264 Agricultural Jov.rnal of Victoria. 



Both one and two-year-old budded trees were selected and planted. 

 Some trees were set out in midwinter, others in early, and again in 

 late spring, and with rare exceptions there are no visible differences 

 in vigour and quality of growth. 



In nearly all cases, the trees have as a whole grown extremely 

 well. At Horsham, which was laid out for, and supplied with trees 

 demanding irrigation, a temporary failure has resulted, owing to the 

 Wartook water supply failing absolutely during the summer 1902-3 ; 

 but in all other instances there is scarcely a dead or defective tree to 

 be recorded. 



Points which may be regarded as novel in connection with these 

 demonstration grounds are : — 



faj Deepening the soil on the planting lines by means of 

 ploughing two or three times one way, and then piling 

 the actual soil in a series of ridges, leaving the furrows 

 practically bare of true soil. 



(hj Bringing in large bodies of additional soil wherever the 

 planting site is shallow and poorly endowed. 



fcj Liming before planting. 



fdj Manuring the young orchard. It is commonly stated 

 that young trees need no manure, but this is a short- 

 sighted crib fi'om the old country, where soils are 

 richer and the climate more genial. Manure holds 

 moisture, and for this reason, if for no other, it is of 

 great assistance to young trees, though of course it 

 must be in a spent and mould-like condition when 

 applied near the roots. 



(ej The close pruning and regulating of roots to ensure a few 

 mains, as against many fibrous, has been a point of 

 interest. 



(fj The bandaging of all trunks to prevent burning of the 

 bark by the sun, has led to much discussion on the part 

 of those attending. 



All the important operations have been duly announced in each 

 locality, and carried out under the public eye. The six stations have 

 been visited on an average of four times during the year, and as two 

 or three addresses and lessons have been given on each occasion, 

 between 50 and 60 in all have to he reported in connection therewith. 



The work has been watched with great interest, and large audiences 

 have invariably attended. The masters of State vSchools have fre- 

 quently brought their senior pupils, and at Portland and Healesville, 

 no fewer than three schools have been represented the same day. 



Laying the foundation of an orchard is the State teachers,' as it is 

 the private growers' chief concern, and when after another year or two 

 the already made orchards are provided with well formed and 

 established trees, it will be possible to hand the work ovev to the 

 actual owners, and for the State servant to demonstrate on new fields. 



