Sept. 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 779 



In dry seasons the soil must be loosened and the weeds kept under. The 

 best varieties of pumpkin are Crown, Ironbark, Green Button, Turk's Cap, 

 and Red Crown. 



Vegetable Marrows. — Green Bush and Long Vegetable. 



Squashes. — Custard and Chinese. 



Mangolds. — With existing moisture in the soil this crop is worthy of much 

 attention. Mangolds form an excellent food for cattle and pig-s, and are 

 digestible and relishable. They may be grown on almost any soil, although 

 deep rich loams are best to produce heavy yields. The Globe and Tankard 

 sorts may be grown on light fallow soils. So long as they have enough 

 moisture for growth during the first two months they can withstand drought, 

 and thrive well with plenty of sunshine. 



The soil needs manure, use 10 tons of farm-yar^manure to the acre, 

 followed by artificials. 8ow 6 to 8 lb. of seed to the acre, | to 1 inch deep, 

 in drills -3 feet apart. Thinning must follow, reducing the growth to one 

 plant 8 to 10 inches apart. Cultivation should be frequent and fairly deep. 

 Mammoth Long Red and Yellow Globe varieties thrive best here. 



Jerusalem Artichokes. — The reputation this plant possesses as a drought 

 resister entitles it to more attention at the hands of our farmers. 



It is a hardy perennial, and is propagated much in the same way as 

 potatoes, and may be grown on soils similarly suitable. Any odd corner about 

 the farm of | to 1 acre could be set apart. Plant tubers in well-cultivated and 

 manured land about 2 inches deep, and 18 inches from each other, in row^s 

 3 feet apart. Cultivate as for potatoes. 



The tubers are cooked as a vegetable, eaten raw as a salad, or pickled in 

 the same way as cucumbers. They have also reputed value as a diuretic 

 and tonic for pigs, and are considered a specific class of food for feeding sows 

 after weaning their litters. The Improved White French is considered the 

 best variety. 



Shade Trees and Hedges. — The attractiveness of the home can be vastly 

 enhanced by a judicious system of tree-planting, always provided those sorts 

 are selected which will thrive on the class of soil available and withstand our 

 climatic conditions. 



Apart from its esthetic aspect, tree-planting improves the conditions for 

 protecting stock, in providing shade and shelter in summer and winter. 

 Pastures and cultivated lands are benefited by belts of timber. Similar 

 advantages may be claimed for hedges ; the latter, however, must be grown 

 only where they can be kept trimmed and under complete control as regards 

 seeding. 



Amongst the best varieties of trees for the district are the Pinus insignis, 

 Peppers, Kurrajongs, Silky Oaks, Planes, Sugar-gums, Blue-gums, White 

 Cedars, and Pines. 



In hedges the Japanese Privets, African Boxthorn, Osage Orange, and 

 Honey Locust are suitable. 



