582 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W, [Aug. 2, 1920. 



It is supposed to be also spread from tree to tree in the orchard in some 

 other way not yet discovered. This supposition is based chiefly on the fact 

 that where diseased trees are removed as fast as they sippear, there is a much 

 smaller total percentage of trees lost than where they are allowed to remain. 

 The disease also seems to extend gradually from centres where it first starts. 



The treatment recommended is to destroy trees by burning before the 

 leaves have fallen, as there are indications that even the leaves may cany the 

 disease. Any orchardist who observes a condition resembling that illustrated 

 would be serving himself and his neighbours by communicating with the 

 Department, especially where there is reason to believe that the wood is 

 American. 



Elephant Grass as a Pasture. 



Results obtained from grazing a small plot of Elephant grass at Wollongbar 

 Experiment Farm led to an area of 2 acres being planted last spring for a 

 more extensive trial. The land selected had been previously under Elephant 

 grass, but it was w^ell prepared, and on 20th October, 1919, cuttings were 

 planted 3 feet apart in rows that were 4 feet apart. About 60 per cent, of 

 the sets grew, which was considered satisfactory under the dry conditions 

 prevailing ; the vacant places were replanted on 25th November. 



The growth was good, and on 3rd, 4th, and 5th January, 1920, fifty-six 

 head of milking cows were agisted for five hours each day. Their milk 

 yield had been measured on 2nd January, 96 gallons being recorded, but on 

 the three following days on the Elephant grass they gave 108, 113, and 

 111 gallons, which was equal to over a quart increase per cow per day. 



On 19th March forty -one head of milkers were again turned in, their 69 

 gallons of milk on the previous day increasing to 73 gallons in response to 

 the improved fodder. 



On 21st May a third trial was made with twelve milking cows, whose 

 yield was increased by h pint for the daj . The weather was cold and the 

 cows were rugged on this occasion so that good results could not be expected. 



A noticeable feature of the trials was the fine growth sent up after the 

 first and subsequent grazings. — A. H. Haywood, Manager, Wollongbar 

 Experiment Farm. 



The Puture of Agricultural Machinery. 



The report of the Departmental Committee on Agricultural Machinery 

 [Ministry of Agriculture, England], may be considered to mark a new epoch 

 in British farming. It is a recognition of the fact that old-fashioned 

 methods will no longer suffice, and that if our food production is to be 

 brought to the utmost point of efficiency the farmer must employ the best 

 mechanical power as an auxiliary to the skill which he has acquired by 

 centuries of tradition. Not only must he have at his command machinery 

 of the highest excellence, but he must know how to make the best use of it. 

 By this means alone will it be possible to reduce the costs of production upon 

 which the ]jrice of the nation's food depends. — Journal of the Ministry 

 of Agriculture, London. 



