Mar. 2, 1920.] 



Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 



203 



in the best apricot districts, it is also desirable to select land that will not 

 wash to any extent. At the same time, the land should possess good moisture- 

 detaining properties. 



Drainage. 



As previously stated, thorough drainage is of the utmost importance in the 

 culture of the apricot, and its absence is the cause of many of the diseases 

 to which this fruit is subject. If the subsoil is of a heavy retentive nature 

 that will prevent the free circulation of air or moisture round the roots of the 

 tree, or if water lies on or stagnates in the soil, causing it to be sour and 

 ■cold, or if there is a surplus of water in the soil from any other cause, then it 

 is absolutely necessary to drain the soil before it is fit for apricot culture. 



Apricot Orchard in Blossom at Wagga Experiment Farm. 



Too many young orchards are set in undrained land. This class of land 

 does not admit of proper tillage and plant food is not available ; the soil is 

 too cold in the spring, and baker; and is too warm in the summer, and it does 

 not allow of proper air circulation. 



Preparation of the Land. 



Clear the land well, taking out all stumps and roots to at least 20 inches 

 from the surface. Plough as deep as you have soil, but do not bring the sub- 

 soil to the suraface. Plough the land well, turning it right over, and leave it as 

 rough as possible, so that it is well exposed to the action of the sun, air and 

 rain, as this will tend to sweeten the soil and make it more friable, and 

 consequently easier to work. Plough the land some months before planting 



