Jaip.'l 19' IS. I Agricultural Gazette of N.'^. TV. 513 



Jarm Notes. 



Hawkesbury District — June. 



H. W. POTTS. 



The winter season may fairly be estimated as upon iis this month. Fro.sts 

 arrived last month earlier than last year, and have rendered operations in 

 connection with ensilage-making more urgent. The maize crops suffered 

 in this regard. As usual, sorghums proved hardier and mure suitable for 

 late conservation as ensilage. 



The summer rains and those again at Easter provided lis with a good 

 growth of couch, and all the paddocks provide enough fodder for stock. In 

 addition this season, early cuttings of Skinless barley, also rape and turnips, 

 are available. 



We have not entered the winter with better provision for stock for many 

 years past, although rain is again required. Last month was fully occupied 

 in sowing the main crops of cereals. 



Wheats. — The final crops for the season may be put in during the early 

 part of the month, and the varieties best suited are John Brown, Marshall's 

 No. 3, Plover, Upper Cut, Warren, and White Loaf for greenstuff. Medeah 

 and Cretan macaroni wheats are very rust-resistant, and should provide 

 useful green fodder to cut for late winter or for ensilage, and then allowed 

 to mature as a grain crop for milling or 2>'>iiltry feed. Unless cut back 

 or eaten off in the winter, tlie tendency of tliese wheats is to grow rank 

 and produce a thick crop of straw. This makes it difficult and costly to 

 deal with when thrashing. 



Oats. — The best variety for hay is Algerian. In this district Red Rust- 

 proof gives good returns. These main crops should be sown now. Coarser- 

 growing sorts for green feed or ensilage are White Tartarian., Tartar King. 

 Peerless White Bonanza, Abundance, Danish Island, and Potato. The 

 last-named becomes easily discoloured with rain, and turns yellow rapidly 

 after flowering. These points are not favourable for hay. 



Barlei/s. — Further sowings of Cape and Skinless barleys may be made 

 now. The latter not only affords a nutritious green stuff, but may be 

 converted into good hay. The Cape variety is the hardier. 



Rye. — The outlook at present points to a dry winter, and in that case 

 it will be good practice to provide. Sow further crops of this hardy plant. 

 It resists dry conditions and affords a useful green crop. ^^Hiite and 

 Thousand-fold are the best sorts for grain, and Emerald for grazing or hay. 



Turuip'i, Swedes, Field Caht)age, Kale, Kohl-Rabi, and Tree Kale. — 

 Thin the rows freely, and keep up thorough cultivation. Small sowings of 

 field cabbage, kale, and turnips may Ix' made, in order to maintain a 

 supply of stock feed for the spring. 



