908 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. [Dec. 2, 1920. 



mineral salts in solution. Don't excite me with uitrosenous foods in autumn, 

 or keep me awake when I want to rest. Just keep me fairly dry — my roots hate 

 a wet bed — and let me rest awhile. 



I"ll waken up all right in the spring, fresher than ever, with my blossoms 

 and fruits to please you. 



The monthly meeting was held on 1st November, when a discussion took 

 place on the carriage by the railway of empty new and second-hand cases, 

 and it was decided to communicate with the Railway Commissioners in the 

 matter. 



Rydal. 



This is a newly-formed branch, taking in a widely scattered area in the 

 Bathurst district. Mr. C. McAlister has been appointed hon. secretary, 

 and he is displaying much interest in the work. 



On 15th October a lecture was given by Mr. W. le G. Brereton, Assistant 

 Fruit Expert, on spraying fruit trees for diseases and insect pests. '' here 

 was an attendance of seventeen members representing a radius of about 

 12 miles. 



Mr. Brereton dealt with various insect pests and diseases, including codlin 

 moth, fruit fly, aphis, San Jose scale, mussel scale, black spot, mildew, &c., 

 and detailed the preventive and remedial treatments in each case. 



Incidentally, interesting descriptions were given of the experimental work 

 carried on at Bathurst, Glen Innes, &c. 



At the conclusion of his address, Mr. Brereton answered a number of 

 questions concerning pruning and spraying. 



A further meeting was held on 22nd October, when Mr. F. B. Hinton 

 lectured on the types of sheep suitable for the district. 



Mr. Hinton pointed out that such factors as situation, area, and the par- 

 ticular aim of the sheep-owner (production of wool, or wool and mutton or of 

 early lambs) would all have to be considered in the selection of a suitable type 

 of sheep. 



For wool-growing the Merino of fine to superfine type was most suitable. 

 The best dual puriwse sheep was obtained by crossing English lougwool breeds, 

 such as Lincoln, Border Leicester or Romney Marsh with Merino ewes. In dis- 

 tricts where conditions favoured foot-rot, tluke and such troubles the liomney 

 Marsh was best, as it was practically immune from foot-rot and would with- 

 stand disease better. In sounder country the Border Leicester should have 

 preference. It was pointed out that this locality was not generally suitable 

 for early lamb-raising. The requirements of the trade being carcases of from 

 30 lb. to 40 lb. at from 16 weeks to 20 weeks of age, the very best pastures were 

 necessary to enable the ewes to supply adequate nourishment. Proximity to 

 market and trucking yards were also important considerations, as it was found 

 that lambs in transit lost up to 7 per cent, of their weight. 



Incidentally the lecturer made reference to the experiments at Bathurst and 

 other farms. 



At the conclusion a number of questions were answered concerning the 

 symptoms and treatment of ailments, and the characteristics of various breeds. 



Stony Point (via Leeton). 



At a meeting on 9th October, Mr. C. A. McCormack read a paper relating 

 his experience with sheep on an irrigation block. 



Some Practical Experience with Sheep. 



My object in taking on sheep for a living on an irrigation block was that 

 having tried contract work and not being able to get a profitable return for my 

 labour and labour employed, I took it that the sheep would not take all my 

 attention and that I would not have to employ any or very little labour at all. 



