Mar. 2, 1908.] Agricnltmml Gazette of N.S.JF. 261 



/arm Notes. 



Hawkesbury District — March. 



H. W. POTTS. 



As a result of continuous drought the doleful recital of constant croji failures 

 month after month has been an unpleasant duty in the past. Happily this 

 is now entirely changed. The monsoonal rains of February reached the 

 Hawkesbury Valley and brought a copious downfall of 6 inches, all of which 

 was readily absorbed. The j^arched soils and subsoils were saturated. 

 Insufficient rain fell to fill the lagoons and waterholes which have dried out. 

 The volume and character of the i-ainfall has not been equalled for the past 

 ten years. The entire aspect of the valley has changed from a drought- 

 stricken condition to one of rapid growth, with intensely green grass and 

 rapidly -growing crops on all sides. Where farmers took the risk in January 

 and planted maizes, sorghums, and millets, the results now are most gratifying. 

 The growth is phenomenal. There will be green forage crops for stock in 

 April, May, .June, and July, with a surplus for conservation as ensilage. 



There has been no period during the past ten years during which farmers 

 have found more need for energetic and constant work. Urgent provision is 

 essential for early supplies of green feed. The activities of the farm have 

 reached and necessitate this most intense application. 



The soils are in excellent condition for cultivation — frialjle, moist, antl 

 warm. The long continuous period of drought with enforced fallows have 

 released ample plant food. The conditions for sturdy, prolific, and rapid 

 growth could not be moi'e favoural:)le. Stock are provided for until winter 

 by the excellent and abundant grazing conditions. 



The milk yields at the dairy have responded already to these. 



Provision must be made this month to get in the earliest cereal crops and 

 also prepare the land for the main sowings next month. 



Crops for Green Feed. — For early crops for green feed the Macaroni or 

 Durum wheats are worthy of attention, and mtiy be sown in the middle of this 

 month in order to get the first cut for green feed in August, and secure a 

 second crop for hay or grain. These wheats are hardy, withstand drought, 

 and resist rust, and in our expex'ience have amply demonstrated their special 

 value for this district, more particularly where the soils are light and some- 

 what poor. The plant grows tall, has smooth, broad, succulent leaves, and 

 aiFords useful forage in the early stages. 



Farrers Durum and Medeah give the best results. 



