy beasts immediately after slaughter split down. Remove all internal flear and fat, including kidney fat. This facilitates the cooling, and allows the animal heat to escape. Generally speaking, the carcass should not be cut up until it has thoroughly cooled, and the following morning is the best time after slaughter overnight. Clean utensils are absolutely necessary in dressing the carcass, and if it be required to wash away any blood or other stains, see that both water and cloth are perfectly clean, and that as little moisture as pos- sible is left on the carcass. In fact, it should be wiped dry. The carcass should be hung in a clean, well-ventilated room, or pre- ferably in the open air, where the atmosphere is clear and pure. In localities where flies are troublesome, it may be necessary immediately after slaughter to place the meat, broken up into suitable sizes, in fly-proof safes or cover with proper netting or suitable material. In any case, the carcass should be suspended in a clean, well-ventilated place. A large safe with the sides and door covered with hessian material, or thin blanketing in lieu of the wire gauze, and kept con- tinuously wet from a sprinkler attached to a hose, is a very good cooler for outside use in hot weather, and it is fly-proof. As a general rule, it is best that meat should be set before being cut up, but in exceptionally hot weather it may with advantage be cut up and some of it used immediately after slaughter, and in very bad weather even before the animal heat has escaped. The amount required for immediate use — the portions ordinarily boiled (necks and shanks of mutton or veal) — should be cooked straight away. If sufficiently cooked, it will be found to be almost as good, palatable, and tender as if allowed to stand the longer period. In the case of the rougher pieces such as necks, knuckles, and shins, and pieces left as the result of boning (including bones), the soup derived therefrom will be better than if made from portions allowed to remain, even if it be only for a few hours. 10 Oct., 1916.] Meat Preservation on the Farm. 597 The balance of the carcass must be freed from bone and superfluous fat. Absolute cleanliness with hands, utensils, tools, and benches is imperative in the process, and according to the quantity of meat required it may be preserved. If the amount is small, say, enough for two or three days' supply, the simplest method is the sterilization process. This method will be explained later in process No. 3. Meats which cannot be utilized at time of, or soon after, slaughter, must be preserved until time of consumption. There are various methods in vogue for the preservation of meats, and they may be grouped as follows : — 1. — Curing by salting or pickling. 2. — Treatment with chemicals. 3. — Sterilization by heat. 4. — Preservation by drying. Curing by pickling methods has been practised from the earliest times, and the chief ingredients employed are salt, sugar, saltpetre, and wood smoke. With the necessary skill and knowledge, meat can be preserved by this means, and flavours retained and developed which are, as a general rule, palatable and in some cases give an additional value thereto. The nutritive value of the meat is slightly, if at all, diminished by the use of the preservative agents employed. Salting has a dehydrat- ing effect, and to some extent hardens the meat tissues without inter- fering with the mellowing process, and it also prevents the development of putrefactive organisms. Saltpetre in small quantities gives the necessary pink colour, without being injurious; its preservative action is small, but it has the effect, however, of lowering the temperature of the brine somewhat. Sugar is not a necessity in the meat pickling process, and is only used in conjunction with salt for meat preservation. It breaks down any hardness that may be caused by the salt and saltpetre, and develops in the meat a pleasant flavour. To pickled pork and ham it imparts a flavour appreciated by many. "Wood smoke has a preservative action on meat, and meat products, by its dehydrating and drying effect, also by the action of its volatile acids permeating to some extent the meat subjected to its influence. In some wood smokes, creosote, carbolic, ])yroligiieoiis and otlier pi-eservative acids impart to the meat special flavours as Avell as acting as preserva- tive agents. The maximum of smoke with the minimum of heat is the best mode of application. A large barrel, or even the large chimney of t]ir farm kitchen, does in the absence of a smoke-house for the purpose. 