()8() Journal op* the Department of AGRicuLttTRE. 



Seven new experiniciiUil plots of <j;!-iit'ted vines 'were laid ont in the 

 Robertson, Worcester, Stellenbosch, Pnarl, and Mahneshury districts. In 

 co-operation w ith farmers, certain grapes grafted on " 10-12 " varieties of 

 American stocks, were planted rn the farms to ascertain which stock is the 

 best for certain soils, climate, etc. 



HORTICULTURE. 



Kverytliinji; augurs well for a lunijii r crop of all kinds of fruits in the 

 Western Province. The ground has received the best soaking it lias had for 

 years, and deep-rooted cultures will benefit greatly if good cultivation is 

 practised. Boxwood supply is the bugbear of the situation, and large numbers 

 of pine trees are being cut down for the purpose. Hugh areas of fruit trees 

 and vines are being planted, especially in the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington, 

 Ceres, Drakenstein, and French Hoek areas. Apricot cidture is receiving 

 special attention. Practically all the nurserymen are sold out of this particular 

 line. Farms are changing hands at a rapid rate in the above-mentioned districts 

 at almost fabulous prices. A prominent fruit grower is turning out first-class 

 fruit export and lug boxes from his own forests planted twenty years ago. He 

 has also nullified the effects of lemon rot by regularly spraying packs, houses, 

 and boxes with an effective solution of formalin. 



At the Docks citrus export is in full swing. That some of the packers of 

 oranges have still much to learn is evident when one sees the loose packs, the 

 excessive bulges, and the "absence of hoop-iron strapping round the centres of 

 the boxes. 



A great many of the earlier oranges shipped should not be picked for export, 

 and something will need to be done next season to prevent them going overseas. 

 A considerable amount of fruit from certain areas were frosted and a good deal 

 dried out. Some of the Rustenburg packs which came forward in bad condition 

 last season were first class this season, owing to more suijervision exercised in 

 orchard and pack-house. A large proportion of the celebrated Clanwilliam 

 oranges showed ten to twenty i)er cent, waste on arrival at docks, the reason 

 probably being excessive winter rains. 



With an ample supply of boxes and available shipping for next season, tne 

 citrus export should make a big forward movement. 



AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATION. 



At no period in the history of the co-operative movement in this country 

 has such keen interest been displayed in the subject of agricultural co-operation 

 as at the present time. 



Although the operations of this Division are as yet confined to the establish- 

 ment, registration, and control of co-operative agricultural societies in the 

 Transvaal and Orange Free State Provinces only, letters are received from 

 all parts of the Union, requesting information as to the steps to be taken for 

 establishing co-operative societies, and the general principles underlying the 

 formation of such organizations. During August last no less than six applica- 

 tions were received for the registration of societies in different centres of the 

 Transvaal and Orange Free State Provinces. One new society, having as its 

 main objects the disposal of members' produce and the supply of agricultural 

 implements, was registered in the Orange Free State during August, with an 

 initial membership of 52. This society is established in one of the best wool 

 districts of the Province, and it is expected that before long many more farmers 

 will join ; with good management there is every reason to believe that the 

 society will prove a success. Another recently established general produce and 

 supply society commenced active operations in the beginning of the month, and 

 its prospects,' too, are very promising. Meetings have already been convened 

 for the formation of three other similar societies, which will probably also be 

 registered in the near future. 



As an indication of the development of the movement, it may be mentioned 

 that during August 523 farmers were enrolled as members of the existing 

 societies operating in the Transvaal and Orange Free State. 



From information to hand it may safely be said that the total turnover 

 in maize of the existing societies during the present season will be far 

 greater than that of any previous season. 



