July 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 477 



The first groAvth cut 300 bags of chaff, from the second growth the seed 

 was stripped (a very satisfactory yield being obtained), and the third growth 

 was fed oflF, 730 sheep being depastured on it and kept in good condition for 

 several weeks. 



The accompanying illustrations serve to indicate how heavy was the 

 growth. Only three floodings were given, but the crop was a notable success, 

 and proves the value of fodder crops under irrigation in districts where bore 

 water is available. Many graziers in the Coonamble district were much 

 impressed by the results obtained, and affirmed their intention to make 

 plantings in the future. ; 



In a Dry Season at Parkes. 



J. E. SYME, Inspector of Agriculture. 



That Sudan grass is one of the best summer fodder plants to grow in 

 western districts was fully demonstrated at Parkes, even in the dry season 

 just experienced. The fact that it will grow to a height of 4 and 5 feet when 

 natural herbage is entirely absent is sufficient indication of its drought 

 resistance. There have been failures in different districts, it is true, but they 

 can usually be accounted for by almost entire absence of rain. In two cases' 

 mentioned below, profitable crops were raised on very light rainfalls, heavy 

 rain only falling when the Sudan grass had practically matured. 



On 12th October, Mr. W. W. Watson, Tichborne, planted 50 acres. The 

 land had been disc-cultivated in July, 1919, and the only rain before sowing 

 was 37 points on 5th September. The seed was sown at 4 lb. to the acre 

 without manure, and germinated well in places. The rainfall after sowing 

 was 25 points in October, 44 points in ISTovembei', and 362 points in 

 December — the last coming when the grass had nearly matured. 



In the third week in December, 3 acres that had germinated well were cut 

 with the binder, made into hay, then put through the chaffcutter, and finally 

 through the harvester operated by an engine to thrash out the seed, of which 

 500 lb. was obtained from the 3 acres. Of this seed, 400 lb. was sold for 

 2s. 6d. per lb., and the chafi" was used to feed horses, the seed and chafi 

 giving a very handsome return. 



At the end of January, twenty-five head of cattle and twelve horses were 

 pastured on the paddock and put in condition. They remained there until 

 the third week in March, when sheep were turned on to clean it up. 



In the second case, the manager of Mr. R, Shelton's property, " Elim- 

 vale," at Nelungaloo, on 25th September, 1919, planted 30 acres of Sudan 

 grass, using 6 lb. of seed to the acre, with 54 lb. of superphosphate. The 

 land had been ploughed about 4 inches deep the last week in September, 

 1919, with disc plough, harrowed, and dragged with a couple of logs 

 to get a fine tilth just before planting. The germination was poor, but 

 the grass grew to a height of 5 feet. On 6th September, just before 