1. — Salting oh PicKi.ixf;. The most common method, and if properly conducted the most successful for farm use, is that known as salting or pickling (wet process). Make a biine in a wooden vat or tub, after seeing that it is perfectly clean, in the following manner. ^lix sufficient salt with the required amount of water until it will float an vixf^ or potato. Poil the wliole, and when cold add I lb. saltpetre to every 30 gallons of brine. The meat to })e r-nred in this way should be, in the hot weather, cut down to rather 598 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. small joints. In the cooler weather the usual joint sizes can be adhered to. Pack the meat in layers after rubbing each piece with dry sialt, cover with a board, and weight down under the brine. Sprinkle with a little fresh salt every day when changing the position of the meat. The brine tub should be located in a dark, cool place. A cellar is about the best situation, and this should be well ventilated, as if muggy and close, brine fermentation is set up. If any sign of fermentation appears in the brine, indicated by frothing and bubbling, remove all meat and wash in water which has been previously boiled, and to which a small quantity of salt has been added. To each gallon of wash add rj oz. of washing soda. This will check the action of fermentation bacilli. Boil the brine, adding more salt during the process of boiling, so as to bring it to the original strength. Dust a little salt on each piece of meat before replacing it in the cold brine. Pickle well made and kept up to its proper strength should keep for years. It is best to leave a little meat or a few bones in the pickle to carry it through the winter months, even when it is not required to corn much meat. This keeps the pickle right by acting as a feeder. Meat cured in this way is fit for use in from 24 hours. If it be necessary to leave meat in the brine for long periods, it should be well soaked in cold water before cooking, to remove surplus salt. On farms where pickling is the regular practice, and the quantity used merits it, a small brine pump would be an acquisi- tion. This is a simple contrivance, easily worked, and by its use it would make doubly sure quick pickling in hot weather. The pump forces the brine throughout the meat tissues, and the centre of the meat is salted before it has time to go off. Brine pumps can be purchased for about 25s. upwards. Old matured sweet brine is the best for pump- ing purposes, and the needle of the pump inserted every 2 or 3 inches and a small amount of pickle injected. This is preferable to large spaces between the needle insertions, and a larger quantity of brine injected. Care must be taken in using the brine pump that the needle is_ always_ full of brine before inserting the needle into the meat, other- ^ase it will be air blown, and putrefaction rapidly result. Dry PicJcling. — Free the meat to be treated by this process from all bone, and cut into suitable sizes, much smaller in hot weather than in cold weather. The meat should be rubbed with salt and dusted with a little finely-ground saltpetre. The proportion is 50 parts salt to 3 saltpetre. There will be a certain amount of natural brine formed, and this may be poured over the meat. It is imperative that the best quality of salt shall be used, and a mixture of equal parts of fine and coarse salts will be found the most efficacious. Pack the meat in barrels or a clean wooden receptacle in a cool, well-ventilated place as recommended in the case of wet pickling. It is claimed by many that the addition of a little sugar improves the flavour, but as sugar is likely co induce fermentation, it could only be used during the cooler months of the year. In the hotter portions of the State during the summer months, instead of packing the dry-salted meat away in cellars, hanging the meat in a wet bag in a good draught has proved successful. Let v.'ater drop continuously on the bag from a cistern arranged above the bags. A wet hessian safe, sometimes known as a " Coolgardie " safe, ig a good place to store dry-salted meat in the very bad weather. 10 Oct., 1916.] Meat Preservation on the Farm. 599 SmoJcing. — If required, some of the salted meat may be subjected to further treatment by smoking. In the case of beef, certain parts, such as boned brisket, can be tied with stout string into rolls and smoked. Corned legs of mutton should be dusted with pea meal and smoked into mutton hams. Smoked corned ox tongues keep well, and the flavour is preferred by many. After salting, the meat to be smoked should be washed free of salt, hung up to dry, then placed in the smoke-house and subjected to a cool smoke for from two to three days. A smoke can be made by lighting a small wood fire in the smoke-house and covering it lightly with sawdust. Place most of the sawdust in a circle round the fire. See that the fire does not again spring into flame, but that the sawdust goes on smouldering. 