18 Agricultural Gazette of N.SAV. [Jan. 2, 1920. 



The Kaoliang variety proved the earliest in heading, followed closely by 

 Milo ; Feterita was much later. The heads were cut off by hand and the 

 seed removed with the broom millet hackler, but the heads are too dense for 

 such a machine for the seimration of all the grains. The threshed grain has 

 been reserved for seed purposes and not fed to the stock ; but in other 

 countries it has been found more suitable than maize for horses in the hot 

 weather. In feeding value these grains compare very favourably with maize, 

 and when better known they will replace it in many districts. 



Both experimenters were very pleased with the results and intend making 

 more extensive sowings in the coming season. 



Vineyard Notes for January. 



It is fortunate that the dry weather has broken to the extent that most of 

 the vineyard areas have received beneficial falls of rain. As a result there 

 has been a considerable improvement in the crop. Table grapes are showing 

 well, and a good crop of fine fruit appears to be assured. 



Vines in the Riverina are looking well and carry good crops, mostly wine 

 varieties, of course. Reports from the Hunter indicate improved conditions 

 and prospects owing to recent rains, and the yield promises to be fair to good, 

 particularly upon young vineyards. 



Up to time of writing some black spot and downy mildew have been 

 observed in Cumberland, but most growers are taking no risk and are 

 keeping the vines well sprayed with Bordeaux mixture. 



In spite of all warnings some growers still persist in neglecting to 

 spray. This attitude it is very ditiicult to understand. They may get 

 through safely, but the bump will come sooner or later. Others waste their 

 time, labour and money upon proprietary mixtures and powders, many of 

 which are imported. The sooner this practice is discarded the better. 

 Australian-made bluestone, with Australian lime-water and some energy, are 

 all that are required. Just as a glittering object is not necessarily gold, 

 neither is an argent's pamphlet gospel. 



By the time these notes appear early grapes will be qn the market, 

 and raid-season varieties will be ripening. Do not neglect the vines because 

 the crop is off them. Let them retain their leaves as long as possible, even 

 .spraying ihoroughly after the crop has been harvested. The wood must be 

 matured to prepare for the next year's crop, and the leaves are the medium 

 for this function. Vines defoliated by di.sease produce poor crops in the 

 following year. 



Keep the cultivation up so that the ground will be loose and free from 

 weeds. Under irrigation, or even under conditions where limited watering 

 is possible, every opportunity should be taken of using available water in 

 order to secure high-quality fruit. Water applied as irrigation to table 

 grapes is going to be sold later on at a good price per pound — in the case of 

 wine grapes at per ton. Theie is every indication of liigh prices ruling for 

 grapes of all classes in tlie coming season, and such will continue so long as 

 the market is under-supplied. — H. E. Laffkr, Viticultural Expert. 



