04 



Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 



[Oct. 2, 1920. 



Coonabarahran. — Though planted on 5th December, there was very little 

 growth on this area until January, so that only the quickest maturing 

 varieties had any opportunity of giving useful yields. Longfellow Flint 

 and U.S. 133 matured first, and grew to 6 feet in height. Golden Glow and 

 Silvermine reached 10 feet. 



Chinese Waxy, a South American variety, with a reputation for drought 

 resistance, was tried here, but did not grow well, withering ofi badly in 

 comparison with the ordinary varieties of maize. 



Hobby's Yards. — Sufficient moisture was available here in the early stages 

 of the crop's growth, but through most of January and February (which was 

 the critical period) no rain of any consequence was registered. The earliest 

 maturers were Minnesota 23 and North Dakota, and these grew to 3 feet 

 6 inches in height, with very fine stalk. Longfellow Flint and Early Canada 

 Flint were next in order of maturity ; they grew to 3 feet 6 inches and 4 feet 

 respectively, and suckered considerably. U.S. 133 reached 4 feet, and 

 Golden Glow 5 feet. 



The Results Reviewed. 



The flint varieties are not favoured by farmers on account of the hard 

 grain, but the dent varieties, Minnesota 23, U.S. 133, Golden Glow, and N. W. 

 Dent (seed of w];Lich was not available this season) should well repay growers 

 on the Central Tablelands and districts of short season, where December or 

 January rains can be expected. 



When sowing on the tablelands it is better to risk early frosts than have 

 them affect the crop at the maturing stage. Young plants stand cold fairly 

 well, and even if they are seriously damaged and replanting is necessary, 

 the cost of this is not so great as that of the total loss of the season's growth, 

 which may occur should frosts prevent the formation and maturing of the 

 cobs. Cutting and stooking in the field for a few weeks when the grain is 

 in the dough stage is a practice which minimises injury from frost ; the stalks 

 still have good value for fodder when thus treated. 