2. — Treatment with Chemicals. The practice of preserving meat with chemical agents is a recent innovation in the curing of meat, and came into use within the last thirty years. For preserving meat for sale, it is now prohibited, as far as this State is concerned, by the introduction of the Pure Foods Act. It is generally conceded the preservation of meat by means of chemicals, though effective, is more or less dangerous, and should not be practised where other processes can be substituted. Meats preserved by the aid of chemicals when consumed are harmful to the human sub- ject. In the very hot weather, the addition of a little boric acid to the pickle in salting meat may be advantageous. Chemical preservation of meat for farm use is not recommended. 3. — Sterilization by Heat. Of the methods suggested sterilization, although perhaps requiring a little extra care, is the least objectionable, and when properly con- ducted, safest for meat preservation in the fresh state. The raw meat must be free from disease and obtained under sanitary conditions, and handled cleanly until sterilization is affected, and this must be done before any fermentation or decay can possibly take place. Method. — (a) Reduce the size of the meat to be treated to not larger than about 6-in. cubes, and it should be as uniform in size as pos- sible. Place moat in a boiler that has a tight-fitting lid, add a little salt, and sufficient boiling water to cover. Boil from ^i to f hour. Then add about a pint of rendered fresh mutton fat. Replace lid and again boil for a few minutes. Remove boiler to a cool place withont disturbing lid till meat is required for use. Every time meat is taken out of boiler for complete cooking, the boiler should be replaced on fire and boiled up for about 15 minutes. Again place boiler in cool place. Rapid cooling is a feature in the success of this process. In the absence of proper boilers a clean petrol or kerosene tin can be substituted. Tbe meat should be boiled in this receptacle for about I to ii hour, and a good coating of rendered fresh mutton fat poured on while hot. Remove! to cool place, avIhto tlie fat will crust above the meat. Every time fatty crust is broken again boil up for 15 minutes. Some of the better quality cuts may be roasted in the ordinary way and while still hot dropped into the petrol tin containing the fresh 600 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. rendered mutton fat. See that meat is completely covered in fat, and remove to the coolest spot available. Quick cooling contributes largely to the success of this process. (&) Another process is to cut pieces of meat into suitable sizes free from fat and parboil them. They are then dipped into liquid gelatine at a temperature of about 140 deg. Fahr., and thick enough to leave a good coat on the meat. The pieces treated should be removed to a cool place, and when thoroughly dry packed away with sawdust in suitable receptacles. (c) It is possible to preserve freshly-killed meat with the aid of powdered charcoal by cutting the meat into suitable sizes and packing away in a suitable wooden receptacle, such as a clean packing case. Starting with 2 inches of powdered charcoal on the bottom, and alter- nating the layers of meat and charcoal, and finally covering the top layer with the powder. Stow away in a cool place. The preservative action of charcoal is well known, and is due to its absorptive properties and its affinity for oxygen. It prevents the entrance of oxygen to the meat. There are also preservative agents such as creosol in the char- coal. The meat can be washed free from powder and cooked in the ordinary way as required. 4. — Preservation by Drying. The flesh of animals used for human consumption has a high water content averaging, according to condition of animal, from 50 per cent, to 75 per cent., and by removing the bulk of the moisture from the meat the keeping property is enhanced, so much so that if it be com- pletely dried, it will keep for very long periods. It has been shown that salt preserves meat by its drying effect. This dehydrating effect can also be obtained by the application of heat. Under suitable con- ditions the drying can be done in the open air by natural heat. In most cases it is unnecessary to evaporate the whole of the water present. The quantity extracted will depend on the length of time it is required to keep 'the meat. Dried meat is unattractive in appearance, but little of its nutrition is sacrificed. Boiling is the best mode of cooking. Beef and veal are the best meats to be treated by this method. (a) Free the meat from bone, sinew, blood-vessels, and fat, cut into thin slices, and hang in the dry hot air and sunlight till hard and dry. Then pack away till required. (h) Cut meat into thin slices and free from fat, sinew, and veins, then rub thoroughly with a little of the following mixture. Salt, 4 lbs. ; saltpetre, 5 ozs. ; black pepper, 5 ozs. Hang in hot dry air and sunlight till dry. Pack away with sawdust in cool place. {c) Free from fat, sinews, and veins, and put meat through a mincer and dry in hot air or over a mild fire on an iron tray. Temperature not to exceed 140° Fahr. The meat will dry out rapidly, when it can be powdered and stored in airtight tins or bottles for future use. For making soup and gravies it has proved suitable, and is known as Dry Powdered Meat. 10 Oct., 193 6.] Blue Mould in Tohacco Plants. 