Dec. 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 1043 



jSor(/hums. — In the past we have relied on sori;huiiis to furnish us with a 

 good stand of green fodder for early winter, in fact into July. The special 

 feature to be remembered is that sorghum is not adversely afiected Vjy early 

 frost, as is the case with maize. It is wise to make provision this month to 

 meet the demand for green food at a period when all other fodders of a 

 similar nature are scarce. 



What is not eaten as green fodder can be readily converted into ensilage 

 or cut and stooked to dry as hay. 



The land may be cultivated and got ready at once, brought into fine tilth 

 and manured, as for maize. When the young plants appear above ground 

 cultivation must be continued right through tlie early changes. The delicate 

 nature of the young plant is well-known, and more; attention is requiied 

 with it at that stage than is needed to stimulate the young life of maize. 



Oowpnus. — This plant provides a juicy appetising class of food for stock 

 during the months of February and March, when other fodders are eitlier 

 dry or out of season. All classes of stock soon become accustomed to- 

 thi« fodder and thrive well on it. The outlook points to provision being 

 n-'cessary for green feed in the middle of summer. We are evidently facing 

 a dry hot season. 



Cowpeas thrive on light sandy soil, and are hai'dy, drought resistant, and 

 profitable. The crop may be grazed, and as such it is most usetul. It can 

 also be converted into hay or ensilage, so that should tiie forecast be 

 otherwise than that quoted, the fodder can be conserved. 



The soil should be brought into a fine condition and manured with super- 

 phosphate from 2 to 3 cwt. to the acre. 



The peas may be planted in drills 3 feet apart, with the seed 6 to 8 inches 

 distant. From 7 to 10 lb. of seed is needed per acre. 



The best varieties to grow are Poona, Black, Wai-ren's Extra Early, 

 Warren's New Hybrid, Whip-poor-will, Iron, and Clay. 



Pumpkins, Melons, Squashes, Marrows, and Grammas. — Further sowings 

 may be made for the purpose of raising stocks to preserve at the end of 

 summer for winter feed. The dry weather necessitates constant attentioa 

 to the plants now growing. All require mulching. 



