826 Journal op the Department of Agriculture. 



conserve the rainfall and prepare the seed-bed for April-May sowings, 

 cannot be iindertaicen. Following- on this, seeding time is delayed 

 owing to the necessity of waiting for rain to enable ploughing to be 

 done. Thus it comes about that there is much spring-sown wheat. 

 Late sowing not only means reduced yields on account of the lateness 

 of the sowing, but also the risk to the crop of being covered up with 

 sand blown by the heavy winds of August-September. What applies 

 toi the wheat crop in respect of cultivation also aplies in a considerable 

 degree to other crops; one of the great needs of the Witkop area is 

 more thorough cultivation and better preparation of the seed-bed. 



It is difficult to see how the farmer is to cultivate better under 

 present conditions ; but since the development of wheat-producing 

 areas would seem to be a matter of national importance, it is per- 

 missible to point out how the position would be improved. Clood 

 roads that would bear heavy wagon traffic in wet weather are not to 

 be despised; so much the better if they would also bear heavy motoj 



Plate i\'o. X. Vaalkop. 



From the rock fragments of various sizes which cover it sides it is evident that this 

 kop is weathering. The soil below the kop is a mixed sand and tuif type. 



traffic, for this would iree the oxen for other purposes and 

 incidentally would lead to an increased acreage under the plough, 

 part of which increased acreage could be devoted to the production of 

 fodder crops. Tractor ploughs would also be very useful. Best of 

 all, of course, would be a railway. 



Shelter for stock is badly needed and would of itself make the 

 grazing go further, because when animals are well sheltered they 

 require less food for maintenance. Many kinds of trees grow well in 

 this area; one wonders therefore why the farmer does not plant shelter 

 belts, which would, besides protecting his cattle from the biting- cold 

 winds, enhance the value of his land. The writer gathers that the 

 principal reason why tree-planting is not indulged in away from the 

 homesteads is the necessity to fence in the young trees against the 

 animals u'razin"' on the farm. 



