July 2, I90S.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W\ G();i 



Jarm Notes. 



Hawkesbury District — July. 



H. \V. rOTTS. 



The weiithfi- L-oiiditiuns duriiiy lust montli wiTe seasoiiuljle. Frosts prevailed 

 early, and, in conseijuenee, the couch and other useful grasses have suffered. 

 The rains have been light and farming operations are well forward. Moisture 

 in the soil is by no nienns ample, and il is dithcult at this stage to forecast 

 the ultimate crop returns. The early sown wheat, barley, and oats are 

 looking well. 



The maize harvest may be c )nipleted this month. The earlier collected 

 maize will be dry enough at this stage for husking and shelling. 



The crops have been very light this year, and, in many instances, a failure. 



The preparation of the land intended for our main crop, maize, must have 

 attention this month. The Hawkesbury Valley soils, unlike those of the 

 more favoured northern livers, are not so rich in plant food ; moreover, they 

 have been cropped longer, and hence manuring and cultivation are essential 

 as well as moisture to ensure a iirotitable crop. 



Tliose who adopted the sensil)le course of growing cowpeas last summer as 

 a fertilising crop will secure a benefit, as will also those who put in a cover 

 crop of raoe in autumn. The latter has given good results following on the 

 amijle rainfall in Fibruary. 



AVIiere the crop has been grazed by sheep or jjigs the land has been c'eai'ed 

 and restored to normal fertility, especially suitable for the deep-rooted maize 

 plant, 



Tilis month the heavier stiff soils should l)e subsoiled to loosen and stir 

 them, to enable them to absorb all rainfall, and hold as a reservoir. The 

 moisture-storage capacity of the suV)soils is a leading factor in the successful 

 growth of the crop. 



Land may also be got ready and cultivated for early summer crops such as 

 millet, sorghum, pumpkins, and marrows. Wheats: The last sowings of 

 wheats for the seas(jn may now be put in, and where baidey is required for 

 grain, such as the English and Cape varieties may be sown. Skinless barley 

 may also be sown for a continuation of hay supplies. The last crops of oats 

 may be sown. The quickly growing crops of rape and mustard are worthy of 

 further attention, anrl may be grown as catch crops on land that may be 

 utilised iov maize or sorghum. 



