102 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.TF. [Fch. 3, 1908. 



currant busli divests itself of its leaves uiidcf adverse conditions, tlicv oiilv 

 appearing in (|uantitv in tlie best of seasons. Tlie stems at other times 

 function as leaves. Such characteristics fit them admirahlv for their environ- 

 ment. 



The value of these trees and shiuhs luis heen full\- demonstrated tlirouglidiit 

 the extreme drouirht of 19()l^ and precediuti lean years. Manv thousands of 

 sheep and cattle subsisted solel\' upon tliein foi' considciablv over twelve 

 months. Sheep ha\T, been fed foi' several years upon ticcs alone, and kept 



Needlewood (Ha';ea /eucoiitera), K.Bi'. 



in fair condition. Cattle have fattened upon some of the best of these trees. 

 They are practically useless for horses. Goats thrive upon tlu-m. Cows milk 

 fairly well and produce good flavored butter upon a tree diet. Working 

 bullocks pull heavy loads and work hard at sinking tanks for water, when 

 thev can obtain nothing else. C'anuds prefer nothing better. Ivalihits are 

 far too fond (»f nuinv of the liest \arieties, and have done much towards 

 their annihilation. Such is regrettable, and if uncheckeil, these in conjunc- 

 tion with overstocking with sheep, must eventuallv alter the nature of the 

 western flora for the worse. 