601 As previously mentioned, meat to be successfully preserved must be treated, especially in tlie hot weather, within a few hours after slaughter. Success is not to be looked for if flesh is allowed to hang about for any length of time before treatment. If, for instance, on a small farm, in the hot weather, a sheep is slaughtered and the requirement is about one-third for a day, unless a cool change sets in the portion unused on day of slaughter will probably be wasted unless it is preserved by one of the methods suggested. BLUE MOULD IN TOBACCO PLANTS. The following treatments of the soil to prevent root rot and other fungoid diseases, as experienced in America, are well worthy of a trial in Victoria for blue mould, and particularly so for late beds, when the earlier sowings have failed. Tobacco plants can be raised from seed sown as late as the first week in November, in time for late December planting, provided they are grown in cold frames, i.e., the beds enclosed with boards 12 inches high all round, and covered with cheese cloth or coarse hessian. This system maintains a more uniform temperature, conserves moisture, and obviates the risk of infection from outside sources. The plants should be exposed for a couple of days to the sun before transplanting to harden them. — Temple A. J. Smith, Tobacco Expert. TREATMENT OF TOBACCO PLANT BEDfe. (bij A. D. Selbij, True Hoiiser, and J. ('• . Humbert, of The Ohio Aifricultitml E-xpcrimciit Station). Wliile the root-rot fiiugiis was first examined from certain Clermont County plant beds in 1899, it has not often seemed a serious disease in the Miami Valley District. It was certainly serious in the plant beds during the season of 1915; this root-rot continuing to cause serious losses after the plants were set in the field. In certain soils of the water-holding types, like the soils of the South-Western Test Farm, Germantown, the tobacco crop was little, if any, more than one-third tlie normal average. This agrees with the experience of others in wet seasons. The work heretofore done upon this disease by Gilbert* and others, has shown tiie many-sided nature of the problem. Experiments show that tlie root-rot fungus may be thoroughly killed out of old plant beds by eitlier of two tried methods of disinfection applied to the soil, viz. : — (1) By steaming the soil, preferably l)y use of the inverted pan method. (2) by means of formaldehyde (or formalin) drench upon the prepared soil of the bed. It is to be noted — (fl) that no one will care to extend his losses from root rot into another season, if avoidable; (I)) Tliat the root-rot fungus will survive in the soil, as in old plant beds, where it prevailed in 1915. It may survive in fields as well. Having the wliole situation before us, it seems wise to kill tlie root rot fungus out of plant-bed soil tlirough sterilization bv steam or formaldeliyde. I<]ither of these may l)e applied before winter begins, if that is so preferred. It is clear that healthy plants are essential to a suiccssful tobacco cn>|). First attention to growing sound plants is accordingly advised. • Ollljcrt, W. W., Bill. Bureau o( Plant Industry, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 158 : 1909. 602 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. FALL TEEATMENT OF SOILS FOR PLANT BEDS PRACTICABLE. In spring the soil is liable to be full of water^ and better conditions for bed spading and preparation may occur in late fall, besides avoiding the delay in seeding which is often objectionable in spring treatment. When fall treatment is practised it will not be necessary to re-spade the bed in spring, preparatory to seeding; only the surface need be .worked. The object of such treatment is to destroy the forms of the root-rot fungus or other species, such as bed-rot, &c., which otherwise live over in the beds where the disease occurred in 1915. Because the " Thielavia " is found upon numerous other host plants it is not clear that new bed locations will avoid the necessity for treating the soil. For the present it is not expected to discuss and list the plants attacked ; rather to prepare a method whereby healthy tobacco plants may be produced for setting in the field. PREPARATION OF SOIL TO BE TREATED. Previous to treatment by any method, the soil should be prepared much after the manner of preparation for seed-sowing. If manure is to be applied to the bed area, make such application in advance. When