Oct. 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 867 



foflder in the height of summer cannot be overlooked. Moreover, its remai'k- 

 able power of restoring fertility to exhausted soils is one of their greatest 

 (jualifications. 



The variety which so far has given the best yield is a compact bush sort 

 known as Poona. Other sorts worthy of trial are Black, Iron, Whip-poor- 

 Will, Clay Coloured, ISfew Era. 



The crops planted last month should now be cultivated and the soil kept 

 well stirred. 



Mangolds and Sugar Beets are sufficiently well f(jrward to be cultivated 

 and thinned. 



M'dltis. — Whilst the paddocks are on all sides green with a fresh spring 

 growth of grass and herbage, it is as well to be prepared for the early 

 bleaching effects of summer, and be ready with a crop as green feed about the 

 middle of December. Millets, Hungarian and White French, may now be 

 sown to accomplish this. Soil moisture and conditions at present are ideal 

 for that purpose. 



Pastures. — Our experience dui'ing the past five years evidences the reliability 

 of lucerne as a grazing j^lant to withstand harsh conditions of soil and 

 drought. In several tests lucerne has survived the most trying ordeals. 



In several paddocks we had a good growth of Paspalum dilatatum until 

 the very dry seasons set in, when growth ceased, and only i-ecurred as a result 

 of rain or thunder storms during warm weather. 



During the genial rains in April last paspalum responded remarkably welL 

 The value of lucerne as a stock food cannot be over estimated. It equals 

 bran in its food constituents, and is more palatable. In the ordinary pastures 

 the addition of lucerne increases the feeding value of the grass, and takes the 

 place of clovers where feeding qualities are so highly appreciated in colder 

 countries. Lucerne is a most valuable substitute. It increases the quantity 

 of protein per acre, when judiciously intermixed. It is a hardy plant, resists 

 droughts, and is always green and succulent. Necessarily to ensure success 

 in its growth the soil nnist he deep altliough not necessarily rich, and it must 

 be well drained. The plant will grow to great depths in a hardy fashion in 

 search of moisture and sustenance. With this experience in successfully 

 substituting lucerne for clover, the grazing ration is increased in protein and 

 well balanced when combined with, Paspalum dilatatum, Rhodes grass, or 

 other pasture plants. 



This month grasses may be sown in well cultivated areas in the following 

 proportions : — ■ 



Paspalum dilatatum ... ... 3 lb. seed 



Lucerne ... ... ... ... 1 ,, 



or 

 Rhodes Grass ... ... ... 5 ,, 



Lucerne ... ... ... ... 1 ,, 



