Sep. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 661 



In the first place a high trelHs-work is needed, with wires at heights suited 

 to the scheme to be adopted. The young vine must have a strong start, and 

 a stout cane will be tied vertically to the trellis wires. The principal point 

 to achieve at the outset is the production of a number of strong canes at 

 levels which wall coincide with the levels of the wires. It becomes impossible 

 to insure that each pair arises at the same level, and therefore the best 

 possible arrangement must be made. 



From the vertical stem the most suitable canes are trained on the various 

 wires, shortening them according to the strength of the vine. In other 

 respects, once the first section is established, extension of the several arms is 

 on lines similar to the Thomery spaliei'. Greater precautions may have to be 

 observed owing to the multiplicity of arms, and every care must be taken to 

 see that the strength of the vine is not overtaxed. 



With regard to the annual pruning, practically the same remarks apply as 

 in the simple spalier type. Indications of permanent weakness in the old 

 vine are remedied by the removal of one or more pairs of the arms. 



The main objection to the multiple-arms types of tiaining is that the top 

 arms overshadow the lower ones with possibly some disadvantage to the fruit 

 on the latter. Some of the best currant vineyards on the Murray are single- 

 armed types (spaliers and cordons) and, as mature vines, they are very 

 productive. 



(To be continued.) 



Hay that contained Stink Grass 

 (Eragrostis major Host). 



During an investigation by a veterinary officer into mortality among 

 cattle in the Hunter Valley, certain hay came under suspicion. Among 

 other plants the hay contained a grass identified as above by the Government 

 Botanist (Mr. J. H. Maiden), who drew attention to his article on the grass 

 in the Agricultural Gazette for July, 1912. The possibility of this grass being 

 involved in the mortality had to be considered, and further inquiry in the 

 neighbourhood revealed the fact that one farmer had been feeding some of 

 his cattle for some weeks on hay made entirely from this grass without ill 

 effects. Although the grass has a very disagreeable odour when fresh, it 

 mostly disappears in the hay. The hay is, perhaps, not of very superior 

 quality, but is not to be despised in carrying stock through a drought 

 period.— S. T. D. Symons, M.R.C. V.S. 



The Mexican Apple. 



The little paragraph on the above subject in the August issue of the 

 Agricultural Gazette drew about ten times as many inquiries for plants as the 

 Department could possibly supply. The offer is now withdrawn. 



