704 Agricultural Gazelle of N.S.W, [Sept. 2, 1908, 



completely eaten off within a fortnight. Crops which have gr-own verv rank 

 from any cause are much better fed-oflf", it at all practicable. Hank crops are 

 liaV)le to rust, to lodge, and to be injured by frosts, besides making large 

 demands upon soil moisture. Reducing, oy feeding-oflf, may ward off rust by 

 allowing greater' access of sun and wind. The base of the stem is strengthened 

 by access of light, and lodging prevented. Frosts, undei' certain condition.s, 

 may rupture the cells of the nodes or knots of the bottom part of the stems. 

 The st(Mns of the growth after feeding-off are not so liable to injury. Moisture 

 is conserved by reducing the transpiring surfaces of the leaves which are in 

 excess. 



Rolling and Harrowing. — Rolling is advantageous to consolidate light open 

 soils and fit rough land for the use of machinery ; it should always be 

 followed by the harrows. Harrowing loosens the surface, preventing the sub- 

 soil moisture rising to be dissipated by sun and winds. A compacted I'olled 



Feeding-oS Wheat by sbeep. 



surface has the opposite effect. Wheat after having been grazed should be 

 thoroughly harrowed with sharp heavy harrows. It is preferable to harrow 

 during early spring, before excessive evaporation fi'om the surface of the soil 

 commences ; it may be performed when the crop is a foot high. It is better- 

 to harrow after a reasonable fall of rain, when the soil is fit to get on to with 

 the teams. 



Harvesting. — The stage to harvest wheat for grain varies with the class of 

 machinery used and variety. String-binders, strippers, and complete har- 

 vesters are used. In the cooler, more humid districts, the string-binder is the 

 most satisfactory. The stripper and harvester are more adapted to the drier 

 districts upon level areas. Upon a large farm both the binder and stripper 

 or harvester have their places. A binder is used to cut what is required for 

 hay whilst it is green ; the same man, team, and machine should be used to 

 cut wheat for grain before it is ripe enough to strip ; when it is dead ripe 

 the strippei' may be used to advantage. Such practice fits in economically as 



