8 Jan., 1907.] 



Nhill Farm Competition. 



19 



stable manure should be incorporated and thoroughly mixed through the 

 soil. 



The best way to raise a stock of herbs, such as sage, thyme, and 

 marjoram, is to procure a few plants and propagate them by divisions or 

 cuttings. Seeds of several herbs, including those mentioned, are procur- 

 able from Melbourne seedsmen, and may be raised with little trouble, 

 but are some time coming to maturity. Thev would require careful 

 culture during the first season. Old plants may be divided during autumn, 

 and planted in rows to admit of horse or wheel hoe cultivation if a quantity 

 is required. The land should be drained, well worked, and manured before 

 being planted, after cultivation being digging or ploughing between the 

 plants in winter, and cultivating well in summer. A moist, but sweet, 

 situation is most suitable. 



Beds should be prepared for the reception of seeds, and seeds of tur- 

 ning, cauliflower, French beans, peas, and various saladings should be 

 sown. Early varieties of potatoes mav be planted for an autumn crop, 

 and also plants of cabbage, celery, &c., from former sowings. 



NHILL FARM COMPETITIOX, IDOO. 



F . E. Fee, Agricultural Superintendent. 



Report to the Secretary, Nhill Agricultural Society. 



Having accepted the position of judge in such an important competi- 

 tion, it may be of interest to define the aspect from which I investigated 

 all the matters brought under my notice. Impartiality may be taken for 

 granted, the object in view being to determine which of the competing 

 farms or crops I would have selected had I been offered a choice of the 

 whole lot in each section. Criticism of the details appertaining to each 

 farm is reflected in the points awarded, but it is hardlv necessary to observe 

 that criticism does not by any means imply disparagement. 



There were doubtless good reasons which prevented some of the com- 

 petitors from showing their farms to the best advantage, but with these 

 a judge has nothing to do ; he makes his awards to the best of his ability 

 on the facts actually presented. In the judgment of wheat crops, the 

 previous weather conditions must be taken into account, and some dis- 

 crimination should be made for soil differences. ■ During the whole in- 

 spection there were onlv two crops which were found impossible to walk 

 through on account of boisterous weather, all others were thoroughlv in- 

 vestigated on foot. 



Best Farm of over 640 Acres. 

 In this section there were onlv three competitors. ~Mr. Joseph Morris 

 withdrawing prior to inspection. The points awarded are as follow: — 



Name. 



J. Dufty & Son 



G. Batson 



G. Crouch ... 



14*< 

 .140 

 ISO 