chemical fertilizers are to be used, their application need, not be made until spring, just before sowing seed. The soil to be treated is taken in good workable condition, certainly not ovjer-wet, spaded to the necessary depth, and thus handled in a preparatory manner. Very dry soils have not been found satisfactory. There seems to be no need to rake over the spaded soil beyond that necessary to fine it enough to facilitate penetration of the drench or steam. STEAM STERILIZATION BY INVERTED PAN. The apparatus necessary for steaming consists of an inverted pan made of galvanized iron, having nipple attached for steam hose, which is to connect the pan with a boiler of 8 to 12 H.P. capacity; the ordinary traction engine has proved serviceable in furnishing steam. A pan which will fit the usual plant bed, namely, 5 ft. 6 in. by 8 ft. 6 in. by 7 in. deep, is advised. This is to be made of heavy galvanized sheet iron, preferably rust-proof, of 18, 20, or 22 gauge. These metal sheets, ranging in size from 2 to 3 feet wide by 8 to 10 feet long, are seamed, riveted, and braced by strap and angle iron for stiffening the pan. Four or five sheets will be necessary. After the soil is prepared the pan is inverted over a part of the bed, with edges pressed down into the soil so as to form a steam-tight air chamber. Steam is then turned on from the generating boiler under 50 lbs. to 80 lbs. boiler pressure. At this pressure it will sometimes be found necessary to weight down the pan to keep it from lifting. Each area requires to be steamed approximately one hour. After removing the pan to adjacent part of bed, the soil is to be tested with a thermometer, and should register 180 to 210 deg. F. at a depth of 3 to 6 inches. If this temperature has not been attained, increase the steaming period by 10 to 15 minutes. BED DRENCHING WITH FORMALDEHYDE. It is more convenient to drench the soil of the plant beds with a solution of formaldehyde (formalin), as only a sprinkling pot with hose will be required in addition to the chemical. However, previous experience fails to show equal effectiveness in complete killing out of the plant-bed fungi. The strength of solution to be most successful probably should be stronger than that heretofore suggested, and the amount of solution applied may prove to be less with the stronger formula. The proi^ortion of one gallon of formaldehyde to 50 gallons of water, and the ajiplication of one-half gallon per square foot of surface, has been suggested by Johnson in treatment of plant beds for a different fungus " Pythium." This may prove to be successful for the root-rot. For the present a strength of one gallon of formaldehyde to 100 gallons of water is promising. Of this weaker solution the total application should amount to three-fourths of a gallon to one gallon per square foot covered. In the application, the solution should be applied as evenly as possible to avoid waste, and at two or more applications. In all cases, effectiveness is gained by covering the plant-beds with canvas to prevent escape of fumes. Before appl}dng the solution, the beds should be fairly moist and friable. If locally too dry an unevenness will show in the results of treatment. Even penetration of all the soil is the aim. 10 Oct., 1916.] Blue Mould in Tobacco Plants. 603 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STEAMING AND DRENCHING. The relative advantages of steaming compared with formalin drenching are largely in the more certain effectiveness and thoroughness of the steaming, together with the killing out of weed seeds in the plant-beds, thus saving subse- quent cost of weeding. Perhaps yet another advantage of the steaming is that it brings tobacco growers to realize that a real problem is to be met, not an invention of the mind, and that foresight in jjreparation and treatment are required. Further, it will probably be found that the heavy soils of the uplands will not be easily penetrated by the formalin drench. On the other hand, the gravelly soils of the valley districts will be likely to respond quite satisfactorily to the drenching method. This circular has been prepared to give timely advice to those expecting to grow tobacco crops in 1916. It does not cover the problems relating to the possible presence of the root-rot fungus in the soil where the crop is to be grown, but this j^roblem may be left for the present, since it is impossible to grow a good crop without growing a healthy supply of plants. It is hoped, upon further investigation, to supply additional information regarding the root-rot problem in tobacco fields. It is urged that growers group themselves together and co- operate in the treatment work. This co-operation may apply in the combined purchase of an inverted pan for steaming the beds of a group of growers, or if the formalin di-ench method is used, in the purchase