Oct. 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 861 



Orcbard J^otes. 



vv. j. allen. 

 October. 



Cultivation.— A^ the warm dry weather will sDon be upon us, it is 

 important to see that all weeds and ci'ops which have been allowed to grow 

 between vines and trees are turned under, and that all soil underneath such 

 trees and vines has been well loosened. After each rain the soil should be 

 ■worked up to prevent excessive evaporation. Under no circumstances should 

 this necessary work be overlooked or neglected, as if this season should prove 

 as dry as last, much will depend on tlie proper working of the soil during 

 this and subsequent months. Where there is any neglect in cultivating, the 

 •orchardist need not feel disappointed should he lose his crop and possibly 

 some of his trees. 



Irrigation. — At each irrigation it is best to give the soil a good soaking. 

 Where trees, vines, sorghums, or corn are growing, the water should be kept 

 confined to the furrows, and under no circumstances should it be allowed to 

 flood the land or stand around trees or vines. It is very important to culti- 

 vate after each irrigation, and this work should be done before the soil has 

 time to cake, that is, just as soon as it is dry enough for the hoi'se to work 

 the cultivator without the soil sticking to it and the horse's feet. Lucerne, 

 hay, and wheat crops may be flooded, but water should not l)e allowed to 

 stand on the land after once it is well soaked but should be drawn otf without 

 delay, else the result would be patches of drowned lucerne or hay, and the 

 probable cause will be ascribed to salts in the water rather than to neglect on 

 the part of the operator. 



Codling-Moth. — 'As all growers are compelled to keep their orchards free 

 of this pest, it may not be out of place to remind them that the first spraying 

 . should be given as soon as the petals fall. The higher the pressure at which 

 the pump is worked the better will be the results. 



Stock Sohition. — 1 lb. of best white arsenic (arsenious oxide) and 2 11). of 

 washing soda boiled in 1 gallon of water for from 20 to 30 minutes, or until 

 the mixture is quite clear, then add 1 pint of this stock solution to 40 gallons 

 of water, to which has already been added from 6 lb. to 8 lb. of best freshly- 

 slaked lime. If this latter precaution is neglected, the result will be serious 

 damage to the foliage. Some varieties of apples are much more tender than 

 others ; for these use the larger quantity of lime. The arsenic is much cheaper 

 than Paris green, and when bought in quantities should not cost more than 

 about one-third as much per pound. For this State, I am of opinion that at 

 least four sprayings will be necessary to keep the moth in check. 



If it is desired to add bluestone to the arsenite of soda solution, •? lb. of 

 bluestone may be dissolved in 1 gallon of hot water, by suspending the 

 crystals on the surface of the water in a bag of open material, and when 

 thoroughly dissoh'ed can be made up to 20 gallons by the addition of more 



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