Oct. 2, 1908.] Jgricultural Gazette of N.S. W. 865 



Jarm Notes. 



Hawkesbury District — October. 



H. W. rOTTS. 



Light showers fell last month, and favourable temperatui'es prevailing^ 

 vegetation responded on all sides. Our spring crops exhibit a rich healthy 

 growth, and sliould these conditions last with an absence of hot westerly 

 winds, we have the prospect of a good harvest. It should, however, be 

 remembered that we have had three yea,rs of unexampled drought, and so far 

 thi.s year we have only had 21 inches of rain in contrast with the district's 

 normal rainfall of 34 inches for twelve months ; we have yet an anxious time 

 ahead in which every precaution and method should be adopted to conserve 

 soil moisture. 



Preparation should be made for an early harvest. This includes overhaul- 

 ing the reaper and binder, and mower, anfl getting appliances and hauling 

 gear into useful working order. 



Lucerne. — The first crop to demand attention is lucerne. In some cases 

 the first cut has been made, in many instances it is just i-eady. The indica- 

 tions in the plant of the first season's cut being ready is different to subsequent 

 crops, seeing there is no flower to guide us. The time to cut is determined, 

 in the absence of the bloom, by the length of the stem and the decay of the 

 lower leaves, which turn yellow and readily fall. Care must be exercised to 

 note this at the right time in order to mow. Wilt anfl diy the hay without 

 losing the leaves, which contain the greater quantity of protein and noui-ish- 

 ment for stock. At this time of the year lucerne liay making is surrounded 

 with many difficulties in order to obtain a cut jjalatable and rich in colour. 

 Where the stand is cut for the first time the intermixture of weeds and 

 herbage renders it almost impossible to convert it into hay. It can be fed 

 green to sto3k or conserved as silage. 



With old stands after the hay has been removed it will be advisable to 

 cultivate with the disc or ordinary harrow. 



To loosen the soil around the plant, and even cut up the crown of it, always 

 results in increased and vigorous growth. 



During the early part of the month the final sowings of lucerne for a 

 permanent stand may be made. 



Maize. — The main crop of this most valuable plant sliould l)e planted now, 

 both for iireen forai^e and grain. 



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About the middle of the month attention must be given to the young crop^ 

 sown last month. They have germinated very well. When about 3 inches 

 hi<;h they should be rolled to break down the furrow lliiown out with tlie 



