700 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. [Sept. 2, 1908. 



would treat approximately 1 bushel of wheat. Of course, small (quantities 

 require a sufficient number of gallons to insure complete immersion. 



Jensen or Hot-water Treatment.— Thi'A m(!thod i.s very satisfactoiy if 

 properly carried out. The disadvantages are the keeping of proper 

 temj)('ratui'es and the time re(]uired. The grain is immeiscd for 15 

 minutes in water kept at a temperature of from l-'JO" to 13.5" Fahr. and 

 afterwards dipped in cold water. Seed containing many bunt balls should be 

 avoided. The bluestonc and lime and formalin methods are to be recommended 

 under dry conditions. 



Quantity of Heed to sow per Acre. — No hard-and-fast rule can be laid down 

 as to the most desirable quantity to sow oer acre. Much depends upon the 

 preparation of the seod-befl, time and method of seeding, variety, size, and 

 {|uality of the grain, nature of soil arul climate, and the freedom of the land 

 from weeds. Tlie seed-beds should be in such condition to allow the seed to 

 be covered uniformly. The soil particles surrounding the grain should be 

 sufficiently fine to ensure moisture being conveyed to the seed tVom tlic 

 subsoil. Well prepared seed-beds require less seed than badly prepared ones. 

 Sparse stooling varieties shtndd be sown thicker than prolific stoolers. Early 

 sowings may be thinner than later ones. Poor soils should be sown thicker 

 than i-ich ones. A bushel of wheat of large grain gives fewer plants per acre 

 than wheats of small grain. Clean land, or land free from weeds, may be 

 sown much thinner than weedy soils ; thick seeding may smother weeds if 

 the wheat gets established first. If the climate is dry, wheat should be sown 

 thinly and weeds kept in check by other methods. In moist climates heavier 

 seeding may be practisetl. Twenty pounds of graded grain of good quality, 

 properly treated for bunt, would be sufficient upon clean land in a climate of 

 low rainfall if drilled in a decent seed-bed at a reasonable time. Thirty 

 pounds would give a maximum result throughout the average wheat districts 

 of fair average rainfall. Farmers must consider the above factors and weigh 

 them in relation to the conditions under and beyond their control. 



Methods of Soiving. — Drilling is unquestionably the best method of sowing ; 

 it allows of the seed being covered uniformly, the depth regulated, and 

 manure distributed economic-ally with the se(»d. Such cannot be claimed for 

 broadcasting, either by hand or machine. It is more economical of seed, 

 one-third less being required than by broadcasting. Upon soil that has been 

 fallowed by ploughing thoroughly, the grain may be broadcasted and ploughed 

 under to a depth of 3 inches to advantage. Such ensures uniform covering, 

 and is placed where soil moisture can ensure germination in comparatively 

 dry weather. 



Depth to Sow. — The most desirable depth is from 2 to 2i inches. Under 

 certain circumstances it may be sown deeper in friable soils. Deep-sowing 

 prevents many plantlets reaching the surface. It is not wise to plant deeper 

 than 3 inches in ordinary soils. Two and a half to 3 inches allows of the 

 placing of the grain into the moist soil away from the drying effects of sun 

 and wind. Should heavy rains fall upon deeoly-sown wheat before it appears 