of formaldehyde in carboy lots. Do not sow seeds too deeply, as many crops fail on this account. Do not apply rank manure to soil in which tap-rooted vegetables, such as beet-roots or parsnips, are to be grown. It was a far-seeing man who wrote long ago : — " Some day thou shalt know by experience how sad a path it is to be dependent on others." It is on rich soils that artificial fertilizers, judiciously used in conjunction and sui^plementing farmyard manures, produce the most profitable results. Ofiicial figures state that there are in the United States 21,262,000 milch cows, 37,067,000 beef cattle, 49,956,000 sheep, 64,618,000 pigs, and 21,195,000 horses. Those farmers not already possessing power would do well to noAV install a suitable oil engine. These work cheaply, and save both time and hand and horse labour. Do not forget that crops of peas, beans, onions, carrots, and many others are greatly benefited by light dressing of soot, fowl manure, or nitrate of soda during showery weather. Barley is selling in Scotland at a figure that is not within the recollection of the proverbial oldest inhabitant. As much as 6s. 5d., 6s. 6d., and 6s. 7d. per bnshel is being paid for the best sampl(>s for distilling purposes. A good preparation of the soil is one of the most important elements of success in the introduction of crops. The finer the condition of the soil, the better is the crop able to extract its nourishment. It has been calculated that the stoppage of fodder imports into Glermanv will involve a decrease in the supply of meat bv one-half. The mailed fist of the British T^Tavy is hitting the German Tlmpii'e! 1^0 food is so cheap nor so effective in the feeding of deep-milking cattle as good ])Mstnro. It is only when the pasture is of poor feeding qnalitv is dried np. or is of too rank a growth that sn])ytl placed inside the pump, and the mixture of arsenate of lead and water forced through the nozzle for a few minutes till the mixture is complete. In motor pumps, the agitator in the pump mixes the material. Fig. 21. — Dark-striped Tiger Moth (DiacriNia carirscrns. l.c (!.|. Light-striped Tiger Moth (Articcs ylatigtn/i. IJiitk'r). Thrips. The minute insects known as thrips are among the most notoriously injurious pests to cereals and other plants — such as roses, dahlias, carna- tions, tomatoes, beans, onions — known. They are difficult to deal with, on account of their habit of crawling into the centre of the flowers of roses, fruit trees, raspberries. &c., and sucking the juices out of the petals. This causes tliem to turn a dirty-brown colour. Tn some 606 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. instances, they die before the fruit is formed. Thrips are minute insects, seldom exceeding a line in length. The eggs are extremely small, cylindrical, and round at one end. From them issue little larvae quite as active as their parents. When the insects are fully grown, their wings are long, narrow, and lie flat on their back when at rest. They are surrounded with ciliae, or hairs, giving them the appearance oi tassels. The species under notice is an introduction from Europe, ana has long been known in England and elsewhere as one of the gardener's worst enemies. The life cycle of these insects is as follows: — Develop- ment of egg, 10 days; de- velopment of larva, 30 days; development of nymph, 7 days; total, 47 days. During the past few years these troublesome in- sects have been very severe on potato crops in many parts of the State, and Mr. G. Seymour, the former potato expert of the Department, estimated one season's loss at several thou- sand pounds. The thrips question is even now a very serious one, as so large a number of plants are sub- ject to its attack, and no one knows where the trouble is goiner to end. It behoves all growers to look this trouble square in the face, and, if possible, to keep it within reasonable bounds. When the fruit trees are in bud is the time for an occa- sional spraying. Various remedies have been tried, the best of which is as fol- lows : — Benzole emulsion . This is a patent prepara- tion, which can be obtained fro.ii any seedsman in Mel- bourne. The cost per tin is only a few pence. One tinful (1 lb.), when diluted, makes 5 gallons of spray. If this is sprayed on the flowers it acts as a deterrent. Fruit-growers in the Beaconsfield District, on my suggestion, used this material, and they report good results. As a deterrent, spraying with tar-impregnated water, or a weak kerosene emulsion, is recommended. The following is the formula for coal-tar water. — Boil 1 lb. coal tar in 2 gallons of rain water, and while hot add from 50 to' 100 gallons of water. Nicotine, lime sulphur, hellebore, and quassia sprays have also given good results. Pine Spray, a patent preparation, has also been used with success against these pests. I would suggest that, when an orchard is badly Fig. 22. — Common Thrips (Tliriiift f abaci. Liiulemaiin) . 