222 Agricultural Gazette of X.S.W. [Mar. 2, 1920. 



a number of half cases only containing about 12 lb. of grapes each. These 



arrived in verv bad condition and proved difficult to dispose of at barely 3s. 



On the other hand, another consignment received at the same time, but 



well packed and in good condition, was easily disposed of at 12s. 6d. per case 



(half bushel). 



Strawberries. 



Strawberry culture has not advanced in this State to the position it 

 deserves. Under favourable conditions strawberry growing is very profitable, 

 and an activity in which juvenile labour can be used to advantage. It has 

 been found that planting in the autumn in our coastal distiicts has its 

 advantages. Before planting, the runners should be removed and the roots 

 shortened to at least one-third of their length. 



Cultivation of Orchards. 



In the drier districts it is strongly recommended that ploughing should be 



commenced as early as possible. The land should be left in a rough state so 



as to absorb the winter rains. During August and September the land 



should be well cultivated, and if it becomes consolidated by traffic should be 



ploughed to a depth of several inches and kept thoroughly cultivated during 



the growing months. 



Cover Crops. 



Where the rainfall is sufficient it may be found a good practice to grow 

 a cover crop between the rows of trees for the purpose of being ploughed 

 under. The most suitable crops for this purpose are peas, rape, vetches, 

 rye, and barley. It is advisable when sowing to also apply a dressing of 

 superphosphate at the rate of about 60 lb. per acre. These crops should 

 be ploughed in before they blossom. They should never be allowed to 

 mature, as by doing so they rob the soil of the moisture which may be 

 required for the development of the fruit, and thus defeat one of the 

 purposes of using green manures. 



A Query from California. 



^' Can you tell me where I can get what is called ' Australian bees,'" ran a 

 query hastily pencilled in California and lightly addressed " Postmastpr, 

 Sydney, Australia," but which the '•' Postmaster" genially referred to the 

 Department of Agriculture. "It is put into a jar with water and sugar or 

 molasses, and ferments." 



The Biologist confessed a casual acquaintance with the subject : — " I had a 

 specimen with the above appellation forwaided to me for examination from 

 America some time ago. It was stated that it was used for making a 

 Vjeverage by placing some in ajar of dilute sugar solution, that the beverage 

 was ready after a few days, and that on drinking it a feeling of warmth and 

 .satisfaction resulted. The examination of the specimen proved it to be a 

 fairly pure culture of yeast." 



Apparently Uncle Sam is already seeking consolations, but why connect 

 the fair name of Australia with them 1 