10 Oct., 1916.] Insect Pests of the Gardens. 607 attacked by thrips, smudge fires^ as recommended against Rutherglen bugs and cherry green beetles, be tried. Tomato Weevil. This is a native insect, which has become a serious pest to persons growing tomatoes and other vegetables, and also garden plants. The Fig. 23. — Tomato Weevil {Dcsiantha nnciva, Lea). Fig. 24. — Rose and Raspberry Scale iDlasjiis n).s;i , Sandhcrg). larva of this insect is greenish in colour, and measures about \ incli in length. Tt is usually found in the soil a few inches below the surface, where it conceals itself in the day time, and at night comes out to feed. It devours the whole plant very rapidly. One grower, residing near Essendon, informed me that he lost eighty fine tomato 608 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Oct., 1916. plants in one night, and tliat on one evening alone he collected no less than 638 of these weevils. The perfect insect measures about ^ inch in length, greyish or dark-brown in colour, with a somewhat V-shaped marking on the wing-cases. Many experiments have been carried out for the destruction of these insects, and the arsenate of lead has given the best results. Another good plan, which has been tried with much success, is the placing of pieces of newspaper under the leaves of the plants at night, and for the grower to go out at intervals with a light ; the beetles, startled by the light, immediately fall into the paper, and may then be destroyed. Rose and Raspberry Scale. White scale infests roses and other plants belonging to the same order. On some plants the scales are so thickly clustered that the stems look as if they had been whitewashed. The female insect is pro- tected by a circular, hard covering. On removing it, hundreds of young scales will be noticed. These, shortly after being hatched, commence to suck the juices from the plants, which causes them to become sickly, and if not attended to will die. The following remedies will prove eflfectual : — Prepared red oil This should be used after pruning, or, better still, before pruning, as pieces of the prunings are often left on the ground, and the young scales will leave them and go back to the old plants. Kerossne or benzole emulsion could also be used. Scrubbing the stems of the rose plants with a scrubbing or other hard brush dipped in soapy water, to which is added a little kerosene, is effectual in ridding the plants of this scale. The Gum Scale. This is one of the commonest scales in South Australia. It is gene- rally found on young eucalypts, but is often found on other tall trees also. Fortunately, it is rarely found on fruit trees; only one instance, as far as I know, of its having been found on apple trees, is recorded. The larvae vary in colour from yellow to light red, and when hatched, crawl all over the twigs. The fully-grown female scale is enclosed in a rounded, cotton-like sac, being in colour from creamy white to yellow, sometimes dull red ; these scales are attached to the twigs, and so closely are they packed together that, in some instances, it is impossible to &3e the stems or twigs to which they are attached. Sugar and mahogany gums in gardens and plantations near Melbourne are often attacked by these insects. Ladybirds, and the scale-destroying moths, help to keep this pest in check. In New Zealand, this scale was very bad in the plantations. A consignment of ladybird beetles was sent over and liberated, and in a very short time most of the scales were killed by these useful insects. As a means of keeping it in check, the red spraying oil, sprayed on the trees in summer, has given splendid results. Kerosene emulsion is also recommended. The Vine Scale. This is an introduced species, being common in England and else- where, and causing no end of damage to plants. It is probably the 10 Oct., 1916.] Insect Pests of the Gardens. 609 largest of the hard-shelled scales, and it is spreading in Victoria, and is doing considerable damage, especially to young vines. There is no doubt that this scale is on the increase ; but, as it is so large, it is easily seen, and steps can be at once taken for its eradication. If the scales are removed, hundreds of minute eggs are seen; when these hatch, the young at once commence to suck the juices from the plants, causing Fig. 25. — The Gum Scale (Eriococcus coriaceus, Maskell), Fig. 26. — The Vine Scale (Lccaniitm berhcridit, Sch.), them to become a sickly colour, and often shrivel up. A good ])lan is to rub the adult scabs off the affected i)lauts with a scrubbing brush, the eggs will then fall to the ground and perish, or be carried away by ants and other insects. Scrape off all old, loose bark from vines, as these insects hide under it. Unfortunately, it Ikis r<>